Discovering Your Past

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

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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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The Importance to Cite Your Genealogy Findings

Genealogy research can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, as well as a way to uncover the history and heritage of your family. As you gather information about your ancestors, it is important to keep track of where you found each piece of information and to document your sources. This not only helps you to verify the accuracy of your findings, but also helps other genealogists who may use your work in the future.

Citing your sources is a critical aspect of genealogy research, and it is essential to understand why it is so important. In this article, we will explore the reasons why citing your sources is so important, and we will provide tips and resources for effectively documenting your genealogy findings.

Why is it important to cite your sources in genealogy?

Verifies the accuracy of your findings: By citing the sources of your information, you can verify the accuracy of your findings and avoid using information that is inaccurate or false. This helps to ensure the reliability and credibility of your research, and it also protects the integrity of the genealogy community as a whole.
Helps others to build on your research: By documenting your sources, you can make it easier for other genealogists to build on your research and to validate your findings. This is particularly important if you are publishing your research online, as other researchers may use your work as a starting point for their own research.
Protects the integrity of your research: By citing your sources, you can protect the integrity of your research and ensure that your findings are not questioned or disputed. This is particularly important if you are sharing your research with others, as it provides evidence to support your findings and demonstrates your commitment to accuracy and reliability.
Provides a record of your research journey: Citing your sources also provides a record of your research journey, including the steps you took to gather information and the sources you used. This can be an invaluable resource for future generations, as it provides a glimpse into the process of genealogy research and the resources that were available at the time.

Tips for citing your sources in genealogy

Start early: Start documenting your sources from the beginning of your research, and make sure to keep track of all the sources you use as you gather information. This will help you to avoid having to go back and retroactively add sources, and it will make it easier to keep track of your research progress.
Use a consistent format: Choose a consistent format for documenting your sources, and stick to it throughout your research. This can be a genealogy software program, a spreadsheet, or a simple note-taking system, but whatever you choose, make sure to use it consistently.
Be specific: When documenting your sources, be as specific as possible. Include the title of the document, the date, and the source where you found the information. If you are using a website, include the URL, date accessed, and any other relevant information.
Keep copies of original documents: Whenever possible, keep copies of original documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and census records. This not only provides evidence to support your findings, but it also protects the original documents from damage or loss.
Use secondary sources with caution: Secondary sources, such as family histories, genealogy books, and online databases, can be useful sources of information, but it is important to verify their accuracy. Whenever possible, try to find original primary sources to support the information found in secondary sources.
Use digital resources wisely: Digital resources, such as online databases and digitized historical records, can be incredibly useful for genealogy research, but it is important to use them wisely. Before relying on digital information, it is important to verify the source and assess its reliability. Some online databases and websites may not be maintained by professionals or may contain inaccurate or unverified information. When using digital resources, it is also important to be mindful of data privacy and security issues, especially when entering personal information.

Create a system of organization: Genealogy research often involves collecting large amounts of information from a variety of sources. To keep track of everything and ensure that you are not duplicating efforts, it is important to create a system of organization. Consider using a genealogy software program or a spreadsheet to keep track of family names, dates, and sources. You can also use a file folder system, index cards, or even a notebook to keep track of your research findings.
Cite your sources: Citing your sources is crucial for genealogy research. Not only does it provide proof and context for your findings, but it also helps others understand the basis for your conclusions. When citing sources, be sure to include the type of source (such as a census record or a family Bible), the date of the source, the repository or location where the source is held, and any other relevant information.
Collaborate with others: Genealogy research can be a solitary pursuit, but collaborating with others can help you learn new information, validate your findings, and share your knowledge with others. Consider joining a genealogy society, participating in online forums and discussion boards, or connecting with other genealogists through social media. You may also want to consider working with a professional genealogist to help you with your research.
Be prepared for the unexpected: Genealogy research can be a journey of discovery, but it can also be a journey of surprises. Be prepared for the unexpected by keeping an open mind and being flexible in your approach. You may discover information that challenges your assumptions or contradicts your previous findings. Be willing to revise your family tree as you uncover new information.
Preserve your findings: Preserving your genealogy research is important for future generations. Consider storing important documents and records in a safe and secure place, such as a fireproof safe or a bank vault. You may also want to consider digitizing your findings to make them more accessible and easier to share with others.
Share your findings: Sharing your genealogy research with others can be a great way to connect with your family, preserve your family history, and make new discoveries. Consider publishing your family tree online, writing a family history book, or sharing your findings with others through social media or genealogy forums.
Continuously learn and improve: Genealogy research is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and improvement. Keep up-to-date with the latest research techniques, tools, and technologies by attending genealogy conferences, workshops, and webinars, and by reading genealogy journals, books, and blogs.
Celebrate your successes: Genealogy research can be a long and challenging journey, but it can also be a rewarding one. Take the time to celebrate your successes, such as finding a long-lost ancestor, uncovering a new branch of your family tree, or learning a new research technique. These milestones can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue your research.
Be patient: Genealogy research can be a slow and time-consuming process, but it is also a worthwhile one. Be patient and persistent in your research, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or dead ends. The journey of genealogy research can be a rich and rewarding experience, and the more time and effort you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

In conclusion, citing your genealogy findings is essential to preserving the accuracy and integrity of your research. It not only helps you avoid errors and ensure that your work is trustworthy, but it also helps future generations of genealogists by providing a road map for their own research. By following best practices for citing sources, such as using standardized forms and documenting as much information as possible, you can be confident that your family tree is based on solid evidence and that your research will be useful to others. Whether you are just starting your genealogy journey or have been tracing your family roots for years, taking the time to cite your sources is an investment in the future of your family history.

Step 10. Join a mailing list and search message boards through RootsWeb

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

How do you make a genealogist angry?

Take away their census records!

In the digital age, genealogy research has become easier and more accessible than ever before. One of the most valuable resources for genealogists is RootsWeb, a free online community for family history research. RootsWeb offers a wide range of tools and resources to help you trace your family history, including mailing lists and message boards. In this article, we’ll explore how you can join a mailing list and search message boards through RootsWeb to connect with other genealogists and uncover new information about your ancestors.

Join a Mailing List

A mailing list is an email-based discussion group focused on a particular genealogy topic or region. By joining a mailing list, you can connect with other researchers who share your interests and exchange information and advice. RootsWeb hosts hundreds of mailing lists covering a wide range of genealogy topics, from specific family surnames to regional research. To join a mailing list on RootsWeb:

Visit the RootsWeb website at www.rootsweb.com.
Click on “Mailing Lists” in the top menu.
Browse the list of available mailing lists or use the search function to find a list that matches your research interests.
Click on the name of the mailing list to view its description and subscription information.
Follow the instructions to subscribe to the list. This usually involves sending an email to a specific address with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.

The advantages of joining a mailing list on RootsWeb are:

Connect with other researchers: Joining a mailing list on RootsWeb allows you to connect with other genealogy researchers who may have information or resources that can help you in your research.
Share information: Mailing lists on RootsWeb provide a platform to share information about your family history research with others who are interested in the same topic.
Access to expertise: Mailing lists often have experienced researchers who can provide guidance and advice on how to approach your research or where to look for specific records.
Stay up-to-date: Mailing lists often include discussions on current events and updates related to genealogy research, such as new records becoming available or changes in research methodology.
Find new leads: By participating in mailing lists, you may uncover new leads or connections in your family history research that you may not have found otherwise.

Once you’ve subscribed to a mailing list, you’ll begin receiving emails from other members of the group. These emails may include requests for information, research tips, and updates on genealogy events and resources.

Search Message Boards

In addition to mailing lists, RootsWeb also hosts message boards where researchers can post queries and connect with others who are researching the same family lines or regions. Message boards are a valuable resource for finding information about specific ancestors or families, as well as connecting with distant relatives who may have information to share.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Search Through RootsWeb Message Boards

Go to the RootsWeb website at www.rootsweb.com.
Click on “Message Boards” in the top menu.
Browse the list of available message boards or use the search function to find a board that matches your research interests.
Click on the name of the message board to view its content.
Use the search function within the message board to search for specific surnames, locations, or other keywords related to your research. The search function can be found at the top right-hand side of the message board page.
Enter your search terms in the search box and click on the “Search” button.
Review the search results that appear on the page. The results will include all posts that match your search terms, along with the author and date of each post.
Click on any post that interests you to view the full message and any replies that have been posted.
If you find a post that may be helpful, you can reply to it or send a private message to the author to ask for more information.
Keep searching and reviewing posts until you find the information you’re looking for.

Tips for Searching RootsWeb Message Boards:

Try using different combinations of search terms to get more results.
Don’t limit your search to just one message board; search multiple boards to increase your chances of finding information.
If you don’t find any relevant posts, try posting your own query on the message board to see if anyone can help you. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the person or topic you’re researching.
Check the message board regularly for new posts and updates.

Jane’s Story

Here’s another story about Jane’s Search for Her Great-Grandfather

Jane has been researching her family history for several years and has hit a roadblock in her search for information about her great-grandfather. She knows that he immigrated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s, but she’s been unable to find any records of his arrival or his life in the U.S. She decides to join a mailing list and search message boards on RootsWeb to see if she can connect with other researchers who may have information about her ancestor.

After browsing the available mailing lists, Jane finds one focused on Italian genealogy and decides to subscribe. She introduces herself to the group and asks if anyone has information about her great-grandfather. Several members of the group respond, sharing tips for searching Italian records and suggesting resources that may help Jane in her search. One member also recommends a specific message board on RootsWeb that focuses on Italian immigration to the United States.

Excited by this new lead, Jane navigates to the message board and searches for posts related to her great-grandfather’s name and immigration. She finds several posts from other researchers who are also searching for information about Italian immigrants from the same time period. Some of the posts contain valuable insights and tips that Jane had not previously considered.

Jane decides to post her own message to the message board, providing all the information she knows about her great-grandfather and asking if anyone has additional information or advice on where to look. Within a few days, she receives several responses from other researchers who have either found additional information on her great-grandfather or have suggestions on where to look next.

Through the mailing list and message board, Jane has not only found valuable information about her great-grandfather’s immigration, but she has also connected with other researchers who share her passion for genealogy. She has even formed a relationship with one researcher who lives in Italy and has offered to help her with research on the ground.

Joining a mailing list and searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an excellent way to connect with other researchers, share information, and find new leads in your family history research. Here are some popular mailing lists and message boards to consider:

ROOTS-L: A mailing list that covers a wide range of genealogy topics and allows for discussion and sharing of information.
ITALIAN-AMERICAN-RESEARCH: A mailing list specifically for those researching Italian-American ancestors.
GERMANS-TO-AMERICA: A mailing list for those researching German immigrants to America.
AFRIGENEAS: A message board and mailing list for those researching African American genealogy.
JEWISHGEN: A message board and mailing list for those researching Jewish genealogy.
ANCESTRY MESSAGE BOARDS: An online community of researchers where you can search for surnames, locations, and specific topics related to genealogy.
GENEALOGY FORUMS: Another online community of researchers where you can ask questions, share information, and connect with others who share your research interests.

Joining a message board on RootsWeb has several advantages, including:

Access to a large community of researchers: You’ll be able to connect with other genealogists who are researching the same surnames, locations, or topics as you are.
Ability to share information: You can share information and ask for help from others who have more experience or knowledge in certain areas.
Discover new research leads: By browsing through the message board, you may come across information that you didn’t know before, leading you to new research leads.
Stay up-to-date on the latest genealogy news and events: Many message boards post announcements about upcoming genealogy conferences, webinars, and other events.
Free access: Joining a message board on RootsWeb is completely free, making it an accessible resource for genealogists of all skill levels.
Share information: Mailing lists and message boards are great places to share information about your ancestors and family history. You can share stories, photos, and documents with others who are interested in your research.
Find new leads: By connecting with other researchers and sharing information, you may be able to find new leads in your research. Other researchers may have access to records or information that you don’t, and by working together, you may be able to make new discoveries about your ancestors.
Access to specialized groups: RootsWeb offers a variety of specialized mailing lists and message boards for different research interests. Whether you’re researching Italian-American ancestors or German immigrants to America, there’s likely a mailing list or message board that caters to your interests.
Online communities: Joining a mailing list or message board is a great way to become part of an online community of genealogists. You can learn from others, share your knowledge, and connect with others who are passionate about family history research.
Free resources: Joining a mailing list or searching message boards through RootsWeb is completely free. You don’t have to pay anything to access these resources, making it an affordable way to connect with other researchers and find new leads in your research.

Overall, joining a mailing list or searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an excellent way to enhance your genealogy research. By connecting with others, sharing information, and finding new leads, you can make breakthroughs in your research and learn more about your family history.

RootsWeb has a variety of message boards covering a wide range of genealogy topics, including:

Adoption: for those researching adoption and related topics
Canada: for those researching Canadian genealogy
England: for those researching English genealogy
Ireland: for those researching Irish genealogy
Military: for those researching military ancestors
Scotland: for those researching Scottish genealogy
Surnames: for those searching for specific surnames in their family history research
United States: for those researching genealogy in the United States
Wales: for those researching Welsh genealogy

These message boards allow for discussion, sharing of information, and connecting with other researchers who share your interests.

As of September 2021, RootsWeb had over 30,000 message boards on their website. However, the number may have changed since then.

Review – RootsWeb

RootsWeb is an online genealogy community that provides a platform for family history researchers to connect with one another, share information, and access valuable resources. This website is a great resource for individuals who are interested in tracing their family history and discovering more about their ancestors.

One of the best features of RootsWeb is the community feel. There are countless message boards and mailing lists that cater to different genealogy topics, geographic regions, and ethnicities. This means that regardless of your research interests, you are likely to find other individuals who share your passion and can offer support, guidance, and advice.

Another great feature of RootsWeb is the wealth of information available. The website provides access to a variety of databases, including census records, birth, marriage and death records, and military records, among others. This makes it much easier to access important genealogy data without having to search through various resources.

RootsWeb also offers an easy-to-use search function that allows you to quickly find information on specific surnames, locations, or research topics. Additionally, the website has a range of helpful tools, such as genealogy forums and newsletters, which can help you to stay up to date with the latest news and trends in the genealogy community.

Overall, I would highly recommend RootsWeb to anyone interested in genealogy research. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced researcher, this website provides a wealth of resources, a supportive community, and a range of helpful tools to help you explore your family history.

In conclusion, joining a mailing list and searching message boards through RootsWeb can be an effective way to connect with other researchers, share information, and find new leads in your family history research. As Jane discovered, these online communities can provide valuable insights, tips, and even connections with other researchers that can help you make breakthroughs in your research. So, if you haven’t already, consider joining a mailing list or searching message boards on RootsWeb today and see what new discoveries you can make!

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NOTE: