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Treasure Hunt – Using the WPA/HRS Index [updated 28 November 2022]

In my last post titled “Even More Riches – Even More Local”, I described how document descriptions at the Baltimore City Archives are being entered into the Guide to Government Records at the Maryland State Archives website. But how can genealogis…

In my last post titled “Even More Riches, Even More Local“, I described how document descriptions at the Baltimore City Archives are being entered into the Guide to Government Records at the Maryland State Archives website.  But how can genealogists uncover their own riches? Continue reading “Treasure Hunt – Using the WPA/HRS Index [updated 28 November 2022]”

Even More Riches – Even More Local

For the last year, I have been a volunteer at the Baltimore City Archives (BCA), where a three-year partnership with the Maryland State Archives (MSA) has revived the once-vibrant program. I arrived on the doorstep of BCA just as agreement was rea…

For the last year, I have been a volunteer at the Baltimore City Archives (BCA), where a three-year partnership with the Maryland State Archives (MSA) has revived the once-vibrant program. I arrived on the doorstep of BCA just as agreement was reached, and so have enjoyed a front row seat for the transformation. Continue reading “Even More Riches – Even More Local”

Return to Local Riches

I am missing Salt Lake City this week – it’s where I’ve been in January the last two years – enjoying classroom learning and the wealth of the Family History Library. But I’ll be OK – a geographically fortunate researcher, I visited the Library of…

I am missing Salt Lake City this week – it’s where I’ve been in January the last two years –  enjoying  classroom learning and the wealth of the Family History Library.  But I’ll be OK – a geographically fortunate researcher, I visited the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, last week, after a lengthy absence.  Continue reading “Return to Local Riches”

Christmas Babes

When my girls were little and the Christmas to-do list seemed ever so long, I was grateful that we didn’t do Santa-at-the-Mall. I would cruise by those lines with a slight smugness. I admit it. But the genetic truth is – our family is not good at …

When my girls were little and the Christmas to-do list seemed ever so long, I was grateful that we didn’t do Santa-at-the-Mall.  I would cruise by those lines with a slight smugness.  I admit it.

But the genetic truth is – our family is not good at Santa-lap-sitting. Continue reading “Christmas Babes”

Picture Postcard History

I’ve never thrown away a picture postcard received by mail. They don’t arrive on a regular basis anymore but it’s a love affair that won’t fade away. And when I see display boxes of historic postcards at antique shows, or conference halls, I rarel…

I’ve never thrown away a picture postcard received by mail. They don’t arrive on a regular basis anymore but it’s a love affair that won’t fade away.  Continue reading “Picture Postcard History”

Irish Cred

Some of you know that both our daughters wed this year. (1) Both grooms have notable Irish heritage, each with a first-generation grandfather, born here to Irish immigrants. One couple has visited Ireland; the other one is already talking about it…

Some of you know that both our daughters wed this year. (1)  Both grooms have notable Irish heritage, each with a first-generation grandfather, born here to Irish immigrants.  One couple has visited Ireland; the other one is already talking about it.  I can’t offer any Irish roots but the Father of the Brides can. Continue reading “Irish Cred”

Church Record Sunday – Origin of a ‘Family’ Name

I went in search of the church marriage record of my great grandparents, Sadie and Lemuel, charmed by the fact that they wed in the city where I have been living for many years. That journey was marked by a series of newbie-mistakes but, in the en…

I went in search of the church marriage record of my great grandparents, Sadie and Lemuel, charmed by the fact that they wed in the city where I have been living for many years.  That journey was marked by a series of newbie-mistakes but, in the end, I did find the record in the Jackson Square Methodist Episcopal Church Records, held by Lovely Lane Museum & Archives. That’s not the story here.  This is. Continue reading “Church Record Sunday – Origin of a ‘Family’ Name”

Ephemera

“Ephemera” is defined as “anything short-lived…items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, especially pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc.”That is the catalog term used to describe what I recently viewed at the Portsmouth (NH) A…

“Ephemera”  is defined as “anything short-lived…items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, especially pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc.”

That is the catalog term used to describe what I recently viewed at the Portsmouth (NH) Athenaeum last month. Continue reading “Ephemera”

The Odells of New Hampshire

I have to be upfront about this. I’m married to an Odell and I’ve given birth to a couple of ’em, but I’m not really one myself. That doesn’t prevent me from nosing around the family history with great enthusiasm. I got started two years ago, whil…

I have to be upfront about this.  I’m married to an Odell and I’ve given birth to a couple of ’em, but I’m not really one myself.  That doesn’t prevent me from nosing around the family history with great enthusiasm. Continue reading “The Odells of New Hampshire”

Meet Nelly Webb, Eminent and Eccentric

Earlier this summer – just to keep my hand in – I went on a few cemetery field trips right here in Baltimore. A friend and colleague taught a graduate level public history course on cemeteries and allowed me to tag along on the Saturday field trip…

Earlier this summer – just to keep my hand in – I went on a few cemetery field trips right here in Baltimore. A friend and colleague taught a graduate level public history course on cemeteries and allowed me to tag along on the Saturday field trips. Continue reading “Meet Nelly Webb, Eminent and Eccentric”