Melanie McComb
@shamrockgen.bsky.social
Professional genealogist. Interested in Irish, Jewish, Atlantic Canadian, military records, DNA, and more.
Blog at www.theshamrockgenealogist.com
Blog at www.theshamrockgenealogist.com
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47652/...
Happy birthday Emily!
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47652/...
Happy birthday Emily!
December 11, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47652/...
Happy birthday Emily!
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47652/...
Happy birthday Emily!
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Yesterday I found an obituary for Mr H’s GGF. It noted that he’d been the engineer on the steam tug ‘Waterfly’ for many years, working for the Salt Union in Cheshire. I searched for the boat name, then found and joined a FB group mentioning it. This morning a photo was posted. Social media works! 😊
December 10, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Yesterday I found an obituary for Mr H’s GGF. It noted that he’d been the engineer on the steam tug ‘Waterfly’ for many years, working for the Salt Union in Cheshire. I searched for the boat name, then found and joined a FB group mentioning it. This morning a photo was posted. Social media works! 😊
Reposted by Melanie McComb
NextGEN: Call for presentations. The Society of Genealogists and Family History Federation are arranging an online conference for young genealogists on Saturday 14 November 2026. A talk on preparing proposals is on 12 July. portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1...
December 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM
NextGEN: Call for presentations. The Society of Genealogists and Family History Federation are arranging an online conference for young genealogists on Saturday 14 November 2026. A talk on preparing proposals is on 12 July. portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1...
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Here's proof that more results for Eastern European genealogy can be found on MyHeritage. A family tree I created to find connections to my ancestors has been on Ancestry for more than 10 years. I have family tree matches only on MyHeritage after two weeks. MyHeritage is worth trying, too.
December 9, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Here's proof that more results for Eastern European genealogy can be found on MyHeritage. A family tree I created to find connections to my ancestors has been on Ancestry for more than 10 years. I have family tree matches only on MyHeritage after two weeks. MyHeritage is worth trying, too.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
I've decided to sporadically post the next batch coming up for renewal and accept "payment" via RTR donations. If any of them interest you, please reach out (via FB messaging or my website).
Here's the first batch (all have the .com extension):
historyfixer
theancestorwhisperer
ancestorrescuer
Here's the first batch (all have the .com extension):
historyfixer
theancestorwhisperer
ancestorrescuer
December 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
I've decided to sporadically post the next batch coming up for renewal and accept "payment" via RTR donations. If any of them interest you, please reach out (via FB messaging or my website).
Here's the first batch (all have the .com extension):
historyfixer
theancestorwhisperer
ancestorrescuer
Here's the first batch (all have the .com extension):
historyfixer
theancestorwhisperer
ancestorrescuer
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Remembering all who answered the call to defend our nation in the moments, days, and years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
December 8, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Remembering all who answered the call to defend our nation in the moments, days, and years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
#Genealogy… but for your house.
12/10/2025 @ 6:30 PM I’ll be online with the #Chelmsford Public Library walking through 10 steps to researching your Chelmsford house—using a real local home as a case study.
Free, via Zoom
northeasthousehistorian.com/whats-the-st...
#LocalHistory #ChelmsfordMA
12/10/2025 @ 6:30 PM I’ll be online with the #Chelmsford Public Library walking through 10 steps to researching your Chelmsford house—using a real local home as a case study.
Free, via Zoom
northeasthousehistorian.com/whats-the-st...
#LocalHistory #ChelmsfordMA
December 7, 2025 at 7:03 PM
#Genealogy… but for your house.
12/10/2025 @ 6:30 PM I’ll be online with the #Chelmsford Public Library walking through 10 steps to researching your Chelmsford house—using a real local home as a case study.
Free, via Zoom
northeasthousehistorian.com/whats-the-st...
#LocalHistory #ChelmsfordMA
12/10/2025 @ 6:30 PM I’ll be online with the #Chelmsford Public Library walking through 10 steps to researching your Chelmsford house—using a real local home as a case study.
Free, via Zoom
northeasthousehistorian.com/whats-the-st...
#LocalHistory #ChelmsfordMA
Reposted by Melanie McComb
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer for #translation is "learn the boilerplate." If you learn certain common phrases, you'll be better able to work with the record. How do you start?
FamilySearch genealogical word lists can be a great option. #genealogy #ancestry #familyhistory
FamilySearch genealogical word lists can be a great option. #genealogy #ancestry #familyhistory
French Genealogical Word List
This list contains French words with their English translations. The words included here are those you are likely to find in genealogical sources. If the word you are looking for is not on this list, please consult a French-English dictionary. (See the "Additional Resources" section below.)
www.familysearch.org
December 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer for #translation is "learn the boilerplate." If you learn certain common phrases, you'll be better able to work with the record. How do you start?
FamilySearch genealogical word lists can be a great option. #genealogy #ancestry #familyhistory
FamilySearch genealogical word lists can be a great option. #genealogy #ancestry #familyhistory
Reposted by Melanie McComb
For a few years in the early-20th century, if you wanted to drive a car in Prince Edward Island, you were out of luck.
The vehicles made people scared to go to the markets and churches. So...the province banned them completely.
This is the story of the PEI car ban.
🧵 1/9
The vehicles made people scared to go to the markets and churches. So...the province banned them completely.
This is the story of the PEI car ban.
🧵 1/9
December 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
For a few years in the early-20th century, if you wanted to drive a car in Prince Edward Island, you were out of luck.
The vehicles made people scared to go to the markets and churches. So...the province banned them completely.
This is the story of the PEI car ban.
🧵 1/9
The vehicles made people scared to go to the markets and churches. So...the province banned them completely.
This is the story of the PEI car ban.
🧵 1/9
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Dec. 6, 1775: To prevent the smallpox from spreading to other parts of the colony, the Massachusetts House of Representatives appoints a committee to escort infected persons sent out of Boston to hospitals in order for them to receive proper treatment and care. 1/2
December 6, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Dec. 6, 1775: To prevent the smallpox from spreading to other parts of the colony, the Massachusetts House of Representatives appoints a committee to escort infected persons sent out of Boston to hospitals in order for them to receive proper treatment and care. 1/2
Reposted by Melanie McComb
88% of the way toward @wienerlibrary.bsky.social’s Big Give fundraising challenge! Can you help us reach 💯?
Your gift is doubled until Tuesday, 9 Dec! Everything helps! Please give and share widely
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Your gift is doubled until Tuesday, 9 Dec! Everything helps! Please give and share widely
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Support our vital work in these challenging times – Big Give
We are the world’s oldest and the UK’s largest archive on the Nazi era and the Holocaust. Please help us raise £64,000 so we can continue to be a freely accessible tool to combat Holocaust denial, a...
donate.biggive.org
December 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
88% of the way toward @wienerlibrary.bsky.social’s Big Give fundraising challenge! Can you help us reach 💯?
Your gift is doubled until Tuesday, 9 Dec! Everything helps! Please give and share widely
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Your gift is doubled until Tuesday, 9 Dec! Everything helps! Please give and share widely
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Reposted by Melanie McComb
The National Archives are hiring a Poor Law Research Assistant (39k for 2 years) working on Paul Carter's AHRC project on poverty/welfare in Wales, 1834-1930. Deadline 16 Dec.
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...
Quick Check Needed
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
December 6, 2025 at 9:11 AM
The National Archives are hiring a Poor Law Research Assistant (39k for 2 years) working on Paul Carter's AHRC project on poverty/welfare in Wales, 1834-1930. Deadline 16 Dec.
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...
Reposted by Melanie McComb
December 1917 - Fully embroiled in the First World War Halifax was quickly evolving into a world class port and major base of naval operations. /thread #HalifaxExplosion
December 6, 2025 at 12:38 PM
December 1917 - Fully embroiled in the First World War Halifax was quickly evolving into a world class port and major base of naval operations. /thread #HalifaxExplosion
Reposted by Melanie McComb
On this day of remembrance, spend time scrolling through the roster from December 7, 1941, the Full Pearl Harbor Casualty List
Every name is a life, a story, a family forever changed. Read the list and honor the heroes we lost at Pearl Harbor. www.usswestvirginia.org/ph/phlist.php
Every name is a life, a story, a family forever changed. Read the list and honor the heroes we lost at Pearl Harbor. www.usswestvirginia.org/ph/phlist.php
Pearl Harbor Casualty List
www.usswestvirginia.org
December 6, 2025 at 12:33 PM
On this day of remembrance, spend time scrolling through the roster from December 7, 1941, the Full Pearl Harbor Casualty List
Every name is a life, a story, a family forever changed. Read the list and honor the heroes we lost at Pearl Harbor. www.usswestvirginia.org/ph/phlist.php
Every name is a life, a story, a family forever changed. Read the list and honor the heroes we lost at Pearl Harbor. www.usswestvirginia.org/ph/phlist.php
Reposted by Melanie McComb
This 1917 Christmas-themed cartoon hangs on my wall, drawn by John Edwin Griffiths while serving with the Liverpool Irish on the Western Front. It depicts soldiers in a snowy trench carrying trench mortar bombs out of a dugout. The bombs were known as ‘plum puddings’ owing to their appearance. 1/4
December 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM
This 1917 Christmas-themed cartoon hangs on my wall, drawn by John Edwin Griffiths while serving with the Liverpool Irish on the Western Front. It depicts soldiers in a snowy trench carrying trench mortar bombs out of a dugout. The bombs were known as ‘plum puddings’ owing to their appearance. 1/4
Reposted by Melanie McComb
During #WWI, medics applied 1.5 million splints, fitted over 20,000 artificial eyes & used 7,250 tons of cotton wool while applying 108 million bandages to injured soldiers. More than 6,000 medics died & over 17,000 were wounded in the British Army alone.
December 5, 2025 at 10:59 AM
During #WWI, medics applied 1.5 million splints, fitted over 20,000 artificial eyes & used 7,250 tons of cotton wool while applying 108 million bandages to injured soldiers. More than 6,000 medics died & over 17,000 were wounded in the British Army alone.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Day6 #His Advent Calendar -when NZANS 1st joined up for WW1 they were not issued identity discs- many nurses had their own made from local coins. This belonged to Blanche Huddleston who was a nurse anaesthetic. The discs came in after the loss of 10 nurse on the Marquette.
December 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Day6 #His Advent Calendar -when NZANS 1st joined up for WW1 they were not issued identity discs- many nurses had their own made from local coins. This belonged to Blanche Huddleston who was a nurse anaesthetic. The discs came in after the loss of 10 nurse on the Marquette.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
How did Old North’s early congregants stay warm on cold days like today?
They brought small metal boxes known as “foot warmers” to their pews! A hot brick or coal would be placed inside the foot warmer, and the high walls of the box pew would help trap the heat inside.
They brought small metal boxes known as “foot warmers” to their pews! A hot brick or coal would be placed inside the foot warmer, and the high walls of the box pew would help trap the heat inside.
December 5, 2025 at 8:26 PM
How did Old North’s early congregants stay warm on cold days like today?
They brought small metal boxes known as “foot warmers” to their pews! A hot brick or coal would be placed inside the foot warmer, and the high walls of the box pew would help trap the heat inside.
They brought small metal boxes known as “foot warmers” to their pews! A hot brick or coal would be placed inside the foot warmer, and the high walls of the box pew would help trap the heat inside.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Looking forward to another fun WikiTree Challenge on @wikitree.bsky.social for George G Morgan of Genealogy Guys podcast.
There's still time to register: www.wikitree.com/g2g/1964072
#WTChallenge #CollaborativeGenealogy #WhereGenealogistsCollaborate
There's still time to register: www.wikitree.com/g2g/1964072
#WTChallenge #CollaborativeGenealogy #WhereGenealogistsCollaborate
December 2, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Looking forward to another fun WikiTree Challenge on @wikitree.bsky.social for George G Morgan of Genealogy Guys podcast.
There's still time to register: www.wikitree.com/g2g/1964072
#WTChallenge #CollaborativeGenealogy #WhereGenealogistsCollaborate
There's still time to register: www.wikitree.com/g2g/1964072
#WTChallenge #CollaborativeGenealogy #WhereGenealogistsCollaborate
Gail: New website for New Brunswick Genealogical Society genealogyalacarte.ca?p=46656
New website for New Brunswick Genealogical Society - Genealogy à la carte
The New Brunswick Genealogical Society (NBGS) recently launched a new website. Scroll down the home page to see the resources the society offers. Most are for members only. When society members log in...
genealogyalacarte.ca
December 5, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Reposted by Melanie McComb
We are now up to 98,000 (!) names recovered from the lost censuses of Ireland.
We have found people from every county - and the detective work continues… 👀📜🔎
Search for your family between 1766 and 1891 on our Population Portal
www.virtualtreasury.ie/portals/popu...
Spread the word ! 😀📢
We have found people from every county - and the detective work continues… 👀📜🔎
Search for your family between 1766 and 1891 on our Population Portal
www.virtualtreasury.ie/portals/popu...
Spread the word ! 😀📢
December 4, 2025 at 10:05 AM
We are now up to 98,000 (!) names recovered from the lost censuses of Ireland.
We have found people from every county - and the detective work continues… 👀📜🔎
Search for your family between 1766 and 1891 on our Population Portal
www.virtualtreasury.ie/portals/popu...
Spread the word ! 😀📢
We have found people from every county - and the detective work continues… 👀📜🔎
Search for your family between 1766 and 1891 on our Population Portal
www.virtualtreasury.ie/portals/popu...
Spread the word ! 😀📢
Reposted by Melanie McComb
For #EYADigital, we are highlighting several avenues to access digitised collections relating to Tailte Éireann.
With thanks to the wonderful partners that we have collaborated with on these initiatives.
With thanks to the wonderful partners that we have collaborated with on these initiatives.
December 4, 2025 at 11:40 AM
For #EYADigital, we are highlighting several avenues to access digitised collections relating to Tailte Éireann.
With thanks to the wonderful partners that we have collaborated with on these initiatives.
With thanks to the wonderful partners that we have collaborated with on these initiatives.
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Thanks to our friends at @reclaimtherecords.org, the index of deaths in New York State from 1880-2017 is now public! #Genealogy #FamilyHistory Reclaim built an innovative database featuring natural language search & more. My search took a nanosecond: climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com/2025/12/sear...
Searching Reclaim the Records' New York State Death Index
Genealogy research and commentary by Marian Burk Wood, speaker and author of "Planning a Future for Your Family's Past," available from Amazon.com.
climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Thanks to our friends at @reclaimtherecords.org, the index of deaths in New York State from 1880-2017 is now public! #Genealogy #FamilyHistory Reclaim built an innovative database featuring natural language search & more. My search took a nanosecond: climbingmyfamilytree.blogspot.com/2025/12/sear...
Reposted by Melanie McComb
From 2 February 2026, The National Archives will increase fees for some services. This affects fees for document copies, research & search services, and also introduce a new fee for accessing historic Ministry of Defence service personnel records #GenHour
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/t...
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/t...
The National Archives Updates Service Fees - The National Archives
From 2 February 2026, The National Archives will increase fees for some services as we bring charges in line with current delivery costs. This is the first increase since 2019. The changes affect fees...
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
December 1, 2025 at 8:13 PM
From 2 February 2026, The National Archives will increase fees for some services. This affects fees for document copies, research & search services, and also introduce a new fee for accessing historic Ministry of Defence service personnel records #GenHour
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/t...
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/t...
Reposted by Melanie McComb
Today is World AIDS Day, a day that reminds me of the decades-long fight for dignity, science, and compassion. We’ve come so far because activists, researchers, and communities refused to be ignored.
December 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Today is World AIDS Day, a day that reminds me of the decades-long fight for dignity, science, and compassion. We’ve come so far because activists, researchers, and communities refused to be ignored.