“A fascinating exploration of the mysteries ignited by DNA genealogy testing—from the intensely personal and concrete to the existential and unsolvable.” —Tana French, New York Times–bestselling author You swab your cheek or spit in a vial, then send it away to a lab somewhere. Weeks later you get a report that might tell you where your ancestors came from or if you carry certain genetic risks. Or, the report could reveal a long-buried family secret that upends your entire sense of identity. Soon a lark becomes an obsession, a relentless drive to find answers to questions at the core of your being, like “Who am I?” and “Where did I come from?” Welcome to the age of home genetic testing.In The Lost Family, journalist Libby Copeland investigates what happens when we embark on a vast social experiment with little understanding of the ramifications. She explores the culture of genealogy buffs, the science of DNA, and the business of companies like Ancestry and 23andMe, all while tracing the story of one woman, her unusual results, and a relentless methodical drive for answers that becomes a thoroughly modern genetic detective story. Gripping and masterfully told, The Lost Family is a spectacular book on a big, timely subject.“An urgently necessary, powerful book that addresses one of the most complex social and bioethical issues of our time.” —Dani Shapiro, New York Times–bestselling author“Before you spit in that vial, read this book.” —The New York Times Book Review“Impeccably researched . . . up-to-the-minute science meets the philosophy of identity in a poignant, engaging debut.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Read more

Genealogy research is often a puzzle that requires piecing together numerous hidden and lesser-known record sources. This comprehensive checklist highlights over 320 record sets, many often overlooked, to uncover your ancestors’ stories. Understanding the importance and application of these diverse records can significantly enhance your genealogy research.Note: a comprehensive Genealogy Records Checklist is available at the end of this cheat sheet. BONUS LINKS to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF downloadable versions of the checklist for your convenience!Why Use a Records Checklist?Using a checklist ensures systematic and comprehensive research. It prevents overlooking crucial records, guides your investigation step-by-step, and helps identify new pathways when facing genealogical roadblocks. Checklists foster organization, streamline research, and provide clarity to your genealogical endeavors.Topics include:Around the HouseAlumni RecordsAdoption RecordsArchivesBirth RecordsBooks OnlineBusiness RecordsCemetery RecordsCensus Records (Federal & State)Church RecordsCourt RecordsDeath RecordsDirectoriesDNA RecordsEmployment RecordsFraternal RecordsGenealogy Databases - OnlineImmigration RecordsInstitutional RecordsInsurance RecordsLand RecordsMarriage RecordsMilitary RecordsNewspapersPersonal Contacts & KnowledgeProbate RecordsPublished SourcesSchool RecordsSocial MediaTax RecordsVital Records Read more

Master the world’s #1 Genealogy Website Discover the secrets to Ancestry.com success! This book, newly revised and expanded, will help you get the most out of your Ancestry.com subscription.  Inside, you’ll discover how to take advantage of what the world’s biggest genealogy website has to offer—and how to find answers to your genealogy questions within its billions of records and millions of AncestryDNA profiles.  Each chapter includes step-by-step examples with illustrations to show you exactly how to apply search techniques to your genealogy. A new section on AncestryDNA will also help you understand and analyze your DNA test results. What you'll learn:* Timesaving tips for uncovering specific records, time periods and topics using Ancestry.com’s search forms and Card Catalog* Details on Ancestry.com's historical record collections, including what you can expect to find in them* Step-by-step guides for creating and managing your family tree on Ancestry.com, plus how to connect with other users and utilize the site’s powerful Hint system* Plain-language strategies for using your AncestryDNA results, including guides to your ethnicity report and DNA matchesWhether you've just begun dabbling in family history or you're a longtime Ancestry.com subscriber, this book will turn you into an Ancestry.com power user! Read more

A simple guide to tracing British family tree before the onset of civil registration in 1837 and back to the Middle Ages. The trail that an ancestor leaves through the Victorian period and the twentieth century is relatively easy to follow—the records are plentiful, accessible, and commonly used. But how do you go back further, into the centuries before the central registration of births, marriages, and deaths was introduced in 1837, before the first detailed census records of 1841? How can you trace a family line back through the early modern period and perhaps into the Middle Ages? Jonathan Oates’s clearly written new handbook gives you all the background knowledge needed in order to go into this engrossing area of family history research. He starts by describing the administrative, religious, and social structures in the medieval and early modern period and shows how these relate to the family historian. Then in a sequence of accessible chapters, he describes the variety of sources the researcher can turn to. Church and parish records, the records of the professions and the courts, manorial and property records, tax records, early censuses, lists of loyalty, militia lists, charity records—all these can be consulted. He even includes a short guide to the best methods of reading medieval and early modern script. Oates’s handbook is an essential introduction for anyone who is keen to take their family history research back into the more distant past.“A pleasure to read and one that you are likely to return to time and again as you delve deeper into your family’s past.” —Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine (UK) Read more

Are you stuck in your genealogical research? Wondering how to make progress on your brick wall problems? Discover the process that a professional genealogist uses to solve difficult cases. Diana Elder shares her step-by-step method using real world examples, easily understood by any level of genealogist; written for the researcher ready to take their skills to the next level. Learn how to form an objective, review your research by creating a timeline analysis, construct a locality guide to direct your research, create a plan, style source citations, set up a research log to organize and track your searches, and write a report detailing your findings and ideas for future research. Work samples and templates are included. Read more

Ancestry.com is a powerful platform for uncovering your family history. This insider’s guide breaks down essential tips and tricks – from beginner basics to advanced techniques – to help you get the most out of Ancestry’s records, DNA tools, family trees, and historical archives. Follow these step-by-step tips to research efficiently and discover more about your ancestors.By following these tips, you’ll be equipped to utilize all aspects of Ancestry.com like a pro. From mining billions of records with smart searches, to leveraging DNA matches, to collaborating with cousins and using third-party enhancements, each strategy adds a new skill to your family historian toolkit. Remember that genealogy is part art and part science: be curious, stay organized, and verify as you go. With the insider techniques in this guide, you can confidently navigate Ancestry’s features – both the well-known and the hidden gems – to uncover your family’s story more efficiently and accurately. Happy ancestor hunting! Read more

Imagine spending your days unraveling the mysteries of family histories and getting paid for it. For many genealogy enthusiasts, this dream is becoming reality. A passion for tracing lineage, once just a hobby, can indeed blossom into a thriving home-based business. Consider the story of one avid family historian who started out helping friends piece together their family trees as a pastime. Before long, word-of-mouth referrals had him researching for paying clients. What began at his kitchen table evolved into a full-fledged genealogy service, reconnecting families with long-lost relatives and generating a steady income. He’s not alone—real people across the country are turning their love of genealogy into successful enterprises, combining personal fulfillment with financial gain. This book is about helping you do the same. By the time you finish reading, you’ll see how your journey “from roots to revenue” can become your story too.Follow Your Passion Daily: Spend your work hours doing what genuinely interests you – researching history, sleuthing through records, and talking about genealogy. Every project is a new adventure.Help Others in a Meaningful Way: You’ll provide a service that deeply touches people’s lives. Clients often describe genealogy findings as priceless gifts. You become the storyteller who gives families a sense of identity and continuity.Flexible Work-Life Balance: Be your own boss and set a schedule that suits you. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or seasonally, you have control. It’s an ideal arrangement for those who need flexibility or want to work from the comfort of home.Low Startup Costs: Unlike many businesses, a home-based genealogy venture doesn’t require a huge investment. If you have a computer, an internet connection, and some genealogy experience, you have the essentials. (There are tools and subscriptions that help, which we’ll cover, but the barrier to entry is relatively low.)Continuous Learning: If you love genealogy, you likely love learning. This career keeps you on your toes intellectually – you’ll constantly discover new historical facts, improve your research techniques, and perhaps delve into genetic science. It’s hard to get bored when each client’s case is a fresh puzzle.Growing Market: As discussed above, interest in genealogy is booming. This isn’t a fad likely to fade next year. Family history is enduring, and new technologies (DNA, digitized archives, etc.) are making it easier and more popular every day. The growth of the market means new opportunities for those ready to jump in.Embrace the Journey: Your Opportunity AwaitsGenealogy is experiencing a golden era, and you stand at the doorstep of opportunity. The tools have never been more accessible, the public’s interest never higher, and the community of professional genealogists never more welcoming. The fact that you’ve picked up this book indicates you have a spark—both an entrepreneurial spark and a love for family history. Now it’s time to fan that spark into a flame.As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that every expert was once a beginner. The celebrated genealogists you might know, or the entrepreneurs running successful ancestry research firms, all started where you are now: with a passion, a bit of courage, and the willingness to learn.Your journey from roots to revenue starts now. Purchase this book and let’s begin turning your passion for genealogy into a rewarding, home-grown business adventure. The opportunity is here and it’s yours for the taking—let’s get started! Read more

Genealogy is the study of family history and lineage – essentially discovering who your ancestors were and how you are connected to them. It involves gathering names, dates, and stories to piece together a family tree. This pursuit is more than just collecting names; it’s about understanding your family’s journey through time. Researching your genealogy can provide a sense of identity and belonging as you learn about the diverse cultures and experiences that shaped your family.By preserving these stories, you ensure that your heritage is recorded for future generations, fostering continuity and connection in your family. In short, genealogy isn’t just a hobby – it’s a meaningful way to explore who you are and where you come from.Why New York? New York is a particularly significant state for genealogical research. In fact, historians often call New York “ground zero” for American family history because so many lineages pass through it. As one of the original 13 colonies and later a major immigration hub, New York’s records capture early colonial settlers and millions of newcomers. From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island in New York Harbor processed nearly 12 million immigrants, and an estimated 40% of Americans today descend from individuals who entered the U.S. through Ellis Island. This means there’s a good chance your family history might have a New York connection, whether your ancestors arrived from abroad or migrated from elsewhere in America.New York’s rich history – from Dutch and British colonial rule to its pivotal role in the American Revolution and industrial era – means that its archives are filled with valuable documents. These records reflect a diverse population, including immigrants from all over the world, indigenous peoples, and people of many faiths. The state’s long history and large population make it a treasure trove for genealogists, but also a challenging landscape that requires guidance to navigate effectively. That’s where this book comes in, to help you make sense of New York’s vast genealogical resources.Note on the Writing ProcessI want to be transparent that this book – Tracing Your Roots in New York: The Best and Ultimate Guide for Genealogy – was created in part with the help of an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. The AI assisted in generating early drafts of some sections, but every chapter was subsequently reviewed, edited, and refined by me. The final content is the result of extensive human curation and creativity. I am proud to present this work and assure readers that while AI was a tool in the process, the story, style, and substance have been carefully shaped by the author. Read more

Genealogical research has always called for a deep dive into a wide array of historical resources—everything from centuries-old marriage registers and immigration documents to handwritten diaries and newspaper clippings that capture the rhythm of our ancestors’ daily lives. And let’s be honest: it wasn’t that long ago that we, as researchers, had to wade through every line ourselves, painstakingly summarizing, transcribing, and, in some cases, translating these materials with nothing but our own eyes, our own expertise, and a whole lot of patience.But things have changed—and in a big way. Thanks to cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), genealogists now have powerful new tools at their fingertips. These advanced language models can take your family documents—no matter how large, how old, or how challenging to read—and deliver concise summaries, transcriptions, and translations with impressive accuracy. From hobbyist family historians to seasoned professionals, this technology can truly turbocharge your workflow and open up new research frontiers.This book is here to help you cut through the hype and get right to the heart of what AI can do for your genealogy projects. We’ll explore how these new tools work, walk you through today’s best AI platforms, and lay out clear, practical strategies so you can quickly start applying them to your own research. Bottom line? If you use AI intelligently and ethically, you’ll unlock new possibilities in your genealogy work that you might never have dreamed possible. Read more

This unique “fusion of science and the physical history” traces the story of the Scots through their DNA (Sunday Herald). An almost limitless archive of our history lies hidden inside our bodies, and this book traces the ancient story of Scotland from that scientific viewpoint. The mushrooming of genetic studies, of DNA analysis, is rewriting history in spectacular fashion. In Scotland: A Genetic Journey, Alistair Moffat explores the history that is printed on our genes, and in a remarkable new approach, uncovers the detail of where Scots are from, where they have journeyed, and who they are—and in so doing, vividly colors in a DNA map of Scotland. “[Moffat] is wonderfully able to communicate the epic elements of the story.” —Scotsman Read more

Do you want to learn how to effectively and efficiently track, analyze, plan, and report your genealogy research?Genealogists often find themselves strapped for time, struggling to balance their passion for family history with the demands of everyday life. In this book, professional genealogist, and chronic Occasional Genealogist, Jennifer Dondero shares her expertise to help hobbyist genealogists maximize their limited time and achieve meaningful progress in their research.Follow the story of Gene and her friend Jenni as they tackle the essential skills and techniques that go beyond the beginner level. Discover the tips, shortcut, and templates that allow you to overcome challenges and understand how to keep growing your family tree. Delve into the importance of clues and explore multiple strategies to uncover more sources.In this book, you will learn:How to stay focused on solving a brick wall.The skills to get started in genealogical analysis.How to create a genealogy research plan.The difference in solving a problem versus other genealogy research.This book will equip you with the essential skills to bust through brick walls and make continual progress in your genealogical journey. Expand your knowledge with research strategies that go beyond beginner. Get your copy now! Read more

The revised and updated 7th edition of the bestselling guide to easily discovering more about your Scottish ancestry.Scotland has the best-maintained records and facilities of any country in the world for undertaking family research, and now that the National Archives of Scotland are available online they can be consulted by anyone from whatever country.Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors is the National Archives’ official guide and is written in an accessible style from the unique perspective of a custodian of the records. It details all the latest internet developments, including a chapter on family history on the web. It also points to more traditional resources, explaining step by step how to research records of births, marriages and wills.“Excellent help with every phase of genealogical research . . . This book will be a valuable finding aid for many people using the Scottish Record Office, and by no means only for the family historian.” —Books in Scotland“Includes the sort of online sources that have transformed the field since its first publication in 1990, this guide is indispensable for the serious investigator.” —The Scotsman Read more

Clarke's Kingdom of Ireland is a collection of data from a wide range of sources, and useful for genealogists and family historians. Births, baptisms, marriages, marriage bonds, deaths, burials, wills, church, civil, and military appointments, are just some of the categories of the thousands of entries included. As the title of this work implies, all the entries are for people who lived during the existence of the Kingdom of Ireland, 1542 - 1800 Read more

Unlock the Secrets of Your Ancestry: Discover the Power of DNA in GenealogyImagine being able to connect with ancestors you never knew existed, to uncover family secrets and surprises, and to build a more complete picture of your heritage. For centuries, genealogists have relied on traditional research methods to piece together their family histories. But what if you could use a powerful new tool to break down brick walls and open doors to new discoveries? Welcome to the world of DNA genealogy and ancestry DNA testing.Everything DNA Series: A Beginner's Guide to Genealogy & Family HistoryThis comprehensive guide explains how DNA works, how it can be used to identify ancestors, and how to interpret your results. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting out, this book will show you how to harness the power of DNA and ancestry to take your family history to the next level.Inside, You’ll Explore:The Call of Ancestry: Understand the deep-rooted desire to connect with your family history and why it matters. Learn how ancestry DNA kits can help you achieve this goal.DNA Demystified: A gentle introduction to the science of DNA, making the complex simple and accessible. Discover the four types of DNA tests: autosomal DNA, mitochondrial DNA, Y-DNA, and X-DNA, each with its unique inheritance pattern.Types of DNA Tests for Genealogy: Discover the various types of tests available and how they can reveal your lineage. For instance, autosomal DNA tests look at both sides of your family tree, about 4-6 generations back, while Y-DNA tests trace your male lineage and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests follow your maternal line.Choosing the Right DNA Testing Company: Learn how to select the best company suited to your genealogical needs. Compare companies like AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, and Living DNA, considering factors such as ethnicity estimates, the number of tested individuals, and available genealogy tools.Decoding Your Ethnicity Estimate: Gain insight into what your ethnicity results mean and how to interpret them. Understand how these results can connect you to your ancestral origins and help you build a more accurate family tree.Meet Your Matches: Unravel your DNA network by connecting with newfound relatives and understanding your shared heritage. Use platforms like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org to build and expand your family tree.The Power of Shared Matches: Explore how shared DNA can illuminate common ancestors and deepen your connections. Utilize tools like Ancestry’s Shared Match feature and MyHeritage’s Theory of Family Relativity to find common ancestors and break down genealogical brick walls.Building Your Family Tree: Learn to create a solid foundation for analyzing your DNA results and enhancing your family history. Use resources like Ancestry Trees with Hints, ThruLines, and FamilySearch Family Tree to verify and expand your research.Are You Ready to Unlock the Secrets of Your Ancestry?Join the DNA revolution and discover a whole new world of genealogical possibilities. Whether you're using AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or other ancestry DNA kits, this guide will help you navigate the world of genetic genealogy and uncover the hidden stories of your ancestors.Get your copy today and embark on an exciting journey of discovery Read more

Welcome to The Big Book of Genealogy Lists, your essential companion to navigating the often mysterious world of historical documents and family records. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or someone just beginning to explore your family roots, you’ve likely encountered puzzling abbreviations, archaic terms, or unfamiliar spellings that can stall your progress. This book is designed to empower you with a convenient collection of reference lists that will transform your research from frustrating to fascinating.As you delve into old census schedules, deeds, court papers, city directories, and weathered headstones, you’ll run across symbols and language that reflect the culture and realities of bygone eras. You may uncover Latin phrases in legal documents, decode city directory abbreviations for occupations that no longer exist, or interpret curious medical causes of death that appear archaic to modern eyes. This is where The Big Book of Genealogy Lists becomes an invaluable tool—each curated list helps you break through these linguistic barriers, bringing clarity and context to your discoveries.Inside these pages, you’ll find:Common Abbreviations & Acronyms used by clerks, census takers, and record-keepers, ensuring you don’t miss critical details in your ancestors’ files.Land & Legal Terminology that can make deciphering deeds, wills, and property records less daunting.Spelling & Phonetic Substitutions, revealing how names and words evolved across regions and generations.City Directory Abbreviations, a treasure trove of insight for locating family members in cities as well as towns settings.Archaic Medical Terms & Professions, shining light on the health issues and occupations that influenced your ancestors’ daily lives.Cemetery Iconography, so you can interpret the symbols and motifs engraved on headstones, adding richness to your family narrative.Nicknames & First Name Abbreviations, a key to recognizing those “missing” relatives who appear under a completely different name in official documents.Occupation Abbreviations, revealing trades and careers that can help you trace a family member’s trajectory through time.A Research Checklist, designed to keep your genealogical journey structured and methodical so no stone goes unturned.By making sense of these historical quirks, you can piece together the stories that paint a more complete portrait of your ancestors’ lives. Every entry—whether it’s a cryptic 19th-century job title or a strange abbreviation for a disease—carries important clues about the people and communities that shaped your family’s heritage. I hope these lists give you the confidence to interpret primary sources accurately and open doors to fresh insights.Embark on this journey with curiosity and patience. As you explore the pages ahead, you’ll unlock nuances in the records that might otherwise remain hidden. The Big Book of Genealogy Lists offers both a quick reference and a deeper understanding, ensuring that every discovery brings you closer to the past and enriches your family story. Read more

Delve into your German heritage! This carefully curated collection of beautiful historical maps of Germany will help you sort out the mess that is German history. With these 100-plus full-color maps, you can view German border changes throughout the centuries, allowing you to find your German hometown and records of your ancestors. Inside, you'll find: ·         Beautiful maps of German states from medieval times to present, each selected specifically for the genealogist   ·         Extensive histories of Germanic regions that will walk you through the country’s long and complex past, from the Holy Roman Empire to the Berlin Wall   ·         Beautiful, full-color maps bound in a hardcover format that makes a great gift for historians and genealogists   ·         Detailed captions that put each map in context   ·         Timelines of the events in each era of German history that affected boundary changes   ·         A special village index that will help you pinpoint your ancestor’s hometown Read more

“Everyone seeking Irish ancestors will benefit immensely from using this complete resource. It is easy to understand and concise. The 250 links alone will quickly yield results and take a researcher, new or seasoned, into the best Irish genealogy sources currently available. The electronic format of this information makes searching the internet easy and direct.I have been involved in genealogy research since before we first published the Legacy Family Tree software in 1997 and I find “Help! I have Irish Ancestors!” to be one of the best resources.”—David Berdan, co-creator of Legacy Family Tree SoftwareThe island of Ireland is a lush, beautiful and mystical land filled with a long history of emigration of their inhabitants to other countries. The Irish are friendly with strong family values and an appreciation for tradition. Their land and history, their homes and stories, and their lives of love and loss stretch back thousands of years into the mists of time. The current population of Ireland is about seven million individuals, but it is estimated that up to 70 million people in the world have Irish forebears.Help! I Have Irish ancestors! Is a quick reference filled with time-tested strategies for finding your Irish people. The thrill and awakening you’ll experience in this process of discovery will be at once satisfying and challenging. Seeking your family that has gone before is a singular personal voyage through the years and places and faces.This marvelous little book is one of the most condensed sources ever written on this incredible topic and steers you from start to finish, from wherever you are right now in your research: step one or step one hundred, it’s all in this text. The 250 vital hyperlinks will direct you to the most useful and productive information you’ll need to find your kin and bind their hearts to yours. There’s help available too. You don’t have to go it alone. Start today and see just how far you can go. Read more

This classic genealogy reference book is considered to be the starting place for anyone having family history ties to New Mexico, and for those interested in the history of New Mexico. Well before Jamestown and the Pilgrims, New Mexico was settled continuously beginning in 1598 by Spaniards whose descendants still make up a major portion of the population of New Mexico. Read more

The world of genealogy has evolved dramatically in the digital age. Where once researchers spent hours in dusty archives and libraries, they can now access millions of records from the comfort of their homes.One of the biggest challenges is finding the right resources to help you uncover your family's history. Fortunately, there are countless little-known archives and collections that offer valuable insights into our ancestors' lives.Each listing in 500 Amazing Online Archives and Digital Collections You've Never Heard Of – US Edition holds the potential to unlock stories, experiences, and histories that are essential for a better understanding of your genealogy. Exploring these online archives and collections can provide fresh insights, filling gaps in your family tree or adding color to your ancestors' lives. Read more

**WINNER OF THE COSTA BIOGRAPHY AWARD**Edmund de Waal uncovers the history of a family through a turbulent century through 264 objects.264 wood and ivory carvings, none of them bigger than a matchbox: Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered the collection in his great uncle Iggie's Tokyo apartment. When he later inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger and more dramatic than he could ever have imagined.From a burgeoning empire in Odessa to fin de siecle Paris, from occupied Vienna to Tokyo, Edmund de Waal traces the netsuke's journey through generations of his remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century.'You have in your hands a masterpiece' Sunday Times'The most brilliant book I've read for years... A rich tale of the pleasure and pains of what it is to be human' Daily Telegraph**ONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21st CENTURY* Read more