Shows
Your Pennsylvania AncestorsThank You: A Final Message About Your Pennsylvania AncestorsOur podcast journey has come to an end, and Denyse shares a message to all listeners. PA Ancestors continues! Check out all the resources below: Join the PA Ancestors newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Join the Discover Your Pennsylvania Ancestors Workshop: Get lifetimes access to tools and resources to help your research Sign up here! Connect with PA Ancestors: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paancestors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaAncestors Website: https://paancestors.com Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please le...
2024-11-2604 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAvoid These 3 Mistakes with Your Genealogy Research in PennsylvaniaUncover the top 3 mistakes you might be making in Pennsylvania genealogy research and learn what to do instead. Check out the resources linked below to help. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:15 County Records 02:12 Local Experts 03:48 Documenting Research 06:41 Conclusion Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week and get the Research Log in Notion mentioned in the video Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Archives in Pennsylvania book: Discover the 800 archives around t...
2024-10-0907 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsPlan and Write Your Family History with the Hybrid Genealogy Method by Kelly MahoneyWriting family history is hard, but Kelly Mahoney has made it easy with her book, Create a Family Genealogy Book: Using the Hybrid Genealogy Format. Get a peak at Kelly's unique method to plan and write your family's stories in this uplifting episode. Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Today's Guest: Kelly Kohlenberg Mahoney: https://hybridgenealogy.com Connect with PA Ancestors: Twitter/X: https://twittter.com/den...
2024-09-2514 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsDeep Dive on Conscientious Objectors in the Civil War with Jonathan StayerJoin us for a compelling deep dive with Jonathan Stayer as he uncovers the history and personal stories of conscientious objectors during the Civil War in Pennsylvania. Learn about the Mennonites, Quakers, and Brethren, and how their beliefs shaped their actions. Watch now, and don't forget to comment and share your thoughts! Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Today's Guest: Jonathan Stayer Connect with PA Ancestors: Twi...
2024-09-0454 minYour Pennsylvania Ancestors25 Records to Research Your Civil War AncestorsFrom online databases to unique archival records, your ancestors' history in Civil War and their family relationships are just waiting to be uncovered. Discover the 25 top resources for Civil War genealogy research in this comprehensive episode. Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Connect with PA Ancestors: Twitter/X: https://twittter.com/denys_allen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paancestors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaAncestors Website: htt...
2024-08-2315 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsExplore Jewish Genealogy in PhiladelphiaHear from Felicia Mode Alexander, President of the Jewish Genealogical and Archival Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGASGP) and discover their fascinating work in tracing Jewish history in the Philadelphia area, their research initiatives and resources, and their big conference in August 2024. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Society Background 02:25 Research Focus 07:18 Conference Overview 10:13 Inclusivity and Outreach 11:49 Research Tools 20:01 Future Plans 25:12 Concluding Remarks Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes co...
2024-07-2427 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsFind your Patriot Ancestor at the SAR Library & ArchivesExplore your patriotic roots with the Sons of the American Revolution. Discover if you have an ancestor who was a revolutionary patriot and learn how to trace your lineage with expert tips from Cheri Daniels, Director of Library & Archives at the SAR. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:52 SAR vs DAR 01:51 Library Overview 03:10 Patriot Research System 06:15 Joint Efforts SAR and DAR 08:09 Research Standards 10:38 Future Plans 18:22 Conclusion Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get ac...
2024-07-1019 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsDiscover Camp Security, PA's Revolutionary War Prison CampJoin us as Jonathan Stayer shares the fascinating history of Camp Security, a Revolutionary War prison camp. Discover its significance and the ongoing efforts to uncover its secrets. Perhaps you had an ancestor here? Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Learn about a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Today's Guest: Jonathan Stayer with Camp Security: https://www.campsecurity.org Connect with PA Ancestors: Twitter/X: https://twittter.com/denys_allen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...
2024-06-2634 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMust Have Records for Scots Irish Research with Justin HouserIf you have Pennsylvania ancestors in the 18th or 19th century, chances are they were Scots Irish. Join us as we dive deep into the history of these immigrants from Ulster Ireland and the records they created with lawyer and genealogy speaker Justin Houser. 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Research Tips 01:03 About Justin 02:48 Scots Irish Overview 05:34 Irish Settlement 07:43 Migration to America 10:59 Scots Irish in PA 13:29 Research Challenges 16:17 Research Tips Cont. 24:07 Research Documentation 30:27 Encouragement 31:10 Conclusion Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter: Discover a new genealogy record...
2024-06-1231 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWelcome Back to Your Pennsylvania AncestorsThe Your Pennsylvania Ancestors podcast is back after a year-long hiatus, and I couldn't be more excited to reconnect with you! In this episode, Denyse dives into what I've been up to during the break, the exciting developments in Pennsylvania genealogy, and gives you a sneak peek of what's coming up on the show. Links & Resources: Join the PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter and discover a new genealogy record each week Subscribe here! Become a Premium Member: Get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Sign up here! Follow PA Ancestors: Twitter/X: https://tw...
2024-05-2907 min2024-02-1708 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsRootsTech Insider Tips and Advice with Cheri DanielsMake the most of RootsTech 2024 with this advice from Cheri Daniels, who has attended RootsTech since the beginning. In her roles as RootsTech Speaker, Media, and Attendee, she has seen it all and will help you get in the mindset for a successful conference. Make the most of the conference! Download my RootsTech 2024 Guide here: https://paancestors.ck.page/rootstech Write about your ancestors with my 10 Days of Chronicles Challenge https://10daysofchronicles.com Learn about your Pennsylvania ancestors https://www.paancestors.com
2024-02-1522 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMaking Plans to Have RootsTech 2024 Be the Best Genealogy Event EverLet's get ready for RootsTech 2024 together! Genealogy's biggest event of the year is just 40 days away and I'm starting my plans now. Join me in making this event the best ever. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/C7WF1O6gaE0 Download my RootsTech 2024 Guide here: https://paancestors.ck.page/rootstech Write about your ancestors with my 10 Days of Chronicles Challenge https://10daysofchronicles.com Learn about your Pennsylvania ancestors https://www.paancestors.com
2024-02-1511 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsThe Pennsylvania Dutch Language with Mark LoudenOne of the largest ethnic groups in early Pennsylvania spoke German. But today we call their language Pennsylvania Dutch. My guest, Professor of Germanic Linguistics Mark Louden calls Pennsylvania Dutch a truly American language. Learn why he says that and learn a little PA Dutch to share with family and friends. Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Language, by Mark L. Louden Don't miss Mark's website https://padutch.net
2023-04-1340 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMeet the Lenape of PennsylvaniaWhat is the history of the Lenape who lived across much of Pennsylvania? How were they impacted by the waves of immigration to the colony? And what is their future? Meet Adam Waterbearer DePaul, Tribal Storykeeper of the Lenape of Pennsylvania who fills in a big gap in our shared history here and provides hope through the Prophecy of the Four Crows. Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania https://www.lenape-nation.org Fulfilling a Prophecy Exhibit https://www.penn.museum/sites/fap/index.shtml Enduring Presence: Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Art https://ds-omeka.haverford.edu...
2023-04-0644 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsTarget Your Research with Genetic CommunitiesAncestryDNA has the largest DNA database in the world for genealogy. Their data on genetic communities can help you target your research if you take an extra step with it. I explain that step in this episode. Sign up for my newsletter at https://welcome.paancestors.com Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:11 AncestryDNA Genetic Communities 03:38 Walkthrough of Map Overlays 06:13 Furthering Your Research Resources mentioned in video: AncestryDNA https://www.ancestry.com/dna/ County biography and history collection digitized by the Allen County Public Library https://archive.org/de...
2023-03-2407 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsDo You Know This Early Pennsylvania History?If you have ancestors in Pennsylvania in the 17th & 18th century, knowing these four things will help your understanding of our records (and our history!). Free Friday newsletter https://welcome.paancestors.com 00:00 Intro 01:48 Pennsylvania in the Revolutionary War 05:16 The landless in Pennsylvania 07:46 Religions in Pennsylvania 09:35 Pennsylvania and the Book of Revelation Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E6to8YkpSVk Books mentioned: Beyond Philadelphia: The American Revolution in the Pennsylvania Hinterland, editted by John B. Fr...
2023-03-1512 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsThe Big Announcements You Missed at RootsTech 2023Did you hear about the new things coming to genealogy in 2023? Here's the announcements of what's rolling out in 2023 from Ancestry and FamilySearch. Get the latest in Pennsylvania genealogy research with my newsletter 00:00 Intro 04:00 Innovation & Tech Forum 05:45 What's New at Ancestry 11:29 What's New at FamilySearch Links mentioned in the video: Watch this episode on YouTube Previous podcast episode #75 "Get the Most Out of RootsTech" - check it out Innovation & Tech Forum Ancestry's Full Video AncestryDNA Updates Ancestry's Recent Coll...
2023-03-1019 min
Your Pennsylvania AncestorsGet the Most Out of RootsTech in 2023RootsTech is the largest family history conference in the world. You can attend virtually again in 2023. Here's how to make the most of everything RootsTech offers. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter https://welcome.paancestors.com Register for RootsTech https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/ Music: "Achaidh Cheide" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
2023-03-0310 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsUnique & Rare Pennsylvania Birth Records That Few Know AboutWhat if I told you that in the 1700's and 1800's in Pennsylvania, there were unique and beautiful birth records created? These are not official government records and not church records. It is what we call fraktur and I explain what it is and where to find it in this episode. Links: My Inner Circle Members get a resource sheet with links to digital collections of fraktur. The example shown is "Birth and Marriage Record (Geburts und Trauschein) for Catharina Stutzmann and Daniel Esch," hosted at the Free Library of Philadelphia website https...
2022-10-0714 minYour Pennsylvania Ancestors10 Ways to Get Birth and Death Information for Your AncestorsSometimes we can't find birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses on our ancestors. These are the 10 records I look for as a substitute for vital records for my ancestors. Subscribe to **PA Ancestors Discoveries** Newsletter [https://welcome.paancestors.com](https://welcome.paancestors.com/) Become an **Inner Circle Member** [https://www.paancestors.com/members/](https://www.paancestors.com/members/) Music: *My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free*, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, [www.amclassical.com](http://www.amclassical.com/), Creative Commons license, some rights reserved. Support the show
2022-10-0615 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSearch Strategies for Vital RecordsIf you've tried and tried to find a vital record in Pennsylvania, and keep running into a brick wall, this episode is for you. Here's 4 search strategies you can use to find birth, death, and marriage records - or really any record - in PA. Ancestry's tips to use wild cards in searches https://support.ancestry.com/s/topic/0TO150000004cAdGAI/search-records Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter [https://welcome.paancestors.com]https://welcome.paancestors.com/ Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Become an Inner C...
2022-08-0412 minYour Pennsylvania Ancestors3 Times When Vital Records Went WrongPennsylvania had a few attempts at birth records and death records that didn't work out as expected. Some failed, and some.....well, I explain what happened in this episode. Genealogists can use these record attempts to find their ancestors in PA. Pennsylvania Archives Series (books) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Archives Subscribe to **PA Ancestors Discoveries** Newsletter [https://welcome.paancestors.com](https://welcome.paancestors.com/) Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! [https://paancestors.com/testimonials/](https://paancestors.com/testimonials/) Become an **Inner Circle Member** [htt...
2022-07-2811 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMy Favorite Pennsylvania Genealogy RecordGenealogists get to research in a variety of records. But I have one absolute favorite record, and its a hard-to-find vital record. Listen in to what it is and where to find it. Subscribe to **PA Ancestors Discoveries** Newsletter [https://welcome.paancestors.com](https://welcome.paancestors.com/) Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! [https://paancestors.com/testimonials/](https://paancestors.com/testimonials/) Become an **Inner Circle Member** [https://www.paancestors.com/members/](https://www.paancestors.com/members/) Music: *My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free*, co...
2022-07-2111 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAll About 19th Century Vital Records in PennsylvaniaThe 19th Century was a time of change and vital records were tried, failed, and tried again in various ways. It's confusing and and I'll clear it up in this episode. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past e...
2022-07-1515 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsHow to Get Free Vital Records in PennsylvaniaGenealogists don't need to order certified copies or pay monthly subscription fees to get the records they want. Here are three ways to get birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for free. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all t...
2022-07-0708 minYour Pennsylvania Ancestors3 Key PA Vital Records and Where to Find ThemThere are three vital records family historians need for each ancestor. What are they and where do you find them? Free access to public Pennsylvania birth and death certificates for PA residents PA Department of Health to order non-public vital records 9/11 hijackers used fake identification Ancestry. com and FamilySearch.org to search for marriage licenses Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it...
2022-06-3012 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsGetting Starting in Pennsylvania Genealogy ResearchNew to genealogy research in Pennsylvania? Here's three ways to get started the right way on your family history. Links: Free access to public Pennsylvania birth and death certificates for PA residents PA Department of Health to order non-public vital records Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle M...
2022-06-2311 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 7 TrailerSo excited to be back with a new season. This season is all about vital records of Pennsylvania from 1682 to present day. Join in and discover more about your Pennsylvania ancestors. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past e...
2022-06-1601 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsIrish Presbyterians of Western Pennsylvania with Author Peter GilmoreThe book Irish Presbyterians and the Shaping of Western Pennsylvania, 1770–1830 is a favorite of mine and author Peter Gilmore shares highlights of the book in this episode. Learn what life was like for our early Irish Presbyterian ancestors. Links: Irish Presbyterians and the Shaping of Western Pennsylvania, 1770–1830, by Peter Gilmore - Univeristy of Pittsburgh Press Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Resear...
2022-01-1944 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsHow to Research Presbyterian Church RecordsResearching our ancestors' religion can deepen our understanding of their lives. I'm thrilled to feature the Presbyterian Historical Society in this episode. The Presbyterians were some of the first to arrive in Pennsylvania and have churches all over the state. Get tips on researching in their original congregational records direct from their experts! Links Presbyterian Historical Society https://www.history.pcusa.org Current Active Presbyterian Churches https://pcusa.org Brief History of the Presbyterian Church https://www.history.pcusa.org/history-online/presbyterian-history/history-church Timeline of Presbyterian...
2022-01-1234 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSetting Genealogy Goals with Julie Cahill TarrThinking about setting goals for you genealogy inn 2022? Julie Cahill Tarr of Genealogy in Action is my guest this week and she shares how to set SMART goals for genealogy, get over perfectionism, and set a schedule that works for you. Julie Cahill Tarr at Genealogy in Action See my genealogy goals for 2022 Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A...
2022-01-0531 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsEasy Family History Gifts with Clémence ScoutenGenealogists often struggle with how to share everything they found in their research with family. Clémence Scouten of Memoirs and More shares three easy family history gifts you can do for the holiday or anytime! Links : Clémence Scouten, Memoirs and More, LLC https://www.memoirsandmore.com Book of family history questions for interviews: Recording Your Family History, by William Fletcher Blurb.com BookWright on Blurb.com https://www.blurb.com/bookmaking-tools Mixbook.com Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps https://libraries.psu.edu/about/collections/sa...
2021-12-0328 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsResearching Scots-Irish Ancestors with William RoulstonResearching the Scots Irish in early Pennsylvania is challenging. Determining when and where they came from in Northern Ireland is even more so! Author Dr. William Roulston shares some history of the Ulster Irish and his book Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800 in this episode. Ulster Historical Foundation ancestryireland.com Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors by William J. Roulston https://smile.amazon.com/Researching-Scots-Irish-Ancestors-essential-genealogical/dp/1909556653 Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Ha...
2021-11-1932 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAll About PA Military Records with Aaron McWilliamsThrough out Pennsylvania's history, the state has kept many different kinds of records on military service members. Find out all about these records with Aaron McWilliams of the Pennsylvania State Archive. Links Pennsylvania State Archive https://www.phmc.pa.gov/archives/pages/default.aspx Digitized PA State Archive records on Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/ai/collections/PA/StateArchives Digitized PA State Archive records on Power Library https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary.org/psa/islandora/object/psa:root Military record index cards in ARIAS http://www.digitalarchives.state.pa.us
2021-11-1247 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsJournal Your History - Collect Your Stories for the FutureAs genealogists we often wonder what our ancestors felt about historical events. Few of us know! Denys offers ways to journal about our current events for our descendants. Books mentioned: A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on Her Diary 1785-1812, by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich; and The Worst Hard Time, by Timothy Egan. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A...
2021-11-0511 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsGetting the Most Out of Newspapers in Genealogy ResearchNewspapers can give us so much more than obituaries of our ancestors. James Beidler gives us some new ideas on how to use them from his book The Family Tree Historical Newspaper Guide. Links for all of Jim's books at jamesmbeidler.com (Plus his weekly genealogy post!) The Family Tree Historical Newspaper Guide: How to find Your Ancestors in Archived Newspapers Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA...
2021-10-2924 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSharing Family Stories with Clémence ScoutenHave you been meaning to collect some of your family's stories? Need some energy and inspiration to get started? This is the podcast episode for you! Clémence Scouten of Memoirs and More, LLC joins Denys to give tips on how to start compiling your family's stories. Visit her website http://www.memoirsandmore.com for free worksheets and questions to ask family members. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? S...
2021-10-2232 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 6 TrailerSeason 6 begins a new theme. Listen in and subscribe to catch all the new episodes, including bonus episodes between the regular Friday releases. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My D...
2021-10-1503 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 5 Wrap Up - What's Next?Research often doesn't go the way we expect in genealogy. Wrapping up Season 5 and sharing what's next in the research of the Curry family. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: M...
2021-08-2710 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsA Surprise at the Local Historical SocietyEvery county in Pennsylvania has a locally run historical society. Denys visited Clearfield County Historical Society and had an unexpected find. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have B...
2021-08-2011 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWhat I Found at the County CourthouseA visit to the county courthouse has both expected and unexpected finds for genealogists. Learn what Denys found in her visit to learn about the Curry family. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes
2021-08-1311 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWhy I Did a Genealogy Research TripDenys completed a genealogy research trip in July. Was it worth the the time and effort to do a genealogy research trip? This episode also features tips on how to find ancestors in cemeteries. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Cat...
2021-08-0611 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAll About Early Philadelphia Vital RecordsJoshua Blay details the early 1800's vital records available at the Philadelphia City Archive. Links: Philadelphia City Archives Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So W...
2021-07-3002 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsHow to Search Philadelphia Area ArchivesHolly Jo Mengel of PACSCL shares what is in Philadelphia area archives for genealogists. Links: PACSCL PAARP Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed b...
2021-07-2304 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAre Archives Worth the Trip?What kinds of discoveries can you make at an archive like the Historical Society of Pennsylvania? Lee Arnold tells us. Links: Historical Society of Pennsylvania hsp.org Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the p...
2021-07-1603 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWhat to Know Before You Go to the Historical Society of PennsylvaniaLee Arnold of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania tells you what to expect when you go to HSP. Links: Historical Society of Pennsylvania hsp.org Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes...
2021-07-1305 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsStory of Finding an Ancestor in Court RecordsAn exciting story of finding an ancestor in court records from Aaron McWilliams of the Pennsylvania State Archives. Links: More from the Pennsylvania State Archives pastatearchives.org Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the p...
2021-07-0905 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsFree Digital Records from the PA State ArchiveWhat digitized genealogy records can you access at home for free? Listen in as Aaron McWilliams tells me. Links: More from the Pennsylvania State Archives pastatearchives.org Listen to Podcast Episode 1: Pennsylvania State Archives Also see my blog post on Updates from the PA State Archives Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A
2021-07-0703 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMust See Records at the PA State ArchiveHighlights of my conversation with Aaron McWilliams at the Pennsylvania State Archive on their most popular genealogy records. Links: More from the Pennsylvania State Archives pastatearchives.org Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the p...
2021-07-0204 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsMaking a Research PlanGoing back in time in genealogy means fewer and fewer records to search. For me to be effective at researching John Curry's family, I need to make a research plan. I did it in three steps looking at all the possible records I could chose from. Inner Circle Members gets access to my Research Plan template and my personal written plan as an example. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on...
2021-06-2513 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsUlster Surnames with Author Robert BellKnowing the history of our ancestor's surnames can help us in research, particularly Irish research. In this episode I interview author Robert Bell of The Book of Ulster Surnames, reissued in 2021. Robert share why surname research matters and some pieces of Scots Irish history you won't want to miss. Links: The Book of Ulster Surnames by Robert Bell The History of Ulster by Jonathan Bardon Place Names of Ulster by Jonathan Bardon A Dictionary of English Surnames by P.H. Reaney Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning...
2021-06-1823 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsLooking for PA County HistoriesLooking in PA county histories is often recommended for genealogists. But how useful are these books? What will I find in county history books and is it useful for my research of John Curry's ancestors? Links: Find county histories for any county on the Internet Archive Read my blog post on 9 Ways to Use County Histories in Genealogy Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA...
2021-06-1114 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSearching Siblings for CluesJohn Curry died suddenly at age 33 leaving little information about his life. Can researching his children and his siblings provide some clues to his life? Is it worth the time to do all this extra research? Let's find out! Links: PA State Archive Vital Records Indexes for publicly accessible state birth and death certificates not yet digitized and indexed on Ancestry. Newspapers.com for obituary searches Landex for courthouse records - Some PA counties have digitized deeds, wills, and marriage records and made them publicly available for a fee.
2021-06-0410 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsFinding PA Marriage LicensesNot every genealogy record we want is online and indexed for easy searching. In fact the majority of records are not even digitized! This is certainly the case for marriage licenses in PA, and in this episode I start online to look for John Curry's marriage record before contacting the county to get it. Links: Ancestry's two largest marriage license databases Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852-1968 https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61381/ Pennsylvania, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1845-1963 https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61324/ Step-by-step v...
2021-05-2817 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSuccess with 20th Century Census RecordsSearching through 20th century census records seems like it should be easy. Can I find John Curry in the 1920, 1910, and 1900 census? Not without some challenges. See how I figured it out in this episode. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on a...
2021-05-2115 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsStarting with a 20th Century Death CertificateThe first step in genealogy research often means starting with a 20th century death certificate. Follow along as Denys analyzes a 1923 Pennsylvania death certificate to start the research for John Curry's ancestors. Links PA Death Certificates on Ancestry.com Learn how to get free access if you live in Pennsylvania Historical International Classification of Diseases on Wolfbane.com Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how...
2021-05-1411 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 5 TrailerJoin me as I research some of my family history and share the process through out the season! Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed b...
2021-05-0701 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsTwo Must Read History Books for PA ResearchDenys spent the winter doing a lot of reading and has two history books to recommend. Ready to break the narrative of what you know about American history? These books will do it! Sometimes when you can't make progress in genealogy research, its because you don't understand the history of the time and place you are searching. In public schools we learned a simple version of history because every school used the same textbooks across all states. Fortunately we have authors who look at the historical record and can tell us what happened in our...
2021-03-2617 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsPA Food Traditions with Author William Woys WeaverHave you ever wondered what your ancestors ate? Food ethnographer and author William Woys Weaver shares why food traditions and food culture matter in understanding our past. William's Roughwood Table is preserving our food history. Also a special preview of Don Yoder's future genealogy archive. Topics Discussed: What is food ethnography Why food traditions and culture matter in understanding our past Some food tractions around Pennsylvania Don Yoder and his impact on genealogy and history William's future place to learn about food tradition And a future genealogy archive coming to PA Links: William W...
2021-03-1928 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsPA Farming History with Professor Sally McMurryTo understand Pennsylvania's past, genealogists need knowledge of PA farming. Most of PA's first immigrants were farmers and agriculture dominated the economy for 200 years. Dr. Sally McMurry, professor emerita of history of Penn State University shares highlights from her comprehensive book, Pennsylvania Farming: A History in Landscapes. Topics Discussed: The impact of agriculture on the PA economy How farms operated - indentures, tenancy, redemptioner, and slaves The impact of women's labor on the household What farmer's produced to get hard currency The myths of PA farming busted The whole book is essential reading if you...
2021-03-1219 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsResearching German Americans with James BeidlerMillions of American have German ancestry that can be traced to early Pennsylvania. Author James Beidler shares good practices and common mistakes in researching our German American ancestors. Topics Discussed: The two waves of German immigrants into Pennsylvania Underutilized resources in genealogy research Common mistakes in German research Why you need good maps of the right time period The upcoming International German Genealogy Conference And a big surprise for me at the end of the episode! Lots of great tips to research your German ancestors! Links: James Beidler's website for his b...
2021-03-0529 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWhat to Watch at RootsTech 2021Denys shares what to watch about Pennsylvania genealogy at RootsTech 2021. And also how to take advantage of everything at this free event hosted by FamilySearch.org. Don't miss it! Upload your family tree at FamilySearch.org to connect with cousins Feb 24-26, 2021. See all the sessions I mention in the episode at RootsTech.org Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q...
2021-02-2507 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAnalyzing Gravestones with BCAGPWhat can cemeteries tell us beyond the names, birth and death dates of our ancestors? Turns out a whole lot! Learn how to interpret your ancestors gravestones with Lara Thomas of Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation. Lara walks us through real examples of gravestones and we learn: How to interpret the location of the grave in relation to the church building Looking for memorial plaques Clues to status and relationships in inscriptions How costs of gravestones and internment affect current burials Get ready to get outside this spring and spend time with your ancestors!
2021-02-1940 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsResearching African-Americans in PAGenealogist Dean Henry of Family Pearl, LLC shares his expertise in researching African-Americans in Pennsylvania. The genealogy of ancestors of African descendent requires using records beyond the PA's borders and Dean tells us how to get started. We cover: Misconceptions of African-American research. Important record groups to use at the federal, state, and county level. Key groups to join on your family history journey. Fun finds from Dean's research. Sources mentioned Freedman's Bureau Records Historical Society of Pennsylvania Chester County Archives (each county kept these records so check with your county of in...
2021-02-1229 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsResearching Irish Americans, Part 2The Ulster Historical Foundation team and I had a rollicking good time talking about the challenges Americans have doing Irish research. Fintan Mullan, Executive Director of UHF; Gillian Hunt, Research Officer; and William Roulston, Research Director of UHF walk us through what not to do in our genealogy research. Five Common Misconceptions or Mistakes in Irish Research: Irish research is pointless as the records were all destroyed. The only records to search are for the period your ancestors were in Ireland. The Irish location recorded in American records is definitely correct. You can always be sure...
2021-02-0533 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsResearching Irish Americans, Part 1The Ulster Historical Foundation team and I had a rollicking good time talking about the challenges Americans have doing Irish research. Fintan Mullan, Executive Director of UHF; Gillian Hunt, Research Officer; and William Roulston, Research Director of UHF walk us through what not to do in our genealogy research. Five Common Misconceptions or Mistakes in Irish Research: Irish research is pointless as the records were all destroyed. The only records to search are for the period your ancestors were in Ireland. The Irish location recorded in American records is definitely correct. You can always be sure...
2021-01-2933 minYour Pennsylvania Ancestors2021 Preview TrailerDenys gives a preview of the podcast for 2021. Hear the topics planned and what you can look forward to throughout the year. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So W...
2021-01-2703 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsHistory Resources to Enrich Genealogy ResearchDenys Allen covers for family historians: Free history resources available online History resources specific to your ancestors' time and place How to search these history resources Stories of discoveries she made on her ancestors. Timestamps: 00:46 How knowing history helps genealogy research 02:53 Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography 06:27 Pennsylvania History Magazine 08:09 Local historical and genealogical society journals 10:59 How to search and use history journals 14:41 Holiday message for you! Links: Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography - hosted at Penn State Univers...
2020-12-1116 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsHistory of Child Adoption in PADenys Allen covers for family historians: the four major changes in child adoption laws in Pennsylvania the first thing to do when researching adoption how to request an adoptee's original birth certificates what can prevent you from getting that original birth certificate and how adoptees used to seek out their birth parents. Timestamps: 00:37 A way to think about adoption research 03:44 Guardianship records 05:35 First state law in 1855 09:50 1870's - 1930's 13:18 1970's - 1990's 16:19 Current adoption laws and adoptee rights 19:21 Research techniques 24:14 Wrap-up
2020-12-0425 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsUrban Cemetery Research with Mount Moriah CemeteryIn this episode, Denys Allen interviews Jenn O'Donnell of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, FOMMCI. Jenn shares the work of FOMMCI, tips on making record requests of your ancestors there, and how to connect with the Friends organization and participate in the ongoing restoration. If you want to see visuals of some of the work of the Friends of Mount Moriah, check out the video on the PA Ancestors YouTube Channel (link below). Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:12 History of Mount Moriah Cemetery 07:17 Who is buried at Mount Moriah 12:30 V...
2020-11-2720 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsRural Cemetery Research with BCAGPIn this episode, Denys Allen interviews Lara Thomas of Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation, BCAGP. Lara shares the work of BCAGP, tips to find your ancestors in these tiny cemeteries, and how to keep these graveyard preserved for the future. If you want to see visuals of some of the work of BCAGP, check out the video on the PA Ancestors YouTube Channel (link below). Timestamps: 02:14 About BCAGP 03:54 Preservation Efforts 06:26 Founders of BCAGP and cataloging of graves 11:25 Other groups and preservation efforts 17:36 Care of g...
2020-11-2026 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsVoting Records in PAIn this episode, Denys Allen covers the types of voting records, namely voting registers, available during three different time periods in Pennsylvania. If you want to see a visual listing of voting register items, check out the video on the PA Ancestors YouTube Channel (link below). Timestamps: [00:00:13] History of Voting Records in PA [00:04:06] What is in Voter Registration Records [00:08:00] Where to Find Voting Records Links: Voting records available in the FamilySearch catalog - Go to FamilySearch.org -> click on 'Search', then 'Catalog' -> type in "Pennsylvania"...
2020-11-1310 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsPresident James Buchanan and WheatlandIn this episode, Patrick Clarke, Director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland, shares the policies and politics of James Buchanan's time as President so we can think about how our ancestors may have supported those policies. The politics of the 1850's was an interesting time in American history and one I wish I could ask my ancestors about. Wheatland was Buchanan's home in Lancaster County, PA. You can visit there virtually or in person for tours and experience life in early 1800's Pennsylvania. Timestamps: [00:02:25] Patrick Clarke Intro [00:05:55] Buchanan's career prior to...
2020-11-0645 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 3 Preview TrailerSubscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, www.amclassical.com, Creative Commons license, some rights reserved. Support the show
2020-10-3001 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsListener Q&A and Season 2 Wrap-UpIf you have an ancestor who was in a profession such as medicine, dentistry, or law, get some tips on how to research for their records. Also get some tips on how to verify if you have Revolutionary War Patriots in your family tree. Links Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner C...
2020-08-0717 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsLGBTQ Genealogy with Stewart Blandón TraimanOver the last thirty years in the United States our culture became more open and accepting of expressions of sexuality and gender identity. We also know as genealogy researchers, our attitudes and norms now, were not our ancestors' attitudes and norms. Despite these challenges, our ancestors' still left clues to their LGBTQ life. In this episode Stewart shares: What the definition of LGBTQ is. When to raise "the rainbow flag." What specific words to look for in records. History books and blogs to help educate ourselves on gay history. How to write a family story including s...
2020-07-3135 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsBreak Through Brick Walls with Berks County Genealogical SocietyMost genealogy researchers will spend hundreds of hours on the computer trying to solve their brick walls - areas of their research where they are stuck, usually involving finding the parents of an ancestor. Most brick walls problems can be solved using local records. In this episode Michelle Ebert shares: The most common reasons researchers have brick walls. Key records genealogical societies hold. What local records help break down brick walls. How to "back door" brick walls. And, a story of how she worked out one of her own brick walls. Break through your brick w...
2020-07-2429 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWhat's a Prothonotary with Jonathan Del ColloWhen Pennsylvania formed it's court system, they made a unique title for their civil county court administration. It's confused a lot of researchers over the years, and in this episode we unravel and simplify what a prothonotary is and what the office does. In this episode Jonathan Del Collo shares: The key civil cases his office handles What genealogical information can be found in court records How to search the records How to make requests to county offices around the state What historical preservation efforts Berks County is doing Jonathan loves genealogy and he even...
2020-07-1745 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsGenohistory with Donna Cox BakerDonna Cox Baker has a Ph.D. in history and has enjoyed careers in technical and historical writing, editing, and publishing for several decades. In 2020 Donna combined her passions for genealogy and history into "genohistory" and launched it into the world. In this episode, Donna shares: What genohistory is Why genohistory is important How to participate and be a genohistorian And some stories of what she has discovered about her ancestors using this approach. Listen in and get inspired to spend time with your ancestors in their time and place! Donna's other contributions...
2020-07-1033 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsBerks History Center with Charlie AdamsTopics Discussed Charlie Adams is a Trustee of the Berks History Center in Reading, PA. The Berks History Center, formerly called the Historical Society of Berks County, has preserved the stories and records of the residents for 150 years. Charlie covers how he does his research, how connecting in person can make a difference, and why local historical journals are worth reading. Listen in and get inspired to connect with the county of your ancestors. Links Berks History Center: berkshistory.org Historical Review of Berks County...
2020-07-0317 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsBecoming a Better Researcher & PA German ResearchTopics Discussed While journaling current events, Denys realized that there were areas of her ancestors lives she missed which could unlock some ancestor mysteries. Denys reads some excerpts of history journal articles about the 1918 Flu Pandemic and its impact on Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Its a piece of history you won't want to miss. Then Denys answers a listener question on how to find records on early Pennsylvania Germans born between 1730 - 1760. Links "An Epidemic's Strawman: Wilmer Krusen, Philadelphia's 1918–1919 Influenza Epidemic, and Historical Memory," by Jim Higgins, The Pe...
2020-06-2619 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAncestors' Stories Part 3 & Finding PA NewspapersTopics Discussed Lauren's family goes back to early 1700's Pennsylvania and through diaries, letters, and newspapers, she learned what her ancestors' life was like during the 1793 Yellow Fever Epidemic in Philadelphia, PA. Much of what was experienced then is similar to what we are experiencing now. Then Denys shares how to use newspapers to find historical context for your ancestors' lives. A list of all the places you can find newspapers is in the show notes below and on PAancestors.com. Links Digitized Pennsylvania Newspaper Collections
2020-06-1920 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAncestors' Stories Part 2 & Finding Ancestors' JournalsGenealogist Julie Medlock Flake shares the story of her Irish ancestors in the late 1700's and and what the trials of their lives taught her. Most of what Julie learned was found in letters the family wrote to one another. Denys then tells you how you could find your ancestors in letters and journals in archives. Denys also checks in on the 14 Days of Journaling project. Join other family historians in taking time each day for 14 days to capture this moment in history for future generations. To sign up to participate, go to PAancestors.com.
2020-06-1210 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsAncestors' Stories Part 1 & Get Started with JournalingFamily Historian Heather Wylie shares stories of three different ancestors' experiences with scarlet fever, polio, and the 1918 flu pandemic. She also shares her passion for journaling and why every family historian would want to begin. Denys launches the 14 Days of Journaling project. Join other family historians in taking time each day for 14 days to capture this moment in history for future generations. To sign up and participate, go to PAancestors.com. Links: Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear...
2020-06-0513 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 2 Preview TrailerSubscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, www.amclassical.com, Creative Commons license, some rights reserved. Support the show
2020-05-2702 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsSeason 1 Wrap UpLinks Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I'd love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, www.amclassical.com, Creative Commons license, some rights reserved. S...
2020-02-2112 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsPhiladelphia Area Consortium of Special Collection LibrariesPACSCL is an umbrella organization representing an extraordinary collection held by forty member libraries and archives. (Scroll down to see the list of members.) If your ancestors lived in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, there could be something related to their life in one of these archives. Searching archival collections is nothing like searching online, and this episode will show you how to shift from "search box searcher" to "archival researcher". Holly covers: What PACSCL is and how archives process collections. What PAARP is and how to search the PAARP website...
2020-02-1449 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsErie Society for Genealogical ResearchThe Erie Society for Genealogical Research is an all volunteer group which works out of the Hagan History Center in Erie, PA. They are who you want to contact to further your research in Erie and the surrounding counties. Jodi covers: What's unique about Erie and Erie County. What resources the Society has created and collected for members. Why genealogists with ancestors in the area would love a trip to Erie. How to use their collections and resources if you can't make it to Erie. Fun stories of discovery and connection she's made in her research.
2020-02-0719 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsBonus Episode - Where to Learn About PA RecordsDenys does a quick run down of current learning opportunities for Pennsylvania genealogy in 2020. Links Pennsylvania's local historical and genealogical societies can be found on my website PAancestors.com under the Research Guide. Internet Archive has digitized copies of PA county histories. Type the "county + PA + history" in the search bar to find them. Create a free account and save your favorites. Val Greenwood's The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy is all about records. Study this and practice to learn how to analyze records. (Affiliate link helps support the podcast.)
2020-01-3114 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsCentre County Library & Historical MuseumTopics Discussed The Centre County Library and Historical Museum has a special collection and area just for genealogists called "The Pennsylvania Room." Here you'll find resources and records to help you with your research in Centre County and the adjoining counties. Robbin covers: What county government records the Centre County Library, Pennsylvania Room holds in their collection. How to access the online catalog and see what they have. A special collection unique to Centre County (don't miss this!). Advice for first-time researchers in the county. And an incredible story of discovery! ...
2020-01-1724 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsRoss Library of Clinton CountyTopics Discussed The Ross Library in Lock Haven, PA is the center of genealogical research and resources for Clinton County. Lou covers: What genealogical records are housed at the Ross Library. What to expect as a first time researcher. And some great stories from Clinton's history! Listen in for enjoyable history and genealogy of Clinton County! Links Annie Halenbake Ross Library main website: www.rosslibrary.org Genealogy Resources Available - go here to see what is available and how to request research via...
2020-01-1032 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsBonus Episode - 5 Tips on Research in ArchivesTopics Discussed Transitioning from online research to in-person research in archives can be difficult. Prepare yourself using the five tips, plus bonus tip, Denys shares in this episode. Listen in and you'll feel comfortable making your first visit for on-site research! Links Pennsylvania's local historical and genealogical societies can be found on my website PAancestors.com under the Research Guide. Internet Archive has free digital books, most older than 75 years, that will help you. Create a free account and save your favorites. BYU Script Tutorial...
2020-01-0320 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsCity of Philadelphia ArchivesTopics Discussed The City of Philadelphia, Department of Records, City Archive is the home of all the city's records, with documents going back to 1683. Joshua covers: How to access commonly used genealogical records of birth, death and marriage in person and from all over the world. What to expect when you research deeds and naturalization records. Where to go to get probate records for Philadelphia. The geotagged photo archive you can access from home. And some treasures they have! Listen in and you'll feel comfortable making your first visit to the...
2019-12-1338 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsWestern Pennsylvania Genealogical SocietyTopics Discussed If you live within driving distance of Pittsburgh or have ancestors who lived in western Pennsylvania, you have a great resource available to you! WPGS houses a collection of genealogical research materials at the Carnegie Library available 7 days a week. Learn what's in the collection, some great stories of discovery, and how to access the collection if you can't make it to Pittsburgh. WPGS also has special resources available to members that you can access from home, along with a fabulous newsletter. Listen in on how WPGS and the...
2019-12-0630 minYour Pennsylvania AncestorsNortheast Pennsylvania Genealogical SocietyTopics Discussed If you have ancestors from northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPGS almost certainly has a record of them. Their extensive collection is cataloged on their website and Sara and Sandra share some of their most accessed records in this interview. Don't miss the memorable stories of discovery at the end of the episode! It's amazing what a society like NEPGS can help you find because they know so much about the history of their area. Links NEPGS main website: nepgs.com Index of NEPGS Digital Records
2019-11-2245 min