RootsTech 2014 Keynote Speakers Announced
The all-star lineup of keynote speakers has been announced for RootsTech 2014. They will inspire everyone to discover and share the stories that connect our families-past, present, and future. Ree Drummond, blogger and author, The Pioneer Woman Ree is an...
Digitizing Colonial America: Help Is On The Way for Your Colonial Genealogy
If you've got British colonial roots in North America, you know how tough it can be to learn more about your family during that time. That's why I was excited to read a recent article in the Harvard Gazette. According to the article, plans are afoot to digitize and...
Explore Deep Ancestry–or Just Learn Some History
Here's a cool website about ancient civilizations. It's TheAncientWeb.com, and it looks like a fun and easy way to get up to speed on history. As the title hints, this site is all about deep roots. It covers ancient societies in all parts of the world: North and South...
National Archives Digitizing Projects: Colonial, WWII, Jewish and More
Over million in grants has been awarded by the National Archives (U.S.) to digitize important historical documents. Here's how the awards break down: $1.1 million to "nine publishing projects from the U.S. Colonial and Early National Period, including the papers of...
DPLA: Introduction to the Digital Public Library of America
I've blogged before about the relatively new Digital Public Library of America (here's a post introducing the DPLA and here's one on historical maps you'll find there). Now the Library of Congress has posted a 31-minute webcast that features the DPLA content director,...
23andMe Genetic Testing Kits Under Fire: FDA Compliance and ‘Designer Babies’
There's been a lot of buzz lately over 23andMe's genetic testing products and services. The company has ongoing issues with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires paperwork and data they say 23andMe hasn't provided. A class-action lawsuit is in the...
We have a WINNER! Family Tree Magazine Giveaway
Congratulations to Amanda, the winner of our Family Tree Magazine Digital Subscription Giveaway! We did the giveaway to celebrate my article in the December 2013 issue of Family Tree Magazine, co-written with Genealogy Gems Contributing Editor Sunny Morton. The...
Family History Episode 9 – Using Census Records
Originally published Fall 2008 Republished Dec. 3, 2013 Download the Show Notes for this Episode Welcome to this step-by-step series for beginning genealogists—and more experienced ones who want to brush up or learn something new. I first ran this series in 2008. So...
Where You Can Find Over a Million British Church Records that are Now Indexed!
Over a million Church of England records from the county of Norfolk are among materials now indexed at FamilySearch.org. The collection includes bishops' registers of baptisms, marriages and burials from the mid-1600s to the mid-1900s. Baptismal records may include...
NGS 2014 Program Released: Check Out the Lineup!
The program for the 2014 National Genealogical Society Conference has been released! The lineup for the Richmond, Virginia event looks fantastic. Here's the official summary: "Conference highlights include a choice of more than 175 lectures, given by many nationally...
FamilySearch Updates Include VA Pension Cards, South American Records
FamilySearch recently added another 192 million+ images and indexed records from North and South America and Europe to its growing FREE online collections. In the list at the bottom of this post you'll find content from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, the...
“I Found My Family History in Newspapers!” – A Success Story
Recently I did a webinar for Legacy Family Tree called "Get the Scoop on Your Ancestors with Newspapers." Soon after, I heard from a happy student named Christina. "I just had to let you know how grateful I am to you," she writes. "I finally had a chance to utilize...
Black Friday Specials: Genealogy Gift Ideas Galore!
This year I'm offering three great Holiday Bundles, available for 4 days only--through Cyber Monday (12/2/2013). Check out these extra-special genealogy gift ideas--for yourself, a loved one, or as separate gifts for more loved ones. The eBook Bundle. Get a copy of...
Tips for Collaborative Genealogy: Sharing Genealogy Files Online for Free
One of the most important things we do as genealogists is share! We share research findings, family stories, trees, heirloom photos and more. These days, sharing online is often the way to go. It's fast, it's relatively organized, it gets things into the hands of...
Why Abraham Lincoln is a Genealogy Gem: 150 Years Ago Today
We just celebrated the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's now famous speech at the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery, a national cemetery created at the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Presidents give a lot of speeches--and...
Genealogy Gift Ideas: Genealogy Entertainment
The last post in this year's series of genealogy gift ideas is all about FUN. Laugh and cry with these great entertainment options. Family Tree Series Family Tree: The Complete First Season (DVD) This series is brilliantly funny! I loved it! It pokes a bit...
Family History Episode 8 – Best Genealogy Websites, Part 2
Originally published Fall 2008 Republished November 26, 2013 by Lisa Louise Cooke Download the Show Notes for this Episode Family History: Genealogy Made Easy Welcome to this step-by-step series for beginning genealogists—and more experienced ones who want to...
Heritage Home Decor: Genealogy Gifts You’ll Love
Get inspired by these heritage home decor ideas! Sharing family history in displays around the house inspires conversation, reinforces your family's identity, and creates beautiful surroundings. Genealogy gift ideas: give these as gifts for your loved ones' homes (or...