DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy: What You Need to Know

Unlocking Ancestral Secrets Through Your Genes In recent years, DNA testing has revolutionized the field of genealogy. What used to take decades of research across dusty archives can now begin with a simple saliva sample. Genetic genealogy—the use of DNA testing to explore family history—has allowed millions to uncover biological relatives, connect across continents, confirm …

Preserving Family Heirlooms and Photos

Safeguarding the Tangible Legacy of Your Ancestors Genealogy is not just about names, dates, and records—it’s also about objects. Family heirlooms and photographs are among the most treasured parts of a family’s legacy. They offer a physical connection to the past and evoke memories, stories, and emotions that written records alone cannot capture. In this …

How to Use Public Records in Genealogy

Unlocking the Past Through Civil Documentation Public records form the essential infrastructure of genealogical research. They are the official documents created by governments and institutions that document the key events of life—birth, marriage, death, property ownership, court cases, military service, and more. These records often offer hard proof where oral histories and family traditions may …

Using Census Records in Genealogy Research

The Backbone of Your Family History Timeline Census records are one of the most vital resources for genealogists. They provide periodic snapshots of individuals and families—showing where they lived, who they lived with, and often offering insights into occupations, birthplaces, and migrations over time. When used effectively, census records can serve as the “spine” of …

Finding Maiden Names and Why They Matter

Unlocking Hidden Generations in Your Family Tree One of the most common and frustrating roadblocks in genealogy research is discovering the maiden names of female ancestors. While men typically retained their surnames throughout life, women often adopted their husband’s surname upon marriage — leaving behind a vital clue to their lineage and heritage. Maiden names …

How to Build a Family Tree from Scratch

Step-by-Step Guide to Tracing Your Roots and Creating a Lasting Legacy Whether you’re curious about your ancestry or diving into full-scale genealogical research, building a family tree is the perfect way to document and visualize your family history. A family tree not only preserves names and dates, but it also tells the stories of generations …

Understanding Census Records and What They Reveal About Your Ancestors

Learn how to extract vital details, trace lineage, and unlock hidden family connections using census data Genealogy research often begins with a single question: Who were my ancestors? One of the most powerful tools to answer that lies in a resource you may already know but haven’t fully explored — census records. Census records are …

Interviewing Relatives: Questions That Reveal Your Family’s Past

Unlock Stories, Memories, and Clues by Talking with Your Loved Ones In the age of online databases and DNA tests, it’s easy to overlook one of the richest sources of family history: your living relatives. Speaking directly with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even siblings can reveal deep personal insights that no document ever could. …

Top 5 Free Genealogy Tools to Begin Your Ancestry Search

Explore the Best Free Resources to Launch Your Family History Research Today Starting your genealogy journey doesn’t have to cost a dime. In fact, some of the most powerful and extensive family history tools on the web are completely free to use. Whether you’re looking for historical records, building a digital family tree, or connecting …

How to Start Building Your Family Tree from Scratch

Your Comprehensive Guide to Tracing Your Ancestry and Preserving Your Family Legacy Introduction Every family has a story — one that stretches back through generations, across continents, and through historic events. Creating a family tree from scratch is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to understand your identity, preserve your heritage, and connect …