[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
Deciphering Handwriting
While looking at the 1895 Census images last week, I found a record that I believe belongs to one of my great-grandfathers, Brencis Līcītis. The Brencis Līcītis listed here is around the right age. Brencis is a fairly uncommon first
Tombstone Tuesday – Latvian DPs, 1948
My “Tombstone Tuesday” submission isn’t the tombstone for one person, but rather, a memorial to many. I am currently in Copenhagen, Denmark, and one of my main reasons for coming here was to visit this memorial (click on the image
Working With The 1895 Census
I have had a bit of time now to look at some of the Latvian records for the 1895 All-Russia Census, though I am still on holiday. Just can’t keep away from the genealogy! The form format is predictable, even