Crow believes that family history is an exploration not only of the past, but also of ourselves. She shares her favorite tips, tricks, and resources for discovering your family history-- and having fun while you do it!
Get Your Research in Order! Stop struggling to manage all your genealogy facts, files, and data--make a plan of attack to maximize your progress. Organize Your Genealogy will show you how to use tried-and-true methods and the latest tech tools and genealogy software to organize your research plan, workspace, and family-history finds. In this book, you'll learn how to organize your time and resources, including how to set goals and objectives, determine workable research questions, sort paper and digital documents, keep track of physical and online correspondence, prepare for a research trip, and follow a skill-building plan. With this comprehensive guide, you'll make the most of your research time and energy and put yourself on a road to genealogy success. Organize Your Genealogy features: • Secrets to developing organized habits that will maximize your research time and progress • Hints for setting up the right physical and online workspaces • Proven, useful systems for organizing paper and electronic documents • Tips for managing genealogy projects and goals • The best tools for organizing every aspect of your ancestry research • Easy-to-use checklists and worksheets to apply the book's strategies Whether you're a newbie seeking best practices to get started or a seasoned researcher looking for new and better ways of getting organized, this guide will help you manage every facet of your ancestry research.
Every family history researcher hits a dead end at some point in their search. Where better to turn than the battle-tested experience of other genealogists? In Quick Tips for Genealogists you'll find dozens of innovative solutions originally submitted by Ancestry Daily News readers about how to find those elusive ancestors and hard-to-find documents. The book is organized by topics such as home sources, cemetry research, online tips, and more.
Genealogists are like detectives. Working out puzzles is the name of their game! If you have ever wanted to research and document your family history the right way, then the award-winning Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes is for you! Authored by professional genealogist Shannon Combs-Bennett, this genealogy book explains the joys, challenges, and triumphs of researching your family's origins. While many people assume genealogy research starts online, Combs-Bennett shows the importance of starting a family tree using documents that can be found in your own home! Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes is written in a friendly, easy-to-understand style that avoids complex jargon. There are lots of examples, case studies, and advice that can help would-be family historians quickly get up to speed. In addition to listing best practices for conducting genealogical research, Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes also warns readers about the many pitfalls of family research, from "brick wall" mysteries to time-wasting online searches. Topics include: Evaluating clues, facts, and myths in family stories; The importance of linking generations; Vital records, from birth certificates to death records; Non-vital records, from census forms to wills; Religious records; Five things that can trip up newbies researching family history; Best practices for genealogy road trips; Interviewing relatives, and dealing with skeptics; Pros and cons of online genealogy research; Genealogy communities and continuing education; Genetic genealogy basics; Understanding the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA); Genetic genealogy and adoptees; Non-paternal events and other skeletons in the genetic closet; Visualizing family history with charts; Research logs and genealogy journals; How to create good source citations; Preserving records and research; Genealogy software and GEDCOM files; Planning for disasters. Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes is not a comprehensive guide. Nevertheless, in a single reading you will be able to understand some important research basics that will serve you well as you embark on a journey to figure out the origins of your family. Creating a strong family tree will not only satisfy your own curiosity, but will also serve as a record to share with relatives and future generations!
Break through brick walls in your genealogical research Learn how to use innovative methods to unearth hard-to-find ancestors. Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques shows you, step by step, how to uncover elusive details by taking advantage of specialized tools and software programs and using proven best practices for breaking through the brick walls that have hindered your progress. You’ll get professional advice on formulating a research strategy, understanding the details you discover, keeping careful track of your data, analyzing the evidence, and developing hypotheses. Real-world case studies demonstrate how you can apply the systematic procedures presented in this practical guide to your own research--and achieve success! Examine the brick wall in detail to find potential weak spots that can be exploited into a breakthrough Use brute force techniques that leave no stone unturned Obtain exact copies of original records rather than derivative sources Research the family, associates, and neighbors (FANs) of your brick wall ancestor Consult with your family, friends, and colleagues to get a fresh perspective on your research Use crowdsourcing--genealogy societies, online forums, social media, blogs, wikis, and podcasts Apply technological solutions, including DNA testing and specialized genealogical software Get tips on hiring a professional genealogical researcher with the appropriate credentials and references Revisit your brick wall problem after honing your research skills Review your evidence, develop a research strategy, and keep a meticulous research log
I assist beginners and researchers who feel they need to start over. This is the second book, but there is no need to buy the first book. I have added the principles from the first book and added a ton more to My Best Genealogy Tips: Quick Keys to Research Ancestry, Book 2. I include some of the top questions asked by my Genealogy! Just Ask! Group. I walk you through getting an oral history interview, using historical records rather than family trees, and making sure you remember to include the things expert researchers have admittedly forgotten. You will avoid the common pitfalls many seasoned researchers have fallen into, such as what to do when you find a photo that you would like to use. We encourage you to tell us the most important family history - your own! Become proficient with the Research Wiki where you look for resources that match where your ancestors lived. I have answered thousands of questions from researchers around the globe. The things you learn in this book will enable you to help yourself.
The completely updated second addition of the national bestseller! When it comes to tracing your family tree online, you need the right tools to get the job done! In The Genealogist's Google Toolbox, renowned genealogy podcaster Lisa Louise Cooke helps you stuff your genealogy toolbox with FREE state-of-the-art Internet tools that are built to search, translate, message, and span the globe. You'll travel outside the genealogy community and straight to the folks who dominate the online world: Google. A lot has changed since the first edition was published in 2011, and it's all documented step-by-step in this new edition.
Are you stuck in your genealogical research? Wondering how to make progress on your brick wall problems? Discover the process that a professional genealogist uses to solve difficult cases. Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide shares a step-by-step method using real world examples, easily understood by any level of genealogist; written for the researcher ready to take their skills to the next level.Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide will give you the tools to:- Form an objective focusing your research for an entire project.- Review your research with new eyes by creating your own timeline analysis.- Construct a locality guide to direct your research.- Create a plan to keep your research on track.- Style source citations, giving your work credibility.- Set up a research log to organize and track your searches.- Write a report detailing your findings and ideas for future research.Links to templates give you the tools you need to get started and work samples illustrate each step. You'll learn to execute a research project from start to finish, then start again with the new information discovered. Whether you are a newbie or experienced researcher, Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide will move the search for your ancestors forward. Start now to learn to Research Like a Pro.
FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND GENEALOGIST ELIZA WATSON! "A gold mine of ancestral research information!" —5-Stars by JBee "I was expecting a dry, fact-oriented book about genealogy, like so many I've seen, but couldn't be farther from the reality. Not only does this portray real-life searches but it does so in a fun and funny way. Her writing is so down to earth and she makes it fun and easy to delve into your family history." —5 Stars by Sharie Breihan-Groot In 2007 a twelve-day trip to Ireland—my ancestors’ homeland—turned out to be the most significant turning point in my life. I never dreamed when I embarked on my adventure it would lead to me becoming a genealogist, meeting dozens of Irish rellies, writing two fiction series set in Ireland, and buying a renovated 1887 schoolhouse in my Coffey ancestors’ townland. Since that trip, I’ve researched more than twenty-five of my maternal and paternal Irish lines as well as several Scottish ones. I’ve also assisted friends and family members with ancestry research in Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Hungary, and the US. Besides conducting online research, I have visited numerous historical archives, traipsed through hundreds of cemeteries (many now situated in sheep-filled fields), and located several family homesteads. In 2018 I began writing a genealogy column for my monthly author newsletter about my personal research experiences. Because I was writing articles faster than I was publishing newsletters, I compiled them into a book. Genealogy Tips & Quips includes: · twenty-five newsletter articles · twenty-five brand-new articles · a case study about how a paternal DNA test revealed my family’s royal lineage and my quest to uncover our family secrets · an extensive case study on tracing my most difficult family line Be prepared for unexpected twists and turns as I share my mistakes, lessons learned, and tips for getting to the roots of your family tree! About the Author Eliza Watson is a USA Today bestselling author and genealogist. Eliza's genealogy adventures have inspired two fiction series set in Ireland, Scotland, and England. She also writes a genealogy column for her monthly author newsletter and has written feature articles for genealogical societies. In 2013 she fulfilled her dream of owning a home in Ireland when she and her husband bought a renovated 1887 schoolhouse in her Coffey ancestors' townland. When Eliza isn't tracing her ancestry roots through Ireland or Scotland, she's at home working on her next novel, bouncing ideas off her husband, Mark, and her cats, Frankie and Sammy. Topics: Genealogy Research, Genealogy How To, Family Trees, Irish Genealogy, Scottish Genealogy, Irish Roots, Ireland Ancestry Research, Ancestry Research, Family History, Scottish Ancestors, Irish Ancestors, English Ancestors, Tracing Irish Ancestors, Researching Scottish Ancestors, Family DNA Research, Irish Research Records, Scotch Irish, Tracing Your Ancestry Roots, Ireland Cemeteries, Ireland Church Records, Writing Ancestry Biographies, Genealogy Humor