As we go back in time in genealogy research, records are fewer and more are on paper rather than online. To make sure I find and examine all the possible genealogy records, I write up a research plan. My research plan is consists of three steps: Step 1: The Research … [Read more...] about Three Steps in Making a Research Plan
Genealogy Records
Records You Can Get at a County Courthouse
Many of the records genealogists view online began at their ancestors' county courthouse. Wills, land records, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are all created and filed in local counties. And there is so much more! Here's a handy list of records you can get, categorized … [Read more...] about Records You Can Get at a County Courthouse
Ways to Learn What’s at the National Archives
I'm attending GenFed this week and want to share resources to help my fellow genealogists learn what's at the National Archives, or NARA. GenFed is short for the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records. It is a week long, all-day program usually held at the National Archives … [Read more...] about Ways to Learn What’s at the National Archives
9 Ways to Use County Histories in Genealogy
In the late 1800's many books were published on local Pennsylvania county history. Most of these books, often 500-1000 pages each, are found digitized on Internet Archive. As a genealogist researching early PA ancestors, are these county histories helpful to research? Is it worth … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Use County Histories in Genealogy
Three Steps to Find PA County Marriage Licenses
Each county in Pennsylvania began issuing marriage licenses in 1885. Marriage licenses provide the genealogist with the parents of the bride and groom, as well as their age, residence, place of birth, and who married the couple (A great way to determine their religious faith and … [Read more...] about Three Steps to Find PA County Marriage Licenses