What if the most powerful way to strengthen your family’s future is to look to the past? I’m Crista Cowan, known online as The Barefoot Genealogist. I created this podcast to inspire you to form deeper connections with your family - past, present, and future. All families are messy and life is constantly changing but we don’t have to allow that to disconnect us. I’ve spent my whole life discovering the power of family history and I know that sharing the stories that live in you can change ev ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to Expert Genealogy Tips, a podcast created by Legacy Tree Genealogists, the world’s largest genealogy research firm. From understanding DNA to searching archives, you’ll learn the tips and strategies to begin or continue your own research. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we’ll help you discover your family story and ancestors with accuracy and peace of mind.
…
continue reading
Webinars that were presented by Ancestry.com using streaming media technologies to broadcast audio and video with power point slides over the Internet to a large audience.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21
36:51
36:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:51
Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? This episode features Erik and Emily Orton, a couple who have redefined family living through the power of intentional storytelling and daring choices. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they left their stable life in New York City to spend a year saili…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep #19: "Does My Family Have a Coat of Arms?"
6:28
6:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:28
We get asked this question often and the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. In this week's podcast we explain what a coat of arms is, and share eight tips for your heraldic research for your coat of arms. For more information, see: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand Court of the Lord Lyon (Scotland) …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20
26:30
26:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:30
Many people take an AncestryDNA test just to get the ethnicity estimate, curious about where in the world their DNA is from. However, they often overlook that their results include a match list - thousands of people in the Ancestry network with whom they share DNA, indicating a family relationship. Sometimes a really close one. For adoptees like Ma…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #18: Solving a Military Mystery - Searching for WWII Servicemen
5:38
5:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:38
If you have ancestors who served in WWII, you might have found yourself at a loss due to a fire in the 1970's that destroyed 80% of records. But with creativity you may be able to discover more information than you thought possible. In this weeks episode we share a story that started with a photograph and ended with gathering enough information to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Laugh 'Til We Cry (with Scott Seiffert and Lisa Dyson) | Episode 19
36:55
36:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:55
How does a country boy from Montana meet a city girl from Pennsylvania and create a life filled with laughter and deep connection? Meet storytelling powerhouses Scott Seiffert, Vice President at DreamWorks Animation, and his wife, Lisa Dyson, a dedicated middle school librarian and actress. Together, they reveal the profound ways in which stories—f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #17: Secrets of Murder: Uncovering a Family History Mystery
6:05
6:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:05
Have you ever found out something shocking about your family? Something that was kept secret for decades? In this weeks episode we share a story of murder and intrigue discovered in the history one of our own researchers family trees. And you won't believe the plot twist. Do you have your own family mysteries to discover and need some help? The exp…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Families Have Always Been Messy | Episode 18
29:22
29:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:22
When you are raised in a household of faith and then make choices that take you away from the path your parents envisioned for you since before your birth, it can cause them a lot of pain. Some parents work through their own pain and allow their love for you and the grace of their God to override their own disappointment and fears. Other parents re…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #16: How to Hire and Work with a Professional Genealogist
7:27
7:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:27
Have you ever needed a professional genealogist to help you with your family history research? Or do you wonder what it would be like to work with a professional? How do you choose a professional genealogist and what certifications and experience should they have? In this episode we discuss how to hire a genealogist as well as what to expect when w…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Police Don't Have Nothin' On Me (with Rusty Wright and Lisa Elzey) | Episode 17
37:56
37:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:56
What if the secrets to your family's past were hidden in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered? Rusty Wright’s quest began with a simple desire to know more about a grandfather he never met. What starts as a straightforward inquiry unfolds into an epic cross-country saga. Along the way, he discovers a draft card filled out in a surprising loca…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #15: Beginner's Guide to Tracing British Ancestry
9:58
9:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:58
Are you part of the large group of Americans who trace their ancestry across the pond? In this episode we help you understand the geography of the area and key records and sources to help search on your mission to discover your English ancestors. Resources: Free BMD FamilySearch MyHeritage FindMyPast Ancestry If you have English ancestors and need …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fearless Women (with Cathy Hughes) | Episode 16
28:15
28:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:15
When children are raised knowing the stories of the strong, fearless women in their family tree they are more likely to feel empowered to chase their own dreams. Raised with tales of the trailblazing women in her family, Ms. Cathy Hughes, a pioneering entrepreneur and the first African American woman to head a publicly traded corporation, drew stre…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #14: Genealogy Research for Irish Dual Citizenship
6:05
6:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:05
Are you wondering how or if you qualify for Irish dual citizenship? Have you received your DNA test ethnicity results and verified you have a little or quite a bit of Irish ancestry? Or perhaps you are one generation removed from gaining Irish citizenship through descent—in other words, through one of your ancestors? While Legacy Tree Genealogists …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Familial Sudoku (with Josh Harman) | Episode 15
24:41
24:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:41
Do you revel in solving a good brain teaser or completing a crossword puzzle? Climbing your family tree can feel a little like piecing together a tricky jigsaw. It is certainly about more than just collecting names on a pedigree chart like a simple dot to dot. Early in his career, Josh Harman was a young, slightly overconfident, product manager at …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #13: How to Use AncestryDNA ThruLines®
4:57
4:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:57
ThruLines is an AncestryDNA technology that utilizes your DNA matches and the trees of those matches to identify your common ancestors. It will give you hints to help you connect to cousins and relatives in other trees through a common ancestor. In this episode we explore the best practices when using ThruLines and some things to be cautious about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What Is Your American Story? (with Mary Tedesco) | Episode 14
30:48
30:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:48
How did a simple search on Ancestry.com spark a lifelong passion, a stronger mother-daughter bond, and a stint as a host on a popular genealogy television show? Tune in to find out. As we celebrate Independence Day, join me as I chat with Mary Tedesco, the dynamic co-host of PBS's Genealogy Roadshow. Discover how her initial curiosity about her Ita…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode #12: Key Resources and Tips for Polish Genealogy Research
5:11
5:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:11
Genealogy research in Poland can be challenging and rewarding when you know where to search for Polish records. In this episode we share online record portals that can help to speed up your Polish genealogy efforts. We also discuss the 100 year privacy rule and share a few tips on finding Polish ancestors prior to the 1600s. Resources: Search the A…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Their Stories in Their Words | Episode 13
36:24
36:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:24
Imagine uncovering a letter from the 1800s that brings your ancestors’ harrowing Civil War experiences to life, in their own words. Finding a story written about someone in our family tree is a treasure. Finding a firsthand historical account—especially from a woman—is priceless. Martha Mills Brown and my great-granny Kerr were second cousins. In t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 11: A Genealogy Guide to Dutch Surnames
7:08
7:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:08
Do you have family from the Netherlands? Have you ever been baffled by the surnames and tried to make sense of why some family members have different surnames? Or why there might be so many common surnames in a specific village or community? And how did Napolean impact the surnames for Dutch ancestors? In this weeks episode we cover all of this and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We're Doing This Together (with Steve Cowan) | Episode 12
42:16
42:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:16
Have you ever wondered how family stories shape who we are today? I would like to introduce you to my dad. The storyteller who shaped my own journey into storytelling. Growing up immersed in his tales, it was inevitable that I would follow in his narrative footsteps. Now, as he enjoys his retirement years diving back into family history, our bond h…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 10: All About Immigration and 4 Tips to Finding Immigrant Ancestors
9:27
9:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:27
Immigration has once again become a hot topic in the United States lately, but this isn’t the first time. In fact, it has been a common part of the historical and political discourse since the founding of the nation, largely because immigrants make up such an enormous part of our history and heritage as Americans. In this episode we share four tips…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Continue to Say His Name (with Kelley Dixon-Tealer and Alva Marie Jenkins) | Episode 11
36:03
36:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:03
Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, was sold away from Virginia as a young boy. Time and distance did not dim his memories of childhood family and friends nor his emotional connection to them. Twenty-four years later, he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedman's Bureau, introducing himself to them, not as the boy they had known but as t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 9: 3 Essential Website for German Family History Research
6:47
6:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:47
Finding family in Germany can be challenging, as you need to first find the specific town or city where your family lived, and also usually the parish they attended. To help you with this goal, in this episode we share the three essential websites you can access from home to help with your German research. 1. Meyers or Meyer's Gazetteer of the Germ…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We'll Always Keep Searching (with Emily Paulson) | Episode 10
41:13
41:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:13
We commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day sharing the deeply moving story of Second Lieutenant William Joseph McGowan. The life of this young pilot ended on D-Day. In 2019, his remains were located in a field in France by a team from Nova Scotia and then delivered to a lab in Omaha where he was finally identified after 75 years, missing in actio…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 8: What are the Best Family Tree Websites and How to Format Your Data
6:03
6:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:03
When you are new to genealogy, knowing which family tree website to use can be a challenge. In this episode we share tips on choosing your platform and what to watch out for. We also share how to properly format your data for sharing and ease of use. Finally, we answer the question, "When should you hire a professional genealogist?" Want to learn m…
…
continue reading
When an unexpected email unearthed irreplaceable family heirlooms, it reminded me that people—including our own relatives—are often not quite what they seem. My grandpa’s youngest sister, Aunt Madeleine, was always a bit of an enigma within our family—emotionally distant and reserved. More than once she said things that left us all a little stunned…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 7: Tips for Researching Cherokee Ancestry
6:10
6:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:10
As genealogists, we’re often asked to research the likelihood and details of a client’s Native American heritage. In this episode we share 5 tips for researching your Cherokee ancestry, and a few pitfalls to watch out for along the way. Resources for your research: The Dawes Roll: https://accessgenealogy.com/native/final-rolls.htm Indian Census Rol…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
L'dor V'dor - From Generation to Generation (with Howard Hochhauser) | Episode 8
23:52
23:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:52
Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and based on her age and the timing of her immigration, they knew she had suffered through the events of the Holocaust and survived. But, how she did so was a story that was never told. Nearly two decades after Serena’s death a set of…
…
continue reading
Do you know how far back you can go in your family tree and still use Autosomal DNA to find matches? In this episode we explain what Autosomal DNA is, and then how to best use it to find matches in your family tree. Want to hire a professional genealogist to assist with your family history research? Contact Legacy Tree Genealogists by visiting http…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
And Then I Heard A Meadowlark Sing (with Sunny Morton) | Episode 7
27:05
27:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:05
Genealogist Sunny Morton didn’t even know someone was missing from her family tree until a single mention in an obituary led her to a Nun. Sister Mary Bertilla. This single name sparked a long search that culminated in the discovery of a remarkable, yet nearly forgotten, woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, encapsulated in a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 5: How Are We Related? Navigating the Terminology.
4:15
4:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:15
How are we related? That’s a question that we have been asked quite a bit lately, and sometimes determining that exact familial connection with someone else can be confusing. What is the difference between a second cousin and a first cousin, once removed? What does the “removed” mean, anyway? If my mom has a cousin, how is he related to me? Is my g…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
This Gathering Place (with Shelly Cowan) | Episode 6
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06
Imagine sitting down at a family dinner where every bite is seasoned with laughter, love, and connection. You're invited to a conversation with my sister-in-law, Shelly Cowan, about an overly large family table and the powerful traditions it supports. The mother of five boys, Shelly didn't just build a table with her dad, she crafted a space of pro…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 4: Common DNA Test Result Misunderstandings and What is a Centimorgan?
5:15
5:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:15
If you’re confused with or made mistakes interpreting your DNA test results, you’re not alone! There are lots of things to learn when it comes to DNA and family history research. Today, we’ll review some of the most common misunderstandings people have about their DNA test results, and help you know how to avoid them! We'll also answer a DNA basic:…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Out of Obscurity (with Kevin Giddins and Camlyn Giddins) | Episode 5
25:21
25:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:21
Raised in the New York foster care system, Kevin Giddins knew his biological mother's name but not much else. But, an AncestryDNA test led him to her doorstep and an extraordinary reunion. His daughter Camlyn, caught the whole thing on film. The three of us have a meaningful conversation about the essence of these family relationships and the roles…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Whole Tree (with Sunny Mahe) | Episode 4
23:54
23:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:54
Cultural nuances, defining moments, and raw honesty. My conversation with my dear friend, Sunny Mahe has all of these things. We also dive deep into the power of faith and family. From her Tongan heritage to her ten children, I am so inspired by the way that resilience and friendship flourish within the walls of her home. The stories that live ther…
…
continue reading
From a childhood rooted in family stories to a long-standing family mystery that required solving, follow me on my journey into family history. Be reminded of the painstaking efforts once required to climb a family tree —from county by county searches in Ohio courthouses to scrolling through microfilms in Salt Lake City's vast library. And rejoice …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bliss It Was In That Dawn To Be Alive (with Eric Allen) | Episode 3
37:22
37:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:22
Have you ever wondered about the faces in those old family photos tucked away in grandma's attic? Join me as Eric Allen (Vice President of Marketing at Ancestry) and I explore the power of pictures in helping us to discover, preserve, and share our family stories. Whether it's a box of grandpa's slides from the 1940s or mom's photo album from the 1…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Grandma's Love for the Theater (with Lisa Elzey and Will Swenson) | Episode 2
36:29
36:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:29
Ruth Hale, an icon in Utah's theater world, always knew she was adopted. But, it wasn't until her grandson, actor Will Swenson, decided to take a DNA test at the urging of my producer, Lisa Elzey, that the mystery of her parentage had a hope of being solved. And, you won't believe what we uncovered! Listen in as Lisa and I share the story of sealed…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 3: How to Build an Accurate Family Tree
2:42
2:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:42
This week we answer the question, "How and where do I start my family history research if I have a lot of blank spots in my family tree?" Getting started is simpler than you think. In this week's episode we share the strategies to get started and find ancestors with accuracy, so your blank spots in you family tree can be filled with ancestors. Want…
…
continue reading
I created this podcast to inspire you to form deeper connections with your family - past, present, and future. All families are messy and life is constantly changing but we don’t have to allow that to disconnect us. I’ve spent my whole life discovering the power of family history and I know that sharing the stories that live in you can change every…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 2: How to Document Deceased Ancestors
2:21
2:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:21
Are you searching for documentation for a deceased family member and having a hard time knowing where to look, or finding conflicting information? In this week's episode we answer the question: "My mom was married five or six times according to the Social Security Administration. Where do I start researching? How do I find documentation for her now…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 1: How To Use DNA Matches In Genealogy Research
2:00
2:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:00
You've done your DNA testing and received the results. What now? How do you get started making sense of the results and the DNA matches. In this episode we will share a simple tip to get started on your road to success with DNA Matches in genealogy research. Want to learn more about DNA and genealogy research? You can also schedule a consultation o…
…
continue reading
Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at the upcoming genealogy events she'll be attending. You'll also get a look at new features and tools available to make your family history easier and more fun. Then she will review the databases full of new content r eleased in the past month and show you how best to search them to find the stories of your ances…
…
continue reading
Still looking for that elusive ancestor who "crossed the pond?" Join Crista Cowan for a look at immigration into the United States throughout history and where the best places are to look for information regarding their immigration.By Ancestry.com
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What's New at Ancestry: April 2015 Edition
22:58
22:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:58
Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at the upcoming genealogy events around the world. You'll also get a look at new features and tools available to help make your family history easier and more fun. Then she will review some of the databases full of new content released in the past month and show you how best to search them to find the stories of y…
…
continue reading
It's been three years since we launched AncestryDNA. Now, with more than 800,000 people in our database, and new cousins connections being made every day, there are lots of questions about how to get the most out of your AncestryDNA experience. Join Cri sta Cowan and Anna Swayne as they revisit some AncestryDNA frequently asked questions. In this e…
…
continue reading
When you attach a record directly from Ancestry into your online family tree, the source citation is created for you. But, what about those records that you upload yourself? Join Crista Cowan as she reviews the basics of crafting a genealogy source cita tion in your online tree or in Family Tree Maker.…
…
continue reading
Like all hobbies, there are some expenses involved in family history. Order a couple of birth certificates from a state vital records office or make one trip to an archive and your Ancestry subscription may look like the most inexpensive tool you use for genealogy research. Join Crista Cowan as she shares some of her favorite tips for getting the m…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What's New at Ancestry: March 2015 Edition
31:06
31:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:06
Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at upcoming events, new features and tools to help make your family history easier and more fun, and databases full of new content released in the past month. She'll give you her best tips for using all of these things t o find and share the stories of your ancestors' lives.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Smarter Searching: Look for Records Not People
23:11
23:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:11
With more than 15 billion records now online at Ancestry.com, doing a global search might not be the most effective way to locate records about your ancestors. Join Crista Cowan for a look at some smarter searching tips and tricks, including one little s hift in your perspective that could open up a whole new worlds of records.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Family Tree Maker: Exploring Locations to Enhance Your Research
32:25
32:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:25
One of the great things about Family Tree Maker is the ability to explore your tree by location. Join Crista Cowan for a look at HOW to enter locations so you can get the most out of them later, WHY you want to do this and WHERE you can access features t hat allow you use locations to accelerate your family history research.…
…
continue reading