Comments on: Did You Calculate the Dates?Who Do You Think You Are? Episode 1

By: Barbara Ribling

Barbara Ribling — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:31:14 +0000

I enjoyed the Episode very much. one of my ancestors was a Sheriff in Hartford, CT, during the witch trials there so it was especially interesting to learn even more about these sad events.

I question everything! Even the census and other records. I dig and dig to try and verify “facts”. The date of 1849 would not have been considered especially accurate to me. It would have been a clue to further research. It was not given as a “fact” with an exact date and information regarding the death. I like to think that I might have eventually found the information regarding the death. I would not have been surprised. i have found errors and conflicts regarding several dates, even those in the Family Bible!

By: Andy Hatchett

Andy Hatchett — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:27:49 +0000

Becky,

They found them in one of the Yale Library collections that are online- one of the Bloggers mentioned it just the other day. Same collection also had the letter about his death.

By: Becky

Becky — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:56:27 +0000

The performance of the actors aside, the show’s doing what it was intended . . garnering interest in our favorite addiction, showing folks how to get started, highlighting the excitement of the chase, and pumping up those of us who are already on the trail. I’m enjoying one added benefit. My husband (formerly not interested in genealogy, mine or his) is now seeing why I spend so much time at my computer, why he’s paying for my annual subscription for Ancestry.com, and why I need those road trips to cemeteries and remote courthouses while we’re traveling. Yeah Ancestry for going prime time!!!! Any chance the pro’s in the show could answer questions about their findings on-line? I’d really like to know where they found the gold mining partnership contract which was so “common”.

By: Carol A. H.

Carol A. H. — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:58:39 +0000

Why do I get the feeling the show was the ghost of “This Is Your Life?”

By: Andy Hatchett

Andy Hatchett — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:54:51 +0000

Claire,

While it may be your Family History, there is no way on earth, short of DNA tests, to tell if it is your genetic history or not… *grin*

By: Claire Miller

Claire Miller — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:09:15 +0000

Anyone who thinks Sarah Jessica Parker was a little over enthusiastic hasn’t seen me whenever I find the least tidbit on line – for new info is cause to jump around, pump my fists in the air and hoot a bit. I mean, this is your genetic history folks! That’s worth a little over-the-top behavior in my book.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:53:16 +0000

I have not seen the show, yet. But I would like to say Thank You for it anyway. I have been working on our tree for about 3 years. It has been like pulling teeth to get information and/or photos etc. until this show aired. Now it is interesting to someone besides just me So, thank you for showing what it is really all about- finding out who we are and where we come from. I have been trying to get across the concept that ANY information is a clue to the next piece in the puzzle and your show finally made the point.

By: Jim Acebedo

Jim Acebedo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:05:00 +0000

I watched the first episode online. I thought it was interesting and I will watch to see what happens in following episodes. The thing that I found interesting was that most of the documents they showed were legible and easy to read. I think they need to show that it can be easy to link a relative to a specific census or record, however, sometimes you really have to work at reading the writings on that document to make sure it is what you think it is. This hobby is definitely a puzzle that needs to be pieced together carefully and accurately. A labor of love.

By: Bonnie Jansen

Bonnie Jansen — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:04:01 +0000

My husband’s father always claimed they were related to Napoleon. A cousin did all sorts of research and could not make the connection. Finally hubby said, Well it was on the wrong side of the sheets, so it is not going to show up on the church records in Germany or Leichtenbergs or anywhere. Opa (German Grandpa) told me, it was about Oma(Grandma’s) side of the family, someone was Napoleon’s girlfriend somewhere. Everything got all messed up due to WWII anyway, so info is lost.

By: Once a beginner myself

Once a beginner myself — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:42:16 +0000

Leanna #6:

You might start with your nearest local Family History Center. They have some good help (but not always) and they do not charge any money to help you. Ask for a librarian who is very experienced in helping beginners. If you are not happy with that person, try another day, another person.

Go to:

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp

Then go to “Find a Family History Center” and enter the town or city or state. I don’t know where you live. The centers have Ancestry for use by the patrons and also know lots of other resources for your area, such as other local genealogical societies and libraries.

Don’t hesitate to keep going back. They are patient and helpful. Most will at least get you an experienced person in your field of research. All free.