Why Census Records Matter If you’re new to genealogy, census records are one of the easiest and most valuable sources to start with. Taken every ten years in the United States, these records …

Insurance records are a valuable yet often overlooked resource in genealogical research. These documents can provide a wealth of personal information, offering insights into your ancestors’ l…

Genetic genealogy is an exciting field that combines traditional family history research with DNA testing to uncover ancestral connections. Forensic genealogy applies these techniques to assist in …

My genealogical journey took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon a DNA match in Ancestry’s ThruLines®. This match led me down a path that initially seemed illogical. The son of my 2nd gre…

Genealogy research is an exciting journey, but even the most dedicated researchers hit roadblocks. Once you’ve gathered the basics—names, dates, locations—what should you do when you can’t se…

In the early 1800s on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, a romance blossomed that would challenge the social and legal norms of the time. This is the story of my 4th great-grandparents, John Weskett J…

A well-crafted research log is one of the most effective tools for improving your genealogy results. By maintaining an organized and detailed record of your searches, you can save time, avoid repea…

Genealogy is an exciting adventure, filled with moments of discovery and connection. Keeping common pitfalls in mind will help make your family history journey rewarding.

Collateral family members: while you may not be directly related, you share a common ancestor with them. This beautifully highlights the significance of engaging with those relatives who may be remove...

Genealogy has evolved with technology, making it easier than ever to research and document family history. Whether you prefer offline software or online tree-building platforms, the right tools can…

Discovering Your Family’s Past: A Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy Are you new to family history and ancestry research? Unsure where to start? Let’s explore the fascinating world of genealogy and unco…

How to Begin Researching Your Family Tree In my last blog, Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy: How to Start Your Family History Journey, I introduced the fundamental steps to tracing your ancestry. Toda…

Starting your genealogy journey can be exciting, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Whether you’re struggling to find records, decipher handwriting, or break through brick walls,…

Have you ever heard someone dismiss family history research as a hobby for “old people”? While it’s true that some may associate genealogy with dusty archives and microfilm reels,…

Image courtesy Carolyn McAdams- Greenwood, Mississippi The Tragic Story That Demands Retelling While this is not a story from my own family history, its weight and importance compelled me to share …

When I watched an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring actress Allison Janney, I was captivated by her journey tracing her ancestor Stephen Hopkins. Hopkins survived a shipwreck on the Se…

Have you heard of rabbit holes in genealogy? They are more common than anything else in genealogy. Imagine you’re researching Aunt Betty and discover that her famous strawberry pie recipe is …

Linking your DNA results to a family tree is essential because it allows you to identify how you are related to your DNA matches. Essentially, it bridges the gap between your genetic data and your kno...