Middle names are important genealogical research tools. They can tell you about the political beliefs, personal values, friendships, business connections, and even earlier generations of the family...
Category - Research Tips
Why Citing Sources is Crucial in Genealogy and How to Do it Right
Citing your sources provides future genealogists with a roadmap to your work.
What are the Four Best Free Genealogy Websites?
Here are the four best free genealogy websites you should be using, whether you have access to a membership site or are waiting until you are in a financial position to join one.
How to Use Women’s Clothing to Identify 19th Century Photographs
Clothing styles change over the decades today, just as they have done for centuries. Changing styles is not new. This is good news, because clothing styles can help you identify old photos.
How to Read Old Handwriting: A Primer
Learning how to read old fashioned handwriting is a craft, and one you need to know when working with ancient documents in genealogy. Here are some of the basics of how to read old handwriting.
Get With the Plan: Breaking Bad Genealogy Habits
Genealogy research, especially family time spent working on research together, brings the past into the present and brings families together. And it preserves the past for future generations.
Genealogy Again: Breathing New Life in Your Family Research
Do you need some ideas to make your genealogy research more interesting again? Here are four ideas to get you moving.
What Are County History Books and How Can They Help With Your Genealogy?
County history books are usually useful genealogical resources. Here is what you need to know about county history books and where to find them, as well as what information you may find in them.
Alternative Sources for Tracking Your Ancestors: City Directories, Social Sections of Old Newspapers, and School Yearbooks
Do you feel like you've reached a point where you have no other resources to search for your ancestors? Don't forget these alternative sources. They may just have the clues you need to move forward.
Give Your Genealogy an Annual Checkup
Have you ever considered performing an annual checkup on your genealogy? It is something every serious genealogist should do. Put it on your calendar each year to make sure your work is as strong as...
African-American Genealogy Research for Beginners
Are you interested in researching your African-American family tree, but don't know where to start?
Tips for Deciphering Illegible Ancient Documents
Are you experiencing frustration at not being able to read the handwriting on an ancient document? Does it seem illegible to you? It might not be. You can still unlock its secrets and improve your...
Simple Tips for Reading Old Genealogy Documents
Are ancient genealogy documents getting you down? Is it hard for you to read that old-fashioned handwriting? Here are some tips.
What is the Genealogical Proof Standard and Why Should You Use It?
What is the Genealogical Proof Standard? Why should you care, and why should you use it in your genealogy research? It's an important tool. Here's why.
When to Hire a Professional Genealogist
Are you at the point in your research where you have looked at all the record sources you can find and feel like you're at a roadblock?