Independence Day is not only a time to celebrate our nation’s birth but also an opportunity to delve into our personal histories and uncover the stories of those who came before us. This Fourth of July, why not take some time to explore your genealogy with these ten must-do projects? Here are some engaging ways to combine your patriotic spirit with your passion for family history:

As a professional genealogist and someone who has studied history for years, both writing papers and researching, I can attest to the value of local records. 

As genealogists, we can all agree that research has a storytelling quality. Whenever we find that missing piece of a puzzle, unlock a door, or reconnect with the past through DNA a story is being told. For those moments we try to imagine what life must have been like for ancestors who immigrated, fought in wars, and who may have seen fame during their lifetime. 

     A client recently requested assistance in addressing two “one-in-the-same” person conflicts which arose while going through the application process for a lineage society. Since there appeared to be no direct evidence which would explicitly identify his fifth-generation ancestors, my research focused on analyzing birth records with a view of going through a process of elimination and maximizing the use of correlating different pieces of indirect evidence which, in the end, would possibly enable me to resolve the two “one-in-the-same” person conflicts.  The following proof argument is the result of my research.   

Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and having grown up here it is easy to hear relatives speak about the weather using various terminology, and going by various signs. These mountain sayings keep the traditions of our dialect and heritage close. We can interpret them from generation to generation for anyone new to our region(s) and can always enjoy their reactions whenever one is said.

February is officially here and with it the signs and symbols of Saint Valentine. So, what is a genealogist to do during this month that celebrates love? Here are a few wonderful project ideas to try: