Podcast
Ancestral Findings
Hosted by AncestralFindings.com · EN
These brief historical and informational snippets about genealogy and history should encourage and help you advance your family tree.
158episodes
Episodes
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Nantasket Beach and Paragon Park | Postcards From the Past
Yesterday00:08:18Summary readyFor this installment of Postcards From the Past, I have two vintage postcards that were sent to me by a friend and podcast listener, M. Green. He included a handwritten note explaining that they show Paragon Park and Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts, a place once well-known and deeply loved by generations of people from the Boston area. He thought the postcards would be interesting to share with everyone through Ancestral Findings, and he was right. I have been running Ancestral Findings since 1995 as a genealogy hobby that I enjoy. My wife helps with the free lookups, but otherwise it is just me researching, writing, recording the podcast, and sharing the history I find along the way. That makes it especially meaningful when a reader or listener takes the time to send something from a personal collection for the rest of us to see. These postcards did not come from a museum display or a planned research project. M. Green had them, thought of this series, and mailed them to me because he believed their history was worth sharing. I agree with him... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/nantasket-beach-and-paragon-park-postcards-from-the-past/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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10 "Must-Do" Genealogy Projects for July
3d ago00:08:51Summary readyWith the dog days of summer approaching, you may be thinking of genealogy projects to keep you occupied during the long, hot days ahead. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do in July that fall outside your usual genealogical research, and these should keep you occupied and entertained while you wait for the weather to cool off and school to start again. Here they are if you are looking for some fun and creative genealogical projects for July. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/10-must-do-genealogy-projects-for-july/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Smart Genealogy: Using Today's Tools Without Losing Sight of Good Research
4d ago00:15:04Summary readyGenealogy has always required patience, curiosity, and a willingness to follow clues one step at a time. For many years, that meant courthouse visits, family letters, cemetery books, microfilm readers, census pages, and long afternoons with handwritten notes spread across the table. Those older methods still have value. In fact, they are often where the best discoveries begin. But today's researcher has something earlier generations could only dream about: searchable records, digital newspapers, online family trees, deoxyribonucleic acid testing, artificial intelligence search tools, cloud storage, and scanning apps that can preserve family papers before they are lost. Technology has changed genealogy in a big way. It can help us search faster, organize more effectively, find records we might have missed, and share family history with relatives who live far away. But it can also create confusion. Every website seems to have a new feature. Every service has a new offer. Every hint looks exciting. Every subscription promises access to something important. That is where we have to slow down... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/smart-genealogy-using-todays-tools-without-losing-sight-of-good-research/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Utilizing Online Resources and DNA Testing for South African Genealogy
5d ago00:16:01Summary readyAs genealogical research evolves in the digital age, tracing your South African ancestry has become easier and more accessible than ever. With vast online databases, digitized records, and DNA testing, you can now explore family connections and ancestral roots from the comfort of your home. The key is knowing where to look and how to maximize these resources. In this final article of the series, we'll explore the most useful online tools and DNA testing services available for South African genealogy, offering you practical ways to uncover your heritage... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/utilizing-online-resources-and-dna-testing-for-south-african-genealogy/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Genealogical Challenges in South Africa
1w ago00:10:12Summary readyGenealogical research in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. Whether you're trying to track down a birth certificate, find an ancestor in the 1800s, or interpret handwritten documents in an unfamiliar language, these obstacles can slow down your progress. However, many of these challenges can be overcome with the right approach and tools. Let's explore two key challenges genealogists researching South African ancestry face: language barriers and record loss. We'll also explore practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and help you piece together your family's history... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/genealogical-challenges-in-south-africa/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Women in South African Genealogy
1w ago00:08:51Summary readyIn the world of genealogy, it can sometimes feel as though the women in your family tree slip into the shadows, overshadowed by male ancestors whose surnames are passed down through generations. But don't be fooled—women were central to family history, community life, and the transmission of culture. Tracing maternal lineages in South Africa can reveal many untold stories and hidden connections, even though the path may not always be straightforward. Let's explore the challenges of uncovering women in genealogical records while highlighting the methods and resources that can help you bring these forgotten ancestors to light... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/women-in-south-african-genealogy/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Researching South African Immigration and Emigration Patterns
2w ago00:09:54Summary readySouth Africa's history is a fascinating migration story, with people arriving from all over the world and others leaving to build new lives in other lands. Understanding the patterns of immigration and emigration can open up new doors in your genealogical research, revealing the journeys your ancestors took, why they moved, and where they settled. Let's explore the various waves of migration to and from South Africa and how you can trace these movements in your family history... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/researching-south-african-immigration-and-emigration-patterns/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Understanding South African Surnames: A Guide to Cultural and Ethnic Origins
2w ago00:08:52Summary readyWhat's in a name? Well, in South Africa, quite a lot! Surnames carry the stories of ancestors, cultures, and the complex history that shaped this incredible country. Whether your last name is Van der Merwe, Mbatha, Patel, or even Botha, understanding its origin can unlock a treasure trove of genealogical clues. Let's dive into some of the most fascinating aspects of South African surnames and have some fun while we're at it! The Cultural Mix South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation" for a reason: its people come from a variety of backgrounds, including indigenous African tribes, European settlers, Indian laborers, and even Chinese immigrants. The surnames that arise from these different groups reflect their unique cultural stories. Knowing a surname's origin can provide insight into your family's place in South Africa's diverse past. Let's break down the main cultural groups and explore their surnames... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/understanding-south-african-surnames-a-guide-to-cultural-and-ethnic-origins/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Tracing Ancestry Through South African Church and Civil Records
2w ago00:10:01Summary readyChurch and civil records are foundational resources for tracing ancestry in South Africa. Before formal civil registration was introduced, church records were the primary means of documenting life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Even after civil registration became common practice, church records offered valuable details about individuals and families. Let's explore how to use these records effectively, what you can expect to find, and where to locate them. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/tracing-ancestry-through-south-african-church-and-civil-records/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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Introduction to South African Genealogy
3w ago00:08:50Summary readySouth Africa has an extraordinary history and a complex blend of cultures, rewarding and challenging genealogical research here. Whether your ancestors were part of the indigenous communities, European settlers, or later immigrants, the journey to uncover your family's roots in South Africa can lead you through various records and stories. In this series, we'll explore South Africa's historical backdrop, why it matters for genealogical research, and the key resources available to help you trace your lineage... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/introduction-to-south-african-genealogy/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
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