genealogy

Genealogy research is often challenging, and one of the biggest stumbling blocks that researchers face is tracing female lines.  In order to research further back in a female ancestor’s line, you need to discover her maiden name and her parents’ names.  This is difficult because, especially the further back in history you get, few transactions, legal or commercial, were recorded in a woman’s name.  Vital records, often the most revealing sources of direct evidence in genealogy research, were not typically required to be recorded across the U.S.  until the early part of the 20th century, as you can see if you consult this list of links entitled “Where to Write for Vital Records” compiled

Come join other genealogy enthusiasts on Saturday, March 2, as local genealogist Karen Rasmussen shares her expertise on using the FamilySearch database. This free workshop will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the library Meeting Room. No registration is required.

In celebration of African American History Month we’re taking a look at African American genealogy research this month.  Researching your African American family history is conducted using the steps and resources outlined in this post from January until you work your way beyond the 1870 Federal Census.  Once you reach the years prior to 1870 it becomes more challenging.  Tony Burroughs, internationally known genealogist, author, former genealogy instructor at Chicago State University and featured expert on

• African American
• genealogy
• Freeman
• Reference

Every genealogist, whether amateur or professional, runs into a brick wall in the quest for their ancestors' histories.  I came across a great book for opening up your mind to ways of getting around that brick wall.  Check out Marsha Rising's Family Tree Problem Solver.   

Come to the Harris County Public Library on Regency Green to be enlightened on the "Best Practices" in researching genealogy resources. Academic Reference Librarian Kimberly Gay will address, discuss and exchange innovative ways with library patrons who are seeking information on evidence-based historical and genealogical research records and repositories for Africa Diaspora, Native Americans, Hispanic and Mexican, Asian and Anglo-Saxon Genealogy. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their genealogy researching to share. Ms. Gay will provide a research framework about online and print resources and how to navigate through various methods.