1950 Census: I Think They Missed a Brownstone

On April 1st, 2022, the National Archives released the 1950 Census. A law passed in 1978 requires 72 years before the census is released to the public. The official count date for the 1950 Census was 1 April 1950. Because of the need to return and gather information from people that the census taker missed … Continue reading 1950 Census: I Think They Missed a Brownstone

Just Because Something Is Written In Stone

While I was taking the introductory course (online) in genealogy from Boston University, it was pointed out that you can't always take things at face value when you are searching for information about your ancestors. There are a few reasons for this. People don't always remember facts and stories correctly; some information passed down may … Continue reading Just Because Something Is Written In Stone

2019 was a Challenge, I am looking Forward to 2020

I was looking at my blog this morning, thinking it was time to dust off my brain and get back to writing. 2019 was a challenging year, personally and professionally.  I had to confront, head-on, some old demons, deal with a minor medical issue and adjust to a promotion at work for which I did … Continue reading 2019 was a Challenge, I am looking Forward to 2020

Family Genealogy: Anthony Cooke and the Photo of BFD Ladder 10

When it came to me, it was a copy.  It was probably a copy of a copy.  At some point, my maternal great-uncle, Edward O'Connell, sat down and drafted several pages of notes on the Cooke, Boyle, O'Connell, and Kelly families. I am not sure what his motivation for doing this may have been.  When … Continue reading Family Genealogy: Anthony Cooke and the Photo of BFD Ladder 10

Serendipity, Thy Name is Goat

The text of the email read as follows: "Don't ask how I got to your page but I may have what you are looking for..." Sometimes the universe surprises me.  Something incredible happens, and I have no explanation for it.  My father would call that a miracle.  I will call it serendipity. We all have … Continue reading Serendipity, Thy Name is Goat