Check out my Favorites
MY GO-TO RESOURCES
Everyone needs their bag of tricks.
For any genealogist, a selection of handy resources is a must.
Here's my list of favorites and why...
~ Click on a image (such as book) to go straight to that product on Amazon ~
BOOKS TO BUILD SOLID TREES
Mastering Genealogical Proof
by Thomas W. Jones
This is a favorite! There are so many incorrect family trees out there primarily because folks neglect to critically examine the proof.
Mastering Genealogical Documentation
by Thomas W. Jones
Elizabeth Shown Mills has always been the standard, but there is more than one way to write a citation. Thomas Jones is a favorite of mine and I like how he outlines alternatives. Plus the book is much cheaper.
Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace (hardcover)
by Elizabeth Shown Mills
The source citation bible. Good to have on your bookshelf but the Kindle version goes with you. (see right)
Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace (Kindle)
by Elizabeth Shown Mills
The source citation bible. This Kindle version is handy to have on your phone or computer.
Professional Genealogy
by Elizabeth Shown Mills
Wanna go pro? This is a good bible.
Genealogy Standards
by Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG)
An inexpensive overview of good practices.
What Did They Mean by That?
by Paul Drake
A dictionary of historical and genealogical terms.
Genealogist's Guide to Discovering your African-American Ancestors
by Franklin Carter Smith
A good beginning book.
Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920
by William Thorndale and
William Dollarhide
I really love this book. It shows the enumeration boundaries or county lines at the time superimposed over modern boundaries.
Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735-1815
by William Dollarhide
The name says it all, migration routes are important to understand how your ancestors may have migrated and where they may be found in between known locations.
Historical Maps Book Europe
by Allison Dolan and
Family Tree Editors
Are you seeing the map there? This book is very helpful in determining boundaries and their changes.
Black's Law Dictionary
Revised 4th Edition
by Henry Campbell Black
Understanding law is crucial to finding and understanding records. You MUST get the 4th edition or earlier. It's expensive in print. To get the digital copy free: Click HERE
IT'S ALL ABOUT DNA
The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
by Blaine T. Bettinger
This is the DNA for genealogy bible.
Genetic Genealogy in Practice
by Blaine T. Bettinger &
Debbie Parker Wayne
A genetic genealogy workbook. Great way to improve your DNA education.
Ancestry Autosomal DNA Test
by Ancestry.com
Ancestry has the largest database of tests so if you are looking for matches, you have to start here; however, without a paid membership you'll now only see 3 of your shared matches. This test also provides an ethnicity report.
Ancestry Autosomal DNA Test with a 3 month membership
by Ancestry.com
Adding the membership will allow you see your all your shared matches and Thrulines. You can also divide your matches by parent
MyHeritage Autosomal DNA Test
by MyHeritage.com
Test will provide ethnicity results, including separating Jewish ethnic groups. It also provides DNA matches.
MyHeritage does not charge a membership fee to view the matches or utilize their DNA features, they are included in the cost of the DNA test at this time.
FamilyTreeDNA Autosomal Test
by FamilyTreeDNA.com
AS with the other autosomal tests, FamilyTreeDNA identifies ethnicity and DNA matches. Now genetic males also receive in intermediate Y-DNA haplogroup.
23 and Me Ancestry Autosomal
DNA Test
by 23andMe.com
Provides genetic reports with ancestry composition, ethnicity, and shared matches (or Relative Finder).
23 and Me Ancestry & Health Insights Autosomal DNA Test
by 23andMe.com
Includes the ancestry features but also provides health carrier status and health risks - best test for this information.
TOOLS TO MAKE VIDEOS
Apple iPhone
The cameras are so good, I don't have a special camera... just use my phone.
RODE Wireless Me Microphones
These have been good microphones and are easy to hook up to my computer or phone.
Wireless Microphone Handle
Comes in handy when doing an interview.
Wireless Microphone Case
Keeps it all together and protected. I really like this case.
Angetube Webcam
I actually use my MacBook's camera for livestreaming and coaching, but this provides a different angle.
Elgato Stream Deck
Livestreams still make me nervious, but this makes things easier.
Logitech Wireless Presentation Clicker
I don't do too many presentations, but when I do, this is my favorite clicker.
MacBook Pro
My computer is older than this. I acutally get hand-me-downs from my husband, but I love my Mac.
you pay no more even as i earn affiliate commission - thanks!
Visit my Amazon Store
for ALL my favorites
SOME FAVORITE PLACES
(some affiliate links)
Crista Cowan
Crista's Pajamas and Pedigrees allows you to watch her as she works on her family tree. It's similar to the members-only livestream I do for Aimee's Crew.
I think watching other experienced genealogists is fascinating. I always learn something. We each have different methods and knowledge of various record groups and other tricks.
GoldieMay
GoldieMay's creator, Richard Miller, is not only a gifted developer but a terrific guy. If you have any issues, he will fix it.
Why do I like GoldieMay? The subway map with census and newspaper hints and boundary changes is incredible. He has a new catalog that includes suggestions from Ancestry, Chronicling America, Findmypast, Fold3, Fulton History, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, Newspapers.com, and Storied. A one stop shop to see who holds what you want. Plus you can log in anywhere which makes their research log even more handy.
FamilySearch
I have to include FamilySearch. Sometimes it gets a bad wrap as the tree is a shared tree, but the resources there are incredible and it's FREE.
I am on FamilySearch daily. The wiki pages are my go-to place to begin location research. The catalog is HUGE! Many of the records you find on Ancestry or MyHeritage come from FamilySearch. As a matter of fact, if they don't have the image, check there.
@ Copyright 2024 - Aimee Cross | All rights reserved