Now you can enjoy some of our most popular family history courses on demand, including recorded lectures, handouts, activities, and more. Course materials do not expire— access all of your purchased courses through your American Ancestors account, when and wherever you want. Choose a course and start learning today! Learn More
American Inspiration Author Event
Bill Griffeth with Strangers No More
A sequel to the retired CNBC anchor's remarkable first book about a DNA discovery that rocked his world, Strangers No More is an exploration of identity and family, and how DNA testing has forced us to rethink the meaning of these words. Signed book included with event registration. July 14 at 6 p.m. (ET). Register Now
In-person Research Tour
Day Trip to the New Hampshire Historical Society
Join American Ancestors experts at the New Hampshire Historical Society for a day of genealogical research! Explore collections related to New Hampshire and greater New England, including family histories, vital records, church records, diaries, military records, and more. July 22 at 9:30 a.m. (ET). Register Now
Spotlight: Davenport Public Library, Iowa
by Valerie Beaudrault
The city of Davenport, seat of Scott County, is located in eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River. The Davenport Public Library provides an online database of local indexes, searchable by first name, last name, and keywords, and limited to a specific date range. The database includes a local news index, obituaries, Scott County marriage certificate and license returns, marriage announcements, the Gazette newspaper, various Iowa state censuses, military indexes, mortality schedules, and a Scott County probate index. Search Now
Online Lecture
Researching War of 1812 Veteran Ancestors
Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss key resources including compiled service and pension records, muster rolls, correspondence from officers, town histories, and a new database from AmericanAncestors.org. July 7 at 3 p.m. (ET).
Work closely with experts to advance your research at the American Ancestors Research Center in Boston. In-person program includes a tour, daily lectures, consultations, and more.
In this online workshop, our experts will demonstrate how to plan, scan, and manage your own records digitization project at home. July 23 at 2 p.m. (ET).
Last week's survey asked if you have visited any Revolutionary War battlefields or historic sites. We received 3,376 responses. The results are:
14%, Yes, I have visited one.
41%, Yes, I have visited two to four.
18%, Yes, I have visited five to nine.
12%, Yes, I have visited too many to count!
2%, No, but I am planning to visit at least one this year.
9%, No, and I am not planning any visits to Revolutionary War battlefields or historic sites.
5%, I’m not sure if I have visited any Revolutionary War battlefields or historic sites.
This week’s survey asks about your ancestors' connection to boarding houses. 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: Revolutionary War Sites
By Jean Powers, Senior Editor
Last week's survey asked if you have visited any Revolutionary War battlefields or historic sites. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Andrea Hajducko, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: While staying at a B&B in Westford, Massachusetts, I discovered that it had been the home of one of my Minutemen ancestors and a meeting place for local militia planning strategies for the war. It was a particularly fortuitous coincidence, as the purpose of my visit was to have a DAR marker dedicated at the grave of that ancestor.
Randy Cheryl Kapfer, Boonville, New York: I live in upstate New York, less than 20 miles from Fort Stanwix in Rome and the Oriskany Battlefield in Oriskany. I have visited these sites many times and attended the yearly commemoration at Oriskany Battlefield. I have also travelled to many battle sites in the Mohawk Valley, where one of my Revolutionary War ancestors lived and served as a member of the Tryon County militia.
Scott Collum, Fairfax, Vermont: I began my federal government career as a ranger with the National Park Service, including a stint at Minuteman National Historic Park in Concord/Lexington. It was an incredible experience to lead interpretative tours and programs on the actual spots where my ancestors fought the British regulars in 1775.
Melynda Brenton, Aztec, New Mexico: My husband and I travelled to Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, to visit the Lexington Green where my 5th-great-granduncle, Ebenezer Smith of Lexington, and my 5th-great-grandfather, Thaddeus Smith of Ashby, fought to defend our country in 1775. We also visited the Olde Burying Grounds where many of my ancestors and relatives are buried. It was an extremely emotional time for me. I have submitted a request to become an associate member of the DAR Lexington Chapter and plan to attend the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington in 2025.
Database News
New Volumes for Massachusetts Catholic Records (Image-Only)
We've recently added 21 new browsable volumes to our Massachusetts: (Image-Only) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, 1789-1920 database. These new volumes come from St. Agnes (Arlington), St. Francis of Assisi (Braintree), St. Joseph (Malden), St. James (Medford), St. Raphael (Medford), and Sacred Heart (Quincy). If you have questions about how to navigate this browsable database, be sure to watch our webinar. This database is available to guest members for free. Search Now
Planning for the Future?
Your Legacy. Your Peace of Mind.
Your Free Will.
Family historians know the importance of wills for research purposes—but have you created a will for yourself? A legal will ensures that your hard work will have an impact on future generations and your legacy will be preserved. Identify beneficiaries for your assets, support the causes that are important to you, and plan for the preservation of your research through this easy and free online will creation tool from our friends at Free Will. The step-by-step guided process takes just 20 minutes or less to complete.
