Today I thought I would talk about the Forest Finns.  I learned that I am not only a Swede, but a Finn and Norwegian too.  I am in a DNA project that, as I understand, the people at the head of the project are going to track where the Forest Finns lived and where they went.   If you are any of the above nationalities, it wouldn't hurt to find out if you, too, are a Forest Finn.  It is a little easier to track your line if you are.  My Swedes were Janssons, Nilssons, Nilsdotters and Bergstroms.  They are the variations of my Bergstrom line.  It was much easier when I learned the Finnish Surname was Vaissinen.  Much easier then Nilsson!  I will import a link where you can learn more about the Forest Finns if you wish.Forest Finn Highlights by Maud Wedin.  And some images.  I hope you enjoy this fascinating story from Sweden.

I call myself the quintessential American.  I am made up of the whole of the melting pot.  On my Mothers side I am Scotch, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Irish and Bohemian.  On my Fathers side I am French, Canadian, Irish, and Scotch.  My dna says I am 100% European.  I embrace my mixed ethnicity and believe it makes me who I am. 

This blog is for people who have questions about their ancestry, who want to have a place to find links to do their own research, or just to look at the things that are posted.  I have a special fondness for people who are adopted and looking for their birth family.  If you would like to leave messages on this blog, I will try to help.  Hopefully other people will leave messages and you will be able to help each other. 

I am really not very good at blogging, but I have the best intentions.  Just keep checking back.  I am never gone too long.

Genealogy Research Starts At Home

My name is Rachel.  I love genealogy research.  I have learned a few things along the way I would like to share with others.  I have found the Genealogy Community to be a very caring and sharing group of people.  Many have helped me along the way, so now I would like to pass that forward.

Genealogy Research is really not difficult.  You just have to be very persistent.  If I can't find something instead of discouraging me it makes me twice as determined to find what I am looking for.  I have learned a lot of patience while doing this research, also!  It is a good character trait to pick up. 

The first thing I have learned is, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home.  My Mother and Grandmother's all had a treasure trove of family history in dusty boxes which were stashed in the attics or under the beds.  Pictures that I had been looking at for years had the information written right on the back.  Little clues that lead to big discoveries.

There are also many free genealogy links that can be used.  So I thought I would share a few of these things with you in the coming posts.  Also, if you would like to post surnames which you are stuck on or just ask a question or two, please feel free to email.  I am happy to help.