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.

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

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....

A New Era in Genealogy I still remember when my family bought our first microwave during my junior high years. It was a big deal, an appliance that promised to cook and reheat food much faster than we were used to. I even earned a Girl Scout badge that year because I took a class on how to use it safely. But there was also concern. Was it really safe? Would it change the way we cook forever?

A good image can stop the scroll—and tell a powerful story. In the world of genealogy, visuals are more than just decorations; they are a key way to bring our ancestors’ stories into focus and help others connect with our family histories. Whether it’s an old photograph, a newly created family tree, or a restored image of a handwritten letter, visuals have the unique power to evoke emotions and create deeper connections to the past.

We spend a lot of time growing our social media presence, but here’s the truth: we don’t own those spaces. Social platforms? We're just leasing space. And sometimes the algorithm forgets to show our content to the very people who want to see it.

Creating attention-grabbing captions and headlines is both an art and a science. Whether you’re sharing a genealogy breakthrough, a family

Are you juggling multiple genealogy projects, managing society events, or balancing historical research with public engagement? AI can be...

A social media content calendar helps genealogy-focused individuals and organizations in several ways:

When I first started exploring artificial intelligence (AI), I wasn’t entirely sure how it would fit into my work as a genealogist.

As I sit here reviewing my genealogical society memberships for the year, spreadsheet in hand, I can't help but think about the amazing value these organizations bring to our family history community. But I also know the struggle many people in today's world faces trying to balance the desire to join multiple societies with budget constraints.

Genealogy is often a treasure trove of fascinating facts, but let’s face it—not every ancestor’s story jumps off the page. That’s where a touch of humor can work wonders. Thanks to AI, we can breathe new life into the past by adding a playful twist to our ancestors’ journeys, turning them into stories that both educate and entertain.