In episode #300 of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole discuss the evolution of their genealogy research methodology, Research Like a Pro (RLP), over the years, focusing on past, present, and future perspectives.  Past Developments: Technology: Initially, Diana and Nicole utilized tools like PAF and Ancestral Quest for family trees, Google Sheets for research logs, and Evernote for notes. They also used a lot of paper files and some digital files for organization. Genealogy Methods: Early methods included using FHL book indexes, census research, and writing letters to courthouses ..read more

In this episode of Research Like a Pro, we discuss strategies for researching ancestors who emigrated to the United States after 1820, emphasizing the wealth of ship manifests and other records available for identifying individuals among those with the same name. We explore immigration trends from the 19th to the early 20th century, the impact of U.S. immigration laws on the process, and the roles of key immigration stations like Castle Garden and Ellis Island. The episode highlights various record types, including passenger lists, naturalization records, and more, and offers guidance on using ..read more

Diana and Nicole discuss the intricacies of tracing ancestors back to the Colonial Era in the United States, emphasizing the scarcity of immigration records before the establishment of the U.S. Federal Government in 1789. They highlight strategies such as cluster research and the use of DNA testing to overcome the challenge of limited documentation, particularly for those who emigrated from England, Scotland, France, Germany, and other regions. The co-hosts explain the significance of creating a locality guide based on historical context and settlement patterns to identify an ancestor's origin ..read more

This episode of Research Like a Pro focuses on the intricacies of tracing immigration records in genealogical research. Diana and Nicole discuss the common challenges faced when trying to locate an ancestor's passenger list and the various entry points into the U.S., such as New York, New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco, Canada, and Mexico. They emphasize the importance of combing through U.S. records for clues about an ancestor's home country, ship's name, date of immigration, and family relationships, highlighting the role of naturalization records, military records, passports, ethnic church ..read more

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro features a discussion with Barry Chodak from genealogical.com about a new feature called the My GPC Library. This digital library provides access to 800 of the best titles in genealogy and family history, making it an invaluable resource for researchers. Diana and Nicole, the hosts, share their excitement about this tool and its potential to enhance genealogical research. They explore various aspects of the My GPC Library, including its search functionality, the range of books available, and specific titles that caught their interest. The conversation cov ..read more

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about the evolution of naturalization laws in the U.S., tracing how these laws have shaped the process of becoming an American citizen from the country's early days to the modern era. By examining specific acts from 1790 through to the 20th century, we shed light on the legal landscape that our ancestors navigated as they sought to establish new lives in America. This exploration not only aids us in understanding the context of our ancestors' experiences but also provides valuable insights into the legal context of naturalization records, which are cru ..read more

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about naturalization records in the United States. We review the genealogical information naturalization records can hold, and discuss various records created in the process. We talk about Declarations of Intention (first papers), Petitions for Naturalization (second or final papers), and Certificates of Naturalization. We also go over the use of census records for clues about naturalization status, including columns for alien status, declaration of intent filed, and naturalized status, across various census years. An example is our ancestor, William B ..read more

In today's episode of Research Like a Pro, we delve into the life of William Henry Kelsey Jr. (1856-1918), exploring his various roles as a tradesman, entrepreneur, and homesteader. His ventures in the sawmill industry, wholesale fruit and berry business, and homesteading in Idaho are thoroughly examined. Personal accounts from his children enrich our understanding of his experiences and contributions. We also consider his impact on his family and community, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit. As genealogists, it's fascinating for us to dive into specific aspects of our ancestors' lives ..read more

In today's episode of Research Like a Pro, we explore the life of Nancy Briscoe Fraser during the Civil War. We focus on the often overlooked experiences of women in this era, specifically examining Nancy's life in the Ozarks. We discuss her marriage to a Confederate soldier amidst the conflict and her life after the war. This conversation emphasizes the resilience of women like Nancy during the Civil War and highlights the importance of uncovering and understanding the stories of our ancestors. Links Nancy E. (Briscoe) Frazier, 1847-1924: The Disaster of the Civil War in the Ozarks - https ..read more

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about the new DNA tools at LivingDNA. Initially, we discuss our personal projects and thoughts on time management, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing life goals and projects. We then shift to the main topic: our experience with LivingDNA's new tools, specifically the chromosome browser and the Matchbox. We explain how these tools help in organizing DNA match lists and provide insights into ancestral connections. LivingDNA's unique feature of giving detailed biogeographical breakdowns, particularly for British Isles ancestry, is highlighted. A c ..read more