Google Scholar for Genealogy? Here’s Why to Try It
Recently I heard from Sue Neale, whose story offers a compelling reason to use Google Scholar for genealogy research! Read it below--then I'll tell you a little more about Google Scholar. "I’ve been using computers for genealogy research (among other things) for about...
Google for Genealogy: New Search Operators and More
Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast episode 120 is now available: The "headline" of this episode is definitely the NEW tips using Google for genealogy. Google changes, so the ways we use it have to keep up if we want to get the most out of it. You'll learn a few new,...
Front Page News! New York Tribune Archive on Flickr
The Library of Congress has a Flickr album that's front page news--literally! It's a New York Tribune archive with newspaper covers dating back more than a century. "This set of cover pages from the New York Tribune illustrated supplements begins with the year 1909,"...
A New Heritage Quilt From Old Family Fabrics
"I am a quilter and love doing special pieces that tell our family history at the same time. I think you would enjoy [this] story and the pictures [that go with it]." This note recently came from Genealogy Gems listener Sheri Lesh. She wrote in about a quilt she...
Here’s Why You Should Use the Genealogy Gems App
The Genealogy buy threadworm medication Gems App lets you listen to the Genealogy Gems podcast on your mobile device which is great. But there are more specific reasons to use the app over just listening online or using iTunes. Recently I heard from podcast listener...
Millions of New Scandinavian Genealogy Records Now Online
If you have roots in Denmark or Sweden then you'll be excited about the email I got recently about Scandinavian genealogy records. Here's the news from Daniel Horowitz, the Chief Genealogist Officer at MyHeritage.com: "I'm delighted to let you know that we've just...
Oldest Known Photographs of Cities: Did Your Ancestors Live Here Then?
London. Paris. Athens. Berlin. Bombay. Rome. New York City. Copenhagen. Dublin. Edinburgh. Jerusalem. The oldest known photographs of these cities and more are featured in this post at Abroad in the Yard. I love the details in these photos that are usually...
Old Maps of Chicago Now Online
Do you have ancestors who lived in the "Windy City" of Chicago, Illinois (USA)? You should check out Chicago in Maps, a web portal to historic, current and thematic maps. As the News-Gazette reports, "There are direct links to over three dozen historic maps of...
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 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...