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

Resources

What You Can Find in the Pennsylvania Archives Book Series

The Pennsylvania Archives is a multi-volume series of books that contains a wealth of information about the state's early history. In this article, learn about the Pennsylvania Archives series in detail, including its organization, contents, and how to access these valuable records.

Resources

Recording Your Genealogy Research with the Power of Research Logs

Stay on track with your genealogy by using research logs. This comprehensive guide describes how to set one up and why they are the most powerful tool for you to use.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 66: Getting Started in Pennsylvania Genealogy Research

New to genealogy research in Pennsylvania? Here's three way to get started the right way on your family history.

vital records

Pennsylvania Birth Certificates: Key Details for Genealogists

Pennsylvania birth certificates play a vital role in genealogy research. Learn the history, details they contain, and how to access birth certificates, including delayed birth certificates.

vital records

The Importance of Death Certificates for Genealogical Research

Discover how death certificates play a vital role in genealogical research. Learn about the history, purpose, and process of obtaining death certificates in Pennsylvania for your family tree.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 65: Irish Presbyterians of Western Pennsylvania with Author Peter Gilmore

The book Irish Presbyterians and the Shaping of Western Pennsylvania, 1770–1830 by Peter Gilmore brings early Scots Irish residents of PA. The Ulster Irish who came to America had unique beliefs and traditions. Learn about them in this episode.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 64: Researching in Presbyterian Church Records

Researching our ancestors’ religion can deepen our understanding of their lives. I’m thrilled to feature the Presbyterian Historical Society in this episode. Get tips on researching in their original congregational records.

goals

Genealogy Goals for 2022

Denys Allen's personal genealogy goals for the first half of 2022.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 63: Setting Genealogy Goals with Julie Cahill Tarr

Thinking about setting goals for your genealogy research in 2022? Julie Cahill Tarr of Genealogy in Action is my guest this week and she shares how to set SMART goals for genealogy, get over perfectionism, and how to set a schedule that works for you.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 62: Easy Family History Gifts with Clémence Scouten

Genealogists often struggle with how to share everything they found in their research with family. Clémence Scouten of Memoirs and More shares three easy family history gifts you can do for the holiday or anytime!

Podcast

Podcast Episode 61: Scots-Irish Research with Dr. William Roulston

Researching the Scots Irish in early Pennsylvania is challenging. Determining when and where they came from in Northern Ireland is even more so! Author Dr. William Roulston shares some history of the Ulster Irish.

ancestry.com

Podcast Episode 60: All About PA Military Records with Aaron McWilliams

The Pennsylvania State Archive in Harrisburg is home to military records from the French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and 20th century wars. Learn more in this episode.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 59: Journal Your History - Collect Your Stories for the Future

Ways you can journal and preserve our current times for future genealogists.

journaling

The Journaling Quick- Start Guide

If you’ve always wanted to start a journal, but wasn’t sure how, this is your guide. Below are some tips and inspiration to try journaling and capture our current events for future generations (and yourself!). Keep It Private A journal by definition is something private and not shared

journaling

Journal Writing Prompts to Capture Your History

Using writing prompts while journaling can give us focus and purpose. A series of writing prompts can help us capture our current life for future genealogists.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 58: Getting the Most Out of Newspapers for Genealogy Research with James Beidler

Jim Beidler shares how to get the most of out of newspapers for genealogy research based on his book The Family Tree Historical Newspaper Guide. Go beyond just searching for obituaries and get more about your ancestors for your family history.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 57: Sharing Family Stories with Clémence Scouten

How to collect family stories at your next family gathering and what to do with them once you have them! With Clemence Scouten of Memoirs and More.

Paid-members only

Members Only

How to Search Unindexed Records on FamilySearch

Paid-members only

Members Only

Making Your Own Custom Map Using Google MyMaps

Resources

The Crucial Role of County Records in Pennsylvania Genealogy

Using county courthouse records is necessary for Pennsylvania genealogy research. Family historians who skip county research often miss the opportunity to finish their genealogy.

Resources

Pennsylvania's Colonial Government: A Tale of Religion, Democracy, and Progress

Explore the history and achievements of Pennsylvania's colonial government. Learn about the establishment, key figures, challenges, and influence of the PA Colony on the U.S.

Members Only

Organize Your Genealogy Research with This Simple Method

Members Only

Assess Your Research with a Reality Check

Podcast

Podcast Episode 56: Season 5 Wrap Up - What's Next?

The stall of genealogy research due to covid shutdowns in this podcast episode.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 55: A Surprise at the Local Historical Society

A review of the kinds of materials you can find at county historical societies in Pennsylvania.