Family Tree Magazine | Build Your Family Tree with Genealogy

1950 Census Research Guide

Genealogy Brick Wall Busters Free eBook

Genealogy brick walls can be frustrating, but they don't have to stall your research forever. Here's a free ebook that guides you through some of the most common genealogy brick walls so that you can get closer to answering your most pressing questions.

FREE

LEARN MORE

TODAY'S RECOMMENDED READS

Free Worksheet: Ancestor Immigration Worksheet

Freedmen’s Bureau Records: A Genealogist’s Guide

How to Read WWI Draft Registration Cards

Best Free Genealogy and Family History Websites

On these genealogy and family history websites, you can search databases of ancestor names and digitized records—and it’s all free.

25 Best Genealogy Websites for Beginners

Hit the online road with this travel guide of starter tips and websites guaranteed to rev up your genealogy search.

What Is a Second Cousin? Understanding Cousin Relationship Terms

How, exactly, are you related to the child of your great-great-grandmother’s son? We’ll explain the steps to calculating cousinhood!

Melungeons: Are You Part of “The Lost Tribe Of Appalachia”?

The mixed-race Melungeon people from Appalachia can be tough for descendants to trace. Learn some origin theories and tips for starting your research.

Best Free DNA and Genetic Genealogy Websites

You had your DNA tested, but now what’s next? Solve genealogy mysteries with these indispensable, free online tools to analyze your DNA test results.

Organize Your Genealogy in a Day: Tips for the Busy Resear...

Organization

If all you’ve got is a Saturday to organize your genealogy, make it count with these tips for a successful one-day organization project—plus 14 realistic go...

How to Research Witnesses and Bondsmen in Genealogy Records

Strategies

Take your research down new paths by studying the witnesses and bondsmen named in records. Learn when they were needed and what they can reveal.

Photo Negatives: How to Scan, Preserve and Store Them

Photos, Photos

Learn how to care for and scan old photo negatives—and why they deserve a place in your collection.

SURNAME PUZZLES

Common Surnames Strategies for the Frustrated Researcher

Researching Unusual Last Names for Genealogy

Ancestor Surname Variant Research Chart

How to Refer to Aunts and Uncles: Grand, Not Great

Great-uncle, or grand-uncle? Here’s one perspective on the avuncular controversy.

17 Fantastic Genealogy and Family Tree Apps to Download Now

Swipe away with the most useful genealogy and family tree apps that are right in the palm of your hand, and take your research on the go.

Interview Questions and Prompts for Family History Interviews

Senior family members are often the best genealogy resource. Here are family history interview questions to ask to discover more about generations past.

Seven Ways to Preserve Family Traditions

How to Preserve Holiday Heirlooms

How to Care for Vintage Christmas Ornaments

3 Family History Book Ideas and How to Create Them

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, skip the shops and get out your family records. Share your glad tidings with these DIY family history book projects.

5 Clues You May Have Native American Ancestry

If you suspect you may have Native American roots based on family stories, here are five tips that may help you prove your claim.

Genealogy Websites Comparison: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Findmypast and MyHeritage

Ancestry or MyHeritage? FamilySearch or Findmypast? Our expert compares the records, family trees and DNA tests of the “Big Four” genealogy websites.

How to Determine Relationships with Shared DNA Matches

DNA testing has opened up new doors for researchers hoping to find their birth parents. Learn how to use data in your DNA results to figure out relationships.

Online Tree or Genealogy Software? Deciding Where to Keep Your Data

Deciding where you want to store your family tree, whether online or via software, can be a tough choice. Here, we’ll provide you with the tools to determine which online tree or family history software is best for you!

Best Resolutions for Scanned Photos and Documents

Take the mystery out of the best size for scanned documents. Here’s a quick dpi resolution guide for family photos and other genealogy records.

Best Genealogy Gifts (That Go Beyond DNA Tests)

20 Family History Craft and Project Ideas (DIY for the Holidays)

5 Genealogy Activities to Do in December

How to Print a Family Tree Poster to Enjoy and Share

Sometimes it’s a good thing when your roots are showing! We’ve rounded up the tools available to help you create a printed family tree poster to share.

11 Must-See Genealogy TV Shows That Will Inspire You

Genealogy TV shows offer tips and inspiration for discovering family history. Here are 11 must-watch inspiring and informative family history programs.

What is Prussia? Understanding Prussian History

You have Prussian ancestry, but can’t find Prussia on modern maps. Dive into this disappearing state with this overview of Prussian history.

7 Genealogy Activities You Can Do With Kids

How To Get Young Adults Into Genealogy

Genealogy Books for Kids and Grownups

13 Websites for Finding Old Family Photos

Search these 13 sites for pictures of your ancestors and the places they lived. Plus, some tips on copyright to consider.

Understanding Translation vs. Transliteration

What’s the difference between translation and transliteration? Find out here, and why it’s handy for a genealogist to understand.

6 Genealogy Jobs That Turn Your Family History Skills into a Career

These six genealogy “dream jobs” take your love of research and turn it in to a profession.

How Witness Records Can Guide Your Genealogy Research R...

Podcasts

In this podcast, Robyn Smith tells us how you can use witness records to guide your genealogy research. Plus: learn what to do with photo negatives and how ...

Build Your Family Tree with DNA – An Interview with ...

Podcasts

In this episode, Diahan Southard talks about building your family tree with just your DNA. Also, learn about DNAPainter.om and storytelling tools.

Find Your Ancestor’s Old World Town of Origin –...

Podcasts

In this episode, Rich Venezia shows you how to find your ancestor's Old World town of origin. Plus: learn how to clean tombstones and how to use DeadFred.co...

Are You Related to Saint Nick?

Ever wonder if this jolly Christmas icon falls somewhere on your family tree? Here’s an article that lays out in detail the genealogy of Saint Nick.

Holiday Traditions Around the World: Celebrate Your Heritage

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Learn how your ancestors celebrated the holidays around the world and what you can do to celebrate the holidays in fun, new ways.

German Christmas Traditions to Celebrate the Season

Here’s an article that looks at some common German Christmas traditions that you might consider adopting this year to celebrate your German heritage.

Gravestone Symbols and Their Hidden Meanings

Gravestone symbols can contain clues about your ancestor’s life and death. Discover the meaning behind common (and several uncommon!) gravestone symbols.

Best Free Genealogy and Family History Websites

Ancestry.com for Free? 7 Ways to Research With No Subscription

How to Find Your Ancestors for Free

The Best Ancestry.com Tips and Tricks

Not sure where to start on Ancestry.com? Follow these research tips and tricks to get on the right track.

How to Create A Beautiful Family History Website

It’s easy and inexpensive to set up a family history website that will put you in charge of your clan’s online dream home.

FamilySearch’s Compare-a-Face Family History Activity

Compare-a-Face is a fun new FamilySearch website feature that uses photos to decide which relatives you most resemble. How well does it work? We try out Compare-a-Face and give you tips for best results.