In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss several new genealogy tools and features. They cover the AncestryDNA “Matches by Cluster” feature, which is a visualization tool for Pro Tools users to identify related DNA matches. They also discuss the improved AncestryDNA feature that allows users to attach DNA matches’ lines to their family trees. Nicole explains the updates to the FamilySearch catalog, focusing on the site architecture and place standardization....
During the last in-person class I taught at RootsTech, on Saturday afternoon, I asked attendees which tech announcements they were most excited about. The answers included Ancestry’s upcoming clustering tool, FamilySearch’s new catalog, Ancestry Networks, and the FamilySearch Together app. These are just a few of the many exciting announcements made at RootsTech 2025! It’s fun to see so many companies announce new technology that will help us with our genealogy research. Here are a...
Diahan Southard had the fun idea to celebrate the 25th anniversary of genetic genealogy by creating a free eBook with reflections from DNA leaders and luminaries. I feel honored to be included in this group. Diahan asked us to write about our experiences getting started with DNA and/or the impact it has had on our work. I wrote my story, but it was far too long! After condensing it for the book, I decided to...
RootsTech is a world-wide, free, online family history conference that will be held this week. In addition to over 1500 class sessions, there is a fantastic feature called, “Relatives at RootsTech,” that can help you in your genetic genealogy research. If you’ve ever wanted to connect with like-minded family members who may share your interest in family history, as well as DNA, here is your opportunity! Do you ever wonder who the people in your...
At RootsTech in February, Nicole and I had the opportunity to participate in an interview with the executive director of the family history department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton. Among the topics he discussed was a new FamilySearch feature called Learn About Your Family. It’s built right into the FamilySearch home page. You will see it prior to login. This tool is available on the desktop version...
Did you attend RootsTech 2020 or watch the live streams? If so then you know that the overarching theme of the conference was “The Story of You.” Besides the excitement of the keynotes, expo hall, and presentations – I was impressed with the small and simple things that make up our stories. Do we get so involved in finding the stories of our ancestors that we forget to record our own? Nicole and I started...
Are you going to be at Rootstech 2020 in Salt Lake City? If so, we’d love to visit with you in person. For the first time, Family Locket Genealogists will have a booth in the Expo Hall for the entire conference. We have some exciting things planned to help you in your genealogy and family history endeavors. Research Like a Pro Meet-up and Research Like a Pro Ribbons Collecting ribbons for your conference name tag...
Rootstech 2020 is coming quickly and if you want to get the most out of the experience, you’ll want to prepare. With exciting keynote speakers, multiple class offerings, and an expo hall buzzing with activity, how do you choose to spend your time? Can’t travel to Salt Lake City, you’re also covered! Live streaming and virtual pass classes give you the opportunity to participate from anywhere in the world. Key Note Addresses The keynote addresses...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about genealogy education opportunities, including attending genealogy conferences like RootsTech. Our guest, Amberly Beck, talks about her first experience at RootsTech in Salt Lake City and how Tom Jones’ classes impacted her. She also shares about her experience speaking at RootsTech London and some of the classes she liked there. After recording the episode, Amberly shared a great thought with us. She said, “Sometimes we love researching...
Diana’s giveaway is over and now it’s my turn to give away a free pass to RootsTech! The RootsTech 2020 conference in Salt Lake City is themed “Discover the Story of You.” Many of the classes are focused around this theme. It is a great conference to bring your non-genealogist friends and family members to, with many beginner classes and fun keynotes. It’s also a great way to gain intermediate to advanced knowledge of family...