Over the years, I have found that two enjoyable aspects to researching my family have been meeting distant cousins that are also into genealogy and getting the chance to trade our research. I have often been surprised by how close genealogy can bring two people together, that would otherwise just be considered strangers. My research […]
Located on the banks of the James River in Charles City County, Va., is the Berkeley Plantation, a three-story brick mansion with a lot of history. Built by Benjamin Harrison IV, it is the birthplace of descendants Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the […]
Today it is almost impossible to find a channel without a show that revolves around the paranormal. Every time we turn around there’s a new series that shadows a paranormal group as they investigate unexplained sights and sounds under the green glow of an infrared camera. Armed with an assortment of gadgets, the investigators claim […]
For those of us with Celtic heritage (myself included), traditions are of paramount importance. Along with stubborn streaks, sentimentality, and tempers that go from slow burn to high octane in no time, the Celts are a band of people who like to be in control and to know what’s coming next. Which could also explain […]
As with many family histories, there are stories that are handed down through generations; tales that seem to grow toward fact with every passing year. Often times, there is no proof or documents to support the anecdotes, but they are woven as truths just the same. My own family is not immune to this phenomenon, […]
July 20, 1969 six hundred million people worldwide sat glued to their televisions watching as Neil Armstrong emerged from Apollo 11. Making his way down the ladder, Armstrong’s feet finally made contact with the moon’s surface. What followed were his famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. Joined by […]
Searching for our ancestors can be just as frustrating as it is rewarding, especially when you hit a dead end. There are times you will be fortunate enough to have the name of your ancestor and still have no luck finding their documents. How can this be? Below is a list of things to consider […]
In the thick swoon of coastal humidity, sweat mixing with the salt of tears, Charlestonians gathered in front of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopalian Church only hours after hearing word of the tragedy that had befallen the congregation. Bouquets of cherry reds, whispering pinks, and cotton cool whites were arranged by the door and were accompanied […]
Summer is typically the time for blockbuster movies to urge us to come in droves to dark, air conditioned theaters for a little escapism. In the spirit of history, I’ve selected three movies from my own vault to review that may help renew your interest in research and genealogy. Who knows, maybe some of your […]
Purple, gold, and orange sunsets. Dust clouding under weather beaten boots and silver spurs. The rustle of wind through the feathers of a warrior’s headdress. The crackle of an open fire, shushed by a howl of a distant coyote. The days of the “wild west” are now nothing more than black and white memories captured […]
