How to Get Relatives Interested in Family History – Episode 11 (Elevenses with Lisa)

by Lisa Cooke | Jun 5, 2020 | 01 What's New, Craft & Displays, DIY Family History, Elevenses with Lisa | 11 comments

Live show air date: June 4, 2020

Episode 11 Video and Show Notes

Join me for Elevenses with Lisa, the online video series where we take a break, visit and learn.

Today’s Teacup

Chatsworth is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. The movie Pride and Prejudice (2005) was filmed there. In my cup: Blueberry Merlot by Tea Forte Herbal Retreat. You can get it here at Amazon (This is an affiliate link, so if you make a purchase we will be compensated at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this free show!)

How to Get Relatives Interested in Family History

For me Family and faith have always been the answer for life’s challenges and turmoil. In this hour together we will recharge and look at ways to positively influence our family, now and in the future.

Preparing Your Relatives Now

Focus on ways to make the results of your research understandable by non-genealogists and create those items now. Make it a priority to share your findings in creative and simple ways as you go to help relatives understand the value of your research to you and them. You will have much more success down the road if you help build understanding today.

Sharing Ideas

Christmas Wreath and Crazy Quilt Christmas Stocking

Click here for the Genealogy Gems playlist that includes the 4 part instructional series on making these family history wreaths.

Crazy quilt a stocking and add transferred photos of your ancestors using T-shirt transfer paper.

Crazy quilt a stocking and add transferred photos of your ancestors.

Repurpose or upcycle items you already have

I turned an unfinished crocheted heirloom tablecloth into a vest for my daughter.

Upcycle an old crocheted tablecloth into a vest

I upcycled an old unfinished crocheted tablecloth into a vest

Genealogy Wall Charts

You can order genealogy wall charts through websites such as MyHeritage or Ancestry.

Here’s a free fan chart from FamilySearch.

See all your options by Googling genealogy wall charts.

Embellished Picture Frames

Decorate an old picture frame with items reflecting the life of your ancestor featured in the photo.

Embellish an old photo frame with vintage items that help tell the story of your ancestor.

Family History Wall Art

Make wall art like the matte canvas photo I made in episode 6 of Elevenses with Lisa. The show notes for that episode includes details.

Posters from Family Photos

Get posters made of significant photos from the past. I ordered mine from Vista Print. If you sign up for a service’s newsletter you’ll likely get notification of sales and discount coupons. Poster frames can be ordered online through Amazon and stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

Celebrate the history of your family members!

Tabletop Family Story Displays

I took an old locker and filled it with items reflecting my husband’s story. You could also use a small cabinet, crate, basket, etc.

Coffee Table Books that Tell Your Family’s Story

www.shutterfly.com (where I made my books)
Lulu Press
MyCanvas (Ancestry)

In episode 206 of the Genealogy Gems Podcast I talk about how I made the book about my grandmother’s 50-year nursing career.

Genealogy Gems Premium Members can listen to the Premium Podcast Episodes 52-54 which feature a 3-part series on publishing your family history.

Create short books that tell a single family history story.

Google Earth “Family History Tour”

Back in 2009 I pioneered a use for the free Google Earth program called “Family History Tours”. These tours take a little time but are fairly easy to create, and they make a big impact. You can download Google Earth Pro for free here. Then, watch my video below for a closer look at family history tours in Google Earth.

Resources for learning how to create family history tours:

Google Earth for Genealogy step-by-step tutorial video series by Lisa Louise Cooke. Now for a limited time get 25% off with coupon code EARTH11.
The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox (book)

Both available at the Genealogy Gems Store here.

Over 2 1/2 hours of easy-to-follow instructions by Lisa Louise Cooke.

Get More Ideas at Pinterest

Check out my genealogy Pinterest boards here.

Follow me on Pinterest.

Family History Blog

Sharing your family history information on a blog gives you an easy way to cross-post on social media as well as be found by others how are Googling to find information on the same family lines.

Start a free blog at www.blogger.com. Watch my free instructional video series on how to set up your free blog at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel.

Turn Family History Photos into Eye-Catching Memes

I use the Retype app. (About $2.99)

Other free alternatives include apps like Adobe Spark Post or Over.

Add text to photos, customize the font and text color, and save. An easy way to access old family photos on your smartphone or tablet is to save copies of the photos to a free cloud service on your computer. Then open that app on your phone. Select a photo and save it to your device. Once the photo is in your Photos app, you can then open Retype and import that photo. Add text, font, color and more.

Get more complete instructions and other mobile computing ideas like this from the book Mobile Genealogy: How to Use Your Smartphone or Tablet for Family History.

Apps can turn family history photos into social media image that generate conversation.

Create a Video that Tells a Story

It’s easier than ever to create videos, and no special skills are required. Video is the #1 type of content on the Web and with the next generation. Get instructions and ideas here at Genealogy Gems.

I trust all of my old home movies (8mm, VHS, mini DV, High-8, etc.) conversion and digitization to Larsen Digital. They do spectacular work! Click here for exclusive special discounts for Elevenses with Lisa fans!

The video below features one of my grandmother’s old home movies that Larsen Digital converted for me. And boy oh boy was I excited by what I discovered!

From You

Elevenses with Lisa viewer Jillian T. shared how she is bringing family history into her home office:

“I have tried to tune in each week to your Genealogy Gems ‘Elevenses’ (which is 5 pm here in Ireland and therefore a perfect end to my workday). A few weeks ago, you shared how you found the photo of your husbands ancestors and through newspapers found out more about the musical troupe. You organized to have the photo printed on canvas and the finished project was wonderful.

I have always wishing to do a ‘family tree’ on the wall of my office but was afraid it would end up looking like an arts and crafts project. You gave me the kick I needed and decided, if not now, when?

So, I measured up the wall, researched and trawled through my vast collection of photos. I was very conscious that I have better historic photos on my ‘dads’ side with thanks to a wonderful elderly cousin who shares my passion. But as a genealogist, I wished to ensure I had balance and so decided only three photos from each ‘side’. I found a decal that was a good price (about $20) and the perfect size for my wall. I organised for the photos to be printed and mounted on canvas (more expensive but knew if the project didn’t work, I could find another use for the mounted photos).

It took a few weeks for everything to arrive, as you will see in the attached, I did the base of the tree first – we called it the haunted tree as we had to wait another week for the photos to arrive. Then we took time deciding on the placing of the photos and then added the leaves.

I am writing to say a huge thank you. I will have this lovely project to remind me of this time, and as I sit here and type, it is lovely to know my family ‘has my back’.

Thank you for your initiative of the weekly meet up. Your energy and enthusiasm are infectious. I met you at RootsTech in 2016 and have continued to follow you since. Thank you for all you do and to you and your family, let me share an old Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.

Warmest wishes, Stay smart, Jillian”

Jillian’s ancestors “have her bacK” in her office!

Gayle P. shares some of the ways she protects her family history from destruction.

“I have organized many things into books. My living room is my grandma’s family history room and some of my grandchildren love to look through things. However, when I ask if they would be interested in having certain books, they ask me, “Grama, why don’t you scan it and give me a flash drive or CD.” I decided to give memory flash drives for Christmas presents. I feel relieved that I have several backups.

For example, while my son was serving a two-year mission in Germany, 1990-1992, he wrote faithfully every week. 30 years later, he is now working for the Air Force in Germany close to where he served his mission.

I scanned his letters and pictures he sent to me, organized them in books and sent them to him. His children enjoy the scanned version of his memoirs. He plans on revisiting many of the areas where he served 30 years ago. He wrote four simple words that brought many tears: “Mom, thank you forever.”

Another example is I have scanned and organized my pictures by years and share many of these years with my family. Over Memorial Day, my daughter-in-law was in a panic because she could not retrieve her 2012 pictures. She called and asked if I could share my 2012 pictures. Within a short time, I was able to scan about 5000 pictures I had for that year and share with her. I had many, many pictures of her daughter and her family. Another “thank you forever” brought tears to my eyes.

I currently have over 500,000 pictures/documents scanned and have three personal backups. I am still have a lot to scan and probably will not get everything scanned before I die, but I am sharing what I have now so I know that some of my family will have a copy of my most treasured work and memories.

Scanning and sharing a ton in Idaho, Gayle”

Now there’s a woman who doesn’t need a “round tuit”, and who is definitely a positive influence on her family!

Cathy G wrote a comment to ask about the templates I use for my notebook covers and spines.

“Wonderful shows – really enjoying the elevenses. Such good information always. Especially enjoyed the ones on organizing paper and hard drive database. More please. One quick question: you mentioned printing your own binder covers and spines – can’t find a template in my Word program. Can you direct us to the one you use? Thanks.”

I’m happy to share my simple yet effective templates for the covers and spines on my notebooks. Genealogy Gems Premium members can now download these from the Resources section of the Elevenses with Lisa episode 6 show notes.

Gayle has been hard at work creating family history notebooks.

Watch My Free Presentation

Watch my free Facebook Live presentation of Fabulous Photo Discoveries at MyHeritage.

It’s all about finding and colorizing your old family photos. The video replay is available here at the MyHeritage Facebook page.

Final Thoughts on Passing on Our Genealogy

I hope you enjoyed the ideas presented in this episode, and that you take action on at least one of them. It may be just what your relatives need to see the family history clearer.

That being said, even if no one else in your family cares right now or wants your genealogy, It’s ok. We’ve done all we can and the rest is out of our control.

If genealogy has brought You joy, sharpened your mind, given you countless hours of amusement, connection, and satisfaction, then it’s all been worth it! No one can take that away from you.

And the way I look at it, when we get to heaven we’ll know a lot more people!

Next Episode of Elevenses with Lisa

Episode 12 will air Live on June 18, 2020 at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel. After the live show, the episode will be available as a video. Show notes will be published on June 19.

Click the video above to Set your reminder for episode 12, or click here. Please be sure to click our channel’s Subscribe button while you’re there. Then click the Notifications bell to so you’ll know when we post new videos and episodes.

Subscribe and watch at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel

Click the bell too!

Stay smart and stay brave! Thanks so much for watching friend. I’ll talk to you soon.

Will you please do me a favor and take this quick 3 question survey about the show? Thanks!

Resources (Premium Members):

Click here to download the show notes PDF for this episode. (Log in required.)

South Africa Genealogy Records & More Online

by Lacey Cooke | Jun 16, 2019 | 01 What's New, Records & databases

Featured this week are new and updated records for South Africa. The all-free site FamilySearch has two new and one updated collection for South Africa including death and probate records and passenger lists. Ancestry.com also has an updated collection of church records going back to the 17th century. Also new at Ancestry.com are four genealogy records collections for Essex, England.

Featured: South Africa Genealogy Records

If you have ancestors that lived in South Africa, you may already be familiar with some of the challenges of researching them. And if you’re new to genealogy or to your ancestors that lived in South Africa, you might be in for a surprise when it comes to records: census records aren’t available! They are routinely destroyed after being abstracted and thus not available to the public.

So where’s the best place to start looking? Most genealogy experts will tell you to start with death notices. A death notice is different than a death certificate, in that it’s not an official document. Rather, it is a document provided by next of kin, friends, or associates of the deceased. Information provided may not be 100% accurate or reliable, but it can often provide really helpful details and a glimpse into the person’s life.

FamilySearch as a new collection of South Africa, Orange Free State, Probate Records from the Master of the Supreme Court, 1832-1989. There are over 300,000 records in this set, and the most useful records in the collection are the death notices, which give detailed information. The probate records usually have multiple pages and are included in a probate file, which is identified by a probate number.

When a person died, the nearest relative or other connection should have completed a death notice and sent it to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death. These records might tell you the deceased’s name, birthdate and place, marriage status, parents’ names, the names of their children, information about property and wills left, and more.

There is an updated collection of actual death certificates at FamilySearch, which is the Transvaal, Civil Death, 1869-1954 collection. “Death certificates are arranged chronologically and alphabetically by place and include full name, parent’s name if under the age of ten, mother’s residence, age, sex, birthplace, marital status, occupation, whether pensioner or pensioner’s dependent, place and date of death, residence, place of burial, cause and duration of death, and background of informant. For the years 1899-1902, records are arranged separately by internment camp and district where death occurred.”

If you’re an Ancestry.com subscriber, you can also check out the recently updated collection of Dutch Reformed Church Registers, 1660-1970. This collection contains records from various locations which were part of historic Cape Colony, including Namibia, Cape of Good Hope province and Transvaal province. Record coverage will vary depending on location. It is also available at FamilySearch.

Essex, England

Ancestry.com has four new collections of genealogy records for Essex, England. These BMD records date back as far as the 16th century and may hold important details about the lives of your ancestors living in Essex.

Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1918: “Children were usually baptised within a few days or weeks of birth. The records generally include when the baptism took place and in what parish, child’s Christian name, parents’ given names and the family surname, residence, father’s occupation, and who performed the ceremony. Sometimes you’ll find additional details such as date of birth. Early records may contain less detail.”

Church of England Marriages, 1754-1935: “Couples were usually married in the bride’s parish. Marriage records typically include the bride and groom’s names, residence, date and location of the marriage, names of witnesses, condition (bachelor, spinster, widow, or widower) and the name of the officiant. Some records may also include the father’s name and occupation.”

Church of England Deaths and Burials, 1813-1994: “Burials took place within a few days of death. Records generally list the name of the deceased, residence, burial date, and age at death.”

Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812: “This collection contains images of Church of England parish registers of baptisms and burials during the years 1538–1812, and marriages during the years 1538-1754 from Essex, England.”

Get more new and updated records every week!

Each week we round up the new and updated genealogy records collections for you in a helpful article so you can jump right into researching! Our free weekly email newsletter always has the latest records round up article, as well as other featured articles on genealogy methodology, inspiration, tips and tricks, and more. Plus the newsletter also lets you know where there is a new episode of The Genealogy Gems Podcast, new videos, and updates on news and events. And best of all it’s free! Sign up today to get our email newsletter once a week in your inbox.

About the Author: Lisa Louise Cooke is the producer and host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, an online genealogy audio show and app. She is the author of the books The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, Mobile Genealogy, How to Find Your Family History in Newspapers, and the Google Earth for Genealogy video series. She is an international keynote speaker and the Vice President of the Genealogical Speakers Guild.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and Genealogy Gems will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting Genealogy Gems

Join Lisa at GeneaQuest 2018 in Illinois

by Sunny | May 23, 2018 | 01 What's New, Conferences

Lisa Louise Cooke will be at CAGGNI’s GeneaQuest 2018 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Saturday, June 23. Join her and other expert presenters all day to learn Google strategies for genealogy, a master plan for organizing your research, DNA solutions, brick-wall...

Black Friday Genealogy Freebies and Sales: Grab the Gems before they’re gone!

by Lisa Cooke | Nov 24, 2017 | 01 What's New, Freebies

Our Black Friday genealogy sale is on! Start with a limited-time FREE viewing of the new Premium video, Your Guide to Cloud Backup. Then snatch up rare and exclusive savings on Backblaze cloud backup service, a new mobile genealogy bundle, and our new Irish guide and Irish genealogy guide bundle!

Backblaze Cloud Backup Sale: A Genealogy Gems Exclusive

Backblaze continually backs up all your computer files to a remote ‘cloud’ server. In the event of any loss (including a computer crash), all of your files can be restored. Ensure your research is protected from disaster with Backblaze!

Use coupon code gems2017cyber for 10% off any new Backblaze subscription. Offer good through November 27, 2017. Check it out at www.Backblaze.com/Lisa.

Not Sure About the Cloud? Watch this Free Video Now

Now through next Monday, November 27, 2017, you can watch the new Genealogy Gems Premium Video for FREE. In this brand new, half-hour video tutorial, Lisa Louise Cooke will provide answers to questions like:

What is cloud backup?
Why should I use cloud backup?
How does cloud backup work?
Is cloud backup safe?
What should I look for when selecting a cloud backup service?

Click here to watch right now for free!

Mobile Genealogy: NEW Value Bundle

Included in this special, limited-time bundle:

Mobile Genealogy: How to Use Your Tablet & Smartphone for Family History Research
by Lisa Louise Cooke (paperback book)

Whether you have an iPad, an Android tablet, or a smartphone (or all three), Mobile Genealogy will help you put them to work for your genealogy research. Explore apps in-depth, get the latest cutting-edge strategies for mobile genealogy and family history, and use Lisa’s tips and tricks to make your mobile device a genealogy powerhouse!

Using Social Media for Family History
by Lisa Louise Cooke (45 min. video)

Discover how sharing your research on social media can benefit you, your family, and your research. Lisa will focus on two of the top site that you might not be using: Pinterest and Instagram. They are fun and easy to use, and the perfect place to reach the next generation.

The bundle is a $39.90 value but this weekend you’ll pay just $19.95.
Available through Monday, November 27.
Click here to buy it now!
(Bundle includes print book and video class download. Book ships to U.S. and Canada only.)

NEW Irish Genealogy Guide #3: Land, Tax and Estate Records

Donna Moughty’s Irish Guide series has proven so popular, we’re adding a third one! Jump on our Black Friday pre-order sale (shipping begins approximately Dec. 11, 2017) and you’ll get 30% off Irish Guide #3: Land, Tax, and Estate Records.

This Guide explains how and why Griffith’s Valuation was done, and how to use it to glean the most information about your family. After Griffith’s Valuation, the Revision Books allow you to follow the land and in some cases, to the 1970s, possibly identifying cousins still living on the land. Quick reference guide includes:

Explanation of the columns in Griffith’s Valuation
Rules under which Griffith’s Valuation was done.
Tips for using Griffith’s to find your family
Using the Revision Books to identify life events
The Tithe Applotment, an earlier tax list
Landed Estate Courts
Estate Records

Get the guide here.

Save even more! Get 40% off the entire 3-guide Irish genealogy research bundle by Donna Moughty:

Irish Guide #1: Preparing for Success in Irish Records Research
Irish Guide #2: Irish Civil Registration and Church Records
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Purchase all three for only $20.90 through Monday, November 27, 2017. (Guides ship to U.S. and Canada only. Shipping estimated to begin December 11, 2017 on orders including Irish Guide #3.)

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40% off How to Find Your Family History in Newspapers

Lisa Louise Cooke’s tried and true methodology for genealogical newspaper research! If you think you know how to search for newspapers, this book will make you think again.

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Sale Price: $14.97
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*Sale on paperback only

Please Share these Black Friday Genealogy Gems

Please share these gems with your genealogy friends–or send them as your “wish list” to a loved one. Remind them to act quickly as these offers are only good through Monday, November 27, 2017.