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Your Genealogy Compass

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​Find the Resources You Need, When You Need Them!

 

There's a whole world of genealogy information waiting to be discovered!

Free webinars, online classes, genealogy Facebook groups, newsletters, conferences, historical records, and research communities are available to help you explore your family history.

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But where do you begin?

Rather than providing endless lists of resources, the Grand Strand Genealogy Club wants to help you learn how to find exactly what you're looking for.

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1. Looking for Free Genealogy Webinars and Classes?

You can attend genealogy presentations from organizations around the world without leaving home!

How to find them:

Helpful tip: Search by subject, too! Try "free Irish genealogy webinar" or "beginner DNA genealogy class."

2. Looking for Genealogy Facebook Groups?

Facebook groups can connect you with researchers investigating the same surnames, towns, countries, or historical periods.

How to find them:

  1. Open Facebook and use the search box.

  2. Enter a surname, location, or subject.

  3. Select the Groups filter.

  4. Review the group's description, rules, and recent activity before joining.

Try searches such as "Baltimore Maryland Genealogy," "Irish Genealogy Research," or "Ancestry DNA Help."

Helpful tip: Groups devoted to a particular county or town can be especially valuable. Never post living relatives' private information or DNA details without permission.

3. Looking for Genealogy Newsletters and Research Updates?

Many genealogy organizations provide free newsletters, email announcements, and research tips.

How to find them:

  • Visit FamilySearch and explore its blog and learning resources.

  • Visit National Genealogical Society for educational information and genealogy news.

  • Search for state or county genealogical societies and look for their newsletters or mailing lists.

  • Search Google for "free genealogy newsletter" followed by your research interest.

Helpful tip: Create a separate email folder called "Genealogy" to keep announcements organized.

4. Looking for Conferences and Special Events?

Genealogy conferences offer opportunities to learn from experts, meet fellow researchers, and discover new tools.

How to find them:

  • Visit ConferenceKeeper and explore its event calendar.

  • Search Google for "genealogy conferences 2027" or "virtual genealogy conferences."

  • Check state and regional genealogical society websites.

Helpful tip: Some conferences offer free online sessions, even when the full conference requires registration.

5. Looking for Historical Records or Help With a Brick Wall?

Your search may require records beyond the large commercial genealogy websites.

How to find them:

  • Use the FamilySearch Catalog to locate records by place.

  • Visit National Archives for U.S. federal records and research guidance.

  • Search for state archives, local libraries, historical societies, and county records offices.

  • Try Google searches combining a location, record type, and time period.

For example: "Baltimore Maryland church marriage records 1850s."

Helpful tip: Search the place where an event happened, not just the ancestor's name. Many valuable records are not searchable by name online.

6. Need Help Figuring Out Where to Search?

Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT can help you brainstorm research strategies, identify possible record collections, and formulate better search questions.

For example, ask:

"My ancestor was born in New York around 1835. What records might help identify her mother?"

AI can suggest avenues to explore, but always verify its suggestions against original records and reliable sources.

7. Make the Information Come to You!

You don't have to search for everything over and over.

Consider:

  • Subscribing to newsletters from your favorite genealogy organizations.

  • Following a few helpful Facebook groups.

  • Signing up for webinar announcements.

  • Using Google Alerts to receive notifications when new web results mention a particular surname or research subject.

Start with just two or three sources that interest you. You can always add more later.

Your Genealogy Journey, Your Way!

You don't need to know every website, subscribe to every newsletter, or attend every webinar.

The secret is knowing how to find the right resource at the right time.

And remember, your fellow members of the Grand Strand Genealogy Club are resources, too!

Bring your questions, discoveries, and favorite research tips to our meetings and genealogy chats.

Keep learning. Keep searching. Keep sharing!

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