Tracing your African American Roots: Top Tips
Researching African American roots has unique challenges. This Q&A with expert Angela Walton-Raji can inspire you with tips and success stories. Learn what to ask, what history you should know, how to face the 1870 “wall” and how to explore your ancestor’s freedom...
African American Genealogy Records: New and Free!
Explore these African and African American genealogy records in celebration of your family history and Black History Month! Also this week: see new records online for Southern Claims Commission, GA, NY and VA as well as African heritage sites, Liberia and South...
Using Vertical Files in Archives
Vertical files in archives are like Forrest Gump’s proverbial box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. The Archive Lady Melissa Barker shows us the fabulous genealogy finds that may be awaiting you in an archive somewhere. The family history you may...
When to Hire a Translator for Genealogy Documents
Sometimes it’s best to hire a translator for genealogy documents--even if you're a committed DIY-family historian. Here are some fantastic tips from a pro on when and how to hire a translator rather than do it yourself (or ask Google Translate). When should you hire a...
Here’s the Reason NOT to be a Genealogy Hoarder
If you may fit the description of a “genealogy hoarder,” you should read this letter from Roland. He shares a powerful story about being generous with our genealogical treasures. (P.S. Sharing family history items can also help you declutter your genealogy...
New European Genealogy Records Now Online
Here’s a roundup of European genealogy records recently published online: Danish military conscription rolls and the 1845 census; English military, parish and burial records; Irish police register and digital news archives; records for Portugal, Slovenia and Spain;...
Using Wills and Probate Records in Genealogy Research
Using wills and probate records for genealogy can lead to unexpected “inheritances” of your own: clues about relatives’ identities, wealth, personal belongings, and family relationships. Wills can reveal great family stories, too: researcher Margaret Linford...
Scots-Irish Genealogy: Getting Started
Researching your Scots-Irish genealogy is easier if you can identify your ancestors as Scots-Irish! The Scots-Irish put down early roots in Virginia, the Carolinas, and the Appalachian “backcountry” and would likely have come from Northern Ireland or Scotland. Read...
Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 155: Grappling with a Unique Family Legacy
In the new Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 155, Lisa Louise Cooke talks with author Sylvia Brown about coming to terms with her renowned New England family's legacy of wealth, philanthropy--and slaveholding. Also in this episode: Facebook helps a...
Creating Free Online Memorials for Deceased Relatives: A New Option from Ancestry.com
Creating free online memorials for your deceased relatives and ancestors is a wonderful way to remember and honor them. Genealogy giant Ancestry.com has created a new portal for posting these free online obituaries. Here’s what Ancestry.com’s “We Remember”...
Totally Free New US Genealogy Records Online
Among the totally free new US genealogy records recently put online are collections from 8 states: CA vital records and photos, GA Reconstruction oaths, IL photos, MA naturalizations, NY passenger lists, and digital newspapers from NJ, NC, NY and OH. Also:...
How to Find a Missing Webpage: Quick and Easy Video Tutorial
It's important to know how to find a missing webpage when you're a genealogy researcher. Clues to your family history are all over the Internet, and so are must-use research tools, directories, maps and how-tos. This free 2-minute video tutorial shows you...
Military Terminology for Genealogists: Regulars, Volunteers and Militia
Military terminology for genealogists: What's the difference between “regulars,” “volunteers” and “militia” in your U.S. ancestors' military service records? It matters! Researching the records of each--and what you find--may be very different. Expert...
MyHeritage DNA Matching Update AND a New Chromosome Browser!
We have a MyHeritage DNA matching update! Not only has MyHeritage DNA released a much better matching algorithm, the company that lets you upload your DNA for free has also introduced a chromosome browser. Your DNA Guide Diahan Southard shares the good...
New Records Include German and Holocaust Records Online
You can now find more Holocaust records online. Read here about the 1939 German Minority Census and Polish and Czech Holocaust records. Also featured this week: German vital records, new collections from Belgium and Estonia, and an update to the US War of...
RootsTech questions: Tips for attending world’s biggest genealogy event
Your RootsTech questions answered here! Attending RootsTech 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah for the largest genealogy conference in the world can be a bit overwhelming. First-time attendees have questions and we have answers. Learn what to expect, where to...
Understanding Genealogy Sources: Why “Provenance” Matters
Before you rely on any genealogical sources for your family history research, you should know their provenance. Ask these questions about the records you find—and you’ll better understand the source and what it may (or may not) be telling you. In the art...
Mayflower Ancestors and More in New Genealogy Records Online
Discover your Mayflower ancestors--or more about your family history from around the world--in new and updated genealogy records online. Among them are the Welsh National Book of Remembrance for WWI and various records for Indiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Ireland, New...
