Free Genealogy Ideas and Growth for Spring!
- Leslie Ryan
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
My head is full of exciting ideas and genealogical growth possibilities from free lectures at RootsTech 2025 and the Dallas Genealogical Society!
Last weekend we had a marvelous presentation from members of the Ulster Historical Foundation (https://ulsterhistoricalfoundation.com/). I'm thinking about joining because it seems they have a vast library, as well as books and references for sale. The full-blown membership is 49.99 in Euros, or $54 in US (more or less). r you can just get a membership to see Birth, Marriage, and Death for 30 Euros for 6 months, or one year for 40 Euros (about $43). Worth a look if you are researching Irish and Scots-Irish families, I think.
I also relearned not to ASSUME anything. I never looked at the Flax Growers Bounty List of 1796, because I assumed flax was a Northern Ireland crop. Well, guess what? It is also called "The Spinning Wheel Survey of Ireland."
If there was a spinning wheel for wool or flax in your ancestor's home, its on the list! This is a great Census substitute for all those lost years in Ireland. Here's a FREE LINK found at FamilySearch.org: https://www.failteromhat.com/post1796.php
Our Ulster friends also reminded us that just because your ancestors may have left Ireland during The Famine, their relatives or other family members may still be living in THE SAME HOUSE your family left. Check the available County, Parish, and Townland Names lists to see where your surnames were located.
There are other documents available before 1800 for clues, if you are researching ancestors in America before 1800. Did you know there was a 1796 Rebellion that started with Presbyterians and other rebels in the still free country of Ireland? The French tried to join in to antagonize Britain, but they failed, and Ireland came under Crown Rule as part of the UK then under The Acts of Union of 1800.
There are several censuses in this Era of men and farm animals in case Napoleon caused more trouble requiring fighting men and supplies. There are also lists of men who fought on the side of the British to bring down the rebellion, and a census of residents who applied for aid to recover from the damages caused by this Rebellion. Again, we need to learn MORE about the Historical events that shaped the causes for emigration from Ireland!
Friends, so many seeds planted in my brain! I can hardly wait to see how my family trees are going to grow now! How about you? If you are still looking for new sources to find your own new idea seeds, check out all the free videos at FamilySearch. I put in a link to all their videos and learning opportunities below.
I'll be tending my Genealogy Garden as well as my new Spring vegetable and flower gardens, while waiting to hear from you! Let me know if I can help! Free evaluation of your brick wall!
Warm Spring Regards,
Leslie Ryan
Further reading and learning:
Free videos
Dallas Genealogical Society
Irish History & the UK10
