Author Archives: Lorelle VanFossen

About Lorelle VanFossen

Lorelle VanFossen hosts Family History Blog covering her ancestors and related family members. She is one of the top bloggers in the world, and host of the Lorelle on WordPress, providing WordPress and blogging tips for bloggers of all levels. A popular keynote speaker and trainer, she is also editor, producer, contributor, and official disruptive thinker for Bitwire Media which includes WordCast, Making My Life Network, Stories of Our Journeys, Life on the Road, WordCast Conversations, and the very popular WordCast Podcast.

Uncovering the Past on Place Names

In another brilliant family history and local history piece, Winquatt of Musings of the History Queen brings us “The mystery of Justin Chenoweth.” In The Dalles, Oregon, Chenoweth’s name (spelled Chenowith by the locals) is plastered all over town. There’s … Continue reading


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Family History Blogging Tips and Resources

In anticipation of a series of workshops and classes I will be teaching soon on family history blogging, I’ve put together “Family History Blogging Resources and Tips” as a long list of family history and genealogy blogging tips, techniques, and … Continue reading


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Identifying Old Photographs with the Photo Detective

Photo Detective is the blog of photo historian Maureen Taylor, author of “Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs.” She helps readers play detective with their photographs for free. The details are usually in the photograph such as the hairstyle, clothing, … Continue reading


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Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

Puget Sound Navy Museum, Bremerton, Washington

This is an unconfirmed picture of what I think is the Naval Base at Bremerton, Washington, circa 1926. It was taken by my grandfather, Howard W. West Sr.. He was on the USS Arizona during its stay there for refitting … Continue reading


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Seattle Coast Guard Museum – The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

Seattle Coast Guard Museum - The History of the Coast Guard and Pacific Northwest Maritime

There is a Coast Guard Museum in Seattle, Washington. This will be invaluable as I dig more into the lives of my father and his father, both serving in the Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Ocean. The … Continue reading


Posted in Family, Genealogy Resources, Knapp, Places, Washington State, West | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Check Out Genealogy Insider Blog for News and Tips

Genealogy Insider is the blog for Diane Haddad, Family Tree Magazine blogger and staff member, stuffed with tons of information and resources for family history researchers. She publishes a link roundup called Genealogy News Corral of the latest news, books, … Continue reading


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Can You Spot the USS Arizona?

My grandfather, Howard William West Sr. served on the USS Arizona in the early 1920s. In researching his life on the ship, culling what information I can from his USS Arizona Log Book 1924-1925 and the History of the USS … Continue reading


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Genealogy, Archives, Libraries, and Museums Resources for States in the US

Top 75 State Genealogy Websites of 2012 by Rich Crume of Family Tree Magazine is an extensive listing of US State Archives, libraries, museums, and other online resources to help you with your family history research. For my own research, … Continue reading


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Searching for Coast Guard Insignias and Ranks

In this photograph of my grandfather, Howard William West Sr. (tallest) and friend, based upon the US Coast Guard Military History PDF file of ratings, ranks, warrant, marks and insignia (PDF File), my grandfather was a Petty Officer, Quartermaster, 2nd … Continue reading


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Antique Photographs Improve with Age – Ha!

In “Photographs Look Even Better With 200 Years of Decay,” Ashley Feinberg writes on Gizmodo about the decay of photographs, negatives, and photographic plates in the Library of Congress. While slightly satirical, the artistic quality of the images created by … Continue reading


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