Tracing migrating ancestors: Who, what, where, when, why and how

Traditional documentation clearly identified Fayette's father without conflict. However, the DNA results of Fayette's descendants told a different story. Learn how DNA evidence combined with a trail of clues and the application of the Genealogical Proof Standard revealed a secret from the summer of 1913.

U.S. Migration patterns trended from the east to west coasts as Manifest Destiny played out in our American ancestors’ lives. Did they write letters? Yes, they did. Did they keep a diary? Likely. But, have those documents survived, and if so where might they be located? Follow through historical documents the 100+year Westward Migration of one family who created, saved, and handed down pertinent historical documents pinpointing their migration from Kentucky to Illinois in the early 1830s, chronicled an overland journey to the California Gold Rush 20 years later in 1850, then later emigrated from Illinois to Kansas in the early days of the Civil War. Discover what brought one descendant to Kansas City, Missouri, after World War II. Where’s their next stop? This case study is studded with potential research avenues for any genealogist, anthropologist, archivist, cartographer, or automobile enthusiast.

Online services such as Amazon, Lulu, offer a variety of options for self-publishing a family history book. But before you press "publish" there are some important things to know about the process. Learn the 10 best tips to optimize your self-publishing strategy.

Yes, it has been possible to be born in one country, get married in another, and die in a third -- without ever leaving your home. The boundaries in Eastern Europe have been redrawn many times over the years, presenting challenges for modern-day genealogical researchers. But this phenomenon has not been confined to that area; even Canada has seen at least 50 boundary revisions between its provinces and territories. When jurisdictions have changed, it is especially important to learn how to interpret and record information.

Sharon Batiste Gillins a descendant of enslaved ancestors and Cheri Hudson Passey a descendant of enslavers share how to overcome emotions and other obstacles to work together to connect families.

The United States Postal Service can trace its roots to 1775 to the Second Continental Congress; where Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General. Officially created in 1792; and elevated to a cabinet department in 1872; and changed in 1971 to an official Government agency. These records are an overlooked genealogical source to locate family members who may have worked with the postal system.

Bad news about records can often be overcome with persistence and flexibility. Put on your own Discovery hat and create your treasure maps to lead you to the answers.

Emmanuel Commadine, COO of Filae, will introduce you to this extremely valuable resource for French genealogy that was acquired by MyHeritage last year. Learn how to leverage the Filae platform to discover your French ancestors and relatives.

Scottish Kirk Session records have recently come online at ScotlandsPeople. Learn what they represent within the Scottish court process, how they operated and what you will find in the records. Understand how to identify the records needed, how to search and where to go next.