Where to Find Genealogy Help on Facebook
In June 2015 we formed the Legacy User Group on Facebook. At the time we were a bit unsure if users would even be interested in something like this but the group has EXPLODED! We now have over 18,000 members.
Because there are so many members the administrators and the moderators have to be strict with limiting the discussions to Legacy, any of the add-on programs that work with Legacy, and any of the websites Legacy can directly access or sync to but only in regard to how they work with Legacy. We can't allow general genealogy questions or tips.
So the question is, what groups are there on Facebook for these other topics? Here are my top ten favorite Facebook genealogy groups (not in any particular order). I am adding the group descriptions as they appear on Facebook.
The Organized Genealogist
"Share your tips and tricks for organizing your genealogy. Links to products and services are acceptable. Let's all work together to get better organized!"
Technology for Genealogy
"Discussion of technology used for genealogy purposes. Includes: software, apps, tablets, computers, gadgets, news, web sites. Topics must be related to technology and have applicability as a genealogy tool."
Genealogy! Just Ask!
"This group is all about Genealogy/Family History. A place to ask question about these topics. To share what you have found. The purpose of this group is to assist members in research ancestors – to learn about resources and techniques that will enhance that research."
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness – RAOGK USA
[No official descriptions] This group is for general genealogy questions and research help
Ethics and the Genealogist
"Ethics and the Genealogist is a group with a diverse membership from the novice researcher to the advanced professional coming together to discuss ethical issues they encounter while researching."
Genealogy Translations
"This group provides assistance to others in the translation of their genealogical documents. Volunteers offer translation of genealogical documents including vital records, letters, obituaries, and more, in languages including – Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latin, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, plus others!"
Genealogy Do-Over: Are you ready to hit the restart button?
"Genealogy Do-Over – the educational initiative where you do get to go home again . . . and start over with your genealogy research."
Genealogy Chit-Chat
"This group is for all of the Genealogy related stuff that is considered off topic in other groups. Feel free to share your feelings, opinions, victories, defeats, and even vent if you need to."
Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques
"Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques is a place to discuss topics in DNA ranging from beginner to advanced."
DNA Detectives
"Genetic genealogy group focused on using DNA to find biological family for adoptees, foundlings, donor-conceived individuals, unknown paternity and all other types of unknown parentage cases – recent and more distant."
There are also groups for every one of the different genealogy websites. Some are official groups sponsored by the companies themselves and there are some that are "unofficial" groups. For example, There is a MyHeritage Users Group (unofficial). Even though it is unofficial MyHeritage employees do monitor it and also interact with the users.
Not enough options for you? Check out Katherine R. Willson's Genealogy on Facebook List. At the time of this article she had over 12,300 Genealogy Facebook groups listed. She updates it regularly. You can download it as a free PDF. There is a well-organized table of contents so it will be easy to find groups that will meet your specific research needs. All of the links are clickable.
Keeping ALL of the Facebook groups on topic helps everyone.
Michele Simmons Lewis, CG® is part of the Legacy Family Tree team at MyHeritage. She handles the enhancement suggestions that come in from our users as well as writing for Legacy News. You can usually find her hanging out on the Legacy User Group Facebook page answering questions and posting tips.
Ronald,
Open the report you are working with. Click the Report Options button. Make sure you are on the Include tab. Next the bottom of the left column check mark the box that says Other Spouses. You might also need to check the box near the middle of the left column that says Children of Each Spouse. Not all options are available for all reports.