The Legacy Tree Genealogists Blog

Hand-picked, tested and trained, our professional genealogist team knows how to find your story. We search the world for answers. Find the un-findable. And we’re experts at everything from tracking down rare international records to analyzing DNA test results. Based near the world’s largest family history library in downtown Salt Lake City, we also work with researchers and archives around the globe. Contact us today if you would like help discovering your ancestors!

Mykoseki a resource for Japanese Genealogy Research

Mykoseki.com: A Helpful Site for Japanese Genealogy Research

May 28, 2022 by Ryan - Legacy Tree Genealogists Project Manager 2 Comments

The month of May was Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ryan Rockwood, who specializes in Japanese genealogy research, discusses a relative newcomer to the Japanese research space that has already become a go-to resource for Japanese ancestry: Mykoseki.com.Mykoseki.com is a not-for-profit website geared towards helping people of Japanese descent request and access their ancestor’s koseki, or family register. The koseki record is the primary place vital information has been recorded and stored in the modern era in Japan and is a gold mine for Japanese genealogical research. Unfortunately, privacy laws in Japan preclude mass digitization and publishing of these records, making it more difficult for those of Japanese descent, especially those who cannot speak the language, to engage in genealogical research. Mykoseki.com is geared towards shepherding users through the process of acquiring their koseki by providing a number of helpful tools and resources for …

Joining a Lineage or Ethnic Society?

May 23, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 2 Comments

Family history societies, also known as genealogical societies, are organizations where members benefit from their love of genealogy by connecting with others to share research, experience, and knowledge. They are especially helpful because of the access to records and resources that they provide, such as birth, marriage, death, migration, and other biographical information. Societies typically have a focus and range from very small, local organizations to others with hundreds of thousands of members. This article describes some of the benefits of society membership, types of societies, and links to organizations to help you find the right ones for you. Jump-Start Your ResearchNetworkingWhen you are a member of a genealogical society, you can find like-minded friends who are as interested in genealogy as you are. It can be helpful to have other genealogists to brainstorm with.You can share what you have learned, and even find others who have experienced finding …

Eight Steps to Pursue with New Autosomal DNA Test Results

May 16, 2022 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 3 Comments

Paul Woodbury is a DNA team lead and professional researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. In this article, a reprint from an issue of NGS Magazine, Paul discusses steps a researcher could take to begin using DNA test results. This article is published with permission.Several weeks after the submission of a DNA sample, the results finally arrive! An email appears announcing that the test has completed processing. It includes a link to sign in to review the test results. But what comes next? Where to start? The following are my recommendations for the first steps a researcher might take to begin using test results. This article provides a brief overview, and future columns will dig deeper into each of these topics. Set up a profile and attach a family treeFirst, if a profile has not been created, set one up. When considering what to include, review my previous article on this topic. [1] Adding a …

What Can You Do with Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Research? Meet Some of Our Affiliates!

May 5, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 6 Comments

Since 2004, Legacy Tree Genealogists has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients around the world discover their family history. Once you have completed a research project with us, you can share your family history in new ways. Many of our affiliate partners offer a variety of services that complement the genealogy services that we provide. In this blog, we are highlighting just a few of our newest affiliates. We encourage you to visit their websites and explore some of the great services they offer.Bring your legacy to life with a professionally produced video documentaryLeave for your descendants what you wish your ancestors had left for you. Video Family Biographies can provide a video documentary based on your Legacy Tree Genealogists' research.President and CEO, Robert H. Jordan, Jr. Ph.D., is a retired, weekend anchor for WGN-TV’s News at Nine and an Emmy Award winner. Jordan’s journalism career has spanned over 48 years and has showcased his exceptional …