Step 11. Expand Your Genealogy Resources Using Social Media

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“I’m really good at genealogy research, but it’s hard to keep track of all my ancestors. It’s like they keep multiplying!”

As you continue to explore your family history, you may find that your traditional research methods have reached their limit. The digital age has made it so much easier for you to expand your family history resources and connect with other researchers. Social media has become an increasingly popular platform for connecting with others, and it can also be a valuable resource for genealogy research.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be particularly useful in this regard, allowing you to connect with others who share your interest in genealogy and family history. By joining genealogy groups on Facebook, following relevant Twitter accounts, and using hashtags to search for information, you can expand your family history resources and make new connections. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using social media for genealogy and provide some helpful websites and URLs to get you started.

Tips In Using Social Media

Some tips for expanding your family history resources and using social media to make new connections:

1. Join genealogy groups on Facebook and Twitter: There are numerous genealogy groups on Facebook and Twitter, where you can connect with other researchers and share tips, advice, and resources. Search for groups related to your research interests and join those that are most relevant to you. Some popular Facebook groups include Genealogy Tips and Tricks, Genealogy Research Help, and Genealogy Junkies. On Twitter, use hashtags such as #genealogy, #familyhistory, and #ancestry to find and connect with other researchers.
2. Create your own family history Facebook page or Twitter account: Consider creating a Facebook page or Twitter account dedicated to your family history research. This can be a great way to share your research with others, document your progress, and connect with relatives you may not have known existed. You can also use these pages to share family photos, stories, and other information that may be of interest to others.
3. Use social media to connect with relatives: Social media can be an excellent tool for connecting with relatives you may not have known existed. Search for family members on Facebook and Twitter, and reach out to them with a friendly message introducing yourself and your research. You may be surprised at the connections you can make.
4. Follow genealogy experts and organizations on social media: There are many genealogy experts and organizations that share valuable information and resources on social media. Follow these accounts to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in genealogy research.
5. Attend virtual genealogy events: Many genealogy events have moved online in recent years, making it easier than ever to participate from anywhere in the world. Check out virtual events on Facebook and Twitter, and attend those that are most relevant to your research interests. These events can be a great way to learn from experts, connect with other researchers, and discover new resources.

Expanding your family history resources and using social media to make new connections can be an excellent way to take your research to the next level. By joining genealogy groups, creating your own social media pages, connecting with relatives, following experts and organizations, and attending virtual events, you can expand your knowledge, connect with others, and discover new resources that can help you uncover your family history.

Benefits of Using Social Media for Genealogy

There are several benefits to using social media for genealogy research. Here are just a few:

1. Connect with other researchers: Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow you to connect with other genealogy researchers who may have information or resources that you do not. By joining genealogy groups and following relevant accounts, you can tap into a network of knowledgeable and passionate individuals who share your interests.

2. Share your research: Social media provides a platform for sharing your own research and findings. By posting your research on Facebook or Twitter, you may be able to connect with distant relatives who can provide additional information or photos.

3. Discover new resources: Genealogy groups on social media can be a treasure trove of resources. Members may post links to online databases, suggest new research strategies, or offer advice on overcoming research roadblocks.

Some helpful websites to get you started using social media for your genealogy research:

1. Facebook: Facebook is home to a vast network of genealogy groups, including groups specific to certain regions, ethnicities, and even specific surnames. To find genealogy groups on Facebook, simply type “genealogy” into the search bar and then click on “Groups” to narrow your search.

2. Twitter: Twitter is another great platform for connecting with other genealogy researchers. To find relevant accounts and hashtags, search for terms like “genealogy” or “family history” on Twitter.

3. Genealogy Wise: Genealogy Wise is a social network specifically for genealogy researchers. Members can create profiles, join groups, and connect with other researchers.

4. FamilyTreeCircles: FamilyTreeCircles is a social network for family history researchers. Members can create family trees, post research queries, and connect with other researchers.

Let’s say that you are researching your Irish ancestors and have hit a brick wall. You have exhausted traditional research methods and are looking for new resources. You decide to join a few genealogy groups on Facebook and start following some relevant accounts on Twitter. Through these groups and accounts, you connect with other researchers who share your interests and are able to provide new research strategies and resources. One member of a Facebook group even has a photo of your great-great-grandfather, which she shares with you. This photo provides a valuable piece of evidence and helps you to overcome your research roadblock. By expanding your family history resources through social media, you were able to connect with others and make new discoveries.

Other Social Media Platforms for Genealogy

In addition to Facebook and Twitter, there are several other social media platforms that you can use for genealogy research. Here are a few examples:

1. Instagram: Instagram is a popular photo and video-sharing app that can also be used for genealogy research. You can search for relevant hashtags, such as #genealogy or #familyhistory, and browse through photos and posts related to your research.
2. Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual bookmarking platform where users can create and share collections of images and links. You can use Pinterest to save and organize genealogy resources, such as research guides, maps, and photographs.
3. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be useful for connecting with other genealogy researchers and professionals. You can search for relevant groups and profiles, and connect with others who share your interests.
4. YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform that can be a great resource for genealogy tutorials, webinars, and documentaries. You can search for relevant channels and videos, and subscribe to channels for updates on new content.

By using a variety of social media platforms, you can expand your family history resources and connect with a wider network of researchers and enthusiasts. Just be sure to use caution and verify any information or sources you find, as social media can also be a source of misinformation.

In conclusion, social media has become an invaluable resource for genealogy research. By using platforms like Facebook and Twitter, you can connect with other researchers, share your own research, and discover new resources and strategies for overcoming research roadblocks. Other platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube can also be useful tools for expanding your family history research. However, it is important to use caution and verify any information or sources you find, as social media can also be a source of misinformation. Overall, by incorporating social media into your genealogy research, you can open up new avenues of exploration and connect with a wider community of researchers and enthusiasts.

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that this blog series has been beneficial to you in learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

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