Fire Up Your Genealogy Research with Recent Obituaries
"Do you have obituaries for all your relatives who have died in the past 40 years or so? You should." Obituaries--even the most recent ones--can jump-start your research on a new family line or tackle a branch that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Why? Our...
Can We Get DNA From a Hair Sample for Genealogy?
Recently, Norma wrote in with this question about getting DNA from a hair sample: "My sister-in-law's father passed away before she could have his DNA tested. She does have samples of his hair. She was wondering if there is a lab who would do DNA testing for genealogy...
Genealogy Blogging, the Future of Genealogy and More
As much as we genealogists love to look to the past, we have to swivel our necks frequently to keep an eye toward the future. That's why I like the new Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 119! In this episode, Lisa talks to us about why capturing the past in...
Orphan Train: More Genealogists are Talking About It!
Guess what? The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania has also been covering Orphan Train as a book club selection! Their format's a little different than ours: they have weekly blog posts on the book and members are invited to get together over coffee and chat about...
My Most Amazing Find Ever: Family History on YouTube!
I recently read Lisa Louise Cooke's 3rd edition of The Genealogist's Google Toolbox. I use Google every day and this book has so many helpful new search tips! But I was skeptical about her chapter on finding your family history on YouTube. So skeptical that I...
What you need to know about Google Earth Pro
On January 28, 2015 Google announced that Google Earth PRO is now available for FREE! Not just a free trial. Google is allowing everyone to get a free key to Google Earth Pro! In the past the software fee was hundreds of dollars. But now you can get Google Earth Pro...
New Interactive Exhibit Brings Family History to the Public: FamilySearch Discovery Center
Wouldn't it be great if you could bring your loved ones to a state-of-the art, museum-quality interactive exhibit that introduces them to their own family history? Now you can! A "prototype" FamilySearch Discovery Center was unveiled yesterday in downtown Salt Lake...
Action-Packed WWII Maps Helped Homefront Families Follow the War
During World War II, millions of people anxiously followed the progress of battles and troop movements that affected their loved ones. Artists and map-makers stepped up to provide colorful, action-packed maps. Toronto artist Stanley Turner was one of these. He created...
NEW! Updated Tips for Using Your iPad for Genealogy
Are you using your iPad for genealogy? Or a tablet computer? You should! There are SO many family history-friendly apps out there! And the list of what you can do with your iPad or tablet just keeps getting longer. That's why I've updated my Premium Video, "Genealogy...
Genealogy Edu-tainment! Celebrity Interview, Bestseller for Book Club, DNA Chat and More!
Are you ready for a hearty dose of genealogy edu-tainment? It's all there in the newest episode of the free Genealogy Gems podcast: a genealogy television celebrity, a best-seller for our new Genealogy Gems Book Club title and an industry insider peek at Ancestry's...
Find Genealogy Apps with the FamilySearch App Gallery
Do you ever wonder whether you're missing something when you browse iTunes or Google Play for genealogy apps? Well, FamilySearch has created a space JUST for family history apps: The FamilySearch App Gallery. According to a FamilySearch press release, the gallery...
Irish Genealogy: Find Your Poor Ancestors in Ireland
Have you ever heard of the "Irish Reproductive Relief Fund?" That name made me wonder what it was all about (and I was totally wrong). It was actually a program ahead of its time, and its records can help you trace your hard-working, poverty-stricken Irish...
Are You Smarter Than An 8th Grader–From 1895?
In years past, a five-hour graduation exam was required for eighth graders (around 13 years old) in many U.S. states. It made me wonder: are questions they asked still relevant today? How well would we score? Are we smarter than an 8th grader from 120 years ago? A...
Evernote for Genealogy: Use a Research Checklist Template Like This One for Australian Family History
Do you use Evernote for genealogy, or are you planning to? Why not try a research checklist template? Genealogy Gems listener Michelle Patient sent us a link to her Evernote template for family history research in Australia and New Zealand. Better yet, she gave...
Social Network Your YDNA with Surname Projects
Family history organizations and studies based on individual surnames have been around for years. They are now integrating YDNA research into their efforts. Use surname projects to enhance your paternal DNA research! Surnames are the flagships of our genealogical...
DNA Matches: What You Can Do with All Your Genetic 4th Cousins
(Update 2020) When genealogists take an ancestry DNA test, they are looking for more than just their ethnicity results. They are also very interested in receiving information on other people who have tested who closely genetically match them. They want to know who the...
“When You Are Fostered, You Don’t Know Who You Are:” Scottish Birth Siblings Reunited
Recently we announced our featured book title for the first quarter of 2015: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. A major theme in this book is what happens to a child's identity when he or she is separated from parents and kin. With this story fresh on...
Which are the Best Genealogy Websites for YOU??
Bill Johnson in Manassas, Virginia, USA, wrote to me with this question--and I know he's not the only one asking it! "It's difficult to know what genealogical resources to spend your money on. I have been a subscriber to Ancestry.com (world package) for years....