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Hidden Treasures Found In A Historical Society

After researching your ancestors for a while, you realize you can’t find everything online. Sometimes you have to put “boots on the ground.” That’s exactly what I did with my visit to the Maine Historical Society.

Located in the heart of Portland, this gem offers everything a genealogist or historian could want in Maine history. In this blog post, I’ll tell you about my visit and some of the hidden treasures you’ll find there.

an inside look at the Maine Historical Society

Physical repositories are an important part of genealogy research. I spent an afternoon at the Maine Historical Society and made amazing discoveries. Here’s how you can visit and find your Maine ancestors, too.

About The Maine Historical Society

Established in 1822, The Maine Historical Society is the third-oldest state historical society in the country. It consists of a library, a museum, and the historic Wadsworth-Longfellow House. The society’s goal is to preserve and share Maine’s history through collections, exhibitions, and programs.

It’s easy to access, too, with parking available nearby. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting, the society offers resources for everyone.

Key Collections And Exhibits

Historical Documents And Archives

The Brown Research Library at the Maine Historical Society has an impressive variety of documents including manuscripts, letters, diaries, and town records. These can be invaluable when trying to tell your ancestor’s story. They add color and depth to their lives that census and tax records can’t do.

Some of the last documents I looked at were letters written by Capt. B. F. Woodbury, talking about the history of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. To see these written in his handwriting was breathtaking.

Photographs And Artifacts

There’s nothing like photographs to tell your ancestor’s story and the society has plenty to offer. Some collections may include actual photos, but others may be comprised of negatives that are viewed on a lightbox. In either case, it’s amazing to step back in time and see how your ancestors lived.

Local Histories And Genealogies

For those focused on exploring Maine’s past, the society’s local histories and genealogies section offers a wealth of information. These resources can provide important historical context and connect your family’s history to the area in which they lived.

Special Collections And Rare Materials

The society also holds special collections that include rare books and unique items related to Maine’s history. You might find things you won’t find anywhere else. The staff can assist you with viewing these materials.

Research Opportunities

Navigating The Library And Archives

The Brown Research Library is open to the public year-round by appointment only. According to their website, walk-ins are allowed during the summer for reading room books and microfilm. You are encouraged to visit the MHS catalog before you come to plan what you want to research. By emailing the staff in advance, they can pull those items and be ready for your visit.

If you are visiting as a guest, there is a $10 charge. If you want to take photographs while you’re there, you need to be a member of MHS, which is a $50 membership.

Expert Assistance From Staff

One of the most valuable aspects of visiting the Maine Historical Society is the expert assistance available. Whether you need help deciphering an old document or advice on which records to search, the staff’s knowledge can help you in numerous ways.

I can tell you first-hand, the MHS staff is wonderful to work with.

Educational Programs And Events

Workshops And Lectures

If you live nearby or visiting at just the right time, the society regularly hosts workshops and lectures on topics ranging from local history to genealogical research techniques. These events are opportunities to increase your knowledge and connect with others.

Guided Tours And Exhibitions

Guided tours provide a comprehensive look at the museum and historic house, offering a glimpse into Maine’s history. Exhibitions change regularly, showing different aspects of the state’s rich past.

If you become a member of MHS, you gain free access to the museum and to the Wadsworth-Longfellow house.

Making The Most Of Your Visit

Planning Your Visit

Before heading to the Maine Historical Society, check the website for hours and fees. The museum, library, and Wadsworth-Longfellow House each have their own admission details. Plan your visit by visiting the MHS website here.

Make sure to bring any relevant family history documents with you to cross-reference with the collections.

Recommendations For Collections And Exhibits

For genealogists, I recommend focusing on historical documents, local histories, and genealogies sections. If you have time, explore the special collections for any possible connection to your ancestors.

Suggested Itineraries

First-time visitors: Start with a guided tour of the museum and house to get a sense of Maine’s history. Then, head to the library and archives to search the collections.

Experienced researchers: Dive straight into the library and archives to explore documents and records. Plan to spend most of your time there.

After Your Visit

The Maine Historical Society is an incredible resource for genealogists and historians alike. By exploring the collections and working with the staff, you can uncover unique and wonderful details about your ancestors and connect with them in a meaningful way.

After your visit, continue your research online or by visiting other local historical societies. The society’s website and catalog offer additional resources you can access online.

Also, don’t forget libraries in your area. I wrote a blog post all about how libraries can help your genealogy research. You can read that here.

Finally

The Maine Historical Society is more than just a place to learn about Maine’s past. It can connect you with your family’s story and the region’s history. I encourage anyone interested in genealogy or local history to take the time to explore this wonderful resource. You’ll walk away with newfound knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the stories that shape our lives.

Genealogy tip: You may feel intimidated by visiting a historical society or library, but don’t be. I have yet to find a staff member who was anything but kind and overwhelmingly helpful. This kind of research can’t be overlooked.

Looking for ways to add to your ancestor’s story? I’d love to hear about your project and see if I can help. Click below to get started.

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How To Find Your Ancestors While Avoiding Costly Genealogy Mistakes

So, you’ve decided to dive into the fascinating world of genealogy and find your ancestors. Whether you want to connect with your roots, uncover family stories, or simply satisfy your curiosity, this journey can be both rewarding and challenging.

As a professional genealogist with years of experience, I’ve seen many people stumble upon common pitfalls derailing their research efforts. In this article, I’ll guide you through some of these mistakes and offer practical advice to help you navigate your genealogy research like a pro.

woman with hand over face because of mistakes made find your ancestors

The word “costly” means different things to different people. Perhaps it’s costly in terms of time. You’ve made assumptions that caused you to add people to your tree who weren’t YOUR ancestors. In essence, you’ve been climbing someone else’s family tree.

Perhaps it’s costly in money. You’ve bought courses or books that you either don’t understand or don’t use.

Or perhaps you’ve discovered the cost of both.

Whatever the reason, avoiding these common pitfalls will help you find your ancestors in a way that will make you feel good about the process.

Overambitious Start

One of the most common mistakes people make when starting their ancestry journey is biting off more than they can chew. Trust me; I’ve been there. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of uncovering your family history without a plan. However, this can quickly lead to overwhelm and frustration.

Recommendation: Start small. Begin with what you know – your immediate family and their stories. Take the time to document and verify this information before expanding your research to earlier generations.

To read more about this topic, check out my blog post, Where To Start In Your Genealogy Research

Neglecting Documentation

It’s tempting to rely solely on online family trees or the memories of relatives but trust me when I say this: without proper documentation, your research is built on shaky ground. Like you, in my early days of researching, I had to backtrack and verify sources for many branches of my family tree.

Importance of Record-Keeping: Make it a habit to record your sources consistently and accurately. Whether it’s a birth certificate, census record, or a family story passed down through generations, keep notes and stay organized. Your future self will thank you.

Organization can be a key point. Read more about that here.

Skipping Generations

Skipping generations in your research can be like trying to assemble a puzzle without all the pieces – frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful. It’s important to document and prove the parent/child link for each generation before moving on to the next.

One Step at a Time: Take it slow and steady. Focus on one generation at a time, thoroughly researching each individual before moving on to the next. It may take longer, but you’ll build a more accurate and comprehensive family tree in the process.

My blog post, Why It’s Important To Prove Parentage In Genealogy Research, will help guide you through this step.

Ignoring Conflicting Evidence

Genealogy is not always a straight line…there are plenty of stops and starts, twists and turns, and sometimes the evidence can be downright confusing.

Do you have a birth certificate and a marriage license where the birth dates are not the same? Do you have 5 documents that list the father, but none of them list the mother? All of this has to be worked out before you can move on.

Verification is Key: Don’t ignore conflicting evidence; embrace it. Verify information from multiple sources and cross-reference different records to fix discrepancies. It’s the only way to make sure your research is accurate.

In my blog post on How To Write A Professional-Looking Genealogy Research Report, I highlight what it took to find the mother of my 2x great-grandmother, Susanna Krewson. I had to use information from many sources to come to a conclusion.

Neglecting DNA Testing

In today’s digital age, DNA testing has become an increasingly popular tool for genealogists. Yet, many people overlook its potential or feel intimidated by the process. I have taken many webinars and courses on DNA and feel that with every class I’m ready to use DNA in my research. It has opened up new doors for me, as I’m sure it will for you.

Unlocking Hidden Connections: Consider exploring DNA testing as part of your research. It can help you break through brick walls, discover unknown relatives, and uncover unexpected ethnic origins. Plus, you may connect with family you never knew you had.

If you’re just beginning to use DNA to find your ancestors, check out my blog post on How To Make Sense Of Your DNA Matches.

Disregarding Ethnic, Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the ethnic, cultural, and historical context of your ancestors is important for meaningful research. Your ancestors didn’t live in a vacuum and you shouldn’t research like they did. They lived through war, economic hardships, droughts, etc. and knowing their circumstances will help you learn more about them.

Context Matters: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the time and place in which your ancestors lived. It will provide invaluable insights into their lives and decisions.

A locality guide would be a great addition to your research. Read more about how it can help you and what to put in this document in my blog post, How To Use A Locality Guide In Your Genealogy Research.

Failing to Seek Professional Help

There’s a common misconception that hiring a professional genealogist to find your ancestors is only for the wealthy or those with complex research challenges. However, seeking professional help can save you time, frustration, and even money in the long run.

Depending on what/who you want to research, the hunt to find your ancestors can be easy and relatively inexpensive. You can hire someone to help you break through that brick-wall ancestor and then do the rest yourself. Or you can have someone look at your plan to see if you are on the right track.

When to Consider Professional Help: If you find yourself stuck on a tricky research problem or simply feeling overwhelmed by your family history, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional genealogist.

I’m taking clients right now and would love to talk to you about your project. Click here to make an appointment.

Finally

Researching your ancestors is enriching and fulfilling, but it’s not without its challenges. By avoiding common pitfalls and approaching your research with patience, diligence, and a healthy dose of curiosity, you can find the hidden stories of your past and connect with your roots in ways you never thought possible.

Remember, genealogy is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the twists and turns, celebrate the discoveries, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Your ancestors are waiting to share their stories – all you have to do is listen.

Happy researching!

Genealogy tip: We all make mistakes, especially when we are new to genealogy. To find your ancestors, you need to take an approach that is slow and planned. This may be frustrating in the beginning, but it’s absolutely the best way.

If you do need a professional to find your ancestors, I’m taking new clients now. Click below for a free 30-minute consultation and tell me all about your project.

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Following My Advice And Taking The Week Off

In a previous blog post, I talked about how it’s good to take a genealogy research break occasionally. Sometimes you need to take a genealogy business break, too. This is one of those times. So, enjoy your research adventures and I’ll be back next week.