Reading Handwriting (for Family History & Other Applications)

[@AncestryAimee]

Want to try indexing? Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/o361hqF-pNdggdk

[@skiser65]

Thanks Aimee! I transcribed my first document last night and man it was exciting! My great grandfather was in the civil war and wrote a letter asking for more troops. So cool!

[@AncestryAimee]

Wow! That is cool!!!

[@Paul_Sheila]

Excellent tips, Aimee. What you’re discussing is the main reason I shy away from wills and probates. You’ve given me courage!

[@AncestryAimee]

You can do it! Yeah!

[@m.moseley1964]

You are such a clever woman! A Fan.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you!

[@karenkozole9107]

Thank you

[@AncestryAimee]

You're welcome

[@em4steam896]

In old Catholic records, you have to be able to read Latin too. Besides the records being difficult to read. Great video!

[@AncestryAimee]

Very true! Use that BYU Script Tutorial for Latin. Thank you!

[@batya7]

Our families originated from Eastern Europe and Russia. They spoke and wrote in Yiddish, using Hebrew script (handwritten letters are radically different than printed ones even today). Official documents may have had Cyrillic or German script.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you for adding that. Online translation platforms like Google and others can help you translate documents. There’s also a translation group that may be able to assist you. groups.jewishgen.org/g/main/topic/90893773

[@SwampCat96]

Enjoyed your show as usual and your suggestions will be very helpful. Been out of commission for a short time and missed this and just getting around to seeing it. Was surprised to see record of my old Greatgrandfather. This was not in my report but can I get a source or copy by email of it? Would like to add it to my Chaney records in case someone else needs it.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you! You got it. It is one of the 95 documents you got with your report. I don’t have any documents you don’t have. Have a great day Lynn!

[@SwampCat96]

Thanks Aimee....I must have missed it.@@AncestryAimee

[@ibrahimA8496]

Thank you for the video. I am from Iraq, and I am new to genealogy, and I don't know what to do. I see that you have so much knowledge and information, so I wanted to ask you, what are some online or offline genealogy courses that you recommend that can help me know more about what to do and how to do it? What courses did take part in that made you as knowledgeable in genealogy as you are? I would also ask for the sources that contributed to you learning more about genealogy research and that made you as knowledgeable as you are now. Your answer would be appreciated.

[@AncestryAimee]

Well, I’ve been doing genealogy for over 40 years so I would say the most important thing is time and practice. Take a vantage of all learning opportunities that you have. I have a video on some websites as well as a video on some other places that you can get free education. Check out my site for playlist that may be helpful to you such a Genealogy 101 or a free genealogy resources. Your question shows that you’re on the right track and you will get to where you want to be!

[@ibrahimA8496]

@@AncestryAimee Aha, thank you for responding, I will check the playlists and see what I can learn from them, and I will try to practice more (I wish Ancestry was available in Iraq, I just don't feel comfortable building my tree on FamilySearch, but it is the only website that is well organized and available here). Thank you very much.

[@AncestryAimee]

@@ibrahimA8496 can you use a program on your computer like family tree maker. FamilySearch is great but you should do your work on something you control. You are smart to see that. You might also try Rootsmagic.

[@ibrahimA8496]

Thank you for replying again, I can use these programs, but I thought that programs are out of favor now, and to be honest, I like the simplicity of websites, but which one is the industry standard, Family Tree Maker or Rootsmagic? @@AncestryAimee

[@1975DLR]

I think that goes to understanding the culture of the time. Maybe that's another video

[@AncestryAimee]

True! Understanding the culture at the time is very important.

[@karenkozole9107]

Hi. Can I ask what province you are in. I’m looking for help in New Foundland

[@AncestryAimee]

I live in the United States and am a U.S. researcher. I'm sorry!!

[@inkwelps]

Ventura Fair

[@AncestryAimee]

Great to see you!!

[@feltonite]

Any tips on reading bad chicken scratches? 🙂

[@AncestryAimee]

I think the best is to compare to other pages. Also look at the record on another site. Good luck! 😆

[@feliciagaffney1998]

Also... I learned about a project recently, I wanted to share with you and another genealogy YT creator, I figure you may want to do a video on it... the National Archives is asking for volunteers to help transcribe Revolutionary War pension files. CNN did an article on it, which a friend of mine sent me. Quote from the article which summaries the project in one sentence. "'We’re asking the public in the next three years, as we lead up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, to help us transcribe the pension files to be able to unlock these stories of our first veterans,' Suzanne Isaacs, community manager for the National Archives Catalog, said."

[@AncestryAimee]

I didn't know that! Great idea for a video or at least a post. Thanks for sharing that.

[@feliciagaffney1998]

@@AncestryAimee you're welcome! Hope it is helpful. 😊

[@AncestryAimee]

@@feliciagaffney1998 i already put a post on facebook and instagram. 😃

[@feliciagaffney1998]

Some 19th and older handwriting is BEAUTIFUL... others are very sloppy and still others are very lazy! The other day I was looking at documents from a court case. The attorneys had good handwriting on their briefs... the JUDGE!! Was the laziest writer ever! Instead of a large flowing hand, it was almost all flat!! Like drawing waves for an ocean. 😳😟😐😒 I will definitely have to transcribe as I attempt to decipher that so that I will know what it says in the future. That one will give me headaches. 😭😭 I also saw one a couple weeks ago that was very much a "bubble" handwriting. That person was like a century ahead of his/her time... that was 1980's style schoolgirl writing. 😄 Ultimately, you have just as much variation in handwriting back then as you do now. I save examples of handwriting that I love... and even examples of the poor styles, as well. Lol.

[@AncestryAimee]

I wish I had saved them over the years! It would make doing this video easier! There are some beautiful documents out there!!