Genealogy Playlist Ultimate Guide for this Summer’s Road Trips
Are you going on a road trip this summer? Do you have a genealogy playlist ready? Here are some favorite resources for creating the ultimate genealogy playlist for the open road. The Apps Whether you have an Android, Apple, or Windows device, plan your own audio...
Switch to Inbox by Gmail App or Improve Your Existing Gmail: It’s Your Choice
Inbox by Gmail app has some great features and if you're willing to go all-in and are up for a big change, go for it. If not, here are some ideas for improving your regular Gmail experience. About a year ago, Google announced the new Inbox by Gmail app....
We Dig These Gems! New Records Online
Here’s this week’s group of new genealogy records online. Though not all these databases are new, many have been updated and are definitely worth another look! Records for: England, Ireland, Australia, and the United States. ENGLAND - WARWICKSHIRE - BURIALS....
Using the US Public Records Index for Genealogy
The US Public Records Index can be useful for genealogy--if you understand what it is and how to use it properly. Here's an example and some tips. Not long Russ sent in this tip recommending the US Public Records Index for genealogy: “I was listening to Genealogy Gems...
TLC Renews “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Long Lost Family”
Genealogy is coming back to TV. TLC has renewed “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Long Lost Family” for additional seasons. TLC announced on June 9th that the network will have additional seasons of both “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Long Lost Family.” Both series...
How to Create Captivating Family History Videos Episode 2
In this blog and video series I’m showing you how you can create captivating videos about your family history quickly and easily with Animoto. In the First Episode In episode 1 we laid a foundation for the family history video that you are going to create. Doing this...
How and Why to Create an Alternate Family Tree
Use an "alternate family tree" to emphasize unique or interesting patterns in your family history, such as eye or hair color, birthplace, age at death, or adoption. Here's how to do it--and WHY. Alternate family trees are popping up all over social media and...
Meet Me at Midwestern Roots 2016 in July
Join me at the Midwestern Roots 2016 conference in Indianapolis on July 15-16! Early-bird registration rate applies until June 30. I look forward to speaking at Midwestern Roots 2016 in Indianapolis next month! Will you be there? This conference has a unique Midwest...
Calculate Lot Size for an Ancestor’s Property with Free Online Tool
Use this free online tool to calculate lot size for an ancestor's piece of property. The drawing tools overlaid on Google Maps help you determine the area of a lot and distances along its perimeter. Researching a family piece of property can be tricky for several...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Here's this week's roundup of new genealogy records online: California, England, Australia, and Italy. UNITED STATES - CALIFORNIA. Ancestry.com has added a new index titled California, Chinese Arrival Case Files Index, 1884-1940. This index includes passenger and crew...
The Secret to Pairing FamilySearch and Pinterest for Family History
FamilySearch Family Tree plus Pinterest for family history adds up to cousin bait like you've never seen. Here’s a little-known technique to utilize both sites together for great results. There is a little known secret: Pinterest and FamilySearch Family Tree can work...
Turn a Kindle Ebook into an Audiobook on iPhone
Wish someone could read your Kindle e-book to you? Your iPhone can. Here's how to turn a Kindle ebook into an audiobook. For free. I love to read. But when I'm on the road, doing chores or working out, it's easier to listen to books. Sometimes I purchase an audio...
The Power and Preservation of Oral History
How can you preserve a family's history when it exists only in the memories of tribal storytellers? Visit the tribe and capture its oral history, as MyHeritage is doing with its Tribal Quest initiative. MyHeritage recently announced a new global initiative to record...
DNA for Adoption: Katie’s Genetic Roots Were Closer Than She Thought
This story of DNA for adoption research tells how one Genealogy Gems listener discovered biological roots that were closer to her adopted home than expected. You never know what you're going to learn when you start researching the biological roots of an adopted...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Here are this week’s fabulous list of new genealogy records online. Included are records for Australia, Great Britain, United States, and the Philippines. AUSTRALIA - REGISTER OF INMATES. The Ballarat Benevolent Society Register of Inmates for 1860-1897 is an ongoing...
Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 135 Now Available
The Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast episode 135 is packed with super tech tools for family history and flavored with powerful research tips. The Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast episode 135 is now available to Genealogy Gems Premium website members. Host and producer...
3 Ways to Talk about DNA at Your Next Family Reunion
Wish your family would take more interest in its history and even have its DNA tested? Here are 3 tips for talking about DNA at your next family reunion or gathering. In the northern hemisphere, it's summer time--prime family reunion season! If any of your plans this...
How to Share Folders on Dropbox
Dropbox is my go-to tool for sharing files online. Here's how to share folders on Dropbox, and an update on how Dropbox sharing has changed. Dropbox is a favorite free tool of mine for sharing genealogy files online with family and fellow genealogists. It's so...