[This post is written for the 87th edition of the Carnival of Genealogy, hosted by Creative Gene.] While not new to genealogy, I am new to both genea-blogging and having information about my family such that I can conduct meaningful
Expanding Family Knowledge
Before I went to Latvia and started conducting my research in the archives, I was purely a genealogist. I wanted names, dates and places. While at the archives, a transformation occured: I became a family historian as well. Rather than
Merry Christmas! Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus!
A very happy holiday to one and all! The Latvian ZiemassvÄ“tki is an ancient celebration, a pre-Christian solstice celebration as in many European cultures. The Latvian name of the holiday never changed to reflect the new religion, however – “ZiemassvÄ“tki”
Surname Saturday – Radziņš
Today I’m featuring one of the new surnames I’ve discovered in my family tree – Radziņš (feminine form Radziņa, the surname of one of my great-great-grandmothers. Marija Radziņa was born on November 16, 1856. I am not sure yet where
Tombstone Tuesday – Alma Kalniņa
When the Soviets invaded Latvia during the Second World War, they deported and/or murdered thousands of people from all walks of life. One of these people was Alma Kalniņa. Her grave marker is in the town cemetery of Jēkabpils. She
Mysteries Revealed – And Created
So today was my second day, and first full day, at the Latvian State Historical Archives. I was able to view the passports I mentioned in my previous post, belonging to Pēteris Celmiņš and Anna Celmiņa (born Liepa), and confirmed
First Day at the Archives
So I have arrived in Latvia, and today I made my first trip to the Latvian State Historical Archives. And I may have already found something! Since it takes them a few days to find and bring out the requested
Tombstone Tuesday – Cemetery of Non-Existent Cemeteries
Another slightly unusual “Tombstone Tuesday”. Today I’m deviating somewhat from the “Latvian” part of this blog, because what I came across here while visiting Gdansk, Poland, really spoke to me. This is the memorial stone at the “Cemetery of Non-Existent