Sensitive Subjects

Conscription, Criminality, Desertion, Divorce, Enlistment, Ethics, Genealogy, Illegitimacy, Lying Ancestors, Military Genealogy, Social Stigma

Ancestors Who Lied on Records: Why They Did It and How to Overcome Genealogy Brick Walls

kevinjr.duska@gmail.com / May 16, 2025

Genealogy research often turns up surprising inconsistencies. You might find a great-grandparent’s age mysteriously fluctuating between census records, or a marriage certificate that conflicts with a family story. In many

A person with white hair holds an aged letter in a dimly lit room, surrounded by bookshelves and framed family photos. The atmosphere is somber, with soft, respectful lighting casting gentle shadows, evoking a quiet, introspective mood. The scene captures the discovery of a family member's suicide through archival textures and a muted color palette.

Canada, Country, Ethics, Genealogy, Institutions, Kingston Penitentiary, Sensitive Subjects, Suicide, Suicide Attempts, Uncategorized

Uncovering Suicide in Family History: How Genealogy Reveals Hidden Struggles

kevinjr.duska@gmail.com / April 25, 2025

Why These Stories Matter Most family trees are built around life milestones — births, marriages, baptisms, and burials. These events shape our sense of continuity and belonging. But what about