Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Step 3: Locate your Ancestral Hometown

Local Records Hold the Key


Before diving into records from your ancestors' country of origin, one of the most critical pieces of information you'll need is the specific hometown or village they came from. Knowing they were from Latvia, Indonesia, or Belize isn’t enough—without a precise location, you’ll be searching for a needle in a haystack - a haystack the size of an entire country!

In fact, an ancestral hometown is arguably the single most important detail for successful international genealogy research. Researching family history across borders can be costly, especially if you need to hire a researcher, request records, or travel to the country yourself. Without knowing exactly where to look, you risk spending hundreds of dollars on the wrong records and wasting valuable hours searching in the wrong place—only to reach a frustrating dead end. Identifying the hometown first will help you avoid these costly mistakes and increase your chances of success, potentially unlocking a treasure trove of historical documents that will bring your ancestors’ story to life.

Why Hometown Matters


Few countries have maintained centralized, nationwide records for births, marriages, and deaths—especially before the 20th century. Instead, vital records were typically kept at the town, parish, or regional level. For instance, in China, family genealogies were recorded in clan zupu (genealogical books), which are often specific to an ancestral village. These records are now kept at local archives, but without knowing the original village, you'll have no idea which archives to contact. In Italy, birth and marriage records are usually held in the municipal archives of the town where the event occurred. Without knowing the town, research becomes nearly impossible. In Germany, records were kept at the parish level. Simply knowing your ancestor was “German” is of little help, as there were thousands of parishes across the vast empire. You’ll need to know the exact one.

Even within the same country, different regions may have different record-keeping practices, languages, and structures. In Poland, for example, partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria meant vastly different record-keeping systems depending on which empire ruled the area. In Sweden, church records were standardized and required by law, ensuring consistency nationwide. But in many other countries, church records were kept by local clergy using their own unique methods. Even within a single parish, record-keeping styles could shift dramatically from one pastor to the next.
Language is another crucial factor to consider. India, for example, is home to over 400 indigenous languages, meaning your ancestors’ records could very well be written in a language specific to their region. Without knowing their exact hometown, you may struggle not only to determine where to look, but also which language their records are kept in.

Don't Let the Port City Fool You


A final word of caution: Many researchers mistakenly assume that because their ancestor left from a major port city—such as Hamburg, Bremen, Naples, or Liverpool—they must have been from that city. In reality, emigrants often traveled long distances to reach their departure port. If your ancestor left from Hamburg, they could have come from anywhere in Central or Eastern Europe. If they sailed from Naples, they might have actually been from a remote mountain village miles away.

My own ancestor, Johann Alter, came to the United States from Rotterdam, Netherlands. Since we had a copy of his ship's manifest, my family assumed for generations that he was Dutch. But as it turned out, Johann wasn’t Dutch at all—he was from Germany and had simply traveled to Rotterdam to board his ship. Don’t make the same mistake my family did by making false assumptions from the emigration records.

Next Steps:

In the next post, we'll begin exploring resources and strategies to help you discover your ancestor’s hometown, wherever in the world they may have come from.

Monday, March 17, 2025

A Wee Bit Irish

Top o' the Morning to Ya!

I recently had quite a surprise—I discovered that, for the first time in my life, I’m now a wee bit Irish! Years ago, I submitted my DNA to Ancestry, but it wasn’t until their most recent update that I suddenly gained 2% Irish ancestry. How is that possible? How can Ancestry (or other DNA testing companies like 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA) tell me one thing, only to change my results later? What causes these shifts in ethnicity estimates?

It turns out that shifting results in DNA ethnicity estimates are a common occurrence in genetic genealogy for a number of reasons:

DNA Ethnicity Estimates Are Just That—Estimates

When companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA analyze your DNA, they are not reading a "nationality label" in your genes. Instead, they compare your genetic markers to reference populations—groups of people whose ancestry is well-documented and who have lived in a particular region for generations. Your DNA is matched against these groups, and an algorithm determines which population(s) your genetic signature most closely resembles. As more people from various regions test their DNA, companies refine their datasets and make ethnicity estimates more precise. This means that as the reference panel grows, your estimated ancestry may change.

For example, let’s say your ancestors were from an area where Irish, Scottish, and English populations historically mixed. Years ago, the available reference samples may not have been detailed enough to distinguish between them, so your DNA may have been classified as only "British." With more refined data, Ancestry might now recognize small genetic markers linking you specifically to Ireland.

DNA testing companies regularly update their analysis methods. With each update, they adjust the way they group genetic markers, sometimes shifting ancestry estimates in the process. AncestryDNA, for example, has released multiple updates in the past decade, each time refining its ethnicity estimates based on improved research and larger sample sizes.

Keep in mind also that many populations share genetic similarities. The British Isles, for example, had frequent migrations between Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, making it hard to distinguish ancestry precisely. But, if a company refines its ability to separate Irish from Scottish DNA, for instance, your estimate may shift.
 

Just a Wee Bit of Caution

As a general rule, ethnicity estimates under 5% should be interpreted with caution. These small percentages often reflect the fine-tuning of data rather than a definitive ancestral connection. While it's possible I have a distant Irish ancestor, it’s also possible that this is a result of slight shifts in Ancestry's algorithm rather than a meaningful genealogical connection.

Ethnicity estimates are fun and sometimes revealing, but they are not as precise as traditional genealogical records. They can change over time as companies refine their research, so it’s always best to use them alongside documented family history, historical records, and genetic matches to get the clearest picture of your ancestry.


Sunday, March 16, 2025

Reflections on RootsTech 2025: A Global Celebration

For the second year in a row, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the world’s largest annual family history conference—RootsTech. Hosted by FamilySearch International, this year’s event took place from March 6–8 and once again proved to be an unforgettable experience.

My good friend Sandy from Georgia flew into Dallas to join me on the flight to Salt Lake City. Her company made the journey fly by, and before I knew it, we had arrived. Once there, we teamed up with our fellow WikiTree volunteers to set up this year’s WikiTree booth. For those unfamiliar, I am a volunteer leader with WikiTree, an online genealogy platform that brings family historians together to build a single, collaborative family tree.

RootsTech 2025 achieved an astonishing global reach, with over 5 million online participants from virtually every corner of the globe. This overwhelming response underscores the desire we universally share to connect with our heritage. This year’s event featured inspiring keynote speakers, engaging educational sessions taught by the field's foremost experts, an impressive expo hall filled with vendors showcasing their latest family history offerings, and some intriguing announcements from the "Big Three" genealogy companies.

Keynote Speakers


Among this year's multiple keynote speakers, two stood out to me as particularly relevant to the Global Genealogist:

Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, shared profound lessons on leadership and the importance of preserving family legacies. He spoke passionately about the responsibility we all have to honor and carry forward the stories of our ancestors.

Ysabelle Cuevas, a Filipina musician, reflected on how her parents’ sacrifices and her ancestral heritage have shaped both her music career and personal journey. Her story was a powerful testament to the ways family history influences our lives in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Educational Sessions


RootsTech is known for its robust lineup of workshops and classes catering to all levels of family historians. Fortunately, for those who couldn’t attend live, much of the content remains available on demand throughout the year. To search their vast library of education videos, simply visit the RootsTech website. It's an invaluable resource for continued learning. Of the more than 200 courses offered this year, here are a few with a specific global focus:

Asia: Introduction to Asian Research Power Hour

China: Researching Your Chinese Roots; Chinese Jiapu, the Key Record for Chinese Ancestral Research

Japan: Challenges of Japanese Family History; The Structure of Japanese Society

Australia: Australian Genealogy Online; Australian Military Records: From the Boer War to World War II

Middle East/North Africa: Using the FamilySearch Wiki for Family History Research; Finding Your Ancestors in the Middle East & North Africa Diaspora; A Journey in Qatar – family Storytelling Across Generations

Italy: Diving into Calabrian Records: A Case Study

Germany: Navigating German Genealogy Research; German Gazetteers: Locating Historical German Place Names; Unlocking German Ancestry: Expert Strategies for Finding and Interpreting German Records

Poland: Grandma Said She Was from Poznań: An Introduction to Polish Genealogy

Jewish: Jewish Genealogy 101; les Fleurs de l’Oreient Website- Jewsih Genealogy of the Middle East

Scandinavia: Tracing Your Danish Roots; The Norwegian Farm: Learning About Ancestors' Lives; Using Swedish Tax Records to Solve Tough Genealogical Problems

Scotland/Ireland: Getting Started on Scottish Family History Research; Scottish and Irish Genealogical Connections; Examining the Irish Census; Irish Genealogy Resources at the Virtual Treasury

Latin America: Discovering Your Roots: Getting Started with Central and South American Family History; Opening the Door to Latin American Genealogical Research with Full-text Searches

Canada: So, You’ve Got a Canadian Ancestor, Eh?; French-Canadian Sources for Family History; Escaping the Famine: Exploring Irish Settlements in Canada

Native American: DNA for Native American Genealogy

Global Vendors


Each year, I am also intrigued by the number of small companies I encounter at RootsTech that cater to niche geographic and ethnic populations. Here are some of the organizations I discovered this year:

Sweden: ArkivDigital

Denmark: Danish Heritage Tours

Eastern Europe: Foundation for East European Family History Studies

France: Fédération Française de Généalogie

Germany: Germanology Unlocked

India: The Genealogical Society of India and its Diaspora

Japan: Japan Genealogy Connection

Korea: Korean Traditional Culture & Clan Records

Mexico: Sociedad Genealógica y de Historia Familiar de México

Jewish: The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies

Global: The International Institute of Genealogical Studies – offering Professional Learning Certificates in Genealogical Studies for Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Eastern Europe, and the United States.

Industry Innovations


As expected, several major genealogy companies used the event to unveil groundbreaking new features:

Ancestry introduced a photo tagging feature that uses facial recognition to group uploaded photos, an Image Transcript tool (in beta) that employs AI to transcribe handwritten documents, and Networks (also in beta), which clusters individuals based on shared communities and records to aid in expanding family trees.

FamilySearch showcased cutting-edge Generative AI tools, including an AI Research Assistant designed to scan the web for new insights and potential ancestors. They also officially launched the "Together" app, which enhances collaborative family history research.

MyHeritage announced Cousin Finder, a tool that helps users identify DNA matches without taking a DNA test, and Ancient Origins, which traces ancestral roots back up to 10,000 years, providing fascinating insights into early human populations.

A Few Extra Days in Salt Lake City


After the conference wrapped up, I took advantage of my time in Salt Lake City to research, explore, and unwind before heading home. The FamilySearch Library, the world’s foremost genealogical library, was just a short walk from my hotel. Although it snowed during RootsTech, by the time the event ended, the weather had swung dramatically—jumping to nearly 80 degrees. The snow melted quickly, leaving the roads and sidewalks clear for walking.

Since the library was closed on Sunday, I spent the afternoon touring Temple Square, including a visit to the historic Mormon Tabernacle, where I was lucky enough to hear the organists rehearsing. On Monday, a kind library volunteer introduced me to ArkivDigital, a fantastic resource for researching Swedish records. Thanks to that tutorial, I was able to add several more ancestors to my family tree!

By Tuesday, it was time to head home. With clear skies and no flight delays, my return trip was as smooth as I could have hoped for.
Looking Ahead

Once again, RootsTech reaffirmed why I love family history. As I unpack my notes and follow up on the leads I gathered, I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference and all the new discoveries it will bring!


Salt Lake City - RootsTech 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Step 2: Adjust Your Expectations!

In the preceding weeks, The Global Genealogist has focused exclusively on Step 1 of our six-step approach to researching your global family history. We’ve discussed how studying the geographical, historical, and cultural context of your ancestors’ homeland, is a critical step in providing an initial foundation for understanding the broader world they lived in. We’ve emphasized the importance of giving yourself a history lesson and the value of taking a virtual tour. Now it’s time to begin formulating our genealogy research plan. But first, we need to engage in a quick reality check.

Genealogy research varies widely depending on where in the world your ancestors lived. If your research so far has been rooted in Western record collections, you may have grown accustomed to easily accessible census records, birth and death certificates, and church registries. However, when researching in non-Western countries—or even in some European nations—you may find that such records simply do not exist, are inaccessible due to privacy laws, or have been lost due to wars, natural disasters, or government mismanagement.

Before diving into your research, it’s important to accept the reality that you may not be able to access the records you are hoping to find. Some countries never conducted census counts. Others did not have centralized vital records until relatively recently, making it difficult to trace individuals before a certain point in time. Governments may have strict data protection laws that prevent non-citizens from obtaining birth or marriage records. Or, in some cases, a country’s archives may be disorganized, incomplete, or even nonexistent.

These realities can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to the wealth of information available in places like the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. But acknowledging these challenges from the start will help prevent disappointment later. Genealogy research is about uncovering what is available, not forcing an outcome based on expectations built from researching in a different part of the world.

That said, adjusting your expectations does not mean giving up hope. Just because certain records may be unavailable does not mean your research journey is at a dead end. Even if you can’t find a birth certificate or marriage record for an ancestor, there are still plenty of alternative ways to piece together their story. Oral histories, local newspapers, land deeds, military records, immigration documents, and religious records can all provide valuable insights. In some cases, you may need to rely on indirect evidence—such as records of an ancestor’s siblings or extended family—to reconstruct their life story.

In the coming weeks, we will explore creative workarounds and alternative sources to help you uncover the past, even when traditional records are lacking. From tapping into local community knowledge to utilizing DNA analysis, there are many ways to build a compelling and accurate picture of your ancestor’s life.

The key takeaway? Go into your research with an open mind. Be prepared for obstacles but also be ready to think outside the box. Genealogy is as much about resourcefulness and persistence as it is about documentation. By adjusting your expectations, you will set yourself up for a more rewarding and insightful research experience, no matter where your ancestors called home.

Monday, February 10, 2025

The Power of a Visual Journey

By now, I hope you've had time to explore your family's homeland through written sources like Wikipedia and other educational texts. These resources can provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the past. But reading about a place is only the beginning. To truly bring your ancestors' world to life, consider supplementing your research with a visual journey using documentaries, online travelogues, and virtual tours. Seeing the landscapes your ancestors once called home can offer a deeper, more immersive perspective on their daily lives and the environment that shaped their experiences.

Why a Visual Tour Matters

A visual exploration of your ancestral homeland will allow you to connect with the past in ways that text alone cannot. By seeing the landscapes they walked, the sorts of buildings they lived in, and the cultural settings that influenced their lives, you will gain a richer understanding of who your ancestors truly were. Even if the scenery has changed over time, many historical, cultural, and environmental elements will remain unchanged, offering glimpses into the land their world. 

For example, watching a walking tour of a small Icelandic village, a bustling market in Panama City, or a rural farm in Guatemala can provide valuable insights into how your ancestors might have lived. Such videos allow you to observe the geography, climate, and even the flora and fauna of the region—details that will help build a better understanding into why your ancestors lived as they did and perhaps even the factors that influenced their decision to immigrate when and where they did. 

Where to Find Visual Resources

YouTube: Search for walking tours, drone footage, and historical documentaries of your family’s home country. Many travel vloggers explore historic areas, providing an up-close look at a region’s present-day culture, architecture, and preserved historical sites.

Google Earth: Even if you don't yet know your ancestors' exact hometown, technology now allows you to virtually walk the streets of some of their country’s oldest cities and villages. Many places have changed little over the centuries, offering a sense of the houses, buildings, and landmarks that your ancestors once called home.

Virtual Museum Tours: Many national and regional museums offer online exhibits showcasing historical artifacts and everyday life from past centuries. These can provide valuable context about the culture and traditions of your ancestral homelands.

Travel Documentaries: Beyond YouTube, many cable channels and streaming services feature programming that explore cultures and locations worldwide. Look for shows on education-based channels like National Geographic, the Smithsonian Channel, History, BBC, and even Animal Planet for unique historical and geographical insights.

Movies & TV Shows: Want to spend time with loved ones while still indulging your passion for genealogy? Try watching a film set in your ancestral homeland. Whether you enjoy drama, adventure, comedies, or musicals, there’s likely something available to transport you to your family's past. You may be surprised at what a simple Google can find for you.

    - Casablanca (Morocco)

    - Gandhi (India)

    - Evita (Argentina)

    - The Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia)

    - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Malawi)

    - M*A*S*H (Korea)

Beginning your journey by giving yourself a history lesson, accompanied by a virtual tour, will not only deepen your appreciation for your ancestors’ world but may also spark new questions and research paths you hadn't previously considered. So, grab yourself a cup of coffee or your favorite tea, open up YouTube, Google Earth, or Netflix, and begin your digital journey to the past—your ancestors’ world is waiting for you!


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Case Study: Using Wikipedia to Discover Guyana

Suppose your great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Guyana, a small yet culturally rich nation on South America’s northern coast. Although you may have heard a few family stories, you know almost nothing about the country itself. In fact, until now, you would have been hard-pressed to even locate the country on a map. Before diving into the hunt for your ancestors’ records, it’s essential that you first develop an understanding of Guyana’s history, geography, and unique cultural blend. This foundation will be imperative in helping you to illuminate the lives of those ancestors who once called this nation home. Here’s how to make the most of Wikipedia to delve into Guyana’s past and begin the process of piecing together your family’s lineage.

Browsing the Main Wikipedia Article

The primary Wikipedia page for Guyana offers a broad overview of the nation’s history, geography, and culture. This is an excellent starting point to familiarize yourself with key aspects of the country’s development.

The history section provides a timeline of pivotal events, including its colonization by the Dutch and British, the arrival of indentured laborers from India and China, and its independence in 1966. These moments may very well intersect with your own family’s history, especially if your ancestors were part of the migrations or labor systems that shaped the nation. Understanding the broader context of events like the abolition of slavery or political struggles can also provide clues about your family’s experiences.

Guyana’s geography section is another rich resource. It details the country’s three major regions—the coastal plains, the hilly sand and clay region, and the interior highlands. Ancestors living in coastal towns like Georgetown or New Amsterdam would have had vastly different experiences from those in interior areas such as the Rupununi savannahs. The article also discusses rivers like the Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice, which were vital for trade, transportation, and settlement.


Follow Hyperlinks for Deeper Insight

Wikipedia’s interconnected articles allow you to explore specific topics further. For example, if your ancestors were part of the Indo-Guyanese community, you can click through to pages about indentured labor, the Indian diaspora, or Hinduism in Guyana. Similarly, if your family has African heritage, you might explore articles on the transatlantic slave trade, emancipation in the British colonies, or Afro-Guyanese cultural traditions.

If your research points to ancestors who lived in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, Wikipedia has an article dedicated to the city. It provides insights into the city’s founding, colonial architecture, and role as a cultural hub. Other locality-specific pages, such as those on New Amsterdam or the Essequibo Islands, may offer details about smaller communities tied to your family’s history.


Investigating References and Sources

One of Wikipedia’s most valuable features is the reference section found at the bottom of most pages. For the Guyana article, this section includes citations to books, government publications, and academic articles that delve into the nation’s history and culture. These references can direct you to primary and secondary sources for more in-depth research.

For example, you might find links to historical texts about Guyana’s plantation economy or studies on the cultural practices of its diverse ethnic groups. Some sources may lead you to digitized collections or libraries in Guyana that house records such as immigration logs, church registries, or estate documents.


Exploring Related Topics and Outlines

Wikipedia’s related topics section often points to additional resources. In the case of Guyana, you can find links to articles on its political leaders, the significance of sugar plantations, or key events like the 1763 Berbice slave rebellion. These pages can help you understand the societal dynamics and events that shaped your ancestors’ lives.

You can also look for the "Outline of Guyana" page, which provides a structured summary of major topics related to the country. This outline includes links to information about Guyana’s natural features, historical landmarks, and population statistics—all of which are valuable for contextualizing your family’s story.


Recognizing Wikipedia’s Limitations

While Wikipedia is a fantastic starting point, remember that it’s important to approach it with a critical eye. Since articles are collaboratively edited, inaccuracies or biases may exist. Always cross-check the information with other reputable sources, especially when diving into sensitive or contentious historical topics. You can also use Wikipedia’s "View History" tab to see recent edits to help gauge the reliability of specific sections.


Conclusion

No matter where your ancestors fare from, Wikipedia can serve as an accessible gateway to understanding the broader context of their lives. By exploring its pages, studying its references, and following its multitude of links, you’ll uncover insights that can bring your family’s story to life. Just remember to verify information and supplement your findings with primary sources for a fuller picture. Happy researching!

While this blog focused on Guyana as an example, the strategies and tools discussed here can be applied to any country your ancestors called home. Wikipedia serves as an accessible gateway to understanding the broader context of your family’s history. Whether you’re exploring the cultural traditions of Pakistan, the history of Albania, or the colonial legacy of Singapore, by exploring the pages of WikiTree, investigating its references, and following its links, you can uncover a wealth of insights that can bring your family’s story to life.


Monday, January 20, 2025

Using Wikipedia to discover Country History

Researching family history often begins with understanding the countries where your ancestors lived. Their history, geography, and culture provide the essential backdrop for tracing personal stories. Wikipedia, with its vast repository of interconnected articles, can serve as a valuable tool for this purpose. While most genealogists are familiar with the primary Wikipedia pages for countries, digging deeper reveals even more resources and insights.

The main article for a country can serve as an excellent starting point. It will typically offer a broad overview, covering the nation’s founding, key historical events, economic development, and significant landmarks. Delve into the history section to uncover pivotal moments that may have influenced your ancestors’ lives, such as wars, treaties, or mass migrations. Explore the geography section to understand how rivers, mountains, or borders might have shaped settlement patterns and travel routes. Cultural sections can shed light on ethnic groups, industries, and traditions that could connect to your family’s story.

One of Wikipedia’s underutilized strengths lies in its web of hyperlinks. As you read, click through links to related topics for a more comprehensive view. Neighboring countries often share histories that overlap, which can explain cross-border migrations. Articles about specific cities or regions may reveal local details, while entries on historical events or prominent figures provide valuable context for the times your ancestors lived in.

At the bottom of most Wikipedia articles, you’ll find a treasure trove of references and suggested further reading. These citations frequently point to books, journal articles, and archival materials that offer more depth. Some may even link to digital resources like maps or photographs. Make it a habit to review these sources, as they can lead you to primary materials or reputable historical accounts that will deepen your understanding. If a particular reference stands out, check its availability online or consider visiting a library or archive to access it.

Another feature worth exploring is the “related topics” or “see also” section in many entries. These links might guide you to information about transportation history, such as roads, railways, or waterways that shaped migration patterns. You might also find details on the economic industries that defined livelihoods or on educational and religious institutions that served as community hubs. These tangential topics can bring to life the environment in which your ancestors lived.

In addition to standard articles, Wikipedia hosts “country outline” pages, which serve as structured guides to a nation’s key topics. These pages are especially helpful for genealogists, as they summarize critical information about such topics as historical sites, natural landmarks, census data, and genealogical resources. Searching for “Wikipeida, Outline of [Country Name]” can lead you directly to this wealth of information.

While Wikipedia is a powerful research tool, it’s essential to approach it critically. As a crowdsourced platform, its content is collaboratively written and edited, which means errors or biases can occasionally appear. Always check the citations within an article to assess the quality of its sources. Avoid relying on uncited claims and cross-check information with primary sources or publications from reputable institutions. Wikipedia’s “View History” tab can also be useful for identifying recent edits or contentious topics.

Ultimately, Wikipedia excels as a starting point for genealogical research. By following links, studying references, and exploring related topics, Wikipedia can help you can uncover rich insights into your ancestors’ countries. Just remember to validate its information with reliable sources to ensure accuracy. When utilized correctly, Wikipedia can be an excellent recourse for helping you gain a deeper understanding of the historical and geographical context of your family’s journey.