Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Family History Herald™?

A free weekly family-history paper and newsletter set in 1930s–40s newspaper style. It keeps a free index of genealogy record sources, teaches old-newspaper and photo research, and plans a free remembrance column called Beyond the Headstone. It is a preview; it has not launched.

Is it free?

Yes. Reading the paper, using the Record-Room Index and receiving the newsletter are free. The paper is paid for by labeled advertising, sponsorships and disclosed affiliate links.

Who edits it?

Christine Burke von Riddern, FGG, author of 13 books, including Concrete Clues, a #1 Amazon bestseller in Genealogy.

Where can I search genealogy records for free?

The Record-Room Index lists free sources, including FamilySearch, the National Archives, Chronicling America at the Library of Congress, the Ellis Island passenger records, BLM land patents, Find a Grave and BillionGraves. Each link is checked before it is printed.

How do I find an ancestor in old newspapers?

Search spelling variations, search a married woman under her husband's name ("Mrs. John Smith"), search the street address, read the whole page, and check the weeks after a death for funeral reports and estate notices.

How can I tell how old a family photograph is?

Start with its format: daguerreotypes (from 1839), ambrotypes (mid-1850s to the 1860s), tintypes (from 1856), cartes de visite (U.S., from about 1860), cabinet cards (about the 1870s to the early 1900s) and real-photo postcards (from the early 1900s). Then check the studio imprint, clothing and writing on the back.

What is Beyond the Headstone?

A proposed free remembrance column where families tell a relative's life story in their own words and photographs. Nothing is copied from social media, and no artificial voice speaks as the person who died. It is not open yet.

Does the paper do research for hire?

No. The paper publishes free help and a free index. It does not sell research, courses or products.

Are the links affiliate links?

Some links may become affiliate links, which pay the paper a commission at no cost to you. They will always be disclosed. No affiliate relationships exist yet.