Just for fun

What if you discover some of the things no one talks about in your family tree? This is just one way that genealogy has a dark side.

Which Star Wars people would show up on Luke Skywalker's DNA match list? Would he be a match to Owen and Beru Lars? What about DNA shared with Darth Vader?

Are you thinking about putting together a family reunion, but don't know where to start the planning process? In this post, learn helpful tips for planning a family reunion that everyone will remember for years to come. I spend a lot of my free time working on my family tree, which usually means I am …

Are you interested in putting your knowledge of your family history to use to connect with your ancestors' culture? In this post, find several ways to expand your connection with the cultures your ancestors called their own. If you have read other articles on my website, then you know that most of the information on …

Do you ever wonder how far back the furthest family tree goes? In this post, learn the furthest verified case that anyone has been able to trace their ancestry.

Maybe you've heard that researchers have made big discoveries about Beethoven's DNA. In this post, learn more about what they learned, as well as how to find out if you are related to Beethoven.

The idea that every human is related to every other human is easy enough to understand, in theory. But it leads to the question: how many generations back are we all related?

Have you been thinking about writing down your life story? In this post, learn about different styles, what to consider, and how to write your personal history.

Interested in how to start a family history blog? Learn the different ways you can start publishing your stories and research about your family history.

It's that time of year again: time to decide what your resolutions for the new year will be. In this post, find over 30 ideas for New Year's resolutions for the genealogist and family historian. One of my favorite things to do on New Year's Day is enjoying a warm cup of coffee and writing …

Can you use your DNA results to explore your cultural heritage? And if you can, should you? The answer to both of these questions is a firm "yes".

What is family history indexing? In this post, learn the answer, as well as find out about different types of indexing projects, and how to get involved.

Want to make a family history timeline? Here, I will walk you through the steps for how to make one from your family tree info using Microsoft Word.

Here, learn about five family history challenges that you can participate it, by yourself or with a group, to learn and inspire your genealogy research.

Do you want to know if an app can tell your ethnicity based on a photo? The answer is no, it can't. You'll learn the reasons why in this post. It is easy to understand why we are tempted to want to be able to upload a photograph and learn about our ancestry. These days, …

What are archaic DNA matches on Gedmatch? What does it mean to have ancient DNA matches? Can they be used for genealogy? Learn these answers, and more!

Do you want to know if you can earn money building family trees? Want to turn your genealogy hobby into a business? Learn more about it in this post!

What better what to feel a connection with your ancestors than through a beautiful homage to their culture in the form of food?  Plus, it's a great way to help family members, especially kids, become interested in their family tree and their heritage. If we are being honest, family tree research can be dry and …

Do you want an easy way to find out if you look like your ancestors? Let Family Search's new tool do the work for you. In this post, I'll teach you how it works. I have spent way too much time lately uploading my family photographs to Family Search's new "Compare a Face" tool to …

Have you heard all the fuss about Elizabeth Warren claiming to have Native American ancestry? Many of her defenders and detractors have suggested - even demanded - that she take a DNA test, but she has refused.  Whether or not you agree with her politics or not, she's made the right decision by refusing to …

Curious if your DNA matches ancient remains in Siberia or Hungary? In this post, I'll tell you how you can compare your DNA to Ancient DNA Samples.

Is it okay for children to take DNA tests? Learn the ethical concerns about kids testing DNA to learn about their ancestry or genealogy.

What's the craziest thing you have ever seen on an old census record?  US Federal Census records are filled with seemingly dry, boring entries documenting family size, head of household, and employment statistics for people living all over the country.  If you look closely (and sometimes read between the lines) you might find something hilarious, …

Gene Heritage was a company that used your existing DNA test to determine if you inherited certain genes from your parents that influence whether or not you display particular characteristics.  The company is no longer operating. Some of the genes/alleles that they checked for were lactose intolerance, taste sensitivities, eye color, how well you might …

Scientists say that everyone who lives outside of Africa in modern times has at least a tiny percentage of Neanderthal DNA.  Have you ever wondered how much you have, if any?  This article will explain whether Ancestry DNA will show your Neanderthal roots. The Neanderthals lived in Europe and Asia, and when humans arrived out …