Hi there! I'm Lisa Lisson, and I'm passionate about helping people like you discover their ancestors and expand their family tree without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps.
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🔎Lost Family Bibles & Where to Find Them
Published 2 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to the Are You My Cousin? newsletter! Each week, I share actionable genealogy research advice to help you grow a healthy - and accurate - family tree. Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
Hi Reader,
Years ago, I received a phone call from a woman researching her Harward ancestors. After seeing my information on our common ancestor, she asked,
"Where did you find that James' exact birth? I've been looking for years."
I replied the information was in the family Bible. She was shocked. She had no idea a family Bible even existed.
You see, she descended down a different side of the family - a collateral line. Her line did not have a family Bible, and so it was assumed one did not exist.
Except one did (does!).
It's easy to give up too quickly in the search for a family Bible. Admittedly, the search is not always easy, but I challenge you to leave no stone unturned in your search.
That's why I created this week's video and blog post on searching for the family Bible!
Have you found a family Bible for one or more of your family lines? If so, hit reply and let know where you found it!
📽️NEW VIDEO & 💻BLOG POST
WHERE IS THAT FAMILY BIBLE?
Has searching for your family Bible left you frustrated? You're not alone. Many genealogists hit dead ends when looking for these precious records.
In my latest video, I reveal 10 places where family Bibles often end up - from state archives to digital collections you might not know about. I'll show you exactly how to search each resource effectively.
Watch now to learn:
Which archives actively collect family Bibles
How to search digital libraries successfully
Which "non-genealogy" resources and websites you can (and should!) use.
Hit a brick wall in your research? Get unstuck with a VIP Genealogy Intensive Day - your chance to work 1:1 with me for 8 focused hours dedicated to YOUR family tree.
Together, we'll review your research, create a custom strategy, and explore new paths to find your elusive ancestors. Includes oodles of bonuses such as my research plan template and a week of follow up email support. Perfect for both beginners and experienced researchers who need fresh eyes on their family history puzzle.
When hunting for those elusive family Bibles, researchers should be aware of these frequent pitfalls that can limit their success:
Assuming a family Bible does not exist
Not checking with all elderly relatives and distant cousins - family Bibles often pass through unexpected family lines
Not documenting the current location and owner of discovered family Bibles
Remember, persistence and thorough research often lead to discovering the family Bible.
⭐GENEALOGY VOCABULARY
WHAT IS A COLLATERAL FAMILY LINE?
A collateral family line refers to relatives who descend from your direct ancestors' siblings. These include your aunts, uncles, cousins, and their descendants.
While not your direct ancestors, collateral lines often hold valuable family information and can help break down research barriers.
They frequently inherited family documents, photos, and heirlooms that can provide crucial genealogical evidence.
This week we explored unique places to find those elusive family Bibles for your genealogy research. I can't wait to hear where you've found your family Bibles.
Keep your eyes on your inbox for exciting updates about RootsTech 2025, happening in March. Whether you plan to attend virtually or in person, I'll be sharing tips to help you make the most of this incredible genealogy conference.
Actionable genealogy advice that you'll want to save in a special Gmail folder to grow your healthy family tree, sent weekly to 10,000+ readers.
Hi there! I'm Lisa Lisson, and I'm passionate about helping people like you discover their ancestors and expand their family tree without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the next steps.
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