One of the largest ethnic groups in early Pennsylvania spoke German. But today we call their language Pennsylvania Dutch. My guest, Professor of Germanic Linguistics Mark Louden calls Pennsylvania Dutch a truly American language. Learn why he says that and learn a little PA Dutch to share with family and friends. Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Language, by Mark L. Louden Don’t miss Mark’s website https://padutch.net ..read more

What is the history of the Lenape who lived across much of Pennsylvania? How were they impacted by the waves of immigration to the colony? And what is their future? Meet Adam Waterbearer DePaul, Tribal Storykeeper of the Lenape of Pennsylvania who fills in a big gap in our shared history here and provides hope through the Prophecy of the Four Crows. Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania https://www.lenape-nation.org Fulfilling a Prophecy Exhibit https://www.penn.museum/sites/fap/index.shtml Enduring Presence: Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania Art https://ds-omeka.haverford.edu/enduringpresence/exhibits/sh ..read more

AncestryDNA has the largest DNA database in the world for genealogy. Their data on genetic communities can help you target your research if you take an extra step with it. I explain that step in this episode.   Sign up for my newsletter at https://welcome.paancestors.com   Chapters:  00:00 Intro 01:11 AncestryDNA Genetic Communities 03:38 Walkthrough of Map Overlays 06:13 Furthering Your Research   Resources mentioned in video:  AncestryDNA https://www.ancestry.com/dna/ County biography and history collection digitized by the Allen County Public Library https ..read more

What if I told you that in the 1700’s and 1800’s in Pennsylvania, there were unique and beautiful birth records created? These are not official government records and not church records. It is what we call fraktur and I explain what it is and where to find it in this episode. Links: My Inner Circle Members get a resource sheet with links to digital collections of fraktur. The example shown is “Birth and Marriage Record (Geburts und Trauschein) for Catharina Stutzmann and Daniel Esch,” hosted at the Free Library of Philadelphia website https://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/item/5808 Two other ..read more

If you have ancestors in Pennsylvania in the 17th & 18th century, knowing these four things will help your understanding of our records (and our history!). Free Friday newsletter https://welcome.paancestors.com   00:00 Intro  01:48 Pennsylvania in the Revolutionary War 05:16 The landless in Pennsylvania 07:46 Religions in Pennsylvania 09:35 Pennsylvania and the Book of Revelation   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E6to8YkpSVk    Books mentioned: Beyond Philadelphia: The American Revolution in the Pennsylvania Hinterland, editted by John B. Frantz an ..read more

Did you hear about the new things coming to genealogy in 2023? Here's the announcements of what's rolling out in 2023 from Ancestry and FamilySearch.  Get the latest in Pennsylvania genealogy research with my newsletter  00:00 Intro 04:00 Innovation & Tech Forum 05:45 What's New at Ancestry 11:29 What's New at FamilySearch Links mentioned in the video: Watch this episode on YouTube  Previous podcast episode #75 "Get the Most Out of RootsTech" - check it out Innovation & Tech Forum  Ancestry's Full Video AncestryDNA Updates Ancestry's Recent Collections Page FamilySe ..read more

RootsTech is the largest family history conference in the world. You can attend virtually again in 2023. Here's how to make the most of everything RootsTech offers.  Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries newsletter https://welcome.paancestors.com Register for RootsTech https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/ Music: "Achaidh Cheide" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License ..read more

Sometimes we can't find birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses on our ancestors. These are the 10 records I look for as a substitute for vital records for my ancestors. Subscribe to **PA Ancestors Discoveries** Newsletter  [https://welcome.paancestors.com](https://welcome.paancestors.com/) Become an **Inner Circle Member** [https://www.paancestors.com/members/](https://www.paancestors.com/members/) Music: *My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free*, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, [www.amclassical.com](http://www.amclassical.com/), Creative Common ..read more

Genealogists get to research in a variety of records. But I have one absolute favorite record, and its a hard-to-find vital record. Listen in to what it is and where to find it. Subscribe to **PA Ancestors Discoveries** Newsletter  [https://welcome.paancestors.com](https://welcome.paancestors.com/) Make a discovery about your ancestors? I’d love to hear about it! [https://paancestors.com/testimonials/](https://paancestors.com/testimonials/)  Become an **Inner Circle Member** [https://www.paancestors.com/members/](https://www.paancestors.com/members/) Music: *My Days Have Been So Wond ..read more

The 19th Century was a time of change and vital records were tried, failed, and tried again in various ways. It's confusing and and I'll clear it up in this episode. Subscribe to PA Ancestors Discoveries Newsletter Make a discovery about your ancestors? I’d love to hear about it! Have a question on how research in PA? Submit it here for the Research Q & A Become an Inner Circle Member and get exclusive content while supporting the podcast Catch-up on all the past episodes Music: My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free, composed by Francis Hopkinson in 1788 in Philadelphia, www.amclassi ..read more