In comparison with most other Irish counties, Donegal has fewer records of value to family historians. This makes it important to use the existing records to their best advantage. Donegal families are a mixture of native Gaelic families, and of Scots-Irish families who came to Donegal from the 17th century onward. Common names in the county include O'Neill, O'Donnell, Bonner, Barr, Bradley, Duffy, Friel, Gormley, O'Kane, Gallagher, Harkin, McBride, McCafferty, McDaid, Patton, Morrissey, Ward and Sweeney.

An expert in notable families and a master of printed resources, Gary Boyd Roberts has published many articles over the years discussing important genealogical sources and educating the family his­torian in the value of printed genealogical works. This anthology, first published in 2004, is the cul­mination of his remarkable career in genealogy and points readers to materials that will benefit their research. Includes a new chapter on genea­logical progress since 2004.

By Gary Boyd Roberts
Published: 2004 and 2011

Advances in DNA research over the last decades have had huge implications for the field of genealogy. By testing your DNA and comparing the results to a database of other individuals, you can better understand your origins, confirm lines of descent, test hypotheses, and connect with distant relatives. When it comes to studying your own DNA, understanding your options and test results are crucial.

Since the seventeenth century, new arrivals to America have been expected to show their allegiance to their new land. Over time, that expectation has developed into the naturalization process of the present day. Naturalization records are important sources of information to the family historian. They tell of the origins of the immigrant, age or birth date, and approximate arrival to the U.S. This Portable Genealogist will help you understand the history of U.S. naturalization, what records are available, and how to access those records.

Prior to 1700, the European population of New England was still sufficiently small and compact enough to be manageable from a genealogical standpoint. In many cases, town vital records, church, colony, court, probate, land, military, and tax records not only have survived, but have been abstracted and published. This Portable Genealogist will direct you to the most relevant and useful resources-including study projects, scholarly resources, and finding aids-for tracing your seventeenth-century New England ancestors.

Citations—notes that tell your readers the sources of your information—are an important part of every genealogy and family history, regardless of whether you think your primary audience will be family members or members of the genealogical community. This Portable Genealogist will help you determine how to formulate your reference notes. Numerous examples of both full notes and shortened forms are provided for both print and online sources.

The four-page laminated guide can fit easily in your research binder.

By Kyle Hurst

Beyond the usual problems encountered in genealogy-lost records, inaccurate indexes and transcriptions, and variant spellings (to name a few)-Irish-American research presents a unique set of obstacles. So much of Irish genealogical investigation depends on knowing the exact location of where your ancestor came from in Ireland. The prevalence of common surnames, the lack of a nationwide search capability, and faulty family tradition can make it difficult to discern your ancestor's true origins and will give anyone a genealogical headache.

No matter how monumental the task of organizing your research may seem, a systematic method saves valuable time and creates more accurate work. This Portable Genealogist offers practical advice on how to organize your research and files, keep track of families, and create goals to guide future research. Even if you are a seasoned family historian, it's not too late to incorporate these practices into your work!

The four-page laminated guide can fit easily in your research binder.

By Rhonda R. McClure

Massachusetts researchers are fortunate to have so many early resources for genealogical and historical research. One source that is often overlooked, however, is the 1855 and 1865 Massachusetts state census. The state census contains valuable genealogical information beyond what is available in the federal census and provides important insight into Civil War-era Massachusetts. This Portable Genealogist will assist you in understanding, locating, and using this key record.

The four-page laminated guide can fit easily in your research binder.

When most people think of Boston between its founding in 1630 and the height of the American Revolution, they probably imagine a procession of Puritan ministers in black followed by patriots like Paul Revere on horseback. In his new book, Brenton Simons will change a few minds and shock a few others. Witches, Rakes, and Rogues demonstrates convincingly that the narrow, twisting streets of colonial Boston were crawling with murderers, con men, and other blackguards. Bostonians may have been prayerful, but they were also prurient and violent.