Using Facebook for Genealogy Research
Facebook has increasingly become one of the most effective tools for research. This track record for proven success has resulted in consistent growth of Facebook groups dedicated to genealogy. These groups cover a wide spectrum of purposes. There are Facebook groups for genealogy related technology, genealogy software, genealogy scrapbooking, geographical areas, and groups for genealogy resource and information sharing. The most beneficial benefit is the large community of genealogists willing to share their knowledge, experience, tips, and encouragement. More potentially important than the information, however, are the very real relationships that can be cultivated with the people you meet there.
Here are some examples of situations where Facebook can directly impact research. Using a Facebook group to help solve your most frustrating brick wall question is like posting the problem on a platform that potentially thousands of people searching the same issue could respond and offer assistance. Maybe you found or inherited some old family letters in a different language or photographs or pictures without any identification. There are groups devoted to translations and photograph identification where it’s possible someone will be able to help.
Additional examples of benefits include the following:
1. Communities are categorized by geographical area and reach all over the world.
2. Communities focused on technology are essential for keeping up with the latest tech gadgets, apps, software, scanners for digitizing family photos, etc.
3. Blogs cover a wide variety of research topics and opportunities for sharing ideas and resources. Many are hosted by professional in the field of genealogical research.
4. State and County community groups may offer information on local or regional repositories, memory project sites that focus on history, oral histories including video and audio clips, old photographs, and pioneers for specific areas of interest or research.
5. Groups for DNA analysis can assist you with your DNA test results and how to proceed.
6. Specialized groups exists for all ethnic groups. Examples include Jewish, African-American, Native American, etc.
7. Specialized groups also exist for specialized situations. A prime example would be for adoption and adoptees. This is where people would go to access help in seeking information on their biological family and parents.
8. Many Facebook users have discovered or reconnected with lost family members, unknown cousins, and developed many new friends.
As with all internet interactions, you’re most likely to have success when a code of conduct is followed. Since Facebook genealogy groups are usually made up of hundreds or thousands of different people, it just makes sense that order and appropriateness are kept by the administrators and are expected of users. It is important to read and abide by the rules and regulations of each site. This is especially true with regards to posing queries.