Welcome to this week’s roundup of the latest news and updates from around the main genealogy sites! As family historians and genealogists, it’s crucial to stay informed about the newest resources, features, and insights that can aid us in our quest to uncover the past. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your family history journey, my weekly digest aims to bring you valuable information that can enrich your exploration. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s highlights.
Digging Deeper: Questions to Help You Learn More About Your Family History
This blog post from Ancestry provides a list of questions to help you learn more about your family history. The questions are designed to prompt you to think about your ancestors’ lives and experiences, and to help you identify new research opportunities.
Veterans Day: The Story of a National Holiday Honoring Men and Women Who Served
Again from Ancestry, this discusses the history of Veterans Day and its significance. The post also highlights some of the ways that Ancestry can help you research your military ancestors.
He Fought for the Freedom of Black People in the South
Ancestry tells the story of John Mercer Langston, a Black man who fought for the freedom of Black people in the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The post discusses Langston’s life and accomplishments, and it provides some tips on how to research your own Black ancestors.
FindMyPast: Crimean War Campaign Medals, Hospital Records
This blog post from FindMyPast announces the release of new records from the Crimean War, including campaign medals and hospital records. The post discusses the significance of these records for genealogists, and it provides some tips on how to use them to research your ancestors.
“I Got a MyHeritage DNA Kit as a Christmas Gift. It Gave Me a Whole New Extended Family”
MyHeritage tells the story of a woman who received a MyHeritage DNA kit as a Christmas gift. The test results revealed that she had a large extended family that she didn’t know about. The post discusses the woman’s experience of connecting with her new relatives, and it highlights the benefits of DNA testing for genealogy research.
MyHeritage Adds 4.7 Million Historical Records in October 2023
MyHeritage announces the release of 4.7 million new historical records, including birth, marriage, and death records; census records; and military records. The post discusses the significance of these records for genealogists, and it provides some tips on how to use them to research your ancestors.
- Read More: https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/11/myheritage-adds-4-7-million-historical-records-in-october-2023/
Photodater Now Available on the MyHeritage and Reimagine Mobile Apps
MyHeritage announces the release of Photodater, a new feature that allows users to date their old photos. Photodater uses artificial intelligence to analyze photos and identify features that are indicative of specific time periods. The post discusses how to use Photodater and some of the benefits of dating your old photos.
FamilySearch: New Records 22 October 2023
FamilySearch announces the release of new records on the FamilySearch website. The records include vital records, census records, and military records from a variety of countries.
FamilySearch: What You Need to Know About Canadian Dual Citizenship
FamilySearch also discusses Canadian dual citizenship, and the requirements for obtaining it. The post also provides some tips on how to research your Canadian ancestors.
- Read More: https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-canadian-dual-citizenship
Enhanced Customer Security at 23andMe with 2-Step Verification
This post from 23andMe announces the launch of 2-step verification, a new security feature that helps to protect customer accounts. 2-step verification adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a code from their phone in addition to their password when logging in.
- Read More: https://blog.23andme.com/articles/enhanced-customer-security-at-23andme-with-2-step-verification
Ancestry Remembrance Day
Ancestry discusses the importance of Remembrance Day, and how Ancestry can help you to research your military ancestors. The post also provides a list of resources for learning more about World War I and World War II.
- Read More: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/c/remembrance-day
FindMyPast Records Find a Place in Newspapers: Findmypast Partners with NewsBank
This article from History Extra discusses FindMyPast’s new partnership with NewsBank, which will make FindMyPast’s newspaper records available on NewsBank’s platform. The partnership will give genealogists access to over 10,000 newspapers from around the world.
FindMyPast – 10% off all subscriptions until 13th November 2023
This page on FindMyPast’s website advertises a 10% discount on all subscriptions until November 13, 2023.
- Read More: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_8233976
National Archives: The Treaty of Versailles
The National Archives UK discusses the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed at the end of World War I. The post talks about the significance of the treaty and its impact on the world.
- Read More: https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/the-treaty-of-versailles/
FamilyTreeDNA: mtDNA Testing
This page on FamilyTreeDNA’s website provides information about mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing. mtDNA testing can be used to trace your maternal line ancestry, and it can also be used to learn more about your genetic health risks.
LivingDNA: Wellbeing & Ancestry Kit
This page on LivingDNA’s website provides information about the Wellbeing & Ancestry Kit. The kit includes DNA testing for ancestry, as well as genetic health reports for a number of conditions.
BBC News – Essex family discovers Roman villa under their garden
This article from the BBC News website tells the story of a family in Essex, England, who discovered a Roman villa under their garden. The villa is estimated to be 1,600 years old, and it is one of the best-preserved Roman villas ever discovered in the UK.
My name is Anthony, the founder of Genealogical Footsteps. I have over 20 years of dedicated experience in family history and genealogy (although I am not a professional genealogist). I hold BA in history, and am considering further education (despite my age). My journey in genealogy has led me to remarkable discoveries and projects, particularly where my Cypriot genealogy is concerned. I am passionate about uncovering the stories behind names and have helped friends and family connect with their heritage, including those with Cypriot, Celtic, and Viking ancestry. Click here to read more about me.
