This year many of us are reuniting with family we haven't seen in years. We'll be gathering in the kitchen to cook and share all those special family dishes. You know, the often requested ones that make it to the table year after year.  (Truth be told, we might have missed some of...

You know you are related because you’ve been sitting around the same holiday table for years... but how? What’s a second cousin or a third cousin twice removed anyways? Read on to clear up cousin confusion and download our handy cousin calculator.

This time of year, I frequently...

Yes, cemeteries are spooky but there is a good reason genealogists love them.

Visiting your ancestor’s headstone can sometimes provide surprising information about their life not recorded anywhere else. These details can fill in the gaps in your ancestor’s story, give you a sense...

October is Family History Month, and there’s no better time to learn about your ancestors. One of the first steps in discovering your family roots is creating a family tree. Whether a simple pedigree chart or a framed piece of art displayed in your home, it’s a great way to begin your...

Are you researching your family history and have little more than names and dates? Do you feel that there's more to your family story? Have you hit a brick wall in your research? If you know where your ancestors lived and when -- the local historical society can help.

Historical societies are...

Did you ever think about just how many years we spend in school? At least twelve years if you complete primary and secondary school, which averages out to 15% of your life (based on the average life expectancy of 79 years). If you go to college and graduate school, that percentage rises to...

What is DAR?

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Any woman over 18 years old who can trace her lineage back to a Patriot in the American Revolution is...

Many families have stories claiming their ancestors were American Revolutionary War heroes or even signers of the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately when working with these families on tracing their family lore... many of the stories do not survive genealogical scrutiny.

Only 15 of...

Do you have military veterans in your family tree?  Often we do not know who they are or even details about their service because many did not make it home, and those that did often found it difficult to talk about the sacrifices they made.

Thank them for their service by...

For many, Memorial day is about barbecues, beaches, and big sales. It's the unnofficial start of summer. But let's not forget what Memorial Day is really about.

Memorial Day is when we remember and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation.

A Brief History of...