As children return to school, August signals the season of learning—and it’s the perfect time for genealogists to head “back to school,” as well! Whether you’re brand new to family history or tackling a tough brick wall, dedicating time this month to expand your research skills can transform your progress.

The best part? There are many free learning resources available to genealogists that can fit easily into your schedule.

Local Libraries and Archives

August is a good month to check Tulsa City-County library’s offerings. Don’t live in Tulsa? Check your local library for possible classes. Many libraries:

• Have subscriptions to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, and other databases.
• Host free genealogy classes or research groups.
• Provide access to local newspapers, city directories, and microfilm collections you may not find online.

Free Online Webinars

FamilySearch, state archives, and many genealogical societies offer free webinars on topics ranging from using land records to advanced DNA analysis. These sessions often include handouts and Q&A opportunities, and many are recorded for viewing at your convenience. The FamilySearch Learning Center and the Oklahoma Historical Society’s website are great places to start.

YouTube Channels for Genealogy

Several experienced genealogists host YouTube channels with clear, friendly tutorials. Look for channels like:

• Ancestry’s official channel
• Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems
• Family History Fanatics

These can walk you through record groups, organization strategies, and even tech tools for your research.

Brush Up on Research Skills

You can also challenge yourself to:

• Learn to cite your sources properly.
• Practice transcribing old handwriting.
• Tackle a small research project, like verifying a family story, to practice your analysis skills.

Summary

Do you have a brick wall? Or just getting started? Together, we can help each other grow as researchers and keep the excitement of discovery alive.

This August, take advantage of the “back-to-school” energy in the air. A few hours invested in your genealogy education now can pay off with fresh strategies, renewed enthusiasm, and—who knows?—the key to breaking through your toughest brick wall!

Tips

Learning New Skills

Pick one new genealogy skill to learn this month—watch a free webinar or try a new database. You might uncover a clue you’ve missed!

Let us know if you use another tool. Written by: Deronda Moore

Confused by two Family History months? there is one in July and another in October. Here, we’ll explain the differences between the two months and dive in deeper to what you can do in July. During July, Family History Month is best known for localized, in-person programming, like Tulsa City-County workshops. October on the other hand, is a nationwide observance, officially proclaimed by Congress and supported by genealogical organizations, focusing on heritage preservation and storytelling.

Genealogy on the Go: Making Family History Part of Your Summer Plans

You might ask yourself, what are some activities I can do during this month? And July is perfect for the following ideas.  Whether you’re traveling across the country or staying close to home, summer offers countless ways to make genealogy part of your everyday life, without feeling like a research project.

1. Visit a Place of Family Significance Going near a town where your ancestors once lived? Take a small detour to visit a cemetery, old family home, or local courthouse. Snap photos, jot down notes, and soak in the atmosphere, you’re literally walking in their footsteps.
2. Start a Reunion Memory Table If your family is gathering this month, set up a “memory table” with old photos, keepsakes, or a simple timeline. Invite others to add to it with names, dates, or fun stories. You might be surprised what others remember!
3. Digitize in the Shade Got a box of photos or old documents sitting in the closet? Summer afternoons are perfect for pulling up a chair, scanning a few items, and labeling them. Even ten minutes at a time adds up.  Why the shade?
4. Record a Quick Story Ask a relative to tell a favorite family story, maybe from their childhood or a memorable summer of their own. Record it with your phone (with permission), or jot down the key details. These little moments are treasures in disguise.
5. Map Your Family’s Journey Print a blank U.S. or world map and start marking places your ancestors lived, moved, or settled. It’s a fun visual way to trace your heritage, and great for involving kids or grandkids.

Genealogy doesn’t always have to be about documents and databases. Sometimes, it’s as simple as listening to a story, revisiting a place, or saving a photo from fading away. This July, consider making your family’s past part of your summer story.

Tips

Tip 1: Creating a Family Story Kit

Include simple prompts, such as:

• “Tell me about your childhood home.”
• “What do you remember about your grandparents?”
• What was your favorite summer activity as a child?
• What did your parents teach you that you still remember?
• Add tips on recording stories (by phone, notebook, or app like StoryCorps).

Tip 2: Resources for creating a map

Did you know there are other sources available for creating a family history map besides Ancestry? Below is a list of a few other sources. Let us know if you have more to offer!

• FamilySearch: Places Tool
• MyHeritage: Pedigree Map
• Family Tree Maker: Migration Map

Let us know if you use another tool. Written by: Deronda Moore