There’s a certain thrill that comes with discovery—the moment your ancestor’s name appears in a record, confirming that they were here. Real. Counted. Known. But discovery is only the beginning. The real magic happens when we breathe life back into what we’ve found—when we turn the details in an archival record into a story worth remembering.

Building strong connections in the genealogy world can feel like piecing together a giant family puzzle. But guess what? You don’t have to do it alone! Whether you’re diving into your own family history or helping others uncover theirs, creating a network of fellow enthusiasts and professionals can make your journey more exciting and fruitful. Ready to explore some genealogy connection tips that will boost your efforts? Let’s jump right in!

October is Family History Month, and there’s no better time to breathe life into your ancestors’ stories. We often think of genealogy as a solitary search through records and archives, but social media has changed that. It’s not just where we share discoveries; it’s where we invite others to join the conversation.

Sometimes, the best stories don’t come from archives—they come from the kitchen table, a phone call, or a quick text that begins with, “Do you remember when…?”

If you’ve ever found yourself opening social media to “just post one thing” and, an hour later, you’re still scrolling… you’re not alone. Managing multiple platforms, creating posts, and trying to stay consistent can quickly become overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling genealogy research, writing, or running a society page.

For years, Facebook has been a gathering place for genealogists and historians, whether you’re connecting with cousins, joining a society group, or simply swapping ancestor stories. Now Facebook has introduced Fan Challenges, a feature designed to deepen those connections and inspire more creative interaction between creators and their followers.

When the genealogy community began embracing social media, it opened up new opportunities. Suddenly, societies, libraries, and family historians could share stories and reach people well beyond their own town or membership list. Likes, follows, and algorithms shaped who saw what, and for a long time, success meant chasing numbers. That world is shifting, and fast.

October marks Family History Month, which is a time when stories, traditions, and connections can take center stage. For professional...

Image created with Midjourney Change is never easy. It stirs up fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even resistance. I’m feeling that deeply...

For generations, genealogical societies were the beating heart of family history research. If you wanted to hear expert presentations, learn research methods, or meet fellow enthusiasts, you joined your local society. They were the gateways to community, education, and discovery. But the world has shifted. Many people no longer see societies as their first stop when beginning their family history journey. Online tools, webinars, podcasts, and social media groups provide in

Social media can feel like a never-ending family reunion. Everyone’s talking, stories are flying, and you’re trying to keep up with every conversation. Eventually, the noise gets so loud that you stop hearing the voices that matter. That’s when social media burnout sets in.

When people think about family history, they often imagine thick binders, long family trees, and hours of research. But in today’s digital world, storytelling can be quick, visual, and incredibly powerful. That’s where short-form storytelling comes in — the art of sharing your ancestor’s life in under a minute.

Every memorable story — whether it’s in a book, a movie, or passed down through family — follows a structure. In genealogy, that structure helps transform facts into a narrative people want to hear. One of the simplest and most powerful storytelling tools is The Story Arc. It has three main parts: Setting, Conflict or Change, and Resolution.

If you’ve been researching your family history for a while, you probably have folders full of records — census pages, ship manifests, military files, letters, photographs. But here’s the thing: a record alone isn’t a story.

Family history isn’t just about names and dates on a tree — it’s about bringing those people back to life through the stories we tell....

Once upon a time, genealogy was confined to dusty libraries and handwritten charts. Then came the internet, and with it, a digital revolution that changed everything. However, it wasn't until social media emerged that genealogy truly became a community-driven, globally connected, and storytelling-rich experience. As we stand in 2025, it's the perfect moment to reflect on how we arrived here and where we're headed next.

If your historical or genealogical society has ever posted on social media and felt like you were shouting into the void, you’re not alone. Organic reach can feel unpredictable, but it’s far from dead.

The Digital Hesitation Social media often feels like a fast-moving train that left the station before many of us even bought a ticket. For genealogists, especially those who didn’t grow up with a smartphone in hand, the idea of diving into Facebook groups, hashtags, or trends can be intimidating, even off-putting. The platforms shift constantly, the etiquette feels unspoken, and there’s always the nagging worry of oversharing or getting lost in the scroll.

When social media first burst onto the scene, it was all about connection — instantly sharing photos, updates, and life moments with family and friends, no matter the distance. For genealogists, it became a thrilling new way to share family tree discoveries, vintage photos, and ancestral stories with relatives who might otherwise never hear them.

As we dive deeper into 2025, the digital landscape continues to evolve, offering exciting new opportunities for the genealogy world. I’ve been reviewing the Social Media Industry Report 2025 published by Social Media Examiner and here are the key insights every genealogist and genealogy society should know, plus how they can help you strengthen your social media presence and community connections.