FEATURES
Desperately Seeking Surnames
Our complete guide to last names explains how to uncover their meanings, trace their origins and learn more through surname studies and societies. Plus: Don't fall for fake surname histories!
By Nancy Hendrickson
Citizen Gain
Finding your ancestors' naturalization records can pay big research dividends. We explain how to retrace your relatives' path to citizenship.
By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
The Weather Report
Wondering why your kin quit farming or moved away from the coast? Perhaps the answer lies in these 10 life-altering weather events.
By Maureen A. Taylor
Clearly Canadian
From Alberta to the Yukon, jump-start your genealogical quest with our Canadian research guide.
By Lisa A. Alzo
Hometown Advantage
Follow these seven strategies for studying ancestral places to give yourself a genealogical edge.
By Rick Crume
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
Branching Out
What's new in discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history:
• One community's effort to save an endangered cemetery
• Periodical Source Index update
• Past passports on Ancestry.com
• World Vital Records' global expansion
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:
• North Carolina • Nebraska
The Toolkit
Reviews and roundups of the latest, greatest family history resources:
• tips for tagging and searching digital photos
• a genealogist's guide to print-on-demand publishing
• GeneTree Web site review
• The Book Report
Edited by Allison Stacy
Out on a Limb
State guides go digital.
By Allison Stacy
Making Connections
Readers respond to Family Tree Magazine.
History Matters
Jarring developments.
By David A. Fryxell
Now What?
Our experts answer your questions about railroad records and ancestral incarcerations.
Preserving Memories
Secrets to saving dear diaries.
By Grace Dobush
Brick Wall Busters
Is this ancestor actually American Indian?
By Maureen A. Taylor
Everything's Relative
Tales from the lighter side of family history.
Uprooted
Test your genealogy IQ on Robert Frost's family tree.
By Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
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