Genealogy today offers more tools than ever before. While a notebook and pencil can still take you a long way, digital tools can help you organize information, access records, and keep track of your research more efficiently.

The good news is that you do not need to use every tool available. Start with what feels comfortable and add new tools as your confidence grows.

Family Tree Software

Family tree software helps you organize names, dates, places, photographs, and documents in one location. It allows you to build your family tree and often includes charts, reports, and research tools.

Some programs are installed on your computer, while others are web-based and accessed through your browser.

Benefits include:

• Keeping all your information organized.
• Recording sources and citations.
• Storing photographs and documents.
• Creating charts and reports.
• Sharing information with family members.

Popular examples include Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, MacFamily Treeand Gramps.

Remember that no software program can do the research for you—it is simply a tool to help manage the information you collect.

Online Databases

Online genealogy websites provide access to historical records such as:

• Census records
• Birth, marriage, and death records
• Immigration records
• Military records
• Newspaper collections
• Cemetery records

Some websites are free, while others require a subscription.

Commonly used resources include:

• FamilySearch (free)
• Ancestry
• MyHeritage
• Findmypast
• Genealogy websites offered by national archives and libraries

These databases can save countless hours of searching, but remember that indexed records can contain errors. Always view the original record whenever possible.

Spreadsheets and Tracking Tools

One of the biggest challenges in genealogy is remembering what you have already searched.

Research logs and tracking sheets can help you record:

• What records you searched
• Where you searched
• Dates searched
• Results found
• Next steps

Many genealogists use spreadsheet programs such as Excel or Google Sheets.

If spreadsheets feel intimidating, don't worry. A simple notebook, printed tracking sheet, word-processing document, or even index cards can work just as well. The goal is not to use fancy technology—it is to stay organized.

Scanning and Photographing Documents

As you gather family records, photographs, certificates, and letters, it is a good idea to create digital copies.

Benefits include:

• Preserving fragile originals.
• Creating backups.
• Making documents easier to share.
• Allowing you to zoom in and examine details.

A flatbed scanner often produces the best results, but many modern smartphones can create excellent scans using built-in camera features or scanning apps.

Preserving Your Family Treasures

Genealogy isn't only about names and dates—it's also about preserving the photographs, documents, letters, certificates, and keepsakes that tell your family's story.

Whenever possible, choose archival-quality storage materials designed for long-term preservation. These products are made from materials that are acid-free, lignin-free, and less likely to cause deterioration over time.

Consider using:

• Archival-quality photo albums and storage boxes.
• Acid-free sleeves for photographs, documents, and certificates.
• Protective folders for letters and fragile papers.
• Archival-quality pens for labeling photographs and storage materials.
• Cotton or nitrile gloves when handling delicate originals.

Avoid:

• Old-style "magnetic" or sticky photo albums.
• Rubber bands, paper clips, and staples.
• Adhesive tape on original documents.
• Ordinary plastic sleeves that are not designed for archival storage.
• Writing directly on valuable original documents.

Even small preservation steps taken today can help ensure that family treasures survive for future generations.

Digital Storage and Backups

Nothing is more frustrating than losing years of research because of a computer failure.

Consider keeping copies of your genealogy files in more than one location:

• Your computer
• An external hard drive
• A cloud storage service
• USB drives stored safely elsewhere

A simple backup routine can protect years of work.

Helpful Websites

In addition to record databases, many websites provide valuable genealogy education:

• Genealogy blogs
• YouTube channels
• Online webinars
• Family history societies
• Local genealogy groups
• Library and archive websites

These resources can help you learn new research skills and discover records you may not have known existed.

A Word About Technology

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of genealogy tools available today.

Remember that tools are meant to support your research—not replace it.

A successful genealogist is not the person with the most expensive software or the largest subscription package. It is the person who carefully evaluates evidence, keeps good notes, and continues learning.

Start with a few simple tools, use them consistently, and add new ones as your skills grow.

 Skeletons Key Tip 

Technology changes quickly, and websites, subscriptions, and software programs come and go. Focus on learning good research habits rather than mastering every tool. Strong research skills will always be more valuable than the latest technology.