How to Preserve Your Own Life Story, and Why You Should
Why is it that we, as family historians, often do a poor job of preserving our own personal histories for the generations to come?
Stop Spending Hours Looking for Nonexistent Records: Do This Instead
As it turns out, there is an incredibly straightforward and comprehensive resource that can tell you exactly what records are available for every county in every state in the United States — and plenty of other geographical areas, too.
Use This Search to Access 1960-2010 Census Details
The U.S. Census Age Search for years 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 involves restrictions, guidelines, and even fees – but it all might well be worthwhile if it helps you to fill in more recent blanks in your family tree.
How a Research Log Will Transform Your Family History Research
A family history research log is a document that tells you what you’ve researched, what you’ve found, what you didn’t find, and what research you still need to tackle. Here’s how to find one and put it to use.
10 Ways to Improve Your Family Tree in 10 Minutes or Less
Unlike most projects, you’re never truly “done” with genealogy. Tracing your family’s history can easily become a lifelong pursuit. Locating relevant records, uncovering family stories and overcoming brick walls can take years, or even decades. Therefore, you may wonder what you can possibly accomplish in a mere ten minutes. In reality, though, this short amount of time can be more than enough to make real improvements to your family tree.
Finding the Hidden Clues in First Names: A Starter Guide
As original as a child’s first name might seem, it often offers clues into a family’s near and, sometimes, very distant past. Given names link generations of family through repetition and can be a powerful tool to push our research to greater depths. To shed an even brighter light on this research opportunity we must understand the influences behind naming traditions.
10 Old Map Collections That Every Family Historian Should Know About
Ask any seasoned genealogist and they will tell you just how important old maps are to their research. In fact, almost no other resource paints a better picture of your ancestor’s world. Here’s where to find them online.
A Genealogy Records Checklist of All Major Record Types + Free Download
This special checklist contains nearly every major record type that could hold detailed information about your ancestors. Use it as a reference to help you discover more about their lives and overcome stubborn brick walls.
The 15 Minute Plan for Achieving Your Genealogy Goals
It’s every family historian’s dream to devote all of our waking hours to genealogy. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the luxury of unlimited time – work, family, school, and other obligations often leave little room for hobbies. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue our goals with gusto. Here’s a plan to help.
Siblings Are Often the Key to Solving Your Family History Riddles
Every family has one great champion, and mine was Minnie Doyle. Had it not been for her story my family history might still be a mystery. Yet, Minnie was not my great-grandmother…she was my great-aunt.