Thoughts

  • Search Tricks & Tips

    Searching for Texts (online)

    Finding obscure, out of print texts covering low interest topics is an essential part of conducting genealogy research. Many of the texts you may want or need are not necessarily easily obtained from major book sources, like Amazon.com, ebay or your neighborhood bookstore. Rather than allowing difficulty associated in finding these difficult texts form a permanent road block, I thought I’d share a bit of an example search. I’ll point out in advance that our sample search will not be wholly successful; most are not. However, hopefully you’ll find the example informative. As our example, we’ll use is a nearly out of copyright WW2-era text entitled: Lend-lease : weapon for…

  • Tips & Opinions

    A new ethnic group? Prussian-Quebecois.

    Everyone claims an ethnicity. Me, too. So far as I  know, my sister and I form a rather distinct, maybe even a unique, ethnic group.  Yep, we are Prussian-Quebecois. We like to think of ourselves a being fairly unique and special.  After all our parents said we were special, and they wouldn’t lie. Would they? The really sad thing is it looks like our ethnic group is about to die out.  Today, we are both approaching 60 and in our youth we demonstrated immensely poor ethnic planning skills when it came to choosing our spouses.  Neither of us remained within our ethnic group! My sister chose an Irish-German guy; and…

    Comments Off on A new ethnic group? Prussian-Quebecois.
  • Quebec Genealogy Pointers,  Quebec History

    “Dit” Names

    The use of Dit names in French Canada (Bas Canada) is both very common and confusing.  Currently, I am working with another Deyo cousin to attempt to unravel yet another Deyo mystery. This part of my family line is now being reworked for the fourth time!  I think I might be getting good at it.  Briefly here’s the mystery… It appears, now, that I might be descended from a woman we believe was named Honoree Beaulac. Her family name (surname) has the following common dit names (there may be others as well): Desmarais Lake Lefebvre Marest Beaulaque Hertel (a nice German sounding name, eh?) By the way you will also…

  • Quebec Genealogy Pointers,  Quebec History,  Tools

    Rituel du Diocèse de Quebec

    If you are performing research in Quebec, the Rituel du Diocèse de Quebec may prove useful in providing clues regarding the name or names of your ancestors. To quote the PRDH: Among Catholics, choice of first name wasn’t left to chance or parents’ imagination. On the contrary, the church liked to control the attribution of first names to ensure that on the day they were baptised, children received the name of a saint who would guide them throughout their life. In the Rituel du Diocèse de Quebec, which laid out the rules to follow for writing baptismal, marriage, and burial certificates in Quebec, Monsignor de Saint-Vallier stipulated, “The Church forbids…

  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    Finding German War Dead

    If, like me, you seek relatives who fought on the German side of a war, you might have experienced difficulty in finding information about these forebears. One of the most useful online services I have encountered in this area is the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge (link below).  It is through the wonderful efforts of the Kriegsgräberfürsorge that I have been able to find information about two of my great-uncles, who lost their lives in WW1: Adolf Senger Albert Senger and three cousins who died in WW2: Willi Wedhorn Egon Recht Erich Recht To quote the Kriegsgräberfürsorge site: The Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V. is a humanitarian organization which is charged by…

  • Education,  Public Speaking,  Tips & Opinions

    Castle Rock Genealogical Society Presentation

    Well yesterday was one of those wonderful experiences for me. I had the opportunity to meet with and speak to the Castle Rock Genealogical Group about Technology and Genealogy. (My presentation materials are online here: Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies) For me the group was huge; okay, not really huge but larger than any I have ever the pleasure of speaking to before. The folks were congenial, enthusiastic and engaged. Their facilities (a spacious and well equipped meeting room in the Castle Rock Library) were wonderful. And their singing (yes they sang happy birthday to a member whose big day it was) was, well, a bit off key- probably because…

    Comments Off on Castle Rock Genealogical Society Presentation
  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    “Un-German” German Names

    Last evening, my wife and I watched a documentary on Poland, it covered the Gdansk (Danzig)- Szczecin (Stettin) area in particular. Baltic Coasts – Hidden Treasures: Explore the coastline from Vistula Lagoon via Gdansk Bay to the sandy beaches and steep cliffs of Pomerania and West-Pomerania. The reason for this post involves what I learned from one of the featured individuals, a talented young Photographer; his name- Michal Szlaga. Looking at his name never made me think of German descent or Germanic heritage but then the announcer pronounced his name and it was Michael Schlaeger / Schläger (exactly). You can imagine my surprise.  I certainly would never have pronounced his…

  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    Understanding the German Past

    German Genealogy is not much different from any other genealogy. You really need to have a plan as you begin your research, especially if you are unfamiliar with the region/ area or time period. Never assume that one locale looks like or offers information or data in the same as another. Each area, region or time frame offers its own unique idiosyncrasies, its own information. German research is really no different in this regard from other places; it is not the US or Canada and the available data is different from that commonly available in North America.  Having said all that, this posting is more of a concrete example on…

  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    Finding German Genealogy Data

    So where are the best places to find German Genealogy data? I hear this question, or something similar, often.  Perhaps it is because I am an American that I notice, but it seems most Americans I hear from expect to find German Genealogical record keeping and data ought to mirror that in the US. Unfortunately, they do not.  A number of historical factors impact the quality and type of genealogical records to be found in Germany today. What follows are a few points regarding German history that merit understanding: A number of fairly destructive wars ran over German lands.  These wars not only destroyed people and buildings, but also innumerable…

  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    German Name Spellings

    For those unfamiliar with, or simply wishing to learn more about, conducting German/ Prussian genealogical research this is my second posting in a series on the topic of German-Prussian Genealogy Pointers. One of the greatest difficulties people have with researching Germanic family members involves name spellings.  This is especially true for those English speakers.  Over the centuries, Germans who emigrated into English speaking lands have either tried to spell their names in ways that would be pronounced correctly or had assistance with their name spellings upon arrival or ‘later’ in Census takings.  This ‘help’ has lead to numerous challenges in finding the right folks in the old homeland (Heimatland). Here…

  • German Genealogy Pointers,  Tools

    Conducting Better German Research

    Recently, I have received numerous queries on how to get started or better conduct German genealogy research.  Rather than simply email folks one at a time, I thought a post on the subject might be useful. By way of background, I ought to state that almost everyone I hear from tells me that they are: German (of German descent) the neither read nor speak German (or just very little) few are aware of much German history fewer are aware of their family’s cultural background in Germany Having provided the little list above likely provides clues as to items researchers need to pay attention to: If you do not speak the…

  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Whoa, Backup!

    Backups, file duplication, redundancy, security are essential dimensions of performing quality genealogy work; well honestly they are required for any type of computing.  Having said that, most people don’t bother with any of this unless, and until, they have a catastrophe, and even then only for a short while after an accident. To my mind these functions need to be easy, seamless and nearly automagic once they are established.  All this is to say, data synchronization and backup must require very little, if any, extra effort or thought.  Extra effort or thought are almost always extra… and extra things tend to get forgotten. Like many of you over the past…

  • Expulsion - Vertriebenen,  Senger,  Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Frieda Senger- Cyrillic Conversion

    As many of you are aware, I have been trying to decipher a Russian document that Soviets created as justification for sending my grandmother into a Gulag following WW2. To help me with my sleuthing, I have found and used the following tools: Russian letters & script Russian online keyboard Automatic Cyrillic Converter My grandmother’s document may be viewed here: Frieda Senger -Suchdienst & Soviet Records. What I did to help me in my search was to carefully look at the Cyrillic script and attempt to define each letter using the script as presented on the site at item 1 above. Once I found (or thought I found) the script…

  • Senger,  Thoughts

    For some its Groundhog’s Day

    2 February is one of those days that adds a bit of winter fun to many Americans’ lives. For me though, it is something much more. It was 122 years ago today (2 February 2011) that my grandfather was born. As readers of this site will most likely know, he remains one of my life’s great influences. He is one of those loved people to whom much of my ManyRoads work is dedicated. Richard Senger was born on this day in 1879. He was born the third child of ten to Michael Senger and Adelgunde geboren Kiehl in Zeyersniederkampen, Westpreussen, Deutschland (a heimat -homeland- that is no more). He survived…

  • Thoughts

    Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies #5- RSS Feeds

    RSS Feeds are one of the most stable and long running social tools on the web. As might be expected it is one of the two I started using first and the one for which I had the highest expectations. As luck would have it , RSS feeds have been largely a disappointment for me. RSS feeds have been around for probably longer than any of the tools in my little survey. For most folks, RSS seems to be both a very reliable and stable method of retransmitting blogs to broad ‘external’ audiences, using an information ‘push’ toolset; meaning I push (send) my content out to you the reader and…

    Comments Off on Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies #5- RSS Feeds
  • Tips & Opinions

    Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies #4- LinkedIn

    Unlike facebook, LinkedIn has been moving in positive and useful directions. To be honest, I have had enough success with LinkedIn that I have begun to expand my efforts on that social networking platform. By way of a quick overview, to-date I have attempted the following activities with good success on LinkedIn. I have: added LinkedIn friends and now have more than 500. As I have increased my associates so has the ManyRoads traffic increased. created a Genealogy Group (Genealogy Guild) which now has more than 100 participants. There is limited activity in the group and some amount of traffic from the group to ManyRoads has yielded additional, albeit limited,…

    Comments Off on Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies #4- LinkedIn
  • Thoughts

    Just knowing…

    Knowing our family origins brings a comfort that is hard to explain, but priceless to those seeking and finding. I could not have said it better. The above quote was one I received today in an email from one of my clients. I think the message is clear, succinct, and one which most of us who chase ancestors would heartily agree. The words moved me. I thought perhaps they might move you as well.

  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies

    Social networking (media) ought to be a useful adjunct to genealogy research. Or more complexly stated, genealogy and genealogists should benefit greatly through improved interpersonal, Internet communications technology (better known as social networking).  Of late, I have been trying to employ a number of web oriented ‘social’ technologies in an effort to up ManyRoads site readership and traffic. It probably bears stating, the reason I (and most genealogy bloggers) seek higher traffic is because I both appreciate and need the contact/ interaction in my genealogy searches/ efforts.  By that I mean, you (our reader) have knowledge and information that might help me in my search(es), just as I have information…

    Comments Off on Genealogy & Social Networking Technologies
  • Help Wanted,  Thoughts

    Recipes

    Does anyone have access to West and East Prussian German recipes? I would like to gather a collection of food recipes that were local to the Germans who once populated the region of Europe between Danzig Marienburg, and Koenigsberg. Please contact me directly with any recipes or food names that you might have/ remember. I will eventually place everything I gather in a database here for all to see, read and copy. I suspect that might take a while and that assumes, of course, I obtain any recipes at all. But given it is the holiday season, and this is the time for foods, I thought I’d ask! Happy holidays…

  • Expulsion - Vertriebenen,  ManyRoads,  Tips & Opinions

    On the “Vertreibung”, Expulsions, and Hope

    Of late, I have received numerous queries and comments from our readership regarding my position on and interest in the ethnic expulsions of German peoples from Eastern Europe after World War 2. I think this is a fair question that merits response. I guess I would begin my response by stating that expulsions and holocausts (genocides) did not start nor end with the Germans of 1930-1940s Europe. From a historical context some of the earliest genocides were (according to Wikipedia): the destruction of Melos by Athens during the Peloponnesian War (fifth century BCE) the genocides of Amalekites and Midianites (described in the old Testament). the Yu Ding records that Liwang…

    Comments Off on On the “Vertreibung”, Expulsions, and Hope
  • Tips & Opinions

    Genealogy & The Rule of Six

    Genealogical research is an uncovering of truths as they apply to your life, others’ lives, the past and the future. There never truly is a single answer to what happened, how it came to be, and what was best or worst. The options and answers are often many, complex and perhaps even indeterminate. Inter-dependencies, inter-relationships abound. However, applying the rule of six can be a useful tool in helping you attain insights into the past you might otherwise miss. What follows is a brief description of the Rule of Six by Paula Underwood Spencer: One of the attitudes taught in my [Oneida] tradition is the Rule of Six. The Rule…

  • Services,  Tips & Opinions

    Sharing & more

    Sharing is a particularly wonderful aspect of human existence. If you have found ManyRoads to be helpful in the conduct of your research during the past months, we ask that you briefly reflect on the wonder of your family, community and life. Please also take a moment to remember those less fortunate than yourself. In remembrance of those you love, we ask that you provide a small donation to those in need during this upcoming holiday season.  We have placed a link in our side menu to Oxfam’s Unwrapped program to facilitate access to what we believe is a very good charity (see the Oxfam Cow on the right and…

  • Thoughts,  Videos,  WW1

    Christmas… and another war

    For some reason Christmas, this year, reminds me of WW1. I know it shouldn’t. I have no idea why I am reminded of WW1- perhaps it is because I have been doing a lot of genealogy and I spend a lot of time thinking about the past. And, the past always reminds me of my Opa (Richard Senger). His life and mine have been deeply affected by the Great War (his directly.. mine vicariously). I know a war is historically over at a definitive point in time, but emotionally that may not be the case. It seems more like waves… each following the other, getting smaller and shallower with time…

  • Help Wanted,  Thoughts

    DNA based genealogy search

    Which genetic genealogy DNA service is best?  This is the question with which I am currently wrestling. Perhaps one or more of our knowledgeable readers has some insights to share. I certainly would appreciate experienced observations and insights into our dilemma. Here are the basic objectives of our DNA search: We’d like information and insight on any Native American information on the male Rabideau and female Deyo line (I do not currently have access to male Deyo DNA); we also seek information on the background of both lines in Europe and before. We seek information on the Senger- Recht matrilineal lines; there is no DNA material available for either line…

  • ManyRoads,  Site,  Tips & Opinions

    Family friends…

    Who says genealogy is not full of surprises? Well, not me! Over the past few months I have had the wonderful good fortune of coming into to contact with two magnificent people (families). One of them grew up near the village(?) where my grandmother (Frieda Senger) was born and raised- Pietzkendorf.  The other has been a family friend for more than 250 years and now lives in Dakar, Senegal. I am truly amazed that this website and my genealogical efforts have introduced me to both Rainer and Hans; or more precisely, these efforts have made it possible for us to find each other.  All three of us and our families…

  • Site,  Tips & Opinions

    A Banner Day!

    11 months to the day from when we began ‘full-scale’ usage of WordPress on ManyRoads, we were graced by our 50,000 visitor. 13 November 2010 is truly a landmark day for ManyRoads. Unfortunately, we do not know the name of our 50,000 visitor; however, we do know that they have visited us some 81 times before. We also know that their Internet Service Provider is located in Redwood, California. During the past 11 months, we hope you have found our information helpful and even a bit fun. It has been a learning experience for us; one we plan to continue working on down the road. We extend our sincere thanks…

  • Tips & Opinions

    Hermann Hesse & Genealogy

    On planes I often spend time reading ebooks. Generally they are of the less current, more esoteric variety. Recently I read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse; the story describes the spiritual journey of a boy from the Indian subcontinent during the time of the Buddha. As I read the tale, I noticed I was not only reading about the journey of Siddhartha but also a story that related to my genealogy efforts. What follows are quotes from Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha relating to what I have seen and learned while searching for my family… I’m telling you what I’ve found. Knowledge can be conveyed, but not wisdom. It can be found, it…

  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    GPS & Genealogy

    Should genealogy rely on GPS data?  When I recently heard the query, it gave me pause especially since people seemed pretty agitated over the point. I have to admit, it does seem that the value of GPS data is a point worth pondering, at least for a little while. It is probably worth noting that commercial GPS is really only about 10 years old and is primarily a US national system for establishing global location. To quote the ever popular Wikipedia: GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. Government as a national resource. Also, there are at least two competing and one non-competing GPS system online or soon to…

  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Traditional Genealogical Sources #1

    What is a traditional genealogical source?  To me that seemed to be a good question. So naturally, I Googled the term ‘Traditional genealogical source’ to see what I would find. The first item I came up with was the topic of a January/February 2003 issue of Ancestry Magazine by Mark Howells: Tombstone inscriptions have been a source of genealogical information for centuries. I could see tombstone inscriptions as being considered normal and traditional.  Although with the way my brain works, I could also see that tombstones might rapidly be coming passe. As the article itself describes, today’s headstones are nothing like those of yesteryear. Strangely, to me anyway, the next…

  • mac linux win
    Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Genealogy & PC Operating Systems

    Which Operating system is best? Mac, Linux, Windows? Well aside from the inaccuracy of the phraseology in the above query, this is a question I often see discussed, debated, and fought with religious fervor.  Truth of the matter is quite simple.  Use the operating system you like best- for me that means Linux.  For you, well, you get to to pick. However, when making the choice of one operating system over another, people seem to believe they are forced to leave everything about their previous (or simply another) operating system behind. In the genealogy space that often means, a move to Mac or Linx from Windows confounds people as to…

  • Public Speaking,  Quebec History,  Tips & Opinions

    9 October Presentation- Parker Genealogical Society

    I am pleased to inform everyone that the presentation on 9 October 2010 went quite well.  We had 15 folks in attendance. As always, the discussions were lively and interesting. You may notice from the photo, we are a very young and energetic bunch! Oh, and I am getting thinner every day – I mean hair-wise, of course. A copy of the presentation is available for free download: Quebec Genealogy  

    Comments Off on 9 October Presentation- Parker Genealogical Society
  • Public Speaking,  Quebec History,  Tips & Opinions

    Quebec Genealogy

    This is a copy of my Quebec Genealogy presentation delivered on 9 October 2010 at the Parker Genealogical Society in Parker, CO. You may download it to your PC or read it on-line below. The Download [download id=”13060″]

  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Technology Advantages

    Technology can and should be an crucial adjunct to your genealogical efforts.  As a matter of fact, I contend that no effort is complete, nor can your genealogy efforts be fully effective, without effective technological support.  The support can be as simple as using a word processor or as complex as writing large databases to manage and maintain your data, documents and images. As I am sure you are aware, today’s technology options are both extensive and cost effective.  They can even be free.  As a web developer and genealogist, I, personally, rely almost exclusively on OpenSource technologies.  To give you a rough example of my software costs, I will…

  • Education,  Public Speaking,  Tips & Opinions

    Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies

    This is a copy of my Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies presentation delivered on: 16 Sept 2010 at the LDS Family History Center in Parker, CO. 16 April 2011 at the Castle Rock Genealogical Society in Castle Rock CO. You may download it to your PC or read it online below. The Download [download id=”358″] The Presentation Click on the link below to view the presentation. Survey of Genealogical Related Technologies

    Comments Off on Survey of Genealogy Related Technologies
  • Thoughts

    Thoughts on genealogy

    Based on some very insightful and caring comments from an email friend and genealogist, today I have taken a pause to reflect. What do I mean when I wish people “pax vobiscum”; how does the world deal with difference, historical wrongs, reconciliation? Obviously there are no simple answers here but I do have some thoughts on these matters. When contemplating concepts such as pain, peace, family, tolerance I often read the writings of one of my favorite thinkers and authors- Thich Nhat Hanh. Today as I read, the following seem particularly relevant. on genealogy: If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and…

  • Education,  Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Tools for date calculations

    Date calculations are quite useful and necessary in doing genealogy work. If you are like me, I constantly need to count backwards and forward from one event to another: death to birth, birth to marriage, etc. I find this type of calculation is more necessary when there is a paucity of information and documentation available for a single person. Here are some links to help: Time & Date Calculator Date Calculator Page (Duke Univ.) Birth Date Calculator from ProGenealogists

  • Thoughts,  Tips & Opinions

    Genealogy within context

    Learning about your past, the past, any past requires an open mind and open eyes. An attention to detail, circumstances, and motivation are crucial. Preconceived notions, biases and wishes need to be set aside so that a clear and open mind is available to absorb the scenery. As an Frank Zappa once said: A mind is like a parachute- it works best, when open. Over the past few months, I have come into contact with a fair amount of web traffic, email and other-wise, where it seems, to me anyway, that many people are operating with a “closed parachute”. It seems to me that many conversants seem to be operating…

  • Tips & Opinions

    Winnie the Pooh on Genealogy #2

    As I have mentioned before, it never ceases to surprise me how much Winnie the Pooh knows about life, genealogy included. I searched and found the following quotes and they just seemed to be very insightful. I hope you find them so as well. “Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming down-stairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it.” — Winnie the Pooh “Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best…

  • Education

    Genealogy Courses and Certificates (Tuition)

    This list of Genealogy Courses & Certificates is by no means complete. If you know of certifications or courseware that you think should be on ManyRoads please use our contact page or email me directly. If you have comments to share on any of these they are also most appreciated. Boston University: Certificate in Genealogical Research Developed in collaboration with nationally recognized experts, the Certificate in Genealogical Research is ideal for those who wish to develop the knowledge and skills essential to conducting quality genealogical assignments. The Center for Professional Education offers both classroom-based and online multi-week Genealogical Research Certificate Programs. The classroom program, offered on Saturdays at our Boston…

    Comments Off on Genealogy Courses and Certificates (Tuition)
  • Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Here today…gone tomorrow

    Grab the data while you can.  I guess that is what every online genealogist needs to have as their motto these days. Today I uploaded a very useful (helpful) WordPress plugin called: Broken Link Checker– It checks your blog for broken links and missing images and notifies you on the dashboard if any are found. Well much to my dismay and surprise when I installed and ran the plugin, it found nearly 175 out of 1055 links ManyRoads to be broken or redirected.  That seemed like a lot to me.  I had been running several ‘free’ services to check my site for broken links and every week; they were reporting…

  • Education,  Tools

    Free Genealogy Forms, Software, etc.

    Genealogy “Free Stuff”! revised: 18 April 2015 10 July 2016 13 Jan 2018 Free Genealogy Forms, Clip Art, Books, and more Family tree templates are only available through a few select websites. Usually you have to have a membership to receive free printable blank family trees or purchase each family tree chart individually. Here you’ll find high quality charts that you can print on your home printer or take them to a professional print shop and print them on heavy or over-sized paper. Ancestry.com: Start with Paper and Pencil -Maybe you’re not ready to bring your research to the computer just yet. As great as Ancestry.com is, sometimes there’s no…

  • Education

    Genealogy Webinars & Online TV- Free!

    In keeping with my theme on Free Genealogical ‘education’; here are some webinars and Web TV no-cost options. If there are others you would recommend I list, please use our Contact page to let me know, or leave a Comment. Webinars NEHGS Online Seminar Series. Lectures are presented by our staff of genealogists. We offer new seminars on a regular basis so please check back frequently for updates. Ancestry.com Webinars: There is no cost to register for webinars. Audience members may arrive 15 minutes before scheduled webinars. Archived Webinars below contain actual video and may be viewed at any time at no cost.  

  • Education

    Free Genealogy Podcasts & Internet Radio

    Below are some of the Internet’s most popular genealogical ‘broadcasts’. Please use our contact page if there are other podcasts or Internet Radio programs you would like to see listed here. Podcasts Dick Eastman offers “radio broadcast” (podcast) interviews of many of the world’s leading genealogy experts (on the world’s most popular genealogy BLOG). “The Genealogy Guys” are two avid genealogists (George G. Morgan and Drew Smith) who host a weekly chat. The podcast includes news of the genealogy community, book and software reviews, guest interviews, and a lot of fun chat. This link will take to the Apple iTunes site where a listing of their podcasts is maintained. Anna-Karins…

    Comments Off on Free Genealogy Podcasts & Internet Radio
  • Vintage School Room
    Education,  Tips & Opinions

    Hundreds of Free Genealogy Courses

    For those wishing to learn ‘more’ on how to conduct Genealogical research, acquaint themselves with the basics, or just see ‘how things are done’; there are numerous sources of on-line training. Hopefully you will find these Free courses to be of value as you develop your skills, knowledge, and genealogical information. About.com Introduction to Genealogy Course- a free online, interactive, genealogy class designed to teach you all the basics of genealogy! Family history lessons, optional homework assignments, and a forum for asking questions and getting feedback are all part of the fun and learning. Run by a professional genealogist. Familysearch.org The Family History Library Catalog Overview Learn more about the…

  • Rabideau,  Tips & Opinions

    Find your friends

    Find your friends.  If you run a family history/ genealogy website, building associations and affiliations can be a useful and valuable adjunct to your genealogical efforts. Some of the most interesting and potentially useful affiliations (links) are with are sites and organizations belonging to other family members or family associations.  These family members/ associations need not be particularly close, from a genealogical relationship perspective, but rather simply represent individuals or groups searching for, or providing, information on branches, limbs of your family tree.  It is additionally helpful if their family name obviously links or relates to those most frequently mentioned on your site.  Obvious name linkages make it easier for…

  • Tips & Opinions

    Winnie the Pooh on Genealogy #1

    It surprises me how much Winnie the Pooh knows about genealogy. I came across the following quotes and they just seemed to be very insightful. I hope you find them so as well. Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it. Winnie the Pooh Pooh’s Little Instruction Book It’s always useful to know where a friend-and-relation is, whether you want him or whether you don’t. Winnie the Pooh Rabbit, Pooh’s Little Instruction Book A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference. Winnie the Pooh Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh Some people care too much,…

  • Kreis Elbing,  ManyRoads,  Thoughts

    You can’t go back (an appreciation)

    A recent posting I placed on ManyRoads has provided me with some new insights into life, progress and accommodating the past. As an old adage notes, you can not control the problems life presents you with, but you can choose how you react to them. And, this is true. The following historical facts are true: World War 2 involved the senseless displacement and destruction of tens of millions of people Germany lost the second World War the German people of Kreis Elbing were expelled from their homeland the Russians and their allies destroyed much of what was West Prussia the Poles were given many former eastern German lands including those…

  • Tips & Opinions

    20-20 Hindsight

    Ah, the advantages of hindsight.  Looking back in time and regretting the decisions that were made, the options that were chosen, and the events that occurred is very easy trap to fall in.  Fruitless, but easy.  In fact, spending a lot of time trying to rewrite the past, excuse events or bemoaning their occurrence is, from a family history and genealogical perspective, often counter-productive. The past is gone and not likely to be wished away. The past impacts our current actions, options and choices.  If past actions are not well understood they risk being repeated, and often are. Rather, it is my opinion that the following is much more productive:…