Family Tree Magazine Podcast

In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Andrew Koch interviews Kate Smith, Associate Director for Communications and Organizations at the National Genealogical Society, or NGS. She offers tips for getting involved during Family History Month in October. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-10-2026.mp3 Feature: Observing Family History Month October is Family History Month, making the next several weeks an excellent opportunity to celebrate your family history, reengage in research projects you’ve set aside, and get involved with the genealogy community. In this episode of the podcast, Andrew Koch speaks with Kate Smith of the National Genealogical Society who offers tips for making the most of your own local genealogical societies this month. Mentioned in this episode: Why family history and family stories are important Genealogical resources and tips Connecting with local and regional genealogical organizations Why it’s worth supporting genealogical organizations and societies Challenges faced by local genealogical societies and how to help overcome them Why to take part in Family History Month Resources: NGS — Family History Month How to Celebrate Family History Month in October Family History Month has been celebrated every October since 2001. Discover all the ways you can join in on the fun and honor your own family history. Family Tree Magazine The Family History Month Handbook October is Family History Month, the perfect time to organize your research materials. In this free eBook, our experts offer tools to keep you on track. Family Tree Magazine Visit Our Sponsor The Mayflower Society This episode is brought to you by the Mayflower Society. A rich family story awaits you. And with the right guidance into the past, you can uncover the details that will bring it all together.  The Mayflower Society is here to help with a team of adept researchers who can craft a report about your family’s unique history. Whether you’ve already confirmed descent from a Mayflower passenger or you’re just beginning your genealogical journey, the Mayflower Society’s experts can scour one-of-a-kind lineage resources to find answers.  Start today by booking a free 30-minute consultation at TheMayflowerSociety.org. Your ancestor’s journey was remarkable. Embark on your own today. Stay in the Know Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics Exclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Denise May Levenick shares some valuable tips for preserving the keepsakes that matter most to you, including diplomas, artwork, and photos. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/09-2026.mp3 Feature: Preserving Diplomas, Photos and Other Keepsakes Time can take a toll on the documents, photos and other heirlooms you hold dear–items that tell a story about you or your family history. In this interview, Denise May Levenick shares some tips and tricks for keeping those valuable artifacts in good shape. Mentioned in this episode: Displaying diplomas and certificates Combating environmental wear and tear Storing family heirlooms in your home Dealing with water damage Determining what to keep and what to toss Balancing preservation and use of family items What Not to Preserve in Your Family History Collection When it comes to family history, our instinct is to preserve everything. But, knowing what not to keep is just as important as knowing what to save. Family Tree Magazine Stay in the Know Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics Exclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, editor Andrew Koch offers strategies for breaking through brick walls as you conduct genealogy research. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-08-2026.mp3 Feature: Breaking Through Brick Walls Brick walls can disrupt any genealogist’s research plans. The good news? There may be a way through them. Family Tree Magazine Editor Andrew Koch addresses some common brick walls that genealogists encounters and offers some tips for overcoming them. Mentioned in this episode: Identifying brick walls and the problems they present Understanding research challenges Search tips and how to expand search parameters Collateral research strategies Social history and why it is important Making the most of timelines and maps 6 Steps for Breaking Down Genealogy Brick Walls Find your footing and scale your highest research brick walls: missing ancestors, burned records, same-named people, and more. Family Tree Magazine Stay in the Know Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics Exclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

In this episode of Best Websites, Kathy Meade walks us through ArkivDigital, an extensive site that offers many valuable materials for genealogists to explore. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/07-15-2026-BW.mp3 Feature: Making Use of ArkivDigital for Genealogy Research ArkivDigital is a Swedish gnealogy website that boasts a robust collection of aerial photos, digitized church books, and more. In this interview, Swedish Genealogy Expert and North American Representative Kathy Meade offers a behind-the-scenes look at the website and shares what genealogists can gain from taking advantage of its resources. Also mentioned in this episode: Coverage of Records from 1600s to 1990s Resources for Swedish-American Genealogy How ArkivDigital Makes Use of AI Major Collections of Swedish Records How to Access for Free Subscription Information Stay in the Know Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics Exclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Michael Strauss talks about the American Revolution and what genealogists should know as they research their ancestors. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-07-01-2026.mp3 Feature: Understanding the American Revolution America’s 250th birthday is on the horizon. With that in mind, some genealogists may be curious about their ancestors who lived through or fought during the American Revolution. Michael Strauss offers an overview of the American Revolution and provides resources that may prove valuable. Also mentioned in this episode: Common misconceptions about the American Revolution and researching those who fought in it The value of pension files Tips for those seeking records from the National Archives Everyday life for those living through the American Revolution—plus historic events and contemporary destinations for celebrating American independence How to learn more about Loyalist ancestors Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics Exclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.