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This story is sponsored by RootsTech. Learn more about RootsTech.
If you thought family history required long hours in dark library basements poring over microfiche, think again. Today, genealogy is an innovative, cutting-edge science that’s become a booming American pastime — and for good reason; Ever-evolving technology has made family history easier — and cooler — than ever before.
Here are a few of the ways technology is improving the methods for connecting with your ancestors.
DNA is getting even smarter
Family history is in your blood, literally. Genetic genealogy isn’t just helping researchers link family lines, it’s reuniting or even introducing immediate family members, uncovering important health information and — wait for it — solving cold-case murders.
When researching your roots, your DNA is invaluable. According to RootsTech, today’s genetic genealogy allows you to look beyond surnames by identifying haplogroups — essentially human clans — and tracing your line throughout history. The organization promises genetic genealogy is only becoming more advanced.
“Genetic genealogists are already working on creating virtual ancestors by reconstructing genomes through an ancestor’s descendants,” the RootsTech website reports. “We can all look forward to exciting discoveries as we keep our attention on the ever-evolving world of genetic genealogy.”
Family trees are more colorful than ever
Birth, death and marriage records might provide the bones of your genealogy, but your family’s stories and traditions breathe life into your ancestry. If you’ve ever said, “we need to write these stories down,” you probably don’t know just how easy that is, thanks to technology tools available today.
FamilySearch’s Memory app makes it easy (and maybe even fun) to post memories, record audio biographies or add photos at home or on the go. Whether you’re cataloging photos of deceased relatives or documenting your child’s first birthday, you’re building a family history your children (and theirs) will enjoy for generations.
Mobile devices house millions of records
Last year’s RootsTech conference offered its most prestigious recognition to OldNewsUSA, a genealogist’s dream app. This technology allows users to search historical newspaper databases right from your smartphone. The app is a uniquely user-friendly way to search the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America website that houses more than 11 million newspaper pages dated from 1789 to 1924.
Finding published information about your ancestor is simple; just enter a name, a location and a date range. The app will even suggest possible name variations and other publications in close vicinity.
Building your history is easier than ever
Family history isn’t just about microfiche and census records. Genealogy starts with your detailed, personal record. In case you’re not sure where to start, StoryWorth, winner of the RootsTech 2015 Innovator Challenge, takes journaling in bite sizes.
When you sign up at StoryWorth.com, you’ll receive weekly questions via email that prompt you to talk about a specific time of life. Your responses, which you’ll deliver via email or phone, are transcribed and available for download or printing by up to six recipients. You can even order printed compilations of the responses.
If you want to learn more about genealogy research and the most up-to-date technology, sign up for the 2019 RootsTech conference.