Archives for March, 2011

Not As Oblivious As You Thought You Were


Most people know more about their family history than they think they do. I often run into clients who assure me that the minimal information they’ve provided is ALL they know. Usually after a brief review of their information, I come up with several questions that I think they can probably answer. They usually can.
I [...]

What if it Has Already Been Researched?


A prospective client posed that important question recently. He wanted to know how the cost of professional research would change if we found that research has already been done. How would he benefit? Part of my answer follows.
It is true in genealogy that we share our ancestors with others and axiomatic that, especially in American [...]

Finding Ancestors in the Hamburg, Germany Passenger Departure Records


Until about 1845 German emigrants generally chose Antwerp, Rotterdam, or Le Havre as ports of departure.  By the middle of the nineteenth century, entrepreneurs in the north German ports of Bremen and Hamburg realized they could increase their income dramatically by filling ships with emigrants bound for America and other destinations.
The Hamburg Passenger Lists that [...]

Catholic Genealogy Q & A: Godparents


Is a godparent the same thing as a baptismal sponsor? Who can be a godparent?
Yes, generally the term godparent is equivalent to baptismal sponsor. Who, then, can serve as a baptismal sponsor at a Catholic baptism? Technically, canon law (church law) requires only one sponsor for baptism, but there can be two sponsors, one male [...]

Genesis of our Genealogists: Featuring Karina Morales


In this installment of Genesis of our Genealogists, meet Karina Morales, one of our Case Managers who, among other things, specializes in Mexican, Hispanic, North American, and some Irish research.
INTERVIEW WITH KARINA MORALES
1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but I grew up in Chicago, Illinois.
2. [...]

The Cycle of Baby Names


If you are anything like me, you pay  lot of attention to names you encounter in your research. Because I spend so much time researching, I frequently come across funny names-  whether those be amusing first and last name combinations (Yesterday I saw a baptismal record for a Hugh McGlue!) or entertaining sibling name combinations (like [...]