Ancestry Aimee

01/28/2026

One of the biggest surprises in genealogy is discovering that your ancestors didn’t change towns, the boundaries did. That’s where the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries becomes a genealogy game changer.

This free resource from the Newberry Library lets you explore how county lines shifted over time across the United States, from the early 1600s through 2000. It shows when and how counties were created, split, renamed, or absorbed, which can make all the difference in knowing where your ancestor’s records might be found.
https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/

01/26/2026

If Friday’s map post got you thinking differently about your research, this video keeps that momentum going.

Maps are one of the most powerful tools in family history. They add context, explain movement, and help you see why your ancestors made the choices they did. In this video, you’ll learn about two of the largest free map collections in the United States and a simple hack for finding the maps you need fast.

Even better, these U.S.-based collections include maps from outside the United States, making them useful no matter where your research leads.

Learn about 2 of the largest map collections in the United States plus a HACK for finding them fast! Maps are crucial for family history. They tell stories a...

01/23/2026

Historical maps show changing county boundaries, vanished towns, nearby neighbors, churches, schools, and even cemeteries that no longer exist. If your ancestor seems to disappear from the records, it might not be them — it might be the map that changed.

Genealogy tip:
Always check a map from the time period you’re researching. An ancestor may have lived in the same place their whole life, even though the county or state name around them changed.

Before you say “no records exist,” check the map.

Have maps ever unlocked a breakthrough in your research? Tell me where your ancestors lived.

01/22/2026

Australia Day is the perfect time to explore the stories that connect families to Australia.
From January 22–27, 2026, MyHeritage is offering free access to 2.2 billion Australian historical records.

This includes 308 collections covering births, marriages, deaths, immigration, military service, convict records, and more. If you have Australian roots or suspect a connection, this is a great opportunity to dig in and see what you can uncover.

Free access is only available for a few days, so don’t miss it. https://tinyurl.com/9t5t7hbn

01/21/2026

As we kick off 2026, I’m taking a fresh look at the biggest names in family history research. In this new video, I compare Ancestry and MyHeritage alongside FamilySearch, covering new features and how many records each company added in 2025. If you’re deciding where to focus your research time and subscriptions this year, this side-by-side breakdown will help. Watch now!

Ancestry v. MyHeritage in comparison to FamilySearch as we wrap up 2025 and look to 2026. Learn about their new features and how many records they acquired i...

01/19/2026

Organizing genealogy and family history research is not something to put off - check out my four hints to get your house in order and bring you some peace!

Watch the full video here. https://youtu.be/sENy2NdteFg

01/16/2026

Did you know about the Non-Population Schedules of the Federal Census? These special records can offer unique insights into specific groups, like agriculture or industry. While they don’t focus on names and vital stats, they provide valuable context and might even help you find ancestors missing from the regular census. Ready to explore a new avenue in your research?

01/14/2026

Build your family tree with local and state resources. You can break through research brick walls and find those elusive ancestors.

Watch the full length video to learn more. https://youtu.be/bMrqXgaKrUo

01/12/2026

Find your family’s story for half the price.

There has never been a better time to dive into your family history. Right now you can get 50% off a 6-month membership, whether you are brand new or coming back to continue your research.

If you have been meaning to organize your tree, explore records, or finally break through that brick wall, this sale makes it easier to get started.

The clock is ticking.

This offer ends January 13 at 10am ET.

Start uncovering the people, places, and stories that made you who you are. https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe

01/09/2026

Have you subscribed to my YouTube channel yet?

If you enjoy practical genealogy tips, research strategies, and encouragement to keep going when family history feels overwhelming, my YouTube channel is for you. I share videos designed to help you make steady progress, one step at a time.

Subscribe here and join me:
https://www.youtube.com/?sub_confirmation=1

Already subscribed? Tell me what kind of videos you’d love to see next.

01/07/2026

Old newspapers can answer questions you didn’t even know to ask.

In this video, you’ll learn how to search newspapers thoroughly for your ancestors and pick up research tricks you can use in any type of genealogy project. From missed details to hidden clues, newspapers are more powerful than most researchers realize.

Learn how to search thoroughly for your ancestors in newspapers. Plus newspaper research tricks work for any type of research! Purchase the handout at https:...

01/05/2026

You don’t need a paid subscription to make real progress in your family history research. Some of the most powerful genealogy tools are completely free and they’re packed with records, clues, and context.

These are five free genealogy websites every family history researcher should know about.

If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just getting started, these sites can help you move forward without spending a dollar.