Would you like to understand more about your Azorean heritage? Do you have an interest in all things Portuguese? Or, are you a fan of folklore and fables? Then, you might be interested in a volume by Elsie Spicer Eells titled “The Islands of Magic: Legends, Folk, and Fairy Tales from the Azores”. This is…
Josefa de Mello wasn’t a Mello at all: Or, Why You Can’t Trust Portuguese Surnames
Curious thing about Portuguese surnames. They are inconsistent at best and downright frustrating most of the time. Surname research is out of the question because you can’t depend on any consistency. I shouldn’t have been surprised that Josefa de Mello’s surname turned out to be completely different than the name on her son’s marriage record….
Research Your Family Tree Forward to Work Out DNA Matches
I have many DNA matches on FTDNA and GEDMatch and I’ve researched collateral lines. Yet, I struggle to figure out how we my DNA matches are related to me. Knowing we’re related is only the beginning. Figuring out how is the hard part. I’ve spent considerable time going backwards with my research. I’m bringing my…
Fun with GEDMatch Chromosome Mapping
Have you uploaded your raw DNA files to GEDMatch.com? If not, you should consider it. Not only is there the possibility of connecting with new cousins who tested with different DNA companies, there are some nifty tools not available anywhere else. There are a variety of chromosome mapping tools that allow you to analyze your…
Should I Get Rid of My Genealogy Binders?
Binders and folders are necessary for genealogy, aren’t they? You have to print your family group sheets and save them somewhere…don’t you? What if I told you I was seriously considering reducing my genealogy binders so that they only hold copies of documents? What if I took it one step further and got rid of…