Bluegrass Roots Archive

Our ancestors had many options for arriving in Kentucky. Some paths were more dangerous than others.

See how Kentucky went from 9 counties to 120 counties - just like that.

Learn the reasons Kentucky started keeping birth and death records.

Huguenots migrated from France to the new world and many Kentuckians can claim Huguenot roots.

Follow along as a family researcher uses this method to solve a brick wall ancestor.

During our fifty years of encouraging family researchers and budding genealogists, the society has provided advice through the Bluegrass Roots magazine.

In 1866, the Kentucky Legislature enacted an imperfect law to legitimize the marriages of formerly enslaved persons.

We have collected over 80 examples of family histories and genealogy that you can use as a resource for your research or learn how to write a compelling family history.

Our ancestors migrated to Harlan County for the promise of a better future.

When you have lovingly curated your collection, the dilemma of how to pass it along can be overwhelming.

When researching a divorce, you must take into account the period, location, and circumstances.

A brief Scots-Irish history in the Appalachian area written by a descendant of early settlers.

In 1921, a fire in the US Commerce Building damaged the 1890 census records. Learn what eventually happened to the records.

There are many ways family researchers can give back to their local communities and share their skills and talent.

Family researchers can find older editions of Laurel County Newspapers online. Learn How.

The fun in researching your family history is sharing it with others.

A good source of early Kentucky genealogical information is the county tax lists.

Professional genealogist Dr. Thomas Jones suggests discovering genealogy resources that are not online and not getting over-focused on certain people.

In the 1700s, many Scots-Irish migrated to North America - but why?

The Soundex code indexes many genealogy records.

Member, Susan J. Court, shares tips for visiting the Family History Library in Utah.

Littell's Law Books contain rich details about what our ancestors were doing in the early years of Kentucky.

Find out how an amateur genealogist verified her Aussie cousins using DNA

The KDLA has many records of genealogical value that are free to the public.

Learn some surprising places to find your female ancestors along with some tips for finding her maiden name. Then you’ll be ready to discover your Kentucky roots.

Learn common causes of death and the reasons in the 1800s from a modern-age medical doctor.

Use the research approach to analyzing data around a specific issue.

Local historical societies can provide clues to our brick walls.

If your dream vacation includes completing some genealogy research, then use these nine quick and delicious tips to make sure you get the most of your visit.

Find your Kentucky Revolutionary War Veteran with these resources.

Many tombstones contain valuable genealogical info. How do you access those ancestor details that are miles away from you?

Here are tips for finding your ancestor’s coal mining records.

While waiting for the 1950 US Census, review other materials such as periodicals and US Commerce Department reports as background material.

Beckham County was formed in 1904 and disbanded a few months later. It remains the only county in Kentucky’s history with the distinction of being dissolved.

Use your family research time wisely when in an archive.

Franklintown was an early republic in Greene County, Tennessee.

Maps assist genealogists with locating where ancestors lived and worked. Learn how to use the different and free maps in your family research.

Aaron Horn Sr. moved his family to Fort Boonesborough in 1778. He died soon after arriving leaving many mysteries for his descendents.

Many of our ancestors were Kentucky pioneers who made their way down the Ohio river on a flatboat. These flatboats were later used to build a home.

Focus on the basics like good research methods and staying organized first.

Pogue Library, on the Murray State University campus, has many genealogy records for those searching for western Kentucky ancestors.

Professional genealogist Cynthia Maharrey explains how to get started with your family history by creating a pedigree chart. Then she explains how obituaries help complete the picture.

Take advantage of periodicals for your family research.

In this video, Dr. Shelley Murphy reminds us the Freedmen's Bureau collection contains records for more than just freedmen.

Tips for genealogists. Determining if a vital record exists for your Kentucky ancestor.

Clues about our ancestors’ lives may be scattered over multiple counties and states, the key is knowing the possible information these records contain about pioneer life.

The Doan family relocated to Harrison County, KY, after earlier generations landed in Plymouth Rock.

Obituaries are important tools for family history research. We have eight tried and true resources for locating the most obscure death notice.

A cemetery caretaker discovers a broken gravestone covered with soil and missing pieces while mowing. Who does it belong to?

If your Kentucky county courthouse fell upon a disaster, use these ideas to find alternate records.