by Lacey Cooke | Nov 27, 2017 | 01 What's New
Genealogy Gems Premium eLearning Membership is an investment in learning and sharing your family history is an investment in a lasting legacy for the ones you love most.

Gift the gift of membership! Email us for assistance with your purchase at service @ genealogygems.com
Genealogy Gems Premium Membership is the ultimate one-size-fits all gift for the genealogy enthusiast! Subscribe for a full year of inspiring stories and how-to tips for beginning and more advanced genealogists. You’ll get 24/7 access to:
- A growing collection Premium Video tutorials with step-by-step instructions and try-this-now examples for getting the most out of online resources, tech tools, DNA and several types of go-to genealogy record types. There are nearly 40 videos in the library now, and more are added regularly.
- Access to each month’s new hour-long Premium Podcast and the entire Premium Podcast archive–more than 150 episodes! Host and producer Lisa Louise Cooke goes deeper into the stories, research skills, technology tips and interviews you want to fuel your passion and inspire your next research session.
Buy yourself a new subscription or renew your current or lapsed subscription. But also consider Genealogy Gems Premium membership as a gift for someone you love, someone whose family history interest you’d love to support. Click here to become a Premium member
Genealogy Gems Store
Have you visited the Genealogy Gems store lately? You definitely should today, because we have loads of resources to help you! There’s nothing like a digital download for instant and anytime access on your devices. So consider whether it’s time to buy yourself (or a friend) one of these digital products:
Visit the Store
Visit the Genealogy Gems Store!
Browse our virtual shelves to find the perfect genealogy gifts for yourself or a loved one.
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
- Irish Guide #3: Land, Tax, and Estate Records
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.)
Get the bundle here.
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.
Retail: $24.95
Sale Price: $14.97
Get it here.
*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.
by | Nov 28, 2015 | 01 What's New, Cloud Backup, Disaster Prevention, Listeners & Readers
A Genealogy Gems listener was robbed of both her computer AND external hard drive. “Thank goodness we had a web-based backup, so we did not lose our precious research or photographs.” Here’s what web-based backup is–and how you can save a whopping 50% on Backblaze backup service THIS coming Monday only).
Recently Kathy from Carmel Valley, California wrote in with a sobering message.
“Lisa, I thought you might share a reminder with your listeners. My husband and I were out of town last week and were robbed. The robbers took only electronics (thank goodness) and did not mess up the house….another thing to be thankful for. But your listeners can not rely on external hard drives as backup. If the external hard drive is by the computer….the robbers will take that as well.
“Thank goodness we had a web-based backup. So we did not lose our precious research or photographs. It could have been so much worse. This is just another reason why your listeners should look at BackBlaze or another company that provides the same service. I am grateful that I did. Yes, we have to purchase new computer equipment….BUT we have our research and our photos. Gratitude, gratitude.”
Web-based computer backup–also referred to as cloud backup–can certainly minimize our losses if we experience a disaster or robbery. My cloud backup service is Backblaze. Backblaze works behind-the-scenes 24/7 to save a copy of every file on my computer to its secure cloud storage. If I ever need it, I can log in to Backblaze and there it will be, waiting for me.
THIS coming Cyber Monday–November 30, 2015–you can purchase Backblaze cloud backup service for 50% off ONLY through Genealogy Gems. Sign up for my email newsletter now and I’ll send you a coupon code and special instructions for redeeming it on Sunday evening. This fantastic Cyber Monday offer is only valid on Monday, November 30, 2015 and only with the coupon code and instructions you’ll get via my email!
Why I Use Backblaze and More About the Cyber Monday Special
What’s Your Computer Backup Plan? Better Than Mine Was, I Hope!
How Cloud Backup Helped One Genealogy Gem Get Closer to Living a Paper-free Life
by | Nov 25, 2015 | 01 What's New
Here are our top Black Friday Amazon picks. I’ve paired each pick with a tip for how to use it for family history (yes, even the TV).
Amazon has already announced Black Friday deals and you can get them now! These are my favorite deals! And just in case you want an excuse to buy, I’ve paired each item with an idea for using it to further your family history. Thanks for shopping with these links: your purchases support the free Genealogy Gems podcast.
It’s got a 4-star rating on Amazon, where it’s a #1 best-seller in its category. The built-in wi-fi gives it smart functionality. The refresh rate is 60CMR (Effective); LED backlight. There are 3 inputs: 2 HDMI, 1 USB. Definitely worth checking out!
Family History Idea: Here’s How You Can Bring Your Family History to a Big Screen: How to Use Chromecast
Also a #1 Amazon seller in its category. Designed with magnetic earbuds and a flat cord to keep your headphones free of tangles, the headphones deliver clear, crisp sound through ergonomically-designed earbuds. They’ve got a mic and multi-function button to allow you to control your calls, music, and more. Compatible with Kindle Fire, Fire HD 8, and Fire HD 10 tablets.
Family History Idea: How to Listen to the Genealogy Gems Podcasts Offline
This Android 4.4 (Kit Kat OS) has a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB Flash Memory and 1.5 GB RAM Memory. The WXGA Display has 1280 x 800 resolution. 32GB of memory is available through a microSD slot and 50GB of free Dropbox storage. It even comes with over $300 of free content and services.
Family History Idea: Do You Have These 5 Free Family History Apps? You Should!
This printer provides fast, high-quality printing at up to 23 pages per minute, at a resolution up to 600 x 2400 dpi. It does automatic two-sided printing. Its wireless capabilities make it easy to print from a laptop or mobile device. The 250-sheet capacity paper tray is adjustable for letter or legal size paper.
Family History Idea: A Family History Photo Display with Mementos: What Would Yours Look Like?

GENEALOGY GEMS EXCLUSIVE HOT DEAL
This last pick IS NOT an Amazon Black Friday deal. It’s even better. It’s our very own HOT DEAL. ONLY available on Cyber Monday at a full 50% off is Backblaze online backup service–the same technology we use here at Genealogy Gems to keep our documents, media files, photos and more backed up in web-based secure storage. Click here to learn more.
by | Nov 25, 2015 | 01 What's New, Cloud Backup, Disaster Prevention
On Cyber Monday 2015 get 50% off Backblaze cloud backup service through Genealogy Gems. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive the coupon code and special instructions for this deal, which will only be valid on Monday, November 30, 2015.
I protect all of my genealogy data by backing up my computers with Backblaze, and Cyber Monday is your chance to do the same. Start off 2016 with peace of mind!
Here’s what I love about Backblaze:
- Continual Backup: Backblaze operates behind-the-scenes through your internet connection to continuously back up all your computer files (or just those you select). This includes music, photos, data, documents, etc.
- Unlimited: Backblaze will store an unlimited amount of data for you, even for multiple computers.
- Easy Restoration: In the event you lose data, you can sign in to Backblaze and download from any computer.
- Protection: The off-site storage secures your data in a separate physical location. That protects you against a natural disaster that could easily wipe out any backup storage devices or drives along with your computer.
- Versatile: Backblaze serves buy bextra medication both Mac and PC owners.
- Free Trial: You can try it for free before paying a cent.
Backblaze’s regular price is already low: just $5 per month or $50 for an entire year. With our exclusive CyberMonday sale, you’ll get 50% off your purchase of a new plan.
This offer won’t run on the main Backblaze site: it’s only available through Backblaze partners like Genealogy Gems. So we can’t advertise the coupon code on our site or on social media.
We will mail the coupon code and instructions for redeeming it to our email newsletter subscribers on Thursday, November 26, 2015 and again this weekend (Happy Thanksgiving!).
Still Thinking About it? Read These Posts
What’s Your Computer Backup Plan? Better Than Mine Was, I Hope!
Dropbox v. Backblaze: Does Cloud Storage for Genealogy Replace Computer Backup?
How Cloud Backup Helped One Genealogy Gem Get Closer to Living a Paper-free Life
Remember to sign up for our newsletter! You’ll get the coupon code and ordering instructions, along with a free Google for genealogy e-book as a thank you.