Solving Mysteries Behind Conflicting Birthdates — An Interview with Lindsey Harner

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In this episode, Lindsey Harner walks through 5 questions that can help you solve the puzzle of an ancestor’s conflicting birthdate across many different records. Plus: learn about some tools you can use to share your family videos and photos online and how to navigate the Periodical Source Index (PERSI).

This episode is brought to you by Remembering a Life.

We can honor the people we love dearly long after they have passed by sharing and preserving their memories—through moving art, through heartfelt memorial services, through the sharing of their favorite songs or flowers or holiday meals. What’s most important is that you cherish these memories in ways that feel right to you. If you aren’t sure where to begin, visit RememberingALife.com for guidance and inspiration.

Ep. 163: July 2022

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In this episode:

Tree Talk (01:49)

Family Tree Magazine New Media editor Rachel Fountain shares the latest genealogy buzz, specifically the return of the U.S. version of the documentary series Who Do You Think You Are? and the release of Ancestry’s “docu-style” film entitled “A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson.”

Resources Mentioned in This Interview:

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Feature: Resolving Conflicting Birthdates (06:11)

Have you ever been frustrated by an ancestor’s conflicting birthdates? In her new article professional genealogist, Lindsey Harner shares 5 questions you should ask yourself when comparing birthdates across a variety of records.

Check out the article Birthday Wishes in the July / August 2022 issue of Family Tree Magazine.

5 Questions to Determine Your Ancestor’s Correct Birthdate

When records list different birth dates for your ancestor, how can you determine which is correct? Here are five questions that can guide you to the right answer.

Family History Home (16:24)

Sharing photos and videos online will help you preserve your family stories, as well as draw relatives into your research. Contributing Editor Rick Crume explains where and how to share your important mementos online.

Read Show and Tell by Rich Crume in the July / August 2022 issue of Family Tree Magazine.

Online Tools for Sharing Family Photos and Stories

There are now more ways than ever to easily share photos and ancestor stories online. From major genealogy websites to lesser-known resources, here’s a brief comparison of the options.

Podcast Sponsor: Remembering a Life (26:30)

Gail Marquardt, Vice President of Consumer Engagement at the National Funeral Directors Association, offers some tips on how to collaborate with relatives at family reunions to create thoughtful tributes to loved ones that you can cherish long after they are gone.

Best Genealogy Websites (29:28)

The Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is your portal to millions of genealogy articles and is now searchable for free on the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center website. Allison Singleton, Acting Genealogy Services Manager at the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, IN, provides insight into this important collection.

Resources Mentioned in This Interview:

Periodical Source Index (PERSI)

How to Use PERSI (Periodical Source Index) for Genealogy

Search PERSI for free at Findmypast to identify articles that may be related to your family history, such as abstracted records, local history details, family profiles and more.

Editor’s Desk (38:36)

eLearning Producer, Amanda Epperson stops by to tell us what’s new over at Family Tree University, specifically the new course layout!

Resources Mentioned in This Interview:

Family Tree University Courses

Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website, and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.