GenealogyBlog

This is the only known photo of my ancestor Mary McGovern from County Leitrim, Ireland. Mary was married to Pat Fox.

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Christmas Gift Idea: Get a new genealogy book for the genealogist in your life.

My family celebrates the Christmas Season by getting together on Christmas day, sharing a meal, playing cards and just spending time together. New Years Day is a time for gathering around the television and watching football. Whatever holiday your family celebrates provides a chance to hear stories about your ancestors.

This is another post in a series to help get you thinking about some questions to ask your older relatives at the holiday gathering. Before the family get together this holiday season do some homework and prepare some questions to ask your older relatives. Check out our new category of blog posts called “Genealogy Interview Questions”.

This week focuses on preparing questions for learning about the games your ancestor played as well as the presents they received. Ask your mom, dad, grandparents or older relatives and friends to learn more about the games your ancestors played and what they did to entertain themselves.

• What were some presents you remember getting for Christmas or a Birthday?
• Which present did you enjoy the most? Why?
• What games did you play when you were little?
• What kind of card games, if any did you play?
• What else did you do for entertainment around the house or going out somewhere?
• What kind of board games if any did you have or play?
• What movies do you remember going to see?
• How often did you go to the movies and how much did it cost?
• Who were some of the neighborhood friends that you played with? What were they like?

Use these questions or prepare some of your own and you’ll be sure to hear some interesting stories. If you have any additional questions on the day’s topic be sure to reply to this post to let other readers know.

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I recently stumbled across a new database which was put on line by Ancestry.com. This database is entitled Connecticut Military Census of 1917. This census asked some unique questions which provide insight into your ancestors.

Below are digital copies of both of my grandfather’s records.

I learned some interesting things about them.

My Grandpa Fox knew how to ride a horse, handle a team, had experience with a steam engine and was a good swimmer. He had also filed first papers for citizenship.

My Grandpa Sanders knew how to handle a team and was a good swimmer.

If you have Connecticut ancestors old enough to fight in WWI, then be sure to check out this new database on Ancestry.com.

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My family celebrates the Christmas Season by getting together on Christmas day, sharing a meal, playing cards and just spending time together. New Years Day is a time for gathering around the television and watching football. Whatever holiday your family celebrates provides a chance to hear stories about your ancestors.

This is another post in a series to help get you thinking about some questions to ask your older relatives at the holiday gathering. Before the family get together this holiday season do some homework and prepare some questions to ask your older relatives. Check out our new category of blog posts called “Genealogy Interview Questions”.

This week focuses on preparing questions for learning about your ancestors religious life. Ask your mom, dad, grandparents or older relatives and friends to learn more about your ancestors religious life.

• Where did you go to church when you were younger?
• Did your parents and grandparents always attend the same church? If not, where did they go?
• How often did you and your parents go to church?
• What were some of the religious traditions that you practiced at home?
• How did your family celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or other religious event?
• Did you or your family participate in any religious plays at the church? If so, what was it like?
• Do you have any religious items which were passed down to you? If so, what are they? (Take a photo if you can)
• What traditions were practiced when someone was getting baptized or married?

Use these questions or prepare some of your own and you’ll be sure to hear some interesting stories. If you have any additional questions on the day’s topic be sure to reply to this post to let other readers know.

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You may be able to learn about holiday traditions happening in the community when and where your ancestors were. Read historic newspapers.

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