Learn how to trace your family tree! Every issue is packed with: family history research advice hands-on learning experiences to help you become an ancestor super-sleuth & step-by-step guides to show you the path to tracing the past. From vintage documents to the latest in DNA, we’re here to help you discover more! Get the latest in genealogy news, software, books, archives and expert answers. Plus enjoy those reader stories that remind what it means to trace your family story. Research & remember your roots with Family Tree!
How to make the most of your genealogy time!
Discovering DNA in landmark anniversary year
A spring challenge for Chris Paton
Create a biography of your ancestor in just a few clicks
Halton, Runcorn and Widnes records now available on Deceased Online
FindMyPast names new managing director
Find your postal ancestors for free
New appointments at Society of Genealogists
Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies is 1!
RESEARCH LOGS: • What is a genealogy research log? Why would you create one? And how do you go about doing so? Dr. Sophie Kay is here to explain the wealth of family histor y benefits you’ll enjoy – all with the aid of your research log
BILL EVERLEY’S WAR
SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION: FINDING A LOST SOLDIER OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR • Stuart Valentine shows us that it is possible to separate family tales from actual, documented evidence – if you are prepared to question what you think you already know…
KEEN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DNA?
Dear Paul • This month, Paul Chiddicks shines a spotlight on wills and associated documents, demonstrating the fascinating detail we can uncover when exploring the final wishes of our ancestors
EDUCATING A NATION • Gaynor Haliday explores how the passing of the Elementary Education Act in 1870 sparked major disagreements but ended with compromise
Books & co
RESEARCHING 19TH-CENTURY MERCHANT SEAMEN • In this month’s Family Tree Academy tutorial, Dave Annal explains how to find out more about an ancestor who was a member of the Merchant Navy. The 19th-centur y records relating to this profession may seem daunting, but with a little know-how, you can extract fascinating information
Preserving your family history photos after scanning • Learn tips and tactics to help preserve your precious family history photos for the future with Ann Larkham.
THE TICHBORNE CASE • On the trail of Catherine Mary Riboldi’s adoptive French family, Gill Shaw finds a connection to one of the most notorious court cases of the 19th century
ORIGINAL WILLS & THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE’S CONSULTATION • What does the law say about public access to original wills? Richard Holt discusses legislation surrounding the Ministr y of Justice’s consultation, ‘Storage and retention of original will documents’, which was published on 15th December 2023
SPOTLIGHT ON... THE FAMILY HISTORY FEDERATION • This year sees the Family History Federation celebrate its 50th anniversary. We take a look at the valuable role of this key family history organisation over the past five decades and its plans over the year to come. Be sure to put your hands together for the family history societies who have reached milestone dates too!
Photo corner • Your family photos
TRACING FEMALE ANCESTORS WITH ANCESTRY
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Researching a WW2 era Merchant Navy ancestor
DIARY DATES
Your letters • Heirlooms, treasures, memories and stories, preserved and shared
Photo-dating puzzle: the answer
Contact the Family Tree team
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Tying up the loose ends • Diane Lindsay is not one just to shove a family history mystery back into its box. She likes to...