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!

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

mayo 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 …

Uncovering Hidden Jewels in British Isles Genealogy Research

abril 26, 2022 by Sharon - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher Leave a Comment

Legacy Tree Genealogists’ Sharon McWilliams specializes in British Isles genealogy research. In this article, she discusses enlightening resources, or “hidden jewels,” in London that may help you trace your family history in the British Isles.The National Archives is now open to the public, but for those of us who can’t make the trip to Kew, there are millions of digital records available online at The National Archives Discovery Catalogue.Records that have been digitized can be downloaded immediately at no charge, simply by registering at The National Archives website. If a document has not been digitized, a search can be requested for a minimal fee. If successful, you will receive the estimated cost for a digital copy of the records you request.A Unique Gem May Be the Most Valuable – The Discovery CatalogueWith so many resources available in The National Archives catalogue, it can be important to use the “Advanced Search” option to allow you to focus your search more …

Where to Test? Genetic Genealogy Testing Options

abril 18, 2022 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher 2 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 four major DNA testing companies’ tools and their benefits. The article is published here with permission.Four major DNA testing companies offer genetic genealogy testing—23andMe, AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage— and there are several smaller testing companies. Each company has unique benefits, advantages, and insights to offer the serious genealogist.This article reviews (in alphabetical order) each of the major companies and some of the features they offer as of late 2020. For more detailed and continually updated comparisons of testing companies, read the International Society of Genetic Genealogy’s “Autosomal DNA Testing Comparison Chart.”*23andMe23andMe provides a $99 autosomal DNA test dedicated to ancestry analysis and a health + …

Ask a Genealogist: What Makes a Great Family Tree Researcher?

abril 14, 2022 by Legacy Tree Genealogists 4 Comments

We spoke with one of our researchers, Kim Gilboy, to learn more about what makes a great family tree researcher. We learned that skills like analysis, teamwork, and persistence are all very important, but a love for family tree research is at the heart of every professional genealogist.Q: Would you tell us about yourself?A: Genealogy research is something I absolutely love. I lived in the San Francisco Bay area and had family and friends in Utah. I'd come to Utah, spend a couple of days skiing, and then spend the rest of the week at the Family History Library. I've been at this for about 40 years.I have an MBA and a doctoral degree in educational policy. And I was in university administration and then became interested in public school administration. A lot of the training I had was in research and writing, and I was able to hone those skills. I had an opportunity to do some volunteer work for a family search organization and realized I really wanted to do …