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, […]
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 […]
You’ve just spent the day with your extended family at your annual reunion. Full of food and anecdotes, you blithely agree to research a seven times great aunt who supposedly was a seamstress alongside Betsy Ross. Full of inspiration, you begin searching through records on the internet, as well as handwritten notes, letters, pictures, and […]
Summer is here, and for some it means sun-kissed days, nightlights lit by lighting bugs ( or fireflies, depending on your region of the country), and relaxed schedules. And for many, there are travel plans in the works; a much anticipated trip to get away from routine and to enjoy some different scenery. Summer can […]
While digging through a treasure trove of papers and pictures, I discovered some information that raised my eyebrows. After doing the math, I realized that my paternal grandmother and maternal great-grandmother were both in a family way upon their wedding days. While this is becoming a more socially acceptable situation, a “shotgun wedding” in the […]
The promise of snow only days before Christmas proved to be no more than a whispered threat, but the wind still whipped a chill around those who slipped from their warmed hearths and into the dark night. Wrapped in blankets and faces smeared dark with soot, they boarded the three English vessels which had docked […]