When you're doing genealogy research, it's natural to start searching for more records when you want to answer a question. But what if the answer you're looking for has been in your notes all along? In this episode, you'll learn why you need to analyze what you already have (and why this is the second step in the WANDER research method). You'll also learn why analyzing is more than just re-reading your notes and how you can do this more effectively. Show notes for this episode:...

Genealogy research is filled with distractions. There are so many things to explore! So how do we stay focused and avoid those rabbit holes that are oh so tempting? Part of it is having a good research method to follow. In this episode, Amy shares how the first part of the WANDER method — What do you want to find? — is her best tip for focusing your research and staying on track.  You can find the show notes for this episode at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/46

Genealogy research brings many of us enjoyment, even comfort. So it can feel bewildering when we can't focus long enough to do it. This episode shows how you can still do family history activities even in this time of stress. Instead of trying to force ourselves to break down brick wall research problems, let's look at other things we can do -- things that are still meaningful and enjoyable, but don't require a ton of concentration.  Find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/45

You've probably seen references to how the Corona virus compares to the Spanish Flu. But what was life like for our ancestors during that scary time of 1918-1919? In this episode, Lori Lyn Price, a social historian, explains what our ancestors went through back then.  Note: if you typically listen to this podcast w/children, you might want to listen to it without them first to make sure that it's age appropriate.  Shownotes w/links to Lori Lyn's site & other resources:...

Sales of genealogy DNA kits, such as AncestryDNA and 23andMe, has slowed dramatically. This is what's listed as the cause of layoffs at two major companies.  Why is this slowdown happening and what does it mean for the field? Can anything be done to correct the impact? You can find the show notes for this episode at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/43

Newspapers are a gold mine of genealogical information. But if you stop looking for them after using the daily or weekly newspaper from your ancestor's home town, you might be stopping too soon.  In this episode, Amy shares 3 other kinds of newspapers that you need to know and where you can find them. These other newspapers are often more detailed than the mainstream newspaper and are well worth the effort to find.  Find the show notes, complete with links to resources, at...

Ancestry's hints - those shaky green leaves that you see on your family tree - can be useful if you know their limitations.  Fun fact: You're missing the vast majority of records on Ancestry if you rely only on the hints.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/41

Genealogy research is more than just gathering more and more records. It's even more than evaluating them. And the research rarely goes in a straight line.  In this episode, Amy describes her WANDER Method for the genealogy research process and how it serves as a path to follow so that you don't get lost.  You can find the show notes for this episode along with a free printable at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/40 .

There are so many benefits to writing about your genealogy, but getting started can feel tough. Who should you write about? What should you say? Writing can preserve our research, help us spot gaps in what we think we know, and connect us with others who are researching the same people. So how can we do that without feeling completely overwhelmed? 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks is a free writing challenge with weekly prompts to help give you ideas of what (and who) to write about. It's flexible...

Family stories are as important to genealogy as census records. They are what make our ancestors (and us) human. Here are 5 tips for getting more (and better) family stories when talking to a relative, along with the a surprising tip about preserving them.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/38

Land records show more than just the transfer of land from one owner to another. They contain tremendous amounts of information that we can use in our genealogy research.  In this episode, you'll learn 11 things that are typical to find in a deed and what they could mean in your research.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/37.

In this follow-up to Episode 35, where we discussed strategies for downsizing, I share my real-life experience in downsizing my parents' home of 35 years -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/36

In genealogy, we tend to always want more. But there comes a time when it will be necessary to downsize. How do we get rid of stuff and yet still preserve our family history? Professional organizer and genealogist Janine Adams shares her tips on how to approach this balancing act.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/35

Academic libraries can hold treasures for genealogy research -- and it's more than just yearbooks and class photos. Drew Smith, co-host of the Genealogy Guys podcast, is a librarian at the University of South Florida. In this episode, he shares what you might find at a college or university library and how you can tell what those libraries have.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/34

The intended merger between the National Genealogical Society and the Federation of Genealogical Societies is about a lot more than just combining conferences. It could have a huge impact on genealogy societies.  In this episode, Amy discusses what is known about the intended merger and what it could mean for societies -- and by extension, what it could mean for genealogy research.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/33

DNA is powerful, bringing about remarkable discoveries to adoptees and long lost families. But there's another type of discovery - the unexpected relationships. Hear the story of how an experienced genealogist took a DNA test and the results changed her life and the lives of everyone in her family. She also shares how she dealt (and continues to deal) with the aftermath. It's a topic that all genealogists need to be aware of and be sensitive to. You can find the show notes at...

What do you do when you go down to the basement and discover a box filled with family papers that has been down there for years? That's the situation Amy found herself in a few weeks ago.  Hear how Amy and her daughter, Rachel, sorted through this treasure and worked to sort and preserve it. In this episode, you'll learn: What to watch out for (the icky stuff that can destroy papers and photos) Why working with white cotton gloves isn't always the best thing to do How to sort the material...

Finding your ancestor's marriage record from the courthouse is a great feeling, but it isn't the only marriage record that you should look for.  In this episode, Amy shows how one clue in a civil marriage record can lead to another record that can have even more information, as well as alternate sources for marriage information. Amy also talks about the reality of our ancestors getting divorced.  You can find the show notes with examples of all of the records she talked about at...

In this episode, Megan Smolenyak shares insight into what it takes to identify a serviceman who has been missing for years, locate his family, and bring him home. Megan also shares three of her favorite cases, including a Tuskegee Airman, a guitar hero, and a Red Cross worker.  The show notes have links to articles about the three people Megan highlighted and a collection of digitized letters written by one of them. You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/29.

One of the most overlooked sources in genealogy is actually part of one of the most used sources. Mortality schedules are part of some federal censuses and detail deaths in that area.  In this episode, you'll learn what mortality schedules can tell us, what they cover, and where to find them.  The show notes include screenshots and links to relevant collections on Ancestry and FamilySearch.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/28

Pinterest isn't just for recipes -- it's for our genealogy, too! Genealogy blogger and Pinterest power user Lisa Lisson shares how we can use Pinterest to stay organized and how to avoid going down rabbit holes chasing bright shiny objects.  In this episode, you'll learn how to: search effectively on Pinterest organize what you find & keep it organized get more genealogy into your Pinterest feed Show notes: amyjohnsoncrow.com/27

A little planning goes a long way toward having a successful research trip to the library. In this episode, Amy covers: Why you need to have a research plan Why having more than one research plan is a good idea Tips for using the catalog How to tap into local knowledge for the inside scoop on using a particular library What you need to take with you The question you should always ask the librarian You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/26

If you've been ignoring the Genealogical Proof Standard because you think it's only for professional researchers, then take a listen. It's for everyone who wants to do good research.  In this episode, you'll learn what it is and how it can help you. You'll also learn the five parts to the GPS and what each one means - and doesn't mean - for your research.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/25.

To find our female ancestors, we have to look at records with a close eye. Jane Wilcox shares how to use records as mundane as store ledgers to identify the females in the family tree... and why we have to research the men in her life.  You can find the show notes at AmyJohnsonCrow.com/24.

Disaster can strike at any time. If you want to keep your genealogy research safe, you need to take steps to protect and preserve it.  In this episode, you'll learn why just having a backup isn't enough and why the cloud can be your friend.  You'll also learn: - why "paper is permanent" is a fallacy - how LOCKSS can keep your research safe - how organizing plays a role in preserving your research - why publishing needs to be part of your preservation efforts Show notes: AmyJohnsonCrow.com/23