Each year, the keynote speakers help ground the conference in something deeper than records and research techniques. They remind us that family history is about people, lived experiences, and the stories that connect us across generations. Reminding us why we do this genealogy work. This year is no different with a lineup of keynote speakers... Continue Reading →
The Question of 2026 – Do You Know Where Your Ancestors Were in 1776?
As we begin 2026, a year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, I have found myself with a simple, yet not so simple question - Do you know where your ancestors were in 1776? For some families 1776 represents independence, military service, or the beginning of opportunity. But for others, it represents slavery,... Continue Reading →
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 2025 – Week 52: Memorable
NOTE: I accepted the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge headed by fellow genealogy blogger Amy Johnson Crow. The idea behind this challenge is that you will receive email prompts, a word or phrase, every week, and you find something about your research or family history to write about. Click HERE to read my first... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 12
I've always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn't begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. This is the newspaper article from the Arkansas True Democrat in 1862 that... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 11
I've always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn't begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. When I first started tracing my family history, I had no idea how... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 9
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. In 2017 I took a meaningful step in my family history journey by... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 8
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. My husband started his family history research started in 2019. He decided to... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 7
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. One of the most exciting parts of my genealogy journey has been discovering... Continue Reading →
RootsTech 2026 Theme
RootsTech has announced the theme for 2026, and it is one simple but powerful word - Together. Genealogy brings us together; together with our ancestors, together with our living relatives, and together to a larger community of researchers who understand the emotional weight of discovery. RootsTech is the largest genealogy conference in the world. RootsTech... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 5
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season Voting has always been important in my family. I remember going with my... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 4
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season. When I started researching my family history in 2011, I never imagined it... Continue Reading →
12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 3
I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season One of the people I wanted to learn about the most when I... Continue Reading →