Ultimate Guides

A series of deep-dives into genealogy topics, tools and trends to help you master your research like a pro!

Deep-dive

Dive deep into ScotlandsPeople records and master the art of genealogical research. This 36-page guide empowers you to navigate the platform like a pro, transforming complex searches into exciting discoveries. Unearth your family’s past, connect with your heritage, and bring your ancestors' stories to life.

  • Effortlessly find vital records using advanced search techniques.

  • Confidently interpret historical documents and church registers.

  • Strategically track your ancestors across censuses and valuation rolls.

Tired of hitting dead ends on Ancestry.com? This 33-page guide equips you with the expert knowledge to navigate Ancestry's vast resources like a pro.

  • Uncover elusive ancestors using advanced search techniques and wildcard strategies.

  • Target specific records within collections and categories to streamline your research.

  • Overcome common challenges like common names and record loss with proven methods.

This guide provides a best-practice template for conducting comprehensive research, moving beyond individual family lines to explore the entire community your ancestors inhabited. Learn how to define your study, gather diverse evidence, analyze data, and share your findings ethically and effectively.This guide will empower you to:

  • Systematically research and document all residents of a specific location over time.

  • Understand the historical and geographical context that shaped your ancestors' lives.

  • Contribute valuable microhistories to the wider genealogical community.

A 56-page deep-dive into vital records for genealogy. It covers the history, access methods, and interpretation of birth, marriage, and death records:

  • Finding Records: Details how to navigate jurisdictional differences and access online databases.

  • Document Interpretation: Explains the information found in vital records and its reliability.

  • Pre-Registration Evidence: Offers guidance on using substitute records like church and probate documents. 

Deep-dive

Deep-dive

This 22-page guide provides a clear introduction to genetic genealogy, explaining DNA basics, comparing major testing providers, and offering insights into interpreting your results. Learn how to unlock your ancestry and build your family tree with confidence.

  • Understand the different types of DNA tests and choose the right one for your genealogical goals.

  • Interpret your ethnicity estimates and DNA match lists to uncover family connections.

  • Navigate privacy considerations and make informed decisions about data sharing.

Unlock your ancestral secrets with my 36-page guide to mastering census records worldwide!  Learn advanced search techniques and interpretation skills to uncover invaluable details about your family history.

  • Navigate diverse census formats from various countries.

  • Decode historical data and abbreviations with confidence.

  • Employ advanced strategies to overcome research obstacles.