Genealogy Research Resources

Genealogy Webinars for Genealogy Beginners

Genealogy webinars are becoming a popular way to stay up to date with the latest genealogy news and events. They are also a great resource for genealogy beginners to learn some new research tricks and tips.

A genealogy webinar is a live interactive class, lecture or interview that is broadcast at a scheduled time over the internet. They can be a great way to hear about new developments and family tree resources or just to hear expert genealogists give a lecture on your favorite genealogy subjects.

While some genealogy webinars are free, some have a nominal fee. However, it is a good deal less expensive than travelling to a family history workshop and paying to hear the lecture live.

How Do Genealogy Webinars Work?

A lot goes into producing a good genealogy webinar.

Usually they are:

• Produced by a sponsor (generally the organizer of the webinar)
• Presented by a host who introduces the key speakers or guests and screens calls
• Attended by genealogy novices, hobbyists and professionals from their homes via computer

How Do I Attend A Genealogy Webinar?

Attending a genealogy webinar is simple; all you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection and speakers. If you want to ask questions, a USB headset is recommended however, you can use a telephone.  Most importantly, you will need to preregister, as you may have to download software to participate. Downloading the software is quick, free, and anti virus protection is included. It really is very easy and instructions for download are given when you preregister.

How Do I Find Genealogy Webinars?

You can find genealogy webinars in many places on the internet. Nevertheless, Genealogy Beginner has found that the best resource is at Genea Webinars blog.  One of the reasons we think they are so wonderful is for their calendar of upcoming webinars. Another reason they are a favorite is that they have an archive of webinars. So, if you missed one you can still access it for ten days after it airs. This is perfect if you have a schedule conflict. One of the biggest reasons we love Genea Webinars is because most archived webinars are free.

Here is a sneak peek into some of Gena Webinars upcoming shows:

• Are You Ready for the 1940 U.S. Census Images with Thomas MacEntee, March 7
• The Pursuit from Genealogy Hobbyist to Professional with John Kitzmiller and Claire Brison-Banks, April 4.
• Reverse Genealogy: Finding the Living with Megan Smolenyak, April 25.
• DNA Research for Genealogists: Beyond the Basics with Ugo Perego. March 21.
• What is a ‘Reasonably Exhaustive Search’? with Michael Hait. September 12.

Genealogy Beginners Top Three Picks for Archived Webinars:

• Digital Books and Sites for Genealogists
• The Power of DNA in Unlocking Family Relationships
• Organize, Share, and Publish Your Digital Photos with Heritage Collector Suite

Genealogy Webinars are a good resource for genealogists no matter what your level of experience. If you are planning to attend a webinar for the first time and you need to learn a little more, join us on the Discovery Panel forums, where you will also find a link to Genea Webinars calendar and archives.

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Genealogy TV Favorites

With the new season of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are now regularly scheduled for Friday nights 7/8c and the BBC program Finding Your Roots set to air on March 25, it may seem that genealogy addicts would be getting their family history fix.

However, if you just cannot get enough, there are a number of excellent programs that will help tide you over. Some of them may be your old favorites, while you can enjoy others as new-to-you.

 

Genealogy TV Timeline

Genealogy TV may have gained fame with the Who Do You Think You Are franchise but it was not the first of its kind.  From genealogy TV’s beginnings genealogy beginner plots a timeline of genealogy viewing pleasure.

History Detectives – PBS: Premier 2003

History Detectives a PBS documentary series had a unique approach to genealogy. The show centered on solving the mysteries of family heirlooms and historic objects through family history and genealogy.

Who Do You Think You Are – BBC:  Premier 2004

The first of the WDYTYA franchise began with the British version and was a huge success right from the start. Expanding to produce shows for Canadian (2007), Australian (2008), Irish (2008) and US (2010) audiences, it is still going strong.

Ancestors in the Attic – History Channel: Premier 2006

History Channel had its contribution to Family Tree broadcasting with the unforgettable Canadian program Ancestors in the Attic. The premise of this series follows a team of genealogists as they use traditional research techniques combined with genealogy DNA research to present an entertaining picture of genealogist as detectives.

Coming Home – BBC: Premier 2007

Coming home is a charming program that focuses on Welsh genealogy. Produced by BBC Wales it follows a similar format to Who Do You Think You Are. Each episode features a celebrity in search of their Welsh roots.

The Genealogy Roadshow – RTE One: Premier 2011

A four part Irish Genealogy TV series airs on RTE One. This program follows a fun format much like Antiques Roadshow.  The Ancestor hunters of the Genealogy Road Show travel Ireland solving family history mysteries.

Faces of America – PBS: Premier 2010

Faces of America the four part series hosted by professor Henry Louis Gates is another enjoyable PBS program. Faces of America combines DNA testing with genealogy research to delve into the family trees of celebrities.

The great news is that you do not have to wait a week to watch more genealogy TV as episodes of for these must watch shows are available now…online free. Join us on the Coffee Shop Forum for links.

 

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MOCAVO: The Search Engine for Genealogy

Mocavo is turning out to be big news for genealogy. This FREE genealogy specific search engine was launched last spring and has been growing rapidly ever since. Now, with Ryan Hunter a former Wall Street Analyst at the helm and well-known genealogist Michael Leclerc coming on board, the future of Mocavo looks bright indeed.

Mocavo offers an index of over four billion names and is reported to be the fasted search engine in the industry.

 

Mocavo for Genealogy

If you ask Mocavo how they measure up to Google, they will tell you that Google only indexes five percent of the webs genealogy content. This leaves millions of pages of family tree research information with no way to be searched. Mocavo is on a mission to “make searchable and index” ALL free genealogy information on the internet.

Thus far, Mocavo includes National Archives, Ellis Island, Library of Congress and Find a Grave to mention just a few. Additionally, Mocavo will lead you to an extensive list of Family Trees and individual genealogy sites. While a Mocavo basic search is free an  upgrade to Mocavo Plus will increase your search power.

Some of the features of the Mocavo Plus upgrade include:

Wild Card Search

If you are working off an old document and can only make out part of the name, just enter that and Mocavo will return a list of possible hits

First Name Alternatives

Just enter Liz and get returns for Lizzy, Elizabeth, Betty, actually any nickname alternative.

Sounds Like

We all have run across the many different spellings possible for an ancestor’s name. With Mocavo just enter the name as you know it. For instance, entering Abuda will return several combinations such as Habuda, Habood, Aboud etc. It saves from having to run a search for each.

These features along with several more, allow genealogist to conduct smart searches that save a lot of time. Of course, there is a fee for Mocavo Plus membership but you can opt in for a yearly membership or just go month to month at a reasonable price.

Once a member you will also have access to tools for publishing your own Family Tree that will let you share and collaborate with others.

If you have already tried Mocavo, Genealogy Beginner would love to hear about it. Join us on the Genealogy in General Forum and share your thoughts with other Genealogy Beginners.

 

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Genealogy Journeys and Heritage Vacations

Who said time travel was not possible?

A vacation to explore your ancestral roots is an exciting trend and “destination past” is catching on in a big way.  Modern genealogy buffs are setting off for – far off distant shores – by the dozens and there is no shortage of options from which to choose.

Whether you are the type who prefers to plan your own travel, someone who would rather sign up for an all-inclusive package or a social soul with a preference for a Family Tree Tour, you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Just look to the numerous travel organizations specializing in genealogy vacations for help, they will be more than happy to offer their assistance.

• Family Tree Tours has just released their line up of 2012 tours with five fantastic destinations.
• European Focus allows you to set your own schedule and destination.  They take care of the travel details, including making advanced contact with pastors, archivists and local historians.

Maybe you have a precise destination in mind.  No worries, you can book your trip from among a number of country or county-specific family tree travel companies across the globe.

Family Tree in a Suitcase

Have you plotted a course for your heritage adventure?  If you have, it is essential to spend some time planning in order to make the most of your trip, particularly if you are going to travel independently.

Once you have decided on the type of trip you want to take, it is time to assess what you need to accomplish. Here are some things to think about… just to get you started.

Preparing for your Genealogy Journey:

• Have you decided what branch of your family or ancestor to focus on?

• Are you familiar with your destinations record sources?

• Have you checked out the official web page(s) for your destination?

• Do you know and have you recorded  the contact information for:
  • county courthouses
  • libraries
  • record repositories

What about the churches or cemeteries you wish to visit, do you know their hours?

 

There is always much to do in preparation for any kind of travel; however combining a vacation with genealogy research takes a little extra consideration.  Do not get caught without needed research tools so far from home.

Join us on the forums: Genealogy News and Events for your Genealogy Journey Planner and list of Family Tree travel essentials.

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The Value of Genealogy Communities

Genealogy communities have sprung up all over the internet.  They come in all shapes and sizes, from online search sites with databases, surname registries, one name study groups and professional societies, to groups like Genealogybeginner that focus on the needs of beginning genealogists. What they all have in common is a group of people who share a passion for researching their family tree. That is why genealogy communities and groups have become so popular.

 

 

Belonging to one or even several online genealogy communities can have great benefits to genealogists both beginner and advanced.

Deciding what group is right for you?

When looking at the benefits of joining a genealogy community it is a good idea to first determine your own needs and then define what you expect to get out of your membership.  Some things for the beginning genealogist to consider before signing up are the size of the group, as well as its main function.  Many genealogy groups focus on the needs of professional genealogists and although they offer resources that may help you with your family tree research, they sometimes do not provide the assistance needed to use those resources.  In addition, many online genealogy communities are quite large and it is easy to become lost in the shuffle; with your important questions going unanswered.

What are the elements of a great genealogy community?

So what are the needs of a beginning genealogist? The biggest need is for education and instruction. Understanding not only what information you should be looking for but also how to find it, document it and apply it to your family tree. Next is the need for access to help, belonging to a community that is readily available to afford you, the beginning genealogist, with important resources such as great downloadable family tree templates, useful links and informative articles. In addition, providing answers to your key questions in a timely manner should be on your high on your list of priorities.

Now the question becomes, what genealogy communities may exist that meets your specific needs? What you want here is a community that can grant you access to an informative and relevant article database or Blog, offer quality instruction and classes, have a community meeting place or forums and finally someone (preferably a live experienced and friendly resident genealogist) who will be available to answer your questions. On top of this, you will want a group that keeps abreast of genealogy news and will inform you when new records become available, records that will help with your search interests. Finally, you want it to be fun, positive and encouraging.

Making the most of your genealogy community

The next part of this equation lies with you, once you have found your genealogy community it is up to you to make the most of it.  What that means is involvement. Personal involvement equals participating in forums (not just lurking) and networking with the greater community. Participation broadens your scope; you could find hidden resources you would never have guessed at, such as meeting another member with similar interests and helpful information. Without participation, there is no community.

Wrap Up

Finding the right genealogy community can be a great motivational tool for beginning genealogists who soon learn that the pursuit of their family history can be an isolating experience.  For those times when your friends and loved ones fail to understand your excitement over some dusty old record or question your sanity due to your preoccupation with visiting cemeteries, having a community of like minded ancestor hunters can be a great blessing.

Of course, I recommend our community here at Genealogybeginner as your fist stop and invite you to come join us on our forums. To get started sign up for our two week free trial and then jump on over to the Coffee Shop and introduce yourself or jump right in with a question on the Ask A Genealogists board.

How to Make a Better Family Tree

Many families take great pride in their ancestry; maintaining and preserving their family history in great detail. For countless others, knowing their origins determines for them, to a great degree, how they see themselves today. When you first set out on this journey and begin to learn just how much time and effort are required to study your family’s roots it can be a little daunting. For this reason some people may shy away from this rewarding pass time thinking it too difficult.

 

 

That is simply because they do not yet know that there are many people in the world of genealogy only too happy to reach out and lend a hand to beginners.

People as resources

One of the best things about taking on the task of researching your family tree are the people you will meet along the way, those who share your passion for genealogy. People who can help point you towards great resources or who will take the time to give a little advice when you are stuck at the dreaded brick wall and are just not sure where to look next. Persons who can help you get off to the best possible start by taking the time to introduce you to the many tools that will make your research easier.

Making a better family tree is not always about finding those important names, dates and places or about filling in as many blanks as possible. You will discover that as you as you add the branches, it is the friends you make along the way that put the blossoms on your tree.

Great resources available here: Free Blank Family Tree Template.

Rootschat

Do your past generations hail from Scotland?

If they do, you will want to head straight over to the forums at Rootschat where there is a fantastic forum that will interest anyone doing Scottish research and it is so well organized that every county in Scotland has its own designated area.

Chris over at Scotland’s Greatest Story tells us that you can also find threads for practicing your Gaelic (Scottish and Irish).

We wouldn’t want you to miss this great site as it has a lot to offer a genealogy beginner digging up their Scott’s roots.

There are also wonderful resources for those interested in English, Welsh, Manx, Channel Islands and Irish history,

For more on this subject visit: Scottish Genealogy News and Events.

Roll of the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin (1876-1999)

Isaac Butt, Q.C. 4th Sept., 1876 Irish lawyer and Home Rule leader. Right Hon. William Ewart Gladstone, P.C., M.P. 1st Nov., 1877 British Prime Minister and Home Uler crusader.
Ulysses S. Grant, ex-President U.S.A. 30th Dec., 1878 18th President of the U.S.A., on his world tour. Captain Edward E. Potter. 26th April, 1880 Captain of Relief Ship, Constellation, U.S. Navy, sent to relieve famine of 1879-80

 

Charles Stewart Parnell 3rd Jan., 1882 Irish nationalist leader.
John Dillon, M.P. 3rd Jan., 1882 Irish nationalist politician.
Kevin Izod O’Doherty 10th Aug., 1885
Hon. Patrick A. Collins, Senator, U.S.A. 22nd July, 1887
William O’Brien, M.P. 22nd July, 1887 Irish political leader
Timothy Daniel Sullivan, M.P. 10th Dec., 1887
Thomas Sexton, M.P. 28th Dec., 1887
The Rt. Hon. the Marquis of Ripon, P.C. 16th Jan., 1888 English politician
The Rt. Hon. John Morley, P.C., M.P. 16th Jan., 1888 British author and politician. Chief Secretary of Ireland (1886).

Continue reading “Roll of the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin (1876-1999)” »

Medieval England – Soldier Database

This came through on the Genealogy Blog at GeneaNet today. It appears as if a research grant (from the Arts and Humanities Research Council) for around a half-million pounds was awarded to a couple academics in England. the overall idea is that they’ll use the money to challenge some assumptions about the emergence of professional soldiery in the 14th and 15th century.

 

 

The genealogy interest…?

“The project has an innovative methodological approach and will be producing an on-line search-able resource for public use of immense value and interest to genealogists as well as social, political and military historians. The project employs two Research Assistants over three years and also includes one Doctoral Research Studentship – all of whom began work on 1st October 2006. The whole team is working on a jointly authored book, conference papers, and articles.”

You can read the full article and get access to the pilot database at GeneaNet’s Blog posting on the matter.

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Where to Next?

Blank Family Tree with Step-by-Step Instructions

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New Magazine for Genealogy Beginners

All of a sudden there seems to be a run on posts related to magazines. Here is another one I came across this morning. Discovering Family History is a new magazine geared toward the beginning genealogist. You can download a free (no sign-up required) preview at the link above. The publisher writes: “Welcome to Discovering Family History, the latest magazine from the publishers of Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy and History Magazine. This new bi-monthly magazine is targeted at people who are starting their genealogy, need a refresher course or are tackling a new aspect of genealogy.

 

Discovering Family History articles are being written by some of the most respected book and magazine authors ­ and many of them have extensive experience of teaching genealogy courses, either face-to-face or online.

Even if you have been conducting your genealogy research for many years, you may want to take a look at what Discovering Family History has to offer: as you get more and more into your family history, you will find the need to investigate resources that are completely new to you. Discovering Family History can help.”

I love this free preview. The articles appear to be exciting and well written. Some article titles include:

• A Few Fantastic Free Family History Websites
• Let Obituaries Speak to You (<– With an Excellent Graphic)
• Who Else is Researching Your Name
• What is a Vital Record

Good stuff!

 

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Where to Next?

Blank Family Tree with Step-by-Step Instructions

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