Summer Genealogy Plans

Summer seems to be a great time to look back into your family history. I know that summer is usually the time when it is best to visit genealogy centers, historical societies and grave sites. Some people even work these side trips into their summer vacations.

What are you planning to do this summer to work on your family history project?

Interesting Trip

I had been planning for the past few months to visit cemeteries around Indiana where my ancestors are buried. Yesterday, I was finally able to make it to one. Most of the cemeteries I had planned to go to are located in northwest Indiana, but there was one just the next county over from where I live that was also the final resting place for some of my ancestors. In fact, these were some of the first people in this area, then the family sort of migrated north. It's funny, because now I'm back in the area where this branch of the tree started in this state. Funny how history can repeat itself.

I took plenty of pictures and I will post those soon.

Gems of the Census

When the 1940 census came out last week, I knew I would find grandparents and great-grandparents, plus all of their siblings. I was also fortunate enough to gather a few extra clues on a great-great grandmother I was stuck on. Before, I could never find her parents but with the clues I got from the 1940 census, I found out where her parents were born, and more importantly the state where she was born. That has narrowed my search a great deal. So much so that I think I'm hot on the trail of her father... now all I have to do is find the right sources to confirm it!

I have also gathered up a list of graves that I need to visit and get pictures. I was so excited when I started making the list, but now there are 148 names in just five Indiana counties. Now it seems a little overwhelming, but I hope that I will be able to get it all done over the summer. It's a cheap--but slightly creepy--vacation plan.