Get the Most out of DNA Testing with 23andMe with a New Guide
Over a million people have done DNA testing with 23andMe, many lured by that company's health information tools. Learn to use their genetic genealogy tools to get the most out of testing there! (and keep reading for a special limited time sale!) I am one of the...
Try These Two Powerful Tools for Finding Genealogy Records Online
When we showed one listener these tips for finding genealogy records online, she wrote back immediately: "I will be utilizing that research technique more often!" Not long ago, Trisha wrote to Lisa to thank her for the free Genealogy Gems podcast and ask for help: "I...
FREE RootsMagic for Mac Options and More Great RootsMagic News
RootsMagic family history software users now have better Mac options (including a FREE version) AND access to two new RootsMagic guides. Recently I heard two great pieces of news from the folks at RootsMagic family history software. Here they are: 1. A better...
Find German Ancestors! Bridge the Gap with New International Network
A new international resource can help those with German roots bridge language and information gaps to find German ancestors. Recently I heard from Timo, a longtime Genealogy Gems fan and fellow genealogy podcaster whom I've met on the road before. He wrote to tell me...
How Can I Listen to the Genealogy Gems Podcasts Offline?
Here's how you can listen to the Genealogy Gems podcasts when you're not online. Recently Lorraine sent us this question: "Can your podcasts be downloaded to listen to offline, i.e. on a cruise where internet access isn’t practical?" Lucky Lorraine, if she's headed on...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Millions of marriage and divorce records in the U.S. lead the pack for new genealogy records online this week. Alabama Civil War and post-Civil War records, along with British and U.S. newspapers, round out the list. Take a look! Which of your ancestors may be...
Cite Your Sources on FamilySearch with the Evernote Web Clipper: Evernote for Genealogy
Here's how can you add family history documents you've grabbed with the Evernote web clipper to your tree on FamilySearch! Recently Zooey wrote in with this question: "I've clipped numerous things for my ancestors [with the Evernote web clipper] that I want to put in...
Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 128 Is Ready for YOU!
Courthouse research tips, adoption search strategies, an inspiring Google search success story, an important (but little-used) U.S. record type and more are packed into the newest episode of the Genealogy Gems Premium podcast. The Genealogy Gems Premium podcast...
Search Canadian Passenger Lists for FREE at Library Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian national archive, holds original passenger arrival records. You can search a massive index to them on their website for free. Canadian Passenger Arrival Lists: The Good and Bad News There's good news and bad news for...
Do You Have These 5 Free Family History Apps? You Should!
Looking for family history apps? Check out these recent recommendations. Recently Diane Haddad over at Family Tree Magazine featured 5 fun family history apps on the Genealogy Insider blog. She kindly shared them with us. (Thanks, Diane!) 1. Today In History provides...
Yay! More Digitization of Genealogy Records at the National Archives (US)
The US National Archives has signed agreements with FamilySearch and Ancestry to put more of the Archives' unique genealogical treasures online. We think that's worth shouting about! The National Archives has been working with FamilySearch and Ancestry for years to...
Come to Texas Genealogy Conference and SAVE!
The Texas State Genealogical Society 2015 Family History conference kicks off in less than 2 weeks. I'll be there! Can you come? Here's a discount code just for Gems fans! My home state of Texas does EVERYTHING in a big way. So it's no surprise the upcoming Texas...
7 Prompts to Help You Write Your Family History
The biggest obstacle to writing family history can be getting started. Try one of these prompts to jump-start past the opening paragraph - then join me for my workshop! Have you ever started to write a family history narrative, only to get stuck on the opening...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Every week we blog about new genealogy records online. Which ones might help you find your family history? With whom should you share this good news? New this week: electoral registers for England, Wales and Ireland; British Columbia marriages and deaths; WWI-era...
“We’re Cousins?!” DNA for Genealogy Reveals Surprising Relationship
Two cousins recently chatted after learning that they share DNA. The first asked whether the second is white. "No," she answered. The response: "Are you sure?" In our modern society, families are defined in a myriad of different ways. Using DNA for genealogy is...
Celebrate Genealogy Serendipity! (This Book Does, Too)
Have you ever experienced "genealogy serendipity?" Here's a great book about it! Recently, I came across an old blog post by my friend Geoff Rasmussen, in which he talks about discovering family gravestones while on a cruise. A cruise doesn't seem like the most likely...
4 Beginning Genealogy Answers to Get You Started
Just beginning genealogy--or know someone who is? It can be a little overwhelming! Please read and share this Q&A post. Recently I heard from Mary Ann, who has received some great genealogy information on both sides of her family from "trusted and seasoned...
Easy Project to Write Your Family History: Publish a Q&A
This 3-step project will help you capture a relative's life story in plenty of time for the holidays! Reconstructing the life stories of our ancestors can sometimes feel like squeezing water from a stone. By comparison, gathering the life stories of the living can be...
