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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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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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.
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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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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When 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.
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Finding 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.
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Not 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.
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The 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.
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Take the first steps toward learning about your ancestry and family history.
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Learn how to use your AncestryDNA results to build out your family tree and discover more about your ancestors.
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Learn how to find your family tree in New England with these tips and recommendations for getting past roadblocks in your search.
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Use these simple genealogy research tips to discover more about your family from the comfort of your home!
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Just signed up and wondering what to do next? In this beginner-friendly guide, I walk you through the best way to use Ancestry.com, step by step. From building your first family tree to avoiding common mistakes, you will learn how to use records with confidence and start uncovering the real stories behind your ancestors’ names.
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