Your Family History
Resource Library
I've gathered my favorite tools and resources to help you on your family history journey. From must-have research tools to free downloads, everything you need is right here!
My Favorites
Everyone needs their bag of tricks. For a genealogist, a selection of handy resources is a must. Here is my list of favorite books to build solid family trees and tools I use for content creation on YouTube.
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Mastering Genealogical Proof
This book by Thomas W. Jones teaches you how to think like a genealogist. It helps you evaluate evidence and confidently say why you believe something is true, especially when records don't agree. There are so many incorrect family trees out there, primarily because folks neglect to critically examine the proof.
View on Amazon →Mastering Genealogical Documentation
Thomas W. Jones' book will explain why documentation matters and how to cite your sources consistently. If you've ever wondered, "Am I citing this correctly?" this book is your answer.
View on Amazon →Evidence Explained
Elizabeth Shown Mills wrote the source citation bible. Source citations can be intimidating, but it is essential you note where you got the information in your tree. This book shows you how to cite almost anything you might encounter so your work is clear, credible, and usable by others (and future you!).
View on Amazon →Professional Genealogy
Another valuable book by Elizabeth Shown Mills, particularly if you want to become a professional genealogist. But even if you're not a professional, this book shows you how professionals approach research. It covers methodology, ethics, problem-solving, and writing, all of which dramatically improve the quality of your family history work.
View on Amazon →Genealogy Standards
Written by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), this book defines what "good genealogy" actually looks like. It sets clear standards for research, analysis, and conclusions, helping you measure your work against accepted best practices instead of guessing.
View on Amazon →What Did They Mean by That?
I love this book by Paul Drake! Records don't always mean what we think they mean, and this book explains historical terms, phrases, and legal language so you don't misinterpret them.
View on Amazon →Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors
Franklin Carter Smith wrote this essential guide for navigating unique challenges and record sets in African-American research. It's a good beginning book providing historical context, research strategies, and encouragement for working through difficult time periods and record gaps.
View on Amazon →Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790–1920
Census boundaries changed constantly, and often, the place someone was enumerated is difficult to determine. William Thorndale and William Dollarhide clearly show the enumeration boundaries or county lines at the time, superimposed over modern boundaries, in this valuable book.
View on Amazon →Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735–1815
Another map favorite (I love maps)! William Dollarhide helps you not only understand how and why families moved, but also illustrates migration routes that can point you to the next place to research when an ancestor seems to disappear.
View on Amazon →Historical Maps Book: Europe
European boundaries changed frequently, and this book helps you visualize what country or jurisdiction existed at a specific time. This is critical for finding the correct records, as records are generally held where they were created. Thanks Allison Dolan and Family Tree Editors!
View on Amazon →Black's Law Dictionary, Revised 4th Edition
Understanding the law is crucial to finding and understanding records. You MUST get the 4th edition or earlier. It's expensive in print, but you can have the digital copy FREE.
Download FREE PDF →The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
This is one of the clearest explanations of how DNA actually works in genealogy, courtesy of Blaine T. Bettinger. It helps you understand results, matches, and strategies so DNA becomes a research tool, not a source of confusion.
View on Amazon →Genetic Genealogy in Practice
Another terrific DNA book by Blaine T. Bettinger with Debbie Parker Wayne. This is a genetic genealogy workbook, a great way to improve your DNA education.
View on Amazon →Apple iPhone
Yes, I'm not fancy. The cameras in the phones are so good now, I don't use a special camera. Plus, it's always available!
View on Amazon →RODE Wireless Me Microphones
These have been good microphones and are easy to hook up to my computer or phone.
View on Amazon →Angetube Webcam
I actually use my MacBook's camera for livestreaming and coaching, but this provides a different angle, or "B" Roll, for the livestreams. It has a ring light with various color temperatures.
View on Amazon →Elgato Stream Deck
This is wonderful! Livestreams still make me nervous, but this makes things much easier. It allows me to move from one screen to another easily and quickly.
View on Amazon →MacBook
I've used various MacBooks; my current one is a Pro, and I don't know what I'd do without it. It syncs seamlessly to my phone and has iMovie included in the software, which is where I edit my YouTube videos.
View on Amazon →Visit my Amazon Store for ALL my Favorites
Discover even more tools, books, and resources I recommend for family history research
SHOP NOWPartner Picks
I only recommend websites and programs I trust and use in my own research. You can't go wrong with these - they will truly support good family history research.
Crista Cowan Pajamas & Pedigrees
Crista allows you to watch her as she works on her family tree, similar to my Aimee's Crew livestreams. Watching other experienced genealogists is fascinating! I always learn something, as we each have different methods and knowledge of various record groups and other tricks.
Learn More →GoldieMay
GoldieMay's creator, Richard Miller, is not only a gifted developer but a terrific guy. If you have any issues, he will fix them. GoldieMay offers tools to help you find records you may be missing and make your research more organized. The subway map with census and newspaper hints and boundary changes is incredible. His catalog includes suggestions from Ancestry, Chronicling America, Findmypast, Fold3, Fulton History, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, Newspapers.com, Storied, and more. A.I. tools have just been added that will make your research even more powerful. Follow this link for 10% off.
Get 10% Off →Civil War Records
There are so many valuable records at the National Archives in Washington DC, but getting there can be tough and expensive. When you order the records, you will wait, and wait, but Civil War Records will get those records for you much more quickly and less expensively. We aren't just talking about Civil War Records though. You can find records from other wars, such as the Indian Wars, federal land records, and more. Use coupon code AIMEE or AMY for a discount.
Visit Website →Etsy Handouts
Step-by-step guides and specialized tools to help you tackle specific research challenges and organize your findings.
Free Downloads
Help yourself to these free resources! I created these to help you get started on your family history journey.
Starting your Family Tree Right
Everyone can enjoy being the family detective and building a family tree. Discovering your ancestors is terrific fun! Get this free handout to learn the first steps to take and the common mistakes to avoid as you build your family tree.
Download Free10 Tips for a Better Rootstech Experience
Rootstech is the largest genealogy conference in the world, and it's FREE to attend virtually! Get my tips for a better Rootstech experience whether you go virtually or in-person. In-person tips include recommendations for transportation and parking, food, and what to bring.
Download FreeFamily Interview Questions
Need help gathering family stories? This handout will prepare you for meetups with family members and provide suggestions for recording their stories. Interview questions included.
Download Free