The Icemen of Yonkers, NY

Iceman in New York. Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library. (https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dd-9cc1-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99) It may seem odd to be writing about ice in the middle of winter since winter was the season coal was delivered, not ice. But winter is the season that ice was cutContinue reading "The Icemen of Yonkers, NY"

Travel. Research. Learn.

Historical research is akin to traveling. In fact, one might say that when you research history of any kind, you ARE making a journey. Back in time, to another place or set of circumstances. During the past year, I have been fortunate to travel, both nationally and internationally. As a historian and archivist, I alwaysContinue reading "Travel. Research. Learn."

A Different Kind of Tragedy

Most families will uncover sad or unfortunate stories in their history, often including accidents, alcoholism, abuse, or even murder. The Hale family is no exception. Oscar James Hale (1870-1916) was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He came from a family of silver platers and learned the trade himself.  Around 1891, the Hales relocated toContinue reading "A Different Kind of Tragedy"

Mapping Your Ancestors

Washington Place Plantation, East Feliciana, Louisiana, ca 1822 I LOVE maps. Not GPS or GIS, but maps printed on paper, and the older the better. Atlases, survey maps, geographical maps, plat maps, navigational charts, subdivision plats, and sometimes even topographical maps. Each type of map shows different data that can be helpful in your familyContinue reading "Mapping Your Ancestors"

What’s in a Name?

Today, especially in the U.S., parents are giving their babies more unusual, uncommon, and creative names. But not too long ago, family names were the norm – first names passed down from generation to generation, maternal surnames used as middle names, and more. In genealogical research, these “old-fashioned” naming patterns help us to determine familyContinue reading "What’s in a Name?"

Italian Banda in Yonkers, New York

In the mid-1980s, I visited my great-aunt Nettie in Yonkers, New York, where she had lived her entire life. One of my most cherished possessions is a tambourine she gave me that has the inscription “Property of Rinaldi’s Band.” My great-grandparents, Angelo Rinaldi and Maria Bonacci, immigrated to the U.S. in 1903 and 1905 respectively.Continue reading "Italian Banda in Yonkers, New York"

In Her Words: Memories of Living in Whitebread, Ontario

Whitebread Station ca 1920. William Peers and daughters Margaret (left), Beatrice, and Mildred. My maternal grandmother, Margaret Peers, was raised in the small community of Whitebread, Ontario located along the Chenail Ecarté (The Snye) - a tributary of the St. Clair River known that forms part of the western boundary between Chatham-Kent and the WalpoleContinue reading "In Her Words: Memories of Living in Whitebread, Ontario"

More than just names: vital records in Italy

Civil registration records are an invaluable resource in searching for your Italian roots. They contain a wealth of information, depending on the type of record and the time period in which the event occurred. Italy's civil records today are a result of a standardized registration system introduced in 1806, after the annexation of many ItalianContinue reading "More than just names: vital records in Italy"