Family Tree Magazine January 2009 Digital Edition

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 eight old-penmanship puzzles with our tips.By Fern GlazerFamily History FiestaSeeking your roots south of the border? Our guide to Mexican genealogy will help you celebrate new ancestral discoveries.By David A. FryxellYour Guide to GoogleGenealogy and Google go hand in hand—and not just for ancestor searches. Try these 13 tricks to master the Web giant's other handy family history features.By Allison StacyGetting the MessageLet's talk about how your ancestors kept in touch—and how to uncover the records their communication methods left behind.By Maureen A. TaylorCOLUMNS & DEPARTMENTSBranching OutWhat's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history:• how libraries plan for natural disasters• Family Tree Maker 2009• our Difference Maker of the year• America's first national Hispanic lineage societyBy Diane HaddadState Research GuidesTrace your roots across the USA! Our pullout guides are perfect for stashing in your research binder or toting to the library—quickly access the essential facts, advice and resources you need to find your family anywhere in the country. In this issue:• West Virginia • South DakotaThe ToolkitReviews and roundups of the latest, greatest family history resources:• FamilySearch's Record Search Pilot Site• video camera buying guide• help googling historical images• The Book ReportEdited by Allison StacyOut on a LimbHolding a candle to history.By Allison StacyMaking ConnectionsReaders respond to Family Tree Magazine.History MattersGauging the development of thermometers.By David A. FryxellNow What?Our experts answer your questions about veterans' graves and illegitimate children.Preserving MemoriesPointers for saving needlepoint.Edited by Grace DobushEverything's RelativeTales from the lighter side of family history.Brick Wall BustersFilling up the tank with research ideas.By Sharon DeBartolo CarmackUprootedTest your genealogy IQ on William and John Kellogg's family tree.By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack