Do you find it difficult to begin writing your family's history? If so, watch this new series on the Write Your Family History YouTube Channel. Watching the drafting process step-by-step will help you overcome writer's block. Each month, one viewer's submission to the Family History Writing Challenge will be selected and I'll transform their genealogical document into a rough draft, in under two hours. The resulting story will be available on the blog (grammatical errors and all) and the process video will be available below. June's Submission June Butka submitted the following obituary and ch ..read more

Have you ever wondered what family history is all about? It's a question that often arises among newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The concept of family history may seem daunting initially, but fear not! This article will break it down into bite-sized pieces and show you how easy and fulfilling it can be to delve into your ancestors' stories. Defining What is Family History Family history can be summed up in two words: family and stories. It's about discovering and preserving the tales and experiences of your relatives, creating a library of stories regarding your lineage. It's like un ..read more

Are you curious about the stories and secrets hidden within the branches of your family tree? Do you yearn to uncover the forces that shaped your ancestors' lives? Getting started on a genealogy research journey can give you a captivating window into your family's history. In today's digital age, abundant resources await, ready to assist you in tracing your roots. However, with so much information available, knowing where to start is essential. Let's dive into the world of genealogy research and learn how to begin your captivating journey of self-discovery. Starting with What You Have: A Treas ..read more

Regarding genealogy research, there are often myths and misconceptions surrounding archives. These preconceived notions can limit our understanding of the valuable resources available. This article will debunk popular myths about archives, shedding light on the captivating world of non-documentary materials. Get ready to challenge these misconceptions and discover the hidden treasures that await within archives for genealogy research. Myth #1: Archives are nothing but dusty boxes of old documents. Debunking Myth #1: Archives hold a wealth of diverse materials beyond documents. While the image ..read more

Genealogy research can present challenges, especially when vital records housed in courthouses have been destroyed due to fire or other unfortunate circumstances. Many researchers feel disheartened and give up on their quest to uncover their ancestors' stories. However, there's no need to despair! In this article, we'll explore alternative sources and methods to help you find the information you need to trace your family history, even in burned counties. Exploring Alternative Record Sources When faced with the loss of vital records, it's crucial to turn to alternative sources. Consider the fol ..read more

Are you tempted to portray your ancestors as glamorous, heroic, or flawless when sharing your family history? Do you shy away from stories that reveal their vulnerabilities, struggles, or flaws? In this insightful interview, we explore the common mistake of only telling happy stories and the importance of authenticity in writing family history. In a fascinating conversation with Laura Hedgecock, author of "Memories of Me: A Complete Guide to Telling and Sharing the Stories of Your Life," we delve into the value of embracing the full spectrum of human experiences in our narratives. The Pitfall ..read more

Exploring the rich history of our ancestors' lives and experiences offers an enlightening and empowering glimpse into the past. While we may not be connected to famous figures or renowned lineage, our family history holds invaluable stories waiting to be unveiled. From professors to breadmen and even the occasional drunk, our ancestors' diverse experiences contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the past. While writing family history, you'll understand the meaning of love, sacrifice, and the urgency to combat the flawed interpretations of the modern world. The Significance of Diverse Ex ..read more

Writing family history stories is a wonderful way to preserve and share your heritage. However, when editing those stories, it's common to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin. In a recent conversation with Brenda Hudson from VoicedLife, a specialist in helping families capture their stories, we explored a gentler approach to editing family narratives. In this article, we'll delve into the technique known as reflection and discuss the importance of content development in refining your writing. Get ready to discover a more encouraging way to perfect your family history stories. The Tech ..read more

Are you a passionate family history enthusiast like me? Then you will adore this simple yet powerful feature in FamilySearch Family Tree: tagging sources to specific information. Even though I spend a lot of time on FamilySearch, I recently discovered a new feature while helping someone at the local FamilySearch Center. This experience reminded me that it's impossible to catch everything released. What is Tagging Sources? If you’ve watched this channel for a while, you may know that I use genealogy software to attach sources to specific events that those records document. For instance, if a ma ..read more

If genealogists could take a page from the boy band One Direction's hit song "What Makes You Beautiful," perhaps we'd write better family stories. Imagine capturing the essence of your ancestors and their extraordinary lives. At times, we tend to focus solely on capturing happy memories when recounting family stories. However, in a thought-provoking blog post by Laura Hedgecock from Treasure Chest of Memories, she highlights the mistake of writing exclusively about joyous moments. To delve deeper into this subject, check out the post: AVOID This Writing Mistake - Telling Only Happy Family Stor ..read more