I’ve worked with plenty of unknown pictures that had no names or dates. But they still held clues. Here are 7 ways I use old family photos to figure out who someone might be and how they fit into my family history.
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Tax records can do what censuses and deeds sometimes cannot: place your ancestor in a county, year after year. I’ll show you how to find early lists, read property clues, and use them to track migration with confidence.
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Delayed birth certificates often include affidavits, family Bible records, burial details, and even photos. Learn why these layered records are genealogy gold and how to use late registration of birth certificates to uncover powerful family clues.
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Looking for free genealogy resources? The Library of Congress online collections hold newspapers, maps, manuscripts, and photographs that can transform your genealogy research. Learn how to search the catalog, explore digital collections, and uncover hidden family history clues for free.
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A genealogy timeline can reveal gaps, conflicts, and hidden clues in your research. Learn how to create a clear, organized family timeline in Excel or Google Sheets and finally see your ancestor’s story unfold in one place.
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Family history questions are one of the simplest ways to uncover stories, memories, and research clues hiding in plain sight. Here are 31 meaningful family history questions you can ask your relatives today before those stories are gone.
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I have seen online family tree mistakes derail good research fast. In this post I show how I check timelines, verify sources, and avoid copying errors so your online family trees become helpful clues, not a mess to untangle later.
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I used to ignore collateral ancestors and chase only direct lines. Then a sibling’s record named the birthplace my ancestor never did. In this post, I show how to research collateral ancestors step by step and spot the clues that break brick walls.
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I used to trust my memory and kept repeating the same searches. In this post, I show how a genealogy research log keeps your sources, dates, and results in one place, plus a simple FREE template you can start using today.
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One missing census entry can make you doubt everything. If you’re asking, why isn't my ancestor in the census, you’re not alone. Learn the most common slip-ups and the simple search moves that uncover families hiding in plain sight.
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When online records run dry, the real clues often wait offline. In this guide to types of libraries for genealogy research, you’ll discover seven places that hold local files, manuscripts, newspapers, and surprises that can turn names and dates into family stories.
Read MoreYour tree is solid, but the stories feel missing. This guide shows how to use the Online Archive of California to find collection guides for letters, photographs, minutes, and more, then turn what you discover into a clear request to the right repository.
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Thinking of ordering a baptism record for Quebec citizenship? It’s not as simple as it seems. Learn the most common mistakes, how to confirm identity, and what to check before relying on a baptism record for your application.
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I used to have way too many browser tabs open and no clue which site had what I needed. After years of genealogy research, I've figured out which genealogy websites free and paid are actually worth it. Here's what I wish someone had told me sooner.
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Accessing court records changed how I see family history forever. From probate surprises to naturalization clues, these overlooked records hold powerful stories. If you have never searched courthouse files, you might be missing the breakthrough your research needs.
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For years, Sarah Merrill was my brick wall. Everything changed when I stopped searching randomly and built a genealogy research hypothesis. Here’s how creating one clear, testable theory can transform your research and finally move your family tree forward.
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Brick walls rarely fall with more searching. Genealogy FAN Club research shifts your focus to family, associates, and neighbors. Learn how this method uncovers patterns, reveals hidden connections, and points you toward the right records, places, and archives to move your research forward over time, gently.
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Stay on track with a flexible genealogy research checklist you can use all year. I walk you through what to focus on each season, from reviewing what you already have to digging into records, organizing your files, and sharing what you learn. Start where you are, choose one step, and keep moving forward.
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Feeling scattered in your family history research? A genealogy workbook can help you stay organized, avoid duplicate searches, and track your next steps, all in one place. In this post, I’ll show you how I use different workbooks in my own research, how they can support your goals, and simple tips to make them work for you. Whether you’re just starting out or tackling a tough brick wall, there’s a tool that can help you move forward with clarity.
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In my genealogy work, I often see boxes of mixed documents and photos. This guide shows what to do with old papers using a simple four pile method: keep originals, digitize, research mysteries, and let go responsibly. I also share quick tips for old family photos and how to spot archive clues.
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