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3 Ways to Ease into Social Media to Connect with Other Genealogists

3 Ways to Ease into Social Media to Connect with Other Genealogists

Have you wanted to find other genealogists who share your enthusiasm for genealogy? Social media is a great way to connect with other genealogists whether they are close to home or live half way across the country or the world. If you're new to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, it can be a little overwhelming to dive right in. Don't let that stop you from joining the online genealogy conversation.

Here are three ways you can ease into social media and connect with others. These three methods all involve interacting with content that other people have posted. The first step in getting involved is to show other people that you've connected with what they've shared.


3 Ways to Ease into Social Media to Connect with Other Genealogists


#1 Liking

Liking is the easiest way to engage with a social media post. Depending on the platform, liking consists of clicking on an icon showing a thumbs-up, heart, or another image. This indicates that you agree with the post's message. Liking only takes a second. The drawback is that if someone wants to see the names of everyone who liked the message, they need to hover their mouse over the icon to see the names of those who engaged with the post. 

Like

The other drawback of liking is that you don't know why the person "liked" or engaged with the post. It could have been in support of the poster. It may have nothing to do with whether they agree or know the information is accurate. However, it is a good, fast way to show support.

#2 Commenting

Commenting on a post is one way to engage with the poster and its audience. As genealogists, we read social media posts that include news, methodology questions, and events. Commenting can lend support to the person posting or sharing information. So, for example, a comment can show our support to people when they are celebrating an accomplishment. 

Commenting allows us to crowdsource problems. Some genealogy groups are precisely for that purpose. For example, if you're a member of the Legacy Family Tree group, you can learn the latest and ask questions about using Legacy Family Tree. A staff member or another Legacy user will answer your question.

Replying to a comment on social media provides the opportunity to type or like a previous comment, as in this example from Facebook.

2023-03-30-blog-socialmedia2

My one caution about commenting is to remember that an online conversation differs from one done face-to-face. In person, I can get clues from your body language, facial expressions, and tone that you are joking or being sarcastic. It's more difficult to judge that from a typed message. Remember that commenting doesn't allow for nuances, so keeping remarks straight and to the point is best. Keep in mind that some Facebook groups have community guidelines that must be adhered to.

#3 Reposting

On Twitter, reposting is called Retweeting. On Facebook, it's called Sharing. Simply, reposting is when you share what someone else has posted. Reposting shows the original post, and you can add information at the top. In this example from Facebook, I shared a post from Legacy to my News Feed and added some info.

Share

Reposting is perfect for adding to the conversation by providing more information, agreeing to the post, sharing to benefit others, or supporting the poster.

 

Social Media is a Conversation

Stop using social media as a passive news source and start engaging. Its time for you to interact with other genealogists. I use social media to share information that will benefit others, promote my presentations and blog posts, and support the genealogy community. Social media is where we can gather, so don't scroll by, add your expertise.

 

Gena Philibert-Ortega is an author, instructor, and researcher. She blogs at Gena's Genealogy and Food.Family.Ephemera. You can find her presentations on the Legacy Family Tree Webinars website.


Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media - Free replay of today's webinar by Marie Cappart now available for limited time

Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media - Free replay of today's webinar by  Marie Cappart now available for limited time

The recording of today's webinar by Marie Cappart, "Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media” is now available to view at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com for free for a limited time.

Webinar Description

Oh yes, you’ve got Facebook and Twitter accounts. But are you using them to the max for their family history possibilities? And why having an Instagram account or TikTok’s can be precious in your research? And how does it all work anyway? With this “Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media”, you’ll learn how to make the best of your social media time with family history in mind. A webinar you’ll like, share and retweet for sure!

View the Recording at FamilyTreeWebinars.com

If you could not make it to the live event or just want to watch it again, the 1 hour 19 minute recording of "Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media" is now available to view in our webinar library for free for a limited time.

Webinar Memberships/Subscriptions

Webinar Members get:

  • On-demand access to the entire webinar archives (now 1,936 classes of genealogy education)
  • On-demand access to the instructor handouts (now 7,318 pages)
  • On-demand access to the live webinars' chat logs
  • 5% off all products at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com (must be logged in at checkout)
  • Access to all future recordings for the duration of their membership
  • Chance for a members-only door prize during each live webinar
  • Access to register for bonus members-only webinars
  • Ability to view which webinars you are registered for
  • Use of the playlist, resume watching, and jump-to features

Introductory pricing:

  • Annual membership: $49.95/year

Register for our upcoming webinars (free)

Print the 2023 webinar brochure here.


Register for Webinar Wednesday — Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media by Marie Cappart

Register for Webinar Wednesday — Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media by Marie Cappart

Oh yes, you’ve got Facebook and Twitter accounts. But are you using them to the max for their family history possibilities? And why having an Instagram account or TikTok’s can be precious in your research? And how does it all work anyway? With this “Top 10 Tips for Genealogists on Social Media”, you’ll learn how to make the best of your social media time with family history in mind. A webinar you’ll like, share and retweet for sure!

Registerbut 

Test Your Webinar Connection

To ensure that your webinar connection is ready to go, click here.

Can't make it to the live event?

No worries. Its recording will be available for a limited time. Webinar Subscribers have unlimited access to all webinar recordings for the duration of their membership.

About the presenter

MarieCappart-144x144Hooked on genealogy when she was little, Marie Cappart is a historian (Free University of Brussels) and professional Anglo-Belgian genealogist based in Brussels. Passionate about family stories, always on the lookout, author of the Guide to Genealogy in Belgium (Jourdan 2017) and historical consultant for several Belgian and international media, she also gives courses and coaching all over the world. To stick as closely as possible to advances in genealogy, she trained in genetic genealogy in order to be able to share with you what undoubtedly constitutes the future of genealogy! Since 2021, Marie works for MyHeritage as Country Manager for France and Belgium.

Add it to your Google Calendar

With our Google Calendar button, you will never forget our upcoming webinars. Simply click the button to add it to your calendar. You can then optionally embed the webinar events (and even turn them on and off) into your own personal calendar. If you have already added the calendar, you do not have to do it again - the new webinar events will automatically appear.

Webinar time

The webinar will be live on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at:

  • 2pm Eastern (U.S.)
  • 1pm Central
  • 12pm Mountain
  • 11am Pacific

Or use this Time Zone Converter.

Here's how to attend:

  1. Register at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com today. It's free!
  2. You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to the webinar.
  3. You will receive a reminder email both 1 day and 1 hour prior to the live webinar.
  4. Calculate your time zone by clicking here.
  5. Check your GoToWebinar connection here.
  6. Click on the webinar link (found in confirmation and reminder emails) prior to the start of the webinar. Arrive early as the room size is limited to the first 1,000 arrivals that day.
  7. Listen via headset (USB headsets work best), your computer speakers, or by phone. 

We look forward to seeing you all there!


New Developments of MyHeritage DNA — free replay of today's webinar by Gal Zrihen now available

New Developments of MyHeritage DNA — free replay of today's webinar by Gal Zrihen now available

The recording of today's webinar by Gal Zrihen, "New Developments of MyHeritage DNA” is now available to view at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com for free.

Webinar Description

MyHeritage has been breaking new ground with genetic genealogy research technology since the MyHeritage DNA test was first introduced in 2016. Join MyHeritage Product Manager Gal Zrihen for an overview of all the new and exciting developments in MyHeritage’s DNA features and capabilities.

View the Recording at FamilyTreeWebinars.com

If you could not make it to the live event or just want to watch it again, the 1 hour 25 minute recording of "New Developments of MyHeritage DNA" is now available to view in our webinar library for free.

Webinar Memberships/Subscriptions

Webinar Members get:

  • On-demand access to the entire webinar archives (now 1,935 classes of genealogy education)
  • On-demand access to the instructor handouts (now 7,318 pages)
  • On-demand access to the live webinars' chat logs
  • 5% off all products at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com (must be logged in at checkout)
  • Access to all future recordings for the duration of their membership
  • Chance for a members-only door prize during each live webinar
  • Access to register for bonus members-only webinars
  • Ability to view which webinars you are registered for
  • Use of the playlist, resume watching, and jump-to features

Introductory pricing:

  • Annual membership: $49.95/year

Register for our upcoming webinars (free)

Print the 2023 webinar brochure here.


Register for Tuesday's MyHeritage Webinar Series webinar — New Developments of MyHeritage DNA by Gal Zrihen

Register for Tuesday's MyHeritage Webinar Series webinar — New Developments of MyHeritage DNA by Gal Zrihen

MyHeritage has been breaking new ground with genetic genealogy research technology since the MyHeritage DNA test was first introduced in 2016. Join MyHeritage Product Manager Gal Zrihen for an overview of all the new and exciting developments in MyHeritage’s DNA features and capabilities.

Registerbut 

Test Your Webinar Connection

To ensure that your webinar connection is ready to go, click here.

Can't make it to the live event?

No worries. Its recording will be available for a limited time. Webinar Subscribers have unlimited access to all webinar recordings for the duration of their membership.

About the presenter

Gal ZrihenGal Zrihen, Product Manager, responsible for MyHeritage DNA products. Leading a talented team of developers, QA Engineers, and designers to create and optimize DNA users’ entire journey — from ordering a DNA kit to making the most of their DNA results for genealogical research with MyHeritage’s constantly growing suite of features.

Add it to your Google Calendar

With our Google Calendar button, you will never forget our upcoming webinars. Simply click the button to add it to your calendar. You can then optionally embed the webinar events (and even turn them on and off) into your own personal calendar. If you have already added the calendar, you do not have to do it again - the new webinar events will automatically appear.

Webinar time

The webinar will be live on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at:

  • 2pm Eastern (U.S.)
  • 1pm Central
  • 12pm Mountain
  • 11am Pacific

Or use this Time Zone Converter.

Here's how to attend:

  1. Register at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com today. It's free!
  2. You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to the webinar.
  3. You will receive a reminder email both 1 day and 1 hour prior to the live webinar.
  4. Calculate your time zone by clicking here.
  5. Check your GoToWebinar connection here.
  6. Click on the webinar link (found in confirmation and reminder emails) prior to the start of the webinar. Arrive early as the room size is limited to the first 1,000 arrivals that day.
  7. Listen via headset (USB headsets work best), your computer speakers, or by phone. 

We look forward to seeing you all there!


Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me - replay of today's webinar by Elizabeth Shown Mills now online for webinar members

Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me - replay of today's webinar by Elizabeth Shown Mills now online for webinar members

The recording of today's members-only webinar by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS, "Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me” is now available to view at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com for those with a webinar membership.

Webinar Description

Illegitimacy. Poverty. Footloose fathers. Record destruction. Name changes. Conflicting data. Forged Bibles. Careless research by predecessors. All these problems can be overcome even when all are combined into one perplexing person. This session presents eight basic principles on which sound research is grounded. For each, it demonstrates how to apply that principle, drawing upon the presenter’s famed case that proved James Ball of Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, to be the father of a child born to an unmarried mother in 1824 Louisiana.

View the Recording at FamilyTreeWebinars.com

If you could not make it to the live event or just want to watch it again, the 1 hour 28 minute recording of "Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me” is now available to view in our webinar library when signed in as a webinar member.

Webinar Memberships/Subscriptions

Webinar Members get:

  • On-demand access to the entire webinar archives (now 1,934 classes of genealogy education)
  • On-demand access to the instructor handouts (now 7,278 pages)
  • On-demand access to the live webinars' chat logs
  • 5% off all products at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com (must be logged in at checkout)
  • Access to all future recordings for the duration of their membership
  • Chance for a members-only door prize during each live webinar
  • Access to register for bonus members-only webinars
  • Ability to view which webinars you are registered for
  • Use of the playlist, resume watching, and jump-to features

Introductory pricing:

  • Annual membership: $49.95/year

Become a webinar member here.

Register for our upcoming webinars (free)

Print the 2023 webinar brochure here.

 


New Webinar Short: 6 Clues Revealed in Census Records by Tara Shymanski

New Webinar Short: 6 Clues Revealed in Census Records by Tara Shymanski

Webinar Shorts are a new bonus feature for members at Legacy Family Tree Webinars that provide you with genealogy classes in 20 minutes or less.  Enjoy this new Webinar Short "6 Clues Revealed in Census Records" by Tara Shymanski.

Webinar Short Description

Census records are notorious for having sketchy information, but they give clues that lead to more reliable records. Learn 6 things to look for in census records to find accurate facts about your ancestors.

About the Presenter

Tara ShymanskiTara Shymanski is a professional genealogist who, at the age of 17, began researching her family history. Her childhood was filled with grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, even a great-great aunt and uncle – providing cookies, hugs, and a watchful eye. This was the beginning of her desire discover their stories and to connect with her past. She has deep Canadian roots, with Loyalist and Hessian soldier ancestors who came to the country in the 1780’s.

Tara has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in Canadian Records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She is a past recipient of the Brian W. Hutchison Scholarship awarded by the Alberta Family Histories Society.

Tara is active in the genealogy world in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is the Education Director for the Alberta Family Histories society, a family history consultant for the Family History Centre and an Ontario Special Interest Group Coordinator for the Alberta Family Histories Society.

Become a webinar member

Webinar Members get:

  • On-demand access to the entire webinar archives (now 1,933 classes of genealogy education)
  • On-demand access to the instructor handouts (now 7,278 pages)
  • On-demand access to the live webinars' chat logs
  • 5% off all products at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com (must be logged in at checkout)
  • Access to all future recordings for the duration of their membership
  • Chance for a members-only door prize during each live webinar
  • Access to register for bonus members-only webinars
  • Ability to view which webinars you are registered for
  • Use of the playlist, resume watching, and jump-to features

Pricing:

  • Annual membership: $49.95/year

Click here to join.


Register for Friday's "The Best of ESM" series members-only webinar: Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL

Register for Friday's "The Best of ESM" series members-only webinar: Margaret’s Baby’s Father & The Lessons He Taught Me by Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL

Illegitimacy. Poverty. Footloose fathers. Record destruction. Name changes. Conflicting data. Forged Bibles. Careless research by predecessors. All these problems can be overcome even when all are combined into one perplexing person. This session presents eight basic principles on which sound research is grounded. For each, it demonstrates how to apply that principle, drawing upon the presenter’s famed case that proved James Ball of Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, to be the father of a child born to an unmarried mother in 1824 Louisiana.

*** This class requires an active webinar membership to attend. ***

Registerbut 

Test Your Webinar Connection

To ensure that your webinar connection is ready to go, click here.

Can't make it to the live event?

No worries. Its recording will be available for a limited time. Webinar Subscribers have unlimited access to all webinar recordings for the duration of their membership.

About the presenter

Elizabeth Shown MillsAcross a long career, Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS, has been an innovator of research methods and strategies. Published widely by academic and popular presses, she edited a national-level scholarly journal for 16 years, taught for 13 years at a National Archives-based institute on archival records and, for 25 years, headed a university-based program for advanced researchers. A past president of both the American Society of Genealogists and the Board for Certification of Genealogists, Elizabeth is the author, editor, and translator of 14 books and over 600 articles in the fields of genealogy, history, literature, and sociology. She has delivered over 1,000 lectures internationally, has appeared on radio and TV talk shows on three continents, and was featured in BBC’s 20th and 30th anniversary specials on the novel Roots.

Add it to your Google Calendar

With our Google Calendar button, you will never forget our upcoming webinars. Simply click the button to add it to your calendar. You can then optionally embed the webinar events (and even turn them on and off) into your own personal calendar. If you have already added the calendar, you do not have to do it again - the new webinar events will automatically appear.

Webinar time

The webinar will be live on Friday, March 24, 2023 at:

  • 2pm Eastern (U.S.)
  • 1pm Central
  • 12pm Mountain
  • 11am Pacific

Or use this Time Zone Converter.

Here's how to attend:

  1. Register at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com today. It's free!
  2. You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to the webinar.
  3. You will receive a reminder email both 1 day and 1 hour prior to the live webinar.
  4. Calculate your time zone by clicking here.
  5. Check your GoToWebinar connection here.
  6. Click on the webinar link (found in confirmation and reminder emails) prior to the start of the webinar. Arrive early as the room size is limited to the first 1,000 arrivals that day.
  7. Listen via headset (USB headsets work best), your computer speakers, or by phone. 

We look forward to seeing you all there!


PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone Free replay of today's webinar by Sunny Morton now available for limited time

PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone Free replay of today's webinar by Sunny Morton now available for limited time

The recording of today's webinar by Sunny Morton, "PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone” is now available to view at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com for free for a limited time.

Webinar Description

You may be missing 30% of genealogy discoveries if you’re not digging into issues of old periodicals for biographical profiles, stories about ancestral churches or schools, how-to tips for researching a locale, indexes and transcripts of local records. Learn to find and access this content using PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on the Allen County Public Library website, and hear success stories that can inspire your own searches.

View the Recording at FamilyTreeWebinars.com

If you could not make it to the live event or just want to watch it again, the 1 hour 21 minute recording of "PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone" is now available to view in our webinar library for free for a limited time.

Webinar Memberships/Subscriptions

Webinar Members get:

  • On-demand access to the entire webinar archives (now 1,932 classes of genealogy education)
  • On-demand access to the instructor handouts (now 7,278 pages)
  • On-demand access to the live webinars' chat logs
  • 5% off all products at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com (must be logged in at checkout)
  • Access to all future recordings for the duration of their membership
  • Chance for a members-only door prize during each live webinar
  • Access to register for bonus members-only webinars
  • Ability to view which webinars you are registered for
  • Use of the playlist, resume watching, and jump-to features

Introductory pricing:

  • Annual membership: $49.95/year

Register for our upcoming webinars (free)

Print the 2023 webinar brochure here.


Register for Webinar Wednesday — PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone by Sunny Morton

Register for Webinar Wednesday — PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone by Sunny Morton

You may be missing 30% of genealogy discoveries if you’re not digging into issues of old periodicals for biographical profiles, stories about ancestral churches or schools, how-to tips for researching a locale, indexes and transcripts of local records. Learn to find and access this content using PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on the Allen County Public Library website, and hear success stories that can inspire your own searches.

Registerbut 

Test Your Webinar Connection

To ensure that your webinar connection is ready to go, click here.

Can't make it to the live event?

No worries. Its recording will be available for a limited time. Webinar Subscribers have unlimited access to all webinar recordings for the duration of their membership.

About the presenter

Sunny MortonSunny Morton is a popular lecturer for the global genealogy community. She's a Contributing Editor at Family Tree Magazine and the author of hundreds of articles and blog posts, as well as the brand new book How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, co-authored with Harold Henderson; Story of My Life: A Workbook for Preserving Your Legacy, and the quick reference guide, "Genealogy Giants: Comparing the 4 Major Websites," She is an official FamilySearch blogger and past Contributing Editor at Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems Podcast.

Add it to your Google Calendar

With our Google Calendar button, you will never forget our upcoming webinars. Simply click the button to add it to your calendar. You can then optionally embed the webinar events (and even turn them on and off) into your own personal calendar. If you have already added the calendar, you do not have to do it again - the new webinar events will automatically appear.

Webinar time

The webinar will be live on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at:

  • 2pm Eastern (U.S.)
  • 1pm Central
  • 12pm Mountain
  • 11am Pacific

Or use this Time Zone Converter.

Here's how to attend:

  1. Register at www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com today. It's free!
  2. You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to the webinar.
  3. You will receive a reminder email both 1 day and 1 hour prior to the live webinar.
  4. Calculate your time zone by clicking here.
  5. Check your GoToWebinar connection here.
  6. Click on the webinar link (found in confirmation and reminder emails) prior to the start of the webinar. Arrive early as the room size is limited to the first 1,000 arrivals that day.
  7. Listen via headset (USB headsets work best), your computer speakers, or by phone. 

We look forward to seeing you all there!