The September issue content covers personal stories, practical guidance, and modern research techniques.
Two stories illustrate the personal narratives behind genealogical research. David Annal’s “The Life of Bryan” explores a complex case involving bigamy and disappearance, demonstrating approaches to unusual historical records. Julie Johnson’s “Frederick Fleet’s Titanic Journey” follows a Liverpool-born seaman’s experience during and after the disaster.
John Beaumont’s “Genealogy is changing … don’t get left behind” explores the potential of artificial intelligence for family historians, including common mistakes and strategies for avoidance. Wayne Shepheard reviews Legacy Family Tree v10 software features. Karen Evans’s “DNA Workshop” discusses both achievements and obstacles in genetic genealogy research.
Military historian Graham Bandy provides guidance on tracing women’s military service, acknowledging the challenges posed by historical record-keeping practices.
“Reframing Roots; How Family History Helped Me Heal” by Celia Heritage explores her journey toward appreciation of the emotional benefits of genealogical research. She now combines her previous genealogical expertise, she was a keynote speaker at BIFHSGO’s 2017 annual conference, with therapy skills through Reframing Roots groups. Three life events across generations she sees as key:
- death of a parent while children were still young
- death of siblings in childhood
- any children born outside marriage.
The article includes a content warning that revisiting these stories can be destabilizing.