GenTales June-July Recap
Your August Newsletter
The end of summer is approaching and it seems it’s gone by so fast. It’s been a bit quiet around here but I still have some things to share with you from June and July.
Keep reading for a related call for submissions after I recap recent publications at GenTales.
We didn’t have any new writers, but we had information on vital records and joining a genealogical society.
Vital Records
In June, I wrote about Understanding Causes of Death in Vital Records. This article was originally published in GenTales on Substack, where there was a great discussion about additional terminology found in death certificates and I wanted to give the Medium readers and GenTales writers a chance to contribute or ask questions.
One aspect of genealogical research and putting together stories about family history is understanding the “extras” in vital records. The name, date, place — those are the core tidbits of information. But the extras, like how someone died, they help tell the story.
The problem with causes of death, though, is that medicine and science have changed over time and what we understand about disease today isn’t what our ancestors knew.
I also took these discussions and expanded them into two YouTube videos on the topic in Gentales on YT.
If not directed to the next video at the end, click here for Part 2.
Joining a Genealogical Society
In July, I provided information on How to Join DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). It includes what you need, what to expect, and information to help you decide if it’s worth joining this genealogical society and women’s service organization.
If you find that it is worth it for you and you want to start working on your application, I put together a Genealogy Research Minute series to help. Start with the one below and then browse the others in the series.
Call for Submissions
Over the next few months, I want your articles on seasonal variations in your ancestors’ lives.
- Did they live in different places during the summer/winter?
- Did they have different jobs depending on the seasons?
- Did they have to relocate/immigrate due to climate?
- Did summer influence the house they built? The animals they kept? The job they had?
These are just a few examples of where I’m going with this concept. But you can submit to GenTales on any topic dealing with genealogical research, family history, and ancestors. Click here for the submission guidelines.
I look forward to reading your submissions. Have a great end of summer!
