Blog posts

AI Prompts for Genealogy Records That Transcribe and Translate Old Family Documents
AI Prompts for Genealogy Records That Transcribe and Translate Old Family Documents
11 minutes to read | 07.04.2026
Practical AI prompts for genealogy records, including how to transcribe faded handwriting and translate old family documents into plain English.
Why You Can't Find Your Ancestors: How Historical County Boundary Changes Hide Genealogy Records
Why You Can't Find Your Ancestors: How Historical County Boundary Changes Hide Genealogy Records
7 minutes to read | 07.04.2026
Your ancestor may have lived on the same land for fifty years and still show up in three different counties. Here's why, and how to finally track them down.
How to Solve a Genealogy Brick Wall: The 10-Step Research Audit That Works
How to Solve a Genealogy Brick Wall: The 10-Step Research Audit That Works
10 minutes to read | 07.04.2026
Stuck on a genealogy brick wall? Run this 10-step research audit to catch transcription errors, timeline gaps, and missed records that are blocking your family tree.
Ancestry vs. FamilySearch: Which Platform is Better for Your Research?
Ancestry vs. FamilySearch: Which Platform is Better for Your Research?
12 minutes to read | 07.03.2026
Trying to choose between Ancestry and FamilySearch? This honest, detailed comparison covers records, cost, family trees, DNA tools, and who each platform is actually best for.
How to Backup Family History Files: The 3-2-1 Strategy That Could Save Decades of Memories
How to Backup Family History Files: The 3-2-1 Strategy That Could Save Decades of Memories
10 minutes to read | 07.02.2026
Learn how to protect your digital family history with the 3-2-1 backup strategy: 3 copies, 2 media types, and 1 offsite location. A practical guide for anyone who can't afford to lose irreplaceable family memories to a hard drive failure.
How to Cite Genealogy Sources Without Losing Your Mind
How to Cite Genealogy Sources Without Losing Your Mind
8 minutes to read | 07.02.2026
Genealogy citation doesn't have to be complicated. Learn a simple Who, What, Where, When method that works for any document, photo, or family interview — no academic style guides required.
My Genealogy Research Toolkit: The Best Software, Apps, and Hardware for Tracing Your Family History
My Genealogy Research Toolkit: The Best Software, Apps, and Hardware for Tracing Your Family History
12 minutes to read | 07.02.2026
From tree-building software to flatbed scanners and cloud backup, here is the exact genealogy toolkit I use to research, preserve, and protect family history records.
The Ethics of Online Genealogy: 5 Rules for Sharing Family History Safely
The Ethics of Online Genealogy: 5 Rules for Sharing Family History Safely
9 minutes to read | 07.02.2026
Sharing family history online is meaningful, but it comes with real ethical responsibilities. Here are 5 rules every genealogist should follow to protect living relatives and handle sensitive stories with care.
The Genealogy Glossary: 100+ Research Terms Explained Simply
The Genealogy Glossary: 100+ Research Terms Explained Simply
20 minutes to read | 07.01.2026
New to family history research? This genealogy glossary breaks down 100+ essential terms, from vital records and probate to ahnentafel and collateral lines, in plain, everyday language anyone can understand.
How to Start Your Family Tree: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide
How to Start Your Family Tree: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide
11 minutes to read | 07.01.2026
Ready to build your family tree but not sure where to begin? This beginner's guide walks you through every step, from gathering what you already know to researching ancestors you've never met.