Writing Riddles
Are faded ink, strange words or convoluted script concealing ancestral answers in your family papers? Solve eight old-penmanship puzzles with our tips.
By Fern Glazer

Family History Fiesta
Seeking your roots south of the border? Our guide to Mexican genealogy will help you celebrate new ancestral discoveries.
By David A. Fryxell

Your Guide to Google
Genealogy and Google go hand in hand—and not just for ancestor searches. Try these 13 tricks to master the Web giant's other handy family history features.
By Allison Stacy

Getting the Message
Let's talk about how your ancestors kept in touch—and how to uncover the records their communication methods left behind.
By Maureen A. Taylor

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
Branching Out
What's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history:
• how libraries plan for natural disasters
• Family Tree Maker 2009
• our Difference Maker of the year
• America's first national Hispanic lineage society
By Diane Haddad

State Research Guides
Trace your roots across the USA! Our pullout guides are perfect for stashing in your research binder or toting to the library—quickly access the essential facts, advice and resources you need to find your family anywhere in the country. In this issue:
• West Virginia • South Dakota

The Toolkit
Reviews and roundups of the latest, greatest family history resources:
• FamilySearch's Record Search Pilot Site
• video camera buying guide
• help googling historical images
• The Book Report
Edited by Allison Stacy

Out on a Limb
Holding a candle to history.
By Allison Stacy

Making Connections
Readers respond to Family Tree Magazine.

History Matters
Gauging the development of thermometers.
By David A. Fryxell

Now What?
Our experts answer your questions about veterans' graves and illegitimate children.

Preserving Memories
Pointers for saving needlepoint.
Edited by Grace Dobush

Everything's Relative
Tales from the lighter side of family history.

Brick Wall Busters
Filling up the tank with research ideas.
By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack

Uprooted
Test your genealogy IQ on William and John Kellogg's family tree.
By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack