Mining U.S. Census Records (1790-1950)

 

U.S. Census Records currently are available from 1790 to 1950. 

How time has flown! The 1950 Census was released on April 1, 2022 - four years ago.

Come to Research at the Library on 4/11/26 to ask and/or share your Census insights from your family research. See 1880 Agricultural Schedule for what I learned about my family in Scriba, Oswego, NY.

After this month's Research at the Library, we'll continue learning about Other Censuses at a future session.

Don't forget that you also can learn about the Census more at:

https://www.census.gov/en.html

Researching Revolutionary War Ancestors

The 250th anniversary of the United States (July 4, 2026) is officially known as the Semiquincentennial. It marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. There is a focus on resources to research ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War on both sides. Here are a few that might help:

• American Ancestors Revolutionary Roots https://americanrevolution.americanancestors.org/
• Free Research Guides
• Researching Patriot Roots
• Researching Loyalist Roots
• Video - Friend or Foe by David Allen Lambert
• Fold3 - Free access with a Plano or Dallas Library Card from home
• Revolutionary War Burial Index 1775-1875 - Index cards created by BYU Library from lists of burial locations of soldiers published by the DAR https://www.fold3.com/publication/1464/revolutionary-war-burial-index

Card for Joseph Durfee

• Revolutionary War Pension Files, 1775-1900 - Full Text Search - https://www.fold3.com/publication/467/us-revolutionary-war-pensions-1800-1900

Joseph Durfee mentioned in the Pension file for George Read. 

• Revolutionary War Service Records, 1775-1783   https://www.fold3.com/publication/470/us-revolutionary-war-service-records-1775-1783

Compiled Military Service Record - Joseph Durfee

German Genealogy Made Possible: A Roadmap for Research, Records, and Trees

FamilySearch and the German Genealogy Collective are offering a free one-day online event on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Link to save your seat - https://germangenealogycollective.com/fs-ggc-call

More information will be available soon. 

Leo - Decipher Your Archive

I recently learned about a new website. I haven't tried it yet - would love to hear opinions about it. 

From their website - https://www.tryleo.ai/

Leo is an AI powered transcription tool and provides storage for a digital library. 

• Upload an image of a handwritten or printed document written in a Latin script (e.g. English, French, German). 
• Leo delivers a quick and accurate transcription. 
• Organize your documents into custom folders, search them within their hub, and export them for use in projects or applications. 
• A credit transcribes a single image. Each image can be a single page or double-page spread. 

Pricing

• Free - Storage 100 images, Monthly credits 10
• $15 per month - Storage 10,000 images, Monthly Credits 100
• Additional credits are available for purchase

Newspaper Research Overview & Newspaper Finder

Our last Roundtable discussion topic was Newspaper Research. Here is a recap of our discussion and a new site I just learned about. 

• Newspaper Finder is a Database for Digitized Newspapers https://newspaperfinder.com/
• Newspapers offer a window into the lives of our ancestors. Suggestions for things to look for in newspapers:
• Obituary
• Professional Notices and Advertisements for Ancestor's business
• Announcements for engagements, weddings, divorces, births
• Stories about parties like wedding showers, birthday parties
• Court Dockets
• Organization Meetings - 4H, card clubs, garden clubs, quilting group, women's organizations, Business Men's Association, fraternal organizations like Odd Fellows, Masons, Elks, etc. 
• School - grades, attendance awards, spelling bees, annual school picnic
• Politics - elections, conventions
• Land - real estate, homestead land advertisements, homestead awards, delinquent tax lists
• Shipping News - ships arriving and departing from port cities
• Cemeteries - burial notices, cemetery association meetings
• Religion - church services, tithing, and functions
• Digitized newspapers are searchable using technology like Optical Character Recognition and Artificial Intelligence. The accuracy of the search feature depends on:
• The quality of the newspaper image
• Newspapers made spelling mistakes, search using alternate spellings
• Words were split between lines due to space requirements, search using the first few characters of the word or name
• Titles were used - search on Mrs. John Smith or terms like Dr. or Doctor, Mayor, etc. 
• Search on addresses, occupations, business names, or cemetery names
• Keep a list of alternate spellings for Surnames and search on all of them.
• Use wildcards if they are available on the site. 
• Alternative Newspapers
• Look for newspapers printed in an immigrants mother tongue. 
• Other sources - religious newspapers, school newspapers, business newspapers, organization newspapers. 
• Finding Newspapers
• Don't forget not everything is digitized. Search the Library of Congress Directory of U.S. Newspapers in American Libraries https://www.loc.gov/collections/directory-of-us-newspapers-in-american-libraries/about-this-collection/ 
• Use Interlibrary Loan if the newspaper you need hasn't been digitized. 
• Google the name of the newspaper. 
• U.S. Newspaper Program - beginning in 1982 the National Endowment for the Humanities provided grants to preserve newspapers on microfilm. This website has a list of the institutions that participated from all 50 states. https://www.neh.gov/us-newspaper-program 
• National Digital Newspaper Program replaced the U.S. Newspaper Program and now focuses on digital preservation. https://www.loc.gov/ndnp/
• Check Universities, local libraries, local genealogical and historical societies to find newspapers, both online and offline. 
• Check the FamilySearch Research Wiki for the location. 
• Portal to Texas History https://texashistory.unt.edu/
• Digitized Collections:
• Library of Congress Chronicling America https://www.loc.gov/collections/chronicling-america/about-this-collection/
• Ancestor Hunt https://theancestorhunt.com/
• Elephind https://www.elephind.com/
• Old Fulton History https://www.fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html 
• Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:List_of_online_newspaper_archives
• Google Newspaper Archive https://news.google.com/newspapers
• FamilySearch Newspaper Search https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/newspapers/
• Smalltown Papers Archive https://www.stparchive.com/landing.php?home=y
• Newspapers.com $ https://www.newspapers.com/
• GenealogyBank $ https://www.genealogybank.com/
• Old News $ https://www.oldnews.com/en
• Newspaper Archive $ (Free access Dallas Public Libraries or the National Genealogical Society Membership) https://newspaperarchive.com/ 

Do you have any Revolutionary War Patriots in your family?

 

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) public website has a wealth of resources for you to discover potential patriots.

(1) Ancestor Search https://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=1

Try searching on Livingston for last name, and Robert for first name.

Scroll down and click on Robert Henry Livingston (1760-1804) as an example.

Now try searches for couples in your direct line that may have service. For common surnames, it's helpful to also include spouse's name in your search. Also you can search using only the first 3-4 letters of a surname since spellings can vary.

(2) Descendants Search https://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=5

Try searching on Washington for last name, Martha for first name, and VA for state of birth.

Do you see Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (1731-1802) on the list?

Now try searches for your relatives who may have joined DAR already.

(3) Library Catalog -  https://nsdar.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01DAR_INST:DAR

This link has some helpful finding aids - See Revolutionary War Service (By State) as an example at: https://www.dar.org/sites/default/files/RevWarService.pdf

Happy exploring. Share your successes and/or add a question (in the comments field for this blogpost) to learn more.

Looking Ahead to Day 4 Roots Tech (Sat. March 7) or Dallas Genealogical Society General Meeting?

 

Saturday keynote speaker will be available via this link:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/rootstech-2026-general-session-3-steve-young

Ari Wilkins is speaking on Saturday at 11 am CT at DGS but there will be NO replay.

Whether virtually or in person, join us "live".

“If you blink, you’ll miss it!” Did your ancestor come from a one-horse town or an unincorporated community? Learn about researching country ancestors! This lecture will discuss a variety of census records; land records; maps (including census enumeration, postal route and cadastral maps); rural directories; newspapers and other sources. It will also discuss methodology and state of the art tools for mapping and researching our rural ancestors.

https://dallasgenealogy.org/general-meeting/

Day 3 - RootsTech - Friday March 6

 

(1) Miss today's keynote session?

Watch replay at: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/rootstech-2026-general-session-2-tara-roberts

Or, check Tara Robert's book website at: https://www.tararoberts.me/written-in-the-waters

(2) Trying to focus on which webinars to watch?

Go to RootsTech Schedule and filter by topics such as Breaking Through Brickwalls, Census, and Compiled Sources. You also can filter by Speaker and by Skill Level.

(3) Wishing you could see "In Person" only sessions as a virtual attendee?  

Click on those sessions and download handouts and/or slides.  Related Content may also provide previous videos to watch.

Day 2 - RootsTech - Thur March 5 - Online Expo is open!

 

Browse the multitude of offers now live on:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/

(1) Search by Company or Category (such as Charts, DNA, Storytelling, Records, Preservation, Technology, Association, Society, Library).

(2) You also can browse "All Offers". This is an excellent time of year for a discounted price for something new (or perhaps lower a rate if close to a renewal). 

(3) Try this vendor as an example - FamilyTreeDNA

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familytreedna

Here you'll find that you can upload DNA data for free (along with other promotions).

Plus, this link takes you to:

CLASSES

PRODUCT DEMOS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (downloadable)

(4) Don't forget to check the Sponsors links since they usually announce "What's News?"

e.g., https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familysearch

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/ancestry

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/myheritage

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/findmypast

Day 1 - RootsTech - Wed. March 4 (online)

 

RootsTech in person  is Thurs/Fri/Sat (March 5-7), but videos can be watched now.

Tips:

(1) Once you have registered for RootsTech (see previous post), create "My Schedule". 

When logged in, you can see your schedule in one place, so it's easy to play the videos.

(2) Look at your "Watch History" to see what you already viewed.

(3) For sessions with handouts, download them - helps with note-taking and for future reference.

(4) Don't forget to contact "Relatives at RootsTech" (see previous post). You might have a better likelihood of a response with many people online this week.

(5) Do you have favorite professional genealogists that you follow via social media or emails? Watch for their RootsTech insider tips and any special offers.  Some are in Salt Lake City in person, but many are online.

Family Tree Technology

 Natalie Webb helps people with technology and genealogy. Her website, Family Tree Technology, includes a blog, videos, and a dictionary. She hosts Office Hours each month where you can ask tech questions. 

This week, she is featuring a free Conference Momentum Pack to use during RootsTech. Check it out on her Website - Family Tree Technology

DNA Group Changes

 

Genealogy Friends DNA Special Interest Group has been meeting for a couple of years now and has evolved to intermediate and advanced topics. We are adding a second group that focuses on Beginning DNA topics. 

We would like your input to design programs for both groups that match your interests and experience. Please take a few minutes to answer the survey. 

  Survey Link 

March 21 (Saturday Seminar) "Be A Super Sleuth: Accessing Images and Full-Text Search in Family Search"

 

"Be A Super Sleuth: Accessing Images and Full-Text Search in Family Search" by Jill Morelli, CG, CGL

 Did you know that Family Search is placing their recently digitized material online in less than 24 hours after it is scanned? 

Did you know that they were placing them, not in the Catalog, but in Images? 

Did you know that using "Full Text Search," you can conduct an all word search in certain documents?

 What is a Super Sleuth to do? 

We will learn how to access these two features of FS to find your ancestors. Treasures await!

RootsTech with a Texas Focus

 

Discover the Innovative Genealogy and Archival Projects Shaping Texas

https://dallasgenealogy.org/texas-connect-2026/

CLICK on the "View Flyer" LINK so that you can see the many experts who will be speaking. Recordings will be available for anything you miss live.

RootsTech will be hosting their live Texas Connect virtual session on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 am CST. This event brings spotlights outstanding genealogical and archival projects as well as collaborative and innovative work that is happening across the Lone Star State.

This will be a virtual even host on Zoom. Participants will be able to join one of the 19 break-out rooms to hear a short presentation followed by a question & answer period. Transitions (opportunity to go to a different break-out room) will occur every 20 minutes.

• You can join the live event on the 7^th at  https://tinyurl.com/TXConnect2026
• You will be able to view recordings of this years event (and view recordings from previous years) at  https://tinyurl.com/TXConnectYouTube
• View the flyer for more information

Tony Hanson will be conducting one of the sessions, sharing information about how the DGS has integrated the digital images of their publications in the society website.

Those of you who are planning to be at the library for the March7 General Meeting can stop by the Stone Room (located just outside of the O’Hara room) and watch parts of the Texas Connect presentation beginning at 9:00.

RootsTech - Check All Sponsors (Boston Tea Party Descendants as an example)

 

If you’re looking for world-class family history products and services, you’ll want to see what RootsTech sponsors have to offer! With trusted solutions, innovative products, free samples, and incredible deals, they may have just what you need for the next step of your family history adventure.

RootsTech, the largest international genealogy conference, is available to attend in person or online. If you’re attending RootsTech in person in Salt Lake City, you can visit our sponsors in the RootsTech Expo Hall. If you’re attending online, you can visit the virtual Expo Hall, where you'll have access to many of our sponsors’ booths. You can even interact with them online and ask questions.

Register for RootsTech Today

Get to know our valued sponsors below. They are categorized by sponsor level—platinum, gold, silver, bronze, or society—and then listed alphabetically in each level. Be sure to visit their websites to learn more and to find out about any special RootsTech deals!

Here's one I want to learn more about during the conference:

Boston Tea Party Descendants Program

The Boston Tea Party Descendants® Program is dedicated to fostering interest in genealogical connections to the Boston Tea Party participants, their families, and those involved in the colonial rebellion in Boston. The program is a growing resource for descendants, researchers, and organizations, providing access to historical documents, guidance from American Ancestors’ genealogists, lesson plans, oral histories, digital exhibits, and more.

Explore the Boston Tea Party Descendants online portal to discover and contribute to this remarkable historical archive.

https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/boston-tea-party-descendants

One week to Go until RootsTech - MyHeritage

 

Consider following this blog about MyHeritage as they announce speakers at RootsTech, plus any special offers and other news.

https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/02/myheritage-heads-to-rootstech-2026/

MyHeritage team members will present lectures as part of the official conference program. Here is the schedule of a few of the RootsTech 2026 lectures.

NOTE:  Be sure to check the time zone listed (most show the Salt Lake City time).

Thursday, March 5, 2026

9:30 A.M. MT — Room 151
Obituaries as Priceless Genealogy Resources
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage

3:00 P.M. MT — Room 150
Genealogy for the Non-Genealogist: How to Engage Family and Friends with Family History
Erica Edvi, Head of Global Brand, MyHeritage

4:30 P.M. MT — Ballroom B
Genealogy, Upgraded: AI and Smart Tools on MyHeritage
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage

Friday, March 6, 2026

8:00 A.M. MT — Room 151
Your Genes, Your Story: Exploring MyHeritage DNA
Ran Snir, VP Product, MyHeritage

1:30 P.M. MT — Room 151
Session with Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage

Saturday, March 7, 2026

3:00 P.M. MT — Room 151
Record-Breaking Records: MyHeritage’s Fastest-Growing Genealogy Record Collection
Myko Clelland, Director of Content at MyHeritage

For updates during the conference, follow MyHeritage on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

FamilyTreeDNA is Upgrading Their Family Finder Testing

 

Family Tree's autosomal DNA test is the Family Finder. Beginning March 2, 2026, a new sequencing panel will bring greater precision and consistency to the test. An upgrade will be offered for customers who previously tested. 

There is more information on their help center. 

Diahan Southard wrote a blog post about this.

Dallas Genealogical Society - Mastering the Search: German Genealogical Research Strategies

 

March 28, 2026 - Join in person at the downtown Dallas Public Library or via Zoom. 

Sessions: 

• Overcoming the Language Barrier in German Genealogy
• German Genealogy on the Internet: Beyond the Basics
• Finding and Using German Church Records
• Telling Their Story: Adding Character to Your German-American Genealogical Narrative

Link to More Information and Registration

The DNA Geek Classes - Leah Larkin

Leah Larkin, the DNA Geek and creator of the Leeds Method offers DNA classes. Here is what is coming up:

𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁, 𝗜’𝗺 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁?!? 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

Ethnicity (origin) estimates are one of the most popular reasons people test and one of the most misunderstood. Learn how they work, which are most accurate, and what those percentages really mean.

𝗕𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗗𝗡𝗔: 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗡𝗔

Already solved mysteries with DNA? Put your tree to the test. Learn how to use BanyanDNA to validate relationships, spot disconnects, and uncover what your tree might be missing.

𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅: 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵

Learn how to move beyond basic match lists and start seeing patterns, connections, and signals in your DNA data that can take your research to the next level.

Each class includes time for Q&A, has limited attendance, access to recordings for two weeks, captioning, and a handout.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://thednageek.com/events

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀?

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://forms.gle/vCVWXRYCwdNRTxxR7

It's Time for RootsTech 2026!

 

Find Relatives at Roots Tech is "live" now

https://www.familysearch.org/en/connect/8a37fa20-0398-41a6-b391-0b33657a9976/

If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so here:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/online/