Unveiling the Hidden Costs of "Free" Genealogy Access

In the world of genealogy, the allure of "free" access to subscription websites is undeniable. After all, who doesn't want to uncover the rich tapestry of their family history without breaking the bank? However, behind the enticing promise of no-cost exploration lies a subtle web of limitations and hidden expenses that can quickly turn the tides of your genealogical journey.

The Illusion of Free Access

Subscription genealogy websites often dangle the carrot of free access to entice new users. These trials, typically lasting a week or two, provide a glimpse into the vast trove of records and resources available on the platform. However, this limited exposure often leaves users yearning for more, creating a sense of urgency to subscribe before the trial expires.

The reality is that these "free" trials are carefully orchestrated marketing strategies designed to convert users into paying customers. By offering a taste of what lies beyond the free wall, these websites effectively create a sense of dependency, making it difficult for users to resist the temptation to upgrade.

The Hidden Costs of Free Access

Beyond the psychological impact of limited access, there are several tangible costs associated with using "free" genealogy services. These include:

• Time constraints: Free access periods are often severely limited, forcing users to rush through their research, potentially overlooking valuable clues or making hasty decisions.

• Limited record access: Free users may only have access to a small fraction of the website's extensive collection, hindering their ability to make meaningful progress.

• Restrictions on features: Essential features like building family trees or accessing vital records may be locked behind subscription paywalls.

• Incomplete results: Free searches may yield incomplete results, leaving users frustrated and unsure where to turn next.

Alternative Paths to Genealogical Discovery

While subscription websites undoubtedly offer a wealth of resources, they are not the sole gateway to genealogical exploration. Numerous free alternatives exist, providing access to valuable records and research tools. These include:

• FamilySearch: A non-profit organization dedicated to genealogy, FamilySearch boasts a vast collection of digitized records and research guides.

• Archive.org: A digital library of millions of free books, documents, images, and audio files, Archive.org often contains historical records relevant to genealogy.

• Local libraries and historical societies: Many local libraries and historical societies house genealogical collections, offering access to census records, family histories, and local newspapers.

• Genealogy forums and online communities: Numerous online forums and communities provide a wealth of genealogical knowledge and support, often offering assistance with specific research challenges.

Embrace the Power of Patience

Genealogical research is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore various avenues. While subscription websites can be valuable tools, they are not a prerequisite for uncovering your family's past. The historical society will never recommend one genealogy subscription website over another as each has their own unique characteristics . What works best for one genealogist doesen't for another. As such, it's a matter of choice that each family historin must weigh carefully before subscribing to any pay genealogy website.

By utilizing free alternatives and embracing the slower, more methodical approach, you can embark on a rewarding genealogical journey without the pressure of hidden costs or time constraints. Remember, the true value of genealogy lies not in the speed of discovery, but in the joy of connecting with your ancestors and preserving their stories for future generations.

• Research your family's holiday traditions. What customs did your ancestors celebrate during the winter holidays? How did their traditions compare to yours? You can interview older family members, search through old family albums and scrapbooks, and even do online research to learn more about your family's holiday past.

• Create a winter family tree chart. This is a fun and creative way to visualize your family history. You can use a variety of materials to create your chart, such as paper, cardboard, or even fabric. Be sure to include photos of your ancestors, if you have them.

• Write a winter family history story. Choose a specific ancestor or branch of your family tree to focus on. Then, write a story about their lives during the winter months. What were their daily routines like? What challenges did they face? What joys did they experience? You can even include fictional elements in your story, as long as you are honest about which parts are fact and which parts are fiction.

• Organize your family photos and documents. This is a great way to preserve your family history for future generations. Start by gathering all of your family photos and documents in one place. Then, sort them by date, family member, or event. You can also scan your photos and documents to create digital copies.

• Contribute to an online genealogy community. There are many online genealogy communities where you can connect with other researchers and share your findings. You can also ask for help with your research or offer to help others.

• Take advantage of indoor resources. Many libraries and museums have genealogy departments that offer a variety of resources, such as books, newspapers, and census records. You can also find helpful online resources, such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.

• Connect with family members. Interview older family members to learn about their personal stories and family traditions. You can also ask them for help with your research.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help from other researchers or genealogy professionals. There are many resources available to help you on your journey.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. It is one of the most popular holidays in the world, and is celebrated in many different ways. Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating. But where did Halloween come from?

The history of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain was a pagan holiday that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter. The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was thin, and that ghosts could walk among the living.

The Celts celebrated Samhain by lighting bonfires, wearing costumes, and making offerings to the dead. They also believed that Samhain was a good time to predict the future, and they would often perform rituals to try to see what the coming year would hold.

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints Day, a day to honor Christian saints. The evening before All Saints Day became known as All Hallows Eve, and eventually Halloween. Over time, Halloween incorporated many of the traditions of Samhain, such as bonfires, costumes, and divination.

Halloween came to the United States with Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century. The holiday quickly became popular, and by the early 20th century, it was one of the most celebrated holidays in the country.

Today, Halloween is celebrated in many different ways. Some people celebrate by going to costume parties, trick-or-treating, or watching scary movies. Others celebrate by carving pumpkins, decorating their homes, or attending haunted houses. No matter how it is celebrated, Halloween is a fun and festive holiday that brings people together.

Here are some of the most popular Halloween traditions and their origins:

• Trick-or-treating: Trick-or-treating is thought to have originated from the Celtic tradition of souling. Souling was a practice in which people would go door-to-door on Samhain night, begging for food and money in exchange for prayers for the souls of the dead.
• Jack-o'-lanterns: Jack-o'-lanterns are thought to have originated from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Jack was a trickster who made a deal with the devil to escape hell. After Jack died, the devil refused to let him into heaven or hell, so Jack was forced to wander the earth with a lantern made from a hollowed-out pumpkin.
• Costumes: People have been wearing costumes on Halloween for centuries. The Celts believed that wearing costumes would help to ward off ghosts on Samhain night. Today, people wear costumes for a variety of reasons, including to have fun, to be creative, and to express themselves.

Halloween is a fun and festive holiday with a rich history. It is a time to celebrate the harvest season, to remember the dead, and to have some spooky fun.

I recently asked Google Bard to, “Write an article detailing the impact of AI on genealogical research. Here’s the result:

• Digitizing historical records: AI can be used to digitize historical records, such as census records, birth certificates, and marriage licenses. This makes it easier for genealogists to access and search these records.
• Identifying patterns in data: AI can be used to identify patterns in genealogical data. This can help genealogists to find relationships between people, places, and events.
• Predicting future trends: AI can be used to predict future trends in genealogy. This can help genealogists to focus their research on areas that are likely to yield the most results.

As Fascination with Genealogy Grows, These AI Tools Help You Connect with Previous Generations by Ian Hayne (https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/as-fascination-with-genealogy-grows-these-ai-tools-help-you-connect-with-previous-generations/)

 

Presented by Jennifor Kahn Bakkala, Mary Gilchrist, and Anne Henson; Moderated by Sharon Inglis  Self-publishing your genealogy is a fantastic way to preserve your family history for future generations and to share it with family, friends, and wider audiences. However, self-publishing is no simple task! We all know that researching is difficult enough, and to self-publish you’ll also need to spend time and thought on planning, outlining, writing, creating citations, editing, finding a printer, and so much more. Join us for an engaging panel discussion with three authors who have gone through this difficult but rewarding process—Jenifer Kahn Bakkala, Mary Gilchrist, and Anne Hanson. They’ll share their varied experiences and strategies with you in this discussion moderated by American Ancestors Vice President of Publishing, Sharon Inglis.

My favorite source for historical maps has just gotten even better!  The folks at the David Rumsey Map Collection are using Artificial Intelligence to allow their Machine Reading Maps tool to allow users to search for text on maps.  A total of 100 million words have been indexed on some 57,000 maps.  Users can also submit corrections where errors in indexing are found.  I never thought this collection could be better than it already was, but wow, it just did!

Registration for RootsTech 2024 (both In-Person and On-Line) opened yesterday, September 18th.  RootsTech will take place from February 29th through March 2nd 2024 in person in Salt Lake City,  Utah or On-line Worldwide.  A three-day pass for the in-person event is $99 ($69 for one day) and there is NO CHARGE to attend the on-line event, though you must be registered.  

 

If you have never attended a RootsTech Conference, this is your opportunity and it shouldn't be missed.  To find out more about the on-line and in-person events or to register, click here.