The theme for Week 5 is “Influencer.” My father used to say I was a professional student, but that was his fault. After finishing three years, Dad dropped out of high school and joined the Army. After returning home, he completed the GED program at John Hays High School. He Continue Reading
2024 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 4 – Witness to History
The theme for Week 4 is “Witness to History.” What historical events did your ancestors witness or lived through? I can think of two things. The first was on November 22, 1963, during the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in downtown Dallas, Texas. Everyone living in the US at Continue Reading
2023 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 10 – Translation
The theme for Week 10 is “Translation.” Would any of your ancestors have needed someone to translate for them? Have you had to work with records in a language other than your own? No matter the language, it’s a good time to write! When I think of “Translation,” I think Continue Reading
2023 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 2 – Favorite Photo
The theme for Week 2 is “Favorite Photo.” I’ve had this theme in almost every version of 52 Ancestors because, let’s face it, who can choose just one?! Plus, we should be telling the stories of those photos so they don’t get lost in time. One of my favorites is Continue Reading
2023 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 1 – I’d Like to Meet
This week’s theme is “I’d Like to Meet.” Most of us have an ancestor who we’d like to meet (even if it’s to ask, “What are your parent’s names?”) This week, write about that ancestor or why you’d want to meet him or her. Feel free to be creative! Anna Continue Reading
2022 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 43 – Organized
This week’s theme is “Organized.” Organizing can refer to papers, files, etc., but it can also refer to people. Did your ancestor belong to any organizations? Did your ancestor organize any activities? When I think of organizations, I think about my cousin, Stanley Miller. Stanley was born on June 5, Continue Reading
2022 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 42 – Lost
This week’s theme is “Lost.” As family historians, we deal with a lot of things that are lost or on the verge of it… memories, records, people… This week, you could explore something that has been lost or the experience of losing something. Below is a copy of my father’s Continue Reading
2022 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 39 – Road Trip
The theme for Week 39 is “Road Trip.” I love a good road trip! Have you ever taken an ancestral road trip? What did you discover? Maybe you have stories of an ancestor who took to the open road. Share the stories this week! In 1973 while we were in Continue Reading
2022 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 36 – Exploration
The theme for Week 36 and September is “Exploration.” Where did your ancestors explore? Who moved around a lot? You could also share records, libraries, or archives that you’ve explored in. There used to be a slogan that said, “Join the Army and see the World.” At Ancestry, I found Continue Reading
2022 – #52 Ancestors Challenge – Week 33 – Service
Week 33’s theme is “Service.” Military service. Service stations. In service to others. Even good or bad service at a restaurant. My first cousin once removed, Frank E. Westmoreland, was identified for this theme because of his military service. In 1930 he was an eight-year-old, living with his maternal grandparents, Continue Reading