South Suburban Genealogical and Historical Society - Illinois

05/05/2026

Do you have a Sears home or other kit home?

Think stamped lumber means you have a Sears kit home? Not so fast.

Many homes have marked lumber, and some Sears homes don’t have it at all.

So what do those markings actually mean? And how can you really tell if your house is from Sears?

05/04/2026

Join us next Saturday at 10 am to learn all about the Illinois State Archives.

05/01/2026

Our sympathies to the family of Pete Kastanes of Vanished Chicagoland on Facebook.

CHM is deeply saddened by the loss of Pete Kastanes, the founder and administrator of Vanished Chicagoland. He was honored in 2025 with our Citizen Historian Award for his dedication to preserving and sharing the memory of long-gone Chicago businesses and events.

Pete Kastanes (left) with Eric Miller, CHM development coordinator, February 20, 2025.

04/28/2026

Celebrate America 250 with Finding Your Roots, followed by a Ken Burns series, American Revolution.

04/28/2026

Congratulations to Andre Kearns in this new role at NGS.

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) announced the appointment of Andre Kearns as Vice President of the Board of Directors, stepping into the role following a recent vacancy in the position. His selection marks a continuation of NGS’s commitment to strong leadership within the genealogical community.

Kearns brings both experience and passion to the position. First elected to the board in 2020, he has been an active contributor to the organization’s work, leading the Development Committee and serving on the Finance Committee, and previously leading the organization's inclusion efforts. A professional genealogist, public speaker, author, and Founder and CEO of Black Ancestries, Kearns is widely recognized for his engaging approach to family history and his dedication to uncovering complex ancestral narratives.

His personal research journey reflects the broader power of genealogy to illuminate the past. Drawing on DNA analysis and historical records, Kearns has explored his own lineage, uncovering connections to enslaved individuals, free people of color, Native Americans, and multiracial communities, stories that underscore the richness and diversity of American history.

In his new role as Vice President, Kearns will help guide NGS as it continues to support genealogists at all levels, promote education, and strengthen connections across the global family history community.

The Society extends its sincere appreciation to Rebecca Whitman Koford for her service as Vice President. Her leadership and dedication contributed meaningfully to NGS and its mission, and the organization is grateful for the time and expertise she devoted to advancing the field.

04/27/2026

Traveling during America 250? Check out one of these sites, courtesy of Family Tree Magazine:

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with these 25-plus historic and living history travel destinations.

04/26/2026

Library After Hours will return on the 4th Tuesday of June, July, and August. Join us at the SSGHS Library from 7-9pm on those dates.

04/18/2026

It’s up! Search 1926 Ireland census data at

Search through historical census records with The National Archives of Ireland, offering access to essential data for genealogy and historical research.

04/18/2026

Good tip from Anneta! Remember also that sometimes a woman's surname is from a previous spouse. So if her parents are listed and their surname doesn't match hers, look for an earlier marriage for either her, or for her mother.

Check out our Genealogy Tip of the Month, from Anneta Drilling!

If you’re trying to find a female ancestor’s maiden name, there are several useful records to check.

Marriage records are the most reliable place to start, as they almost always include a maiden name. If the woman later applied for a military pension as a widow, she would have been required to provide proof of marriage—these records often list her maiden name as well.

Other sources can also help. Headstones and census records sometimes include maiden names. Church documents—such as baptismal records, membership rolls, and death records—may also record a woman’s maiden name.

Even when a maiden name isn’t listed directly, documents like obituaries and wills can offer clues. They often mention relatives, such as brothers or unmarried sisters, which can help you piece together the family name.