The Touching Stories our Heirlooms Hold
Some of us are using heirloom research for genealogy. A new exhibit traces the history of interesting heirlooms using genealogical research strategies. Be inspired by these examples and tips to research heirlooms and more fully discover their stories. A new exhibit...
FDA Authorizes Genetic Health Risk Tests by 23andMe
If you have ever wondered if you or your loved ones are at higher risk for diseases such as Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, read on to learn about big changes that are happening. Health history is just one of the ways in which genealogy research can benefit your...
Free WWI App from the National Archives
The National Archives is marking the World War I Centennial with a new app, as well as programs and exhibits. Here's the scoop from their press release: The United States declared war on April 6, 1917 Washington, DC – The National Archives marks today’s World War I...
April 8, 1913…Who Inspires You?
When I got up this morning, my mind was on getting up and out the door to my grandson Davy's baseball game. But I couldn't help but entertain this nagging feeling that there was something else special about this day. In the car after the game, wind-swept and with a...
World War I Free Records this Week in New and Updated Records
With the 100th anniversary of America entering World War I, this week we're shining the spotlight on an immense collection of important WWI records that are available for free at FamilySearch. Here are all the details from their recent press release: FamilySearch...
Why You Should Contact Your DNA Matches: “Now I’m Climbing a Whole Different Tree!”
Trying to contact your DNA matches can be frustrating when they don't respond, but it's still worth reaching out to them. This researcher's example shows a good reason why. Contact Your DNA Matches Recently, I heard from Genealogy Gems Premium website member Ruth*,...
WPA Records for Genealogy: Historical Record Surveys, Local Histories and More
Have you used WPA records for genealogy? Their Historical Record Surveys and local and oral histories may help you in your family history research. Existing records and locations vary widely. Here are tips to help you in your search. In the late 1930s and early 1940s,...
Inherited Genealogy Files: Adding Source Citations to an Inherited Family Tree
Adding Source Citations is our third post in the Inherited Genealogy Files series, and in this post, we answer a listener's question. We recently received this letter from a Genealogy Gems Podcast listener, Cristy. She says: Thank you for your tip about...
Turn Spring Cleaning Into a Treasured Family History Christmas!
It’s the last day of March, so it must be time to start thinking about Christmas, right? OK, so you may not be thinking about your next Christmas craft project or gift-giving. But March has been Women’s History month and I’ve got a fun and easy craft project for you...
WWI History App in New and Updated Genealogical Collections
A WWI history app for genealogy leads our top picks for this week! History buffs are going to love Remembering WWI, an app that makes your WWI family history come alive. Also in this week's new and updated genealogical collections, Swedish church records, Canadian...
Alaska Genealogy and an Important Milestone
Alaska genealogy researchers celebrate an important milestone. It's the 150th anniversary of the Alaska Purchase. This special commemoration includes a photography exhibit, musical program, and much more. Keep reading to learn more about resources for Alaska...
Tackling Your Inherited Genealogy Files: Merging Duplicates
Merging duplicate records in your family tree is important. Perhaps you have inherited a giant genealogy file (GEDCOM) from a relative. What now? Follow along in our series on Inherited Genealogy Files as we talk about how to merge the duplicates in your family tree....
Google Searches for Genealogy Leads to an Opera’s Worth of Stories
Google searches for genealogy are a main focus of our Google Guru, Lisa Louise Cooke. Read this inspiring story of how one Genealogy Gems reader used Lisa's Google search tips to find a trove of family stories worthy of an opera. You never know when the amazing...
German Genealogy in the States in New and Updated Genealogical Records
Are you researching German genealogy in the States? If so, you will love what we've dug up. German death lists are just the start. Also in this week's new and updated genealogical record collections, Irish Quaker records, UK pensioners records, and a new product...
Featured Success Story From our Reader Celebrating our 200th Episode
The Genealogy Gems Podcast recently celebrated our 200th episode and 10th anniversary! Can you believe it? We couldn't have made it without you, our Gems listeners and readers...thank you! We asked you to share with us how Genealogy Gems has helped you...
Raw DNA Data: A Missing Piece to Your DNA Puzzle
Your DNA test results come with raw DNA data. This raw data is the next piece in your DNA puzzle. Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, shares some interesting facts about raw DNA data and its use. Dig in and learn why! What is Raw DNA Data? Raw DNA data is the actual...
Savvy Tips to Help Identify Old Photos
A local genealogist used these strategies to help identify old photos taken on holiday in England by an Australian family. Read more about her savvy tips below and view the free video on using Google image search by Lisa Louise Cooke. Sandra Stocks can't resist...
Italian Civil Records in New and Updated Genealogical Collections
Italian civil records at FamilySearch have been updated for five specific localities. Births, marriages, and deaths are just a few of things you will find in these collections. Also this week, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, and Alaska. Italy - Italian Civil Records...
