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. 



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.








Family Tree Magazine May/June 2025 Digital Edition

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



/* Embedded-box css */

.embedded-box{
padding: 25px;
font-size: 14px;
font-weight: 400;
line-height: 1.5;
color: #82878c;
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #e5e5e5;
box-shadow: 0 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.05);
overflow: auto;
zoom: 1;
font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI",Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,"Helvetica Neue",sans-serif;
}

.acf-embed-title{
margin: 0 0 15px;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 22px;
line-height: 1.3;
}

.acf-embed-description {
display: inline-block;
}

.acf-embed-description img {
float: left;
max-width: 160px;
margin-right: 20px;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.wp-embed-site-title a{
position: relative;
display: inline-block;
padding-left: 35px;
}
.wp-embed-site-title span {
color: #82878c;
text-decoration: none;
font-weight: 600;
}

.wp-embed-site-icon {
position: absolute;
top: 50%;
left: 0;
transform: translateY(-50%);
height: 25px;
width: 25px;
border: 0;
padding-bottom: 0px!important;
}







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.

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:

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.











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:



Facebook

Instagram

Threads

YouTube

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.

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.











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:



Facebook

Instagram

Threads

YouTube



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 w...

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.

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/03-2025-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,

In this episode of Best Websites, Sunny Jane Morton introduces us to WorldCat, a site that allows users to search libraries across the country in just a couple of clicks.


https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-02-BW.mp3







Best Genealogy Websites: WorldCat.org



Wouldn’t it be nice if you search libraries across the country on one website? Well, you can with WorldCat.org, and that makes it one of the best websites for genealogy.



In this episode, Family Tree Magazine Contributing Editor and bibliognost Sunny Morton joins host Lisa Louise Cooke to share her thoughts on what makes WorldCat a “best website”. 



Visit WorldCat.



Tips for using WorldCat.org for genealogy research:




* WorldCat is a multi-library catalog that connects users to resources across thousands of libraries.



* It catalogs over 400 million books and millions of other resources.



* Users can find materials close to them, saving time and effort in their research.



* WorldCat allows for interlibrary loans, expanding access to resources not available locally.



* The platform provides subject categories that help users discover related materials easily.



* Creating a free account enables users to track their research and create lists of resources.



* Users can view and follow lists created by others researching similar topics.



* WorldCat partners with FamilySearch.












Visit Our Sponsor: Storied.comThe 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 KnowSign 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 resourcesPlus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels:Your HostListen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems podcast available at her website and all major podcasting services, or download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app.

In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Maureen Taylor offers tips for preserving cherished family photos for years to come.


https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-02-FTM.mp3







Feature: Preserving Family Photos With Maureen Taylor



It’s a wonderful thing to have old family photos but organizing them can present quite a challenge. They may be loose in boxes or stuck in old magnetic albums or other albums that are falling apart. Tackle the daunting task of preserving your treasured photos with the Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor.



In the article Photographic Memory (January/February 2025 issue of Family Tree Magazine), Taylor lays out seven steps to preserve and organize family photos:



1) Weed out photos



2) Label people and places



3) Scan your prints



4) Work with a digital organizer (services mentioned: MemoryWeb, Forever)



5) Gather supplies



6) Pick the right storage space



7) Prepare for disaster



Read Photographic Memory by Maureen Taylor.










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:



Facebook

In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke offers a walk-through of the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries, hosted by The Newberry Library.


https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/2025-01-BW.mp3







Best Genealogy Websites: Atlas of Historical County Boundaries



When searching for records, it’s critical to know where to look. The Newberry Library’s Atlas of Historical County Boundaries is a free online website that helps you identify changing county boundaries throughout history. Host Lisa Louise Cooke will explain how to use this free tool on the web as well as how to download the file for use in popular geographic software programs.



Visit the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries at https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/index.html



Tips from this episode:




* Use the interactive map for quick look ups; start by clicking on the state.



* Download individual state files or the entire national file in GIS or KMZ format (which is suitable for use in Google Earth.)



* The data is copyright free, so users are free to use the data and print screens in genealogy research.








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:



Facebook

Instagram

Threads

YouTube







Your Host