Archive for the ‘Genealogical Societies’ Category

Virginia Historical Society and Other Sources

Posted: June 15, 2011 in colonial times, Confederate, exhibits, Genealogical Societies, historical society, history, lectures, maps, newspapers, online, Virginia
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Virginia Historical Society IMG_2719

Virginia Historical Society IMG_2719 (Photo credit: OZinOH)

Today, I am researching different sources that have to do with the history of the state of Virginia; that is where  the majority of my family originated from, initially. There is a Virginia Genealogical Society which will aid in any search that may have to do with the states history and articles in which to read. I have yet to navigate through the entire site; I figure it would be a great starting point to further any current research I am doing. Membership prices can be found on this website for those who may be interested in joining. You can access publications also with your membership. But since navigating through some of the page tabs, I’m not very impressed by what the site has to offer, in terms of research. I think I can get better information through the Virginia Historical Society, but to each his own. 


Membership Prices- VGS




The Virginia Historical Society has an impressive amount of links throughout each page, that will lead the average genealogist, like myself to some of the great wonders of Virginia history. The historical society of Virginia has some really great exhibitions both on site and off. What really intrigues me about this, is the fact that I can view one of these types of exhibitions online! It’s definitely too far to travel, at least for me. Some of the exhibitions that are offered are definitely of interest to me, some of which include these topics: Jamestown, Colonial Times, the Civil Rights Movement, and several others. 


Online Exhibits


This site includes many research articles which include books, Confederate imprints, photographs, newspapers, family and personal papers, genealogical materials, and maps. But that’s just the start. Take a look around and see what you find; you may be surprised! On the event page, if you are familiar with the site and have been here but may have missed a lecture that you were hoping to be part of- don’t worry, you can hear the lectures online too. This site is really a gem! I love the fact that you can view things like this online, it’s a great feature for those who cannot be there in person. If you just love history, this is the site for you. If you are researching family ties, I would definitely at least have a look around. There are membership fees for individuals and families alike, but I think it would be worth the money you put in, for all the features that the historical society offers you. Be sure to check out the virtual tour on the home page!


Virginia Historical Society

Scotland’s Libraries

Posted: June 13, 2011 in ancestors from Scotland, books, Edinburgh Library, Feby Sutherland, Genealogical Societies, Scotland, Scottish Heritage, The Scotsman Digital Archive
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English: Central Lending Library, Edinburgh, S...

English: Central Lending Library, Edinburgh, Scotland. A Carnegie library. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As you know from following my blog, that my 3rd great grandmother, Phebie “Feby” Sutherland starts the line which leads me to my Scottish ancestors. As of today, I have applied online for a library card from the Edinburgh Library. This allows me to read free e-books on whatever subject I choose. Here is the link if you are interested in applying also. 
Get Your Edinburgh Library Card Today! 


Since I live in Hawaii, it’s a little more difficult for me to access Edinburgh’s Library, but now that I have applied for a membership I will have access to countless resources such as e-books, CD’s, DVD’s, and videos and countless other resources to help me gather information on my heritage!
This is actually my first time going to this site, so bear with me as I navigate through it. To access the library you will need this link, but I’m not sure it is accessible to you if you are not yet a member.
But for me, I just typed the word “genealogy” and it came up with some great results; over 1000 pages of references alone- and that’s just the beginning! It is interesting to note that you can also choose a preferred library location, as your library card will let you gain access to the libraries of Edinburgh. So with that said, you can refine your searches by location, collection, subject, year published (if you happen to know, that is), author, and format. 


I don’t know why I didn’t check this site out sooner! By the way, I just typed in the word ‘Sutherland’ and this gave me a listing of other books to look at such as information on the Sutherland Highlanders, an autobiography of the Duke of Sutherland, Clan Sutherland, and so much more. This is a great start to learning about your heritage background. No matter what your ethnicity is, I’m sure there is a genealogical society out there to help you gain access to your family’s  history.

The Scotsman Digital Archive allows you to search every Scotsman newspaper published between 1817 and 1950. Use it to find significant moments in the history of Scotland, major historical world events or discover if your ancestor appears in the births, marriages and deaths notices, or even in a news story.



Edinburgh Library Catalog Page

Finding Reliable, Trustworthy Sources To Aid In Your Genealogical Research

Posted: June 11, 2011 in baptism records, England, Family Search, Genealogical Societies, Genealogy, microfilmed documents, Resources, Tools
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English: The lonely tree again! With new leaves.

English: The lonely tree again! With new leaves. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are hundreds of web pages out there that display family trees, but are they your “go-to” source? Is it truthful or just word of mouth saying it’s so? Where did they get this information from? If it was from family members, that’s GREAT! But thinking back to when I was in elementary school, I remember my teacher playing a game with the entire class. She would call on one student at random, whisper something in their ear and tell the next person whatever it was she may have said. On and on it went around the room until the last student received the teachers’ message. Let’s just say that it wasn’t the same as what the teacher had told the first student. I guess you know where I’m headed with this…and if not, then I’ll explain. When people share things, no matter what the subject, in time they just become distorted.


One resource that I use almost daily to search my own family roots is the Mormon based website called Family Search. They place a religious emphasis on publishing materials or documents after a death, and therefore, baptism has inspired the creation of the world’s largest collection of genealogical materials. So with respect to this web site and others that are similar in nature, I thank you for this great resource tool. After all, do I just want a tree full of collected names or do I want the facts? Granted, sometimes you want to go to a resource that offers free information. But you have to think about what you will be getting in return. I, myself, want the facts that lead me on my journey to find out exactly who my ancestors were, how they lived, and where I come from.

From what I can understand through Family Search, they are in the midst of a gigantic project that will take the millions of records they have of microfilmed documents, for online viewing. When researching your family, think strongly about joining a genealogical society for the area in which you are searching. So for me, I would join one in Virginia, Kentucky, Scotland, and England; my ancestors from the Sutherland line originated from Denmark, Scotland, and England. So this is where I could start searching and collaborating with others that are trying to accomplish the same thing that I am.