We all learned general United States history in school. While good to know, it's not what we need to do genealogy research in Pennsylvania. Our PA ancestors spent most of their lives focused locally, rather than nationally. If you learn the history of a community and Pennsylvania … [Read more...] about Where to Learn about PA History
History & Culture
What to Bring on a Cemetery Trip
Planning on a trip to your ancestors' graves? This post covers how to prepare and what to bring to make the most of your time there. Preparing to Go Once you know the location of your ancestors' graves, a trip to the cemetery can unlock new knowledge about them. For an … [Read more...] about What to Bring on a Cemetery Trip
A Thanksgiving Poem
This poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar feels appropriate for 2020. Focusing on what is plentiful and abundant, feels necessary more than ever. While making an apple pie yesterday, I received an unidentified emergency alert to my cell phone. It said COVID-19 rates were rising and … [Read more...] about A Thanksgiving Poem
A Poem on Johnny Appleseed
Recently I learned that Johnny Appleseed was a real person, and not just an American tall tale. Born John Chapman near Boston, Massachusetts in 1774, he spent much of his young adulthood in western Pennsylvania. He walked with his brother from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh over … [Read more...] about A Poem on Johnny Appleseed
Local PA History and Genealogy Journals
Beginning in the early 1900's some local historical and genealogical societies began publishing journals. Local researchers would share their findings on local history or genealogy research. These publications are full of the kinds of details we need today as genealogists. Maybe … [Read more...] about Local PA History and Genealogy Journals