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.
The Rich Legacy of All Saints’ Day: Origins, Traditions, and Ancestral Connections
This blog post from Ancestry discusses the origins and traditions of All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday that celebrates the lives of all saints, known and unknown. The post also discusses how genealogy can help us to connect with our deceased ancestors and appreciate their legacy.
Read more here: https://blogs.ancestry.com/cm/the-rich-legacy-of-all-saints-day-origins-traditions-and-ancestral-connections/
Westmoreland Parish Updates on Findmypast
Findmypast announces the release of new parish records from Westmoreland, England. The records include baptisms, marriages, and burials from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Read more here: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/new/westmoreland-parish-updates
After 75 Years, He Finally Found Out Who His Father Was and Reunited with 3 Siblings
MyHeritage tells the story of a man who used DNA testing to find his biological father and three siblings after 75 years. The post highlights the power of DNA testing to help people discover their family history and connect with lost loved ones.
Read more here: https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/11/after-75-years-he-finally-found-out-who-his-father-was-and-reunited-with-3-siblings/
Discover Your Roots This Holiday with MyHeritage’s Early Holiday DNA Sale
Staying with MyHeritage, they have announced a holiday sale on DNA kits. The post also discusses the benefits of DNA testing for learning about your family history and ancestry.
Read more here: https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/11/discover-your-roots-this-holiday-with-myheritages-early-holiday-dna-sale/
Lynne M. Jackson—RootsTech 2024
This blog post from FamilySearch announces that Lynne M. Jackson will be the keynote speaker at RootsTech 2024. Jackson is a professional genealogist and author with over 30 years of experience.
Read more here: https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/lynne-m-jackson-rootstech-2024
Amy Archibald—Serving with a Servant’s Heart
FamilySearch also highlights the work of Amy Archibald, a volunteer who has dedicated over 20 years of service to FamilySearch. Archibald has helped to index millions of records and has made a significant contribution to the genealogy community.
Read more here: https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/amy-archibald-serving-with-a-servants-heart
A Health Action Plan for You
23andMe provides tips on how to create a health action plan based on your genetic information. The post discusses the importance of understanding your genetic risk for certain diseases and taking steps to prevent them.
Read more here: https://blog.23andme.com/articles/a-health-action-plan-for-you
Find a Grave Sponsorship Survey
At Find a Grave, they have announced a survey to collect feedback on the sponsorship program. The survey results will be used to improve the program and make it more beneficial for users.
Read more here: https://news.findagrave.com/2023/10/31/find-a-grave-sponsorship-survey/
Aaron Graham and the Prison Hulks of the Early 19th Century
The National Archives UK discusses the work of Aaron Graham, a naval officer who documented the conditions on prison hulks in the early 19th century. Prison hulks were old ships that were used to house prisoners. The post provides a fascinating glimpse into this dark chapter in British maritime history.
Read more here: https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/aaron-graham-and-the-prison-hulks-of-the-early-19th-century/
Save Our Graves: Cemeteries Added to Geneanet in October 2023
Geneanet announces the addition of new cemeteries to its database. The post also discusses the importance of preserving cemeteries and grave records.
Read more here: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/10/save-our-graves-cemeteries-added-to-geneanet-in-october-2023
Geneastar: New Famous Family Trees Added in October 2023
Geneastar has announced the addition of new family trees of famous people to its database. The post also discusses the benefits of using Geneastar to learn about your family history.
Read more here: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/10/geneastar-new-famous-family-trees-added-in-october-2023
Do You Have Some Errors in Your Family Tree? Discover Our Consistency Checker
Geneanet discusses the consistency checker tool, which can be used to identify errors in your family tree. The post provides instructions on how to use the tool and how to fix any errors that are found.
Read more here: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/10/do-you-have-some-errors-in-your-family-tree-discover-our-consistency-checker-3
The Genealogy Gazette: Our News 1-11-23
The Society of Genealogists UK provides a summary of the latest news from the society. The post includes announcements about upcoming events, new publications, and other resources.
Read more here: https://www.sog.org.uk/news/the-genealogy-gazette-our-news-1-11-23
The Genealogy Gazette: Community News 1-11-23
Remaining with the Society of Genealogists UK, they highlight the work of society members and volunteers. The post includes stories about genealogical research projects, volunteer work, and other contributions to the genealogy community.
Read more here: https://www.sog.org.uk/news/the-genealogy-gazette-community-news-1-11-23/
Ancestry DNA Offer
Ancestry announces a special offer on DNA kits. The post also discusses the benefits of DNA testing for learning about your family history and ancestry.
Read more here: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/c/dna/offer
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.
