Showing posts with label Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free. Show all posts

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Free Online Genealogy & Family History Courses offered by Brigham Young University


Spread the word! A prominent University is offering many FREE online genealogy and family history courses. You're probably asking yourself, which University? Well, it's Brigham Young University; BYU.

There is no need to travel, we can take these courses online at our convenience.
I just signed  up for the "Family Records" course, and I was shocked at how easy this was.

Easy Sign up Instructions:

  1. Click on the course you want (below).
  2. Click on "Begin Course" (top, left of screen), 
  3. Enter your email, name, and address and click "submit". Within seconds you will receive a confirmation email with a link.
  4. Click on that link.
  5. Sign in with your email.
That's it!! You're ready to get started with your first lesson. Enjoy!!

10 FREE online Family History/Genealogy Courses:


Family History / Genealogy — Introductory

Family History / Genealogy — Record Type
Family History / Genealogy — Regional and Ethnic
Click here to go to BYU Independent Study Free Online Courses >>

Here's a snapshot of the BYU Independent Study website. (Click image to enlarge).  



Have fun and keep connecting the dots!!

-Sarah

Monday, May 20, 2013

Top 10 Free Genealogy Websites


I am a BIG fan of Ancestry.com, But, I'm a bigger fan of FREE Genealogy websites that offer great information. Through the years of research, these top 10 websites have helped me build my family tree and break through many brick walls. I would recommend you checking these free websites out before you start paying a subscription fee to genealogy sites. Here are my TOP 10 FREE Genealogy Websites to get you started:


  1. Family Search www.familysearch.org (For research, historical records and
    volunteering to help index)
  2. Find a Grave www.findagrave.com (Millions of online memorials, from transcribed headstones)
  3. World GenWeb Project www.worldgenweb.org (Genealogical data per country)
  4. US GenWeb Project www.usgenweb.com (Genealogical data per state)
  5. National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov (Archived Genealogical data from the US Government)
  6. Genealogy Today www.genealogytoday.com (Genealogical Data)
  7. Google www.google.com (Genealogical data, images, maps, and more)
  8. Access Genealogy www.accessgenealogy.com (Online Genealogical Data)
  9. Family Tree Searcher www.familytreesearcher.com (Online family trees)
  10. GeneaBios www.geneabios.com (Genealogy Biography database)

More highly recommended Free sites:


Thursday, August 30, 2012

FREE Pedigree Charts for Kids and Teenagers. Type, Print & Frame in 30 Min.

Here's a super cute and inexpensive way to incorporate family history into your child's bedroom by using a colorful Family Tree (pedigree chart). This is my 13 year old daughters bedroom with accents of family history. On the left wall you will see the family tree that I designed to match the exact colors of her bedding, so it all ties together perfectly :)
Now, don't you think your child needs a framed pedigree chart displayed in their bedroom? Well, you're in luck, because I have completed 3 different designs for the 4 generation "Type & Print" pedigree charts, that allows you to:
  • Type, Print & Frame (8x10) in 30 minutes or less
  • Print, Write & Frame (8x10)   in 30 minutes or less
Pedigree Chart Tips:
  • For female, always use the maiden name, (First, Middle, Maiden). Never use married name on a pedigree chart.
  • Father's name always goes on the top, ascending to the right. 
  • Mother's name always goes on the bottom, descending to the right.
Now let's get started! 5 Easy Steps:
  1. Click:  on your favorite pedigree chart below to download your pdf "Type & Print" pedigree    chart. (Make sure you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer).
  2. Type:  your Genealogy! Hit "Tab" to go to the next field.  Note : "you cannot save data typed into this form. Please print your completed form, if you want a copy for your records". (Have your Genealogy & Family History close by to refer to as you type.)
  3. Print:  on 8.5 x 11 paper or scrapbook paper. Here are a few paper examples that I bought at Hobby Lobby (.40 a piece)
  4. Cut:  The 8x10 border on your printed 8.5 x 11 
  5. Frame!  In 30 minutes or less, you can have a beautiful framed pedigree chart!!
  Step 1: Click on 1 of the 3 pedigree charts below to download:

Pedigree Chart #1: Click image to download pdf "type and print" form. Once you've clicked  on the image it will automatically download to your computer. It usually saves in your "Download" folder. 
Pedigree Chart #2: Click image to download pdf "type and print" form
Pedigree Chart #3: Click image to download pdf "type and print" form

Step 2 Type:
 your Genealogy! (Hit tab to move to the next field)

Step 3 Print:
 on 8.5 x 11 scrapbook paper. Here are a few paper examples:

Step 4 Cut
 
t
he 8x10 border on your printed 8.5 x 11 

Step 5 Frame! 
You now have a beautiful framed pedigree chart!! Isn't it adorable!!
Total Cost of Project: $5 (spray painted frame from thrift store)
Total Time spent on project: 29 minutes.

Other decorative items shown: 
Black Shelf from Hobby Lobby (On sale for $12)
Zebra 5x7 frame from Hobby Lobby (on sale for $10)
Green Frame from Hobby Lobby (on Sale for $10)
Mirrored "Love" wall art from Hobby Lobby (on sale for $7)

Click here to Leave a comment and share how your pedigree chart turned out.  

Monday, August 20, 2012

Back to School Memories NOT Forgotten! Free Printables


Why didn't I think of this sooner?
Get a cute photo of your children holding this sign on the first day of school or any day after. Then, fill out this Back to School questionnaire so those memories are NOT forgotten. You can "Type & Print" both forms in minutes.

Here's your 2 FREE Printables:

1. Back to School Questionnaire (type & print fillable form) Click here or image to download
Once opened, click File , then download (in top left corner)
2. Back to School Sign (type & print fillable form) Click Here or image to download
Once opened, click File , then download (in top left corner)

The Final Result:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Free LDS/Mormon Family Group Record - Type & Print in minutes

Finally here!! Type & Print LDS (Mormon) Family Group Record. This form was designed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and released for Free. This form can be printed and filled out or Typed and printed. Use this form for every family unit (Father, Mother and Children). Type one for your family and your ancestors. Surprise your parents or grandparents with a Family Group record of their ancestors. Give it a try!!

Click here to download your FREE LDS Family Group Record (type & print) >>


Page 1 preview:

Page 2 preview:

Saturday, August 04, 2012

1940 US Census is 100% Complete! Family Search vs. Ancestry

As of yesterday, August 3, 2012 the entire 1940 US Census is 100% complete and FREE for researching.

Family Search vs. Ancestry
 (Top 2 Websites for searching the 1940 US Census)

I recommend both, but Family Search was quicker!
  • Go to www.familysearch.org  to start researching the 1940 US Census. This website produced quicker search results when I search the 1940 US Census than ancestry.com did. This site is always free to use. 
  • Go to www.ancestry.com to start researching the 1940 US Census. Ancestry.com is the #1 website for genealogical records and so much more. I have continually had a membership to Ancestry.com from the time that I signed up in 2007 for many reasons. You will go further in your research than you could ever imagine. This website has a 14 day Free trial, then you'll pay $12.95/month (for US membership, if you sign up for a 6 month membership. A total of  $77 billed once every six months) Or $22.95/month (US Membership. A total of $22.95 billed once a month). Here's more info on the membership pricing >>
As a user of both of these website, here's a few bullet points to consider:

www.familysearch.org:

  • Contains Complete 1940 US Census
  • Free to use
  • Faster Search Results
  • Easy to use
www.ancestry.com:
  • Contains Complete 1940 US Census
  • 14 day Trial (after trial, $12.95/month if paid for 6 months or $22.95/month for US membership) 
  • Slower Search Results (because of millions of historical Records that need to be filtered through.
  • Easy to use
I recommend:  Using familysearch.org for the 1940 US Census, then jump over to ancestry.com for all other research.


Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Free Family History - 20 Cute Questions to ask your kids or grand-kids today!

A while back, I had an idea to do audio recordings of my children, short and sweet in 10 seconds or less. I would ask them a cute question like; "if you had a super power, what would it be?" They would answer, and I would stop the recording. After every answer, I would always stop the recording, that way when I was finished I had lots of short audio clips. Then, I emailed audio clips for months to daddy at work. Also, for grandma's birthday, I had the kids tell their favorite memory of her; she loved this!! I also made recordings of my niece and nephew while they were staying at my house and emailed a clip every week to my brother and his wife.
So, if you have a cell phone, a digital recorder, an iPad, or another device with an audio recorder, you can do this!! What a very unique way to preserve your family history with zero dollars spent. Your family will be forever grateful!!

Here's 20 Questions to get you started on preserving those "tiny voices" :)

  1. If you could go back in time to meet someone, who would it be?
  2. If you had a super power, what would it be?
  3. If you could be any person for 1 day, who would it be?
  4. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
  5. If crazy hair colors were in style, what color would you have?
  6. Who is your favorite Cartoon character?
  7. If you could have any animal in the world for a pet, what would it be?
  8. What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?
  9. What is cooler; mustache or beard?
  10. Who do you like better: The Tooth Fairy or The Easter Bunny?
  11. What is your favorite soda?
  12. Which do you like better: Snickers or Twix?
  13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
  14. If you could give $1 million dollars away, who would you give it to?
  15. Where does the Tooth fairy live?
  16. If you could create your own sport, what would it be?
  17. If you had your own planet what would it look like?
  18. What animal would you like to be?
  19. What are clouds made of?
  20. What’s more relaxing: Watching TV or reading a book?

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Free Pedigree Charts {Type, Print and Frame in 30 min}

Don't you think everyone needs a framed pedigree chart displayed somewhere in their home? Well, you're in luck, because I have completed 3 different designs for the 4 generation "Type & Print" pedigree charts, which allow you to:
  • Type, Print & Frame (8x10) in 30 minutes or less
  • Print, Write & Frame (8x10)   in 30 minutes or less
Pedigree Chart Tips:
  • For female, always use the maiden name, (First, Middle, Maiden). Never use married name on a pedigree chart.
  • Father's name always goes on the top, ascending to the right. 
  • Mother's name always goes on the bottom, descending to the right.
Now let's get started! 5 Easy Steps:
  1. Click: on your favorite pedigree chart below to download your pdf "Type & Print" pedigree    chart. (Make sure you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer).
  2. Type: your Genealogy! Hit "Tab" to go to the next field. Note : "you cannot save data typed into this form. Please print your completed form, if you want a copy for your records". (Have your Genealogy & Family History close by to refer to as you type.)
  3. Print: on 8.5 x 11 paper or scrapbook paper. Here are a few paper examples that I bought at Hobby Lobby (.40 a piece)
  4. Cut: The 8x10 border on your printed 8.5 x 11 
  5. Frame! In 30 minutes or less, you can have a beautiful framed pedigree chart!!
  Step 1: Pick your favorite pedigree chart by clicking on
1 of the 3 pedigree charts below to download:

Pedigree Chart #1: Click the pedigree chart image that you wish to download. Click on the "download" button in the upper right corner. Once downloaded and opened Allow up to 10 seconds for the the cursor to become active for the "type and print".
Pedigree Chart #2: Click image to download pdf "type and print" form
Pedigree Chart #3: Click image to download pdf "type and print" form

Step 2 Type:
 Click your cursor on your pedigree chart, start typing and hit 
"Tab" to move to the next field.

Step 3 Print:
 on 8.5 x 11 scrapbook paper. Here are a few paper examples:

Step 4 Cut
t
he 8x10 border on your printed 8.5 x 11 

Step 5 Frame! 
You now have a beautiful framed pedigree chart!! Isn't it adorable!!

I used a cute pink paper at first and decided to reprint and use plain white printer paper. I think the white with the cream frame was  the better choice. 

My 6 year old now has this pedigree displayed in her bedroom.

Total Time spent on project: 29 minutes.

Click here to Leave a comment and share how your pedigree chart turned out.
 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Free Family History 20 Fun Questions to ask today! {Type & Print in 5 min}

These 20 Fun Facts will be the perfect start or addition to your life story. With these "type and print" easy forms, you can preserve in minutes! Below is my completed form that took me less than 5 minutes to type; see my form below as an example.

Let's Get Started!!
  • Just click on the blank form below to download your 20 Fun Facts pdf form, (wait up to 10 seconds for the cursor to become active before typing)
  • Add a square picture after you print.
  • put it in a fun folder as a gift and keep a copy for your records.
Click the image below to "type & print" or print and write. (8.5 x 11)


1. When were you born? (day, month, year) 2. What did you love most about your hometown? 3. What were some nicknames you had growing up? 4. What is your favorite way to relax? 5. If you could have any super power, what would it be? 6. Something about you no one would know? 7. What really scares you? 8. One place you would love to travel to? 9. If you could be any person for one day, who would it be? 10. What’s the best book you've ever read?  11. One thing you still want to learn to do? 12. The craziest thing you’ve ever eaten? 13. What famous person did you have a crush on? 14. What is the most exciting thing you’ve ever done? 15. What is your favorite car? 16. What would you do to change the world? 17. What is something you are proud of? 18. What was the strangest job you ever had? 19. What do you love most about yourself?  20. What would your last words be?
After I printed it, I put my form in a cute folder ($1.99 from Office Depot) along with my husband's form and my children's forms, plus our family pedigree chart to give to grandma for her birthday next month. Pretty sweet present for only $2, huh?


Total cost of Project: $2
Total Time: 5 min
Where was I born? Let's see if you get it right.

Leave a comment to guess.


Free Photo Editing Software --> Photoscape

For those of you who don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on the latest version of Photoshop, there is another option; PHOTOSCAPE. A free photo editing software that's easy to use while still giving you many photo editing capabilities. Here's a snapshot of all the options you will have with Photoscape.
As a designer, I use Adobe Photoshop CS5, but I wanted to see how this free software compared, so I downloaded Photoscape and gave it a try myself and found an incredible program that was super simple to use, and yeah, you can't beat FREE :) Give it a try! Download Photoscape here >> and tell me what you think. Photo Editing Software sure comes in handy when your piecing together your Family History.
- Sarah

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

FREE Genealogy for Valentines Day!!
















There's still time to give the ultimate gift to your significant other; their Family History!! With my ready-made "10 Questions to Ask" documents you will surely score big! Just type & print, or print & write. Get Started Now!! 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Free Genealogy Software - PAF 5








I currently use PAF 5 as one of my primary Ancestral Files. This software will allow you to build your family tree, create pedigrees, family group sheets, Modified Registries, Ancestry and Descendants list, Individual Summaries,  and so much more. The Family Search website offers this software for free. There are no gimmicks, or trial periods, just free.    Click here to Download PAF 5 >>    Above is my 5 generation Family Tree using Personal Ancestral File (PAF 5). Click image to enlarge.


About PAF 5:   Genealogical data can be imported into your favorite family history software using GEDCOM files. Another popular file format is PAF 4 or 5 format. Personal Ancestral File 5.2 is a Windows® based version of one of the most widely-used genealogical management programs for home computers. The software program can be downloaded free of charge via the Internet. PAF 5.2 does not provide genealogical data. Instead, its program helps users organize their family history records. It can produce, in automated or manual form, records for personal family histories or charts and logs to help users in their search for missing ancestors.

Update: (March 10, 2014) PAF 5 is no longer available for download.