What does the Bible have to say about family history?

Traditionally, people have tried to avoid religion and politics in their daily conversations because, even with the most respectful and friendly participants, attitudes and moods often take a turn for the worst when there are disagreements. In these days of economic and social turmoil, however, people tend to be pretty open about their political opinions.Continue reading "What does the Bible have to say about family history?"

Chronologizing and Chronicling Your Ancestors: A Case Study of John Rem

I read an article that NGS tweeted several weeks ago in which the author, Aaron Goodwin, discussed this idea of exploring a particular ancestor by documenting their life events year by year. As a side note, I was surprised to discover that the word "chronologize" is apparently a legitimate one to describe this valuable researchContinue reading "Chronologizing and Chronicling Your Ancestors: A Case Study of John Rem"

Y’all know black folks owned slaves, too, right? A discussion of genealogy, privilege, and power

https://thisiswhiteprivilege.tumblr.com/post/44733676865/setfabulazerstomaximumcaptain Recent conversations about racial injustice, inequality, and inequity often refer to the notion of white privilege, which refers to the idea that whites have greater access to power and resources than people of color do and that they might not even be attuned to this "leg up" they have. Some people believe that whiteContinue reading "Y’all know black folks owned slaves, too, right? A discussion of genealogy, privilege, and power"

BookTalk Chapter 1: “Mistresses in the Making” and False Faces

They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South Washington, D.C., 1916. “Convention of former slaves. Annie Parram, age 104; Anna Angales, age 105; Elizabeth Berkeley, 125; Sadie Thompson, 110.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative. (Shorpy). Retrieved from https://evblog.virginiahumanities.org/2013/04/shell-be-wid-ole-missus-one-o-dese-days/ I made it through another chapter of the book They WereContinue reading "BookTalk Chapter 1: “Mistresses in the Making” and False Faces"

Recollections of Grand Coteau, Louisiana: How Interviewing Living Relatives Can Help You Make Sense of Your Ancestors

One of the best ways to understand our ancestors’ lives better is to talk to them and ask them questions about how life was where they lived, worked, and played.  I know, I know.  You’re going to say, “How do I do that when so many of the ancestors I'm most interested in are deceased?”  Well,Continue reading "Recollections of Grand Coteau, Louisiana: How Interviewing Living Relatives Can Help You Make Sense of Your Ancestors"

My Family’s Juneteenth History

 “Mom, remember you said you were going to take us to a Juneteenth parade this year,” the kids reminded me.  “Yes, I did say that,” I sighed out loud, but I thought to myself, “but, I had forgotten.”  Not wanting to break any (more) promises, I combed through the 2019 area event calendars for somethingContinue reading "My Family’s Juneteenth History"

BookTalk Introduction…They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South

I used to really love reading as a child - mysteries, growing up stories, horror novels.  After high school, though, the academic readings required for my college classes seemed to zap away my interest in books. Now that I reflect on it a bit more, I think a bigger part of my disenchantment with readingContinue reading "BookTalk Introduction…They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South"

Race Riots in America: A Genealogy?

And I just stand and wring my hands and cry,And I just stand and wring my hands and cry, Oh Lord! Ed Ware (1920) America is enraged by the killing of Minneapolis' George Floyd and the racial problems that it has revealed.  Opinions, protests, and riots abound, but regardless of the nature or motivation of one'sContinue reading "Race Riots in America: A Genealogy?"

Remember Them

“You live as long as you are remembered.” - Russian Proverb Usually, summertime is jam-packed with the days of family.  Mother’s Day has already passed, but Father’s Day and National Children’s Day are coming.   July will spark with fireworks and barbecues for Independence Day and family reunions.  In these summer days of 2020, whenContinue reading "Remember Them"

At Home for COVID-19 Quarantine? Search for Your Ancestors While You Have the Time

Last night, I finally paid attention to one of those commercials urging us to fill out the 2020 Census online.  It reminded me of the genealogical significance that it holds.  With most Americans on a prison-esque “lock-down” due to COVID-19, we find ourselves doing more of the things we love, binging, and/or being bored. Whatever isContinue reading "At Home for COVID-19 Quarantine? Search for Your Ancestors While You Have the Time"