Genealogy Scams – What You Need to Know

A few weeks ago I received an email from a “well meaning” individual I did not know.  He was writing to inform me that based on my DNA results, I am in the “same tribe” as a wealthy man who went missing in Saudia Arabia about 10 years ago and the bank is ready to … Continue reading “Genealogy Scams – What You Need to Know”

DNA Dumbness – What Not To Do When You Take a Test!

You may be contemplating taking advantage of the DNA specials that are currently offered – Ancestry.com and MyHeritageDNA.com are both being sold for $59.00 plus shipping.  Maybe you’re like me and have tested with a number of different companies over the past several years and believe you know the directions well enough to not read … Continue reading “DNA Dumbness – What Not To Do When You Take a Test!”

Finding Photos and Memorializing the Fallen – A Unique Volunteer Opportunity

Last blog I mentioned Joseph Reid, the father-in-law of my husband’s 5th cousin twice removed.  You may be wondering why in the world I would have someone in my tree that is not related and so far removed.  Here’s the deal…I have done several surname studies which includes everyone by the same surname in a … Continue reading “Finding Photos and Memorializing the Fallen – A Unique Volunteer Opportunity”

Youtube and the Genealogist

A source that I under use for genealogy is Youtube. Lisa Louise Cooke reminded me at a local seminar I attended about the valuable information that is available on the site. There’s two ways to find what you’re looking for – do a Google Search (duh!) or use the search button on Youtube. If I … Continue reading “Youtube and the Genealogist”

Professional Development

In 2017, the Association of Professional Genealogists moved to require members to submit annual professional development completed when renewing membership. As a passionate genealogist and educator, Lori supports this change. Below are courses that she has completed in the last 6 months and recommends for those interested in furthering their knowledge. Please Note: There may … Continue reading “Professional Development”

Researching at the Library of Congress

Originally published on genealogyatheart.blogspot.com on 8 Sep 2016. I had always wanted to go on the other side – the nontourist side – of the Library of Congress to research.  On a Saturday afternoon in July I parked my rental car in a great (well, not really, more about that later) spot behind the Madison … Continue reading “Researching at the Library of Congress”

Mosquito Epidemics, Oh My!

Originally published on genealogyatheart.blogspot.com on 12 Jun 2016. After picking up all the soggy Spanish moss in my yard after Tropical Storm Colin I started thinking about mosquito epidemics.  Well, this was how my thought process ended up on disease caused by skeeters: 1.”I hate Spanish moss because it’s everywhere after a storm” 2. It … Continue reading “Mosquito Epidemics, Oh My!”

My Cousin Will – 400 Years Later Questions Remain

Originally published on genealogyatheart.blogspot.com on 17 Apr 2016. My cousin Will’s death occurred 400 years ago this week.  Like many of my relatives, Will’s life has been controversial.  There are doubters that say Will was not capable of producing the work that he did in his lifetime.  He’s been called an imposter, a sham and … Continue reading “My Cousin Will – 400 Years Later Questions Remain”

Familysearch.org Needed Changes

Originally published on genealogyatheart.blogspot.com on In previous blogs I’ve mentioned my concerns about data loss and record inaccessibility (see Ancestry Site Changes – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly 6 Jun 2015 & Poof Be Gone-How Quickly Records Can Disappear 3 Jun 2015).  A wonderful option to preserve your research would be to include it … Continue reading “Familysearch.org Needed Changes”

Marker Mistakes – Historical Plaque Inaccuracies

Originally published on genealogyatheart.blogspot.com on 14 May 2015. Finding documents with conflicting info is common.  Determining which information is correct takes careful analysis. Lisa Lisson’s article in Crestleaf about the Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Researching Your Family’s Genealogy notes that you can’t believe everything you read.  (Check it out here.) Although Lisa’s referring … Continue reading “Marker Mistakes – Historical Plaque Inaccuracies”