CensusTools

Take a trip to your local mega book store and you'll come across a variety of genealogy publications...some good, some not so good. In part 1 of a 2 part series, I will review three magazines to be followed by another three in the next newsletter. In all cases I have used recent issues for apples to apples comparisons.

Everton's Genealogical Helper

Quick Facts

Publication Schedule: Bi-monthly

Price: $6.95 Single Issue - $27 Yearly by Subscription

Pages: 184

Miscellaneous

Back issues to 1947 are available with a membership to the Everton Library Online.

Review

Everton's Genealogical Helper is the granddaddy of genealogy publications. First published over 50 years ago, generations of genealogists have enjoyed the Helper and relied upon it to stay connected to fellow genealogists in the pre-email days. The Helper is a serious genealogical publication and is invaluable for its breadth of informative articles and resources.

A recent issue of the Helper featured the following articles. United States Consular Records - "Invaluable for anyone with an ancestor who travelled overseas." Introduction to Scottish Census Records - "Online Scottish census records can help you take your tree back another generation." How I Found My Swiss Ancestors - "With tried and proven research strategies, what works for one often works for another."

Some of the Helper's most useful aspects are the many regular features which have helped so many researchers over the years, including, Our Readers Write, Bureau of Missing Ancestors, Beginner's Corner, Computer Helper, Software Highlight, On the Bookshelf and the Market Place.

Conclusion

Everton's Genealogical Helper is serious genealogy journalism for the family researchers of any experience level. Beginners will find a wealth of information to help them get started, and old pros will enjoy the in depth articles ideas for breaking through brick walls.

Ancestry

Quick Facts

Publication Schedule: Bi-monthly

Price: $4.99 Single Issue - $24.95 Yearly by Subscription

Pages: 66

Miscellaneous

A five year back issue collection (1994-1999) is available from Ancestry

Review

Ancestry magazine is published by myfamily.com, the genealogy superpower which owns ancestry.com and genealogy.com. It doesn't share the same kind of pedigree as the Helper, but there is enough substance to warrant a look.

A recent issue of Ancestry featured the following articles. Making Tracks through Railroad Research - "Try these tips to make your journey as smooth as possible." Planning for the Future: Expert Advice on Creating a Systewm to Preserve Valuable Records - "Get tips from the pros and learn the best way to ensure all of your family history records remain well preserved." Small Town News: Looking in Little Places Can Turn Up Big Results - "News sources come in all shapes and sizes, but when it's insight into a life story you're seeking, cmall town news can provide the best fit." Mortality Schedules: Unlocking the Mystery - "They may not be your traditional census lists, but these little-known special schedules can hold a wealth of information, particularly if you know where to look." Finding your Polish Ancestors - "Tracing your Polish ancestry is possible when you take the right steps to ensure your success."

Regular columns of Ancestry magazine include, Back to Basics, Research Cornerstones, Digging Deeper, Technology, Case Study and Bare Bones

Conclusion

While I assume the magazine was created as a bi-monthly plug for ancestry.com, the articles are informative and varied. Beginner and less experienced researchers will appreciate Ancestry, but experts may find the magazine less useful than the publications with a more serious genealogy focus.

Family Tree Magazine

Quick Facts

Publication Schedule: Bi-monthly

Price: $5.99 Single Issue - $27.00 Yearly by Subscription

Pages: 80

Miscellaneous

A five year index is available in pdf format here, and back issues can be ordered via secure server here.

Review

Family Tree Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine as are most other genealogical publications. As with Ancestry, it is geared to the average genealogy enthusiast as opposed to the serious professional. The magazine has been published for just over five years

A recent issue of Family Tree Magazine featured the following articles. Cheap Tricks - "Wish you could trace your roots today on yesterday's budget? You can. Bank on these 26 thrifty tips for cutting research costs." Vital Signs - "Follow this five-step regimen to revive your search for birth, marriage and death records on the web." Cracking the Tombstone Code - "Our eight-step guide will help you catch the clues you've missed in your cemetery research." Viva Italia - "Give your brick walls the boot with our advice for researching Italian ancestors." Group Dynamic - "Research assistance. Moral support. You'll get those benefits and more by joining a genealogy society."

One cool feature of the magazine over the past few months is their Collectible State Research Guides. They began publishing the guides in February, and through June, eight states have been covered. "Each state guide contains a a how-to article with state-specific resources and strategies, plus a handy quick-rerence sheet listing key facts, Web sites, books, organizations and historic destinations, along with a map and a timeline."

Regular columns of Family Tree Magazine include, Making Connections, Living History, Now What?, Everything's Relative, and Time Capsule.

Conclusion

Family Tree Magazine is another in the crowded field of mass market genealogy. Article selection over the long term is similar to Ancestry, but the state research guides and occasional special issues make this magazine a preferred pick.

Next Issue

In the next CensusTools newsletter, I'll be reviewing three more magazine; New England Ancestors, Heritage Quest and Family Chronicle.

1. A Prolonged Absence
2. A Review of Genealogy Magazines - Part 1
3. GenSmarts Upgrade Available
4. A Request for Your Support