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!
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MORE FROM US…
Join Findmypast’s Pals Campaign • Findmypast has launched an ongoing campaign to build the first and only definitive record collection dedicated to the Pals battalions of the First World War
Blenheim Palace develops pioneering digital twin
41,356 census substitute records from Fermanagh, Wexford, Cork, Dublin & Kerry now online
900,000 Waterford individuals added to TheGenealogist
Call for presentations: Academic Genealogy Conference, June 2026
Locate shipping company ephemera via online catalogue • The Caird Library’s printed ephemera collection has recently been added to the National Maritime Museum’s online catalogue
Prize-winning educators at The National Archives • TNA Kew’s schools service scooped The Sandford Award for Heritage Learning 2025 for their hands-on history workshops for primary and secondary education students
Barley purchase orders, 1825-1834 • Historic barley purchase records from James Murphy & Co at Midleton Distillery now online
New look Family Chartmasters’ website • Genealogist Crista Cowan has spent 18 month revamping her family tree printing company
DNA Club news • DNA Club news reporter Karen Evans shares news from the genealogy scene
A Family History Manual: ‘An excellent example of sharing knowledge’ • Family historian Mike Gould recognised in CILIP awards for his practical guide
TRACING ROYAL MARINE ANCESTORS at sea and at home • This month, Family Tree Academy tutor David Annal takes us on a voyage round the history of the Royal Marines. What are the record sets that can help you trace your Royal Marine ancestors, and where will you find them?
Dear Paul • This month, Paul Chiddicks brings us a selection of bizarre and tragic deaths, the tale of an old family portrait, the story of a highly distasteful will which did not stand up in court, and another selection of entertaining transcription errors
Transcription Corner
Family Tree Helping you discover your family story
DESOLATE & DESTITUTE • Gill Shaw takes a diversion to follow the Smith girls and their illegitimate sons – and unexpectantly finds herself in court at the Quarter Sessions.
Speeding up family history with AI for genealogy Safely & strategically • In our previous guide, in the November issue, family history & AI tutor Carole McCulloch explored how to get started with AI for genealogy confidently, introducing the AI Fluency Framework and seven essential prompts. Now that you’ve built that foundation, it’s time to accelerate your workflow while maintaining the safety and accuracy that defines quality genealogical research
How does FAMILY HISTORY fit into history? • In this thought-provoking article, genealogist Chris Paton reflects on how our own family histories can teach us very different lessons from the ones we were taught in school, and give us a deeper appreciation of our cultural and spiritual heritage
REUNION 14 AND REUNION TOUCH software review • This issue, in our series of articles reviewing family tree programs, professional genealogist Kathie Ross looks at Reunion 14 (a program for Mac) and Reunion Touch (the iOS app). Read on for her thoughts...