Help and How-To

Tax Records Could Offer Surprisingly Rich Details About Your Ancestors

From Mesopotamia to ancient Rome, it seems tax collection has been around since the beginning of civilization. But while many find them to be a burden, the records left behind are priceless to any family historian. We’ve taken a look at what’s available and how to access these records online.

The Ultimate Quick Reference Guide to the U.S. Census for Genealogy

U.S. Census records offer a unique look into the past and a chance to discover valuable details about your family’s history. Our quick guide for genealogy is designed to help beginner and intermediate family history researchers alike by addressing basic questions about using the census for genealogy research and providing detailed summaries of the information found in each census year.

How Our Ancestors’ Love Affair With Liquor Can Provide Fascinating Clues to the Past

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry – yet it’s difficult to envision our strait-laced ancestors as engaging in celebrations involving alcohol.  My dad’s side of the family were teetotalers (those who practice abstinence from alcoholic beverages) so I didn’t initially investigate records linking them with liquor. That was a mistake!

Genealogy Deals for the Holidays and Black Friday Weekend 2024

If you’ve been waiting for some amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday genealogy deals to come along, the time has  come. Top companies are offering big savings this weekend so grab them while you can. Most of these deals end on Cyber Monday or shortly after.

This Life-Changing Experience Led Me to Volunteer My Genealogy Skills – You Could Too

I’d like to share a miraculous family story with you that ultimately led me to a rewarding volunteer position where I use my genealogical skill set to help others. I’ll also give you some ideas for how you can help others with your genealogical skills, as well as point you to some helpful further reading in my textbook, Fundamentals of Genealogy®: The Most Helpful Tools You’ve Never Used.

Ancestry.com 50% Off Deal is Over, Get a 14 Day Free Trial Instead

​This deal from Ancestry.com has ended. You can find regular prices and start an Ancestry free trial here instead. Ancestry.com is offering a sudden 50% off flash sale of its subscriptions for Veterans Day. This deal includes new subscriptions AND upgrades on current subscriptions!  You will need to be logged in to Ancestry to see the upgrade offer. After clicking the …

Ancestry.com 50% Off Deal is Over, Get a 14 Day Free Trial Instead Read More »

The Free Online GRO Index is Your Key to Millions of Buried English Records

If your family history research leads you back to England or Wales, the records kept by the General Register Office, and the GRO Index, should absolutely be on your short list of amazing resources. The GRO has been recording vital information for the populations of both England and Wales since 1837. Nearly every birth, marriage, and death that has occurred there in the last 180 years has been recorded and indexed by the GRO.