Female Ancestors

Women at Work: Switchboard Operators

Somewhere in these two pictures is Carilyn Bernd's maternal grandmother, Delma Ragan. Delma was born in 1902. She married Leo Ragan in 1922 and gave birth to twins in 1924. Just three years later, she died at age 25. At some point, Delma was a telephone switchboard operator...

Hats and Hair

Last week the focus was work hats for men. This week it's all about the ladies. When I go photo shopping, I love to find more than one image of the same person. I have two images of this woman—one in a hat and one without her hat...

Wacky Hair or Fashionable Foible?

I can't help it. I love the hairstyles and facial hair in photographs so much I'm actually thinking about a second volume of my Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles 1840-1900 book. The curls and whorls of nineteenth century styles definitely provide insights into your ancestor's fashion sense and their personality...

Making Herstory: 4 Great Women’s History Archives

Discover four archives where you can learn about the ordinary—and extraordinary—lives of your female ancestors.

10 Records for Finding Maiden Names Premium

Every family has at least one: a female ancestor whose maiden name you just can’t find. Learn how to use these 10 record types to finally track down elusive maiden names in your family tree.

9 Best Records for Finding Female Ancestors Premium

Searching for female ancestors? Turn your search toward these genealogical records.

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Timeline of Women’s Achievements in History Premium

Celebrate the brave women that fought for equal rights in history.

Women’s Sleeves Are Clues to Photo Dates

Bill Dodge thinks one of these young women is his paternal grandmother because he found the picture in his father’s belongings. He wonders if it’s a graduation photo and if the girl on the lower right holds a nurses cap. I truly believe each family portrait tells a story about...