You know which ancestor you want to research, but what should you search next? Discover how using AI for genealogy research can help you turn a family mystery into a focused plan, choose your next records, and keep your research moving forward.
Read MoreYour DNA match looks like a close cousin, but the family tree says otherwise. Endogamy explained simply can help you understand why. Learn how endogamy affects shared DNA, what clues to watch for, and how to research your matches with more confidence.
Read MoreYou clicked the green leaf, added her, and moved on. Months later the dates stopped making sense. Wrong ancestors spread fast through copied trees. Here's how to find your ancestors, spot the red flags in your own tree, and fix a shaky connection without losing years of research.
Read MoreDesigning a family tree isn't just about recording names. Discover why online and paper family trees each have a place in genealogy research, how to avoid common mistakes, and how the right approach can uncover clues you've been overlooking.
Read MoreI’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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreFamily 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreOne 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.
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.
Read MoreThinking 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreBrick 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.
Read MoreStay 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.
Read MoreWhen you re-examine genealogy records, you often discover clues your earlier self simply could not see. This guide walks you through a clear, practical method for reviewing records you already have so you can spot patterns, identify conflicts, and uncover new research paths. Whether you are just beginning or working through a long term project, these steps help you slow down, analyze what you missed before, and move forward with confidence in your family history research.
Read MoreFinding first cousin DNA matches you do not recognize can feel confusing, emotional, or even a little overwhelming at first. With a calm, step by step process, you can sort through the clues, study your shared DNA matches, and start building a clear picture of how this person fits into your family tree. In this guide, I walk you through how to review their tree, build theories, stay organized, and approach each discovery with curiosity and care.
Read MoreNot sure what kind of genealogy help you need? You’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to organize your research, stuck on a brick wall, or just want someone else to do the digging, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I break down exactly what kind of support fits where you are in your family history journey, with tools, services, and personalized options to help you move forward confidently.
Read MoreThe holidays are one of the best times to start preserving family stories—no fancy setup or perfect plan required. In this blog, I share how to capture meaningful memories in simple, approachable ways that feel natural (not awkward) during family gatherings.
Read MoreTake the first steps toward learning about your ancestry and family history.
Read More
