Featured this quarter: how to avoid some common errors in your family history research, and stories from our readers about their own errors. Plus, the story of a whaling ship, Jewish holiday recipes, the ancestry of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and more. Join American Ancestors to access the new issue today! Learn More
Recently on Vita Brevis
Descendants with a Reputation
What does researcher Chris Child have in common with Jeffrey Dahmer, the man who made headlines as a serial murderer in the 1990s? You guessed it—they're both descendants of Mayflower passengers. Read More
October Used Book Sale
Extra 10% Off Used Book Titles
We've refilled our shelves with hundreds of unique and hard-to-find titles! Stock up on essential resources in history and genealogy, and save an additional 10% on all used books through the end of October. Shop Now
If discount is not automatically added upon checkout, enter coupon code UB0102022 to redeem. Membership discounts do not apply to this promotion. Prices valid through 10/31/22, while supplies last.
Share your thoughts about the survey at weeklygenealogist@nehgs.org. Responses may be edited for clarity and length and featured in a future newsletter.
Last Week's Survey:
Visiting an Ancestor's Country of Origin
Total: 4,163 responses
52%, Yes.
29%, No, but I intend to.
18%, No, and I don’t intend to.
Readers Respond:
Mary-Alice Wildasin, Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland: I visited Ireland over twenty times—and then I moved here permanently! I came to get my Masters in “History of the Family” and wrote my dissertation on my ancestors’ migration from Kilkenny to Quebec to Bangor, Maine. I felt the pull of my ancestors and settled in Ireland with my partner, an Irish farmer. I feel very much at home here.
Sue Clasen, Westminster, Colorado: I am currently in London, where many of my ancestors originated. I visited the St. Clement-Dane Anglican Church today, where my ancestor Godfrey Nims was baptized. On the 18th, I will be joining the NEHGS tour “Pilgrims in England: The Southeast Contingent” to learn more about the life of my ancestor James Chilton in Canterbury.
Cynthia Russell, Logan, Utah: In the 1980s I lived in Darmstadt, Germany, with my husband while he was serving in the U.S. Army. While doing my genealogy recently, I discovered that my ancestors came from Darmstadt!
Peg Werner, Fergus Falls, Minnesota: In 2012, my son won a talent contest sponsored by his employer in Portland, Oregon. The prize was two round trip tickets anywhere in the world. He was unmarried and, needless to say, there was much good-natured jockeying to be his travel companion. Much to my surprise, he chose to take me to Europe, specifically, to the Netherlands to visit my grandfather's birthplace, where his family had lived for centuries. We hired a car and driver and traveled across the country visiting villages, walking through cemeteries, locating the churches, and eating at local inns. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
Clark Bagnall, Nashua, New Hampshire: I have ancestors who came from Great Britain in four different centuries, from my mother’s Puritan ancestors to my dad and his parents who came over in the 20th century. In 1985 I visited England and I located the house my grandfather had inherited in 1901, where my dad had grown up. The owner graciously showed me around the property. Then, he showed me initials carved in a tree next to the house and asked if I knew whose initials they were. They were my uncle's! My dad's older brother had left his mark for me to find so many years later.
Rena Quint, Child Survivor, Found Herself in Her Family History Holocaust survivor Rena Quint had begun to doubt her own memories, until, in the 1980s, she started to seek and find answers in repositories, in conversations with other survivors, and in Polish archives.
The Feminine Art of Bow Hunting “Although hunting is often styled as a sport of men, American magazines marketed bow hunting to women in an attempt to legitimize and civilize the sport.”
Database News
The Genealogist: New Volumes Available
We’re excited to announce the release of volumes 5-9 (1984-1988) of The Genealogist, which adds more than 12,800 records. This database is presented in partnership with the American Society of Genealogists and is available to search for free. Search Now
Spotlight: Newspapers of Twin Falls, Idaho
by Valerie Beaudrault
The city of Twin Falls, located in southern Idaho, is the seat of Twin Falls County. The digital newspaper archive of the Twin Falls Public Library includes fourteen titles from 1904 to 2013. Search by keyword or date range, filter results by newspaper title or date range, and browse individual newspapers. Search Now
Whether your ancestors lived in New England in the 17th century or the 21st century, this presentation will give you the basic information to begin—and advance—your research into New England records. Watch Now
Planning for the Future?
Name Beneficiaries for Your Non-Probate Assets Today
Non-probate assets such as an IRA, 401(k), or life-insurance policy are not covered in your will or trust—you must name beneficiaries separately. Our friends at FreeWill.com have provided a free and secure online tool to guide you through naming beneficiaries for your assets in one easy place. Preserve your legacy, make sure your loved ones are provided for, and support the causes most important to you—get started today! Learn More
