Most genealogists can claim a number of ethnicities among their ancestors; we’re individual microcosms of the American melting pot. With ethnic roots rich with regional history and cultural traditions come research challenges. This issue of Stirpes addresses some of the specific difficulties encountered when researching Irish, German, African American, and Hispanic ancestors as well as resources available for researching other ethnicities.
Whether or not your ancestors number among those ethnicities included in this issue, seasoned genealogists recognize that tips and resources provided for one ethnicity can be applied to most any other. These articles might hold the clue to expanding your family tree or breaking through a brick wall. Be sure to examine them closely to see what help might be available for you.
To that end, this issue of Stirpes is packed with resources and research tips for exploring your ethnicity.
- Understanding Your DNA Ethnicity Estimates by Melody Hooper Woods
- Ethnic Resources at Genealogical.com by Joe Garonzik
- Luck of the Irish: How to Overcome the Record Losses and Find Your Family by Bernard N. Meisner
- Online Resources Benefit Researching African American Ancestry — Let Your Fingers Do the Walking by Diane L. Richard
- The Beyond Kin Project by Donna Cox Baker
- Translation Resources With an Emphasis on Hispanic Genealogy by Joy Oria
- Book Review: San Antonio Marriages 1703-1846: Matrimony in Colonial, Mexican and Republican Texas by Bill Buckner
- Genealogical Observations and Y-DNA Findings for Luis Peña (1820–1890) of Nacogdoches, Texas, by Richard Peña
- The Conrad and Marie (Otto) Flaig Family: Embracing German American Culture in San Antonio by Larry W. Luckett
- Seeking an Answer: Different Ethnicities, Common Ancestors? by Jim Thornhill
Bill Buckner’s book review addresses a book of early Texas marriages by Art Martínez De Vara: “San Antonio Marriages 1703-1846: Matrimony in Colonial, Mexican and Republican Texas.” Art’s book was the grand prize winner at the 2021 TxSGS Awards Program.
In TxSGS news, read about the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR), June 12-16, featuring seven in-depth courses on topics that are highly beneficial for researchers in Texas and across the world. TxSGS also introduces the 2023 TxSGS Family History Conference, “Roots and Branches: Climbing Your Family Tree,” slated November 10-11.
Other TxSGS Programs:
- TxSGS Heritage Certificates
- TxSGS Partner Society Roundup
- And More!
Of special interest to Hispanic and African American researchers, the Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) features “Researching Families of Mexican Descent on Both Sides of the Border” and “Researching African Americans Before and After the Civil War in the U.S.” These courses will advance your skills for tackling research in these challenging areas.
TIGR 2023 will be held virtually June 12-16, featuring seven in-depth courses on topics that are highly beneficial for researchers in Texas and across the world. Each one is designed to hone your skills in those specific areas. Don’t miss this opportunity to add new resources to your genealogy toolbox. Which course will you choose?
Watch our website and future issues of Stirpes for details about upcoming events, programs, and other exciting news!
Take a “Look Inside” this issue to learn more.
The upcoming June 2023 issue focuses on using your FAN Club (friends, associations, and neighbors) in “Neighborhood Watch.” Have you had success finding your ancestors by searching the surrounding areas and residents? We would love to hear your tips and techniques for locating those elusive ancestors. Send them to stirpes@txsgs.org.
Accessing Your Digital Stirpes
If you are a member, login to your member account and select “Stirpes December 2022” from the dropdown box on the right to access the latest issue.
If you are not a member, make sure you get the next issue of Stirpes—join TxSGS today to ensure that you receive the June 2023 issue as soon as it comes off the press.
Interested in purchasing a copy of the current issue or back issues?
Back issues may be purchased by contacting the Director of Membership, Tony Hanson, at membership@txsgs.org.