Denyse Allen

I create history+genealogy content so you can discover your Pennsylvania ancestors • On a mission to re-construct our ancestors lives and powerfully share them

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Methodology: Research All the Siblings and Cousins of Your Direct Line Ancestors

Podcast

Podcast Episode 90: Meet South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society

Discover South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society with Jonathan Stayer. Explore local history, programs, and resources for York County and Adams County.

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Methodology: Create and Use Spelling Variations in Your Genealogy Searches

Knowing how to work with all the ways an ancestor's surname could be spelled, improves search results and reveals previously hidden genealogy records.

Resources

Genealogy Research in an Archives: Uncovering Your Ancestors’ Unique History

Plan your trip to one of our 800 archives in Pennsylvania by following these checklists to prepare.

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The Turning Point in 1917 of Pennsylvania Probate Law

Five laws passed in 1917 modernized estate inheritance and probate procedures in Pennsylvania. These laws were the turning point between colonial tradition and modern practices.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 89: Explore Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia

Explore Jewish genealogy and history in Philadelphia. Discover the Jewish Genealogical and Archival Society of Greater Philadelphia's work, their research resources, and upcoming events.

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Probate Laws and Customs in Pennsylvania’s Colonial Period

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Key Documents in Pennsylvania Probate Files

Podcast

Podcast Episode 88: Find your Patriot Ancestor at the SAR Library & Archives

Learn how to trace your Patriot ancestry with SAR resources. Explore library tips, research systems, and upcoming commemorations in this helpful guide.

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Using the Russell Index for County Courthouse Records

Knowing how to use the Russell Index system is essential for county records research, whether you research at the county courthouse or in the FamilySearch Catalog.

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3 Ways to Find Probate Records on FamilySearch (Plus AI Transcription)

Probate records remain one of the un-indexed and easily searchable records in most counties. Here's a variety of ways to find what is online and transcribe it.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 87: Discover Camp Security, a Revolutionary War Prison Camp

Explore the history of Camp Security with Jonathan Stayer as he reveals the site's role in the Revolutionary War. Learn about ongoing excavations and its global significance.

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Finding Historical County Government Records

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Getting Started in Pennsylvania Genealogy Research

Following a research method and recording results helps prevent brick walls and assures that no record is missed. Here's four steps I follow for genealogy research.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 86: Must Have Records for Scots Irish Research with Justin Houser

Unlock the secrets of Scots Irish genealogy with Justin Houser’s expert tips and historical insights in this must-watch podcast episode.

Resources

What is Probate and Why It Matters for Genealogy Research in Pennsylvania

For genealogists tracing their roots in Pennsylvania, probate records are an essential resource. They offer unique ways to view ancestors' lives, relationships, and the legacies they left behind.

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Records of Pennsylvania Civilians During the Civil War Era

Both federal tax listing and war damage claims provide a vivid picture of civilian life during the Civil War in Pennsylvania.

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Did Your Pennsylvania Ancestor Serve in the Military?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed doing military research if you start with a big website such as Fold3 or Ancestry. Use this simple two step process instead.

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Who Were the Draft Resisters of the Civil War?

Little has been written of opposition to the military drafts of 1863. As genealogists, we could encounter it in our research. Here is how to research it.

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Records of Conscientious Objectors, Deserters, and Substitutes During the Civil War

Pennsylvania had the largest number enroll in the Union Army and the largest number oppose service.. Here's how to find out if your ancestor was in opposition to military service.

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Four Valuable Genealogical Records Created During the Civil War Era

The US Civil War (1861-1865) produced more records of genealogical interest than probably any other event in American history. Here are four record sets that were created or increased during the war.

Introducing the Newsletter Just for PA Ancestors Premium Members

For the past 5 years, PA Ancestors has delivered a free email newsletter called PA Ancestors Discoveries featuring Pennsylvania genealogy resources. Over 1,000 subscribers have enjoyed this weekly newsletter and tell me they save every issue. Now, I'm excited to announce a weekly in-depth newsletter just for

Resources

Immigration into Pennsylvania: A Focus on the Port of Philadelphia

Genealogists often overlook Philadelphia as an entry point for immigration. From 1790 to 1924, the Port of Philadelphia was actively welcoming new immigrants to America.

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Records of Union Army Service and Pensions in the Civil War

Pennsylvania had the most men serve in the Union Army and the invalid and widow pension files are full of valuable genealogical information. Here's how to locate these files.

Resources

Exploring Your Pennsylvania Roots with AncestryDNA's Genetic Communities

Your AncestryDNA genetic communities combined with your other records can create powerful evidence of relationships and family trees going back hundreds of years.