Top 10 Genealogy Blogs To Check Out!

Top 10 Genealogy Blogs To Check Out

Need help tracing your family history? Finding it difficult to track down the records of an elusive ancestor? Let me tell you that you are not alone. I can help by recommending these top 10 genealogy blogs that you should visit.

Top 10 Genealogy Blogs To Check Out!

Besides The Genealogy Guide, these blogs will also give you plenty of guides and tips to get you on your way.

And like this site, there are frequent updates that will give you all the latest genealogy news that you need to know.

We all need a little help sometimes!

Even I needed help when I first started discovering my ancestors. I must admit I didn’t know what I was doing back then.

It was help from these blogs that helped me build a family tree that now I can be proud of.

Trying to whittle down this top 10 list of genealogy blogs was quite tricky. It was a mammoth task considering that there are hundreds and hundreds of genealogy blogs online.

The other challenge I had with this list was to rank these blogs. Because I found this difficult it was best just put them into alphabetical order.

Top 10 Genealogy Blogs:

Over time I will add more genealogy blogs, or make changes that I think are necessary.

Bonus Genealogy Blogs!

You can comment below to get your blog featured.

After checking out these genealogy blogs please explore the rest of The Genealogy Guide website. I cover so many different areas of family history research.

Plenty of help from The Genealogy Guide!

  • Get the most from your old family photographs,
  • Discover what family heirlooms you have around your home,
  • How to preserve them, and
  • How to write up your family stories, among other things.

Genealogy is a varied hobby as there are so many ways that you can research your heritage. And there are many sources of information that are out there.

You just need to know where to look and how to search these sources.

And that is where The Genealogy Guide steps in to show you the way!

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Express Your Thoughts Below!

I would love to hear from you.

My Recommended Top 10 Genealogy Blogs

There are plenty of these top 10 lists already online. So, you may be asking yourself why is my list different from them all and why should I look at it?

Why Research My Family History

Well, as I mentioned at the start of this post the genealogy blogs in my top 10 are not only frequently updated but also contain very recent articles.

Several blogs that I have checked on these lists haven’t been updated for years. And that’s quite off-putting for me.

I like to check out blogs that have fresh content and inform me of any new genealogy products or services that I should be aware of.

So, without further ado here is my top 10 genealogy blogs that you should visit and look at.


1. Amy Johnson CrowAmy Johnson Crow

Amy is a certified genealogist with more than 20 years in the business and is a member of both the Ohio Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society as well.

And impressively she is a series editor for the NGS Research Guides.

She has also written two books as well to help you with your genealogy research.

They are titled 31 Days to Better Genealogy and Online Roots, two books that will help you further your research into your ancestors.

On Amy’s blog, you will learn all about the latest genealogy books and publications, and how to search for your ancestors both online and offline.

She will also share with you as well what she has learned through her many years of research.


2. Ancestry Blog – Various Authors

Hosted on the Ancestry website this blog has many different authors, including Tim Sullivan, Jasmine Rockow, Juliana Szucs, Erika Manternach, and more besides.

Ancestry.com

These blog posts will not only help you to get the most from the Ancestry site, what new records are available, and Ancestry DNA testing.

This blog will also give you advice such as tips you can follow when you are on a road trip, when is it time to hire a professional genealogist, and explain to you how your ancestors shaped modern-day America.

The many authors that contribute to the Ancestry blog give you their journeys which I find interesting to read.

So, you can take inspiration from them to help you delve more into the lives of your ancestors.


3. Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter – Dick EastmanDick Eastman

Giving you all the latest news and reviews Dick Eastman is an authority when it comes to family history research.

Dick has been involved in genealogy for more than 35 years and has been working on his genealogy newsletter for an impressive 21 years.

What I find impressive as well is that Dick’s newsletter has been sponsored by the genealogy website MyHeritage.

So, drawing from many, many years of knowledge and his blog’s sponsorship he knows a lot about genealogy and can be trusted to help you as well.

Dick covers what you need to learn about all the latest genealogy software, apps, cloud services, sites and informs you of important genealogical events and conferences that are coming up.


4. Dear Myrtle – Pat Richley-EricksonPat Richley-Erickson

DearMyrtle is the identity of Pat Richley-Erickson who has been online since 1995. The award-winning site is among the top 5 genealogy blogs worldwide.

Pat is an occasional speaker at both regional and national conferences and is responsible for the creation of GeneaWebinars

This is a site that contains genealogy webinars to help you presented by many different hosts.

Not only blogging Pat, or rather Myrtle conducts weekly live video hangouts where she will help you during her Mondays with Myrt and Wacky Wednesdays videos.

You can find these videos among the 780 plus videos on her DearMYRTLE’s YouTube Channel.

Besides informing her followers as to upcoming webinars and events that are coming up, Myrtle looks at what is available from online sites and how to get the most from them.

I am sure that you will find the DearMyrtle site both informative and interesting to read.


5. Genea-Musings – Randy SeaverRandy Seaver

You can learn a lot from Randy as he shares with you his experiences in the genealogy world.

Not only does he recite his own family stories but he discusses all the latest updates to genealogy sites.

He covers topics such as what latest records have been added, and how to use the many genealogy software programs that are available today.

Randy also shares with his followers what events he has attended recently.

He also presents genealogy presentations at genealogical societies, libraries, and conferences where you can learn a thing or two.


6. Genealogy Blog – Leland MeitzlerLeland Meitzler

Leland describes his genealogy blog as a nautamagazine.

His blog looks primarily at all the latest genealogy books, websites, and records that have recently been made available.

He goes in-depth about these books by looking at each chapter within them, as well as the appendices, and giving his view on them as well.

I like that Leland also uniquely reviews genealogy sites and blogs so that you do not have to waste your time doing this research.

You can see from him what sites are worth visiting so that you can get on with what matters most.

Finding your dead relatives!


7. Genealogy’s Star – James TannerJames Tanner

Citing that “Some people eat, sleep and chew gum, I do genealogy and write…” James Tanner covers the technological side of genealogy.

He explores the future of the computer and laptop, voice recognition through Apple and Microsoft, and eBooks.

And also what you can expect from the genealogy search website among other topics.

It’s quite a varied mix of subjects that James will discuss on his blog.

There is plenty of useful advice that he will share with you.

James is also a co-author of many research guides such as how to find your British and German ancestors.

These publications can be found on the Genealogy’s Star site.


8. Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy GemsLisa Louise Cooke

Genealogy Gems is a multi-media platform where the website not only contains a blog but also podcasts, videos, and a seminar section.

There is also a store as well where you will find books, guides, and a section giving you special deals on products to help you with your family history research.

Its’ creator Lisa Louise Cooke has authored several books and regularly writes for the Family Tree Magazine.

She is also a producer of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast. It is quite an impressive resume, to say the least.

Her blog looks at many different areas of genealogy such as DNA testing, her upcoming appearances at conferences, what new records are available, and how to use and get the most from genealogy sites and software that is available.

Credit:   Genealogy Gems

There is plenty of advice on this blog as well as the rest of the site as well.

If you are interested in creating your genealogy blog then why not check out the following video from Lisa.

It is a bit dated but it will give you valuable advice on how to do this.


9. The Genealogy Guys – George G. Morgan and Drew SmithGenealogy Guys

This entry is more of a genealogy podcast rather than a blog.

I have included it here as the two creators George G. Morgan and Drew Smith blog about their recent podcasts highlighting what you can expect from them.

The Genealogy Guys have been podcasting since 2005 helping both the beginner and the seasoned professional.

They have amassed a collection of more than 300 podcasts covering the latest news from organizations and companies keeping you informed as to what you need to know.

Besides that, they also give book reviews and conduct brief interviews as well.

Their latest venture, the Genealogy Connection is an all-interview podcast.

Here you will listen to the experts whether they are researchers, writers, speakers, educators, entrepreneurs, technologists, librarians, or archivists.

And at the end of these podcasts, the interviewee will share with you a book, a tool, or tip that will be helpful to you.


10. The Legal Genealogist – Judy G. Russell

Judy G Russell

Judy is not only a genealogist but also has a law degree.

She is a lecturer, educator, and writer as well and has had various jobs including a newspaper reporter, trade association writer, and legal investigator.

Through her blog, you will learn all about the legal concepts and terminology that you need to know while you are researching your family history.

You can learn about the legalities of court records and what this means to your DNA testing.

Also, learn about what records are now available, discussions on copyright, and much, much more besides.

One of her most recent blogs discusses whether genealogy websites can change their terms of use.

I found this a fascinating read indeed and so will you.

If you cannot find the answers that you are looking for then fear not as you can even ask Judy direct on her website for any legal advice that you may need.


Bonus Genealogy Blogs

Here is a collection of genealogy blogs that you may like to check out. You can also get some great tips and advice from the genealogists who run these sites.

Eight Roads to Montana – Lark Robart

Lark’s interest in genealogy is very much similar to my own. Whereas my fascination with family history came from the many stories that my father told me, Lark’s interest came from her mother’s story.

And also discovering her father’s side of the family.

In her blog, she shares her family’s stories and tries to find out more about them.

Through her blog posts, we learn how her ancestors came from Sweden and Ireland, and how they started from Colorado then Minnesota before ending up in Montana.


Family Tree Tips – Danny

This blog gives you practical tips and tricks covering DNA, military, photographs preservation, and researching on a budget.

Also covered is help to uncover your African, British, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or American ancestors.

Here you will find plenty of help to connect you with your heritage.


Get Italian Citizenship – Audra de Falco

Audra runs this exciting consulting company that can help YOU discover your Italian ancestors.

Not only that but through this valuable resource, you can get help with retrieving documents from all over Italy, build the branches of your family tree that originally came from Italy, and even get help applying for Italian passports, (hence the name of the site).

The Get Italian Citizenship also runs a blog which regularly updated with helpful posts providing tips and tricks you can use for your genealogy research.

As well as that there is useful information regarding the processes involved in obtaining Italian dual citizenship.


I Seek Dead People – Karen McPherson

Through her blog, Karen shares with us her genealogy journey since retiring from teaching back in 2012. Her blog posts show just how exciting this wonderful hobby can be.

Besides showing us what research is currently being undertaken there are other features included on this blog.

There is a section entitled “Ancestor Birthdays” where the birthdays of her ancestors are explored. (This is something that I have been planning to do myself, but also maybe include marriages and deaths as well).

Also to be found on the site is Woman’s History Month – uncovers the lives of Karen’s female ancestors; 1900: A Family in Place and Time – showcasing the lives of her ancestors at the turn of the century; and Creative Genealogy – as yet to be commenced, but I’m sure will be packed full of information and insights.

I was blown away by the dedication to genealogy that Karen shows through her blog. She has so many projects being undertaken and ones in the pipeline. It does show you just how and what this hobby can grow into.

This is a blog to check out and can give you some pretty good projects for you to pursue.


Italian Genealogy – Bob

This is another helpful genealogy blog that gives you tips that you can use to trace your Italian ancestry. These insightful tips are brought to you daily by Bob, as well as words of encouragement to keep you going along on your genealogy journey.

Not only is there plenty of advice on his site, but also Bob shares with you photos, documents, stories, and crests that he has accumulated during his many years of research.

His family tree adventure started similarly to my own.

I began tracing my ancestry because of the many fascinating stories my father told me, whereas Bob’s interest stemmed from a card that was passed down to him.

You can see from his blog posts the enthusiasm he has for tracing his roots. And besides that, he shows you exactly how he conducted his research.

So you can use his techniques for your very own family history research.


The Shamrock Genealogist – Melanie McComb

Melanie is a genealogist with over 15 years of experience. She is a social media coordinator for The NextGen Genealogy Network.

This organization aims to bridge the gap between all generations who are interested in family history, provide resources to help encourage engagement and offer opportunities for involvement.

The name for Melanie’s blog goes back to her Irish roots, from her father’s side. She has most of her luck with genealogy research through this branch of her family tree.

So, it was a good name to adopt for her blog.

In her family history blog, she shares stories and tips that can help you with your family history research.

You can find out the latest genealogy news as well as what recent conferences and engagements that Melanie that she has attended.


Walking the Genes – Megan Walker

Through her blog, Megan shows her passion for her family history and her journey into discovering her ancestors.

She has been tracing her family tree for more than 20 years and like me wants to give back to the genealogy world and help others to find out where they come from.

Her father’s side of the family came from England while her mother’s family is originally from Western Australia.

And even though Megan resides in Queensland, Australia this has proved to be no barrier in her search for her ancestors.

The aptly named ‘Walking the Genes‘ site comes from the fact that she has been walking through her past.

And she can show you how to do the same.

Got A Genealogy Blog? Comment Below To Get Listed!


Thank You and Please Leave A Comment

I hope you enjoyed this post listing the top 10 genealogy blogs that I recommend for you to check out. If you have any questions or comments then please leave a comment below.

Please share with family and friends if you think this post will help others by using the social media buttons below.

Summary
Article Name
10 Genealogy Blogs To Check Out
Description
Here are my 10 genealogy blogs that you need to check out. These blogs have been created by experts with many years of experience. Learn from the best.
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The Genealogy Guide
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30 thoughts on “Top 10 Genealogy Blogs To Check Out”

  1. Hi Owain,

    Would you take a look at my site an consider including it in your post? It’s dedicated to finding Italian Roots and the story of how I found my family and our history. I was able to track my grandmother’s mother back to many of the kings and queens of Europe. http://www.italiangenealogy.blog. Would you have any other recommendations to drive traffic? I see very few sites specific to Italian searches. Thanks Bob

  2. Owain
    I would be obliged if you would consider my blog for inclusion. It is https://www.ancestornetwork.ie/blog-standard/ and specialises in advice on accessing and using Irish family history records, and also a series of ‘Small Sources’ which are lists of people we find in smaller records which are unlikely to be included in any of the big on-line sites.
    What is the origin of Owain, by the way. Not a variation of Eoin, by any chance ?

    1. Hi Jim,

      I’ll be sure to check your blog. I’ll let you know when I’ve added it to the list. All I ask is for a link back to my site.

      Owain is Welsh for Owen 🙂

    2. Apologies for taking so long to include your blog in my guide. What with carrying out my own family history and being busy with my family, (wife and three daughters), it has taken my time away from doing any work on this site.

      Hope you like the inclusion.

  3. Hi there Owain! I would love for my website to be listed on your guide as a resource. I run Get Italian Citizenship, Inc. which is a thriving consulting company for people seeking Italian dual citizenship (or Italian citizenship jure sanguinis). We deal with lots of genealogical questions, help dig up documents from Sicily, reconstruct family stories, and even help people apply for their Italian passports. I run a blog on the website with helpful tips and tricks as well as background information and legal resources for those seeking Italian dual citizenship too. I’d really be honored if you could include us!

    1. Hi Audra,

      I’d be delighted to include your blog in this guide. I’ll do it within a few days Andrew let you know when it’s up. If I can get a link back to The Genealogy Guide, that would be great.

      Thanks,
      Owain

      1. That would be great! I would be happy to link to you under the “Resources” tab in my site. Would you like to exchange guest posts on each other’s websites? Also, I don’t know why I specified Sicily when I said I get documents from Italy. We work with documents from all over Italy, not just Sicily! 🙂 I was probably listening to the news about Mt. Etna erupting…

  4. Hi Owain,

    Thanks so much for featuring my blog Eight Roads to Montana! I really do appreciate it!!

    Also wanted to say that I think your list of Top 10 is a great resource for beginning genealogists and family historians, as well as seasoned. I’d like to give a particular shout-out to a couple of them. I listen to Dear Myrt’s “Mondays With Myrt” hangout almost every week. It’s great fun “hanging out” with other genealogists from all over the world, and I always learn something new. And Judy Russell’s blog is a go-to blog for me, as both a genealogist and a blogger.

    Thanks again. And thanks for your great blog!

  5. I have to say that your site is the most comprehensive site on this subject that I’ve encountered. You have obviously put a lot of thought into its’ development.

    I like the fact that you offered access to so many other sites and had researched them as well. The government previously made the social security site available which would be a useful tool, but I don’t think you can access it anymore.

    Just out of curiosity, if you don’t mind me asking is your name Owain of Welsh ancestry? Overall a very professional site.

    1. Hi Joe, thanks for the compliment. I sure have put a lot of effort into the site. Not only do I want to provide as much information as I can, but I want it clear and concise, and easy to find as well. And hopefully I have done that.

      Genealogy is a really big subject and so I thought that it was only fair to point people to other blogs that they can get help from.

      And yes I do have Welsh blood in me.

  6. Thanks for these brief reviews of the top 10 genealogy blogs. There’s a wealth of information here. I think it’s good that they offer different things.

    For example, James Tanner covers the technical aspects for research and Judy Russell looks at the legalities. I’m sure between your site and all of these other blogs we should be able to complete our family tree.

    I’m a bit confused as to why there would be legal aspects involved, does this mean we may not be able to access certain records? If so, which ones could be restricted?

    1. Hi Craig, it’s my pleasure to present here my top 10 pick s when it comes to genealogy blogs. I just wish that I hadn’t done it sooner.

      Some of them do offer different aspects of genealogy, but some do offer the same. But what you have to remember is that genealogy is such a diverse hobby that there is just so much to talk about. The same can be said for this site. I have just so many ideas and subjects that I want to discuss. And in time I will get round to them.

      As for legalities for example the United States have to wait 72 years until people can see the latest Census Records. In the UK which I expect you know it is 100 years. So there is that case and many others. Maybe I should look into that on this site. Maybe some day.

  7. Very Interesting site, Owain! it is coming along well and I look forward to returning to it. I have bookmarked it as I am very interested in Genealogy for both sides of our family. Those 10 sites are amazing! Some are pretty old but if they are still working, wth!

    1. Thanks for bookmarking my site Nicole. That’s great.

      The genealogists who have set up the blogs have been doing it a while. These ones as I stated are frequently updated with new posts so they always have fresh content on them.

  8. Thanks for sharing Owain. You’re a wealth of knowledge in genealogy and forever sharing more great resources for our journey.

    I know why I have your site bookmarked.

  9. Wow, that’s amazing that lots haven’t even updated in years. It’s a wonder their site is still up and going! Anyway, you have a pretty good selection here to look at, and should keep me busy for a bit =).

    I was attracted to your #4, DearMyrtle mainly because she does do the hangouts and I always tend to have questions. Also, I’m on youtube often, so its easy for me to have frequent access. Your guide has been very helpful in showing me many options for my genealogy needs, so thanks much! I look forward to checking them out.

    1. Yeah I’m surprised myself that those dated sites are still online. Those hangouts are great as you say, you really can learn from them as they’re quite personal.

      I am glad to be of help Paula and yes you will be busy with these blogs for a while. Just hope it doesn’t take too much of your time when you should be researching your family history, lol.

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