The Family History Guide Blog

July 11, 2026

New Guided Learning Videos for U.S. States

We;ve added quite a few new Guided Learning videos over the past few weeks, for doing basic research in U.S. states. This completes the set of 50 states, from Alabama to Wyoming. On the Guided Learning page, these are divided alphabetically into states from A-M and from N-W. Here is a list of the recent additions: We hope you enjoy...

Research/U.S. Research/What is new at The FHG Comments: 0

July 11, 2026

Keep or throw away: the challenge of genealogical documents and photos

Note: This article was published previously on the Genealogy’s Star blog site. This may not be obvious, but it is a generated image and it does bear a significant relationship to the recent status of the boxes in my basement. The past few weeks, various members of my family have come and “assisted” us in working through the piles of boxes in...

Memories/Technology Comments: 0

July 6, 2026

On Vacation

The Family History Guide blog is on vacation this week – see you next week with some new family history articles. Have a great week!

What is new at The FHG Comments: 0

June 27, 2026

July 4 – 250 Years of Independence

This coming Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Nationwide celebrations are planned, including Tall Ships flotillas along the east coast in July, a Philadelphia time capsule including entries from all 50 states, and of course the familiar parades, picnics, and fireworks. As we enjoy the festivities with family and friends, it’s worthwhile to...

U.S. Research Comments: 0

June 27, 2026

I Have a Question: The Genealogical Proof Standard

This week we added a new “I Have a Question” video about the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). The video explains what the GPS is, as well as how it can help you determine when your research for a person or family is reasonably complete and accurate. This brings the number of “I Have a Question” videos to 17, with more...

Research/U.S. Research/Uncategorized Comments: 0

June 22, 2026

Guided Learning Videos for U.S. States

Over the past week we have added 10 new Guided Learning videos, each focused on basic research in an individual U.S. state. We plan to complete the series for all 50 states in the next few weeks. Below is the list of new videos. You can also find them in Part E of the Guided Learning page, in the Research...

Learning/Technology/U.S. Research Comments: 0

June 22, 2026

Brick Walls Come in all Sizes — How big is yours?

Note: This article appeared previously on the Genealogy’s Star blog site. I have always been in disagreement with the common family history and genealogy analogy to brick walls. Often, the term is applied to research situations that have appeared to reach a dead end. However, in real life, a brick wall is easily scaled or, even from a practical standpoint, can be...

Research Comments: 0

June 14, 2026

How to Improve Any Prompt

Note: This article appeared previously in the Genealogy’s Star blog site. A fundamental part of mastering communication with AI chatbots (subsequently AI) involves learning how to structure and write effective prompts. To develop this ability it is important to understand that the AI can help you draft an initial prompt on a specific subject and also refine and improve your...

artificial intelligence/Research/Technology Comments: 0

June 14, 2026

Practice Exercises for Australia

This week we added 18 new Practice Exercises in The Family History Guide for Australian records. Here are the links, and you can find them in the corresponding Australian state pages in The Family History Guide: Enjoy!

Country Research/Research/What is new at The FHG Comments: 0

June 7, 2026