For the genealogist or family historian, family photos are very valuable. However, over time, pictures can suffer damage. Mold and mildew, excessive temperature variation, dust and dirt, direct sunlight, and water can deteriorate fragile images. What can be done to fix water-damaged photos? Restoration Utilizing a soft cloth (not paper), softly blot the photograph to dry it. (Do not rub!) Use photo imaging software to enhance the image. Several packages permit you to restore mislaid items (body parts, scenery, etc.) by drawing them in on your computer. For instance, if Uncle Jethro’s left arm is damaged in the photo, you … Continue reading →

Genealogy exploration can be completed, in great part, through libraries and online exploration. Lots of documents are public information and can be accessed through a little of digging. However, family memories can actually flesh out your genealogical research, making your ancestors better known to you and your readers. Here are a few things that can be discovered by asking family members: Descriptions Quiz your oldest relatives to see what they remember concerning their parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. What were these relatives like? What did they do for a living? How did they spend their holidays and free time? … Continue reading →

The most annoying, yet addictive part of investigating your family history is that you never know what you will discover in your research. This is where Family Group Records, the resources you have noted from your pre-exploration of the Family History Library Catalog comes in handy. Family History Centers differ in their dimension and kinds of records accessible. As such you should make sure that your initial stop is with the volunteers. Request their help finding the CDs or fiche rolls that will most likely hold the information you are searching for. Also, if you are a stranger to fiche … Continue reading →

Documenting a family’s history amid the generations is one of the trendiest pastimes. Fortunately for the recreational and the specialized genealogists, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormons, has developed a reports store that covers hundreds of years. These reports incorporate census reports, birth reports, death indexes, court proceedings, newspapers, obituaries, and dozens of additional sources of information. In addition to the major library in Salt Lake City, Utah, LDS has made these records accessible free of charge to the public, in spite of spiritual association, through more than 3,600 Family History Centers. … Continue reading →

Perhaps hearing Uncle Sid’s fishing tales and watching Great aunt Betty readjust her dentures aren’t your preferred family memories, however reunions are one of the best ways to build new memories and assist younger generations learn about their ancestors. Setting up such an event can be overwhelming, as so many people are concerned. However with a little organization family reunion can be a huge achievement. Foremost, select a small committee to complete different tasks. Consider allotting people to the following parts: food, activities, decorations, finances, and communication. Communication Choose how extensive you want the family reunion to be. Select one … Continue reading →