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The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.

Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Follow Friday -- Rock of Ages Resource...A Genealogy Booklet!

Some of you may have heard of the company, Rock of Ages. It is a company that had been in business since 1885, and they specialize in headstones, mausoleums, and memorials. The company is based in Vermont, and even provides a factory tour of their facility. All this might not be interesting but, they apparently believe in the slogan, "Families Are Forever..."


About six years ago, when I first began teaching beginning genealogy at a local library, I used to hand out the Rock of Ages wonderful 16 page booklet, The Rock of Ages Family Genealogy Workbook to the students. The company sent me about 24 heavy cover and think paper booklets to hand out. Now, you can download it to your computer. The picture above is from the booklet I used, but the information is the same now, with the exception of several updated pages covering genealogy websites, and software to use. All you need to do is provide them with your email address and zip code, and then they allow you to use the download link immediately.


What is covered?  All the basics and it is perfect for beginners. There is a Research Log, Work Sheet, Pedigree Chart, Family Name Register and a Family Tree chart (fan design). You can copy or print out as many pages as you need.


My copy was printed in 2002, and even then their advice was relevant in their Ten Basic Research Rules. For example:
"Never assume. Prove it instead.
Do not rely solely on computer databases.
Do not rush the research or jump to hasty conclusions.
Work with facts; not guesses.
Keep an open mind.
Accept the fact that some people cannot be found."