It's been a busy week of research for me. Prepping to make my first archive research trip since February 2020 and I am ready to be among all those original records again. Miss making those discoveries and random finds!

Ulster Surnames with Author Robert Bell

Knowing the history of our ancestor's surnames can help us in research, particularly Irish research. In this episode I interview author Robert Bell of The Book of Ulster Surnames, reissued in 2021. Robert share why surname research matters and some pieces of Scots Irish history you won't want to miss.

Watch it on YouTube here:

No matter where your ancestors come from, their surnames meant something. Numerous dictionaries for various ethnic groups can be located with an internet search of "surname dictionary" plus the ethnic group. The fun is in the search!

To listen and subscribe to the audio only version of the podcast on your favorite podcast app, go here to my Simplecast homepage.​

Archives Announce Openings

Some local historical and genealogical societies, local archives, and county courthouses have been open off and on the past six months. Now we have word of openings at our large archives in Pennsylvania:

Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Appointments available in 3 hour slots starting July 6th for current active members only. You can book two slots for one day to stay the day. Starting yearly membership is $100 per year. Go here for details on how to join and book appointments.

Pennsylvania State Archive, Harrisburg

Limited morning or afternoon appointments are available for scheduling starting on June 30th. Go to the main PA Archives page to click through for details and the phone number to call. The new archives building construction is proceeding on schedule and this newstory with video can give you a peak of what to expect for the 2022 opening.

Inner Circle Members

Inner Circle Members are receiving videos on how-to search the HSP and PA State Archives catalogs. They are going to be prepared to make to the most of their research trips this summer! Want access to those videos and many more? Go here to check it out: https://www.paancestors.com/members/ ​

I feel like we should have balloons at these reopenings! Hope you get to schedule all the research you want this summer and make lots of great discoveries of your PA ancestors.

Denys