Tracing Ancestors: STEM / STEAM Education

  It's end of Family History Month, but we actually have Family History every day, year round.  So I'm sharing some ideas that were mentioned in the October Mailbag podcast. Let's continue sharing our   heritage and fostering a deeper connection to the past!  In 2001, the United States Congress passed a resolution making October, Family History Month. This was in hopes to to encourage Americans to celebrate their heritage and family through research and education. The importance of Family History Month:  Preserving Legacy  using documents, sharing stories, scanning photographs, and protecting heirlooms for safe-keeping  Understanding Identity  connecting them to their ancestors' experiences, struggles, and triumphs. It can give deeper meaning to cultural and ethnic traditions, shaping personal identity Learning from the Past  learning valuable lessons from our ancestors' decisions, challenges, and lives. Strengthening Family Bonds  create opportunities for generatio

Have You Used the FamilySearch Wiki When in doubt turn to the FamilySearch.org Wiki on all genealogical topics. This resource will give you tips on beginning your research, record types that are available, and it even points you to other research resources.  There are maps, digitized resources, and guidance on best practices.  You can use it for your Irish, German, Native American, African American research project. ...you get the point.  Since it is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we have been flooded with relevant genealogical questions. We have been directing family researchers to this FamilySearch site:  Hispanic Family History Resources . First of all it in English and Spanish which helps to bridge generations. Here are just a few of the other features we love:      1)  Online Databases  that hold additional information      2) Records organized by country       3) Country Maps  that can assist with not only the regions but parishes. These types of outlined resources are available, a

AI: Make It Work For You We heard you.  You wanted proof. It's easy. Let us show you how to use FamilySearch Experimental AI. The following is an excerpt  Step 1:  Log in  using your free familysearch.org accout. Step 2. Go to the home page by clicking on the  Family Search logo  on the upper left-hand coner.  Step 3.  Scroll down to the far right bottom of the page and find  VIEW EXPERIMENTS . Keep in mind it is in beta, so the image placements may change, but the wording has so far been the same.  Step 4.  In the middle of the top row, you will see this image with  Expand your search with Full Tex t. And  Go to Experiment.  Feel free to try all the buttons, but this is the one you were asking about after the last podcast.  Step 5.  Start Your Search using Keywords.  Trying to find relationships? This gave 5545 returns. With both names in quotes it translates just find ever occurence of Thomas Baird and/or Polly Baird. This would allow me to gather places, timeframes, names, et

The 1 minute short clip above, are tips to prepare for hiring overseas researchers. Original podcast episode:  Hittin' the Bricks Mailbag: Ready to Jump the Pond? Did Your American Veteran Live and Die Overseas? Our veteran ancestors may have chosen to stay in or return to a favored town or country. An overseas marriage, or even leisure travel may have encouranged your veteran ancestor to permanently relocate. Here are a few tips to researching that overseas ancestor. Remember they were still Americans. Start with the full Military File. Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) Military Records Lost in Fire? Let's Reconstruct Them! Reports of Deaths of American Citizens Abroad Although ancestry.com has digitized the Reports of Deaths of American Citizens Abroad, 1835 -1974, researchers must know that the original National Archive death records are archived in four reference collections: Record of Death Notices of United States Citizens Abroad, 1835 – 1855 Death Notices of Unit

Last Days for this sale.  Just click on image to purchase. *Offers end 30 Jul 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Excludes shipping. Affiliate of ancestryDNA.  All proceeds go to the TracingAncestors.org (501c3) Educational Fund. 

  Her Pride Celebrated "lesbian means...? Pride Month led me to ask  "What does "lesbian mean? " Which led me to wonder how long has the word lesbian been used to describe relationships. Well, the word "lesbian" has its roots in ancient Greek culture and literature, specifically linked to the life and works of Sappho and the island of Lesbos from c. 630-570 BCE. Evolved from the association with Sappho and her works, the term "lesbian" began to be used in the late 19th century to refer to female homosexuality. Read more about it in our  June 2024 Newsletter: Let's Follow the Women.  History and historical documents and writings tell us alternative lifestyles have always existed. And, as genealogists, it's hard to be blind to the records that reveal our ancestors' secrets.  6 Tips to Start Your Research Click here for full article in  June 2024 Newsletter Read:  Was Grandma a Feminist? shhh... Her Secret Life?  Many women were feminist