Genealogy Software/Family Tree Databases
- RootsMagic – A long-time standard for both casual and professional users, RootsMagic Version 8 provides a complete user interface overhaul that is easier to use and navigate. The program is available for both Windows and Mac users (check the website for compatibility). A FREE Version is available that lacks some of the features of the full version, but the full version is affordable.
- Family Tree Maker – A feature-rich program that is great for the “weekend” family historian, yet with power enough for professionals. One of its best features is its seamless integration with Ancestry.com trees and hints, probably due to the fact it was once produced and sold by Ancestry. The Software MacKiev Company acquired the program, re-releasing it with a super-charged update. If you once used the Ancestry version of FTM, you owe it to yourself to try the MacKieve version, which is available for both Mac and Windows users.
Maps
- County Formation Maps – Can’t find a record of gg-grandpa’s 1845 marriage in Gordon County, Georgia records? You won’t, since Gordon County was formed from Cass County in 1850. Cass County is where you should be searching. However, there is no Cass County now – its name was changed to Bartow County in 1861. You could have saved yourself alot of wasted time and frustration by consulting these maps. Access to the maps is FREE. Select your state from the menu, then scroll down to see the formation maps.
Calculators
- You only need this one! www.WolframAlpha.com
Convert liters to quarts, rods to feet, etc. Calculate/determine dates – all from the same entry field. See the following examples, but it will do so much more – use your imagination and you may have trouble “putting it down”!
(27 centimeters to inches)
(year 1889 – 86 years 4 months 21 days) – date of birth from a gravestone
(when was easter 1912)
(my great grandmother’s sisters nephew) – relation to me