Family Tales & Trails

02/02/2026

While visiting the Lazaretto in Essington, PA, I came across this piece showing linen processing. Things like this can help you and others better understand an ancestor's trade.

01/09/2026

Mount Moriah Cemetery, Yeadon, Delaware County, PA

This cemetery is located in both Delaware and Philadelphia Counties and has been the subject of much debate over the years.

Privately owned, it has been neglected for decades. In doing research for a D.A.R. project, I spent many hours there and attempted to do some clean up. Graves were overgrown and it has been used as a dumping ground for all sorts of things. Back then mausoleums had been ransacked. Even though the resting place for some historic figures, very few sites were maintained. While sitting there documenting some grave sites, Philadelphia Police were seen patrolling (the Philadelphia side) and, out of curiosity, one stopped to ask what it was I was doing.

Now there is this story: https://www.phillyvoice.com/alleged-grave-robber/

Charges have been filed in Delaware County only. Following investigation it sounds like a lot more will be filed in other jurisdictions.

The 34-year-old's house in Lancaster County was 'a horror movie come to life,' the district attorney says.

12/28/2025

American Ancestors Young Family Historians Essay Contest 2026

For those in grades 4-12

Folks are always concerned about whether another generation will be interested in its family history. This is just one way to encourage them. Not only do they learn "family" history but "history" in general!

To learn more go to: https://www.americanancestors.org/Essay-Contest-2026?utm_campaign=8126257-The%20Weekly%20Genealogist&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_J1ezIoD6Py6OYmd4GLsQxo3FH9EQOJLIlOGiQlVxYxesC_ALtT3xi3pI93QtkS53QIpk9qbGhTAUnqDcT0vMQBIFlpg&_hsmi=391642691&utm_content=391642691&utm_source=hs_email

10/27/2025

10/27/2025

Love this! It's why we do what we do!

10/24/2025

The other day I took a field trip to the NJ State Archives & Library in Trenton. Always curious to hear from staff (I was there with members of APG) what is available and how resources can be accessed.
It turns out that, due to legislative restrictions, most documents can't be posted on-line. While there are a lot of "finding aids" on-site, they aren't posted either. This makes "pre-planning" for a trip nearly impossible.
On the other hand the library is more "normal" in that there is an on-line catalog of its holdings. Searching it I found 2 entries of particular interest; one was for a "Godfrey Chart" and the other for a Memorial (book) to E.L.B. Godfrey (not a lineal, but close enough).
I was totally amazed when the "chart" was pulled! Never expected to see anything like it for any of our lines. The book provided additional insights as it was a biography of Dr. Godfrey written by his widow. It provides not only detailed information about his medical career, but also his military and FAMILY! As it is fairly long I did not photograph all of the pages, just those felt most relevant.
(I had hoped to find some Pitcher info, but...)
It was an exhausting day that proved very satisfying!

08/26/2025

Interested in Genealogy or your Family History? Main Line School Night is offering 2 classes this fall! Both are appropriate for folks with all levels of interest. To learn more and register for "Genealogy: Organizing Your Family History" and "Genealogy: Getting Started" go to: https://courses.mainlineschoolnight.org/wconnect/ace/QuickSearch.awp

Hope to see you there!

08/24/2025

Here's an example of why you want to find out as much about family members and ancestors as possible. All sorts of organizations, entities, etc. may have collections and/or archives. These may help you add personality and interest to those dry old documents we commonly gather to prove "lineage." What groups existed during your family's time in an area? Check city directories, county histories, with librarians, newspapers... and the list goes on!

🔥🚒 Delaware’s Fire Service Legacy, Preserved in Time 🚒🔥

Big news for the First State! We’re excited to announce the launch of the Delaware Historical Fire Society, a brand-new organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the rich history of Delaware’s fire service.

For too long, Delaware has been one of the few states without a dedicated organization to safeguard its firefighting history. That changes today. From historic fire apparatus and equipment to the stories of the men and women who served, our mission is to make sure this legacy is never forgotten.

Our mission: “The Delaware Historical Fire Society exists to protect and celebrate the history of firefighting in the First State. Guided by our belief in ‘Delaware’s Firefighting Legacy Preserved in Time,’ we preserve, restore, and display historical firefighting apparatus, equipment, and memorabilia for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Follow us here and on Instagram to stay updated, share our story, and help us preserve Delaware’s Fire Service Legacy.

Website: DelawareHistoricalFireSociety.org

08/15/2025

You never know when that "crumb" might turn up. Read documents closely. Search newspapers regularly.

07/23/2025

There's nothing new. What's your story?

Source For more information www.miamillefoglie.com

07/15/2025

Interested in your Ukrainian/Eastern European history? Attending cultural events like this one up in Schuylkill Co. gives you an opportunity to talk with like-minded folks who might be able to provide you with hints and leads.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XM8dmodk6/

It's picnic and block party season! In today's Trips Around Schuylkill, here is a shot from Saint Nick's Picnic in Minersville in July 1988. These Ukrainian Sword Dancers from Frackville were a frequent sight at such ethnic celebrations across the county.

07/10/2025

Eastern European Ancestry

Whenever I teach a class someone will say that their family came from [insert name of country] in Eastern Europe. They feel stymied by the presumed lack of records from the area due to numerous wars, border changes, you name it. When it comes to family history, we all have challenges, some greater than others, but this is not a cause for despair. You still need to follow the standard research processes, but rely more on newspapers and family stories.

Get as many documents and stories as you can from family members. Visit them, if you can. Ask to see their "archives" (letters, photos, clippings). Note any return addresses on envelopes/letters. For you, the "stories" are part of your history. Research the time period and location. Try to determine the "truth" behind them.

Remember, after conflicts families tried to find one another. This is where newspapers come in. Can't read the language? You can try on-line translators, but you may also want to connect with a local organization or the Church of the Latter Day Saints Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Both would have folks more than happy to help with translations.

You might be surprised what folks managed to save/salvage/rescue from disaster zones. Contact possible family/libraries/churches in the area from which your family came. Nothing to be lost, but a whole lot to be gained!

Join Facebook groups specific to your area of interest. Find one where the folks are willing to answer your questions, that provides knowledgeable information about the area, maybe even a family specific group. There are many out there.

Webinars are another way to learn what "experts" are finding. This one from the MyHeritage Blog discusses "Being Polish: Traditions and Genealogy."

Best of luck on you journey!