In this episode, genealogist and author Judy Nimer Muhn discusses how to research ancestors who who belonged to one of the United States’ five largest indigenous tribes today: Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa and Choctaw. Plus, Diahan Southard is back to shed some light on DNA Painter and what third-party DNA tools can tell you about your genetic ancestry.

Ep. 155: November 2021

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In this episode:

Tree Talk (01:20)

Too often genealogists forget that their story IS family history! Social Media Editor Rachel Christian asked readers “Do you keep a journal? Do you include yourself in family history writing projects? How do you document your life and experiences for future generations?” In this episode she shares some of the great ideas these questions generated. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

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16 Facts to Write Down About Yourself and “Memoir Mad Libs”

Remember, your own history will eventually become family history! Record these 16 things about yourself to preserve your life story for future genealogists.

Family Tree Magazine

Featured Interview: The Five Tribes (05:21)

Many people have family stories of Native American heritage in their family tree. But how can you be sure? Author Judy Nimer Muhn is here to share tips for helping you find your ancestors who belonged to the United States’ five largest indigenous tribes.

Tracing Ancestors Among the Five Largest Indigenous Tribes

Does your family lore contain tales of Native ancestors? These tips will help you find your ancestors who belonged to one of the United States’ five largest indigenous tribes today: Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa and Choctaw.

Family Tree Magazine

DNA Deconstructed: What is a DNA Painter? (24:28)

Your DNA Guide Diahan Southard joins Lisa to discuss third-party DNA tools are, as well as answering common questions about DNA Painter.

DNA Q&A: Do I Need DNA Painter?

What is DNA painter? Do you need this third-party tool to make the most of your DNA results? Our expert weighs in.

Family Tree Magazine

Best Genealogy Websites: The 75 Best Websites for Genealogy (29:30)

We’re exploring some of the best genealogy websites for state research with Rick Crume, author of Family Tree Magazine’s new 75 Best State Websites for Genealogy list.

Websites featured in this interview:

• American Samoa: American Samoa Genealogy
  http://americansamoagenealogy.atwebpages.com/

• California: Calisphere
  https://calisphere.org/

• Colorado: Denver Public Library Digital Collections
  https://digital.denverlibrary.org/

• Iowa: Iowa Digital Library 
  https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/

• Louisiana: Louisiana Digital Library 
  www.louisianadigitallibrary.org

• Michigan: Michiganology
  www.michiganology.org

• North Carolina: UNC Greensboro: Digital Library on American Slavery
  http://digital.ncdcr.gov

• Ohio: Ohio Genealogical Society
  www.ogs.org

• South Carolina: The South Carolina Digital Library 
  www.scmemory.org

75 Best State Genealogy Websites of 2023

Take the time to explore every one of these websites that covers a state (or territory) where your ancestors lived.

Family Tree Magazine

Editor’s Desk (39:40)

Whether you want to learn more about using FamilySearch, land records, or historical newspapers, Amanda Epperson has some great Family Tree University courses to tell you about that can help.

Family Tree University: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/course/

Sign up for Our Free Genealogy Newsletter: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/newsletter-signup/

Subscribe for free to the Family Tree Magazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/familytreemagazine/featured

Your Host: Lisa Louise Cooke

Listen to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems Podcast in your favorite podcasting app or with the Genealogy Gems Podcast app in your app store, and visit her website for great research ideas, podcast episodes and videos.

Have fun climbing your family tree!