Author Archives: Janet Hartje

Week 4 2023 Education

“There are lots of ways you could approach this theme: teachers, yearbook photos, tales of being a good (or bad) student. You could also highlight an ancestor who got their education at the “School of Hard Knocks.” prompt from Amy Johnson Crow for Week 4 of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. I chose to writeContinue reading “Week 4 2023 Education”

Week 3: 2023 Out of Place

“Have you ever found an ancestor in an unexpected location? What about finding a record someplace that surprised you? Or what about that one great-great-uncle who moved out West when everyone else in the family stayed put? This is a good week to write about them.” this is the prompt from Amy Johnson Crow forContinue reading “Week 3: 2023 Out of Place”

Week 2, 2023: Favorite Photo

“I’ve had this theme in almost every version of 52 Ancestors because, let’s face it, who can choose just one?! Plus, we should be telling the stories of those photos so they don’t get lost to time.” Week 2 prompt from Amy Johnson Crow for 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. This photo seems very innovativeContinue reading “Week 2, 2023: Favorite Photo”

Week 1 2023: I’d Like To Meet

“Most of us have an ancestor who we’d like to meet (even if it’s to ask, “What are your parents’ names?”) This week, write about that ancestor or why you’d want to meet him or her. Feel free to be creative!” prompt from Amy Johnson Crow for Week 1 2023. It’s hard to chose justContinue reading “Week 1 2023: I’d Like To Meet”

Week 52 Looking Ahead

You did it! Week 52!  Who do you want to find more about in 2023? Now would be a good time to write up what you know (or what you think you know!) and consider what your next steps are. (Of course, feel free to interpret the theme in other ways!) I was very excited toContinue reading “Week 52 Looking Ahead”

Week 10 Worship

“Religion played an important role in the lives of many of our ancestors. Write about how a person’s faith impacted their life, how an ancestor was involved with their church, or a discovery you’ve made in church records. Feel free to post your links and stories in the comments below.” prompt by Amy Johnson CrowContinue reading “Week 10 Worship”

Week 51 Perserverence

Who is an ancestor who had to persevere? Who is an ancestor you had to persevere in order to find?! Share their story this week. Feel free to leave your links and stories in the comments. In looking at the stories of my and my husbands ancestors I can’t name one who didn’t have toContinue reading “Week 51 Perserverence”

Week 50 Traditions

“This week’s theme is “Traditions.” Many families have special traditions for this time of year. This week, write about a tradition that your family enjoys (or doesn’t enjoy!) and the ancestors that it brings to mind. Do you know who started that tradition? Who changed it over the years?” prompt from Amy Johnson Crow forContinue reading “Week 50 Traditions”

Week 49 New Horizons

“Growth often means pushing into unknown territory. Did any of your ancestors push to see new horizons (literally or figuratively)? How about you? Have you pushed your research by stretching into “new-to-you” resources or techniques? Feel free to post your links and stories in the comments below.” prompt by Amy Johnson Crow for 52 AncestorsContinue reading “Week 49 New Horizons”