Why do I hear “no problem” when I say “thank you”? My search led from an old letter to Chick-fil-A’s “my pleasure,” then back to the words and manners we pass down in our families.
Latest Articles
What Information Can You Find in Tax Records?
Tax lists can reveal property details, place ancestors between census years, and help connect families. Learn where to search and how to read the evidence carefully.
When Was the Last Time You Thanked Your Genealogy Librarian?
Genealogy librarians are often the unsung experts behind family-history discoveries. Learn meaningful, practical ways to thank the people who make your research possible.
This Week’s Free Genealogy Lookups
Browse this week’s featured genealogy databases, read their descriptions, and submit a free lookup request for your ancestor.
Death Record Research Advice for Beginners
Are you using death records in your genealogy research? If not, you should. These are important records for beginning genealogists. Here's how to find them.
What My German Research Changed About the Way I Do Genealogy
German genealogy changed the way I research. Learn why an ancestor's town, parish, and historical geography can be essential to finding family records.
Why Do Some Ancestors Feel Closer Than Others?
Why do some ancestors feel closer than others? Photos, family stories, familiar places, and years of research can shape the connections we feel to people in our family tree.
Research Basics: A Short Introduction to Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors
Do you have Revolutionary War ancestors in your family tree? Learn how to find service records, read pension applications, explore state and lineage-society resources, and connect the right person to...
Genealogy Basics: Birth Record Research Advice for Beginners
Vital records, records of births, deaths, and marriages, are a basic part of genealogical research. They tell you the important details of your ancestors’ lives, such as their names, dates, and...
Would My Ancestors Recognize the Story I Wrote About Them?
I deleted a sentence because I’d gone farther than the records allowed. That small change left me wondering how much of my ancestors’ stories came from evidence and how much came from me. Would they...