Upcoming Research Programs with American Ancestors/NEHGS
Genealogical Skills Boot Camp—May 5–7, 2022
Take your research skills to the next level with this intensive three-day research program and learn to tackle genealogical problems like a pro.
Day Trip to Phillips Library—May 13, 2022
Join American Ancestors/NEHGS experts for a day of genealogical research at the Phillips Library, which houses the rare books and special collections of the Peabody Essex Museum.
Spring Research Getaway—June 9–11, 2022
Join our experts at our Research Center in Boston for a three-day research program including consultations, orientations and more.
Upcoming American Inspiration Author Series Events
With Authors Anne Hyde, Dennis Duncan, and William R. Cross
On April 26, historian Anne Hyde explores the stories and lasting cultural impact of mixed-race Native families in the early history of the American West. On May 10, hear from Dennis Duncan about the little-known history of the index, and learn how this everyday tool has shaped centuries of knowledge and information. On May 16, William R. Cross explores Winslow Homer’s life on the front lines of history and the personality behind the art.
The city of Brandon in southwestern Manitoba, Canada, has made a burials database for the municipal cemetery available on its website. Click the Online Cemetery Search link to begin. The database can be searched by name, date of birth or death, and place of birth or death. Highlight a record in the initial search results to view the deceased’s detailed record, a digital image of the gravestone, if it is available, and the grave’s location pinpointed on the cemetery map. You will also find a link to a virtual cemetery walking tour in the list of resources on the right side of the webpage. Search Now
Free Online Lecture
Discover the 1950 U.S. Federal Census
The newly-released 1950 U.S. Federal Census is providing researchers the opportunity to discover or verify new information about their family history. Learn what information is provided, how to search, and how this resource can lead you to other records. Presented by Lindsay Fulton. April 14 at 3 p.m. (ET).
Imagining the Jewish Past: Three Authors Discuss Jewish History and Literary Inspiration
Join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center for a special evening of community, conversation, and celebration, featuring a panel discussion with authors Anita Diamant, Allegra Goodman, and Rachel Kadish. Moderated by Michael Hoberman, PhD.
Learn how to trace colonial ancestors who remained loyal to the Crown in the wake of the Revolutionary War in this three-week course. Presented by Sheilagh Doerfler, David Allen Lambert, and Melanie McComb. Live sessions: May 4, 11, and 18 at 6 p.m. (ET).
Get $25 Off Your New American Ancestors Membership
Now is the perfect time to trace your family history. Get started today with $25 off a new American Ancestors membership! Unlock access to more than a billion searchable names, award-winning publications, unique educational resources, and more. Offer valid with code APRIL0422 before 4/30/22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Not valid on current membership renewals. Join Now
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors or relatives worked underground. We received 2,848 responses. The results are:
27%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives was a miner.
2%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives worked on an underground railway system, such as a subway.
4%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives worked at a tunneling job or other underground construction-related job.
2%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors or relatives worked underground in a job not mentioned above.
1%, I work (or worked) underground.
69%, No, I don’t think any of my ancestors or relatives worked underground.
This week’s survey asks if you have made discoveries in the 1950 census. Take the survey now
Want to share your thoughts on the survey with us? We are always happy to hear from our readers. Email us at weeklygenealogist@nehgs.org. Responses may be edited for clarity and length and featured in a future newsletter.
Readers Respond: Working Underground
By Lynn Betlock, Editor
Last week's survey asked if any of your ancestors or relatives who worked underground. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Ellen Frueh, Schenectady, New York: My great-grandfather, Norman Henry Chapin, made a successful living from mining in Arizona in the late 1800s. He owned the "Pride of the West" copper mine at Washington Camp. Norman most likely followed in the footsteps of his uncles, Lodowick and Benjamin Chapin, who went to California in the 1850s, hoping to make it big. But Benjamin died in a mining accident in February 1859. According to the newspaper article, “Benjamin S. Pendleton, formerly of Litchfield, Conn., was killed by the caving of the bank of his claim, on Squaw Flat, near Horsetown.”
Kelly A. Fox, Methuen, Massachusetts: My ancestor, Edmund L. Fox (1863-1912), worked underground as a subway car conductor in Boston. According to a Boston Globe article on September 1, 1897, he was the conductor in the fourth car—No. 1035 for the Meeting House Hill, Dorchester Line— to go below ground in the new tunnels.
Patricia Rentz, Reston, Virginia: Two lines of ancestors on my mother’s side came from England to work in the mines of Pennsylvania—the Maddocks from the coal mines of Staffordshire and the Richardsons from the lead mines of Cumberland. Mary Maddock and Lancelot Richardson married and moved to Rockaway, New Jersey, where Lancelot worked as an engineer in the iron mines. Their son (my great-grandfather), Robert Richardson, moved to New York City where he was the foreman of a line repair crew. In 1919 he was hit and killed by a subway train. I learned the gruesome details of the story from the inquest report.
Naomi Goring, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina: My grandfather, Albert Goring, was a stationary engineer who ran the steam heating plant at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. The buildings were connected by miles of underground steam tunnels which he had to inspect.
Millicent Knight, Basking Ridge, New Jersey: My father was a mining engineer who worked for a copper mining company in eastern Tennessee. He frequently went down mine shafts to assess the availability of copper. After receiving a draft notice during World War II, he reported to the induction center. When he returned home, he announced that he had been exempted because "his job was critical to the national defense." His relieved wife and three children were very happy.
Database News
Volume 36 (February 2016) of The Essex Genealogist is now available!
This update adds over 200 pages and 1,400 searchable names. The leading publication for genealogical research in Essex County, Massachusetts, this quarterly journal has been published since 1981 by The Essex Society of Genealogists. This publication contains cemetery transcriptions, Bible records, and vital and church records relating to families from Essex County. Search Now
Free Event from Digital Commonwealth
Facilitating Discovery: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Sacramental and Cemetery Records
Don't miss this free online event exploring our popular Boston Roman Catholic records database! Molly Rogers, Associate Director of Database Content at American Ancestors, will discuss the creation of this database along with Violet Hurst, Archivist, and Thomas Lester, Director of the Archive & Library for the Archdiocese of Boston. May 4 at 1:30 p.m. (ET) Register Now
