When social media first burst onto the scene, it was all about connection — instantly sharing photos, updates, and life moments with family and friends, no matter the distance. For genealogists, it became a thrilling new way to share family tree discoveries, vintage photos, and ancestral stories with relatives who might otherwise never hear them.

Even though I struggled with history in school, I’ve always been drawn to the past. I think that fascination started when I was a little girl in the 1970s, on a family trip to Cyprus. I remember walking through the Tombs of the Kings near Paphos—ancient underground tombs carved from solid rock. There weren’t really any kings buried there, but I remember how the tour guide mentioned the size of the tomb, telling us if a child or an adult was buried within each location. I also

This past weekend, I finally carved out some time to explore the FamilySearch Community, and I was surprised by how much is packed into it!

As a family historian and social media storyteller, I’m always on the lookout for books that inspire and challenge how I share my family history journey. Doug Tattershall’s Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History is exactly that kind of book. It is a thoughtful and practical guide that encourages genealogists to move beyond charts and records and craft stories that bring their ancestors to life.

As we dive deeper into 2025, the digital landscape continues to evolve, offering exciting new opportunities for the genealogy world. I’ve been reviewing the Social Media Industry Report 2025 published by Social Media Examiner and here are the key insights every genealogist and genealogy society should know, plus how they can help you strengthen your social media presence and community connections.

A Childhood Memory That Connected Me to My German Ancestors A memory from my childhood, one marked by fear and confusion, has recently helped me understand my ancestors in a way I never expected.

If you’ve been feeling like Facebook is harder to navigate lately (hello, ever-changing algorithm 👀), you're not alone. But here’s some good news - you don’t need ads or fancy tools to grow organically, just a few smart, simple strategies that meet people where they are.

If you’ve been digging into ancestor stories on Instagram or swapping research tips in Facebook groups, LinkedIn might feel like the dusty record book tucked behind your favorite family photo albums - formal, a little overlooked, but full of untapped potential.

LinkedIn might feel like a platform built for resumes and recruiters but in 2025, it’s becoming a surprising ally for historical and genealogical societies.

If you're a professional genealogist, you probably spend a lot of time helping clients uncover ancestors and stories connected to their family history. But are you using LinkedIn to write the next chapter of your own story?

Sometimes, it's not just the names or the dates that bring our ancestors to life; it’s the homes. In an email from my cousin Don, I uncovered the rich, multi-generational story of a house that quietly held layers of my family’s history: 449 Alphonse Street in Rochester, New York.

Genealogy isn’t just about records and facts—it’s about passion. That zest for discovering the past, for piecing together family stories, and for connecting with others who share the same excitement, is what makes this journey so rewarding. We all have our reasons for diving into genealogy, but at the heart of it is a deep enthusiasm that propels us forward.

Many people think their family story won’t matter to others, especially when their own family isn’t interested in hearing about their genealogy research. But the truth is, your family history story matters more than you might realize—and it matters to more people than you think. We’re naturally drawn to stories. Whether it’s through TV shows, movies, books, or even hearing our friends and family talk about their lives, storytelling is something we all connect with. Stories

We each bring something unique to the genealogy table—whether it’s creativity, curiosity, tech skills, or storytelling magic. Every researcher, historian, and genealogist has an X-Factor, that special quality or strength that makes them stand out. Whether it’s your ability to think outside the box when faced with a research challenge, the way you connect emotionally with the past, or your knack for uncovering details that others might miss, we all bring something valuable to

Not every breakthrough is massive. But every win matters. In the world of genealogy, it’s easy to focus on the big breakthroughs—the long-lost ancestor found or the genealogical mystery solved. But over time, I’ve come to realize that the little wins are just as important, if not more so. I’m so grateful for the small moments—the census record uncovered, the old photo that finally matches a name, the distant cousin who reaches out, and suddenly, there’s a new connection.

A good image can stop the scroll—and tell a powerful story. In the world of genealogy, visuals are more than just decorations; they are a key way to bring our ancestors’ stories into focus and help others connect with our family histories. Whether it’s an old photograph, a newly created family tree, or a restored image of a handwritten letter, visuals have the unique power to evoke emotions and create deeper connections to the past.

Some of the best content isn’t created by us—it’s created with us. One of the greatest joys in genealogy is discovering how connected we all are and how sharing pieces of our family histories can bring new depth to our own research. I’m incredibly grateful for the stories, photos, and memories others have shared that have brought new layers to my journey of uncovering my ancestors' lives.

I’ve learned that those two little words—thank you—can make a huge difference. In a community where so many are volunteering their time, offering support, and sharing their expertise, acknowledging their efforts goes a long way. A quick thank you, especially in the comments, can show people that their help matters and is truly appreciated.

I will admit that I have struggled with posting Stories, but after seeing others’ Stories, I found them to be fun and easy-to-digest content that only lasts 24 hours before it disappears. How could a quick, disappearing post ever carry the value within the genealogy community?

One of the easiest ways to show support on social media is by resharing content that resonates with you and can benefit others in your...