Family Tree DNA Ethnicity Report Gets an Update
The Family Tree DNA ethnicity report has been updated, and this means more details about ethnic and geographic origins for both autosomal and mtDNA DNA testers. Family Tree DNA recently announced a round of updates to myOrigins, its mapping tool for ethnic and...
Old Cookbooks Are Among New Online Record Collections
Old cookbooks are among new recent online records collections. So are British newspapers, British Columbia estate files, New Zealand WWII appointments, UK Parliamentary returns, UK military indexes, US newspapers (Arkansas, Kansas, and New York) and church records for...
Fire, Flood or Earthquake? 5 Tips for Researching Disasters in Your Family History
We have five strategies for researching disasters for family history. They come in response to a listener email about her own "disaster-prone family." Use these tips to learn about natural or man-made disasters, epidemics, travel accidents, and more that affected your...
3 Free German Genealogy Websites: Maps of Germany and Poland
Finding German hometowns can be challenging. Guest blogger Camille Andrus, a professional genealogist specializing in German research and Project Manager at Legacy Tree Genealogists shares 3 free German genealogy websites to put your ancestors on the map in the former...
Land Entry Case Files in New and Updated Genealogy Records
U.S. land entry case files are now free to browse at FamilySearch. We give you a link to a free index to those--and MORE new and updated records for Argentina, Australia, England, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, and other U.S....
Genealogy Gems Episode 202 – Free Episode
The Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 202 Lisa Louise Cooke Highlights of this episode include: AncestryDNA's new Genetic Communities: An Interview with Catherine Ball, Ancestry's Chief Scientific Officer; Meet contestant Joe Greer from Relative Race, the genealogy...
The Touching Stories our Heirlooms Hold
Some of us are using heirloom research for genealogy. A new exhibit traces the history of interesting heirlooms using genealogical research strategies. Be inspired by these examples and tips to research heirlooms and more fully discover their stories. A new exhibit...
FDA Authorizes Genetic Health Risk Tests by 23andMe
If you have ever wondered if you or your loved ones are at higher risk for diseases such as Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, read on to learn about big changes that are happening. Health history is just one of the ways in which genealogy research can benefit your...
Free WWI App from the National Archives
The National Archives is marking the World War I Centennial with a new app, as well as programs and exhibits. Here's the scoop from their press release: The United States declared war on April 6, 1917 Washington, DC – The National Archives marks today’s World War I...
April 8, 1913…Who Inspires You?
When I got up this morning, my mind was on getting up and out the door to my grandson Davy's baseball game. But I couldn't help but entertain this nagging feeling that there was something else special about this day. In the car after the game, wind-swept and with a...
World War I Free Records this Week in New and Updated Records
With the 100th anniversary of America entering World War I, this week we're shining the spotlight on an immense collection of important WWI records that are available for free at FamilySearch. Here are all the details from their recent press release: FamilySearch...
Why You Should Contact Your DNA Matches: “Now I’m Climbing a Whole Different Tree!”
Trying to contact your DNA matches can be frustrating when they don't respond, but it's still worth reaching out to them. This researcher's example shows a good reason why. Contact Your DNA Matches Recently, I heard from Genealogy Gems Premium website member Ruth*,...
WPA Records for Genealogy: Historical Record Surveys, Local Histories and More
Have you used WPA records for genealogy? Their Historical Record Surveys and local and oral histories may help you in your family history research. Existing records and locations vary widely. Here are tips to help you in your search. In the late 1930s and early 1940s,...
Inherited Genealogy Files: Adding Source Citations to an Inherited Family Tree
Adding Source Citations is our third post in the Inherited Genealogy Files series, and in this post, we answer a listener's question. We recently received this letter from a Genealogy Gems Podcast listener, Cristy. She says: Thank you for your tip about...
Turn Spring Cleaning Into a Treasured Family History Christmas!
It’s the last day of March, so it must be time to start thinking about Christmas, right? OK, so you may not be thinking about your next Christmas craft project or gift-giving. But March has been Women’s History month and I’ve got a fun and easy craft project for you...
WWI History App in New and Updated Genealogical Collections
A WWI history app for genealogy leads our top picks for this week! History buffs are going to love Remembering WWI, an app that makes your WWI family history come alive. Also in this week's new and updated genealogical collections, Swedish church records, Canadian...
Alaska Genealogy and an Important Milestone
Alaska genealogy researchers celebrate an important milestone. It's the 150th anniversary of the Alaska Purchase. This special commemoration includes a photography exhibit, musical program, and much more. Keep reading to learn more about resources for Alaska...
Tackling Your Inherited Genealogy Files: Merging Duplicates
Merging duplicate records in your family tree is important. Perhaps you have inherited a giant genealogy file (GEDCOM) from a relative. What now? Follow along in our series on Inherited Genealogy Files as we talk about how to merge the duplicates in your family tree....