Family Tree Magazine December 2014 Digital Edition

Features:75 Best State Genealogy WebsitesBy Rick CrumeFind your ancestors from sea to shining sea with these 75 genealogy websites focused on states across the USA.13 DIY Family History Gift IdeasBy Dana McColloughWe know you’ve got them—countless family history paper and digital files, piles of old family photos, a family heirloom you don’t know what to do with, tucked away in a box. Use these 13 project ideas to inspire your own creativity, including links to tutorials containing step-by-step guides and additional photos.Workbook: DirectoriesBy Maureen A. TaylorThis workbook will show you what family history data is in directories, how to find them, and what other records include the information you seek. We’ll also provide a worksheet you can fill in to map out your directories search.Untying the Knot: Guide to Divorce RecordsBy Sunny Jane Morton and Judy G. RussellOur married forebears called it quits more often than you might think. Finding their divorce records can be tricky, but this guide will show you the right road to ancestral Splitsville. We help you with:

• Historical divorce laws
• Clues your ancestors divorced
• Searching for divorce records
• And more

4 Census HacksBy Denise May LevenickLearn how the US census can be your starting gate to discovering genealogy clues in other records, if you know how to effectively search census records. We’ll show you how to:

• Find which censuses hold information about your ancestors
• Pinpoint your ancestor’s homes
• How to analyze your findings
• And more

Norwegian Heritage Research GuideBy Diana Crisman SmithDon’t let language barriers and place-name problems keep you from researching Norwegian records. Instead, take in these six top websites for discovering your ancestors in Norway.Columns:History Matters: Fire ExtinguishersBy David A. FryxellOur experts extinguish your curiosity for the history of fighting fires.Family Archivist: Preserving OrnamentsBy Denise May LevenickIn many families, cherished holiday ornaments tell stories of special occasions, travels and cultural heritage. Learn how to safely preserve your glass Christmas tree decorations for the next generation of tree trimmers.Now What?By David A. FryxellOur experts help you hurdle brick walls by answering reader questions.In this edition, we teach you:

• How to correct US Census records
• Where to find ancestral hometowns
• How to research ancestral occupations

Photo Detective: ChristmasBy Maureen A. TaylorUncover family history clues in the snapshots from everyday life with the help of our photo detective.Research Roadmap: Western FrontBy Andrew KochA look at where World War I was won.Resource Roundup: Tech Gifts for GenealogistsBy Dana McCulloughFrom mobile scanners to flash drives and tablet apps to accessories, there are tons of tools to help you research more efficiently, get organized and climb your family tree even when you’re away from home. Take a look at the tech tools we recommend and pick a few to put on your holiday wish list this year.Quick Guide: Oral History Recording AppsBy Gena Philibert-OrtegaThese apps also offer enhanced features such as tagging recordings; indexing names, places and other data; and in some cases, choosing the output and quality of the recording. Others provide options to add photos, documents and videos—the perfect tools to piece together your family story.Tech Tips: Four Secrets to Successful Web SearchesBy David A. FryxellGo beyond the basics with our secret search strategies.Software Review: VueScan Scanner Software 9.4.40By Rick CrumeOur experts weigh in on VueScan scanner software, highlighting special features, potential drawbacks, ease of use and more.