02 January 2025
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As we turn the page on another fantastic year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the exciting developments at www.family-tree.co.uk in 2024 and look forward to what’s in store for 2025.
2024 was a particularly exciting year for Family Tree as it celebrated 40 years since Family Tree magazine was first published back in 1984. We also chalked up the second anniversary of our fabulous online family history membership – Family Tree Plus. Started in 2022 and adding more and more family history learning opportunities every month, Family Tree Plus provides online webinars and meetings and the searchable digital edition of the latest issue Family Tree every month.
In addition, at Family Tree in 2024, we witnessed a wealth of new publications, webinars, courses, and online learning opportunities, all designed to help genealogists of all levels uncover and preserve their family histories. Here’s a recap of 2024’s highlights and a preview of the incredible things ahead.
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2024: A Year of Family History Inspiration
New family history publications: magazines, workbooks, and handbooks
Family Tree magazine continued to delight readers in 2024 with insightful features, expert tips, and inspiring stories. Highlights included:
The Family History Research Skills Workbook
The Family History Research Skills Workbook by Dr Sophie Kay is packed with ideas to help you search more thoroughly, methodically and successfully - to trace your ancestors' lives and place them in context.
Working with Dr Sophie Kay, Family Tree was also delighted to host Dr Kay’s Research Skills Studio - 4 week online family history skills course for the first time – and it’s coming back, April 2025 – so keep your eyes peeled and don’t miss out!.
DNA Bootcamp DNA Workbook
First published in 2021, the DNA Workbook is revised each year to bring you latest in the way of DNA guidance for family historians. It’s aimed at someone who has taken a DNA test and is keen to learn how to work with their DNA test results to answer their family history queries.
The Family History Workbook for Beginners
Sponsored by Ancestry Produced in association with Ancestry, this practical 100-page guide is packed with step-by-step advice, tips to help you search smarter, and guidance on the key records and websites to use to find your ancestors. Now in it’s second edition, it’s an invaluable guide for people brand new to family history or those who would like to become more methodical and organised as they go about their family history research.
The Family History Handbook 2025
The year closed with the latest edition of the Family History Handbook – packed with a clearly organised directory of hundreds of essential family history websites, plus guidance on what to look out for when you take a DNA test; how to research ancestors – wherever your family come from; and great ideas for family history projects – from photo organisation, to preserving your family stories or creating a family tree chart to treasure and more!
Family Tree magazine
And Family Tree magazine! This is at the heart of all we do at Family Tree. First published in 1984, Family Tree magazine is published 12 times a year to this day and is loved by family history enthusiasts all around the world. Available as a subscription, or single issue purchase, and the digital edition is included when you join Family Tree Plus (see more below!)
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Family history online webinars, genealogy courses, and online learning
In 2024, the website hosted an impressive lineup of live and on-demand educational events. These were instrumental in connecting the genealogy community and providing accessible learning opportunities:
Monthly webinars & online genealogy club sessions
Each session brought an expert to the virtual stage of the family history Study Club, DNA Club and Brickwalls, Skills & Solutions Cub to delve into topics (to name just 3 of the many, many wonderful topics!!) such as:
- Breaking through 18th-century research hurdles
- Deciphering old handwriting
- Using advanced tools for DNA
Find out about forthcoming webinars for 2025 here. They may be booked via individual webinar tickets. Many of the webinars are available with a Family Tree Plus membership (#family history money saving tip!).
Online family history masterclasses & courses
Giving family history enthusiasts the opportunity to dive deeper and learn so much more about genealogy, Family Tree was delighted to run several online genealogy masterclasses. Covering topics such as DNA and research skills, the masterclasses provided 2 in-depth learning sessions while the courses ran for 4 to 8 weeks. Tutored by DNA experts such as Michelle Leonard (of the DNA Bootcamp course) and Donna Rutherford and family history research experts such as Dr Sophie Kay they each provided an outstanding family history learning experience. Find out about upcoming classes here.
Online family history events
It was a joy to start the year again with Scottish Family History Month (February 2024), and we’re already looking forward to Scottish Family History Month 2025. March 2024 saw Family Tree hold the first-ever DNA Discoveries online event (and it’s coming back March 2025!).
Looking Forward to 2025: Building on Success
Upcoming family history publications 2025
Expanded workbook series: The popular workbook series will grow with titles covering topics from medieval genealogy to military family history!
Our monthly magazine – Family Tree: The much-loved Family Tree magazine brings readers advice and inspiration to help them relish their family history research and not waste a moment!
Upcoming family history webinars, courses, and online events 2025
This January 2025 we kick off a superb year of genealogy learning with the AncestryDNA Masterclass tutored by DNA advisor Karen Evans. It starts 7th January (there’s still time to book - just!)
February 2025 we are looking forward to the fascinating programme of family history talks with Scottish Family History Month
March 2025 DNA Discoveries is going to steal the show and promises a packed itinerary of DNA learning with genetic genealogy experts!
Join us for an unforgettable year of family history
With so much to celebrate from 2024 and an even brighter 2025 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore all that www.family-tree.co.uk has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, the year ahead promises to inspire, educate, and connect family history enthusiasts around the globe. Stay tuned, stay curious, and let’s uncover the past together!
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Wishing you a really fun and fascinating year of family history research in 2025!
