Genealogy.com: Links to the Past


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Links to the Past

Genealogy doesn't have to be only about finding your ancestors. It can also be about learning more about how the lived and what was happening in their lifetime. Knowing these sorts of things can often make your genealogy research much more interesting. With this idea in mind, we've gathered a few links to Web sites that will help you learn more about the Revolutionary War period.

Brush Up on Your Revolutionary War History

If you need a refresher course on Revolutionary War history, take a look at these three Web sites. They have time lines, lots of interesting and informative articles, games, and plenty more to make learning enjoyable. And, in case you would like to do more reading about the Revolutionary War, they have bibliographies as well.

LIBERTY! The American Revolution
PBS television originally aired this six-part series on the American Revolution in November 1997. The companion Web site to this television program is chock-full of information.

Historic Philadelphia
Sponsored by the Independence Hall Association, this Web site is the main link to additional Web sites that they have created. These include a general Revolutionary War Web site, as well as individual sites about Valley Forge, Betsy Ross, Philadelphia, and other historical figures and locations.

Archiving Early America
This Web site provides an interesting way to learn about the American Revolution. From the home page, click the "Enter the World of Early America" link. In this section, as you click on each event related to the Revolutionary War, you not only get some commentary about that event, but the text of an original document related to that event, such as a newspaper, an address given by a statesman, or an governmental document, such as the Declaration of Independence.

November 5, 1997

Helpful Products

•	Data on CD-ROM: Military Records
•	Genealogy Books: Revolutionary War

More Articles

•	Revolutionary War Military Records
•	Offerings at the DAR and SAR Libraries
•	Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants

Helpful Web Sites

•	Libraries, Archives, and Family History Centers

Visit a Historical Site

Visiting a site of historical significance can also give you perspective about the Revolutionary War. Here are a few that you might want to check out. Each page gives complete details about the site, including directions, hours of operation, and what is available at the site, from Visitor's Centers to special events. For a complete listing of sites maintained by the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov/. If you click the "Visit Your Parks" link you can search for national parks by name, category, or location.

Valley Forge
As this is a popular historic site, the National Park Service offers many programs, tours, and special events. A not-to-miss site if you are in the area.

Saratoga
Saratoga was the site of the first major American victory against the British. Like other national parks, they offer many programs to their visitors

Minute Man Historical Park
This is the location where the Revolutionary War began.

Independence National Historic Park
Philadelphia is where you will find the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Colonial National Historic Park
The last battle of the Revolutionary War was fought at this location.

Boston National Historical Park
A park within in the city, that includes sites like the Old North Church and Paul Revere's home.

Look into a Descendancy Organization

Descendancy organizations related to the Revolutionary War also provide opportunities for learning. If you would like to join such an organization, or at least find out what they have to offer, take a look at these Web sites.

Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution

Both of these Web sites offer details about what these organizations do, from genealogy to service projects. The DAR and SAR do not require that one of your ancestors served in the military during the Revolutionary period, but did serve the Revolutionary cause in some way. Complete details are at their Web sites. Note that their libraries are open to the public. For details about their libraries, visit their Web sites or take a look at our article Offerings at the DAR and SAR Libraries.

As We've Said Before...

Get your nose out of those dusty books from time to time! Exploring the history that made up the lives of your ancestors will almost certainly make you appreciate your genealogy discoveries even more.

About the Author

This article was written by Genealogy.com staff.

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