FOLD3 - One Week Countdown to the 4th of July!

 

Looks for Fireworks image for posts over the next week.

FOLD3 - Yes! Many of us use this at home and/or at our public libraries.  Share with others that some of their collections have free access in honor of America250.

For more information, go to https://www.fold3.com/go/free-access

There is not one Revolutionary War collection but several such as:

• Revolutionary War Pension Files
• Revolutionary War Rolls
• Numbered Record Books
• Final Payment Vouchers for Military Pensions
• Revolutionary War Prize - Captured Vessels
• Service Records

While taking a break from the heat and holiday barbecues, encourage younger family members to surf for five minutes - they might get hooked. Don't worry about the handwriting... FOLD3 has transcriptions (not perfect but helpful).

Websites to Explore

Connecticut State Library - New Haven County Court Records

https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/archives/uncoveringnewhaven/main

This website offers information and links to websites, books, digitized records, etc., for diverse subjects including New Haven, Black and Indigenous History, Women's History, Colonial and National History, and Connecticut Courts. Be sure to check out their Blog, which is currently highlighting cases involving women in honor of Women's History Month.

Kilbourn Public Library - Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton

https://kilbournpublic.advantage-preservation.com/

Part of the Community History Archive, this free searchable website provides links to digitized copies of newspapers local to the Wisconsin Dells area of Wisconsin. I found detailed obituaries including immigration information for siblings and cousins of some of my direct line ancestors living in other parts of Wisconsin, new information providing clues for additional research. Lots of community news, too.

Websites to Explore

New Finding Aid - St. Clair County Heritage Compendium: The Public Domain Books Finding Aid (PDBFA)

https://stclair-ilgs.org/biographies-histories/heritage-pdbfa/

The PDBFA provides an alphabetical index for people, businesses, and events mentioned in 81 historical books centered around St. Clair County, IL. I found mention of family members living in other IL locations and also in other states.

Germanology Unlocked Blog

https://germanologyunlocked.com/blog/

Have German ancestors? This blog has helpful articles on research tips, German language, handwriting, church records, German names, and many more interesting topics.

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

https://dp.la/guides/the-family-research-guide-to-dpla

This user friendly website provides links to all sorts of information, records, photos, and ephemera to add context to the lives of our ancestors. 

Websites to Explore

Time Map

https://www.oldmapsonline.org/en/history/regions#position=3/33.1/-96.88&year=1862

Use the slider to journey through time, from 4000 BC to today. See something fascinating? Click on it, and a side panel opens with the relevant Wikipedia article for instant research.

Steve Little’s AI Genealogy Do-Over 

https://aigenealogyinsights.com/2025/01/01/the-2025-ai-genealogy-do-over/

AI Genealogy Do-Over with a kicker of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.

The Snapshot Interviews 

The Snapshot Interviews are a series of free, engaging, 30-minute conversations with leading voices in genealogy. With a strong focus on audience participation, each session incorporates questions submitted by attendees, making every interview interactive and uniquely tailored. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, these interviews provide fresh ideas, practical tips, and inspiration—all in just half an hour!

The debut of The Snapshot Interviews features two well-known names in forensic genealogy, Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais and Michael S. Ramage. Together, they bring unparalleled expertise to the field and are the co-authors of the highly anticipated book, Forensic Genealogy: Theory & Practice. The first interview, with Catherine and Michael, launches on February 12th at 6:30 PM Central US. 

Join the conversation and sign up today to be part of The Snapshot Interviews. Explore the rest of the 2025 schedule and register now.