Advances in DNA have had major implications for the field of genealogy. With the rise in popularity of commercial testing, the possibility of connecting with previously unknown relatives is greater than ever. Whether you’re new to DNA testing or you have already taken a DNA test, this course will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to interpret your results, make important genealogical connections, and take your family history research to the next level. Register Now
Upcoming Online Author Event, January 27
Writing History with Alan Taylor, author of American Civil Wars: A Continental History, 1850-1873
Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winner Alan Taylor will present his latest book on the American Civil War and its reverberations throughout North America. Taylor will share insights on his research and the creation of his acclaimed histories in a discussion moderated by American Ancestors president and CEO Ryan J. Woods. Don’t miss this conversation with the author The New York Times called is “formidable historian and masterly writer." Register Now
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
This Week's Survey:
Donating Ancestral Artifacts, Photographs, or Documents
Share your thoughts about the survey!Please limit submissions to 150 words or fewer. Your submission may be featured in an upcoming newsletter or shared on social media; please note in your email if you do not want your story to be shared. Published responses may be edited for clarity and length.
58%, I will organize research papers, files, and photographs that I have accumulated.
41%, I will write up some of my family history.
10%, I will publish a genealogy, family history book, or article.
54%, I will share genealogical information with other members of my family.
8%, I will interview and/or record family members for posterity.
25%, I will seek out new relatives.
36%, I will share and/or preserve family photographs and/or movies.
8%, I will join a genealogical society.
35%, I will attend an in-person or virtual lecture, program, or conference.
20%, I will take a trip to a research repository.
23%, I will take a research trip to a location where my ancestors lived.
3%, I will take a DNA test for genealogical purposes.
31%, I will make better use of resources on the American Ancestors website.
37%, I will investigate new online resources.
13%, I have other genealogical resolutions not listed above.
13%, I am not making any genealogical resolutions this year.
Readers Respond
Linda Bernin, Minneapolis, Minnesota: I have compiled the stories of a few of my mom's ancestors, who were recent arrivals to Minnesota. My dad's side will be more challenging. His ancestors came to New England and New York starting in 1630. Digging up the facts has been the fun part. Now, the time has come to put my forty-five years of research into writing and to publish books detailing my research findings.
Dorcas Aunger, Arcadia, California: As a nonagenarian who has been doing genealogy since age 16, I've already accomplished many of the “resolutions” listed in your survey. My goal now is to finalize my research and publish a book on the Aunger family. I have followed my father’s Aunger line back to 1650 and documented eleven generations and 1,638 ancestors. After I add two final generations, I will work on publishing my research in a book.
Melanie McComb, American Ancestors Senior Genealogist: My resolutions for 2025 include ordering any missing vital records, requesting military records using the new BIRLS website, continuing to evaluate my DNA matches for new leads, connecting with more cousins, and documenting my ancestors on websites like WikiTree and FamilySearch. I also plan to finally travel to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to research and photograph ancestor graves.
Jean Powers, American Ancestors Senior Editor: After reading Melanie McComb’s resolution, I made one of my own. This year I would like to take my children to Prince Edward Island, home of my maternal ancestors. I have many relatives there still, and many fond memories of the island from my own childhood. I am excited to share this special place with my kids and to see my Canadian family again.
One Set of China. Five Generations “A family’s set of dishes has passed through five generations of women, but will the teacups, plates and bowls make it to a sixth?”
The “sword is among striking objects unearthed from Anglo-Saxon cemetery near Canterbury.”
Spotlight: Toronto, Ontario, Cemetery Database
by Valerie Beaudrault
Toronto is the capital of Canada’s southernmost province, Ontario. The Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) owns and manages ten Toronto cemeteries. Their first cemetery, Potter’s Field, was opened in 1826. Click the Find A Grave link in the site’s contents list (above the banner) to begin your search. You must select a cemetery and enter a surname and at least the first letter of the deceased’s given name. The data fields are surname, first name, year of burial, and age. Click the information icon to view the detailed record which also contains grave location information and map link. Search Now
Database News
New Sketches: Boston Tea Party Biographies
We’re excited to announce 32 new sketches in our Boston Tea Party Participant Biographies database! Sketches added during this update are for proven participants or eyewitnesses. View the full list of newly added individuals online at Database News.
The goal of this project is to create comprehensive biographical sketches for all individuals associated with or known to have participated in the Boston Tea Party, which took place on December 16, 1773. This project was launched in conjunction with the Boston Tea Party Descendants Program, a lineage society for those whose ancestors participated in this historic revolutionary event. The database and the Descendants Program are collaborations with the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Search Now
Non-probate assets such as an IRA, 401(k), or life insurance policy are not covered in your will or trust—you must name beneficiaries separately. Our friends at FreeWill.com have provided a free and secure online tool to guide you through naming beneficiaries for your non-probate assets. Learn More
