13 May 2013

Massachusetts society and library blogs

American Antiquarian blog
Many historical and genealogical societies and libraries have blogs, from the U.S. National Archives to small, local societies such as the South End Historical Society in Boston. Their blogs are, to some degree, an extension of their mission statements, to highlight their collections and provide information to members and the general public.

For instance, the Massachusetts Genealogical Council's mission is to serve as an "umbrella organization representing Massachusetts genealogists, historical societies, and individuals who are concerned about records preservation and free and unfettered access to civil records." Its blog, the MGC Sentinel, is "keeping watch over Massachusetts public records." You'll find news about legislative bills that affect genealogists and family historians, both federal and local, and how you can help. 

The American Antiquarian Society's blog delves deep into its collections, telling stories about acquisitions, archives, and great finds. It makes you want to explore the AAS records in-depth to see if your ancestors are lurking in the library, waiting to be found.

The Cape Cod Genealogical Society blog includes special interest group (SIG) meetings, genealogy workshops, and monthly programs, interspersed with articles of local and national interest.

You can find more than 3,000 genealogy blogs listed on the Geneabloggers site and on the Blog Finder at Genealogue. New England GeneaBloggers have a Facebook page. (To see a list of members and links to their blogs, click on the "about" tab.) And when you find a blog you like, check its blog roll for other interesting sites the blogger follows.

Besides blogs, many societies and libraries use social media to reach their audience. They may post items of interest (and links to their blogs) on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and You Tube accounts. Be sure to follow the blogs and social media outlets that interest you, to give you new research ideas, to learn about collections, and to stay involved in the genealogical community.

07 May 2013

Massachusetts genealogy and history blogs part 2

History of Massachusetts blog
Below are more blogs to bookmark, covering historic Massachusetts in stories and photos as well as its graveyards, Redcoats, and folklore.
  • And This Is Good Old Boston"Boston history - sort of." Mark B. tells stories and shares photos of Boston, enhanced with maps to pinpoint the landmarks.
  • Retro Boston Remembered"Charles Boston’s scrumptious scrapbook of events and places from good old Retro Boston." A blog by the cultural historian who created Shopping Days in Retro Boston blog.
  • History of Massachusetts by Rebecca Brooks. Articles, animated timelines, photos, scanned books, and puzzles covering 17th to 20th century Massachusetts history, with an emphasis on 1692 witch trials and the American Revolution.
  • The Old Colony Graveyard Rabbit"A blog devoted mainly to the cemeteries of Southeastern Massachusetts with occasional forays elsewhere in New England. A member of the Association of Graveyard Rabbits."
  • New England FolklorePeter Muise is an "avid folklore fan and New England native" who likes "exploring and writing about New England legends, folklore, and traditions." Sites like these can help you understand some of your ancestral quirks and odd beliefs.
  • Muddy River MusingsJoin Ken Liss on his "meanderings through the thickets of Brookline's past." A "researcher and amateur historian," he offers "an idiosyncratic assortment: people, places, and events, big and small, ... interesting, amusing, poignant, or peculiar, or that otherwise caught [his] eye."
  • British Soldiers, American Revolution"A place for information about British soldiers who served during the American Revolution, 1775-1783. Thousands of soldiers wore red coats, but little is known about them as individuals. This site will change that, soldier by soldier."
You can find more than 3,000 genealogy blogs listed on the Geneabloggers site and on the blogfinder at Genealogue. New England GeneaBloggers have a Facebook page. (To see a list of members and links to their blogs, click on the "about" tab.) And when you find a blog you like, check its blog roll for other interesting sites the blogger follows.

In case you want to delve into blogging yourself, Geneabloggers includes blog resources and daily blogging prompts.

See also: