Journey Through the Generations

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For Day 5 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re turning our attention to genealogy on television. In this episode, we talk about popular genealogy TV shows such as Finding Your Roots, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Relative Race, along with a few lesser-known programs that bring family history research to life in different ways.

We discuss how these shows blend storytelling, history, and research, what they get right, and how viewers can use them as inspiration for their own family history journeys. Whether you enjoy celebrity-driven discoveries, competitive research formats, or emotional reunions, genealogy TV shows can spark curiosity, encourage deeper research, and help make family history more accessible to a wider audience.

If you’ve ever watched an episode and thought, “I want to try that with my own family,” this conversation is for you.

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Music provided by Third House Productions
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For Day 4 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re highlighting a powerful and deeply meaningful resource: the Center for Family Research located inside the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina.

In this episode, we talk about how the Center supports African American family history research through access to historical records, expert guidance, and specialized tools designed to help researchers trace their lineage through the era of slavery and beyond. We discuss how you can support the museum, donate your personal archives, and how the Center connects personal family stories to the broader African American experience.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Charleston or exploring options for advancing your research, the Center for Family History at IAAM is a must-know genealogy resource.

Learn more about the Center for Family History at IAAM:
https://iaamuseum.org/center-for-family-history/

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📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
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🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

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For Day 3 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re diving into one of the most surprisingly powerful tools for family historians: social media. In this episode, we talk about how platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and specialized online communities can help you find resources, connect with relatives, discover research tips, and stay updated on genealogy trends.

We share examples of how social media groups have helped researchers break through brick walls, learn new techniques, and collaborate with others who share their ancestral regions or surnames. Whether you're new to genealogy or have been researching for years, social media can open doors you never expected.

Helpful Social Media Tools for Genealogy Research

1. Facebook Groups

Great for connecting with researchers who share:

• Geographic interests (e.g., “Arkansas Genealogy,” “African American Genealogy”)
• Surname research
• DNA help
• Beginner questions
   Facebook remains one of the most active genealogy communities online.

2. YouTube

Free video tutorials from:

• FamilySearch
• Ancestry
• Professional genealogists
   Learn how to analyze records, write family stories, use DNA tools, and more.

3. Instagram

Useful for:

• Following genealogy educators
• Creators who share quick research tips
• Inspiration for storytelling and family history projects

4. TikTok

Short-form videos covering:

• Genealogy hacks
• Record breakdowns
• DNA explanations
   (Your audience may or may not use TikTok, but genealogists are active there.)

5. Genealogy-Specific Social Platforms

• WikiTree – collaborative family tree with community challenges
• MyHeritage’s Photo Tools (via their mobile app) – colorization, restoration
• Ancestry Message Boards – still active and searchable by topic or surname

6. X (formerly Twitter)

Good for:

• Following genealogy professionals
• Research announcements
• Conference updates (RootsTech, AAHGS, etc.)

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Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

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For Day 2 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re spotlighting one of the most powerful—and completely free—tools available to family historians: FamilySearch. In this episode, we walk through why FamilySearch remains a foundational resource for both beginners and experienced researchers. We discuss its vast collection of records, global family tree, research wiki, and how its collaborative features can help you uncover new information and connect with relatives you never knew you had.

Whether you’re building your first tree or diving deep into archival collections, FamilySearch offers guidance, community, and millions of records at your fingertips. We also share tips for getting the most out of the site and what new users should know before diving in.

Explore FamilySearch:
https://www.familysearch.org/

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📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
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Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

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Today kicks off our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, and we’re starting with a classic favorite: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks by genealogist Amy Johnson Crow. In this episode, we talk about how this year-long writing challenge works.

Whether you’re brand new to writing about your ancestors or looking for a motivating framework to stay consistent, this challenge offers approachable weekly themes that spark creativity and curiosity. We share our own thoughts on how to adapt it and how beginners can get started.

Learn more about the challenge:

https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks/

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Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

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In this episode, we’re talking about what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s coming up in the world of genealogy. We break down several major updates, including:

• Big expectations and early buzz surrounding RootsTech 2026
• The impact and future of the hit genealogy series “Finding Your Roots”
• Upcoming Black Friday deals on DNA kits, online subscriptions, webinars, and research tools
• How to use the holiday season to interview relatives, gather documents, and preserve family photos
• Newly released records and collections from major genealogy companies
• Our show reaching #10 on the genealogy podcast charts
• And—our announcement of the brand-new Journey Through the Generations newsletter

It’s a packed conversation designed to keep you updated and inspired as you plan your next steps in your research.

Tune in and stay in the loop on everything happening in genealogy right now!

Support the show

Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

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Phillip and Trisha break down their experience at the 2025 AAHGS Conference! We share what we did throughout the event, the classes we attended, and the sessions that stood out the most. 

Whether you were there or missed it this year, this quick recap highlights our favorite takeaways and what we’re excited to bring back to our own genealogy work.

Tune in for a fast, fun rundown of AAHGS 2025!

We’ve got exciting news to share! We're launching our brand-new newsletter, created to help you stay inspired and organized on your family history journey.

Each issue is packed with:

• Simple research tips and genealogy tools
• Ways to preserve family stories and photos
• Updates on new podcast episodes and videos
• And a little motivation to keep exploring your roots

🎁 Bonus: When you subscribe, you’ll get our free Family History Starter Kit, a beginner-friendly resource filled with templates, interview questions, and step-by-step tools to help you start documenting your family’s story.

👉 Subscribe and grab your free Starter Kit here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1855489/168296844735023089/share

We can’t wait to connect with you beyond the podcast and welcome you into our growing community of family storytellers.

Support the show

Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

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Phillip & Trisha took some time out of the conference to record a quick podcast about the first half and how much of a good time we were all having.

In this episode, you'll hear noise in the background because of where we were set up in the convention center. We hope this doesn't distract you while listening.

Enjoy the episode.

We’ve got exciting news to share! We're launching our brand-new newsletter, created to help you stay inspired and organized on your family history journey.

Each issue is packed with:

• Simple research tips and genealogy tools
• Ways to preserve family stories and photos
• Updates on new podcast episodes and videos
• And a little motivation to keep exploring your roots

🎁 Bonus: When you subscribe, you’ll get our free Family History Starter Kit, a beginner-friendly resource filled with templates, interview questions, and step-by-step tools to help you start documenting your family’s story.

👉 Subscribe and grab your free Starter Kit here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1855489/168296844735023089/share

We can’t wait to connect with you beyond the podcast and welcome you into our growing community of family storytellers.

Support the show

Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail

We’re celebrating Family History Month with a fresh season of Journey Through the Generations! In this special episode, Phillip and Trisha introduce (and reintroduce) themselves in a fun, genealogy-inspired way—by answering a series of family history questions. From favorite discoveries to the stories that shaped their passion for genealogy, listeners will get to know the voices behind the podcast on a more personal level. Whether you’re a longtime follower or brand new to the show, this episode is the perfect way to connect with us and kick off a season full of family history conversations and inspiration.

Support the show

Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail

Phillip and Trisha are back with a brand-new episode. In this episode, they dive into the upcoming genealogy conferences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned family history researcher or just getting started, these gatherings are the perfect place to learn, connect, and get inspired.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• Highlights of the AAHGS Conference happening in Charleston, SC on October 9th - 11th.
• What to expect from RootsTech, including keynote speakers and sessions
• Tips for making the most out of genealogy events (networking, workshops, and more)

📅 Mark your calendar: These events are coming up soon, and Phillip and Trisha have the inside scoop.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• www.aahgs.org
• https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed today’s conversation, please leave us a review — it helps other genealogy enthusiasts find the show!

Support the show

Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations

📬 Join Our Newsletter
Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at:
https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter

🌐 Explore More
Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q

☕ Support the Show
Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory

🎵 Music
Music provided by Third House Productions
https://soundcloud.com/third-house

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!