Helpful Links

Online genealogy records, where they exist, are usually scattered across several internet locations. If you do find a record, the website itself can be confusing at best. If you’re just starting out researching your family history, start at these 25 best genealogy websites for beginners. We’ve included icons so you can see at a glance whether access to core content is FREE or not ($) or some of each FREE/($), and what services are offered: H ?=how-tos, R =records; S =share your data and T =tools.

As we continue in the #MyForeverFamily challenge this month, let’s talk about some of the fun ways to get your family into family history- through games! Games help your family really get to know the faces and stories behind your ancestors plus reward you for all your hard work. Discover 7 fabulous games waiting to be played by your family below.

Website: The Hub Post. Searching genealogy has become very common, with many people investing in different methods. People have different reasons for wanting to find out who their ancestors are; sometimes it’s just curiosity while other times there is a medical necessity. Whatever your reason may be, you need to be sure you know how to approach the process.

The Genealogy Center is a remarkable family history destination and continues to build on its tradition of excellence in serving genealogists, historians and other interested hobbyists and scholars. An experienced staff provides services to a full range of patrons, from children to senior citizens and from beginners to experienced researchers. To support these efforts, the Center has gathered an extensive collection of 350,000 printed volumes and more than 513,000 items of microfilm and microfiche. These resources grow daily through library purchases and donations from appreciative genealogists and historians.

You took an AncestryDNA test. You waited the 6-8 weeks for your results. Now they are in. But, what does it all mean? Join Crista Cowan as she walks you through a detailed explanation of your AncestryDNA results – what does it all mean and what to do next.

You took an AncestryDNA test. You waited the 6-8 weeks for your results. Now they are in. But, what does it all mean? Join Crista Cowan as she walks you through a detailed explanation of your AncestryDNA results – what does it all mean and what to do next.

Registered guest accounts provide access to the free features of Ancestry. You need only a registered guest account to activate a DNA test. Create one for free or see our subscription options page for details about available memberships.

Lessons and information on Ancestry Trees, searching ancestry data bases, search tips, DNA, and more

Established in 1974, this year marks our 44th year of helping the people of Anne Arundel County and Maryland learn more about their ancestors and heritage. Our extensive collection of genealogical reference material has been housed at the Kuethe Library in Glen Burnie, Maryland since 1992, and is open to the public for a small fee (free to members).

You can select a state and watch an interactive map change for each date that a county boundary changed. It is very helpful if you have ancestors that moved to a state during it’s early history and you need to know the county in which they lived. In some places the boundary changed many times.

The best way to absorb these lessons is to read them one at a time and follow the suggested links–not only will this help with “beginner’s head spinning syndrome”– it will allow you to absorb the material more fully. If you are an advanced beginner or intermediate you might find the terminology and background in Lesson 5 invaluable no matter which lessons are of interest. Also have a look at Lesson 11 which has a list of resources to help you including a new “Cheat Sheet File” category.

Sponsored by Consumersadvocate.org, a research organization. Direct-to-consumer DNA testing can offer a starting point for customers interested in researching their family history or gaining some insight into their genetic makeup. At the same time, during our research, it quickly became evident that many companies employ marketing tools and hyperbolic language that could lead to confusion or misunderstanding of what genomic research can and cannot tell us. We will attempt to illuminate some of these areas of confusion, while also providing objective reviews of our top picks ahead.

For centuries, genealogists have kept track of their research on paper.You could still do that today, but if you’re not using genealogy software, you’re really missing out. Modern genealogy software has tons of useful features for everyone, from the rank amateur just starting out to the seasoned professional. But with so many choices of software out there, which one is the best for you? Read on, and we’ll give you our top five picks. (1) Family Tree Maker 2017, (2) Legacy 9, (3) Family Historian 6, (4) RootsMagic 7, (5) Family Tree Heritage 9

BillionGraves is the world’s largest resource for searchable GPS cemetery data, and is growing bigger and better every day. You can help by collecting headstone images from local and other cemeteries, and then by transcribing the personal information found on the images.

The primary purpose of the Brevard Genealogical Society is education of our membership and the public through training courses, workshops, and seminars on methods and standards of genealogical and historical research. We try to stimulate interest in, and encourage the recording of family history, especially among young people. We encourage the collection of genealogical and historical books and other materials by the Society, through donation and purchase, so they may be properly cataloged, cared for, and made available for all to use.

The Central Florida Genealogical Society, Inc. was formed in 1969 in Orlando with thirty-two Charter members. Until 1993, we were known as the Central Florida Genealogical & Historical Society. The definition of Central Florida varies; however, it includes the following counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.

This is a long list of places to go to find beginners help.

At DNA Testing Guides, our experts have been reviewing the best DNA tests on the market for years. Our team watched sales of genetic genealogy tests double to over 20 million people in 2017-2018. We’ve watched dozens of new companies enter to try to make a quick buck in the consumer DNA space. Unfortunately, a lot of these newer kits do not come from reputable companies, and the number of unsatisfied customers has grown as well. To combat this problem, we’ve consulted the best genetics experts and PhDs around to create an unbiased, informational review of all the DNA tests on the market. Each review contains background information on the DNA test, as well as an in-depth look into the product and its pros/cons. We’ve done the hard work…these are the best DNA tests in 2018.

Roberta Estes has been a professional scientist and business owner for 25+ years, (BS Computer Science, MBA, graduate work in Geographic Information Systems), as well as an obsessed genealogist since 1978. I post lots of free papers to my website at www.dnaexplain.com under the Publications tab, but I’ve often felt the need to be able to talk to and with people who have questions. I learned long ago that if one person has a question about something, many others probably have that same question. Blogging is an interactive, personal way to communicate. Genetic genealogy is a world full of promise, but it changes rapidly and can be confusing. People need to understand how to use the numerous tools available to us to unravel our ancestral history.

Welcome! I am a professional genealogist specializing in Irish research along with U.S. research, methodology and technology including Macs, iPhones and iPads. I provide research, consultations and training and can be reached through the Contact Form. This site contains information about my lectures, a blog, and information on my personal research.