Do you have Spanish ancestry? If you do, then knowing about Spanish surnames, including how they were formed and their meaning, can help you not only trace your family but learn more about your...
Category - Podcast
What You Need to Know About French Surnames
If you have French ancestry, you will want to know a little more about French surnames and their history. This information will let you know more about your French ancestors than you imagined.
Do You Have Irish Genealogy? Use This Handy Surname Guide to Trace Your Heritage
If you have Irish heritage, there is probably at least one Irish surname in your family. As Irish families can be challenging to trace, this guide to Irish surnames and their origins and meanings...
Using Freedmen’s Records in Genealogical Research
The Freedmen’s Bureau records are an invaluable resource for the descendants of formerly enslaved people in the United States. They provide information that isn’t found anywhere else and can bring...
Tips to Find Ancestors with Frustratingly Common Surnames
Do you have an ancestor with an incredibly common surname, or a surname that is a place, verb, or noun? These people can be tricky to identify in old records. Here are some tips for searching for...
What is a Genealogy Wiki?
Are you familiar with wikis? Have you ever used one for your genealogy research? If not, you should. They are excellent genealogical research tools. Here is what a wiki is, why you should be using...
The Connecticut Witch Trials: Witch Hysteria in America Long Before Salem
Did you know that colonial America had more than once incident of witchcraft hysteria? While the Salem witch trials are the most famous incident, they are not the only one, or even the first. Here is...
Silicon Valley Has its Eyes on Owning Our Genealogy. Why?
Silicon Valley owns an astounding amount of genealogical information on more than a billion people across all of human history. Why does it want to own this information and sell it back to you, and...
Why is Genealogy Tourism So Popular, and How Can You Use it to Add to Your Research?
Have you ever considered taking a genealogy tourism trip? These trips are more popular than ever, and you can do them alone or with a tour group. Here are what genealogy tour groups have to offer...
How to Handle the Emotional Response from Genealogy DNA Testing
DNA testing is an exciting thing. You can find out so much about yourself and your heritage by having it done. But, you can also find out information that can be disconcerting, or even upsetting...
How to Use Old Newspaper Advertisements to Research the Childhood Lives of Your Ancestors
Did you know that old newspaper advertisements can tell you a wealth of information about what your ancestors’ childhoods were probably like, or what they may have been like as parents? This is...
America’s First Ladies #1: Martha Washington
Martha Washington was the very first 1st lady of the United States. We all know this about her, and that she married George Washington. But, what about her life before him, and after him? Do you...
The History of the Quakers, and How to Find Your Quaker Ancestors
Do you have Quaker ancestors? If so, your genealogical research will be much easier. Here is the story of the origins of the Quaker religion, as well as how to research your early Quaker ancestors.
The Delicious History of Deviled Eggs
Do you enjoy deviled eggs? They are a staple on the appetizer table at most family gatherings in America. Here's how this delicious dish got started.
How to Properly Label Those Photos You Inherited
Genealogists inherit a lot of old photos. Here's how to properly label them.
Tips for Using Birth Records to Ensure Success in Your Genealogy
Do you have birth records of your ancestors? If you've been doing genealogy even a short time, you likely do. Here's how to use them to enhance your genealogy.
Free Genealogy Resources to Bring Your Ancestors to Life
Do you need some excellent free sources of online genealogy records? Here are three websites that are totally free and extremely useful for any genealogist.
Why It’s Important to Preserve Ancient Family Traditions
Every society and family in history has practiced its own traditions. Here's why it's important to record these traditions in your family history.
3 Genealogy Societies Every Serious Genealogist Should Join
Every genealogist needs to belong to some genealogical organizations, to stay on the cutting edge of research. Here are the three all genealogists should join.
Family History Questions You May Not Have Thought to Ask
Are you getting ready to do family history interviews with your older relatives? Don't forget to ask these important questions.
Some Free Genealogical Resources You Might Not Have Considered
There are plenty of free genealogical resources to use online. Some are well-known, others less so. Here are eight little-known free online genealogical resources that you can use to build your...
How to Locate Hidden Genealogical Gems on FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch.org is the most popular free genealogy website online, and often one of the first ones new genealogists use. Their collection of records is impressive… it’s the largest in the world...
Are We All Royalty? Mathematics Seems to Prove It
Are you descended from royalty? Most genealogists would love to discover this. It is something that sounds prestigious and gives you bragging rights in genealogical circles. The thing is, mathematics...
MisIndexing — A Common Brick Wall and How to Get Around It
Have you ever searched a record collection or book, looking for a family or ancestor you know should be there, and come up emptyhanded? It could be because of misindexing. Here is how misindexing...