I've always wanted to learn about my family's history. I have an aunt who is nearing 75 and according to my father, she knows the most about my family. I was thinking of interviewing her this summer. [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit on May 14, 2013 - 8 answers

I'm looking for examples of good blogs or other websites devoted to family history and stories. What sites do you guys like? [more inside]
posted by christopherious on Oct 27, 2012 - 3 answers

My grandmother, who I am close with and value deeply, is in her 90s and still sharp as a tack. What questions should I ask her about her life? [more inside]
posted by lalex on Mar 16, 2011 - 24 answers

Good genealogy themes for a Wordpress blog? [more inside]
posted by Tchad on Dec 7, 2010 - 3 answers

Are there any published works that attempt to trace the descendants of famous historical figures, especially those we read about in ancient history? For example, Cleopatra had children by Julius Ceasar and Marc Antony. One of her daughters was married off to Jubal, king of Numidia and Mauretania. What became of their children? Looked at another way, who among those alive today can trace their lineage to the most distant dates? Royal families would seem to have the advantage here, but not necessarily.
posted by justcorbly on Aug 3, 2010 - 31 answers

I'm looking for a device or setup that will allow me to record calls on a cell phone (preferably using the 2.5" headset jack). Radio shack seems to have recently discontinued their Wireless Phone Recording Controller, Cat. #17-855, which is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. Can anyone point me to a similar item? [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo on Apr 11, 2010 - 5 answers

My girlfriend has been doing a family history... [more inside]
posted by Splunge on Mar 7, 2010 - 18 answers

I've been tasked (by myself and others) with compiling an extensive history of my extended family on one side. More than a family tree, we're compiling stories, photos, everything we can gather about my weirdo relatives. What tools should I use to compile it? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Mar 27, 2009 - 7 answers

Want to display some items from my parent's past. What is the best way? [more inside]
posted by fox_terrier_guy on Aug 25, 2007 - 7 answers

Help me organize my family history info on my mac [more inside]
posted by ndaguiar on Feb 21, 2007 - 8 answers

Going by the style of clothing, the age of the man, and the make/model of the bicycle can you help me date a picture? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Dec 19, 2006 - 28 answers

Does anyone know any details about the Wright Brothers' actual brotherly relationship? I'm looking for books, anecdotes, articles, or documentaries you've read/seen that actually address this aspect of the great American story, their personalities, family dynamics, etc. [more inside]
posted by np312 on Nov 22, 2006 - 5 answers

What was my grandmother's childhood like? [more inside]
posted by ikkyu2 on Oct 9, 2006 - 17 answers

Somewhat of a follow-up to a previous question about my grandfather, I have some vague questions about law enforcement and the mental health system in 1950s America. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Sep 26, 2006 - 12 answers

Help me find someone in ukraine that would take pictures of old tombstones in a small town. [more inside]
posted by Izzmeister on Jul 26, 2006 - 8 answers

Now that I've scanned all my family photos and videotaped every living ancestor, what should I do with it? [more inside]
posted by fellion on Jul 25, 2006 - 14 answers

I'm looking for a free genealogy website - one where I can upload my GEDCOM file, reference various databases and the like. [more inside]
posted by rinkjustice on May 29, 2006 - 8 answers

I'm reading Princesses, by Flora Fraser (which, OT, is a bit too much like school to be really enjoyable) and am interested in a term I don't understand. [more inside]
posted by SashaPT on Jul 25, 2005 - 5 answers

When I was a kid, my dad had framed photos of the ships he'd served on during his time in the Royal Navy. Both he and the photos are long gone, but I've decided I'd like to put something similar together.

First problem is getting hold of his service history - I've only got a vague idea of the time he served (he was involved in Korea and Suez I think). Second is getting the photos.

Any ideas on either?
posted by monkey closet on Feb 16, 2005 - 3 answers

When I was little, my parents used to tell me that "in the olden days," many parents would spank their kids once a week, even though their kids hadn't been naughty. The spanking was supposedly preventative ("you'll get worse than THIS if you misbehave") or predictive ("I don't know WHAT you've done, but I'm sure you've done SOMETHING -- or you WILL do something...")

My question is: is this true? I mean, I know there are (and have been) all sorts of whack-o parents, but was there ever a general philosophy of parenting that advocated weekly spankings? My parents usually brought this up in the context of "you think YOU have it bad, well..." Were they yanking my chain? Is this an urban legend?
posted by grumblebee on Aug 23, 2004 - 18 answers