Denyse Allen

I create history+genealogy content so you can discover your Pennsylvania ancestors • On a mission to re-construct our ancestors lives and powerfully share them

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Four Valuable Genealogical Records Created During the Civil War Era

The US Civil War (1861-1865) produced more records of genealogical interest than probably any other event in American history. Here are four record sets that were created ori increased during the war.

Introducing the Newsletter Just for PA Ancestors Premium Members

For the past 5 years, PA Ancestors has delivered a free email newsletter called PA Ancestors Discoveries featuring Pennsylvania genealogy resources. Over 1,000 subscribers have enjoyed this weekly newsletter and tell me they save every issue. Now, I'm excited to announce a weekly in-depth newsletter just for

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Immigration into Pennsylvania: A Focus on the Port of Philadelphia

Genealogists often overlook Philadelphia as an entry point for immigration. From 1790 to 1924, the Port of Philadelphia was actively welcoming new immigrants to America.

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Records of Union Army Service and Pensions in the Civil War

Pennsylvania had the most men serve in the Union Army and the invalid and widow pension files are full of valuable genealogical information. Here's how to locate these files.

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Exploring Your Pennsylvania Roots with AncestryDNA's Genetic Communities

Your AncestryDNA genetic communities combined with your other records can create powerful evidence of relationships and family trees going back hundreds of years.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 84: Avoid these RootsTech Scheduling Minefields and Use AI to Stay Organized

Hundreds of RootsTech classes means we need to set priorities and stay organized. Here's the mistakes I made and how I'm using Artificial Intelligence to help me take notes and summarize sessions.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 83: How to do Relatives at RootsTech

Once a year FamilySearch helps genealogists easily connect with their distance cousins and you don't want to miss this opportunity. Here's what to know about Relatives at RootsTech for 2024.

Resources

Getting Started in Pennsylvania Colonial Land Records Research

Whether you doing genealogy, historical house research, or just curious about colonial history, Pennsylvania land records are key to your research. Here's how to find them.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 82: RootsTech Insider Tips and Advice with Cheri Daniels

Make the most of RootsTech 2024 with this advice from Cheri Daniels, who has attended RootsTech since the beginning. In her roles as RootsTech Speaker, Media, and Attendee, she has seen it all and will help you get in the mindset for a successful conference.

Podcast

Podcast Episode 81: Making Plans to Have RootsTech 2024 Be the Best Genealogy Event Ever

Let's get ready for RootsTech 2024 together! Genealogy's biggest event of the year is just 40 days away and I'm starting my plans now. Join me in making this event the best ever.

Resources

Discover 10 Substitutes for Vital Records in Pennsylvania

Discover alternative sources for vital records in Pennsylvania. From funeral home records to church baptisms, burial records, probate records, and more, explore methods for finding birth, marriage, and death dates of ancestors when official vital records are unavailable.

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Updates from the Pennsylvania State Archives

Ongoing updates on the construction of the new Pennsylvania State Archives building in Harrisburg, PA and new ways to access genealogy records.

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Discover Your Ancestors Pilot Workshop Slides

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Creating Your Own Data Sets from FamilySearch

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Collected Resources for Surnames, Nicknames, and Name Spelling Variations

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My Favorite Genealogy Research Logs with Links

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Best Practices to Resolve Name and Date Conflicts in Genealogy Research

Discover effective ways to handle conflicting data in genealogy research and learn how to develop your own methods when faced with misspelled names and date discrepancies.

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Using PHMC Historical Markers for Genealogy Research

The history of the PHMC marker program and the importance of these markers for genealogy research in Pennsylvania.

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Studying Historical ICD Codes to Deepen Genealogy Research

Learning the meaning behind the ICD code on an ancestors' death certificate can unlock new meaning and context for their death. Here's how to find historical ICD codes for genealogy research.

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Deep Dive on Private Laws and Why They Matter

Resources Featured

Essential Guide to Vital Records Research in Pennsylvania

Discover the significance of vital records in Pennsylvania and learn effective strategies for utilizing them in your genealogy research.

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The County Tax Collector in Pennsylvania

Probably the least favorite office for our ancestors - the tax collector! Taxes were collected for various things over the decades, and you can learn all about it in these videos.

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Introduction to County Courthouse Research

Pennsylvania's county courthouses hold the majority of the records of your ancestors. Learn how county courthouses are organized and why these records matter for genealogy research.

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The Recorder of Deeds Office in Pennsylvania

An overview of the Recorder of Deeds office in Pennsylvania and the records helpful for genealogy research.

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The Orphans Court in Pennsylvania

Explore historical estate records, probate files, minute books, marriage licenses, and guardianships at the Orphans Court.