500 Best Genealogy & Family History Tips

by Thomas MacEntee

500 Best Genealogy & Family History Tips could best be described as a “brain dump” of me, Thomas MacEntee, and my many years of knowledge about genealogy and family history. Basically what I’ve done is to extract my favorite tips and tricks from over 85 presentations, 10 books and numerous articles. In addition, I’ve reviewed the social media posts and conversations from Facebook, Twitter and other platforms to highlight those issues most important to today’s genealogists.

What will you find in this “best tips” guide? Everything from practical ways to use Google, advice on protecting your privacy online, information about secret or little known resources for genealogy research, and more. The best way to use this guide is to browse the Table of Contents to find a topic of interest. Also simply search the book when trying to find a solution to a problem, such as how to cite a source or locate an app to generate bibliographic information.

I hope you enjoy 500 Best Genealogy & Family History Tips and put it to good use in the coming year.

500 Best Genealogy & Family History Tips covers a wide range of topics including:

- genealogy research methodology and strategy

- how to use websites such as Google and Internet Archive to find your ancestors

- realizing the power of Facebook, Evernote and Pinterest for genealogy

- preserving family photos and stories

- staying safe using social media

- how to secure your genealogy data on your computer and in the cloud

and more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2014

About the author

What happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more.

Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. He also created an online community of over 3,000 family history bloggers known as GeneaBloggers. His most recent endeavor, Hack Genealogy, is an attempt to “re-purpose today’s technology for tomorrow’s genealogy.”

Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.

Reviews

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was promoted like hell on one of the Jewish genealogy sites I am on as being one of the best books ever. I am sorry, this book should be called 50 Genealogy tips as most of the "tips" had little to do with genealogy and those that did were obvious. If you do not know the majority of the information in this book already, you are simply not prepared for genealogy.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read and good grab with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Some of the tips were good reminders or new information for me to consider. I especially liked the genealogy education info. Some tips veered away from genealogy connections to advise about other topics, though. For instance, there were some genealogy related tips about using Facebook, but then additional suggestions about Facebook use that didn’t connect to genealogy, like, “Don’t take the quizzes.”

I was a little put off by a section called “How to Deal with Librarians, Archivists, etc.” We have to be “dealt with?!” Golly.

[John Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of lists, a treasure trove of hints, a compendium of links. Some helpful explanations and descriptions but the utility of this gem is the collection of resources. A useful addition to my genealogy shelf (on Kindle).

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Some of the best tips I seen. Made several notes. Plan on using a lot of the tips. Keep giving us great information.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually finished reading through this book back in December. However, if you are a family history researcher, you'll understand that it's not a book that you ever 'put down.' I've referred to it numerous times since December and think that it's a 'must' for all genealogists. Thanks, Thomas, for another super resource!

[Shirley McMunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I have been involved in genealogy for 30 years. I learned so many invaluable bits of info tonight just reading the first few chapters. Where has this book been all my life? Can't wait to finish the book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best guides to genealogy I have come across so far. There is more useful information covered in its 113 pages than in much longer (and expensive) books that I have read! To the point and with plenty of excellent help and advice to anyone researching their Family History.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who is "doing genealogy".

[Marie MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Sums It Up

You want tips? You'll get them and more. I've read this book twice and there's so much in here, it will be a reference for a long time. I'm off to look for more...

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference book,and I recommend it to all hobbyists who want to do more than name-collecting.

[Matthew Viger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of great tips

I learned a lot and have some great new tools to get and keep the information i am looking for.

[Gaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive guide which covers a wide range of Genealogy topics. I now have a lot of resources and ideas to check out. Very helpful.

[Kathy]

This is a reference book and I read it every now and then when I need a tip. Not a "read straight through" book.