Tag Archives: Iowa genealogy

Black History Month in Iowa

February is Black History month, and a good time to reflect on Iowa’s African-American heritage. Although Iowa’s black population has never exceeded three percent, African-Americans have a long and significant history in our state. From the era of the Underground … Continue reading

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Federal Census Records: 1940

We want to move backwards through time as we research our family, remember? The federal government does not release census information for seventy-two years. So until now, researchers could only access the census through 1930. But guess what? This year, … Continue reading

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Iowa Calendar: February 2012

Treat your Valentine and yourself to one or more of these fine Iowa programs this month. Saturday, February 11, 2012: Grant Wood’s Birthday Soup Smorgasbord. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Ledon KD Center, 300 KD Avenue, Eldon. American … Continue reading

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Iowa Calendar: January 2012

There’s so much to see and do in Iowa– even in the winter! Here are my favorite opportunities for January 2012: Sunday January 8 – Friday, February 24: “The White Rose” Exhibit, German American Heritage Center, 712 West 2nd Street, … Continue reading

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Federal Census Records: History

The desire of a government to count its people is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Chinese and Greeks are all known to have counted their inhabitants on a regular basis. Perhaps the most famous example is … Continue reading

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Federal Census Records: An Overview

You’ve made the decision to research your family history, selected a genealogical software program, interviewed your entire family, exhausted Grandma’s Family Bible records, and located as many vital records (birth, marriage, and death) as possible. Now what? Once you’ve completed … Continue reading

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Education: Iowa Genealogical Society Fall Conference

The Iowa Genealogical Society sponsors two major conferences annually in Des Moines, Iowa. The Spring Conference is usually technology-based. Past years have focused on genealogical software. Spring 2012 will feature workshops on photography: software, restoration and preservation. The Fall 2011 … Continue reading

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A Revolutionary Tale

This summer a distant cousin persuaded me to join the Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] through our Hoyt [also spelled Hoit] ancestry.We have two Hoyt ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War– father and son. William Hoyt, born about … Continue reading

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Mahaska County Research

Research for a client project recently took me to Mahaska County, Iowa, and a visit to the research library of  the Keo-Mah Genealogical Society. Located at 209 A Ave. East in Oskaloosa, Iowa, 52577, Keomah Genealogical Society specializes in both … Continue reading

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March Genealogical & Historical Programs

March is more than St. Patrick’s Day and basketball. Here are just a few ways to shake off the last sleepy effects of Iowa’s winter. 19 March 2011 Historical Discovery Discussion – Voices from Iowa’s Past: Story, Memory & Song. … Continue reading

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