Category Archives: Uncategorized

Prepping for America250?: Why your historical organization needs to consider genealogists

I’ve been sitting through the America250 prep for my state. As a genealogist, I’ve seen a well meaning – but somewhat disconcerting – attitude appear through the entire process. Suggestions made by genealogists are acknowledged but rarely incorporated. There’s often an implied suggestion that the work being done by those genealogists is somehow separate fromContinue reading “Prepping for America250?: Why your historical organization needs to consider genealogists”

No, the genealogy website cannot tell you your ancestors…

I’ve been hearing variations on the same comment a lot lately. Many people have a working assumption that a genealogy website can tell them their ancestors. It’s an understandable desire if you’ve always wanted to learn more about one branch of your family. Unfortunately, it’s not true. That’s also not what the sites are setContinue reading “No, the genealogy website cannot tell you your ancestors…”

Research and resources on Connecticut’s patriots of color

This list will be updated. Please check back for updates! “Jack Congo,” E Pluribus Unum (https://honoringourpatriots.dar.org/patriot-profiles/jack-congo/: accessed 10 March 2023). Jamie H. Eves, ““Faithfully to Serve”: Jesse & Job Leason, African American Soldiers in the Revolutionary War,” Windham Textile and History Museum (https://millmuseum.org/job-jesse-leason/: accessed 10 March 2023). Mary Harrell-Sesniak, “Hammet Achmet: Washington’s Waiter & RevolutionaryContinue reading “Research and resources on Connecticut’s patriots of color”

My ancestors are from Fairfield County, Connecticut. Do I have Mayflower ancestors?

This question comes up far more frequently then I would have expected – and the answer is, unfortunately, generally no. Why? In the 1600s, there were many more colonies in New England than states existing today. Much of Fairfield County fell under the political jurisdiction of New Haven Colony and the commercial realm of NewContinue reading “My ancestors are from Fairfield County, Connecticut. Do I have Mayflower ancestors?”

Land records: an underused source in lineage research

Land records are often a “source of last resort” for genealogists. Rarely fully indexed, they require us locating and accessing a separate index book (called a grantor/grantee index); copying down the volumes and pages that apply to our ancestor; and then going into each volume to copy the appropriate pages. It’s time consuming and oftenContinue reading “Land records: an underused source in lineage research”

What’s the Hulks Act – and why did it matter to my Revolutionary ancestor?

The British government didn’t only transport prisoners to Australia – they also sent prisoners to what was to become the United States in colonial period, particularly to Maryland and Virginia. The American Revolution closed off that option. In May 1776, the British government created another option: prisoners could be placed on ships. This act, commonlyContinue reading “What’s the Hulks Act – and why did it matter to my Revolutionary ancestor?”

Can I use my Revolutionary War ancestor’s military headstone as “proof” of their service?

The white marble military headstone is a powerful symbol of service and sacrifice. However, it doesn’t date to the period of the American Revolution. The marble headstone came into being in 1873, as a way to mark the graves of the dead of the Civil War. As noted by the National Cemetery Administration, it wasContinue reading “Can I use my Revolutionary War ancestor’s military headstone as “proof” of their service?”

Do I need to have documents translated for my lineage society application?

As you’re preparing a lineage society application, you may discover some of your ancestor’s records are written in a non-English language. Because of the settlement patterns of the United States in the 18th and 19th century, French, German, and Spanish commonly appear in records. That usually raises a question: do I need to have theseContinue reading “Do I need to have documents translated for my lineage society application?”

Just the research or research and the application? :A question you need to answer when seeking professional assistance with a lineage society application.

Not every offer of professional assistance with lineage society applications is created equal. When you’re searching for professional help with your lineage society application, it’s important to consider whether you need help with just the research or with the entire application process, including the application forms. Choosing the wrong option may slow down your applicationContinue reading “Just the research or research and the application? :A question you need to answer when seeking professional assistance with a lineage society application.”