Family Tree Magazine December 2006 Digital Edition

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 locating ancestors' birth records: Our guide tells you just what to expect. By David A. FryxellState Research GuidesTrace your ancestors across the USA! This issue's special pullout section features how-to articles and resource sheets for:

• Georgia
• Iowa

Stash these guides in your research binder or tote them to the library—and quickly find the essential facts, advice and resources you need to trace your family tree anywhere in the country.Out of BoundsWere your immigrant ancestors Donauschwaben or Siebenbuergen Sachsen? Get the inside scoop on researching Germans outside Deutschland's borders. By James M. BeidlerGetting Your FixFrom merging mysteries to data-entry dilemmas, we've got solutions to 23 top genealogy software stumpers. By Rick CrumeCustoms MadeThere's no better time than the holidays to honor family traditions—so practice our pointers for studying and celebrating the folklore in your family tree. By Lisa A. AlzoCOLUMNS & DEPARTMENTSOut on a LimbTime for a genealogy double-take. By Allison StacyMaking ConnectionsReaders respond to Family Tree Magazine.Branching OutWhat's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history, including: • Special report: public-records update • A new face in online genealogy • Family tree databases debut. By Diane HaddadLiving HistoryThe season's best heritage events, including: •Tricks of the Washington fur trade • Nebraska's yuletide of yore • Tea time in Massachusetts. By Amy GorinEverything's RelativeTales from the lighter side of family history.Now What?You've got questions on police records and White Russians. Our experts have answers.Photo DetectiveIt's a boy! Or is it? By Maureen A. TaylorThe ToolkitTake your family tree high-tech with these Web-site tips and hosts. Plus: • PedigreeSoft.com review • family history "flash cards" • two new mapping tools • five books to be thankful for. Edited by Dana SchmidtTime CapsuleA 1950s teen idol sings his mom's praises. By Tab Hunter