‘Step 12 – Read Genealogy Articles’

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

“How do you make a genealogist angry?
Hide their family tree.”

This is the 12th post of Discovering Your Past blog series and we are half way through the series. In this article, we’ll be discussing ‘Step 12’ in researching your family tree: reading genealogy articles.

In the world of genealogy, there are countless resources available to help you trace your family tree. Genealogy articles are one such resource, and they can be a valuable tool in your research. Here are some reasons why you should read genealogy articles as part of your family history research:

1. Learn about new resources: Genealogy articles often introduce readers to new resources, such as archives, databases, or specialized genealogy websites.
2. Stay up-to-date: The world of genealogy is constantly evolving, with new records becoming available and new research techniques emerging. By reading genealogy articles, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
3. Get inspiration: Genealogy articles can inspire you to explore new avenues of research or to try different research techniques. You might read about a breakthrough someone had in their research and decide to try the same approach in your own research.
4. Learn from others: Genealogy articles often include case studies or personal stories about other researchers’ experiences. By reading these stories, you can learn from their successes and failures and apply those lessons to your own research.
5. Connect with others: Many genealogy articles include information about genealogy societies or online communities. By joining these groups, you can connect with others who share your interest in genealogy and get support and advice as you research your family tree.

So where can you find genealogy articles? Here are a few places to start:

1. Genealogy magazines: There are many genealogy magazines available, both in print and online. Some popular examples include Family Tree Magazine, Genealogy Today, and Ancestry Magazine.
2. Genealogy blogs: There are countless genealogy blogs out there, covering a wide range of topics. Some popular ones include The Genealogy Guys, The Legal Genealogist, and Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter.
3. Genealogy societies: Many genealogy societies publish newsletters or magazines that are available to members. Joining a society can be a great way to access these resources and connect with other genealogists.
4. Online genealogy communities: There are many online communities dedicated to genealogy, such as RootsWeb, Ancestry.com, and Geni. These communities often include forums where you can connect with other researchers and ask for advice or support.

10 Tips for Step 12 – Reading Genealogy Articles

Reading genealogy articles can be a valuable tool in your family history research. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this step:

1. Focus on articles relevant to your research: There is an overwhelming amount of genealogy articles available online, so it’s important to narrow your search to articles that are relevant to your research.
2. Take notes: As you read genealogy articles, take notes on any new resources or techniques that you want to try in your own research.
3. Save articles for future reference: Save articles that you find particularly useful for future reference. You can bookmark them in your web browser or save them to a folder on your computer.
4. Consider the source: When reading genealogy articles, consider the source. Make sure that the article is written by a reputable genealogist or organization.
5. Look for case studies: Articles that include case studies or personal stories can be particularly helpful, as they provide insights into the research process.
6. Join online communities: Many genealogy articles include information about online communities or genealogy societies. Joining these groups can provide additional support and resources for your research.
7. Subscribe to genealogy magazines: Consider subscribing to a genealogy magazine, which can provide regular updates on new resources and techniques.
8. Use articles for inspiration: Genealogy articles can be a great source of inspiration for your research. They can introduce you to new resources or provide new research ideas.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you come across an article that raises questions or that you don’t fully understand, don’t be afraid to reach out to the author or to other genealogists for help.
10. Stay open-minded: Finally, when reading genealogy articles, stay open-minded. You never know when you might come across a new idea or technique that could revolutionize your research.

Here are ten websites where you can find genealogy articles:

1. Family Tree Magazine: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/
2. Genealogy Today: https://www.genealogytoday.com/
3. Ancestry Magazine: https://www.ancestrymagazine.com/
4. The Genealogy Guys: https://genealogyguys.com/
5. The Legal Genealogist: https://www.legalgenealogist.com/
6. Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter: https://blog.eogn.com/
7. RootsWeb: https://home.rootsweb.com/
8. Ancestry.com: https://www.ancestry.com/
9. GenealogyBank: https://www.genealogybank.com/
10. National Genealogical Society: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/

Jake’s Story

Jake had been working on his family tree for months, slowly piecing together his ancestors’ lives and stories. He had used online resources, visited libraries and archives, and even reached out to distant relatives for information. But despite his best efforts, there were still gaps in his knowledge.

That’s when Jake decided to follow Step 12 in his research and started reading genealogy articles. He knew that there was always something new to learn in the world of genealogy and was excited to explore the various resources available.

Jake started by browsing through some genealogy magazines, and he was amazed at the wealth of information they contained. He found articles on everything from how to decipher old handwriting to tips for using DNA testing to uncover family secrets. He also discovered new online databases and archives he hadn’t heard of before and made a note to explore them further.

Next, Jake delved into some genealogy blogs, and he found them to be an excellent source of inspiration. He read about other researchers’ breakthroughs and techniques, and he got ideas for new approaches he could try in his own research. He even found himself contributing to the discussions on a few blogs and connecting with other researchers with similar interests.

Jake also joined a genealogy society in his area and received their newsletter, which included articles on local history and research tips. He found it valuable to connect with others who shared his passion for genealogy and enjoyed attending their meetings to hear from guest speakers and learn about new resources.

Finally, Jake explored some online genealogy communities, and he was amazed at the wealth of information and support they offered. He joined forums where he could ask questions and receive advice from more experienced researchers, and he even connected with a distant cousin who was researching the same branch of the family tree.

Thanks to his efforts to read genealogy articles, Jake’s research took a leap forward, and he gained a deeper understanding of his family’s history. He also found a community of like-minded researchers who were eager to share their knowledge and support him on his journey. Jake realized that reading genealogy articles wasn’t just an important step in his research; it was also a way to connect with others and be part of a larger community of family historians.

In conclusion, reading genealogy articles can be an incredibly valuable tool for researchers looking to deepen their knowledge of a particular topic or time period. By reading articles from reputable sources, researchers can gain insights into new research methods, learn about specific individuals or events, and discover new resources for their research.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all sources are created equal. Researchers should be discerning when selecting articles to read and should always verify information with additional sources. Additionally, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field, which can be done by subscribing to genealogy newsletters or blogs.

Moving forward, Step 13 encourages researchers to explore online newspaper archives to uncover valuable historical records and stories about their ancestors. By utilizing these resources, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of their family’s past and the communities in which they lived. So, be sure to check out Step 13 to continue your journey into your family’s history!

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about 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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