The Gift of Genealogy

You may not always think of genealogy as a gift, but it is one that you can give yourself without feeling selfish. Take a trip into the past this holiday season! As they say, “The Past Is a Present.” So, why not give yourself this gift by learning more about YOUR past? Maybe a ghost of Christmas past (available until January 3) will reveal an ancestral gem.

If you decide to give yourself this gift, consider stopping by the library! At the library we have free genealogy resources, both in print and online, that are great places to discover more about yourself and your family! This includes thousands of print books and eBooks as well as quite a few databases, like Ancestry (accessible at the library), Fold3, and Newspapers.com. We are also a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means you can access additional records and images at the library.

Of course, the library is just one place to visit. Researching online is another essential part of genealogy, and these free online resources are equally exciting! If you are unsure where to start, explore the Genealogy page for links to many other resources for newspaper research, immigration records, and more. The Essential Websites section may be a helpful place to begin.

As if this is not enough, consider also asking others for these perfect gifts for genealogists. FamilySearch has a list of twelve possible gifts for genealogy lovers (like you?). GenealogyYou has an additional list with twenty-five “Genealogy Gifts for a Family Historian.” Naturally, Family Tree Magazine also has a list of the “Best Genealogy Gifts.” Also, maybe hosting a gift exchange with other genealogists would be a fun activity, particularly if you think it is more fun to give than to receive!

By the way, starting in January, we will be sharing one podcast episode a month which will feature local genealogists sharing their tips and experiences doing family history research. The “Local Genealogists Speak” series will also connect with the celebration of America 250, as each genealogist will share a favorite part of U.S. history. As we know, history is a valuable partner in genealogical research. Be on the lookout for these episodes. Most will appear on the second Thursday of each month. To subscribe to the podcast (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music) or listen to the episodes, check out this page.

As any genealogists will tell you, genealogy is a gift that keeps on giving! So, be prepared for years full of fascinating details and surprising stories if you should choose to accept this gift.