7 Steps for Preserving Old Photo Albums and Scrapbooks
Preserving old albums means figuring out what to do with everything inside. What if items are dirty or mildewed? How can you safely store related memorabilia? The Archive Lady Melissa Barker tackles these common and important questions. Recently Donna wrote in to tell...Family History Episode 6 – Sleuthing Out Families and What Records Exist
Published November 5, 2013
by Lisa Louise Cooke
Download the Show Notes for this Episode
Welcome to this step-by-step series for beginning genealogists—and more experienced ones who want to brush up or learn something new. I first ran this series in 2008. So many people have asked about it, I’m bringing it back in weekly segments.
Episode 6: Sleuthing Out Families and What Records Exist
We talk about sleuthing Sherlock Holmes-style for our families. My guest says, “Stop looking for names and start looking for families!” (Disclaimer: this episode was recorded several years ago and is not an endorsement of the guest at that time, and his opinions are his alone.)
In the second segment, I give an overview of the different kinds of historical records in which our ancestors may appear. Basically, whenever any life event happened that involved the government or a church, paperwork was generated: vital records, land sales, wills and probates, baptisms and burials. There was often a ripple effect, too, in which the event was reported in other sources, like newspapers. In future episodes, we’ll talk in depth about finding and using these different kinds of sources. But consider this episode your orientation to them!
Updates: since this episode aired, the 1940 census has become available to the public. Learn more about it here and search it at your favorite genealogy data site, like: Ancestry.com, Archives.com, Familysearch.org, Findmypast.com and MyHeritage.com.
Individual Premium Membership
Genealogy Gems Yearly Premium Membership Featuring: Premium video classes – with downloadable ad-free handouts Elevenses with Lisa show video replays and handouts Premium Podcast (Audio) Episodes & Archive Downloadable handouts for free podcast and videos...Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 255 – National Archives Catalog
The U.S. National Archives Online Catalog for Genealogy
In this episode Lisa Louise Cooke will answer important questions such as:
- What kind of genealogy records can be found at the National Archives website?
- Which genealogy records are not available at the National Archives?
- How do I search for records at the National Archives online Catalog?
- How can I retrieve only digital items from the National Archives Catalog?
- How can I get better search results in the National Archives Online Catalog?
- How do I download files from the National Archives Website?
- What is the Record Group Explorer?
This audio comes from my YouTube video series Elevenses with Lisa episode 40.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
To Listen click the media player below (AUDIO ONLY):
Watch the Original Video:
Genealogy Gems Premium Members Exclusive Download:
Log into your Premium membership and then click here to download the handy PDF show notes that compliment this podcast episode.
Become a Genealogy Gems Premium Member
Premium Members have exclusive access to:
- Video classes and downloadable handouts
- The Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast
- Elevenses with Lisa downloadable ad-free show notes PDF cheat sheets
Become a member here.
Genealogy Gems Podcast App
Don’t miss the Bonus audio for this episode. In the app, tap the gift box icon just under the media player. Get the app here.
Get the Free Genealogy Gems Newsletter
The Genealogy Gems email newsletter is the best way to stay informed about what’s available with your Premium eLearning Membership. Sign up today here.
Our Sponsor:
MyHeritage: Click here to start finding your family history at MyHeritage
Order a MyHeritage test or upload your raw data from another testing website here.
Follow Lisa and Genealogy Gems on Social Media:
- Instagram.com/genealogygemspodcast
- Facebook.com/genealogygems
- Pinterest.com/lisalouisecooke
- YouTube.com/GenealogyGems
Podcast Resources
Download the episode mp3
Show Notes: The audio in this episode comes from Elevenses with Lisa Episode 40. Visit the show notes page here.