Hewitt Genealogy Services Blog
Genealogy
A collection of posts about genealogy, focused on methodology and tips and tricks you can use to help build your family tree. Lots of topics covered here, from genealogy software and online genealogy sites to explore to explanations of exactly what is a 6th cousin 3 times removed?
Featured Posts
Discover the power of the "Eat the Frog" technique to tackle your genealogy research more efficiently. Learn how to identify your most challenging tasks, break them down into manageable pieces, and celebrate your progress to achieve meaningful results in your family history journey.
What's your genealogy score? This unique metric can help you assess your progress in your family history research and identify areas for improvement. In this article, we explore how to calculate your genealogy score and what factors contribute to it. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned genealogist, understanding your genealogy score can help you set goals, measure your success, and stay motivated.
All Other Posts
Create an engaging cousin bait blog post to connect with distant relatives and uncover hidden gems in your family history. Learn how to choose a compelling story, provide essential details, and encourage collaboration through your writing.
Maximize your genealogy research productivity by harnessing the power of Asana. Learn how to organize tasks, set goals, collaborate with others, and manage resources effectively within this versatile project management tool.
Discover the power of the "Eat the Frog" technique to tackle your genealogy research more efficiently. Learn how to identify your most challenging tasks, break them down into manageable pieces, and celebrate your progress to achieve meaningful results in your family history journey.
Genealogy research often involves exploring the role of religion in our ancestors' lives. This blog post explores the significance of religion in genealogy and the various ways it can be used to uncover new insights about our family histories.
Family heirlooms can provide valuable insights and clues for genealogy research. From old photos and letters to antique furniture and jewelry, learn how to use these items to uncover your family history.
Cemetery records can be a valuable resource for genealogy researchers. They can provide information about a person's birth, death, and burial, as well as their relationships with other family members. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of cemetery records available and how to access them. Whether you're looking to fill in gaps in your family tree or simply curious about your ancestors, cemetery records can be a great place to start.
Marriage and divorce laws have changed significantly throughout U.S. history, impacting how genealogists conduct their research. Understanding these laws and how they've evolved can help you navigate the often complex process of tracing your family's history. In this article, we explore the history of marriage and divorce laws in the United States and their impact on genealogy research. We also offer tips for navigating these laws to help you uncover your family's story.
When it comes to genealogy research, local and state records can be a goldmine of information. These records can provide vital clues to tracing your family history and filling in missing pieces of the puzzle. From birth and death certificates to marriage licenses and land deeds, local and state records offer a wealth of information that can help you uncover your ancestors' stories. In this article, we explore the importance of local and state records in genealogy research and how you can use them to learn more about your family's past.
Discover the importance of family Bibles in genealogy research and how they can provide valuable information about your ancestors. Learn tips for locating and using family Bibles in your research.
Military drafts have been a part of many countries' histories and have played a significant role in genealogy research. Learn about the history of military drafts and how they can aid in your research.
The Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a significant event in American history that shaped the country's future. Understanding your family's connection to the Revolutionary War can provide a deeper appreciation of your ancestors and their role in the birth of the United States.
The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the primary fighting force for Canada during World War I. Over 600,000 Canadians served in the CEF, with more than 60,000 giving their lives in the line of duty. If you have Canadian ancestry and suspect that your ancestor served in the CEF, you can trace their military service records to learn more about their experience and contributions during the war. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the CEF and provide tips for researching your ancestors’ military service.
Discovering the maiden name of a female ancestor can be a challenging task in genealogy research. Women's maiden names are often lost through marriage, and sometimes the only information available is a first name or a married name. However, with careful research and the right strategies, it is possible to uncover your ancestor's maiden name. In this blog post, we will explore some useful tips and resources to help you find the maiden name of your ancestor.
The length of a generation can vary depending on cultural, historical, and biological factors. However, in genealogy research, a generation is typically considered to be about 25 to 30 years
🧬 Unravel the mystery of the "Founder Effect" in genealogy and its impact on your family history. Delve into the fascinating world of ancestry with Hewitt Genealogy Services. #FounderEffect #Genealogy #FamilyHistory
Unlock the secrets of your family tree 🌳 with the Genealogy Proof Standard (GPS)! Dive into the 5️⃣ essential elements for reliable and accurate research. Visit our blog at Hewitt Genealogy Services and start building your family history with confidence today! 🔍 #GenealogyProofStandard #FamilyHistory
Chronicling America is a digital database of historical American newspapers that can be an invaluable resource for genealogists. Created and maintained by the Library of Congress, the database contains over 16 million digitized newspaper pages from 47 states and territories spanning the years 1789-1963. Chronicling America is free to use and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. In this blog post, we'll explain how to access and use the database effectively to enhance your genealogy research.
Unlock your ancestors' secrets by learning to read handwritten documents! 📜 Visit our blog for tips and tricks to decipher old penmanship and uncover hidden details in your family history. 🔍🌳 #ReadingHandwrittenDocuments #FamilyHistory #GenealogyResearch
Discover the family trees of famous people on Geni and explore their ancestral connections. Learn how to search for famous relatives on this collaborative genealogy website.
Have you ever wondered if you are related to anyone famous? With the help of FamilySearch, the largest genealogy organization in the world, you can find out. The database can help you trace your family tree back several generations. And with the ability to connect to other users' family trees, you can even discover your connection to famous people throughout history. In this article, we will walk you through how to navigate the site and find your famous relatives.
🎉 Bring some fun to your family tree with cute emojis like Crista Cowan! 😄 Check out our latest blog post at Hewitt Genealogy Services to discover how emojis can make your genealogy journey more engaging and enjoyable. 🌳🔍 #CuteEmojis #CristaCowan #FamilyHistory
What's your genealogy score? This unique metric can help you assess your progress in your family history research and identify areas for improvement. In this article, we explore how to calculate your genealogy score and what factors contribute to it. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned genealogist, understanding your genealogy score can help you set goals, measure your success, and stay motivated.
Step back in time and explore your family history with the 1950 U.S. Census! 📜 Learn how to access and use these valuable records to uncover your ancestors' stories from the mid-20th century. 🕰️🌳 Check out our latest blog post to get started! #1950USCensus #FamilyHistory #GenealogyResearch
Deep Dives into Genealogy Record Sets Available Online
Military drafts have been a part of many countries' histories and have played a significant role in genealogy research. Learn about the history of military drafts and how they can aid in your research.
The railroad played a significant role in American history, transforming transportation and commerce in the country. Along with its impact on the economy and society, the railroad also left a wealth of genealogical information for researchers to discover. Railroad records can provide valuable details about an ancestor's employment, travel, and even family history. From employment records and pension files to train manifests and accident reports, railroad records offer a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and the impact of the railroad on American history.
Ellis Island served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States. As a genealogist, understanding the history of Ellis Island and its role in immigration is crucial in tracing your ancestors' path to America. Learn more about Ellis Island and how to access its records in our latest blog post
The Homestead Act, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, was a revolutionary land grant program that allowed settlers to claim ownership of land in the western United States. Under the act, any person over the age of 21, including women and immigrants, could claim up to 160 acres of public land by paying a small registration fee, living on the land for at least five years, and making improvements to the property. This program had a profound impact on the settlement of the western frontier and can also be a valuable resource for genealogy research. In this blog post, we explore the history and legacy of the Homestead Act and how it can provide insight into your family's history.
The Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a significant event in American history that shaped the country's future. Understanding your family's connection to the Revolutionary War can provide a deeper appreciation of your ancestors and their role in the birth of the United States.
The Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was the primary fighting force for Canada during World War I. Over 600,000 Canadians served in the CEF, with more than 60,000 giving their lives in the line of duty. If you have Canadian ancestry and suspect that your ancestor served in the CEF, you can trace their military service records to learn more about their experience and contributions during the war. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the CEF and provide tips for researching your ancestors’ military service.
World War I was a global conflict that involved millions of people around the world, including many of our ancestors. Tracing the military service of these ancestors can be a rewarding but challenging task, especially if you're not sure where to start. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key resources and strategies you can use to research your ancestors' World War I service and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences during this historic conflict.
In this blog post, we will explore the impact of the Great Depression on families and genealogy research. The Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to 1939, was the longest and most severe economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world. The effects of the Depression were felt in nearly every aspect of American life, including marriage and family dynamics, migration patterns, and employment opportunities. For genealogists, the Great Depression presents a unique set of challenges when tracing family histories. In this post, we will discuss some of these challenges and provide tips for overcoming them.
Historical Context
Lineage Societies
The Children of the American Revolution (CAR) is a patriotic organization for children between the ages of birth and 21 years who are descendants of patriots who supported the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War. Learn about the history and mission of the CAR and how it can benefit your genealogy research.
Discover the history and mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and how they can assist in your genealogy research.
The Sons of the American Revolution is a lineage society that aims to preserve the history and legacy of the patriots who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War. Membership in this organization is open to any man who can prove direct descent from a patriot who served in the American Revolution. By joining the Sons of the American Revolution, you can connect with others who share your passion for genealogy and American history, and gain access to a wealth of resources that can help you with your research. Learn more about this fascinating organization and how it can benefit your genealogy journey
Second cousins are individuals who share a common great-grandparent. Although they share a small amount of DNA, they are not as closely related as first cousins.
Learn what a first cousin once removed is and how they fit into your family tree. Discover the different degrees of cousin relationships and how to determine them.
Relationship Explanations
Websites
Chronicling America is a digital database of historical American newspapers that can be an invaluable resource for genealogists. Created and maintained by the Library of Congress, the database contains over 16 million digitized newspaper pages from 47 states and territories spanning the years 1789-1963. Chronicling America is free to use and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. In this blog post, we'll explain how to access and use the database effectively to enhance your genealogy research.
Are you looking for a genealogy website that is easy to use and allows you to connect with other researchers? Look no further than Geni.com! In this review and walkthrough, we explore the features and benefits of this popular family tree building platform.
🌐 Uncover the top genealogy websites to assist you on your journey into your family's past! Find the best resources for tracing your ancestry #GenealogyWebsites #FamilyHistory #AncestryResearch
Unlock your family's past with the FamilySearch Family Tree! 🌳 Dive into our latest blog post to learn about its features, benefits, and tips for getting started. Collaborate, share, and preserve your family history for generations to come. 🔍 #FamilySearchFamilyTree #FamilyHistory #GenealogyResearch
Genealogy Terms
Discover the fascinating history of occupational roles and how they have changed over time. Learn how researching your ancestors' professions can offer insight into their daily lives, social status, and community involvement.
Understanding the historical causes of death can provide valuable insight into our ancestors' lives and help us to fill in the gaps of our family history. In this blog post, we explore the common causes of death throughout history and how they have changed over time. From the bubonic plague to tuberculosis, smallpox to influenza, we examine the diseases that once ravaged our ancestors and led to untold loss and suffering. We also discuss how genealogists can use this information to enrich their family histories and gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors' lives. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just starting out on your genealogy journey, this post is sure to offer valuable insights into the fascinating world of historical causes of death.
Religions
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) is one of the oldest African American churches in America. Founded in Philadelphia in 1816 by Richard Allen, the church was created to serve as a place of worship and a safe haven for African Americans during a time when they were not welcomed in most white churches. Today, the AME church continues to be an important institution for the African American community and has played a significant role in African American genealogy research. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the AME church and its impact on African American genealogy.
Learn about the history and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism, and how it relates to genealogy research.
Discover the history and beliefs of the Quaker faith and how it can help you with your genealogy research. Learn about the unique practices and values of the Quakers and how they influenced American history.
Genealogy research often involves exploring the role of religion in our ancestors' lives. This blog post explores the significance of religion in genealogy and the various ways it can be used to uncover new insights about our family histories.