Smash and Grab Genealogy, or Deciding Whether to Post an Online Tree

Posted on January 27, 2015 by debbiemieszala

I have not posted a family tree online. I’m not hoarding ancestors. Continue reading →

Posted in DNA, Family Research, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 89 Comments

Missouri: Adoption, Birth Certificates, and a Call to Action

Posted on January 26, 2015 by debbiemieszala

Today the second reading of Missouri’s House Bill (HB) 647 took place. According to the Missouri House of Representatives website, HB 647 “Establishes procedures for  an adopted person to obtain a copy of his or her original birth certificate.” Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

Learning From Home: FamilySearch Webinars

Posted on January 17, 2015 by debbiemieszala

Every minute is filled during a research trip to Salt Lake City. Add the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy to the mix, and there is much to share, but little free time to write. But how can I not mention a free learning opportunity for the genealogist, one that comes right to your home?  Continue reading →

Posted in Education | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Fishing in Another Pond — But Seriously, Folks!

Posted on January 9, 2015 by debbiemieszala

I’ve obsessively checked Ancestry to see if my DNA results would ever come in. Continue reading →

Posted in DNA, Family Research, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Newspaper Research: The Importance of Being Thorough

Posted on January 8, 2015 by debbiemieszala

“The cry of fire was raised in Catharine st. at 10 o’clock this forenoon, and in a minute the street was black with people.”[4] Continue reading →

Posted in Family Research, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Original Birth Certificates in Illinois Open to Birth Parents

Posted on January 2, 2015 by debbiemieszala

Several changes to the Illinois Adoption Act went into effect on 1 January 2015.  One change allows birth parents who are named on the original birth certificate (OBC) to obtain a copy of the OBC of the child they placed for adoption. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Illinois, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Marriage and Divorce Statute Digests, Courtesy of the Bureau of the Census

Posted on December 29, 2014 by debbiemieszala

What was the most popular cause given for a divorce filed by a husband from 1867 to 1906? Was the same cause predominant in divorces when the wife was the plaintiff? Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments