Many U.S. census records provide details beyond the basic names, ages and relationships. Hidden among the census columns may be additional clues, from a street address to the age of a mother at the time of her first marriage, which could lead you to research in new records. As with all genealogy research, look at every single detail on the target census page (and the pages surrounding it as well) and ask yourself what it tells you about your ancestor. Do the marriage age, occupation, number of children, etc. all make sense with what you know about him or her? If you spot an anomaly that makes you pause, then follow it up - it could just be an error in the census, or it could be the source of a new discovery about your ancestor. While the article I've linked to here is specific to U.S. census records, the technique applies to census records in all countries.

Related:
Dig Details from Pre-1850 Census Records
Search Tips for Stubborn Ancestors

Millions of people around the world can trace their ancestry to the small area off mainland Europe known as Great Britain. What some don't understand, however, is that "British" doesn't just mean "English." Great Britain refers collectively to the regions (not countries) of England, Scotland and Wales. Throw in the province of Northern Ireland (where some refer to themselves as British and others as Irish), and you then have the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland -- UK for short.

If you have ancestors from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, these are direct dependencies of the British Crown, but are not technically a part of the United Kingdom. They are largely self-governing, with the British goverment primarily responsible for their defense.

The term British Isles is often used to loosely describe the island of Great Britain along with its associated islands - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Great Britain is the largest island of the British Isles. Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic form the second largest island. To further muddy the waters, the term Britain is often used informally to refer to the United Kingdom.

Related:

European Geography FAQ

Tracing Ancestors in England & Wales

100 Common Scottish Surnames & Their Meanings

Researching Your Irish Roots

This was a big surprise and honor to me to be included in this list of 11 Essential Genealogy Blogs from the Indian Country Today Media Network, which they selected after exploring blogs from lists such as the 2011 Family Tree 40 (my blog wasn't eligible as it is associated with a corporate entity) and ProGenealogist's 25 Most Popular Genealogy Blogs 2009.

I'm in absolutely wonderful company with two others also categorized as "The Pros": Family Tree Magazine's Genealogy Insider blog written by Diane Haddad and the Olive Tree Genealogy Blog written by Lorine McGinnis Schulze. In other categories are some of my other favorite blogs from Michael John Neill, Thomas MacEntee (his Geneabloggers blog roll), Blaine Bettinger, Dick Eastman and Lynn Palermo. Check out the article for the links to these blogs, as well as a few others focused on American Indian genealogy that I'm looking forward to exploring!

I have to say I'm super excited about this announcement, being that this is in my home city! A brand-new genealogical education opportunity is being offered in Pittsburgh next July - The Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh with directors Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, and Deborah Lichtner Deal, has been planned for July 23-27, 2012. Four courses will be coordinated by internationally recognized instructors:

• Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper with Paula Stuart Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
• Advanced Research Methods with Thomas Jones, CG, CGL FASG, FUGA, FNGS
• Beneath the Home Page: Problem Solving with Online Repositories with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
• German Genealogical Research with John T. Humphrey, CG

Additional instructors in these courses include Claire Bettag, CG, CGL and Richard G. (Rick) Sayre, CG.

The institute will be held at beautiful LaRoche College in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, close to major cities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West regions. Make sure you note that this is next summer, not this summer! Registration will open in February 2012. Learn more at www.gripitt.org.