Do you struggle with reading modern cursive writing? Do you want to run away and hide more than you want the clue that is scribbled in the old-style handwritten document in front of you? If so the Library of Congress is here to help. Their online resource, Paleography: Interpreting Handwriting in Genealogical Research   is the comprehensive tool you need to blast through those handwriting roadblocks. Most sections after the introduction contains both a bibliography and links to online resources. Categories of help include English Scripts, Early American Handwriting, Modern Cursive, Signatures, Transcription and Spelling, Latin scripts, Languages and Subject headings, General Reference and Dictionaries. Follow the link to the source to find the  signatures of some famous aviators! The English Scripts section includes information on English and Scottish document from 1500-1700 as well as a link out to an incredible Script tutorial hosted at Brigham Young University that links to...

NCPedia's Early Settlement article provides valuable context for understanding North Carolina's colonial growth. The colorful map below illustrates the frontier development from 1657-1835. The article explores the finer points that spurred that development, including the massive and rapid growth that occured after King George took NC lands back from the Lords Proprietors in 1729. Discover why this created a boom that lasted until the Revolution era.  Image source - NCpedia The article shares two other maps that provide background for understanding early settlement and migration trends. A trail map traces not only the Great Wagon Road, but also migration routes from coastal ports. It highlights which groups tended to take each path. The associated text emphasizes how the Piedmont and coastal areas were essentially cut off from each other. By the mid 1700s, the Piedmont settlers had more trade and communication with Philadelphia and their South Carolina neighbors than the coasta...

Correction***Please note that the only event supported by WCHS is the Isaac Hunter event in October.*** I thought to pull this post, but that would add further confusion. Just be aware that the other events listed are not WCHS supported. Disregard or persue  the others  as separate entities. The Wake County Historical Society October program features "Isaac Hunter and His Tavern," presented by Belle Long, a Hunter family researcher for over 20 years. I am especially interested in this one as the remains of the tavern still stood not far from our home in the late 1960's. The photo looks just like I remember it.     October 5, 7PM at Mordecai Visitor Center .  Details for these and many other events of local historical interest can be found in their newsletter. You can find all at this link .  Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digit...