The Genealogy Guys Podcast #432 — January 21, 2025

Overview

In this milestone episode of the Genealogy Guys Podcast, hosts Drew Smith and George G. Morgan dive into new developments in the genealogy world, share major updates about their own educational materials, cover the latest news from leading genealogy platforms, and answer compelling listener questions. The episode’s tone is warm, thorough, and encouraging, packed with both practical updates and personal reflections. Listeners are treated to tips, resource recommendations, engaging stories, and a classic “brick wall” case needing community input.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Genealogy Guys Learn Moves to Legacy Family Tree Webinars

[02:26–06:08]

Major Announcement: The Genealogy Guys’ educational content (Genealogy Guys Learn) is moving from their standalone website to be hosted as part of the Legacy Family Tree Webinars platform by MyHeritage.
Rationale: After five years, they concluded a partnership with the leading genealogy webinar site would better serve the community.
Direct Access: Users can now find their content at familytreewebinars.com/genealogyguys.
Quote — George G. Morgan:
“With the new partnership with Legacy Family Tree Webinars, we look forward to reaching a wider audience with our educational genealogical presentations.” [04:41]
Acknowledge Jeff Rasmussen and the team at Legacy Family Tree Webinars for facilitating the transition.

2. MyHeritage 2024 in Review & OldNews.com Expansion

[06:08–11:18]

Company Milestones:
- MyHeritage marks its own 20-year anniversary.
- Key stats:
  - 317 million newspaper pages added
  - 458 million new family tree profiles
  - 8.9 million DNA kits
  - 13 billion historical records in 2024 alone
  - 32 billion total historical records
OldNews.com Project:
- Completion of extracting 11.6 billion names and stories from newspapers using advanced AI, covering all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Personal Reflection — George on OldNews.com:
“I’ve been finding just incredible, wonderful matches over the last couple of months, and it is adding such depth and context to my family history.” [09:25]
Data Privacy Change:
- MyHeritage suspends services in Russia due to local regulations—user data will be deleted by Feb 1, 2025.
- Users encouraged to export family tree or DNA data if needed.
Quote — Drew Smith:
“This really has a, is the result of some laws in Russia that require that companies have to manage their data on servers in Russia. …the only choice here is to actually just stop serving those in Russia.” [10:11]

3. Legacy Family Tree Webinars: 2025 Season Preview

[12:11–13:45]

15th Anniversary — 173 classes scheduled:
- 132 speakers from 17 countries, with 35 newcomers.
- Free live webinars available for a week after broadcast.
- Two new series: Artificial Intelligence for Genealogists (members-only), and the newly incorporated Genealogy Guys Learn series.
Shout-outs to New Speakers: Names include Michael John Neal, Bonnie Wade Musea, David Allen Lambert, Mark Thompson.
Drew’s Webinar Highlight:
- Recent webinar on collaborative trees now available for a limited time.

4. FamilySearch Additions & 2025 Initiatives

[13:46–18:20]

Record Expansion:
- December: 49.8 million records added, from 49 countries.
- Highlights:
  - 22 million in US city & business directories
  - 19 million from the Philippines
  - Key new collections from Chile, Ireland, Korea, Zimbabwe, Iowa, New York, Italy
2025 Focus:
- Continued global expansion, including France, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Palau, Philippines.
- Groundbreaking: Billions of oral genealogies from African tribal leaders, to be made searchable by tribe, village, and surname, complete with audio recordings.
AI in Action:
- FamilySearch is using AI for first-pass extraction of handwritten records in English and Spanish.
- Full-text search now possible in many record collections (e.g., probate).
Community Advice:
- Regularly revisit FamilySearch for new additions; volunteers are worldwide, and the pace of digitization is high.
Quote — George:
“If you have not used FamilySearch, make sure you get there and use it... every month we have an announcement of new records that they have added.” [17:34]

5. Listener Email: Research Trips to Ireland

[23:25–31:05]

Topic: Alternatives to Donna Moody’s popular Ireland research trips
Responses:
- Donna Moody herself:
  - NYG&B (New York Genealogical and Biographical Society) offers a heritage tour to Ireland in August 2025—though more tour than research-focused.
- Cindy:
  - Experience with American Ancestors’ genealogy tour, including archive visits and research consultations at PRONI and Belfast libraries, with practical tips for maximizing a research visit.
  - Memorable story: She was able to hold a document from the 1700s —"It was incredible holding such an old document and feeling the texture and weight of the paper. One could also photograph anything for free." [27:26]
- Josh:
  - Ancestry ProGenealogist offers guided international genealogy trips with research and expert guides.
  - Podcast Recs: “Stories that Live in Us” by Krista Cowan, the Barefoot Genealogist, featuring personal genealogical discovery stories.
- Anonymous contributor:
  - Also recommends Krista Cowan’s podcast as a story-driven genealogy fix between Genealogy Guys episodes.
- Community Tip:
  - If you’re looking for research trips, check with major genealogy societies and ProGenealogist services for curated, research-focused experiences.

6. Listener Tech Questions: RootsMagic 10

[31:52–36:52]

Christine from snowy Ohio asks:
Is RootsMagic 10 "worth the upgrade"? She’s frustrated with version 9 and wants to avoid switching software entirely.
George’s Review:
- RootsMagic is intuitive, powerful, and well-supported—with resources for learning (YouTube, help sites).
- Discovers and praises the built-in perpetual calendar:
  “By gosh, I found Roots Magic has a built in perpetual calendar…an essential tool that I missed and I discovered after years of using the product.” [34:36]
- Finds the newest version robust for book-writing, reports, organization.
Drew’s Review:
- Has used RootsMagic for over 20 years, affirms it preceded their sponsor relationship.
- Appreciates direct connection with developers and ongoing product evolution.
Both endorse RootsMagic 10 for both new and advanced users.

7. Listener Brick Wall: The Reed Family of Cayuga County, NY

[37:53–47:34]

Keenith’s Query:
- Seeks help breaking through to Calvin Reed and Rhoda (maiden unknown), parents of Eliza Ruth Reed Caffee, b. in Cayuga County, NY.
- Eliza’s obituary and headstone give conflicting birth/death data; migration path: NY → Michigan → Iowa.
- Observations clarify date discrepancies and urge for further research into county histories, census records, and possible presence in the 1850 federal census.
Hosts’ Guidance:
- Suggest searching for Reed families in 1840s Cayuga County histories.
- Suggest reviewing county historian contacts (citing a prior podcast tip).
- Visit FamilySearch digital library for local/family histories.
- Libraries may hold vertical files with uncatalogued papers; county and main libraries suggested.
- Community call: Anyone with expertise in Cayuga County, NY, or Reed families from that era is encouraged to write in.

8. Genealogical Research Context: Non-population Census Schedules

[47:34–58:10]

George’s Deep Dive:
- Discusses the value and scarcity of supplemental census schedules:
  - Slave, mortality, manufacturing, and agricultural schedules (mainly 1850–1880).
  - Agricultural schedules provide "a picture…of life on that particular piece of property for that family at that point in time." [48:41]
- Records are scattered—some in state archives, some local libraries, some have been lost.
- Advocates for genealogy software providers and sites to digitize and surface these underutilized resources.
- Praises the Carolina Spangler Room at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library for rare records access, calling it "one of the finest collections of family history data you could imagine…” [53:06]

9. Upcoming Speaking Engagements & Podcast Plans

[58:11–65:46]

Drew’s 2025 Schedule:
- Feb 15: Hill Country Family History Seminar, Kendall County, TX — four lectures on newspapers, census alternatives, organizing research, and the FAN club concept.
- March 6–8: RootsTech, Salt Lake City, UT — three exclusive talks (not recorded or broadcast).
- Other travel limited; next after RootsTech is the Ohio Genealogical Society later in 2025.
Podcast Format Evolution:
- Forthcoming "Genealogy Connection" interviews; more guests, returning and new, including book authors and subject-matter experts.
- Example: Brian Reinhart (Civil War Records) and Jarrett Ross (Jewish & DNA research) featured recently [63:37].
Community:
- Encourages listeners to submit questions, case studies, and even reach out if they’re a relative of a featured case.
- Quote — George:
  “I love the emails that you send us … it makes Drew and me sit down and do research so we can better understand what you’re talking about.” [65:21]

Notable Quotes & Moments

George, on community impact:
“We love our Patreon supporters, but we have other supporters too, don’t we?” [01:50]
On the power of context:
“This is a picture…providing context of life on that particular piece of property for that family at that point in time.” [48:41 – agricultural schedules]
Drew, encouraging listener participation:
“Those of you who like to kind of work on other people’s problems, this is your opportunity to listen and make notes.” [38:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

02:26 — Announcement: Move to Legacy Family Tree Webinars
06:08 — MyHeritage/OldNews 2024 Stats & AI Project
09:43 — MyHeritage Service Suspension in Russia
12:11 — Legacy Webinars 2025 Preview & Speaker Announcements
13:46 — FamilySearch Record Additions & 2025 Projects
23:25 — Listener Email: Ireland Research Tours
31:52 — RootsMagic 10 Q&A
37:53 — Listener Brick Wall: Reed Family, Cayuga County, NY
47:34 — Non-population Census Schedules Explained
58:11 — Drew’s 2025 Speaking Schedule
63:04 — Podcast Format Updates & Closing Community Notes

Final Words

This episode is a testament to Genealogy Guys’ longevity and their commitment to community-driven family history education. It balances industry news, practical advice, software tips, and heartfelt engagement with listener queries, ensuring that both novices and seasoned researchers find value, encouragement, and a sense of genealogical camaraderie.

Contact:
Listeners with insights into the Reed family, Cayuga County, or any other brick wall are urged to email genealogyguys@gmail.com.

Up Next:
Stay tuned for new interviews, more listener case studies, and the latest genealogy news in future episodes!

The Genealogy Guys Podcast #432 — January 21, 2025

Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Genealogy Guys Learn Moves to Legacy Family Tree Webinars

[02:26–06:08]

Major Announcement: The Genealogy Guys’ educational content (Genealogy Guys Learn) is moving from their standalone website to be hosted as part of the Legacy Family Tree Webinars platform by MyHeritage.
Rationale: After five years, they concluded a partnership with the leading genealogy webinar site would better serve the community.
Direct Access: Users can now find their content at familytreewebinars.com/genealogyguys.
Quote — George G. Morgan:
“With the new partnership with Legacy Family Tree Webinars, we look forward to reaching a wider audience with our educational genealogical presentations.” [04:41]
Acknowledge Jeff Rasmussen and the team at Legacy Family Tree Webinars for facilitating the transition.

2. MyHeritage 2024 in Review & OldNews.com Expansion

[06:08–11:18]

Company Milestones:
- MyHeritage marks its own 20-year anniversary.
- Key stats:
  - 317 million newspaper pages added
  - 458 million new family tree profiles
  - 8.9 million DNA kits
  - 13 billion historical records in 2024 alone
  - 32 billion total historical records
OldNews.com Project:
- Completion of extracting 11.6 billion names and stories from newspapers using advanced AI, covering all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Personal Reflection — George on OldNews.com:
“I’ve been finding just incredible, wonderful matches over the last couple of months, and it is adding such depth and context to my family history.” [09:25]
Data Privacy Change:
- MyHeritage suspends services in Russia due to local regulations—user data will be deleted by Feb 1, 2025.
- Users encouraged to export family tree or DNA data if needed.
Quote — Drew Smith:
“This really has a, is the result of some laws in Russia that require that companies have to manage their data on servers in Russia. …the only choice here is to actually just stop serving those in Russia.” [10:11]

3. Legacy Family Tree Webinars: 2025 Season Preview

[12:11–13:45]

15th Anniversary — 173 classes scheduled:
- 132 speakers from 17 countries, with 35 newcomers.
- Free live webinars available for a week after broadcast.
- Two new series: Artificial Intelligence for Genealogists (members-only), and the newly incorporated Genealogy Guys Learn series.
Shout-outs to New Speakers: Names include Michael John Neal, Bonnie Wade Musea, David Allen Lambert, Mark Thompson.
Drew’s Webinar Highlight:
- Recent webinar on collaborative trees now available for a limited time.

4. FamilySearch Additions & 2025 Initiatives

[13:46–18:20]

Record Expansion:
- December: 49.8 million records added, from 49 countries.
- Highlights:
  - 22 million in US city & business directories
  - 19 million from the Philippines
  - Key new collections from Chile, Ireland, Korea, Zimbabwe, Iowa, New York, Italy
2025 Focus:
- Continued global expansion, including France, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Palau, Philippines.
- Groundbreaking: Billions of oral genealogies from African tribal leaders, to be made searchable by tribe, village, and surname, complete with audio recordings.
AI in Action:
- FamilySearch is using AI for first-pass extraction of handwritten records in English and Spanish.
- Full-text search now possible in many record collections (e.g., probate).
Community Advice:
- Regularly revisit FamilySearch for new additions; volunteers are worldwide, and the pace of digitization is high.
Quote — George:
“If you have not used FamilySearch, make sure you get there and use it... every month we have an announcement of new records that they have added.” [17:34]

5. Listener Email: Research Trips to Ireland

[23:25–31:05]

Topic: Alternatives to Donna Moody’s popular Ireland research trips
Responses:
- Donna Moody herself:
  - NYG&B (New York Genealogical and Biographical Society) offers a heritage tour to Ireland in August 2025—though more tour than research-focused.
- Cindy:
  - Experience with American Ancestors’ genealogy tour, including archive visits and research consultations at PRONI and Belfast libraries, with practical tips for maximizing a research visit.
  - Memorable story: She was able to hold a document from the 1700s —"It was incredible holding such an old document and feeling the texture and weight of the paper. One could also photograph anything for free." [27:26]
- Josh:
  - Ancestry ProGenealogist offers guided international genealogy trips with research and expert guides.
  - Podcast Recs: “Stories that Live in Us” by Krista Cowan, the Barefoot Genealogist, featuring personal genealogical discovery stories.
- Anonymous contributor:
  - Also recommends Krista Cowan’s podcast as a story-driven genealogy fix between Genealogy Guys episodes.
- Community Tip:
  - If you’re looking for research trips, check with major genealogy societies and ProGenealogist services for curated, research-focused experiences.

6. Listener Tech Questions: RootsMagic 10

[31:52–36:52]

Christine from snowy Ohio asks:
Is RootsMagic 10 "worth the upgrade"? She’s frustrated with version 9 and wants to avoid switching software entirely.
George’s Review:
- RootsMagic is intuitive, powerful, and well-supported—with resources for learning (YouTube, help sites).
- Discovers and praises the built-in perpetual calendar:
  “By gosh, I found Roots Magic has a built in perpetual calendar…an essential tool that I missed and I discovered after years of using the product.” [34:36]
- Finds the newest version robust for book-writing, reports, organization.
Drew’s Review:
- Has used RootsMagic for over 20 years, affirms it preceded their sponsor relationship.
- Appreciates direct connection with developers and ongoing product evolution.
Both endorse RootsMagic 10 for both new and advanced users.

7. Listener Brick Wall: The Reed Family of Cayuga County, NY

[37:53–47:34]

Keenith’s Query:
- Seeks help breaking through to Calvin Reed and Rhoda (maiden unknown), parents of Eliza Ruth Reed Caffee, b. in Cayuga County, NY.
- Eliza’s obituary and headstone give conflicting birth/death data; migration path: NY → Michigan → Iowa.
- Observations clarify date discrepancies and urge for further research into county histories, census records, and possible presence in the 1850 federal census.
Hosts’ Guidance:
- Suggest searching for Reed families in 1840s Cayuga County histories.
- Suggest reviewing county historian contacts (citing a prior podcast tip).
- Visit FamilySearch digital library for local/family histories.
- Libraries may hold vertical files with uncatalogued papers; county and main libraries suggested.
- Community call: Anyone with expertise in Cayuga County, NY, or Reed families from that era is encouraged to write in.

8. Genealogical Research Context: Non-population Census Schedules

[47:34–58:10]

George’s Deep Dive:
- Discusses the value and scarcity of supplemental census schedules:
  - Slave, mortality, manufacturing, and agricultural schedules (mainly 1850–1880).
  - Agricultural schedules provide "a picture…of life on that particular piece of property for that family at that point in time." [48:41]
- Records are scattered—some in state archives, some local libraries, some have been lost.
- Advocates for genealogy software providers and sites to digitize and surface these underutilized resources.
- Praises the Carolina Spangler Room at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library for rare records access, calling it "one of the finest collections of family history data you could imagine…” [53:06]

9. Upcoming Speaking Engagements & Podcast Plans

[58:11–65:46]

Drew’s 2025 Schedule:
- Feb 15: Hill Country Family History Seminar, Kendall County, TX — four lectures on newspapers, census alternatives, organizing research, and the FAN club concept.
- March 6–8: RootsTech, Salt Lake City, UT — three exclusive talks (not recorded or broadcast).
- Other travel limited; next after RootsTech is the Ohio Genealogical Society later in 2025.
Podcast Format Evolution:
- Forthcoming "Genealogy Connection" interviews; more guests, returning and new, including book authors and subject-matter experts.
- Example: Brian Reinhart (Civil War Records) and Jarrett Ross (Jewish & DNA research) featured recently [63:37].
Community:
- Encourages listeners to submit questions, case studies, and even reach out if they’re a relative of a featured case.
- Quote — George:
  “I love the emails that you send us … it makes Drew and me sit down and do research so we can better understand what you’re talking about.” [65:21]

Notable Quotes & Moments

George, on community impact:
“We love our Patreon supporters, but we have other supporters too, don’t we?” [01:50]
On the power of context:
“This is a picture…providing context of life on that particular piece of property for that family at that point in time.” [48:41 – agricultural schedules]
Drew, encouraging listener participation:
“Those of you who like to kind of work on other people’s problems, this is your opportunity to listen and make notes.” [38:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

02:26 — Announcement: Move to Legacy Family Tree Webinars
06:08 — MyHeritage/OldNews 2024 Stats & AI Project
09:43 — MyHeritage Service Suspension in Russia
12:11 — Legacy Webinars 2025 Preview & Speaker Announcements
13:46 — FamilySearch Record Additions & 2025 Projects
23:25 — Listener Email: Ireland Research Tours
31:52 — RootsMagic 10 Q&A
37:53 — Listener Brick Wall: Reed Family, Cayuga County, NY
47:34 — Non-population Census Schedules Explained
58:11 — Drew’s 2025 Speaking Schedule
63:04 — Podcast Format Updates & Closing Community Notes

Final Words

Contact:
Listeners with insights into the Reed family, Cayuga County, or any other brick wall are urged to email genealogyguys@gmail.com.

Up Next:
Stay tuned for new interviews, more listener case studies, and the latest genealogy news in future episodes!

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The Genealogy Guys Podcast #432

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Summary

The Genealogy Guys Podcast #432 — January 21, 2025

Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Genealogy Guys Learn Moves to Legacy Family Tree Webinars

2. MyHeritage 2024 in Review & OldNews.com Expansion

3. Legacy Family Tree Webinars: 2025 Season Preview

4. FamilySearch Additions & 2025 Initiatives

5. Listener Email: Research Trips to Ireland

6. Listener Tech Questions: RootsMagic 10

7. Listener Brick Wall: The Reed Family of Cayuga County, NY

8. Genealogical Research Context: Non-population Census Schedules

9. Upcoming Speaking Engagements & Podcast Plans

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Words

Summary

The Genealogy Guys Podcast #432 — January 21, 2025

Overview

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. Genealogy Guys Learn Moves to Legacy Family Tree Webinars

2. MyHeritage 2024 in Review & OldNews.com Expansion

3. Legacy Family Tree Webinars: 2025 Season Preview

4. FamilySearch Additions & 2025 Initiatives

5. Listener Email: Research Trips to Ireland

6. Listener Tech Questions: RootsMagic 10

7. Listener Brick Wall: The Reed Family of Cayuga County, NY

8. Genealogical Research Context: Non-population Census Schedules

9. Upcoming Speaking Engagements & Podcast Plans

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Words