Ep 8: Unlocking Family History with Ancestry's Crista Cowan

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Are you ready for a journey into the past? Don't just expect to find dates and names, as your family tree can unravel captivating tales and intriguing mysteries. This week, Michala had the pleasure of chatting with Ancestry's Crista Cowan, also known as the Barefoot Genealogist. The pair guide you through the process of building your family tree on Ancestry and show you how to unlock the stories that make your family uniquely yours. You'll learn how a simple birth certificate can spark a journey of discovery into your ancestral past.

Genealogical research is like detective work, and newspapers can provide essential clues. Crista and Michala delve into an engaging discussion about the unexpected insights that can be gleaned from Canadian census data from 1931, and even from such mundane details as whether a family owned a radio. They also delve into the stark contrast between British and American birth, marriage, and death records, and Michala shares her experience of discovering an ancestor in a newspaper. So, don't underestimate the power of the printed word in your journey into the past!

But the rabbit hole of genealogy goes deeper. The pair also explore military, immigration, and pension files that provide a unique window into the past. Crista and Michala discuss how these records shed light on societal norms and the bureaucracy of the era. They also share our own experiences and strategies for breaking through the 'brick walls' in our genealogical research. If you have hit a roadblock in your research, Crista's story about her ancestor will inspire you to look at things from a different angle. So, buckle up for an exciting ride into the world of genealogy and family history!

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