Over the years, I’ve explored countless resources to uncover my family history. Some were incredibly beneficial, while others presented challenges that required patience and adaptation. I want to share my recommendations—the tools and websites that truly made a difference for me, with honest reflections on how they’ve shaped my genealogical journey.
Essential Websites
Ancestry.com
Ancestry has been my go-to resource from the very start. The sheer volume of records initially seemed overwhelming, but it became indispensable once I mastered the basics. Through its census and immigration records, I discovered previously unknown branches of my family tree. Connecting with other users helped me break down stubborn research walls and find distant cousins.
FamilySearch.org
The best thing about FamilySearch is that it’s completely free. Navigating the vast amount of information took some effort initially, but soon, it became my favorite complementary site alongside Ancestry. FamilySearch helped me uncover valuable birth, marriage, and death records, greatly enriching my understanding of my ancestors’ lives.
MyHeritage
Initially, I was unsure about subscribing to another paid service, but MyHeritage proved valuable, especially for international research. Their DNA testing connected me with relatives abroad, adding a new dimension to my family story. It’s ideal if your family lines cross borders, as mine do.
USGenWeb Project
I stumbled upon USGenWeb when struggling to find localized records. This volunteer-driven platform was a hidden gem, connecting me directly to county-level data. It required patience and thorough searching, but the depth of local historical records I found there was unmatched.
Genealogy Software
Family Tree Maker
I started using Family Tree Maker nearly 30 years ago, and it has never let me down. It seamlessly integrates my online and offline trees. The intuitive interface and robust charting features make it easy to visualize and share family history with relatives.
RootsMagic
When I wanted to try something new, RootsMagic provided a fresh, efficient way to organize my research. Though there was a slight learning curve compared to Family Tree Maker, I appreciated the detailed citation features, making my research professional and credible.
DNA Testing Services
AncestryDNA
Initially, I had reservations about DNA testing, wondering if it would add value. AncestryDNA completely changed my perspective, revealing ethnic roots and connecting me with living relatives who shared vital documents and family stories that were otherwise inaccessible.
23andMe
I chose 23andMe for the health insights alongside the ancestry results. It complemented AncestryDNA by providing deeper genetic health information, enriching my understanding of my family’s medical history and lineage.
My Podcasts
I started creating podcasts to share my passion for genealogy and history. These podcasts have benefited my research and reached listeners worldwide, helping them discover new insights and connect with their family histories.
Ancestral Findings Podcast
The Ancestral Findings Podcast offers short, informative episodes perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. Many listeners have discovered valuable tips and fresh ideas from these concise episodes. Producing this podcast has greatly enhanced my understanding and appreciation of genealogy.
Photography Clips Podcast
My Photography Podcast began as a way to explore my personal photography journey. It has connected me with a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts, allowing us to exchange experiences and insights that have enriched our photographic explorations.
Postcard Inspirations Podcast
My passion for collecting historical postcards inspired this podcast. Sharing the stories behind these postcards has deepened my historical knowledge. The podcast resonated with listeners, sparking nostalgia and inspiring their collections.
Additional Tools I Love
- Cyndi’s List – This has been an indispensable guide, especially when I’ve been stuck and unsure where to search next.
- Google Books – Many ancestors unexpectedly showed up in digitized local histories, newspapers, and forgotten family books here, providing fascinating context.
- Find A Grave – Visiting cemeteries isn’t always practical. This site allowed me to visit ancestors’ resting places virtually, providing dates, locations, and sometimes even photos.
Each of these resources has uniquely shaped my genealogical discoveries. They’ve had their challenges, but the breakthroughs and personal connections they’ve facilitated have made every effort worthwhile. I hope my experiences help guide your journey into your family’s history.