iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Mish J Holman

Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

During the census, newspapers were interested in the more unusual occupations. They reported there was one John Williams, a Black British subject, born in Barbados, who was an elephant tamer. They changed his name from Robert to John and 61-year-old Robert can be found in 1901. #GenHour #Ancestry

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

For more stories like Frederick's, plus an in-depth look at your favourite officials, the enumerators, read A History of the Census Takers - #Genealogy #Ancestry #GenHour

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Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) @apgenealogists.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

APG is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of All About That Place, a free online event 7-16 October. Learn how local history can help family history research. More: sog.org.uk/welcome-to-a...

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I'm working on my Notion templates today. I hope to have them ready for purchase at some point. If people prefer this type of note system for recording their genealogy research, then I would like to hear your thoughts. #Genealogy #Ancestry #GenHour

A screenshot of a database in Notion, setup for recording ancestry with date fields Death place, Burial place, Occupation, and colour coded family lines.

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Alan Lester @alanlester.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

1/2 We have vastly improved data now on British slave-owners (www.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/search/) and slave-traders (britishslavetraders.org). Wonderful that this research has persisted despite all the fury of the nationalist right wing backlash.

britishslavetraders.org

The Register of British Slave-Traders

The Register of British Slave-traders compiles and presents information on all known slave-traders in Britain who invested in the trafficking of captive Africans from 1563 to 1807.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Do you have your copy yet? A History of the Census Takers - find out about the men and women who took the census and how your ancestors felt about them and the process of filling out the schedule. #Ancestry #Genealogy #GenHour

A book jacket on a dark grey background for A History of the Census Takers by Mish J Holman. Available this September from Pen and Sword, Waterstones and Amazon.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Some parents had not yet decided on a name for their child when the the census came. Robert and Ethel Evans came up with the novel name 'XYZ' for their child. Elsewhere, parents were told they could use 'Baby' or 'Tootsie'! Find out more in 'A History of the Census Takers' - #GenHour #Ancestry

On a dark grey background, the book cover for 'A History of the Census Takers' and the words 'Discover More Stories...' Also in the frame is a clipping from the 1901 Census showing Robert and Ethel Evans including their children and young son XYZ Evans.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

If you have your copy, let me know what you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 'A History of the Census Takers' - find out about the men and women who took the census and how your ancestors felt about them and the process of filling out the schedule. #Ancestry #Genealogy #GenHour

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

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Alison Spring @acspring.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

It's here! I'm excited to get started @mishjholman.bsky.social 😀

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I'm getting my copies today, so some of you might also be getting yours too. #Ancestry #Genealogy

Dark grey background. Heading: A History of the Census Takers by Mish J Holman. Accompanied by a photo of the book jacket showing an enumerator visiting an encampment. Second title: Available this September from Pen & Sword, Waterstones & Amazon.

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Áine ní Donnghaile 🍃🌳 ⚾ 🫖 💙☘ 🍷💉🌊 @ainedonnghaile.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

#Genearosity #FamilyHistory #Genealogy I'm back at my #FamilySearch Affiliate Library for a few hours this afternoon (Saturday, 5 Sep) if any genie needs a limited-access record copy. #PayItForward #SpreadTheWord

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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

A UK-wide wave of strikes by schoolchildren started on this day 1911. It began when pupils in Llanelli, Wales walked out in sympathy with a boy disciplined by a deputy headmaster. Walkouts spread to at least 62 towns and cities. Came at time of widespread industrial unrest.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A big thank you to @emmajolly.bsky.social for her review of A History of the Census Takers and the interview. Do visit her website - www.emmajolly.co.uk/blog/2026/09... #Ancestry #Genealogy

emmajolly.co.uk

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Interested? I'm planning the party for October. www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Recording-th... #ancestry #genealogy

An advert on a grey background for A History of the Census Takers showing a book jacket and the words: Join me for a Q&A and Census Takers chat party. Coming to you on Zoom soon!

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Apparently my book was published on Sunday and the Pen & Sword website is displaying the wrong date... #ancestors #genealogy

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Enumerators learning their duties with their registrar. Some registrars were exceptional and did everything they could to ensure their enumerators completed their duties efficiently. #GenHour #Genealogy Pen and Sword Books: A History of the Census Takers - Hardback share.google/eqGZTT2o12if...

A photo of enumerators preparing for the 1911 Census. Some are seated, others are standing. They are gathered around a desk with papers. Behind the desk is their registrar.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Did your ancestors surprise you when they filled out their census schedule? How accurate were their ages? What percentage do you think the average age accuracy was? #Genealogy #Ancestry

A book promo for A History of the Census Takers by Mish J Holman shows a book jacket on a grey background with Victorian graphic decoration. Above are the words "To understand our ancestors and the answers they gave, we need to understand how they reacted to officialdom." Below the graphic image are the words "Available this September from Pen & Sword, Waterstones & Amazon."

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Coming soon to Waterstones, Amazon and Pen & Sword. For the genealogy community, it is my greatest wish for this book, that it might help you untie the knot in your research to reveal that elusive relative. #Genealogy #Ancestry

A promo image for the book A History of the Census Takers by Mish J Holman for Pen & Sword. The book jacket features a coloured illustration of an enumerator visiting a gypsy encampment. The book cover is shown against a grey background with the words A History of the Census Takers: Recording the Nations shown in white, with the author's name Mish J Holman shown in pale green.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

My book has a new title: A History of the Census Takers and for those of you who have pre-ordered you can expect to receive it early September. Pen and Sword Books: A History of the Census Takers - Hardback share.google/zJ7mQZx8EuDW... #Genealogy #Ancestry

share.google

A History of the Census Takers

Every census entry tells a story, but beyond these invaluable records lies another. Recording the Nations takes readers behind the scenes of Britain’s census from…

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Just to let you know that my book release has been postponed until 30 August, however I'm hoping that's the last postponement! It will also undergo a title change and will be called A History of The Census Takers. Thanks for your patience. #Genealogy - www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Recording-th...

pen-and-sword.co.uk

Recording the Nations

Every census entry tells a story, but beyond these invaluable records lies another. Recording the Nations takes readers behind the scenes of Britain’s census from…

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

I'm very sorry to say that due to personal issues, the release of Recording the Nations will be delayed. Apologies to all those who have pre-ordered. #Genealogy #Ancestry

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Society of Genealogists @sogorg.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

#GenHour - the Irish 1926 Census is here 🇮🇪 Join Claire Bradley (@cbgenealogy.ie) to explore this landmark release — its historical context, how to use it, and what it reveals for family history research. 📅 30 May 2026 | 10:30–11:30 🎥 Online 👉 Book now: portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/2...

portal.sog.org.uk

The Irish 1926 Census with Claire Bradley

Talk on Zoom by Claire Bradley, expert Irish family historian

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Hello #GenHour (I actually remembered to turn up). My index for Recording the Nations is taking shape: #Genealogy #FamilyHistory

Index from a book on enumerators containing hundreds of entries on the subject of the census and related topics.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Thrilled to have made it to 551 subs on my Youtube channel (what a slog to get there!). This video got me over the line - I did some research and went exploring some of the blue plaques around Kensington. youtu.be/gNBErynkQH0?... #Ancestry #Genealogy

youtu.be

Walking Through History: 13 Famous Blue Plaques of West London 4K

YouTube video by Tales of Britain

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Reposted by Mish J Holman

Claire Bradley @cbgenealogy.ie · 06/04/2026

Are you ready for #1926Census? Read my prep article here. cbgenealogy.ie/preparing-fo... #IrishGenealogy

An egg timer with text reading 12 days to go, 1926 census release and the url cbgenealogy.ie on a green background

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Gregory Norminton @gregorynorminton.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Wind & solar are currently producing 65% of Britain's electricity. Meanwhile, renewables now offer 30,000 more UK jobs than oil and gas. Meanwhile, we're in a climate emergency. Meanwhile, we're in a fossil fuel supply crisis. Meanwhile, the Tories and Reform want to scrap Net Zero. grid.iamkate.com

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Coming later today at 8pm - part one of the Kensington Blue Plaque trail. Join me online for the premiere and for a chat about this literary and musical historical walk around north Kensington! youtu.be/gNBErynkQH0?...

youtu.be

Walking Where J.M. Barrie Found Peter Pan | Kensington's Blue Plaques 4K

YouTube video by Tales of Britain

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Karen Cummings @drkarencummings.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

I have just had confirmation from the publisher that all is on track for publication of my book on Thursday (26th March), yay! 🎉🤞 Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered making me no. one 'Hot New Release' on Amazon UK in both Genealogy and Heraldry. www.crowood.com/book/genealo... #Genealogy

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

I will be hosting a Q&A about the book when it's published live on my YouTube channel. I would love to see you there! #Genealogy #Ancestry www.youtube.com/@TalesofBrit...

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Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) @apgenealogists.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Neurodiversity is part of the genealogy community. “Autism and Professional Genealogy” explores how autistic professionals thrive in the field and how colleagues can create more inclusive environments. By Carly Lane Morgan in the March 2026 APG Quarterly. #APG #Genealogy

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Hello! Finally indexing my book with a little help from Copilot. Oh those hazardous banana skins... 😂

A image of a dark screen with the following words:
Assaults (on enumerators), 194-7
animal assaults, 196-7,
householder violence, 196-7,
verbal abuse 196-7,

Banana skins (accidents), 193

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Prof Janina Ramirez @drjaninaramirez.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Dear friends. I’ve done something different launching Legenda by targeting independent bookshops. I didn’t drive all sales to Amazon. So I’m relying on those of you that are reading it to share reviews & spread the word. I want this book to be supported by readers, not algorithms.

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Hello #GenHour - hope you're all well and have had fun researching this week. I've been working on a new talk which will be for @sogorg.bsky.social Crime and Punishment course next March - portal.sog.org.uk/Event/view/1...

portal.sog.org.uk

Crime and Punishment for Family Historians

12 week course on Thursday evenings

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Steve Little @digitalarchivst.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

This spring, new AI photo tools arrived. Genealogists experimented. Then quickly we realized: these tools don't "restore" historical photos—they may fabricate new faces. By August, these "restorations" were everywhere, unlabeled, corrupting our shared historical record. #genealogy

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David Ryan @ryangenealogy.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Join me and these other brilliant panellists in a few hours for this free discussion on genealogy and storytelling. You can watch on YouTube www.youtube.com/live/2jFjyzL... #Genealogy #WikiTree #Storytelling

youtube.com

#WikiTreeWeek2025 Monday (3 Nov 2025) Panel - Beyond the Narrative

YouTube video by WikiTree

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Mish J Holman @mishjholman.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

"Drummer Matuzalick of the 5th Polish Regiment fought a Russian grenadier with his drumsticks and took him prisoner." - Official Bulletins of the Grande Armee.

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Society of Genealogists @sogorg.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

📜 Diving into the Parish and its Records Join @elsesoggenealogist.bsky.social to explore the people, laws, and documents that shaped parish life in this 4-week online course. Fridays, 7–28 Nov 2025 | 10:30–12:30 💻 Online via Zoom Book now: portal.sog.org.uk/Ev... #GenHour #ParishRecords

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