Church Record Sunday: History of Religion in North Carolina

Here's a great resource for those with ancestors from North Carolina. A Guide to Researching the History of Religion in North Carolina from the North Carolina Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has materials that will be of interest to family historians.

The website states: This subject guide is designed to assist students, teachers, and researchers studying the history of religion in North Carolina utilizing the resources available at the North Carolina Collection in Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This guide does not describe all of the titles on religious history in the library, but is intended to provide good starting points for research. The denominations listed below are those for which there are research materials readily available in the North Carolina Collection.

There are some great bibliographies here including a list of histories by denominations.

While this is not a website for church records, it does provide you with history that can help in your quest for church records and learning more about your ancestor.

3 Tips for Research on Veterans Day

November 11 is the day that we stop and remember all that our servicemen and women have done for us. Veterans Day began as a result of World War I. The year after the truce was signed, Armistice Day was celebrated in the United States as a way to honor the veterans of World War I. 20 years later, Armistice Day became a federal holiday. It was after World War II that the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day. 

Looking to start researching a military ancestor? Here's three tips.

1.  Looking for burial information? For those who died during war or in peace there are two websites that can help. The American Battle Monuments Commission is the site to search for soldiers who are buried on foreign ground. Beginning with the American Civil War, American soldiers have been buried in foreign countries near where they have died during wartime. This website allows you to look up a soldier in their database as well as request a picture of their headstone. The Department of Veteran Affairs website has their Nationwide Gravesite Locator to find veterans buried in one of our nation’s veterans’ cemeteries. They also have limited listings for veterans buried in private cemeteries.

2. Don't overlook the importance of the Family History Library Catalog. Conduct a  keyword search  to find  records that have to do with a certain conflict, like World War I. Don’t forget to also conduct a place search for the state and county your soldier was from. The Family History Library has a selection of different types of records that can be of assistance to you, such as regiment histories, personnel lists, and personal narratives.

3. Of course there are the standard places to look for military files and information on veteran ancestors. The National Archives and subscription websites like Ancestry.com and Fold3  provide you with access to military files, pensions files, casualty lists and draft registrations.

Church Record Sunday: Bowdoin College

Have ancestors from Maine, Massachusetts or Washington D.C.? Look towards the Bowdoin College Library, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives. According to their web page for Church Records they have, "The 18th and 19th century records of several Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. churches are held by Special Collections & Archives. Some relate to churches that no longer exist; others still hold services today. These historical documents range from deeds, to detailed record books, to correspondence concerning the church's founding."

A hyperlinked list of records appears on that web page but they also encourage researchers to search their online catalog or consult their staff for additional archived materials.

2013 Top Genealogy/Family History Pinterest Boards Award

I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was named for a top 2013 Genealogy/Family History Pinterest Boards Award.

Thanks to fellow genealogist Valerie Elkins who posted her 2013  winners on her Family Cherished blog. I agree with Valerie that Pinterest is a great tool for family history.

I encourage you to check out the winner's boards for inspiration and resources.

My boards range from genealogy books to Women in WWII to other historical food and genealogy topics. Soon I will be adding more social history pins as well.

Check out how Pinterest can help you with your family history!

Church Record Sunday: Directory of Catholic Cemeteries

In honor of Dia de los Muertos I thought I would provide a resource for finding Catholic Cemeteries in the United States.

The Catholic Cemetery Conference has a directory for U.S. Catholic cemeteries as well as a few in Canada, Guam, and Australia. Click on the name of the state and then the name of the Diocese. Resulting diocesan websites include links/information for their cemeteries.

Join me on Saturday for Women in WWII

What are you doing on Saturday? Why not join me for a webinar hosted by the Southern California Genealogical Society?

I will be presenting on the topic of Women and WWII. The description for this webinar is:

Think your grandma was just a housewife? Historically war brought on new roles for women. Maybe she was a WAC; a WAVE; participated in the Women's Land Army or was a Gold Star Mother. We will look at women's activities during the War including those in the military and those who were left behind on the home front. We'll discuss women's occupations; volunteer groups and organizations. As we explore women's roles we will look at the documents that detail their activities and where they can be found.

I'm excited about this topic and hope you will consider joining me as we look at women and what their lives were like during the War and how you can research your female ancestor's life.

While this webinar is free, you must pre-register because seats are limited. See the SCGS website for more information. 

Join me at SLIG 2014. Early-Bird Registration Ends Soon!

**Note from Gena: I LOVE SLIG. I have attended SLIG as a student and as an instructor. I am honored to have a course this year on Utilizing Social History. Please consider attending SLIG. I can promise you, that you won't be disappointed.


SLIG’s Early-Bird Registration ends on October 31, 2013! Ensure you get yourself a spot in one of the few remaining courses. The following courses still have seats left:

· American Research and Records: Focus on Families

This intermediate level course covers 19th-21st century U.S. records and strategies beyond the basics with a specific emphasis on researching families and individuals. Don’t miss a chance to spend a week with nationally known instructors Josh Taylor, from the Genealogy Roadshow; Debra Mieszala, CG; and Paula Stuart-Warren, CG. This course is certain to help you break down those brick walls!

· Credentialing: Accreditation, Certification, or Both?

Accreditation or certification? This course will explore both options. The topics will guide you through the processes of applying and determining which one (or both) are right for you. Spend a week with credentialed instructors who provide expert guidance and advice and who are available to answer your questions.

· Researching in Eastern Europe

Millions of people immigrated to North America leaving family and generations of ancestors behind in Eastern Europe. Descendants find it hard to trace their origins due to foreign languages, difficult records and multiple changes in the political landscape. This course brings together several of the most successful Eastern Europe genealogists to teach you the important information you need to succeed in such complex research.

· Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum

This hands-on course is an opportunity for advanced genealogist to put their research skills into practice. Participants will work on at least five complex genealogical research problems—a new one each day. There is nothing like directed case studies and practice to further your genealogical knowledge and expertise.

· Problem Solving

Have a brick wall in your research? This unique course is tailored to your individual research needs! Enhance your problem solving skills while working on your personal research project for a particular ancestor or ancestral couple. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend a week dedicated to researching your family!

· Utilizing Social History

This exciting new course--offered for the first time in 2014--is designed to help you put the flesh on the bones of your ancestors and bring them to life. No longer is genealogy about simply listing the begets, it is about telling your ancestor’s story.

Immerse yourself in a specific genealogical topic for a week-long educational opportunity that is unparalleled. Many of the courses are interactive and highlight on site research at the Family History Library (FHL) as well as one-on-one consultations with the course coordinators and instructors. These individuals are genealogical experts and provide guidance and insight that may help you overcome those brick walls and move forward with your research.

Attendees have time to explore Salt Lake City’s many attractions as well as spend time outside of the course researching at the FHL. The library is a short walk from the Institute’s location and, if available, the Radisson often provides shuttle service to the library.

Another benefit of joining SLIG this year is the ability to attend the Association of Professional Genealogist’s Professional Management Conference (PMC), which will be held the Friday and Saturday before the Institute begins. You can experience two great events being held back-to-back at one location!

Sign-up before October 31st and you will save over 10% off your registration. Become a member of UGA and increase your savings even more. The registration page can be accessed at http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=r&eid=8. More information on each of the tracks can be accessed at http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=51.