Welcome back to the Ancestral Findings newsletter!
This week’s newsletter explores some truly intriguing history and mystique. We begin with The Ouija Board: Spirit Communication or Superstition?, exploring the iconic object that has captivated imaginations for generations. Next, The Connecticut Witch Trials offers a look into America’s lesser-known witchcraft hysteria that unfolded before the infamous Salem events. And if you think you may have ancestral ties to Salem, Witches in the Family? provides tools to uncover any links to those turbulent times.
For those tracing South African ancestry, we have two dedicated guides: one addresses the unique
challenges of genealogical research in the region, while the other shines a light on honoring the often-overlooked women in family history. Plus, This week’s Free Genealogy Lookups are available for anyone just beginning their journey. Finally, be sure to enter our giveaway for The Complete Guide to Family Tree DNA by Roberta Estes—an invaluable resource for discovering how DNA can enrich your family history.
The Ouija board has become a cultural touchstone, a mysterious object imbued with the power to fascinate, thrill, and terrify. Its letters, numbers, and simple planchette have allowed generations to…
Did you know that colonial America had more than one incident of witchcraft hysteria? While the Salem witch trials are the most famous incident, they are not the only one, or even the first. Here is…
Do you have a connection to the Salem witch trials of 1692? How do you know? Here are some resources for finding out, and for tracing your Salem witch ancestry.
The post Witches in the Family?…
Start your genealogy journey with our free genealogy lookups this week. Click here if you're a first-time user and want to learn more.
The post This Week’s Free Genealogy Lookups appeared first on…
In the world of genealogy, it can sometimes feel like the women in your family tree slip into the shadows, often overshadowed by male ancestors whose surnames are passed down through generations. But…
Genealogical research in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re trying to track down a birth certificate, find an ancestor in the 1800s, or…
Explore your family history through the power of DNA with Roberta Estes’ comprehensive guide, The Complete Guide to Family Tree DNA. Whether you’re a newcomer to genetic genealogy or a seasoned…
South Africa’s history is a fascinating migration, with people arriving from all over the world and others leaving to build new lives in different lands. Understanding the patterns of immigration and…
Are you looking for some excellent genealogy projects to keep you busy and building your family tree in October? Here are six of them you definitely must do.
The post 6 “Must-Do” Genealogy Projects…
What’s in a name? Well, in South Africa, quite a lot! Surnames carry the stories of ancestors, cultures, and the complex history that shaped this incredible country. Whether your last name is Van der…
Take a peek at our latest Genetoons coffee mugs—they’re perfect for your next research session!