Pick a Date and Make a Snapshot

I’m not a big fan of “genealogy games,” but here is an activity that might get you to thinking. Pick a random date–at least 100 years in the past. Determine which of your ancestors were alive on that date, where they were probably living, and what stage in their life they were in (child, young adult, newly married, widowed, etc.).

Also think about how you know what you do about your ancestors on that date.


Learn more about research methods and sources in Casefile Clues, Michael’s newsletter.