What defines a cousin?   Mine were considered the companions of my childhood adventures and, at times, were confidants in childhood secrets.  They played a unique role in my life in Connecticut and Maine.  I was the youngest child by eight to 16 years to my three siblings; my cousins were close to my age and…

Going on a journey to uncover your family’s roots and trace the footsteps of your ancestors is a thrilling adventure that connects you with your heritage. As a genealogist and wanting to be a better storyteller, I found the absolute thrill in exploring where our past cousins may have lived, loved, and prospered.  This can…

Genealogy is the study of family history and lineage, and it can provide valuable insights into a person’s background, culture, and beliefs. In the case of the American founding fathers, genealogy can offer unique perspectives on their lives, values, and contributions to American society. This article will explore the genealogies of some of the most…

As the calendar starts to flip over to the summer months, when families will turn their focus to outdoor activities.   Their gardens will be dug, their plants potted, and they are gathering old photographs to share during family reunions. They say a “picture can be worth a thousand words,” which can be very accurate…

When this part of North Carolina was being settled, the main crime-fighting tools available were a drawing, a witness, and perhaps a gritty lawman hot on the trail.  You would have everything from bank robbers, murderers, thieves, and from time to time, an occasional Stagecoach robbery.  Even my in-law’s family made the New York Times…

Your DNA Holiday Present can provide a wealth of past information Receiving a DNA Test kit for the Holiday?  Your next thought should be, am I that person in your life who already has everything? You thought gift cards were always a safe bet from friends or relatives at this stage of your life, but…

The calendar is starting to leave the summer months and turn to November and December. Being a genealogist, I cannot help but feel excited during these two months because so many traditions and holidays are observed by so many worldwide during this time. Personally, these traditions bring back many memories of my family getting together…

In today’s world, there are so many ways that you can capture your family’s history.  In the past, we had ancestors who enjoyed capturing their history in markings and paintings on caves. The Egyptians captured their lineage in images placed on the walls of their tombs. Closer to home, the indigenous tribes had storytellers who…

“What if I told you,” this phrase can evoke many thoughts depending on its use. In today’s genealogical world, it can provide an opening to pass along information about your family and how you became you. Genealogy sites have done several surveys, and the results found that Americans are not just out of touch with their…