2023.11.01 – Record Preservation

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By Dale E. Lee,Copyright (c), 20232023.11.01 The following may be able to help avoid confusion on how to address the collection and storage of Family History records. Family History records can be of many different kinds and media. Each kind of record and kind of media may need to be handled differently. The following are some of the kinds of records and media to look for when attempting to collect Family History records: certificates, xerox copies of records, handwritten copies of records, Family Group Sheets, Pedigree Charts, family histories, personal histories, pictures, slides, cassette tapes, videos, etc. Be careful not […]

2023.10.25 – The Grumpy Old Man’s Guide to Passing the Torch

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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.25 Alright, all you family historians! Grab your bifocals and put down that dusty old record because I have a thought or two about an issue I am concerned about. I am the only one in my family that is into genealogy. With all this hustle and bustle to dig up ol’ Great Great Grandpa Joe’s second cousin, if you’re going to stroll down memory lane, digging up skeletons and old family photos, you better make sure it isn’t all for nothing. Genealogy isn’t just a lonely pursuit of dead folks; it’s about living, breathing history. […]

2023.10.18 – 10 Proven Strategies to Discover Your Ancestors

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10 Proven Strategies to Discover Your AncestorsBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.18 Genealogy, the study of family ancestries and histories, is a journey into the past that can bring to light our forebears’ stories, struggles, and triumphs. For many, it’s a deeply personal quest to connect with roots and understand one’s place in the continuum of family history. If you’re eager to embark on this journey but don’t know where to start, fear not! Here are ten proven strategies to guide you in uncovering your ancestral lineage. 1. Start with What You Know: Begin your genealogical journey at home by documenting […]

2023.10.11 – The Grumpy Old Man on Seekerz Training

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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.11 The Grumpy Old Man’s thoughts on Seekerz Training, specifically, the Seekerz Intro to Family History: Beginners step by step guide to Proficiency in Genealogy course. Ah, family history! A tapestry woven with threads of distant relatives, surprising connections, and perhaps a few skeletons in the closet, just for good measure. But where does one begin to unravel such the complex, intertwined web? Fear not, for the Grumpy Old Man is here to talk with you about a book, Seekerz Intro to Family History that promises to light the path through the labyrinthine world of genealogy, […]

2023.09.27 – Regrets of a Grumpy Old Man

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Regrets of a Grumpy Old ManBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.09.27 I had a dog. Her name was Gypsy Magic. She was my dog for about 15 years. I loved that dog. It was just me and her. It was a great time in my life. I still miss her to this day. What does that dog have to do with Genealogy? Everything. At 74, I have lived a long life and had many great exploits and feats of peril. As a young kid, I was a cowboy. I rode Bulls and Bucking Horses. I worked for a horse trader and […]

2023.09.20 – The Grumpy Old Man on AI and Genealogy

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The Grumpy Old Man on Leveraging AI in Genealogy: A New Age of Ancestral Discovery I may be a Grumpy Old Man, that is true. Contrary to popular belief, all people over 20 are not computer illiterate. Granted, I am not an expert. However, I am constantly looking to educate myself. When I heard of AI, I dived in head first. Of course, being interested in Genealogy, I had to see how the combination of the two was compatible. So what did I do? I asked AI. This is what it said: Genealogy, the study of families and their lineages […]

2023.09.13 – Unraveling the Lineage of Iconic Figures

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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.09.13 Genealogy, the intricate study of families and their lineages, offers more than personal introspection. It extends to understanding the familial histories of illustrious historical and contemporary figures. Examining the ancestral narratives of such individuals provides invaluable insights into how family legacies intertwine with greatness. For those passionate about genealogy, these narratives can be an important part of their ancestral journeys. 1. Martin Luther King Jr.: Revered globally for his indelible mark on the civil rights movement, Dr. King’s lineage symbolizes the African-American experience. Descending from enslaved people in Georgia, King’s ancestors underwent the trials and […]

2023.09.06 – The Grumpy Old Man’s Guide to Safeguarding Family Treasures

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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.09.06 In my day, we didn’t have the cloud, thumb drives, or even CDs. No siree, our memories were captured in black and white photographs, fading letters, and dusty artifacts. And while I think kids are glued to their devices a little too much. I am, too, if the truth be known. Technology does have its benefits; especially when it comes to preserving those good ol’ family treasures. Here’s how this Grumpy Old Man suggests you handle it. 1. Organize, Don’t Agonize: The first step in safeguarding memories is not letting them get lost in the […]

2023.08.30 – Adoptee Tales from The Grumpy Old Man

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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.08.30 If you have been reading the many Tales from The Grumpy Old Man on Seekers.net, you may have noticed a common theme. I have had some experience in these matters. Here are a few Guidelines and suggestions for tracing your biological roots from one history-detective to another. Delving into genealogy as an adoptee isn’t like taking a leisurely walk down memory lane. No, it’s a journey, sometimes rugged but potentially rewarding. First, understand the rules of the land. Adoption laws differ everywhere. Some places guard adoption records like precious treasures, while others might be more […]

2023.08.23 – A Grumpy Old Man’s Take on Historical Context

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A Grumpy Old Man’s Take on Historical ContextBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.08.23 Have you ever wondered why Great Uncle Bob always had a stash of canned beans in the cellar? Or why Grandma Maureen, in all her photos, had that look in her eyes, a mixture of determination and weariness? It is not just about having names and dates in your family tree. It’s the history, the backdrop, and the context! Understanding history ain’t just for school kids. Digging into your ancestors’ world is like adding color to an old black-and-white photo. Wars, migration, depressions – these weren’t just topics […]

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