Aimee Cross Genealogy Hints

RootsTech is one week away! I made a FREE 7-page guide, “10 Tips for a Better RootsTech Experience,” to help you feel prepared and get more out of the conference. Grab your copy here! ancestryaimee.com/rootstech_gi...
#RootsTech2026 #Genealogy

Your old photos, slides, and VHS tapes are part of your family’s legacy. In this video, I’m sharing a FREE way to preserve them.

Going to #RootsTech2026? This is something you’ll want to look into. Just make sure you schedule an appointment in advance.
#genealogy

Graphic titled “The Hidden Code on Your Ancestor’s Death Certificate” featuring a historical death certificate with a magnifying glass highlighting a coded number. On the right, a woman looks surprised with a thought bubble that reads, “It could reveal more than you think.”

That tiny number on your ancestor’s death certificate? It’s not random.

ICD codes can help you read messy handwriting, translate old medical terms, and uncover family health patterns. Sometimes the biggest clues are hiding in plain sight.

Want to learn how to use them? #genealogy

YouTube video by Ancestry Aimee Finding Ancestors’ Addresses: Why They Matter & Where to Look

What if the biggest clue in your ancestor’s records is hiding in plain sight? Street addresses can reveal neighbors, migration, occupations, and connections you might miss.

In my new video, I show how to use them to track where your ancestors really lived.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U_z...
#genealogy

Love is in the air… and so are DNA test sales 💘

FamilyTreeDNA 50% off through 2/16
23andMe 20% off through 2/14
AncestryDNA 60% off through 2/17

Nothing says “I love you” like discovering you’re third cousins with the neighbor.
Who’s adding a DNA test to their Valentine’s plans?
#genealogy

Promotional graphic for Aimee’s Crew membership. On the left, bold text reads “Unlock Exclusive Perks” and “Join Aimee’s Crew,” followed by “Your Front-Row Seat to Family Tree Discoveries.” A gold stamp-style badge says “Exclusive.” On the right is a smiling headshot of Aimee against a soft background. The design uses green tones with a tree logo near the top.

Want free #genealogy handouts and members-only livestream access?

Join Aimee’s Crew on my YouTube channel for:
• A free monthly handout
• Exclusive livestreams plus replays
• Behind-the-scenes family tree research

Be sure to choose Aimee’s Crew when you join.

tinyurl.com/AimeesCrew

Graphic featuring the cover of the 1903 to 1904 City of Galveston directory at the top. Below it, bold text reads “Not in the census?” followed by “Check city directories for widows, working women, and adult children still at home.” The design uses a blue background with a white text panel.

Census records do not tell the whole story, especially in big cities.

City directories can track an ancestor year by year with addresses, occupations, spouses, and even deaths.

Lost someone between censuses? A directory might bring them back. How have you used them in your research? #Genealogy

Going to #RootsTech next month? It's FREE virtually. Get this guide for a better experience whether you're in person on virtual. Be sure to check the box if you'll be there - we're having a meetup! Visit: ancestryaimee.com/rootstech_gi....
#genealogy

YouTube video by Ancestry Aimee What happened to San Francisco's Graves?

San Francisco once solved overcrowding by evicting the dead.
Graves were removed, headstones reused, and not everyone was moved.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-yu...

Immigration records are more useful when you look beyond a single document. These three tips can help you research immigrant ancestors with more clarity and confidence. Do you have a different tip that has made the biggest difference for you? #genealogy

Immigration records are more useful when you look beyond a single document. These three tips can help you research immigrant ancestors with more clarity and confidence. Do you have a different tip that has made the biggest difference for you? #genealogy

This week I’m highlighting immigration records and the stories they tell.
Between 1800–1920, about 30–35 million people immigrated to the U.S., and the details recorded about them changed over time.
Do you know when your immigrant ancestor arrived?
#genealogy

Your ancestor may not have moved at all. The county line did. Historic boundary changes can hide records, and this map collection helps you see exactly where to search. publications.newberry.org/ahcb/
#genealogy

YouTube video by Aimee Cross - Genealogy Hints Amazing FREE Map Collections for Family History

Friday’s map post was just the start. This video dives deeper into how maps can transform your family history research, including two massive free U.S. map collections and a simple hack for finding what you need fast. #genealogy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ-m...

Me too and love the idea of setting it walk. Thanks for sharing.

Maps can solve #genealogy mysteries. Changing county lines, vanished towns, and shifting borders can make ancestors seem to disappear when they never moved at all. Always check period maps before giving up.

From January 22–27, 2026, MyHeritage is offering free access to 2.2 billion Australian historical records.
With 308 collections covering vital records, immigration, military service, & convict records, this is a great opportunity to explore Australian roots during Australia Day. tinyurl.com/9t5t7hbn

YouTube video by Aimee Cross - Genealogy Hints Comparing the Big Family History Companies 2026

Starting 2026 with a side-by-side look at the big family history companies. I compare Ancestry & MyHeritage with FamilySearch, including new features and how many records were added in 2025. A helpful snapshot if you’re deciding where to focus your research this year. www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5KG...

Organizing #genealogy and family history research is not something to put off - check out my four hints to get your house in order and bring you some peace!

Watch the full video here, youtu.be/sENy2NdteFg

Did you know the federal census included Non-Population Schedules?
They reveal details on agriculture, industry, and more offering rich context and sometimes clues to ancestors missing from the regular census. Worth a look in your research! #genealogy

Find your family’s story for half the price. Get 50% off a 6 month membership, for new and returning subscribers. Sale ends Jan 13 at 10am ET. Start discovering your family history today. www.ancestry.com/offers/subsc...
#genealogy

Stuck or spinning your wheels in your family history research? I share practical genealogy tips and research strategies on my YouTube channel, with videos designed to help you make steady progress.

Subscribe here:
www.youtube.com/@ancestryaim...

YouTube video by Aimee Cross - Genealogy Hints Newspaper Search Tricks to Find Your Family

Old newspapers can answer questions you didn’t even know to ask. Learn how to search them thoroughly for your ancestors and pick up research tricks you can use in any #genealogy project. From missed details to hidden clues, newspapers are more powerful than you think. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRpW...

You don’t need a paid subscription to make real progress in your family history. Some of the most powerful genealogy tools are completely free.

Here are five free genealogy websites every researcher should know. #genealogy

If census records feel scattered or confusing, a timeline can change everything. Lining up dates, places, and households helps you spot patterns and catch mistakes fast. Watch the full video to learn how to use timelines to strengthen your research. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hKM...

2/2 A clear research question turns scattered documents into meaningful evidence and saves you time in the long run.

What question are you working on right now?

One of the simplest ways to move your #genealogy forward is to stop collecting records and start asking better questions.

Before your next search, pause and write down exactly what you’re trying to prove. 1/2

Online research can’t replace browsing the shelves.
Every visit to the Family History Library turns up county and state resources I’d never find online. Check your local library’s genealogy section, you might be surprised what’s waiting. #genealogy

Setting #genealogy goals is easy. Knowing how to reach them is the hard part.
What’s one research goal you’re setting for 2026?
Drop it below, I’d love to help you turn that goal into a real plan!

High tree scores can be misleading.
An Ancestry Tree Rating or FamilySearch Profile Quality Score doesn’t guarantee the right parents, spouse, or children.

In my latest video, I explain what to evaluate instead so your research is accurate, not just well-scored.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1nM...