Category: Case Studies

Case Study: Using Newspapers to Reconstruct an Ancestor’s Story Premium

Learn what newspapers can do for your research in this case study, in which they help reconstruct a long-forgotten ancestral history.

How to Handle Family Secrets and Surprises in Your Genealogy Premium

These seven genealogists made peace with difficult pieces of their family history: black sheep ancestors, infidelity, slavery and other emotional topics.

Stories to Tell: Mysterious Coincidences Premium

A genealogist looks into an ancestor's life after a series of mysterious coincidences. Find out how Tierra Cotton-Kellow "met" her second great-grandfather.

Case Study: Discovering a New Sibling Through DNA Results

An expected close relative led to an astonishing DNA discovery, giving one researcher a new sibling—and information on a long-hidden wartime romance.

Case Study: Adding a New Grandfather

One researcher grapples with a family secret unearthed by DNA test results—and how it might explain another family tragedy.

Case Study: Conflicting Birthdates in Genealogy Records Premium

Conflicting birth dates can be especially difficult to resolve. Here is a case study and tips from genealogy expert Sunny Morton.

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Case Study: Research Clues from Understanding Slavery Law

The free “Slavery in America and the World” digital library at Hein Online has surpassed a million pages. Here's one example of how understanding slavery law can reveal clues for your genealogy research.

Case Study: Overcoming Same-Named People in Genealogy Records

You knew all those search results with the same name were too good to be true. Through this case study, learn how to follow your actual ancestor's record trail and weed out the imposters.

Unraveling the Mystery of a Victorian Ancestor Premium

In our How I Did It series, genealogy experts you know and trust share stories of how they solved a specific problem in their research. This week, Lisa Louise Cooke shares how she uncovered the tragic end of the life of a talented Victorian musician.

Case Study: Using the Census to Confirm a Correct Identity Premium

Shannon Combs-Bennett shares how she sorted through confusing census records to uncover her ancestor's mother's name.