Thursday, April 2, 2015

"History of Enumeration Procedures, 1790-1940 by Diana L. Magnuson NOTE: Lengthy but VERY informative. This essay presents a short history of enumeration practices from 1790 to 1940. It aims to describe those aspects related to organization, personnel, and oversight that might have affected the outcome of the census as reflected in the manuscript returns. The essay does not cover the processing of the returns, only the elements that affected the manuscripts from which the modern census samples were created. The essay is divided into four parts: personnel recruitment and quality, training and oversight, public preparedness for the census, and mechanisms for correcting the final returns." ~ Minnesota Population Center

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Swedish Genealogical Research

The Federation of Swedish Genealogical Societies maintains an excellent web site that offers a multitude of information on researching Swedish ancestry. Some of the items of information include photos, provinces, emigration and birth and death records to name a few. There's even an English-Swedish dictionary to assist researchers. A site that is very much worth utilizing for anyone with ancestors from Sweden!

Hint: When you land on a page in the site that contains information in the Swedish language, be sure to hit the 'flag' button in the upper right hand corner of any page. This allows the viewer the ability to read the page in Swedish or English.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Viking Ancestry

There are more people living now that have Viking ancestry than realize the fact. A site that offers a short overview on Viking ancestry is the Land of Legend page. Another informational site is the Family Ancestry page. Also, DNA testing is now available to confirm a connection to a Viking. By performing a search through one of the many search engines online, DNA testing information and prices can be found.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

French Family Research

For those seeking information on French ancestry, a site worth checking into is genealogie.com. Here can be found a tremendous amount of information in both descriptive manner through the Guide as well as actual records that one may Research.

One can maintain their family tree on the site as their research develops, learn about French surnames, heraldry, family chronicles and more. There is even a Forum area for posting research questions and reading others suggestions and research problems.

Joining is easy. Simply tap the blue button in the upper right-hand corner labeled 'Connectez-vous'. ĂȘtre joyeux (Enjoy).

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Family History Centers

"FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Since 1894, FamilySearch has worked with archives, libraries, and churches in over 100 countries to facilitate economical access to records that help people find their ancestors.

There are now 4,600 local facilities in 126 countries where anyone can access genealogical records and receive personal assistance with their family history. These centers include the world-famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, large regional facilities in places like Mesa, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California, and smaller centers that are usually found inside Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.

Family history centers are free and open to the public and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. Each facility offers both novices and experienced family historians the tools and resources to learn about their ancestors.

These centers provide free access to subscription genealogical websites. For a small fee, patrons can also access the vast circulating collection of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which includes 2.5 million microfilms from over 100 countries.

Some public libraries and historical societies in the United States have also been designated as FamilySearch Affiliates, allowing patrons to access these same resources.

Please visit the FamilySearch website to find the family history center closest to you." - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Norwegian Census Now Available FREE

The 1910 census of Norway is now available online. The database is searchable by person and residence which covers all 20 polling locations in the country. While the web site will load in the Norwegian language, visitors can easily switch to an English version. Other offerings include Genealogical Research, Real Estate Property, Personal Documentation, Maps/Drawings and Photographs. The database is a part of the National Archives of Norway.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Quaker Research

Swarthmore College – Friends Historical Library Swarthmore College, was founded in 1864 near Philadelphia, PA as an institution of higher learning for the Society of Friends. It has since then evolved to a general liberal arts college serving all denominations but maintaining the values and vision of its founders.

Because of its Quaker heritage, it has the Friends Historical Library, which is an “official depository of the records of the many North American yearly meetings of the Society of Friends.” They have 3,700 feet (2,500 reels of microfilm) of original records.

QuakerMeetings.com Finding Aid – Thomas C. Hill has compiled a database of more than 2,100 Quaker Monthly Meetings – not the archives – just the meetings. In it you can learn the former name, parent meeting, the date of inception and closure (if closed), location, what records are known to exist, and the record storage location. You can find his online database here.