Digital Past Issues

FEATURESCheap ThrillsDon't let the stumbling economy curb your research. Our special budget genealogy section will help you find family without breaking the bank.• 11 family tree essentials you can get for free• research trips on a shoestring• economic...

FEATURESPower HourPull up a chair and partake of these 14 genealogy jobs you can do on your lunch break.By David A. FryxellWriting RiddlesAre faded ink, strange words or convoluted script concealing ancestral answers in your family papers? Solve...

FEATURESMake No MistakeSave time, money and your sanity with our advice for avoiding 10 common genealogy research errors.By Lisa A. AlzoScot FreeTrace your Scottish ancestry with our beginner's guide to genealogy in the land of kilts and clans.By...

FEATURESHave It Your WayOrder up the top family history tools for your research focus—beginner, Web, US, foreign and more—from this year's menu of 101 Best Web Sites.By David A. FryxellHouse HuntingCurious about the places your ancestors...

FEATURES>Your Roots Are ShowingYou'll want everyone to see your heritage when you use one of our 19 simple, creative ideas for displaying your family tree. By Diane HaddadMaster PlansMake cartography a key part of your research strategy with...

FEATURESRecharge Your ResearchTry these 12 techniques to give your genealogy a jump-start—and break through those brick walls.By Sharon DeBartolo CarmackYour Ancestors Slept HereWant to add a family history twist to your summer travels? From Colonial...

FEATURESDesperately Seeking SurnamesOur complete guide to last names explains how to uncover their meanings, trace their origins and learn more through surname studies and societies. Plus: Don't fall for fake surname histories!By Nancy...

FEATURESBattle of the BulgeGet organized now! These five easy family history filing systems will help you keep your pedigree paperwork under control.By Sharon DeBartolo CarmackMoving TargetsWith our guide to US migration routes—including a handy...

FEATURESLadies FirstUse these eight research strategies and nine key sources to trace your female ancestors.By Lisa A. AlzoSoftware Test KitchenOur test panel's reviews reveal how popular family tree programs rate with genealogists like you. Plus: the...

FEATURESOver ThereWWI records are an essential source for every US genealogist—whether or not your ancestor served. Learn why in our research guide. By David A. FryxellLittle SecretsAncestry.com isn't the only place to spend your online genealogy dollar...

FEATURESTop of the World Wide WebOur exclusive annual guide highlights the 101 Best Web Sites for tracing your roots. By David A. FryxellSee and SaveWant to safeguard your family's memories without having to lock them away? Three experts share the top...

FEATURESA House DividedTracing your Civil War ancestor—Union or Confederate—won't be a struggle if you march through these nine research steps. By David A. FryxellUnlistedDon't miss the boat on early American immigrants: These eight passenger-list...

FEATURESMaster the CensusDo your forebears refuse to be found in US census records? Locate elusive ancestors using our six research tips and five online search secrets. By David A. FryxellSuper SourcesGo ahead, root for the underdog—that is,...

FEATURESQuick StudyThink your busy schedule prevents you from making research progress? Think again. We highlight 16 family tree feats you can achieve in just 20 minutes. By David A. FryxellEarly AdoptersDon't assume an adopted or orphaned ancestor is a...

FEATURESGiving TreesForget the fruit baskets and fuzzy slippers—give your relatives a blast from the past. We present 13 easy family history gifts you can make in time for your holiday gatherings. By Diane HaddadBorn YesterdayYou don't have to labor over...

FEATURESIn Record TimeAccelerate your ancestor search: We'll show you five ways the Web can help you pick up your genealogical pace. By Rick CrumeCyber ChampsNeed another online success strategy? Don't waste time with subpar sites-surf straight to our...