Family Tree Technology

 Natalie Webb's website Family Tree Technology is a great resource for technology and genealogy. Her website has her blog articles, videos, and a technology dictionary. You can subscribe to her blog and get emails with her articles. The latest one, "Problem Solving Without Knowing the Problem," was informative. https://familytreetech.com/

Free Webinar - 7 Essential Tips for Starting German Genealogy by Katherine Schober

 Webinar Link: 7 Essential Tips for Starting German Genealogy

Dates: January 20, 21, or 22

Description: 

In this free webinar hosted by internationally-known German genealogy expert Katherine Schober, you'll learn the 7 must-know tips that successful German genealogy researchers use to fill in their family tree —without feeling overwhelmed by old handwriting or foreign-language records.

By the end of this session, you’ll know:

• Where to start (and what not to waste time on)
• What German records are available - and how to get your hands on them
• How to fill in your German family tree with a clear, action-oriented plan

 Register now and start 2026 with confidence - your ancestors are waiting for you.

You’ll leave this webinar empowered to work - accurately - with your German documents!

Save your spot here!

January Genealogy News

 The first ship landed at Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. Thomas MacEntee's post about Ellis Island includes a free 10-page guide. https://mailchi.mp/genealogybargains.com/decoding-ellis-island-your-complete-guide-to-passenger-manifest-codes 

Reclaim the Records, a non profit group of genealogists and historians. They identify genealogical record sets that out to be in the public domain which are being restricted by government archives, libraries, and agencies to get them released to the public.  Here is a recap of their accomplishments in 2025 https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/about/year-in-review-2025/

MyHeritage added 1.2 billion historical records in December 2025 across 27 new and updated collections. More information is available on their blog post.  https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/01/myheritage-adds-1-2-billion-historical-records-in-december-2025/

Topotehque Our Memories is a collaborative online platform hosting individual 'topotheques' from across Europe, where communities share private historical collections like old photographs, letter, and documents. https://www.topothek.at/en/ 

January Saturday Seminar - The Road to Independence: Defying the British During the Revolutionary War

 

January 17, 2026 - "The Road to Independence: Defying the British During the Revolutionary War" by Michael Strauss, MA, AG, AGL - This lecture examines the complexities of the American Revolutionary War and its immediate aftermath, tracing its origins in escalating colonial tensions with Great Britain through its conclusion in 1783. Drawing on a range of primary source materials, we will explore the individual and collective experiences of military service in both the Continental and state forces. In addition to analyzing compiled military service records, pension files, and land bounty warrants, the lecture will incorporate naval and marine documentation to construct a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict. The analysis extends beyond the war's conclusion to address the national emergencies of Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion, framing them as critical moments in the new republic’s post-war trajectory. 

Copyright Update

Every January 1st more published works are added to the Public Domain, which means they are no longer protected by copyright. Credit should be given to the author but you no longer have to pay a fee or ask permission to use information from the published work. 

The laws have changed over time, as of January 1, 2026 works published in or before 1930 are in the public domain. This only applies to the original 1930 version, if the work has been updated or annotated they are under copyright based on the date of the update. Websites that publish images of published works have their own terms and conditions.

Images in the public domain can be used to add interest to the family stories that we share.    

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales

 American Ancestors - The New England Historic and Genealogical Society is discounting their membership for new members by $30 through December 6. Membership includes access to AmericanAncestors.org. 

New York Genealogical & Biographical Society is discounting their membership for new members by 50%. Use code ONEYEAR50 when checking out to apply the discount. They also have books on sale 40% off Kinship Books. Discounts are applied at checkout. Both are valid through 11/30/2025.

Germanology Unlocked is discounting educational materials and courses. They are also offering a free webinar "Germany's Shifting Map: What it Means for Your Research."

German Genealogy Collective - everything in their store is 40% off. Use code FRIDAY40 at checkout.  

Legacy Family Tree Webinars is offering a one year membership for 50% off. That's 24.98 for a year of genealogy webinars. 

RootsMagic11 is on sale - new license $29.95 and upgrade $19.95. 

Ancestry has discounted gift memberships.

Amazon has discounts on scanners, printers, computers, monitors, and much more. Here is a post from Thomas MacEntee with some ideas. 

Forever is offering 60% off digitization. 

Family Tree Magazine is offering 25% off when you order 2 or more printed cheat sheets. 

DNA Specials & News

 Ancestry DNA is on sale for $29, regularly $99, and Ancestry DNA with Traits is on sale for $39 regularly $119.

Family Tree DNA family finder test is on sale for $39 regulary $79. They also have sales on mtDNA and YDNA tests. 

MyHeritage DNA test is on sale for $25 regularly $89.

YourDNAGuide is offering a $10 class on Ancestry's new Cluster Tool. 

FamilyTree has added over 12,700 new mtDNA haplogroups to the mtDNA tree. 

23andMe is adding new genetic group results, they are expanding their African coverage from 25 groups to more than 250.  

MyHeritage updated Theory of Family Relativity - 103 million new theories added.