Sometimes, Genealogy Leads to Pain

The link below is yet another example of how discoveries made during genealogical searches sometimes cause pain for members of the family.  This is true even when others in the family are almost gleeful about the newly revealed information.  

Two Women Researched Slavery in Their Family. They Didn’t See the Same Story

Everyone has different "pain points" - try to be considerate and empathetic about how you share and publish sensitive data.

Contribute to the Statewide Index to Mississippi Death Records (1912 - 1943)

Would you like to help us complete our transcription of over 800,000 records in the Statewide Index to Mississippi Death Records (1912 - 1943)?  If you visit the link below, you can fill out a form with information from your certificate(s):

MS Death Certificate Submission Form

After we receive your submission, we'll enter your certificate(s) into the database. Please don't forget to enter an email address so we know who to thank. We very much appreciate your help!

25,000 and Counting!

The Statewide Index to Mississippi Death Records (1912-1943) reached 25,000 names this week! Transcription has not been easy and could take years. If you would like to assist us in our efforts, we'd love to hear from you (email us at webmaster (at) cooganresearchgroup [dot] com)!

Virtual Genealogy Fair

For anyone who is interested in joining in discussions about resources available at the National Archives and Records Administration (in Washington, DC - and online), here is your chance! On September 3 and 4 (2013), NARA will hold a Virtual Genealogy Fair (the first ever). Check out their website at this link for more information.

Happy hunting!

Spoiler Alert: DNA Discoveries

In the past, a family researcher could comb through dusty records in many libraries and never truly know (for certain) whether the data was correct. Family stories could be verified or refuted. However, even official records contain errors. Most of the information in vital records, censuses and other printed history is based on the word of the person who was contacted at the time the record was made. For that reason, historians were always uncertain of the true origins of a family (beyond what could be "proved" in print).

Now, however, the use of DNA in a family history project has dramatically changed the situation. Instead of hoping to connect your ancestors to a place in the "Old World" using their words or unreliable records, you can pinpoint their blood ancestry. A word or warning: sometimes you may not like what you find! Depending on your viewpoint, you might be surprised, shocked or dismayed by the recent discovery that Princess Diana is descended from a domestic with Indian blood.

I have discussed DNA genealogy with several other researchers through the years and their interest in using it ranges from "great idea" to "I don't want to know." Often, there is a fear that someone's dark secret might be revealed (this is especially troublesome if they are still living). Have you ever considered what you would do if the DNA uncovered something that you (or someone in your family) didn't want to know?

Of course, it was always possible to find secrets buried in the family history (e.g., "early births", annulled marriages, black sheep, etc.). One movie I've seen, that actually describes the impact well, is called A Family Thing (starring James Earl Jones and Robert Duvall). Even without DNA information, we all must be ready to deal with the consequences when the truth comes out. Be ready - and happy hunting!