In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke walks through the National Archives and all there is to discover.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-07-BW.mp3
Best Genealogy Websites: The National Archives
In this episode of Family Tree Magazine’s Best Websites podcast, host Lisa Louise Cook dives into the National Archives website, a vital resource for genealogists. She discusses the vast array of free records available, including census, military, and immigration documents, and highlights unique collections such as the Freedmen’s Bureau records and Dawes Rolls. Lisa also shares tips for navigating the site and utilizing its features, including the History Hub and webinars, making it an essential tool for anyone researching their family history.
Resources Mentioned in This Article:
National Archives
Visit the National Archive’s Genealogy page.
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Your Host
Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.
Jul 15
9 min
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Andrew Koch offers tips for researching ancestors across the United States.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/07-2025-FTM.mp3
Feature: How to research ancestors in any US state.
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke welcomes Andrew Koch, the editor of Family Tree Magazine, to discuss the intricacies of genealogy research across the United States. They explore the importance of understanding U.S. history, the significance of vital records, the role of census records, and the value of land records in tracing family history. Andrew shares insights on the state-specific research guides published in the magazine and how they can aid genealogists in their quest to uncover their family histories.
Resources:
* Watch Andrew Koch’s Rootstech presentation Sea to Shining Sea: How to Research in Every U.S. State
* Family Tree Magazine July/August 2025 Digital Edition
* State Research Guides for the Entire U.S.
* State Land vs. Public Land States Free Download
Takeaways:
* Researching different US states can feel like researching countries.
* Knowing the history of a state can guide your research effectively.
* Vital record keeping in the U.S. is decentralized by state.
* State censuses can provide additional information between federal censuses.
* Land records can reveal significant details about ancestors.
It’s important to stay updated on privacy restrictions for records.
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* In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
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Jul 1
17 min
In this episode of Best Websites, Rick Crume highlights some translation tools for making sense of foreign-language records.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-06-BW.mp3
Best Genealogy Websites: Translation Tools
One of the biggest challenges that genealogists face is translating foreign-language records, especially if the handwriting is hard to read. Author Rick Crume joins Lisa Louise Cooke on the podcast to discuss navigating a variety of tools that can get the job done.
Read Found in Translation by Rick Crume in the May / June 2025 issue of Family Tree Magazine.
Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
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Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.
Family Tree Magazine May/June 2025 Digital Edition
Jun 15
14 min
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Lisa talks with Rhonda Lauritzen about to approach sensitive topics when interviewing relatives.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-06.mp3
Feature: Handling sensitive family interviews.
It can be a challenge to navigate hard-to-talk-about subjects in family history interviews. Author Rhonda Lauritzen shares interviewing tips from journalists, storytellers, and her own professional experience as a professional biographer at Evalogue.life.
Read Speaking Softly by Rhonda Lauritzen:
7 Steps for Handling Sensitive Subjects in Family History Interviews
Navigate hard-to-talk-about subjects in family history interviews with these tips from journalists and other storytellers.
Family Tree Magazine
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Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
There’s lots to do for free. Get started at goldiemay.com.
In this episode of the podcast, Lisa Interview Richard Miller about all Goldie May has to offer.
Jun 1
28 min
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke offers tips for using Google Earth for genealogy.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-05-BW.mp3
Best Genealogy Websites: Google Earth for Genealogy
Lisa Louise Cooke, author of The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, 3rd edition and Family Tree University instructor explains the value of the Google Earth website to genealogists.
Download Google Earth for free.
Discover why Google Earth is an essential tool for every genealogist’s toolkit in this engaging episode. Lisa explores how this powerful platform brings your family history to life by:
* Anchoring genealogical context to specific places and timeframes.
* Navigating shifting boundaries with access to historical maps.
* Visualizing research for deeper analysis and insights.
* Crafting compelling, interactive stories to share your family’s legacy.
Lisa dives into practical applications, highlighting features like:
* Exploring historical maps from the David Rumsey collection, spanning the globe.
* Creating custom historical map overlays tailored to your research.
* Plotting land patents and legal descriptions with precision.
* Building immersive family history tours and recording videos for storytelling.
Tune in to learn how Google Earth can transform your genealogy journey.
Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
There’s lots to do for free. Get started at goldiemay.com.
Stay in the Know
Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
* In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
* Exclusive offers on new tools and resources
Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels:
May 15
20 min
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Judy Russell tells us what genealogists can expect to find in divorce records.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-05-FTM.mp3
Feature: Divorce records with Judy G. Russell
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke interviews Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist, about the often-overlooked topic of divorce records in genealogy. They discuss the types of information found in divorce records, the historical context of divorce laws, and the various documents associated with divorce cases.
Takeaways:
* Understanding the legal context of divorce is crucial for research.
* Different types of divorce records exist, including legislative and judicial.
* State archives are key resources for finding divorce records.
* Privacy laws can restrict access to divorce records for many years.
* Newspapers often contain valuable information about divorces.
* Genealogists should look for patterns in names and records.
* Record loss can complicate research, especially in judicial cases.
Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
There’s lots to do for free. Get started at goldiemay.com.
In this episode of the podcast, Lisa Interview Richard Miller about all Goldie May has to offer.
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Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
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Apr 29
32 min
In this episode of Best Websites, Diahan Southard walks through some of the most recent updates to AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-04-BW.mp3
Best Genealogy Websites: AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA updates with Diahan Southard
In this episode of Family Tree Magazine’s Best Websites podcast, host Louise Cooke discusses the latest updates in genetic genealogy with expert Diahan Southard. They explore significant changes in AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA, including refined ethnicity estimates and new features that enhance user experience. The conversation delves into the importance of reference populations, the impact of algorithm updates, and practical advice for navigating unexpected results in DNA testing.
Resources Mentioned in This Interview:
* Ancestry
* MyHeritage
* Diahan Southard’s Your DNA Guide
Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
There’s lots to do for free. Get started at goldiemay.com.
Stay in the Know
Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
* In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
* Exclusive offers on new tools and resources
Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels:
Your Host
Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.
Apr 15
17 min
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Gena Philibert-Ortega addresses common obstacles faced when finding female ancestors and strategies for overcoming them.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-04-FTM_1_.mp3
Feature: Strategies for Tracing Female Ancestors
In this episode, Lisa and Gena Philibert-Ortega discuss the unique challenges faced by genealogy researchers when tracing female ancestors. They explore five common obstacles, including name changes, missing records, and the importance of understanding historical context. Gena provides practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the need for thorough research plans, creative searching techniques, and awareness of significant historical events that impact women’s records.
Read The Feminine Mystique by Gena Philibert Ortega in the March / April 2025 issue of Family Tree Magazine and online.
Visit Our Sponsor: GoldieMay.com
One of Family Tree Magazine’s best of 2024 is genealogy research software called Goldie May. It can help you speed up your research, untangle your family tree, and stay organized. It even has an automatic research log. It does not replace your genealogy programs, but it might replace the sticky notes on your monitor and papers on your desk — all those places where you keep notes and figure out your research.
There’s lots to do for free. Get started at goldiemay.com.
Stay in the Know
Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
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Join the thousands of genealogists who rely on Family Tree Magazine for the latest news and advice. Follow us today and start your journey of discovery!
Your Host
Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her <a href="https://lisalouisecooke.
Apr 1
41 min
In this episode, Dr. Brendan Scott, manager of Roots Ireland, discusses the importance of the RootsIreland.ie website for Irish family history research.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-03-BW.mp3
Best Genealogy Websites: Roots Ireland/Irish Family History Foundation Centres
In this episode, Dr. Brendan Scott highlights the extensive collection of records available, particularly Catholic records, and explains how the site operates with genealogy centers across Ireland. The conversation also covers the subscription model for accessing records, tips for newcomers to Irish genealogy, and the limitations of historical records.
Visit Roots Ireland.
Visit Our Sponsor: Storied.com
The next generation of family history is here. Storied is taking family history to new and exciting places with AI, StoriedBooks™ and more. With billions of historical records and exclusive newspaper publications, you can build and expand your family tree with ease. Collaborating with your family has never been easier or more affordable. Don’t let your family’s legacy go untold. Preserve these memories in a beautiful, interactive format that will be cherished for generations. Turn your family’s journey into a stunning StoriedBook™ — a keepsake to pass down to your children and grandchildren. Visit Storied today and get started for free.
Stay in the Know
Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
* In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
* Exclusive offers on new tools and resources
Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels:
Your Host
Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.
Mar 15
13 min
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Sunny Morton takes a look at three popular genealogy websites (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and MyHeritage) and compares them and their features.
https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-03_FTM.mp3
Feature: Comparing Genealogy Subscription Websites
In this conversation, host Lisa Louise Cooke and author Sunny Morton compare the top three genealogy websites: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com. They discuss the definition of historical records, the role of AI in indexing, and the strengths of each platform when it comes to DNA testing and tools, and searchability.
Takeaways:
* The definition of historical records is unclear and varies.
* Ancestry has the largest number of total records, but not all are historical.
* AI is significantly improving the indexing of genealogy records.
* FamilySearch is a free platform with a global focus.
* MyHeritage offers advanced language translation technologies.
* FamilySearch does not provide DNA testing tools.
* MyHeritage allows users to upload raw DNA data from other companies.
Read Three’s Company by Sunny Morton (Mar / Apr issue of Family Tree Magazine)
Sunny Morton’s Website: https://sunnymorton.com/
Sunny Morton
Visit Our Sponsor: Storied.com
Storied.com CEO provides an overview of how Storied can help genealogists easily tell their family history stories.
Storied is taking family history to new and exciting places with AI, StoriedBooks™, and more. With billions of historical records and exclusive newspaper publications, you can build and expand your family tree with ease. Collaborating with your family has never been easier or more affordable. Don’t let your family’s legacy go untold. Preserve these memories in a beautiful, interactive format that will be cherished for generations. Turn your family’s journey into a stunning StoriedBook™, a keepsake to pass down to your children and grandchildren. Visit Storied today and get started for free.
Stay in the Know
Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:
* Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
* In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
* Exclusive offers on new tools and resources
Plus,
Mar 1
41 min
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