Noted Historian and Mayflower author on Writing History and Travels with George
In the fall of 1789 and only six months into his presidency, Washington set out on the first of four road trips as he attempted to unite into a single nation what were, in essence, thirteen independent states. In the fall of 2018, Nathaniel Philbrick, his wife, and dog set out to retrace Washington’s route. At historic houses and landmarks from Savannah, Georgia, to Kittery Point, Maine, Philbrick met reenactors, tour guides, and other keepers of history’s flame. Hear about their journey in a discussion of his new book, Travels with George, September 23 at 6 p.m. ET. Register Now
After the free event, join us for an extended Q+A with the author at 7:30 p.m. ET, which will feature Philbrick answering questions about his inspirations, research, and writing process.Moderator Ryan J. Woods will be joined by Catherine Allgor, President of the Massachusetts Historical Society, to facilitate this enlightening and interactive conversation full of insight for Philbrick fans and readers, fellow historians, and writers. Separate registration and fee required. Includes signed and personalized copy of Travels with George.Register Now
American Ancestors is Coming to Colorado!
From Pilgrims to Patriots: Researching Early New England Ancestors
Discover essential resources and records for colonial New England research, understand early settlement and migration patterns, learn how to research your early veteran ancestors, and hear how to verify your connection to Mayflower passengers. In addition to attending lectures, you’ll have a chance to browse some of our most recent publications, hear about upcoming activities and projects, and speak with staff members. Presented in-person in Denver by Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert and Genealogist Katrina Fahy, November 6, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. ET. Register Now
In-Person Research Tour
Fall Research Getaway, Boston, MA
Enjoy three days of research, one-on-one consultations, and social events while exploring the rich offerings at the American Ancestors/NEHGS Research Center and benefitting from the knowledge and assistance of expert genealogists. Join us from October 21 to 23, 2021. Register Now
Spotlight: The Commercial Record, Michigan
by Valerie Beaudrault
The Allegan County cities of Saugatuck and Douglas are located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The Commercial Record newspaper, established in 1868, has been published under a number of titles throughout the years. The digital newspaper archive covers the period from 1868 through 1977. You can search the contents or browse by year by clicking on one of the buttons on the home page. Within the content search function, you can enter a person’s name, local news item, a street/road name, or a keyword, then choose an option from one of thirteen topics. The search results include an issue/page/column number link. Click the link to view the page image.Search Now
Online Course
Probate records are crucial but sometimes overlooked sources for family historians. Live broadcasts September 15, 22, and 29 at
The Ugly History of Chicago’s “Ugly Law” “In the nineteenth century, laws in many parts of the country prohibited “undeserving” disabled people from appearing in public.”
Last week's survey asked about ancestors who played a musical instrument. We received 2,893 responses. The results are:
54%, Yes, at least one of my parents played a musical instrument.
50%, Yes, at least one of my grandparents played a musical instrument.
27%, Yes, at least one of my great-grandparents played a musical instrument.
25%, Yes, at least one of my ancestors from an earlier generation played a musical instrument.
51%, I play (or played) a musical instrument.
17%, I don’t know.
This week's question asks if any of your grandmothers or great-grandmothers were ever the primary breadwinners in their families. 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: Musical Ancestors
By Jean Powers, Senior Editor
Last week's survey asked about ancestors who played a musical instrument. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Paul Erickson, Harwich, Massachusetts: My maternal grandmother, Gladys Carter (1889-1977), played the violin and the musical saw. She played her musical saw on the Gates Theater Amateur Radio Audition Show in Lowell, Massachusetts, on January 19, 1940. I have a copy of her invitation to perform from the show's host, Bob Robinson. I can remember seeing her perform on Community Auditions, a Boston TV show, in the 1950s. In 1962 Gladys played her saw in the Tewksbury, Massachusetts, South Methodist Church 50th Anniversary celebration. I think her favorite song was "That Old Rugged Cross." She played beautiful music with that saw.
William Hallett, Newburyport, Massachusetts: My mom told me stories of how her grandmother, Edith Pearson (Leigh) Noyes of Newburyport, Massachusetts, had a piano in the house and whenever the family visited, there would be at least one night of sing-alongs with Gram on the piano as the family gathered around. After high school, my mom lived with her grandmother and said just the two of them would sing, but it always ended up in a giggle fest. My dad was also included when he began dating my mom.
Pamela Gamble, Lexington, Massachusetts: My grandparents grew up in small villages in Italy. My grandfather played the mandolin, and my grandmother, who was from Montemarano, danced the Tarantella. I have her original castanets carved for her by her father. Their three children grew up with music. My father, Paul Riccardi, played violin, saxophone, and clarinet, and composed music well into his 90s. His older sister, Adelina, played the piano. They played duets at gatherings and events throughout town. This kept them very busy in the 1920s and `30s at home when Arlington, Massachusetts, was a small town that still had farms.
Joan Koesterherm, North Andover, Massachusetts: My grandfather, John Griffin, the son of Irish immigrant Edward Griffin, liked to tell a story about his father making him take violin lessons. John hated playing so much that he “accidentally” fell on his violin while toppling off the streetcar. That put an end to his lessons.
Only on American Ancestors.org
New volumes for Massachusetts: (Image-Only) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920
This week we’re announcing 45 new volumes and 11 updated volumes in Massachusetts: (Image Only) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston Records, 1789-1920. These new volumes come from nine parishes: St. Aidan (Brookline), St. Mary of the Assumption (Brookline), Immaculate Conception (Cambridge), Our Lady of Pity (Cambridge), Sacred Heart of Jesus (Cambridge), St. Francis of Assisi (Cambridge), St. Hedwig (Cambridge), St. Paul (Cambridge), and Holy Trinity (Lawrence).
