It Was There All Along: How to Examine Records for Overlooked Clues and Details
Today, so many records easily available are online that it can be tempting to quickly glance at a record, save it, and move on to the next one. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will provide strategies for finding often-overlooked details in records that can provide clues about your ancestors’ lives and times. Learn More
FREE Webinar, August 20
American Ancestors Virtual Open House
Do you want to make real headway in your family history research? The genealogists, databases, and millions of unique collections at American Ancestors can help! Join us for a special online discussion that highlights the many benefits and services available to members. Learn More
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
This Week's Survey:
Canadian Connections
Share your thoughts about the survey! Please limit submissions to 150 words or fewer. Your submission may be featured in an upcoming newsletter or shared on social media; please note in your email if you do not want your story to be shared. Published responses may be edited for clarity and length.
5%, Yes, I think I will reach a point when I consider my genealogical research to be complete.
4%, Yes, I think I will reach a point when genealogical research is no longer interesting to me.
27%, Yes, I think that during my lifetime I will pass my genealogical research on to someone else to preserve or continue.
13%, Yes, I think that during my lifetime I will pass my genealogical research on to an organization.
29%, Yes, I believe that I will end my genealogical research due to health issues, age, or other circumstances beyond my control.
64%, No, I think I will continue my genealogical research for the rest of my life.
2%, I have an opinion not described above.
Readers Respond
Jan Alpert, Hilton Head Island: Although I have been researching my family history for more than forty years, DNA discoveries have provided new clues that have enabled me to break through several brick walls. I have two research trips planned this summer to work on these newly discovered ancestors. My interest and excitement continues.
Carole Schultz, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: I had my 93rd birthday in June. I plan to continue working on my family history because I enjoy it so much and it is so interesting! My family is helpful and always asks questions that I enjoy answering.
Jeff Jacobberger, Sherman Oaks, California: Because my last name is rare, I have endeavored to find all descendants of Andreas Jacobberger, a resident of Alsace in the 1600s who was the first person with that name for whom written records exist. As long as people continue to marry, have children, and die, my work will never be finished.
K. Samuelson, Duluth, Minnesota: My husband and I researched together for more than forty-five years. After he died last year, I continued research on both of our families. I plan to keep going until I die. Some cousins and a grandchild have expressed interest in carrying on my research, and I hope to donate some of our records to the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.
Dorcas Aunger, Arcadia, California: When I became interested in genealogy in my teenage years, my mother, Lorena (Hubbell) Aunger, told me I could research our Aunger family at the Los Angeles Central Library. In a few weeks I will be 92 years old, and there is nothing I'd rather do than genealogy. I'm working on a book about the descendants of Thomas Aunger, born in 1650. I have completed eleven of the fourteen generations. I pray that I will have the time to finish this work.
Summer 2025 Issue of American Ancestors Magazine Now Available
This issue focuses on home sources for family history. The main feature, “Hunting for Genealogical Treasure at Home” by Ann G. Lawthers, describes the various categories of home sources and provides numerous examples of how these records can enhance and deepen knowledge about ancestors and relatives. We also present articles that use a variety of home sources—Bible records, a portrait, family letters, and diaries—as starting points for research and connection. As always, the issue contains information about our membership benefits, news, events, and educational opportunities. Read Now
Email us to share your thoughts on the issue! American Ancestors magazine is a benefit of membership. Join American Ancestors today to receive this and other great membership benefits.
“How did Western Europe learn of the fall of Constantinople, the loss of Negroponte, and the Ottoman defeat at Lepanto? In the early modern era all news was slow news.”
Spotlight: Digital Archives of the Historic Central School, Iowa
by Valerie Beaudrault
Historic Central School is located in Lake City, Calhoun County, Iowa. Now serving as a cultural and heritage center, Central School operated as a school from 1884 through 1980. The organization has made a number of newspaper resources available in their Community History Archive. The collection comprises nearly 188,000 pages from nineteen newspapers, including Lake City Graphic (1886-2010), The Rockwell City Advocate (1897-1983), Lytton Star (1914-2017), The Rockwell City Advocate and The Calhoun County Republican (1927-1973), Calhoun County Advocate (1984-1995), and The Lohrville Enterprise (1894-1920). The database can be searched by keyword or browsed. Search Now
As a family historian, you know that wills are important in your research—but have you created a will for yourself? Free Will, an easy and free online will creation tool, will guide you step-by-step through identifying beneficiaries for your assets, supporting the causes that are important to you, and planning for the preservation of your research. Learn More
