Census records are GOLD in genealogy research! Not only do they put someone in a particular place and time, they provide ages, places of birth AND best of all, the names of other family relations! But their value doesn’t stop there. They can tell you if your ancestor owned property, owned a radio, served in the military, and the list goes on and on!
It’s a good practice to find your ancestor in all applicable census records, but sometimes, they are elusive. At Rootstech I visited with Mike Mansfield of MyHeritage. His vast experience in record collections, and the issues the companies have in indexing them, provided a lot of valuable tips for searching for your ancestors in census records.
(Click image to watch)
If you haven’t yet, you need to search for your family in the 1950 U.S. Census! The records were indexed in record time by the big genealogy companies, but if you’re still having trouble, check out this video for help.
Finally, if you want to know what questions were asked in the various U.S. Censuses, this may help.
While this would be hard to pull of for the holidays – these books make great gifts for your family! Share all the things you’ve learned about your ancestors.
FamilySearch made some great changes that I think you’ll like – check them out!
Or if you’re into Ancestry.com – check out some of my time saving tricks!
Are you interested in taking a DNA test? Have you done so but looking for more information? My latest video discusses the various DNA test options one has for genealogy research and details Y-DNA tests. Or visit my DNA playlist for other videos that may help (Click HERE).
RootsTech is always a great place to renew memberships or get new products due to the discounts offered. Being virtual, not as many amazing deals this year, but here are my takes:
*Notes added are my opinions – I am not “sponsored” by anyone.
DEALS
MyHeritage is giving you free advanced DNA tools when you upload your DNA (which is free). They are also offering 50% off their complete subscription plan and DNA kits are on sale.
FamilyTreeDNA is offering a lot of discounts on their various DNA tests. They also allow you to upload your DNA for free.
American Ancestors – Society with a number of early American records – $25 off.
Geni – world family tree with sources – half off.
National Genealogical Society – very worthwhile membership – $10 off membership.
INNOVATORS
My favorite new innovator – TrackUBack.com – REALLY cool tree visualization, added historical facts and wonderful maps (and map layering capabilities) for your ancestors – Free Version or $63 a year for all the bells and whistles.
My second favorite new innovator – TheGenealogist.co.uk – Cool map capabilities with layering historical maps. They appear to be also a good resource for records in the United Kingdom, but I haven’t checked that out yet. Discount being offered for Diamond Subscription.
Ancestry Consulting by Aimee 