 A practical city directory genealogy research checklist to help track families between census years City Directory Research Checklist: Tracking Families Between Censuses City directories are one of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, resources for filling gaps between census years. Published annually or every few years, they offer detailed snapshots of where people lived, what jobs they held, who lived in their households, and how neighborhoods changed. When used strategically, city directories can help genealogists trace movement, identify relationships, pinpoint life events, and uncover clues not found in more familiar records. This City Directory Research Checklist provides a structured, easy-to-follow guide for analyzing directories, extracting every possible detail, and using them to strengthen your research. City Directory Research Checklist 1. Start With a Broad Overview
2. Extract Core Details
3. Track Movement Year by Year
4. Analyze the Household
5. Search Surrounding Entries
6. Look Beyond Residential Listings
7. Use Reverse Directories for Advanced Research (Available in many early 20th-century directories)
8. Compare Directories with Other Records
9. Troubleshooting Directory Challenges
10. Document Your Findings
Putting It All Together City directories provide valuable, year-by-year insight into your ancestors’ lives between census years. With careful analysis, you can identify moves, family changes, employment shifts, and even community connections that point to new research paths. Whether you're breaking down a brick wall, tracing a migration pattern, or simply building a much more detailed picture of an ancestor’s daily life, directories provide vital clues that help link together the missing pieces. More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Genealogy Research TipsGet more genealogy research tips, under the Genealogy Research Tips category.
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 Vital Records in Genealogy: Digging Deeper Beyond Names and Dates Vital Records: Digging Deeper When most genealogists think of vital records—birth, marriage, and death certificates—we tend to focus on the basics. A name, a date, and perhaps a place are often all that researchers record before moving on. Yet, vital records hold so much more than just the bare facts. When analyzed with a professional eye, these documents can reveal family connections, cultural practices, and even subtle clues that open new research paths. Look Closely at the Informant On death certificates especially, the “informant” can be a key to family relationships. Was the informant a spouse, a child, a sibling, or even a neighbor? If the informant’s name is unfamiliar, it’s worth pausing. That person may represent a previously unknown branch of the family—or they may help you separate individuals with the same name. Keep in mind that informants may have provided incorrect or incomplete details, particularly when under stress, so compare what they reported with other sources. Example: If a death certificate lists the informant as “Mrs. John Smith,” and you don’t recognize her name, she may be a daughter-in-law. This clue can help you identify a married child and lead you to a new family line. Marriage Banns and Licenses: Two Sides of the Same Story In some traditions and jurisdictions, marriage banns were announced in church before a wedding, while marriage licenses were issued by civil authorities. These records often appear together, but each serves a different purpose and may contain unique information.
Late-Filed Birth Certificates: Hidden Layers of Evidence Many researchers treat birth certificates as straightforward records—but late-filed births complicate the picture. These were often created decades after the fact, usually for legal reasons (such as applying for Social Security, pensions, or passports). Because the person had to prove their birth, the certificate may reference supporting documents: baptismal records, school registers, Bible entries, or affidavits from relatives. When you encounter a late-filed birth certificate, don’t stop at the date and location. Examine what evidence was used to support the claim. Those references can point you directly to additional records that might otherwise be overlooked. Beyond the Basics: Putting It All Together Vital records are foundational to genealogical research, but they shouldn’t be treated as static, one-dimensional documents. Instead, use them as stepping stones:
More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
3/29/2026 Bringing Ancestors to Life (Again): Testing NotebookLM’s New Cinematic Video Overview FeatureRead Now Explore how NotebookLM’s Cinematic Video Overview is transforming genealogy storytelling into a visual experience When Google continues to roll out new features in NotebookLM, I pay attention—especially when those features have the potential to change how we tell family stories. Earlier this month (March 4), NotebookLM introduced a brand-new option within its Video Overviews: Cinematic Video Overview. Initially available only to Ultra users, it has now expanded to Pro users as well—which means I was able to put it to the test. And of course… I did. What Is the Cinematic Video Overview? NLM Video Overview Option to ↓  NLM Cinematic Video Overview Option The Cinematic Video Overview takes the standard NotebookLM video output and elevates it into something more immersive and visually engaging. Instead of a simple narrated summary, this feature:
In short: it’s designed to tell a story, not just summarize information. My First Tests (Client Work & Personal Research)I didn’t waste any time testing this out. ✔️ Client Projects My first tests were actually on client cases—and the reaction was immediate: 👉 They loved it. The earlier versions I generated felt:
Personal Test: My 2nd Great-GrandfatherNaturally, I had to test it on one of my own notebooks—one I had already built around my 2nd great-grandfather and his family. Here’s where things got… interesting. What Worked Well:
👉 AI is only as good as how it interprets the data—and sometimes it makes unexpected (or incomplete) choices. Time Investment: Not InstantOne thing to be aware of:
Instead, it feels more like: ➡️ A “set it and come back later” feature ➡️ Something you use when you want a polished storytelling output, not a quick answer First Impressions: Exciting… But EvolvingAfter multiple tests, here’s my honest take: 👍 The Pros
Genealogist Takeaway: This Is a Storytelling Tool—Not a Research ToolThis is important. The Cinematic Video Overview is not:
📄 Your research report 🎬 A shareable family story Ideas for Using This in GenealogyHere are a few practical ways you might use it:
Final ThoughtsIs it perfect? No. Is it worth experimenting with? Absolutely. What stood out to me most is this: 👉 We are moving into a space where genealogy is no longer just documented—it’s experienced. And while this feature is still evolving (and clearly changing even within weeks), it’s a glimpse into where things are heading. I’d Love to Hear From YouHave you tried the Cinematic Video Overview yet?
More AI and GenealogyLearn about more AI in Genealogy updates, tips, and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the AI in Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
3/22/2026 When “Cringe-Worthy” Sources Become Gold: Using Early Family Histories the Right WayRead Now Using early genealogy sources like family histories and cemetery records to uncover hidden clues If you’ve been doing genealogy for any length of time, you’ve probably had the same reaction I often do: Family histories make you cringe. And honestly? For good reason. They’re often filled with:
Yes--on purpose. The Reality of Early American ResearchWhen you’re working with families who:
The records thin out, scatter, or don’t exist in the way we wish they did. This is where many genealogists hit a wall. But it’s also where strategy matters most. Why I’m Using Family Histories (Carefully)In this case, I’m working with:
But here’s the key: 👉 I am not using them as evidence. 👉 I am using them as leads. Turning “Bad Sources” Into Good ResearchFamily histories—especially older ones—can still be incredibly valuable when used correctly.Here’s how I approach them: 1. Look for Patterns, Not Proof If multiple independent histories mention:
2. Extract Clues Others Missed Even inaccurate histories often include:
3. Follow the Geography In this case, the migration path itself tells a story:
4. Rebuild the Evidence from Scratch Once a clue is found in a compiled source, I:
👉 It doesn’t make it into the final conclusion. The Tools Making This PossibleThis case has been a great reminder of how powerful a layered approach can be. Some of the most useful resources I’ve been using include:
A Quick Reality CheckIt’s easy to say: “I don’t use family histories—they’re unreliable.” But the truth is more nuanced. In early American research, especially in the 1700s and early 1800s: Sometimes they’re one of the only starting points we have. The difference isn’t whether you use them… 👉 It’s how you use them. Final ThoughtSome of the most solid, well-supported conclusions I’ve built started with sources I didn’t trust at all. Not because the sources were good-- …but because the methodology was. If you’re working in early New England or early New York research and feel stuck, try this: 👉 Don’t ignore those old family histories. 👉 Just don’t believe them either. Use them as a map—not the destination. More Genealogy RecordsLearn about more genealogy records and resources, under the Genealogy Records category and the Genealogy Resources category, along with on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Testing MyHeritage’s Scribe AI tool on challenging historical genealogy records. When MyHeritage introduced Scribe AI at RootsTech 2026, it promised something genealogists have long hoped for: an AI tool capable of analyzing historical images, transcribing difficult handwriting, interpreting gravestones, and even providing insights about old family photographs. Naturally, I wanted to see how well it actually performs in real genealogy research. So instead of testing it on a few easy examples, I deliberately ran Scribe AI through a series of challenging records, including Hebrew gravestones, faded and water damaged German Bible entries, messy Spanish handwriting, a blurry newspaper screenshot, an 1848 probate letter, historical photographs, and even a degraded German parish marriage record preserved only as an old photocopy. The results were surprisingly impressive. Scribe AI is designed to analyze several types of historical images, including:
One thing that quickly became clear during my testing is that Scribe AI is not simply a transcription tool. In addition to transcribing text, the system also analyzes the image itself and provides genealogically useful insights based on the type of record being uploaded. In many cases, these insights were just as valuable as the transcription itself. The tool automatically identifies key information, historical context, and research suggestions without requiring any prompting. This is particularly useful for genealogists because the output often highlights details that might otherwise be overlooked during a quick review of a document or image. Rather than testing only one or two examples, I selected records that would challenge the system in different ways. For each example below, I am showing the Scribe AI output generated by the tool. Test 1: Jewish HeadstoneThe first test involved a Jewish headstone from a current client case. Jewish gravestones often contain valuable genealogical information such as Hebrew names, patronymics (the name of the father), and traditional Hebrew phrases or abbreviations. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 1-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a Jewish headstone
Result Scribe AI successfully transcribed the Hebrew inscription and identified the structure of the information on the stone. For genealogists researching Jewish ancestry, tools like this could be especially helpful when Hebrew inscriptions contain details not found in civil records. Test 2: Blurry Jewish HeadstoneNext, I intentionally uploaded a blurry image of a Jewish headstone to test how well the system could handle poor image quality. In real genealogy research, gravestone photos are often taken under less-than-ideal conditions and may be slightly out of focus. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 2-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a blurry Jewish headstone
Result Even with the reduced image clarity, Scribe AI still produced a usable transcription of the inscription. This was an encouraging result, since many genealogy images are not perfectly photographed. Test 3: German Family Bible EntryFor the next test, I uploaded very old handwritten German entries from my 3rd great-grandfather’s family Bible. The writing was extremely challenging to read due to faded ink, messy handwriting, and water damage. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 3-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a damaged German bible entry
Result Scribe AI produced a strong attempt at transcribing the text. While a few names (there were 3 pages, in which only one is shown) were incorrect, the system clearly identified portions that were illegible rather than attempting to guess. This is actually a positive feature, since it prevents researchers from relying on potentially incorrect interpretations. Test 4: Spanish Handwriting on a Dark PhotocopyAnother test involved a document written in old Spanish handwriting, preserved only as a very dark photocopy from the 1960s. The background of the image is extremely dark, making it difficult to read even with the naked eye. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 4-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing Spanish handwriting on a dark photocopy
Result Despite the poor image quality, the transcription generated by Scribe AI was remarkably accurate and readable. Test 5: 1848 Probate LetterI also tested Scribe AI with an 1848 handwritten probate letter from one of my client cases. Older legal documents are often written in cursive styles that modern transcription tools struggle to interpret. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 5-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing an 1848 probate record
Result Scribe AI handled the handwriting extremely well and produced a clear transcription of the document. Test 6: Blurry Newspaper ScreenshotFor another test, I intentionally uploaded a blurry phone screenshot of a newspaper article, from another client case, to see how the system handled degraded newspaper print. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 6-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a blurry newspaper screenshot
Result Despite the lower image quality, the transcription was essentially flawless. Test 7: Benchmark Death CertificateOne document I frequently use to evaluate transcription tools is my 2nd great-grandfather’s death certificate. This record contains a mixture of printed fields, handwritten entries, and medical terminology, which makes it a good test for transcription accuracy. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 7-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a benchmark death certificate
Result Scribe AI produced the most accurate transcription I have seen so far for this document. The only differences were the registrar’s middle initial and the word duplex in the cause of death, which was interpreted as a variation of “double.” Everything else was transcribed correctly. Test 8: Historical Family PhotographScribe AI also analyzes historical photographs, generating contextual insights about the image. I tested this feature using a photo of my 2nd great-grandmother with several of her daughters, including my great-grandmother. Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 8-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a historical family photograph
Result The system generated a detailed description of the photograph and provided contextual insights about the scene and the individuals pictured. This feature could be especially helpful when analyzing unidentified or poorly documented family photos. Test 9: German Parish Marriage RecordThe most impressive result came from a German parish marriage record for my 4th great-grandparents. The image I uploaded was a very poor photocopy from the early 1980s that my father received after hiring a German researcher to extract records directly from parish registers. The page itself presents several challenges:
Scribe AI Output *Click to view  Example 9-1: MyHeritage’s Scribe AI analyzing a German parish marriage record
Result Scribe AI transcribed nearly the entire entry correctly. The only notable differences were in my ancestor’s surname being incorrect and interpreting his father’s occupation as master mason instead of master cartwright. Considering the poor image quality and age of the record, the accuracy was impressive. Beyond Transcription: Genealogical InsightsOne of the most impressive aspects of Scribe AI is that the results go well beyond simple transcription. Depending on the type of image uploaded, the system generates different categories of analysis designed specifically for genealogical research. During my tests, the outputs included several types of insights. Gravestones For gravestone images, Scribe AI generated sections such as:
Foreign Language Documents For records written in another language, Scribe AI produced:
Documents in the User’s Language For documents written in the user interface language, the output still included:
Newspapers When analyzing newspaper articles, the system also provided:
Historical Photographs When analyzing family photographs, Scribe AI generated insights including:
Final ThoughtsAfter running Scribe AI through a wide range of real genealogical records, I came away genuinely impressed. What makes this tool particularly interesting is that it goes well beyond simple transcription. In addition to extracting text, Scribe AI analyzes the record itself and provides contextual insights, historical background, and research suggestions that are directly relevant to genealogical research. During my tests, it handled a wide variety of challenging genealogical materials including:
Of course, as with any AI tool, the results should always be reviewed carefully and verified against the original record. AI should assist genealogical research — not replace careful analysis. However, as a research assistant for extracting information and identifying clues within historical records, Scribe AI shows a great deal of promise. I will certainly continue testing it as I encounter new records in my research. For a limited time, you can try MyHeritage's Scribe AI for free. What Do You Think?AI tools are evolving rapidly in genealogy research, and Scribe AI is one of the newest tools designed specifically to help analyze historical records and images. Have you tried MyHeritage’s Scribe AI yet? If so, what types of records did you test it with? Did you find the results accurate? I would love to hear how it performs with other types of historical documents. More AI Tips, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tips, tools, features, and resources under the AI in Genealogy category. More MyHeritage and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 RootsTech 2026 wrap-up highlighting keynote speakers, genealogy innovations, and major announcements from the world’s largest family history conference RootsTech 2026: World’s Largest Family History Event Wrap-up If you don’t know what RootsTech is, it’s the largest family history and genealogy event in the world—celebrating family, connection, and discovery! RootsTech has certainly done it again! That was another fantastic, fun-filled three days. Somehow, they manage to top themselves every year. The RootsTech 2026 event, hosted by FamilySearch, has officially come to an end—but the learning certainly hasn’t. One of the best parts of RootsTech is that the experience continues even after the event. Most of the sessions, keynotes, and Expo Hall content remain available online, and you can revisit the sessions you saved to your playlist for up to three years. So, if you didn’t get to everything during the conference (and let’s be honest—no one ever does!), you still have plenty of time to explore more of the hundreds of sessions available. RootsTech: The Event of the Year, Once Again RootsTech began in 2011 as an in-person genealogy conference in Salt Lake City. Over the years, it has evolved into a truly global event. When the conference went virtual during the pandemic, participation exploded, bringing millions of attendees from around the world together to celebrate family history. Today, RootsTech continues as a hybrid event, combining the excitement of the in-person conference in Salt Lake City with an online experience that allows people from around the world to participate. And once again this year, it did not disappoint. My RootsTech 2026 FavesI attended virtually again this year, which meant I missed a few in-person-only sessions and events, such as MyHeritage’s featured session and connecting with some groups I belong to in person. But even so, I had an amazing experience! I absolutely loved everything about RootsTech—from the keynote speakers, the sessions, and the new theme song “Where You Belong”, to the Relatives at RootsTech feature, the Expo Hall, and the lively chat discussions happening throughout the event. Keynote Speakers All of the keynote speakers were fantastic this year, but a few stood out as my absolute favorites: Marlee Matlin The Academy Award-winning actress and author delivered a powerful and emotional message about inclusion and accessibility in family history. Her words were incredibly moving, emphasizing that representation of our ancestors is powerful—but true inclusion goes beyond that. I’ll admit, I even got a little emotional during her talk. José Hernández The Mexican-American engineer and NASA astronaut shared a powerful and inspiring story about perseverance, family, and dreams. His message about how family stays with you throughout life and shapes who you become was incredibly meaningful. Tara Roberts National Geographic explorer, author, and historian Tara Roberts shared her extraordinary work documenting slave ship wrecks and reconnecting descendants with their ancestral past. Her message about connection—to our ancestors, our communities, and our future selves—was deeply inspiring. The Emcees and General Sessions As always, Kirby Heyborne was a fantastic emcee, bringing energy and humor throughout the event. One of my favorite moments was during the final general session when he learned a simple Irish dancing shuffle live on stage! The final session also included a special performance by the Gardner Brothers, along with a beautiful live performance of the RootsTech theme song in dual languages. Other Favorites Some of my favorite parts of the conference each year are the:
One thing I did miss this year, that they didn’t have, was the Impact Forum, which has been one of my favorite parts of the conference in previous years. Those sessions are always incredibly powerful and meaningful. My Favorite Classes I attended quite a few classes during the three-day conference, and there were some truly excellent speakers and topics this year. Some of my favorite speakers and their topics for being very well organized, clear, concise, thorough, and excellent included: Angela Packer McGhie “The GPS in Practice: Examples of Reasonably Exhaustive Research” Kate Townsend “Planning and Organizing Research Findings for Tough Problems” Dana Palmer “Wanted! Seeking the Identity of Unknown Parents” Katherine Schober “The German Records You May Be Missing” Daniel Horowitz “Genealogy, Upgraded: AI and Smart Tools on MyHeritage” My #1 Favorite Session My absolute favorite class of the entire conference was: Kelley Conner Lear “Question Everything: Sharpen Evaluation, Avoid Assumptions, and Clarify Your Writing” This was not only a fantastic presentation—it was one of the best sessions on the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) that I’ve ever seen. GPS presentations can sometimes feel a bit dry, but this one was anything but. The slides were excellent, the presentation was engaging, and the approach to evaluating evidence was incredibly clear and practical. Honestly, her process deserves to be turned into a book—something like “The Simplified GPS.” RootsTech 2026 at a Glance Attendees Participation continues to grow year after year as the global genealogy community expands. Last year they had millions of participants from 235 countries and all 50 states join in person and online, much more than the year before, and I’m sure there were many more this year! Main Stage Highlights
Expo Hall The Expo Hall once again featured many of the biggest names in genealogy and family history technology, including:
Relatives at RootsTech 2026 The Relatives at RootsTech feature is always one of the most fun and unique parts of the event. This year, out of 372,999 participants, I had: 21,897 relatives at RootsTech! It’s always fascinating to see how many distant cousins are attending the event from around the world.  New 2026 Innovations and Tech I Learned About One of the most exciting parts of RootsTech, and what I look forward to the most, each year is learning about the latest innovations and technology shaping the future of genealogy. Here are some of the highlights from this year. FamilySearch FamilySearch continues to push forward with new tools and AI features. Some of the most exciting updates included:
Connect My Variant This innovative nonprofit focuses on connecting relatives who share genetic variants linked to hereditary diseases. Features include:
Goldie May Goldie May introduced a new AI Assistant designed specifically for genealogists. Its capabilities include:
Storied Storied continues to expand its storytelling capabilities. New features include:
Ancestry Ancestry announced several new AI-powered features, including:
FamilyTreeDNA FamilyTreeDNA introduced a new Family Finder test using full genome sequencing, offering deeper insights into ancestry and genetics. LifeWeaver LifeWeaver is a new platform designed to organize digital memories. It can weave together:
MyHeritage MyHeritage introduced several new tools as well:
A Few Final ThoughtsAs always, there was far more content than anyone could possibly experience in just three days. Fortunately, the playlist feature allows you to save sessions and organize them into custom playlists to watch later. Some helpful reminders:
See You at RootsTech 2027!RootsTech will return March 4–6, 2027, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. If you missed this year’s conference, it’s not too late to sign up and start watching sessions online for free. Discover Your Story—TogetherDon’t forget that family history isn’t just about discovering names and dates—it’s about connection. Genealogy brings us together with the people who came before us, the relatives we share today, and even those we have yet to meet. Every story we uncover adds another piece to a much larger picture that spans generations. Take time to explore your family’s past and the stories that shaped your life. Connect with relatives, near and distant. Preserve the memories, traditions, and experiences that define your family. Share what you discover so future generations can learn from those who came before them. Because family history is not something we discover alone. It is something we discover together. If you attended RootsTech this year, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. How many Relatives at RootsTech did you have? What were your favorite sessions? Did you find any new tools or features you’re excited to try? Past Rootstech Event HighlightsSee what the past RootsTech highlights were and learn about past and upcoming events under the Genealogy Events category.
 Ancestry adds “Add Range” year search option for better genealogy results and research accuracy While working on a recent client case, I noticed something new in Ancestry’s search function — a small feature that has been long overdue. You can now click “Add Range” next to any year field and instantly convert it into a start and end year range. Yes. Finally. For those of us who work in genealogy every single day, this is not just a cosmetic update. It solves a very real, very common research frustration. What’s New? When entering a year for:
Click it, and the single year transforms into:
No more having to rely solely on:
It’s clean. It’s simple. It’s practical.
Why This Matters (More Than It Seems) As professional genealogists, we rarely work with perfect years. We work with:
That’s a significant improvement. FamilySearch Has Had This for Years Let’s be honest — FamilySearch has allowed clear year ranges for as long as many of us can remember (at least since I began researching in 2010). Ancestry’s flexibility has often relied more on interpretation than researcher control. This update shifts that balance slightly back into the researcher’s hands. And that’s always a good thing. Real-World Example In the client case I was working on, I needed to search for an event that occurred sometime between:
Instead of running five separate searches or adjusting the +/- tolerance repeatedly, I could simply enter: Start Year: 1847 End Year: 1852 Done. Cleaner results. Less friction. More efficiency. Small Feature. Big Win. Is this groundbreaking? No. Is it necessary? Absolutely. Sometimes the most valuable updates in genealogy research tools aren’t flashy AI rollouts or beta experiments. Sometimes it’s simply giving researchers better control over how we search. And this one? Long overdue. Have you noticed this new addition yet? Have you tested it on a difficult case? I’d love to hear how you’re using it. More Ancestry Updates and FeaturesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
2/21/2026 Genealogy Book Spotlight: Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch by Dana Ann PalmerRead Now Book Spotlight: Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch — A helpful resource for getting the most out of FamilySearch’s free genealogy tools As genealogists, we all know that FamilySearch can be both a gift and a challenge. With more than 20 billion records and billions more added regularly, FamilySearch remains one of the most powerful (and completely free) tools available to researchers. But power without direction can quickly become overwhelming — especially for beginners, and even for experienced researchers who may think they’re not using the site to its full potential. Recently, I received a copy of Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch by Dana Ann Palmer, published by Genealogical Publishing Company. Dana is well known in the genealogy education community, having taught for decades and presented at major conferences including RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society conference. Her background gives clue that this is a guide grounded in extensive hands-on experience.  Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch What This Book Covers The book walks readers through:
It is organized topically and is structured in a practical, step-by-step format — something many genealogists appreciate when learning (or re-learning) a complex platform. Why a Guide Like This Matters FamilySearch is constantly evolving. New collections are added. Search tools are refined. Collaborations expand access. Features change. Even seasoned researchers sometimes fall into the habit of using only a small portion of what’s available — maybe even sticking to the main search box and overlooking:
A focused guide that consolidates these tools into one organized resource can be especially useful for:
A Note on Audience This book appears to be well-suited for:
Because FamilySearch is free, learning to use it efficiently is one of the highest-return investments of time a genealogist can make. Final Thoughts While many of us have been using FamilySearch for years, there is always more to uncover — especially as the platform continues to expand. A dedicated, methodical guide written by an experienced educator like Dana Ann Palmer offers a way to strengthen your research approach and possibly discover collections or techniques you may have overlooked all in one place. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of FamilySearch or to build a more intentional research workflow on the platform, Ultimate Guide to Mastering FamilySearch may be worth exploring. Have you used FamilySearch in ways that surprised you? Are there tools you discovered later in your research journey that changed everything? I’d love to hear about it. More Genealogy ResourcesFind more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
2/15/2026 From Research Report to Legacy Book: Giving Family History to a Teenager (Without Making It Boring)Read Now Turning professional genealogical research into a meaningful legacy book for a graduation gift Most genealogists know the feeling. Hand a fully sourced, carefully written research report to someone in their 60s or 70s, and they may read every page. They’ve reached a stage of life where identity, legacy, and connection to the past feel deeply personal. Hand that same report to a 17-year-old about to graduate high school… and it may never be opened. So what happens when family history is meant to be a graduation gift? That was the question behind a recent Legacy Book project I completed for a godmother who wanted to give her goddaughter something meaningful for graduation — something lasting. Not a gift card. Not a piece of jewelry. But her story. And that required a very different approach. The Reality of Audience There is nothing wrong with a formal genealogical report. In fact, I firmly believe in them. They document the work. They preserve the evidence. They protect professional standards. But a 75-page report full of citations, research logs, and formal analysis is not the same thing as a legacy gift — especially for someone just stepping into adulthood. Younger generations are not necessarily less interested in family history. They are simply at a different stage of identity formation. They are building careers, friendships, and independence. They are not usually searching for ancestral closure. If we want them to engage, we have to meet them where they are. That means shifting from documentation to storytelling. Professional Standards vs. Presentation Within the genealogical community, there is often an expectation that professional work must include a formal report with full citations, analysis, and documentation — and I agree with that standard. For this project, I completed all of that. There is a fully documented research report. There are source citations. There are timelines and supporting materials. But that documentation was not the presentation layer. The gift book was not the research report. It was the story built from the research. There is a difference. One documents. The other resonates. Both matter. What I Included (and What I Didn’t) The Legacy Book included:
The documentation exists — it just doesn’t interrupt the story. A teenager does not need to read footnotes to understand that her ancestors were resilient, determined, and strong. She needs to feel it. Using AI as a Writing Assistant This project also reflected something I’ve been exploring more intentionally in my work: the use of AI as a structuring tool. I used ChatGPT to help:
AI did not conduct the research. It did not interpret the records. It did not draw conclusions. It helped structure and polish storytelling based on research I had already completed and verified. Used responsibly, AI is not a replacement for professional genealogical work. It is a drafting assistant — much like an editor, style guide, or writing tool. And in a project like this, where tone and engagement really matter, it proved useful. Why This Matters If we only prepare family history for those already deeply interested in it, we risk waiting until stories are nearly gone. What if we introduced legacy earlier? At graduation. At marriage. At major life transitions. What if family history became something that accompanied identity formation instead of something pursued only in retirement? This project reminded me that genealogy is not just about preserving the past. It is about placing that past gently into the hands of the future. And sometimes, the most professional thing we can do is tell the story in a way that invites someone in — rather than overwhelms them. A Personal Reflection This book will likely mean different things at different stages of her life. At 17, she may appreciate the strength and determination. At 27, she may notice the sacrifices. At 37, she may see herself reflected in the generations before her. That is the beauty of legacy work. Research preserves facts. Storytelling carries them forward. And when done thoughtfully, you can uphold professional standards while still creating something that feels personal, accessible, and deeply human. Because in the end, genealogy is not just about the past. It’s about belonging. Some Examples from the Legacy BookMore Publishing Your Family HistoryLearn about more ways to publish your family history and genealogy under the Publishing Your Family History category.
 Ancestry’s New AI Research Ideas Tool: A Genealogist’s First Look Artificial intelligence continues to make its way into everyday genealogy workflows, and Ancestry has quietly rolled out a new BETA feature for research called Ideas. Designed to surface “research opportunities” directly within an ancestor profile, this tool aims to help users identify next steps—and explain why those steps matter. I spent two days testing the Research Ideas feature using well-documented ancestors already in my tree. Below is a look at what the tool does well, where it still struggles (as expected in beta), and who will benefit most right now. What Is the Ancestry “Research Ideas” Tool? Essentially, Research Ideas is an AI-powered suggestion engine. For a selected ancestor, it generates a list of potential research tasks—called Ideas—each paired with:
Day 1 Test: How It Performed with a Well-Researched Ancestor Example 1: 2nd Great-Grandfather – Samuel “Sam” Steinman On the first day, the tool generated several Ideas focused on classic record types:
However, in this case:
Notable hiccup (Day 1): Every Action Plan—regardless of topic—began with the same introductory sentence referencing missing marriage records. This appears to be a simple beta-level glitch, not a conceptual flaw.  Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 1
Example 2: Great-Grandmother – Estefana Gutierres Testing the tool on a Mexican-American ancestor produced Ideas focused on:
In practice, however:
 Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 2
Day 2 Test: Different Results, New Layer of Context On Day 2, the Research Ideas for the same ancestor changed noticeably. This time, each Idea included a research level (Beginner or Intermediate), which is a promising addition. Examples included:
Still, the Action Plans remained strong, offering sensible, well-structured guidance that many users would find reassuring and easy to follow.  Ancestry AI Research Ideas- Example 3
Where This Tool Truly Shines Despite the limitations revealed by testing advanced cases, this feature definitely has some clear strengths:
Important Considerations Going Forward As with any AI-assisted genealogy feature, a few thoughtful questions naturally arise:
Final Thoughts The Ancestry Research Ideas tool is very promising. While it currently leans toward generalized guidance and beginner-level methodology, that is not a weakness; it simply defines its current audience. As a BETA feature, it shows clear potential:
Use it as a guide, not a replacement, for critical thinking, analysis, and sound methodology. I’ll be keeping an eye on how this feature evolves, because with continued development, it has the potential to become a really helpful starting point for many family history journeys. More AI Tips, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more AI in Genealogy tips, tools, features, and resources under the AI in Genealogy category. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
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