Beginner's Guide to Family History

The first decade of the new millennium has been an exciting time for the family historian. The increasing availability of online resources has transformed the genealogical research process. DNA testing and the new generation of social networking websites have developed in parallel and are becoming increasingly useful tools. DNA testing can now be used to prove or disprove genealogical connections and will put you in touch with your genetic cousins around the world. It can also take you back beyond the paper trail into your pre-surname history. Social networking tools can help you to find and stay in touch with friends and relatives, and provide new ways to share and collaborate with other researchers. This book looks at all the latest advances in DNA testing from the Y-chromosome tests used in surname projects through to the latest autosomal DNA tests. Debbie Kennett explores the use of new social media, including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and wikis, along with more traditional networking methods. DNA and Social Networking is an indispensable guide to the use of twenty-first-century technology in family history research.

Unlock the Secrets of Your Old Family Photos!

Historical family photos are cherished heirlooms that offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. But the images, and the stories behind them, often fade away as decades pass - the who, when, where and why behind the photos are lost. In this book, photo identification expert and genealogist Maureen A. Taylor shows you how to study the clues in your old family photos to put names to faces and recapture their lost stories.

Inside, you'll learn how to:
   • Determine the type of image you have - from common paper prints to stereographs to historical daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes
   • Use clothing, accessories, and hairstyles to date the image in the correct decade
   • Research photographer's imprints to narrow down when and where the photo was taken
   • Compare facial features in multiple photos to confirm identity and family resemblance
   • Interview family members to gather more information about the image
   • Identify props in the photo to create context for the image

Each chapter includes dozens of historical photos to illustrate key points and provide clear examples. Charts, timelines and resource lists make it easy to find the exact information you need. Dozens of case studies show you how to apply the techniques in the book to real-life photo research projects. The answers to your family photo questions are closer than you think. Let this book help you start finding them today.

This book offers novice and experienced reference librarians an introduction to tried-and-true genealogy techniques and resources. With the help of four case studies, Simpson outlines a basic starting strategy for conducting genealogy research. Later chapters deal specifically with genealogical librarianship: how to conduct a reference interview, continuing and professional development, and basic resources every collection should have. Charts, screen shots, and examples of public documents are also included; while a series of appendices present the case studies in their entirety.

Genealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, and is heavily researched in public libraries and historical repositories. Increasingly, major genealogy resources are available online at libraries through subscription databases or free on the internet. As a result, librarians face the overwhelming task of helping a large audience of genealogists cope with an ever growing flood of new resources.

This book offers novice and experienced reference librarians an introduction to tried-and-true genealogy techniques and resources. With the help of four case studies, Simpson outlines a basic starting strategy for conducting genealogy research. Later chapters deal specifically with genealogical librarianship: how to conduct a reference interview, continuing and professional development, and basic resources every collection should have. Charts, screen shots, and examples of public documents are also included; while a series of appendices present the case studies in their entirety.

To make the information easy to use, the book is divided into five parts: 
- Part One explains how to get started--from defining your goals to filing pertinent information
- Part Two leads you to places where information can be found: national archives, public libraries, museums, and more
- Part Three explains how to read vital documents and understand all the fine print
- Part Four helps to locate particular ancestors by tracing female ancestors, indigenous people, and even convicts, and the ins and outs of adoption and illegitimacy
- Part Five explains how to go beyond your local resources and use archives and research centers around the world
- Each section identifies common problems--unique Problem Solver, Quick Tips, checklists, and dos and don'ts boxes provide practical, understandable solutions
- The website names of searchable records databases are scattered throughout the book plus "the resources directory" at the end provide access to on-line genealogical data
No matter what your background or how little you know about your family history, this guide will help you discover your roots and in the process enable you to learn more about yourself.

Revised edition of Forensic Genealogy, originally published in 2005. Offers useful information on applications of forensic science to genealogy in the area of photograph identification, database mining, and DNA analysis. Contains corrections to the original edition, plus updated information on DNA testing for genetic genealogy, including information on autosomal DNA testing.

Families of Southeastern Georgia is a reprint of the third and final volume of Dr. Averitt's 1964 publication, Georgia's Coastal Plain: A History, the volume that holds greatest importance for genealogists.Each of the roughly 1,000 sketches arranged here gives the subject's place and date of birth, his educational background and military service, and then his career, civic interests, church affiliation, hobbies, and so on. In almost every case, the author furnishes the names of the subject's parents, spouse, children, and spouse's parents, usually citing the subject's date of marriage and the dates or places of birth and death of at least these three generations of family members.

Best-selling genealogy author Emily Croom presents a new and expanded version of her best-selling guide to genealogy. It provides readers with all the tools and information they need to jump into this great American hobby by focusing on fundamental strategies for success, questions to ask, places for research, and interesting examples of each step along the way. Throughout, readers will find techniques and suggestions for: * tapping family documents, oral tradition, and memories * exploring the vast array of U.S. public records, from newspapers and tombstones to censuses and land records * getting the most from names, dates, and handwriting of the past * developing a first-rate and meaningful family history Well-organized, well written, and comprehensive, this guide also offers readers charts, illustrations, reference sidebars, bibliographies, a glossary, and useful, reproducible forms. Each chapter is capped with a list of Things To Do Now to encourage readers or students to apply what they have learned. Recent polls show that 60% of the U.S. population is interested in researching their family history! Emily Croom is an active researcher, teacher, and lecturer in genealogy. She holds a master's degree in history and contributes articles to several genealogy periodicals. Her other books include the companion volume, the Unpuzzling Your Past Workbook, the widely-acclaimed the Genealogist's Companion & Sourcebook, and the exciting the Sleuth Book for Genealogists.

This practical book will take you on an exciting voyage of discovery into your family's past. It offers a complete introduction to the subject of genealogy and the process of tracing your very own family tree, covering in detail all the possible techniques and methods you might choose, and providing a thorough grounding in the tools you will need. All that you need to know to get you started is in this book, with invaluable lists, checklists, hints and tips, as well as information on recording your data and using the most methodical research techniques. As you step back in time and the lives of your forebears begin to unfold, you're guaranteed to be gripped and inspired. . A fascinating and fully comprehensive guide to discovering your roots and unearthing the secrets of your ancestors in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. . The complete practical handbook for all detectives of family history, heritage and geneaology, with over 500 photographs, artworks, charts and facsimiles. . Contains all the information you need to get started, from how to access the relevant records in libraries, institutions and government bodies, to using The National Archives, and the internet.

This all-ages guide makes genealogy fun and exciting. You'll find answers to all your family history questions using the simple, achievable steps found inside.

Family History Detective includes:

   • Tips on how to find family history information in your own home
   • Websites, resources and techniques for online research
   • Complete instruction on locating and using census, courthouse and church records
   • An overview of library and archive research
   • Instructions on how to plan, record and organize your research
   • Fun ways to share your discoveries with others