Planning a family reunion can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some thoughtful organization and creative touches, you can create a beautiful family gathering filled with fun, connection, and great food. Here are some tips on how to keep your budget in check. 1. Start with a Budget & Early Planning…
Genealogy Research with ChatGPT: A Helpful Guide for Beginners
Have you ever sat at your desk, staring at a census record, and thought, “I have no idea what I’m looking at”? I’ve been there more times than I can count. Genealogy is full of exciting discoveries, but let’s be honest—it can feel so frustrating and overwhelming. That’s where ChatGPT can come in handy. You’ve…
Tips for Organizing Genealogy Research
When I first began my genealogy journey, I had no clue about organizing family history research. Everything—old family photos, handwritten letters, birth certificates, census records, even genealogy books—went into what I simply called “The Box.” I worked on my ancestry research in spurts, sometimes devoting months to digging through records, only to put everything away…
10 Mistakes New Genealogists Make (and How to Fix Them)
Genealogy is one of those hobbies where the deeper you go, the more tangled things can get. I’ve chased the wrong “Robert Youmans” across three counties, saved documents I couldn’t find later, and even forgot to write down where I found things (rookie move, I know). Whether you’re brand new to family history or just…
Understanding Cousins: What ‘Once Removed’ Really Means in Family Relationships
My mom loved visiting family. Every few months, we’d load up the car and head “down country,” as she used to say, to the little farming town where most of our extended family lived. We’d stop for lunch at one cousin’s house, then spend the rest of the afternoon making the rounds — catching up…
Genealogy for Teens: Transitioning from Kids to Teens
Genealogy is the study of one’s family history. It can be a fun and rewarding hobby for people of all ages, but it can be especially engaging for teenagers. Teens are at a point in their lives where they are starting to explore their own identities and learn more about their place in the world….
Creating a Family Tree for Kids
Family trees are a wonderful way to connect children with their heritage and learn about their ancestors. They can also be a fun and educational activity for the whole family to work on together. This step-by-step guide will show children how to start building their own family tree: 1. Gather information. The first step is…
Organizing Your Genealogy Research
Genealogy research can be a fascinating journey, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to organizing all of the information you’re collecting. That’s why it’s important to have a system in place to keep your research organized and accessible. Here are some tips on how to organize your genealogy research, including step-by-step…
Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly changing many industries, and genealogy is no exception. AI-powered tools are helping genealogists to transcribe records, create digital maps, and search for ancestors’ records more efficiently and effectively than ever before. The Impact of Technology on Genealogy Technology has had a profound impact on genealogy research over the past few…
Offline Genealogy Research: Visiting Archives and Libraries – A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
In this digital age, the vast majority of information is at our fingertips with just a few keystrokes. The internet has revolutionized research, making it easier than ever to access a wealth of knowledge from the comfort of our own homes. However, for those seeking a more immersive and hands-on research experience, visiting archives and…