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Genealogy, Adoption and DNA

On January 23, 2012, the New York Times released a story titled “With DNA Testing, Suddenly They Are Family”. The story written by Rachel L. Swarns, is the tale of an adoptee who used DNA testing to find living blood relatives.

In her story, Swarns writes, “A growing number of adoptees, now in the thousands, are turning to DNA testing companies in hopes of piecing together the puzzles of their beginnings.”

The subject of the story Khrys Vaughan, Continue reading “Genealogy, Adoption and DNA” »

Adoption and Genealogy: A Primer for Adoptees

Growing up in a family with a very healthy and robust “Scotts” pride brought the significance of family history home to me at a young age. From my family I gained an awareness of ancestry. Additionally, I experienced the sense of connection that only comes from knowing your ancestral roots…from the unique perspective of an adopted child.

As an adopted child, no matter how wonderful my family was at involving me in every aspect of their proud heritage, I was Continue reading “Adoption and Genealogy: A Primer for Adoptees” »

Writing Your Family History Book

Early in January Genealogy Beginner asked our facebook friends what exciting genealogy projects you had planned for 2012.  Top among your answers were writing and publishing a family history book.

Genealogy Beginner thinks that is an excellent goal.  To help support you in reaching it we decided to dedicate some time to providing information that will bring you closer to achieving it.

Getting Started on Your Family History Book?

Perhaps the hardest thing about writing a family history book is Continue reading “Writing Your Family History Book” »

Using Google Scholar for Genealogy

Among the many tools available to genealogy researchers, one that beginning genealogists may not be as familiar with is Google Scholar. Although this wonderful tool is not likely to lead you to any major records databases, it can however direct you towards relevant-to-you information sources for your family tree research.

Using Google Scholar will also save you a good deal of time. Time you may otherwise spend sifting through millions of hits from common search engine queries.

Google Scholar for Continue reading “Using Google Scholar for Genealogy” »

YouTube, Genealogy and the National Archives

 

Diane Dimkoff, Director of Customer Services for the National Archives says of the series “The National Archives is proud to make our most popular genealogy lectures available online and ready for viewing by anyone, anywhere, at any time,” Continue reading “YouTube, Genealogy and the National Archives” »

A Sustainable Family Tree

This week Genealogy Beginner attempts to unite our past and present…with hopes for a brighter future…through the wisdom of our ancestors.

No one who has spent time needed to make a family tree will deny the fact our ancestors had it rough, eking out a living through total self-sufficiency.  From cotters in an old world – to – settlers in a new one, it was imperative to survival that they be conservationists by nature.

Before it became a socially conscious Continue reading “A Sustainable Family Tree” »

Genealogy Journeys and Heritage Vacations

Who said time travel was not possible?

A vacation to explore your ancestral roots is an exciting trend and “destination past” is catching on in a big way.  Modern genealogy buffs are setting off for – far off distant shores – by the dozens and there is no shortage of options from which to choose.

Whether you are the type who prefers to plan your own travel, someone who would rather sign up for an all-inclusive package or a social Continue reading “Genealogy Journeys and Heritage Vacations” »

Five Genealogy Resolutions You Can Keep

Are you busy planning your genealogy projects for 2012?  If you are, it is likely that a few genealogy resolutions have been running through your head.  The trick to resolutions is making them stick and that takes a little planning and organization.

Therefore, start your 2012 genealogy resolutions with:

Getting Your Family Tree Organized

Lesson three in Genealogybeginner’s, Beginner Introductory Course Series states:

“The wise genealogist knows the value of good record keeping; once you begin it does not Continue reading “Five Genealogy Resolutions You Can Keep” »

A Non-Traditional Family Tree

Genealogybeginner.com is set to tackle same sex marriage, test tube babies and strong opinions.

Last week genealogybeginner.com received a post on our forums that brought up a very timely and relevant issue. The subject of this thought provoking post… how to record non-traditional relationships in your family tree.

This significant topic tends to bring up far more questions than answers. It has also sparked more than a few passionate debates among genealogists.

A Blended Family Tree

The definition of family Continue reading “A Non-Traditional Family Tree” »

Leading Genealogy Sites Eliminate Records

Two major genealogy research services ceased posting Social Security numbers last week after receiving serious complaints from the public.

Genealogy and Privacy Violations

The cause, complaints of privacy violations by two individuals after the Social Security Administration falsely listed them as deceased.

 

Scripps Howard News Service, first to investigate the Social Security’s Database known as the Death Master File discovered the errors earlier this year. During their investigation, Scripps Howard identified 31,931 American citizens incorrectly recorded as deceased

Genealogy Continue reading “Leading Genealogy Sites Eliminate Records” »

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