This month's issue is packed to the gills! As is often the case, I'm pleased to say that there are a couple of recent soldier identifications. You'll also find a great new book (Lineage) about how integral genealogy has been in the shaping of America, a thought-provoking NGS article about using the first person in genealogical writing (with a little shout-out to my Annie Moore of Ellis Island book!), a compelling overview of Hart Island and those buried there, Stephen Colbert's Irish roots, and one of my "Genealogy Classic" articles - a piece about getting the most from reunion trips to Europe (originally published over 20 years ago, but surprisingly relevant even now).
And then there's a bit of news: I'm participating in my first in-person event in years! If you happen to live in Florida or be a snowbird who will be there in late November of this year, please consider joining us!
Until next time, keep on sleuthing!
Genealogy Classic: Getting the Most from Your Genealogy Trips to Europe
American cousins threw a party in the town hall for their hosts and the festivities spilled out on to the lawn. Note the tour bus in the distance.
Though this article was first published more than two decades ago, much of the common sense advice included still applies, so I hope you’ll find it helpful in making your own plans.
If it hasn’t happened to you already, sooner or later, it will. You’ll be innocently surfing the Internet – perhaps researching the village where your great-great-grandparents lived before crossing the pond – and an overwhelming urge to go to this ancestral hometown will sweep over you. Or maybe you’ll find yourself entranced with the notion of joining the old country tour advertised in your favorite genealogical society’s newsletter. Or your best friend will return home with three fresh generations appended to her family tree because of a research spree in London and you’ll find yourself just a tad bit jealous. Some way, someday, somehow – you’ll find yourself with a hankering to go explore your European roots firsthand.
Why 18th-Century Americans Were Just as Obsessed With Their Genealogy as We Are Today – I’ve been a professional genealogist for more than 25 years, but never truly appreciated how integral genealogy has been in the shaping of America. Using copious examples – entertaining and sometimes startling – unearthed from countless sources, Karin Wulf methodically builds an eye-opening case. After reading “Lineage,” you will never look at genealogy – or our history – the same way. Seriously!
Hart Island – The Bronx – I’ve always found Hart Island tragic, but fascinating. Think of all the literally buried stories.
Lies, Damn Lies, and…Primary Sources? – Interesting article from an underutilized resource. Also includes a link to an intriguing collection of prison newspapers!
Suncoast Genealogy Society – Hey, y’all, I’m going to be doing my first in-person event in *years* this November! It’s not until November 22nd, but I know there are a lot of snowbirds, so wanted to give some advance notice. If you expect to be in Florida around then, please consider joining us! And let your friends know!
“I, Genealogist”: Using First-Person Voice in Family History Narratives (members only) – I found this article by Sunny Morton on the use of the first person in genealogy in National Genealogical Society’s Magazine really interesting as I wrestled with this when writing “The Quest for Annie Moore of Ellis Island.”
On January 1, 1892, Annie Moore of Ireland tripped into the pages of history and became the poster child of immigration by being the first to arrive at Ellis Island. And then she disappeared. Adding insult to injury, a different Annie Moore usurped her place in history decades later. Now – 150 years after her birth and 100 years after her death – a determined genealogist finally sets the record straight and reveals the true story of Ellis Island’s first.
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