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....
Google Searches for Genealogy Leads to an Opera’s Worth of Stories
Google searches for genealogy are a main focus of our Google Guru, Lisa Louise Cooke. Read this inspiring story of how one Genealogy Gems reader used Lisa's Google search tips to find a trove of family stories worthy of an opera. You never know when the amazing...
German Genealogy in the States in New and Updated Genealogical Records
Are you researching German genealogy in the States? If so, you will love what we've dug up. German death lists are just the start. Also in this week's new and updated genealogical record collections, Irish Quaker records, UK pensioners records, and a new product...
Featured Success Story From our Reader Celebrating our 200th Episode
The Genealogy Gems Podcast recently celebrated our 200th episode and 10th anniversary! Can you believe it? We couldn't have made it without you, our Gems listeners and readers...thank you! We asked you to share with us how Genealogy Gems has helped you...
Raw DNA Data: A Missing Piece to Your DNA Puzzle
Your DNA test results come with raw DNA data. This raw data is the next piece in your DNA puzzle. Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard, shares some interesting facts about raw DNA data and its use. Dig in and learn why! What is Raw DNA Data? Raw DNA data is the actual...
Savvy Tips to Help Identify Old Photos
A local genealogist used these strategies to help identify old photos taken on holiday in England by an Australian family. Read more about her savvy tips below and view the free video on using Google image search by Lisa Louise Cooke. Sandra Stocks can't resist...
Italian Civil Records in New and Updated Genealogical Collections
Italian civil records at FamilySearch have been updated for five specific localities. Births, marriages, and deaths are just a few of things you will find in these collections. Also this week, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, and Alaska. Italy - Italian Civil Records...
Irish Genealogy Help: DIY and Pro
Irish genealogy help is on the way! Starting your own Irish genealogy research can be intimidating. Lack of records and distance are just two obstacles to overcome. Lisa interviews Kate Eakman, Professional Genealogist specializing in Irish genealogy at Legacy Tree...
Family Migration Patterns Just Got a Big Bump with DNA!
Do you need help solving your family migration patterns? A groundbreaking new scientific study uses DNA and family trees to map migration routes across North America. Family Migration Patterns Revealed in Genomes A new study published in Nature Communications...
Trace Your Irish Ancestors with Four Historical and Geographical Tips
Let's trace your Irish ancestors! Irish research tips are a must-have for this historically violent little island. Senior Researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists, Kate Eakman, shares with you four historical and geographical tips to get you off to the right start. Kate...
GEDCOM File (What is It & How to Use This Genealogy File)
A GEDCOM file is a universal type of file that genealogists use to move data from one genealogy software program to another. Using these helpful tips below, you can open genealogy files your family members send to you, or share your data with others. When and Why You...
Irish Historical Photographs in New and Updated Genealogical Records
We are bringing you Irish historical photographs from Dublin this month in celebration of Irish heritage. Search these amazing photos of your ancestral homeland. Also this week, directories from Scotland, church records of the United Kingdom, and censuses for Canada...
Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 201
with Lisa Louise Cooke In this episode, I chat with Angela Walton-Raji, expert in U.S. and African-American research, about tips for interviewing relatives and taking your African-American family tree back to the era of slavery. Other highlights of this episode...
Your Adventures are the Family History of Your Descendants
Family History isn’t just about looking at the past – it’s also celebrating and preserving the present for generations to come. Your adventures today are the family history of your descendants tomorrow! (Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will...
West Virginia Genealogy Research and Working with Changing County Boundaries
As many American's know, the state of West Virginia was formed in 1863 from the state of Virginia during the Civil War. Those researching their West Virginia roots prior to that year, may wonder which counties to search and what records are available. We have some...