RESEARCH, SOURCES & COMMUNITY
Genealogy rarely happens alone. Many discoveries begin with family memories, local historians, archives, historical societies, online communities, and clues shared by other researchers.
HOW I USE SOURCES
I am an enthusiastic amateur genealogist. I explore family history as a hobby, not as a professional historian or genealogist.
Many stories in The Keith Gowton Project begin with information found in census records, newspapers, cemeteries, family documents, historical publications, archives, and online communities.
Information shared through Facebook groups and other community sources is often treated as a research lead rather than proof by itself. Whenever possible, I try to confirm those leads through additional historical records and clearly distinguish documented facts from family tradition, community information, and my own interpretation.
Photographs and other copyrighted materials are credited to their source and, when required, reproduced only with permission.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
These groups and organizations have been useful places for discovering local knowledge, photographs, family connections, and historical leads.
History of Belle Vernon Area
Local photographs, memories, and historical discussion relating to Belle Vernon and surrounding communities.
Visit the Facebook Group →
Western Pennsylvania History Enthusiasts
Regional history, photographs, research, and discussion covering western Pennsylvania.
Visit the Facebook Group →
Fayette County Pennsylvania Genealogy
Genealogy and family-history research focused on Fayette County and neighboring communities.
Visit the Facebook Group →
The ADHD Historian
Historical research, interpretation, and community discussion.
Visit the Facebook Group →
A NOTE ON PHOTOGRAPHS & CONTRIBUTIONS
If you recognize a person, place, building, cemetery, document, or photograph featured in this project—or have additional information that could help clarify a story—I welcome corrections and contributions.
Photographs and other materials contributed by individuals, families, historical organizations, or online communities will be credited whenever the source can be identified. Copyrighted material will be reproduced with permission when required.
Information shared through community sources may provide valuable research leads. Whenever possible, I seek additional documentation before presenting that information as established historical fact.