GENEALOGY
CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS genealogy community becomes. See what new things Facebook can do for you—and for your ancestors. FY
Using Facebook groups for research W
hen Facebook was becoming the next big thing, I didn’t have much interest. Why did I need a computer to talk to people I could just call? My attitude changed when my oldest son moved to Japan. Facebook became a lifeline and, years later, it’s still the simplest way for us to keep in touch. Social media has taken connection Forum, along with many much smaller take photos of an ancestor’s grave for to a whole new level, and, over the groups with more specific interests such me. Genealogy gold. years, I’ve found ways to use Facebook as Random Acts of Photo Restoration, are Once group membership is groups to expand my genealogy also available. approved, you can search through research. If you’re interested in family A couple of my favorites are posts and ask questions. If you don’t history but you’re not a Facebook user, Technology for Genealogy (for the find help in one group, move to it’s time to jump aboard. latest tech news) and Random Acts another, but not without trying to help Before social media, there were of Genealogical Kindness (for help someone yourself first. Good karma chat rooms and online forums with those research brick walls). The goes a long way. where genealogy enthusiasts could Genealogy Squad, created by genealogy The ways in which a Facebook group share resources. Because there are experts, answers questions while can be helpful are limitless and may countless websites and societies to aid teaching best practices. The Organized surprise you. One of the more unusual genealogists, it may not have occurred Genealogist shares tricks for finally things I’ve seen was the posting of an to you to try Facebook, where getting rid of that paper pile while unidentified family photograph. The people congregate in specific spaces Deciphering Genealogy Script is the researcher admitted that it was a Hailto communicate about common second pair of eyes you need when the Mary after years of research. We all interests, including genealogy. words just don’t make sense. cheered when another group member Did you know that Facebook has Search by location. For example, posted the same photograph; they were over 11,000 genealogy groups? There I belong to a group devoted to my second cousins living 5,000 miles apart! are larger ones such as Ancestry, Family grandparents’ small village of San Pietro As you explore groups, you’ll be Search, and Family Tree Maker, as well a Maida, Italy. Occasionally, someone reminded that you’re not alone; we’re as DNA-specific groups like DNA will post a photo with a familiar name all trying to knock down our own brick Detectives. Topical groups such as that opens a line of communication. A walls. The more people who share The Civil War Genealogy and Research recent connection was kind enough to questions and insights, the stronger the
Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a member of the National Genealogical Society and Association of Professional Genealogists. She has a monthly column in the Niagara Gazette and Forever Young Magazine. She is a Board Chairman as well as President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Send questions or comments to her at noellasdaughter@ gmail.com
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