Historical and Genealogical Research

I became a board-certified genealogist on New Years Day, 2009.
I began this journey early in 2004. Back then, the Board for Certification of Genealogists had three categories of certification, which they consolidated into one in 2005.
The two most substantial requirements are the case study and the compiled genealogy. My case study used all indirect evidence [...]

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Juliana Smith has a good post at Ancestry’s 24/7 Family History Circle blog discussing ideas for breaking through a genealogical brick wall. I would add “Friends, Neighbors, and Associates” to the list.

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This series of ten incredible Firsts in Photography is an amazing look back into history.
My favorite entry in the list is the first human in a photograph. The image shows a city scene with a man getting his shoes shined on the street.

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My genealogy certification materials came in the mail this week. I outline and respond to the results.

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Although I am an experienced researcher, I have purposely avoided Native American genealogy. That is, until this week.
This semester, I am an intern at the National Archives Southeast Region facility. My task is to develop a research guide to Native American sources there.
As a complete newbie in the subject, I began by looking at the [...]

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One of my ongoing research interests is the history of vice and reform in Atlanta before 1920. The subject can provide a window into the underworld of any city or town. This is a short tutorial for anyone interested in finding out about the historic red-light district (or districts) in their own town.
Part 1: City [...]

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One you have identified the street populated by madams using the city directory (see Part 1), you can find them on the Sanborn fire insurance maps.
Part 2: Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Sanborn fire insurance map books are located in universities, local libraries, and historical societies around the country. They are also scanned and can be accessed [...]

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Census research is the most efficient way to learn about an individual in a short period of time. This includes prostitutes.
Part 3: U.S. Census
Begin by searching for the madams in the city directory on the closest census schedule. In this case, we have used the 1898 Savannah city directory and the 1898 Sanborn fire insurance [...]

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Once you have a clear understanding of the location of your town’s red-light district, and you have made a list of the names of madams and working girls, you can use the information to access many other records.
Part 4: Digging Deeper
Newspapers
Newspapers are a wonderful source for information about the daily lives of the women. Just [...]

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Now that we know something about the women and the red-light district, let’s look at reform efforts. Efforts to mitigate and eliminate red-light districts took many forms. Some tried to eliminate vice activities within a city completely. Others were meant to control the reach of vice, setting up segregated districts. Still others tried to change the behavior of the women and help them find their ways into more acceptable lifestyles.

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