Recently, Linda Stufflebeam shared her list of Essential Tools for Genealogy Success on her blog, Empty Branches on the Family Tree. Inspired by her post, Teresa followed with her own list of Essential Tools for Genealogy on Writing My Past. Their examples prompted me to take stock of my own genealogy toolbox. [Note: This is also the question for this week’s Saturday Night Genealogy Fun Question by Genea-Musings Randy Seaver.)
So, what do I consider essential?
Core Equipment
First and foremost—a computer. While I love the convenience of my phone and tablet, I don’t rely on them for serious research. I need a computer, preferably with multiple monitors, to work efficiently.
Genealogy Software
Just as important is software that supports documentation. My first program was PAF (Personal Ancestral File). It fit my budget and printed family group sheets and pedigree charts, but it didn’t let me record sources. As my research skills grew, I moved to The Master Genealogist (TMG). When TMG was discontinued, I transitioned to RootsMagic, which I still use today.
Everyday Tools
My toolbox also includes a variety of programs that support both research and preservation:
- Microsoft Office – Word and Excel
- Adobe Acrobat – for working with PDFs
- Paint.net – resizing and editing images
- Second Copy – for scheduled backups to external drives
- Scrivener for Windows – storing notes, finds, and transcriptions
- Deed Mapper – mapping land records
Online Tools
To share my research and create engaging content, I use:
- Canva – image and video creation
- WordPress – blogging and publishing
- Google tools – email, Drive, and Docs
Artificial Intelligence
Finally, I’ve added AI tools to my toolbox, which help with writing, organizing, and creative projects:
- ChatGPT
- Google Notebook LM
- Perplexity
- Suno.com
Genealogy Research
- Ancestry – my primary online tree, databases, DNA
- Family Search – collaborative tree, county records, books
- Find a Grave – cemetery information
- Newspapers.com – My primary resource for newspaper research
- WikiTree – collaborative tree connected to yDNA tests, Crawford project, DNA tree
- MyHeritage – tree connected to yDNA tests, DNA
- Archive.org – county histories and other online books
- Genealogy Bank – more newspapers
- Family Tree DNA – Crawford project yDNA tests; my mitochondrial DNA
Collaboration
- Feedly – reading genealogy blogs
- Facebook Groups – surname and local history connections
My toolbox has evolved over time, and it continues to grow as technology changes. These tools not only support my research but also help me preserve and share the stories I uncover.
DeedMapper is an excellent program. I have it – bought it many many years ago – but I haven’t used it much in the last few years. It was really helpful sorting out the English and German Miller neighborhoods in Botetourt County, VA in the late 1700s and helped me correctly identify my husband’s ancestor.
Great list! Will have to have a boo at Second Copy. Deed Mapper looks cool but alas, I have no deeds to map. And yes, Canva is very handy – even the free version.
Thanks for mentioning my post!
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