It seems like Emmitt Smith is still asking that question. I was very excited to find out about his genealogy because I know how hard it can be to trace African American ancestry. But I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in the lack of documentation available to trace his roots. So I did a bit of research to see if I could find free online genealogy resources for African American researchers. These are the top 6 …
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Genealogy research can change everything about who you think you are! As I watched the opening credits, while they showed clips from the upcoming season, I found myself growing more and more excited for these people about to embark on the most intriguing adventure. They will be going back in time to discover who they are and where they came from, and understanding a little more about themselves. I shared Sarah’s excitement when she sat down with her brother and …
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You don’t know it yet, but your genealogy research just got a lot easier! The popular show, Who do you think you are? ran for 6 years in England and now is coming to America. It covers the genealogy of famous people, celebrities, and athletes as they journey back through their ancestry to answer the question, “Who do you think you are?” The show, Who do you think you are? starts tomorrow and I am very excited about seeing the …
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If you ask anyone about census records, you might be greeted with a blank stare. They might be your best resource in genealogy, yet many people are aware of its importance. According to the US Census Bureau, a census is a simple enumeration, usually of the population, but also businesses and commercial establishments, farms, government etc. What better place to find the information you need? The US Constitution requires a new census every 10 years for re-districting the US House …
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Organizing your genealogy files is probably the last thing on your mind right now. Your research is going well and you are beside yourself. Each day of research brings a new revelation. To get it all down before you forget, you automatically grab the piece of paper closest to you and write. Before you know it, those bits of paper become a mountain of notes. Today we have some quick and easy tips to help you organize your genealogy files. …
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Once you make the decision to document your family history, the next logical step is to document what you find. You are excited and feel tempted to plunge into the research. However, starting with a plan is a precursor to your success. Here is a beginner’s guide to starting your family tree. Create your Roadmap. Imagine you decide to drive from Los Angeles, California to Miami, Florida. The first thing you do is to look at a map and plan …
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If you are like me, you may at some point thought about your last name. What does it mean? Where did it come from? Am I related to anyone famous? Maybe my last name means nothing. It might simply be a made-up name without history. Your last name is your ID. The name you have serves to define and identify you to others. Consider the number of times every day someone asks for your last name. “Can I see your …
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It wasn’t what I anticipated as I lazily enjoyed an evening of history on television last week. In 2003, Researchers found, that nearly 8% of the 200 men living in the region of the former Mongol Empire, carry nearly identical Y-chromosomes. That’s about 0.5% of the men in the world or roughly 1 in every 200 men. This led the researchers to believe they all had a common fore-father. I sat straight up in my chair and listened more intently. …
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