Family History Learning Resources: Books, Courses & Communities

The genealogy and family history community is one of the most generous, collaborative, and knowledgeable communities you'll find anywhere. Whether you're a complete beginner trying to understand where to start, or an experienced researcher seeking to break through a difficult brick wall, there are outstanding resources available to guide and support you.

Recommended Books for Beginners

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy by Christine Rose is an excellent starting point for absolute beginners. Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills is the definitive reference for citing genealogical sources — essential reading once you've moved beyond the basics. The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy by Val Greenwood remains a classic. For British research, Tracing Your Family History by Anthony Adolph is highly recommended.

Online Courses and Learning Platforms

Several platforms offer excellent genealogy education. The National Institute for Genealogical Studies offers professional-level courses leading to certification. FamilySearch Learning Center provides free courses covering a wide range of record types and research techniques. Coursera and edX both host university-level genealogy and archival research courses. Ancestry's learning centre has good introductory resources for new subscribers.

Genealogy Societies and Communities

Joining a genealogy society connects you with experienced researchers who can answer questions, review your work, and point you toward resources you wouldn't find alone. The Society of Genealogists (UK) and the National Genealogical Society (US) are the major national bodies. Local family history societies often have specialist knowledge of records in their area that national resources lack.

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

Genealogy podcasts have exploded in popularity. The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke covers research techniques, new resources, and technology tools. RootsMagic's podcast covers software and research methods. On YouTube, Ancestry's official channel, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and The Barefoot Genealogist (Crista Cowan) offer hundreds of free educational videos.

Research Groups and Forums

Online communities are invaluable for specific research challenges. Genealogy subreddits on Reddit have large, active communities happy to help. Facebook groups organised by surname, nationality, or geographic region can connect you with researchers working on the same lines. RootsChat and the Genealogy.com message boards host millions of research discussions.

Bringing It All Together

The best genealogy education ultimately leads to one destination: a complete, organised family history that can be shared and preserved. As you learn and research, use Family Memory Book to organise your findings, collaborate with other researchers, and generate a beautiful printed family heritage booklet that preserves everything you've discovered.