Every genealogist knows about Ancestry and FamilySearch, but what about the hidden corners of the internet where incredible family history discoveries are waiting? In Episode #114 of the Genealogy Happy Hour podcast, we explore the little known places to reseach genealogy that can take your genealogy from ordinary to extraordinary. Some of the best records … Continue reading Discover Little Known Genealogy Resources You’ve Probably Never Used

When we think about genealogy research, our minds often go straight to archives, libraries, and family papers. But some of the most surprising and personal finds can turn up in unexpected places, like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. These online marketplaces are treasure troves of historic books, postcards, yearbooks, family Bibles, memorabilia These and other items … Continue reading Treasure Hunting for Genealogy on eBay and Facebook Marketplace

FamilySearch's Full Text Search feels like a treasure hunt — exciting, surprising, and sometimes a little unpredictable. As we explored in episode #112, developers still consider it an experiment, so you need to approach it knowing it won't deliver perfection. Sometimes you'll discover exactly what you hoped for, other times you'll find the record hiding … Continue reading Unlocking Full Text Search

Family reunions are those special occasions that bring together generations, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds that span decades. Whether you're meeting cousins for the first time or reconnecting with relatives you haven't seen in years, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for family bonding, storytelling, and genealogical discovery. In Episode #111, we explore how to … Continue reading Family Reunions Done Right: How to Prep, Pack, and Participate Like a Pro

In our podcast Episode #110, we explore a side of family history that often gets packed away in boxes or forgotten in attics—the stories behind family heirlooms. That embroidered handkerchief, wedding ring, or chipped teacup from your great-grandmother's china set? Each holds a journey. This week, we uncork a bottle and dive into tracing, preserving, … Continue reading Heirloom Histories

Why Your Research Deserves Better Tools Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of ancestral paperwork? Or perhaps you've experienced that moment of panic when you can't remember which folder contains that vital record you found months ago? If so, you're not alone. On episode #108 of our podcast, "Beyond Paper Pedigrees," we … Continue reading Genealogy Software Decoded

Making sense of the census columns and codes Have you taken a deep dive into the census recently? Really looked at those columns and codes. If not, now is a wonderful time to revisit the census and see what added information you can glean about your ancestors. It's time to make sense of the census. … Continue reading Census and Sensibility

Uncovering Your Ancestors Stories Happy New Year! It's 2025 and we're kicking off another exciting year of genealogical discoveries. We have some powerful research strategies that might just help you break through those stubborn brick walls. In our latest podcast, episode #105, we delve into one of the most overlooked goldmines in genealogical research: non-population … Continue reading The Forgotten Schedules:

Practical Applications We Explored In our recent Genealogy Happy Hour podcast (Episode #104), we dove into an exciting topic that's generating a lot of buzz in the genealogy community: how artificial intelligence is transforming family history research. The Emerging Role of AI in Genealogy Gone are the days when family history research meant endless hours … Continue reading AI Meets Genealogy

Are you hitting a wall in your quest to uncover your family's history? Don't despair – the solution might be hiding in plain sight within the courthouse archive. While the prospect of sifting through mountains of legal documents might seem daunting, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor for any dedicated genealogist. It's time … Continue reading Courtroom Time Traveler

A conversation with Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective What is the story behind the photograph? How are these people related? When was it taken and where? These are questions we ask ourselves when we get our hands on an old photograph whether it is our own family or a photo we pick up along our … Continue reading The Story Behind the Photograph

Another episode of Genealogy Happy Hour has dropped. This is one of our favorites. A great story, a tech tool, and info on what we are up to in our research trip prep. Genealogy Happy Hour episode #95 playing wherever you listen to podcasts. In this episode, we have a mystery, which is all our … Continue reading What Happened to the Little Red-Headed Boy?