Fairfax Genealogical Society

Keep the conversation going between FxGS meetings! Our members-only Facebook group is a place to ask questions and share discoveries. See page 8 of your November newsletter for joining instructions, then introduce yourself! #FxGS #GenealogyCommunity

Every family historian begins with a question. Why did they move? Who is in the photo? Where did the surname begin? What question are you trying to answer now? Share only what feels comfortable. fxgs.org/ #GenealogyCommunity #FxGS

A research plan sounds formal, but it's simply a written list of what you know, what you want to find out, and where you'll look next. It keeps you focused — and reminds you what you've already tried. FxGS members learn to build one in our sessions. fxgs.org

Family history has no age requirement and no single cultural starting point. Begin with one name, photo, recipe or question. What first made you curious about your family? fxgs.org/content.aspx?club_i… #FamilyHistoryForEveryone #FxGS

The Virginia Room at the City of Fairfax Regional Library is one of the region's best resources for local genealogical research — and FxGS has a long-standing relationship with their team. Visit: 10360 North Street, Fairfax, VA  Learn more at fxgs.org

Your next family history idea is in your inbox! The November FxGS newsletter features vital records, a book exchange, archive tips, and ways to connect. Members, check your email and pick an article to explore! fxgs.org/ #FxGS #FamilyHistory

FxGS November: eight dates, nine events. Irish SIG: Nov. 10, 2 PM at Pohick Regional Library. Explore the calendar: fxgs.org/content.aspx?action… #FxGS

Cemeteries preserve family and community stories—not just names and dates. On your next visit, photograph markers, note nearby burials, record the location, and verify details with other sources. Research carefully. Remember respectfully. fxgs.org

The U.S. census changed significantly over the decades. The 1850 census listed every household member by name for the first time. By 1880, it included relationships. By 1940, it added education and income. Knowing what each census contains saves research time.

One of the best things you can do before searching any database: write down everything you already know. Names, approximate dates, places, family stories — even the fuzzy ones. This becomes your research plan. FxGS can help you build one. fxgs.org

Building a family archive starts with knowing what you have. Today’s FxGS Archive SIG explores how to gather, sort, assess, and care for family materials—from photos and letters to fragile or private records. Preservation starts with thoughtful choices. fxgs.org

A deed can reveal more than land ownership. Neighbors, witnesses, family ties, and migration clues may all appear. Today’s FxGS German SIG explores using land records to advance family history research. Who else appears in your ancestor’s deed? fxgs.org

Heritage can inspire a question, but records build the story. Start with what you know in the U.S., then work backward through census, vital, immigration, church, cemetery, and local records. What ancestral place are you researching? fxgs.org #FamilyHistory

Struggling to read old handwriting? You're not alone. Before the typewriter, every record was handwritten — and styles varied widely by era and region. Free tools to help: • FamilySearch Handwriting Helps • Brigham Young University Paleography Tutorial

Free vs. paid genealogy sites — what's actually free? ✔ FamilySearch.org — completely free, billions of records ✔ Ancestry via your local library — free with a library card ✔ Chronicling America (newspapers) — free from the Library of Congress

What’s one AI or research technique you plan to try next? If you attended this month’s FxGS programs, share your takeaway. If not, tell us what question you still have about AI and family history. Learn more at fxgs.org. #FxGS #FamilyHistory #AI

Citing your sources isn't just for academics — it protects your work. A citation tells you (and anyone who inherits your research) exactly where a fact came from, so it can be verified or challenged. FxGS can help you learn proper citation practices. fxgs.org

What if your next breakthrough comes from searching differently—not more? Today’s FxGS Education Meeting explores how to compare records, analyze timelines, rethink assumptions, and put AI to work. Better questions. Stronger evidence. fxgs.org #FamilyHistory

Curious about AI without the hype? Join FxGS and Steve Little on Oct. 17 for a practical look at AI in family history research. Box-lunch orders are due Oct. 14; registration closes Oct. 15. Reserve your place at fxgs.org.

FxGS members receive access to program recordings — typically posted for a full year. Missed a session? You can still learn from it on your own schedule. Membership starts at $35/year. See all benefits at fxgs.org/join