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Blog Entries: 1 to 25 of 1261
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Publishing your family story
Many family history researchers wish they could publish a book  to preserve and share what they've discovered. Maybe that was one of your New Year's resolutions for 2026?
MyHeritage launched MyStories in early 2025 as a way to turn memories and facts into a beautiful printed book.
For a limited time, MyHeritage users get 15% off MyStories. Find out more here. |
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AmericanAncestors free webinar, Feb 10
Faith and Family: Tracing the Religious Roots of Ireland’s Past
Whether your ancestors were Catholic or Protestant, church records are an essential resource for Irish family history research. Many records useful to family historians were destroyed during the Four Courts fire during the Irish Civil War, and available church records may help to fill in the gaps—providing details of your ancestors births, marriages, deaths, and more. In this online lecture, Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will provide an overview of the church records available for Irish family history research, covering both Catholic and Protestant records. She will also discuss the historical context of these records, and the role that the church played in your ancestors’ lives.
Tuesday, February 10, 3:00-4:00 pm, Eastern time
To register, click here.
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Upcoming IGSI webinars
February brings more opportunities for learning:
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Saturday, February 21
Using Irish Newspapers and Other Printed Material (Webinar - online)
A virtual presentation on Zoom
10:30 AM - Noon CST (UTC-6)
Presented by Natalie Bodle from Ireland
How do we know what Irish newspapers are available and how to access them? We’ll review the major repositories where they may be found, and a range of printed journals, gazetteers and street directories to find your Irish ancestors.
Natalie is a professional genealogist in Ireland, author, and international speaker on researching Irish ancestry. www.RootsRevealed.co.uk.
The member Discount Code will be sent to members via email and is posted on IGSI’s member-only webpage ( link). You can reach the IGSI Education team at Education@IrishGenealogical.org
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Monday, February 23
IGSI Social Gaggle on Zoom (Social)
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Have a lingering question from Saturday's webinar... or story to tell? Join us and share. Bring your research challenges, celebrations, tips, or maybe your favorite tools. Following introductions (as you choose) we will give a 15-min demo or walk-through, and then open the floor to discussion & sharing. Please join in the fun!
Open to all. No registration required. Join in our common purpose: finding & exploring the stories of our ancestors!
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Additions to British Newspaper Archive
New Titles:
Larne Weekly Recorder & Northern Express, 1883
Irish Temperance League Journal, 1863-1870, 1874-1896
Athlone Times, 1889-1902
Updated holdings:
Tyrone Courier (1919)
Connaught Telegraph (1919)
Ulster Gazette, 1878
Irish Ecclesiastical Gazette, 1888-1896
* The BNA is included with some FindMyPast subscriptions."
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New IGSI resource at the Hoffman Library
One of many benefits to IGSI membership is receiving its bi-monthly e-Newsletter, Ginealas. The 25-page February/March issue, emailed yesterday, includes numerous articles of interest.
Following is a segment reprinted from "Inside the Library," written by volunteers Ann Eccles and Peggy Peters:
"…with the new year, we have added a new database for Irish researchers: the Irish Newspaper Archives. This new resource contains national and regional Irish newspapers: current issues and some dating back to the late 1700s. There are national papers like the Irish Times, the Freeman’s Journal, the Irish Examiner, and the Belfast Newsletter, as well as county and regional papers. A further benefit: the library’s subscription includes access to a special collection of 117 radical and political journals from the early 1900s. This is only on one computer, so check with the library volunteers if you want to use it.
Winter months are a great time to visit the library. Two sisters, who were recent visitors, realized that they need a ‟road trip” to Pennsylvania to learn more about their ancestor. Winter research provides time to plan for spring or summer trips to family or ancestral locations. Stop by the library to visit and talk about the research trail that you are following.
The next Irish Saturday is February 14th. We would love to see you! Otherwise, stop by on March 14th before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!"
Click on the Library tab at left for more information.
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Search Australian records for free
Historians estimate over 350,000 Irish-born people arrived in Australia during the 1800s.
Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Observed annually on January 26, it commemorates the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove (per Wikipedia).
This event marks a great moment to explore stories that connect families to Australia — and for a few days, MyHeritage is opening its doors. From January 22-27, MyHeritage is offering free access to 2.2 billion Australian historical records.
This free access spans 308 Australian collections covering births, marriages, deaths, immigration, military service, convict records, and much more. It’s a powerful snapshot of Australia’s past and an easy way to uncover ancestors, migration paths, and life events tied to the continent.
Take advantage of this limited-time window and start searching here.
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MGS Library closed Saturday, January 24
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February 2026 Podcast
In the February episode of the “This month at the IGSI”  podcast (episode 8 of season 4), genealogist Dave Miller talks about the February Irish Saturday for 2026, which will be on February 14.
The February webinar will feature Natalie Bodle. Natalie’s topic is Using Irish Newspapers and Other Printed Material. This online-only presentation will be on February 21 and begin at 10:30 am and last until noon (CST). The fee to watch this webinar is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
How do we know what Irish newspapers are available and how to access them? We’ll review the major repositories where they may be found, including a range of printed journals, gazetteers and street directories to find your Irish ancestors. Again, this webinar will be held on February 21.
In his podcast, Dave also tells us about the remains of St. Valentine, which are located at a shrine in Dublin. Many couples visit in February for a blessing, and those with illnesses visit the shrine for healing.
We also have a social gaggle scheduled for February 23rd at 6:30pm (CST). The gaggle, lasting an hour and a half and available on Zoom, is open to all with no registration.
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There's still time!
A message from the IGSI Education Team: 
This Saturday, January 17 – virtual webinar on Zoom
Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as your Genealogy Research Assistant
Presented by professional genealogist Mark Thompson from British Columbia
A virtual-only webinar on Zoom
Please note the time for this event: 10:00 – 11:30am CDT (UTC-6)
$15 for IGSI members; $20 for non-members
What if you had a research assistant who could find, analyze, and summarize dozens of complex genealogical source documents in minutes? Learning how to efficiently utilize AI can make this possible. Using real-world cases you will learn about the newest crop of AI tools and how to "speak" AI to get the results that will reliably and accurately support your genealogy research.
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 Monday, January 19 – virtual gathering on Zoom
IGSI Social Gaggle
Hosted by IGSI leaders and volunteers
Join us to discuss the webinar on AI, family research questions or just share stories.
It's lively and fun! A virtual session on Zoom from 6:30 – 8 pm CDT (UTC-6)
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New Kildare records added
The Irish Family History Foundation announces the addition of over 8000 new nineteenth-century census substitute records for County Kildare to the Roots Ireland database! They are as follows:
- Slater's Trade Directories for Co. Kildare, 1846 and 1881 (3,234 records);
- Thom's Directories, 1849 and 1854 (511 records);
- Voters' Lists of Qualifying Freeholders and Leaseholders from the Leinster Express newspaper, of 1836 (4,533 records).
For more information about these records click here.
For an up-to-date list of sources for Kildare and to search these records, go to rootsireland.ie/kildare and login or subscribe as required.
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Researching Ulster Ancestors after 1800
The following announcement comes from the Ulster Historical Foundation:
Free Online Lecture -- Thursday, 29 January, 15:00-16:00 (UK Time) 10:00:am (EST)
The nineteenth century marks a turning point for family historians researching Ulster ancestors. Delivered by Dr. William Roulston, author of the bestselling research guide Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800 and of the forthcoming publication Researching Ulster Ancestors, 1800–1914, this talk explores what makes this period distinct, from major social and economic change to the rapid expansion of record-keeping.
Focusing on the years after 1800, it will introduce key sources such as civil registration, census returns, church records, valuation records, and newspapers, and explain how they can be used together to build a clearer picture of ancestors’ lives. Ideal for beginners and more experienced researchers alike, this talk will offer practical guidance and fresh perspectives on uncovering Ulster ancestors in the nineteenth century.
This lecture is free to attend but registration is advised to secure your place. The talk will be also be recorded for those of you unable to join live.
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When was my ancestor born?
Have you found conflicting information about ancestors' birthdates? (Join the club!)
In today's "Letter from Ireland," Mike Collins illuminates why recorded dates may differ. You'll want to read the entire article here, but following is an excerpt from his fascinating explanation:
...The World When Dates Were Flexible
Picture rural West Cork in the late 1850s. My great-grandmother Collins is born on a small farm in the middle of the night. Thankfully, the baby arrives healthy.
A few days pass or maybe longer. Life on the farm continues, cows need milking, turf needs cutting, neighbours call in. When would they have gone to the church for the baptism? When the mother felt strong enough. When the weather allowed? When they could spare the cart?
The baptism happens when it's convenient. That’s the date the priest writes in his register, because that’s the day he performed the sacrament. Birth date? The parents might have said “a fortnight ago” or “around the last full moon.” The priest wrote what he knew for certain.
A few years later, civil registration finally arrives, but many families simply carry on as they always did, relying on memory rather than paperwork.
Fast forward to 1901. A census enumerator arrives at the door. “Age?” he asks.
Does she know her exact age? She may never have celebrated a birthday in the modern sense. Someone in the house might call out, “She’s in her forties, near enough.” The enumerator writes it down. If she’s actually forty-two and a half, it doesn’t matter much until a genealogist a century later starts reverse-engineering birth years.
And by 1911 there was another complication. The Old Age Pension had been introduced a few years earlier, payable from age seventy. Suddenly age mattered in a way it never had before. Some people genuinely didn’t know their exact birth year. Others quietly added a year or two to qualify for the pension. That’s why many families appear to age faster between 1901 and 1911 Irish census than the calendar allows...
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Digitizing family papers and photographs
Was one of your 2026 resolutions to begin digitizing  photographs and family history papers?
If so, American Ancestors (NEHGS) is offering a free download of their guide. Major topics covered include:
- Steps for Digitizing Your Family Papers & Photographs
- Review Your Collection
- Choose Your Hardware
- Scan Settings and File Types
- Imaging Guidelines
- Post Capture: Preservation and Organization
- Resources
Click here to get started. |
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RootsTech early bird registration ending
Early bird pricing for RootsTech 2026 (March 5-7) ends January 13.
Online participation is FREE but you must pre-register.
Keynote speakers have been announced. To see RootsTech lineup or register, click here.
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IGSI Library Closed on Jan 5
The water main break in front of the Minnesota Genealogy Center has been fixed, but the thick ice in the parking lot required the library to remain closed on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Check the MGS website before making the trip to do research at the library.
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Write for THE SEPTS
Every Irish story deserves to be told.
As a follow-up to yesterday's posting about IGSI's quarterly journal, we encourage blog readers to share their stories. The Septs editorial team considers submissions from family historians and genealogists at all levels--from beginners sharing their first discoveries to seasoned researchers with complex findings.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Septs welcomes high-quality articles on any Irish genealogy topic.
- While each issue has a theme, the April 2026 journal’s stated theme of “Irish Tapestry” means any story or resource focused on Irish genealogy will be considered. This provides a unique opportunity to submit articles for publication, in any length from 750 to 3000 words.
- All submissions must be original, unpublished works that are not under review elsewhere. You need not be an IGSI member to be published in The Septs.
- The submission deadline for the April issue is February 15, 2026.
If you are interested in writing an article, contact our managing editors first to see if your topic is a good fit. A submission guide is available for prospective writers. Email: SeptsMnged@IrishGenealogical.org
FUTURE THEMES BEYOND APRIL 2026
2026 | July | Using Historical Newspapers Learn when and how to use newspapers or journals to trace ancestors beyond obituaries and provide context about their lives. Articles on newspaper archives or case studies are welcome. Deadline for articles: May 15, 2026.
2026 | October | Immigration The most requested topic from our 2023 Reader Survey was immigration. Articles will explore passenger lists, naturalization records, alien registration, one-step webpages, and more, to provide updated information since our last immigration-themed issue in 2019. Deadline for articles: August 15, 2026.
2027 | January | Forging a Living: Irish Occupations Articles may explore not just what jobs Irish immigrants held, but how they adapted, built networks, and created opportunities in new lands. Deadline for articles: November 15, 2026.
TYPES OF ARTICLES WE PUBLISH
- Ancestral research findings – detailed accounts of your Irish genealogical discoveries, focusing on Irish county research and emigration patterns.
- Methodology articles – step-by-step guides showing how you overcame specific Irish research challenges, demonstrating your research journey and how you navigated record gaps or utilized unique Irish sources.
- Resource reviews – assessments of recently published Irish genealogy books, websites, databases, or archival collections, particularly lesser-known repositories and emerging digital resources.
- Family chronicles – captivating stories of your Irish ancestors’ lives, from their experiences in Ireland through their emigration journeys and settlement in new lands.
- Historical context pieces – articles that place Irish families in broader historical events and explore social conditions that shaped their ancestors’ lives.
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Celebrate 2026 with THE SEPTS
The January 2026 edition of The Septs has been emailed to all IGSI members. For those who've opted for a general membership, a printed copy of the quarterly journal is also on the way via USPS.
Here's a summary of the feature articles:
The Septs, January 2026 Theme: Documenting Death
- Documenting Life and Death When Records are Locked: Tracing Living Family in Northern Ireland Beyond GRONI by Chelley Brekke McLear
- Resolving a Murphy-Leary Family Brick Wall Through Probate and Death Records by Joan Cichoski
- Websites About Cemeteries by Aiden Feerick
- Grief Rituals: The Wake-How Irish Traditions Honour the Dead and Comfort the Living by Lottie Moore
- Death by Drowning: What One Death Record Uncovered About a Family Dispute by Peggy Peters
- Irish Gravestone Symbols Adapted and reprinted from the blog post at Billion Graves written by Cathy Wallace
- Origin Story by John Grenham
The cover photo of St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s Catholic Cemetery, Glenariff, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, was taken by Michael James McNabb.
Note: Signed-in members can view all issues of The Septs--going back to 1981--by clicking on The Septs (Journal) tab at left. One can then sort by either Contents (Date) or Issues by Theme.
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Latest Irish Genealogy News
It's a good time to check Clare Santry's "Rolling News for Irish Family Historians."
She posts updates every month. You'll find it easy to go back and see what you might have missed earlier in the year.
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Using AI as your Genealogy Research Asst
Are you catching your breath after several days of guests, meals, gifts, and celebrations? Are you looking forward to quiet time in January when you can focus on genealogy? If so, you’ll want to put this webinar on your calendar:
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Saturday, January 17, 2026
Use AI as your Genealogy Research Assistant (Webinar - online)
A virtual presentation on Zoom
SPECIAL TIME 10:00 - 11:30 AM CST (UTC-6)
Presented by Mark Thompson from Canada
What if you had a research assistant who could find and analyze and summarize dozens of complex source documents in minutes for you? Today's artificial intelligence (AI) tools make this possible. In this session you'll see real-world cases where the newest crop of AI tools can reliably support your genealogy research, without the debris we sometimes encountered just a year ago: hallucinations, mysterious citations, etc.
Mark is a professional genealogist and educator specializing in the use of technology. With extensive executive experience in technology, Mark makes complex tools accessible and productive for genealogists of all skill levels. He co-hosts the Family History AI Show podcast (link) with Steve Little. makingfamilyhistory.com
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Christmas in Killarney
While I've found no ancestral connections in Killarney  for our family, the song came to mind this morning.
"Christmas in Killarney" was first released by Dennis Day in 1950 and has been covered by many artists in the years since.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from IGSI! |
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Updated Registry of Deeds Index Project
Early Christmas present from the Registry of Deeds Index Project Ireland: an update of 644,799 index records from 66,005 memorials of deeds in the main database. These and all other databases are fully searchable at https://irishdeedsindex.net/search/search.php
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"DNA Isn't Fair" YouTube Video
Diahan Southard, noted genetic genealogy educator and author, has created a YouTube video called "DNA Isn't Fair." Here's a description of her video:
DNA inheritance isn’t fair — and understanding who actually makes it into your DNA (and who doesn’t) is the foundation of effective genetic genealogy. This simple concept adds needed context to your DNA testing experience. Once you understand how inheritance really works, your entire research strategy becomes clearer.
In this short video, you’ll see:
• Why you don’t inherit DNA from all of your ancestors — even recent ones
• Why some kinds of great-grandparents contribute zero DNA to you
• How DNA inheritance principles effect which cousins you share DNA with
Understanding DNA inheritance will subtly influence the way you interpret your ethnicity results, your cousin matches, and your DNA research plan.
View her excellent, nine-minute presentation here. |
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January 2026 Podcast
In the January episode of the “This month at the IGSI” podcast  (episode 7 of season 4), genealogist Dave Miller talks about the January webinar that will be hosted by Mark Thompson. Our first Irish Saturday in 2026 will be on January 10.
Mark Thompson's topic is "What's New & Notable in AI for Family History Research." This will be an online-only presentation on January 17; it will begin at a special time of 10:00 am and last until noon Central Time. The fee to watch this webinar is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
What if you had a research assistant who could find, analyze, and summarize dozens of complex source documents in minutes for you? Today's artificial intelligence (AI) tools make this possible. In this session you'll see real-world cases where the newest crop of AI tools can reliably support your genealogy research, without the debris we sometimes encountered just a year ago: hallucinations, mysterious citations, etc. Again, this webinar will be held on January 17. Register by clicking on the Events tab at left.
These stories along with the entire episode and previous podcast episodes are available on the IGSI YouTube channel.
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Winter hours for the MGS Library
Starting in January 2026, the Hoffman Research Library (1385 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN) will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 12:00 noon until 4:00 pm.
However the library will be closed if 1) volunteers are not available to assist researchers, or 2) the Twin Cities metro area is under a Winter Storm Warning. Check here to see hours, as well as scheduled and unscheduled closings.
The Hoffman Research Library will be closed for patron use during Christmas week, December 21-27.
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Video: Using Townland Atlas of Ulster
The following announcement comes from the Ulster Historical Society:
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How to use the Townland Atlas of Ulster
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...the recording of the (December 12 webinar) session has now been added to our YouTube channel.
In his presentation Andrew Kane, author of the Townland Atlas of Ulster, delves into the components and methodologies used within the atlas—including baronies, civil parishes, and Poor Law Unions—demonstrating how to effectively use this resource for genealogical research.
He offers insights into related historical documents and resources and provides practical advice for identifying townlands accurately.
Click the video below to start watching the recording:
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Townland Atlas of Ulster
New Paperback Edition
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Following an incredible response to the hardback edition of The Townland Atlas of Ulster — with the first print run selling out in just six weeks and the second selling out within six months — we’re excited to make this landmark publication available once again in a new, more accessible format.
The paperback edition contains the same richly detailed mapping and invaluable reference material that readers have come to rely on, and is available to pre-order now for £49.99 (RRP £54.99)
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