Rebecca Shamblin, Author/Speaker

04/26/2026

Hey, local genealogists -- would you like to know more about using FamilySearch.org? It's such a powerful and FREE resource to have in your toolbox. Come to my class Monday night at Wayzata Central Middle School! Class will be 6-7:30pm, in person, and the cost is $35. Read more and register here:
https://wayzata.ce.eleyo.com/course/10339/adult-classes-winter-spring-2026/family-trees-using-familysearch-org

Are you interested in building a powerful family tree but not ready to invest in any software or subscriptions? FamilySearch.org is an amazing free resource often overlooked next to giants like Ancestry.com. It is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve important family records and make...

02/27/2026

If you are a fan of Girl Scout cookies, today is Free Shipping Day for orders of at least 8 boxes! This is my daughter's first year as a Scout, so this is my version of taking the order form "into the office" :)

That's right! You can order your favorite Girl Scout Cookies from me online, all while helping my troop and I do great things in our community and beyond! Check it out.

01/02/2026

My grandpa Lawrence was intensely proud of his Luxembourgish heritage. Over and over, he wrote out what he knew, preserving the names and dates and stories as best he could - on paper, on the backs of envelopes, on the smallest scraps of paper. These are just SOME of the notes recovered from his desk when he passed away. I am honored to be his granddaughter and carry on his legacy.

01/02/2026

Just a quick reminder that this weekend is your last chance to sign up before the latest Family Book Creator workshop launches on Monday. Looking at enrollment numbers, this is likely the last time I teach this course. If you have been on the fence, now is the time :)

The workshop will run from January - May 2026. New material will be presented at 6pm Central Time (US) on the first Monday evening of each month, with the bonus help sessions at the same time on the third Monday. See more details and the full schedule here: https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/courses/family-book-creator-workshop-jan-may-2026/

12/15/2025

I am so excited to bring you the second edition of Leaving a Legacy! People have been clamoring for an update ever since the new versions of Family Tree Maker and Family Book Creator were released earlier this year.

FBC 2024 in particular offers some exciting new options in terms of customizing the appearance of charts, a helpful new Preview window, control over image borders, and the ability to limit the number of citations.

But this is not just about the new programs …

**More Than 50 Pages of New Content!**

--Artificial intelligence
--FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search
--FBC troubleshooting checklist
--Word cloud tutorial
--My new margin recommendations
--The new Lulu Cover Creator
--Excerpt from Building a Legacy
--By popular demand … an index!

FAQ

Is the second edition still helpful for people using FTM 2019 and/or the original FBC?

--Absolutely! I made sure to call out when a particular feature is only available in specific editions of the programs.

How many pages is the new edition?

--A robust 299 pages of excellent content.

Can I get it in different formats?

--Yes, just like before, it is available in paperback, spiral-bound, hardcover, and PDF.

Grab yours now!

The second edition of "Leaving a Legacy" is here! Check it out: https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/leaving-a-legacy/ Dismiss

10/27/2025

While teaching in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota today, I mentioned that I am Luxembourgish. The librarian suggested I check out a nearby alleyway on my way out of town, and I was delighted to find this lovely celebration of Luxembourg by the Luxembourg Heritage Society of Southern Minnesota.

09/19/2025

Another chance for us to interact in person! I'll be in Sleep Eye, Minnesota this Monday, leading a free class about getting started in genealogy. Come join us at the Dyckman Free Library!

Join us Monday at 2 pm to learn how to get started researching your family tree!

This program is made possible in part with a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the State of Minnesota.

08/12/2025

That feeling when you have clicked through 236 census records but the 237th record is the one! Triumph!

("Bley" was mis-transcribed as "Blex" - wacky fun)

08/08/2025

I'm excited to attend Luxembourg Fest this weekend in my hometown of Belgium, Wisconsin! I'll be at the parade and the fest on Saturday, and the LACS research center on Sunday. Let me know if you'll be there!

FRIDAY, August 8, 2025 6 pm: Luxembourg Tasting Experience 7:30 pm: Dinner Buechler Farms 587 S Royal Ave, Belgium, WI 53004

06/25/2025

I was working on my third family history book this afternoon, and I decided to turn on my screen recorder to give you a glimpse of my workflow. I spent just over an hour, and ended up with three pages of my narrative completed (as a draft, of course). This included finding a couple of baptism records, analyzing writing up several property sales (the W1/2 of the NW1/4 of the SE1/4 - whew!), using Photoshop to create some map close-ups, and working with a state census. I sped up the footage so you can see everything in a couple of minutes.

Let me know if you find it helpful and I'll do it again sometime! Feel free to request a certain kind of work to watch.

06/19/2025

The FBC Workshop is back!

Back by popular demand - another round of my Family Book Creator Workshop! Join me for a step-by-step walk through the process of planning, researching, writing, editing, and producing your family history book - finally! Each month I will offer an illustrated presentation about one phase in the process, with optional homework and a bonus “office hours” time halfway through the month where you can bring your questions.

The goal is for you to have a complete chapter by the end of the 5-month workshop - plus the skills and motivation to finish the rest of the book on your own.

Enjoy extremely detailed handouts for each presentation, so you can follow along without madly scribbling notes. Join my Facebook group for answers and encouragement from fellow students.

Our first session will be July 10. New material will be presented at 8pm Central Time (US) on the second Thursday evening of each month, with the bonus help sessions at the same time on the fourth Thursday.

Can’t make that schedule? No problem! Every presentation and help session will be recorded and available for viewing during the course of the workshop (expiring in December 2025).

Did you take this workshop in Fall of 2024 or Winter 2025? Welcome back! I would love to have you as a returning student to review the material and absorb more nuances, now that you have a foundation. Please use the coupon code welcomeback for $50 off your registration.