Virginia has a long history of human habitation, going back thousands of years. It was also the location of the first permanent British settlement in North America and was one of the original thirteen American colonies. It has some intriguing folklore of its own. Here are some of the fascinating and quite mysterious highlights of it.

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Looking for a record on your ancestor? This week’s featured genealogy databases are now available. Click through and submit a free lookup request.

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For this installment of Postcards From the Past, I have two vintage postcards that were sent to me by a friend and podcast listener, M. Green. He included a handwritten note explaining that they show Paragon Park and Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts, a place once well-known and deeply loved by generations of people from […]

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Genealogy has always required patience, curiosity, and a willingness to follow clues one step at a time. For many years, that meant courthouse visits, family letters, cemetery books, microfilm readers, census pages, and long afternoons with handwritten notes spread across the table. Those older methods still have value. In fact, they are often where the […]

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As genealogical research evolves in the digital age, tracing your South African ancestry has become easier and more accessible than ever. With vast online databases, digitized records, and DNA testing, you can now explore family connections and ancestral roots from the comfort of your home. The key is knowing where to look and how to […]

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Genealogical research in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re trying to track down a birth certificate, find an ancestor in the 1800s, or interpret handwritten documents in an unfamiliar language, these obstacles can slow down your progress. However, many of these challenges can be overcome with […]

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Are you looking for some interesting genealogical projects to do for July? Here are ten that are amazing and will keep you educated and entertained.

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I have a new genealogy book giveaway for you, and this one turned out to be a very enjoyable book to spend time with.

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In the world of genealogy, it can sometimes feel as though the women in your family tree slip into the shadows, overshadowed by male ancestors whose surnames are passed down through generations. But don't be fooled—women were central to family history, community life, and the transmission of culture. Tracing maternal lineages in South Africa can […]

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South Africa’s history is a fascinating migration story, with people arriving from all over the world and others leaving to build new lives in other lands. Understanding the patterns of immigration and emigration can open up new doors in your genealogical research, revealing the journeys your ancestors took, why they moved, and where they settled. […]

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What’s in a name? Well, in South Africa, quite a lot! Surnames carry the stories of ancestors, cultures, and the complex history that shaped this incredible country. Whether your last name is Van der Merwe, Mbatha, Patel, or even Botha, understanding its origin can unlock a treasure trove of genealogical clues. Let’s dive into some […]

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Church and civil records are foundational resources for tracing ancestry in South Africa. Before formal civil registration was introduced, church records were the primary means of documenting life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Even after civil registration became common practice, church records offered valuable details about individuals and families. Let's explore how to […]

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South Africa has an extraordinary history and a complex blend of cultures, which makes genealogical research here both rewarding and challenging. Whether your ancestors were part of the indigenous communities, European settlers, or later immigrants, the journey to uncover your family’s roots in South Africa can lead you through various records and stories. In this […]

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Military records can add life, movement, and personal detail to family history research. A census may tell you where an ancestor lived. A marriage record may name a spouse. A deed may show land ownership. A will may identify heirs. Military records can place that same person inside a larger moment in history. They may […]

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Summer is one of the best times of year to bring family history out of the computer and into the real world. The days are longer. Travel is easier. Cemeteries are more accessible. Families gather for cookouts, reunions, weddings, and vacations. Local libraries, courthouses, archives, historical societies, and old hometowns suddenly become places you might […]

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For nearly two and a half centuries, they were forgotten beneath the soil near Lake George, New York. No marked graves stood above them. No descendants visited to leave flowers. No stone carried their names. The men who fought for the American cause during the Revolutionary War disappeared from history as the years passed and […]

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As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are once again turning their attention to the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. Historic sites are preparing special programs. Museums are opening new exhibits. Families are tracing Revolutionary-era ancestors. Across the country, interest in early American history is […]

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Public Memory Is Not the Same as History A monument, a roadside marker, a courthouse plaque, or a bronze statue can be valuable. It can tell people that something important happened there. It can make a passerby stop and ask a question. It can connect a town square, battlefield, cemetery, river crossing, old schoolhouse, or […]

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Book Giveaway Countdown Who Do You Think You Are? Giveaway ends June 1 at midnight 00 Days 00 Hours 00 Minutes 00 Seconds This giveaway has ended. Stay tuned for more genealogy book giveaways. Winner: Cathy Harmon You can sign up to get a notification when the next book giveaway starts. I’m giving away a copy […]

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Are you looking for some genealogy projects to work on in June? June is especially suited to certain genealogical projects. Here are ten of them to do.

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