GENEALOGY RESOURCES
Here are a few resources I recommend.
The formidable genealogist
Jen Shaffer is a fellow professional genealogist. She’s frequently producing research guides and has now branched into live events. Here are some of her resources I recommend. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only share resources I believe may be helpful to people exploring their ancestry.
Genealogy Unconference 2027: Cancun
Genealogy Unconference in Cancun
January 21–24, 2027Join Jen Shaffer of The Formidable Genealogist, Kate Penney Howard, Alec Ferretti, and Katy Bodenhorn for a collaborative Genealogy Unconference in Cancun! This is not a traditional lecture-based conference. Instead, we'll focus on conversation, collaboration, problem-solving, shared expertise, and building community through interactive large- and small-group activities.There will also be plenty of time for socializing, enjoying the resort, and relaxing on the beach.
FamilySearch Unlocked Vol. 3: Full-Text Search | Print-Friendly
This guide is volume 3 in Jen’s FamilySearch Unlocked series. She’s compiled a 66 page digital book that is a comprehensive guide to FamilySearch Full-Text Search, which has revolutionized genealogy research by making all words on a document image searchable in a matter of seconds. This is Volume 3 in a 6-part series on FamilySearch. Each guide in the FamilySearch Unlocked Series is a standalone guide. There is no overlap.
Record Spotlight: Institution and Asylum Records
Jen has compiled a 63-page digital PDF research guide devoted entirely to teaching you the best way to research people who may have been in an asylum, state hospital or institution. There's no magical formula for finding those records, so she guides you through the steps to figuring it out.