FEATURES

Busting Out
Don't despair at research dead ends! Try these 31 tricks for tracing elusive ancestors—and break through your brick walls. By David A. Fryxell
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Secrets of a Cyber Sleuth
Attention, genealogy gumshoes: Learn how to tell ancestral truth from family tree trash. We'll show you six steps to verify the data you find online. By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
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Germane Advice
Our German genealogy guide explains how to dig up your Deutsch roots. Plus: We toast the nation's best Oktoberfests with a roundup of eight hot German-heritage events. By James M. Beidler

Object Lessons
Want to discover the hidden stories and historical details behind ancestral artifacts—and ensure they'll endure for posterity? Study these eight ways to research and preserve your family heirlooms. By Lauren Eisenstodt
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Working the System
Technology troubles slowing your family search? You'll handle PCs with ease once you learn these 16 timesaving computer tips and shortcuts. By David A. Fryxell
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COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

Out on a Limb
New beginnings in genealogy. By Allison Stacy

Making Connections
Readers speak candidly about their old-photo conundrums.

Branching Out
What's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history, including: • Ways to spread genealogical goodwill • 400 million records make a legendary Web debut • Free for all? The flap over MyFamily.com's newest subscription service • Veterans-cemetery records become an online affair. By Diane Haddad

Living History
Fall's hottest history and heritage events, including: Hailing presidential hopefuls in New York ... Characterizing a century of lunch boxes in Washington, DC ... Roaring for flapper fashion in Cleveland. By Lauren Eisenstodt

Preserving Memories
European decorations, cutting-edge embellishments and more creative ways to save and share your family history. By Anne Wilbur

Everything's Relative
Celine Dion and Madonna's French Canadian connection, plus your tales from the lighter side of family history.

Now What?
Our Q&A column outlines census solutions and medical-research advice.

The Toolkit
Find articles about your ancestors—fast! We help you master PERSI, the top periodical search tool. Plus: • RootsMagic 2 reviewed • How two family tree file-merging programs compare • Culinary compendiums to satisfy your genealogical appetite. Edited by Lauren Eisenstodt

Photo Detective
One photo, three IDs: Our sleuth unravels a family photo mystery. By Maureen A. Taylor

Time Capsule
The host of NBC's "Meet the Press" reports on a source of admiration: his father. By Tim Russert