The IGS Genealogy Blog
- Written by IGS
Letters to Santa first began regularly appearing in newspapers around the 1880s. Every December since then, newspapers across the nation have published children's requests for the gifts they want most.
Below are a few letters to Santa from 1916—one hundred Christmases ago. Although the items requested of Santa have changed somewhat since then (not too many kids request fruit and nuts these days), the belief that St. Nick can bring worthy petitioners anything their hearts desire, big or small, remains the same.
- Written by IGS
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ancestry researched the lives of 12 Pearl Harbor survivors, including four USS Arizona veterans, to uncover details about their family history, military service, and genetic diversity.
- Written by IGS
One week to Thanksgiving and I am thinking of genealogy (of course).
What better holiday is there for us genealogy loving folks than Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is ensconced at the very top of the list of holidays. Tradition-filled times of family, friends, and feasting.
As lovers of genealogy and family history there is much we can bring to the Thanksgiving table (besides a pumpkin pie) and that we can take away (in addition to some leftovers if we are lucky).
- Written by Paul Rawlins
Turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, pie. Every dish on your Thanksgiving table brings something different to the meal. Just like every member of your family brings something different to your genetic family tree. Get an idea of what DNA testing other members of your family can add to your research.
- Written by IGS
Just in time for Veterans’ Day, BillionGraves has announced the addition of the Veteran Finder tool on its web site. This unique feature utilizes the power of GPS to locate Veterans in cemeteries all over the world.