Yay! More Digitization of Genealogy Records at the National Archives (US)
The US National Archives has signed agreements with FamilySearch and Ancestry to put more of the Archives' unique genealogical treasures online. We think that's worth shouting about! The National Archives has been working with FamilySearch and Ancestry for years to...
Come to Texas Genealogy Conference and SAVE!
The Texas State Genealogical Society 2015 Family History conference kicks off in less than 2 weeks. I'll be there! Can you come? Here's a discount code just for Gems fans! My home state of Texas does EVERYTHING in a big way. So it's no surprise the upcoming Texas...
7 Prompts to Help You Write Your Family History
The biggest obstacle to writing family history can be getting started. Try one of these prompts to jump-start past the opening paragraph - then join me for my workshop! Have you ever started to write a family history narrative, only to get stuck on the opening...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Every week we blog about new genealogy records online. Which ones might help you find your family history? With whom should you share this good news? New this week: electoral registers for England, Wales and Ireland; British Columbia marriages and deaths; WWI-era...
“We’re Cousins?!” DNA for Genealogy Reveals Surprising Relationship
Two cousins recently chatted after learning that they share DNA. The first asked whether the second is white. "No," she answered. The response: "Are you sure?" In our modern society, families are defined in a myriad of different ways. Using DNA for genealogy is...
Celebrate Genealogy Serendipity! (This Book Does, Too)
Have you ever experienced "genealogy serendipity?" Here's a great book about it! Recently, I came across an old blog post by my friend Geoff Rasmussen, in which he talks about discovering family gravestones while on a cruise. A cruise doesn't seem like the most likely...
4 Beginning Genealogy Answers to Get You Started
Just beginning genealogy--or know someone who is? It can be a little overwhelming! Please read and share this Q&A post. Recently I heard from Mary Ann, who has received some great genealogy information on both sides of her family from "trusted and seasoned...
Easy Project to Write Your Family History: Publish a Q&A
This 3-step project will help you capture a relative's life story in plenty of time for the holidays! Reconstructing the life stories of our ancestors can sometimes feel like squeezing water from a stone. By comparison, gathering the life stories of the living can be...
Are You Ready for a Genealogy Travel Adventure?
If you would love to take a genealogy travel adventure to your ancestral homeland, consider who might help you make it happen. Get inspired and ready with these tips! Recently Joyce, a Genealogy Gems Premium member, wrote in to thank me for the new Premium...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Every week we blog about new genealogy records online. Which ones might help you find your family history? With whom should you share this good news? New this week: Arizona birth records, Brazil immigration cards, Colorado divorces, Illinois marriages, Kentucky...
Texas State Genealogical Society Conference 2015
Register Now for the TSGS 2015 Family History Conference Take advantage of the early-bird discount! Registration is now open for the TSGS 2015 Family History Conference scheduled for Oct 31-Nov 1 in Austin, Texas. This jam-packed event will take place at the Crowne...
Citizens Creek: NEW Genealogy Gems Book Club Featured Title
Citizens Creek, the newest novel by New York Times best-selling author Lalita Tademy, is the featured Genealogy Gems Book Club title for the last quarter of 2015. In December, we will bring you an exclusive interview with the author. Why not start reading now? ...
Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 184 Is Ready for YOU
The FREE Genealogy Gems Podcast episode 184 has been published and is ready for your listening pleasure! In this episode of the free Genealogy Gems podcast, you'll hear about lots of fabulous and FREE online resources--including a way to harness the power of...
![Do You Need these WWII Documents at The National Archives [UK]?](https://lisalouisecooke.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Battle-of-Britain-WWII-documents-at-National-Archives-UK.png)
Do You Need these WWII Documents at The National Archives [UK]?
Recently I heard about a slew of WWII documents at The National Archives [U.K.], some newly available online. Look closely at the descriptions: they have holdings of records of non-British forces, too! Recently The National Archives [UK] promoted some of the WWII...
FED UP with Family Secrets!? Adoption and Genealogy
Do family secrets make your genealogy research more difficult? More intriguing? Here's how one listener feels about the secrets in her husband's family history (and a nice resource on adoption in Ireland). Recently we heard from Kate, a longtime Genealogy Gems Premium...
“Help! Why Is My Ancestor Listed TWICE in the Census?”
It's a common problem to not find your family history in the census AT ALL. But what happens when you find them listed TWICE? Donna recently wrote in with this head-scratching question: "Lisa, I love your podcast, and have been to several of your presentations, and...
We Dig These Gems! New Genealogy Records Online
Every week we blog about new genealogy records online. Which ones might help you find your family history? New this week: Delaware land records, French censuses, British directories, Irish newspapers, Spanish municipal records (to the 1300s!), and U.S. passport...
Be a Hero! 4 Ways to Rescue Military Memories and Artifacts
Remembering the stories of our veterans--both the living and the dead--is an important way we can all honor their service and sacrifices. Here we offer four ways to do that. In our countdown to Veterans Day, we are honoring veterans and recognizing efforts of those...