Switching Gears
Think tracing your tree back in time is the only way to go? Think again. We got some unconventional researchers to share their reverse genealogy secrets.
By Maureen A. Taylor

Meeting Your Match
Longing for the perfect mate to help you record, organize and share your genealogy findings? Don't make a blind date—our beginner's guide to genealogy software explains how to find the right program for you.
By Lauren Gamber

Tracing Slave Ancestors
Don't stop your family history search at the Emancipation Proclamation. Use these techniques to discover African-American roots obscured by slavery.
By Kenyatta D. Berry

Reunion Riches
Gold-digging at a family get-together is generally frowned upon. But mining for genealogical treasures can build a priceless family legacy.
By Sunny McClellan Morton

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
Branching Out
What's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history:
• the Norway Project
• genealogy news roundup
• the Cologne, Germany, city archive's collapse
By Diane Haddad

Web Guides
Learn to master family history Web sites: Whether you're a beginner or a power user, our pullout guides show you how to make the most of popular online destinations, with how-to advice, navigation hints, screen-by-screen search techniques and cheat sheets of quick links and shortcuts.
In this issue: Footnote.com

The Toolkit
Reviews and roundups of the latest, greatest family history resources:
• Web site building tips
• quick guide to online family and local history books
• Irish Family History Foundation Web site
• review of RootsMagic 4 software for Windows
• The Book Report
Edited by Allison Stacy

Out on a Limb
Here today, gone tomorrow?
By Allison Stacy

Making Connections
Readers respond to Family Tree Magazine.

History Matters
Swimming pools of the past.
By David A. Fryxell

Now What?
Our experts answer your questions about Italian vital records, the 1890 census and subscription Web sites.

Preserving Memories
Tips for saving vintage toys.
Edited by Grace Dobush

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

Photo Detective
Pinpointing places in pictures.
By Maureen A. Taylor

Uprooted
Test your genealogy IQ on Walt Disney's family tree.
By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack