This week's exploration of Ancestry Library will be done early. Hurray!!! 

I was so excited to see that Ancestry was this week's database to explore. It just so happens, I've done two workshops on Ancestry Library Edition in our library in the last couple months -  one for our local historical society and another for the public.

 Both times, I had the participants view the 3 short tutorials at the Maine State Library. They are excellent and a great place to start. Plus it good, anyone can view them even before coming to the library to try Ancestry. Once the participants viewed the tutorials, they explored their ancestors. So I felt right at home looking up myself and my grandfather.

I only found one correct listing on myself - in U.S. Public Records Vol. 1 - Schools, Directories & Churches.  There was one other listing but the address was incorrect. No marriage record, which was interesting. Thought I'd try my maiden name but no results.

In searching for my grandfather on my dad's side, I found him listed in MA Vital records 1620-1988, as well as my father in the search results. I also found my grandfather in the Social Security Death Index; and the U.S. Federal Census of 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940. Each census was interesting to look at, particularly the household members.

As far as the exercise to search for Maine under "Photos and Maps" that was more challenging. The "Photos and Maps" heading is found by clicking on the Search tab, but I couldn't figure out where to put Maine as a keyword. Instead I clicked on Maine within the United States Maine, which resulted in an extensive list of data to search such as Maine Military men, Maine naturalization records, Genealogical advisor (with tab noting it had been "updated" which I think is helpful) plus much more.

My trip down Ancestry lane was very interesting, as I found in our workshops. Excited to discover more about my family.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Til next time.

Cheryl
          So many "resources, so little time!