Learning "Legacy" Family Tree Software

Good morning all! This morning I am finally learning and teaching myself more about the Legacy software created my Millenia. What's so great about this program versus others out there? I have tried many different ones, but I seem to get along with this one the best, and it has come in under the #2 spot in the Genealogy Software Review for 2011! But just to let you know, I tried the standard version, which is free by the way; but I absolutely love the options and features that are offered for the deluxe version!




PROS: "Legacy can directly search Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, Genealogy.com and many other online services."
CONS: "Although this is a powerful database application, some others are more visually appealing." 
(Data Source: Genealogy Software Review)


This program is cost effective especially when you look at what Legacy offers, some of the features that I found so far that I like the most are listed below.

• Mapping feature which allows you to utilize the Microsoft Earth to pinpoint the places in your ancestors lives, automatically from within the program.
• The Source Writer! I can't forget to mention that- and who wouldn't like to have their sources written out for them- just type in the necessary information, and you're good to go!
• Interview Reports- currently there are over 1000 pre-written interview forms you can use to interview family members or others when researching your family history. Cool huh?
• Along with attaching pictures, sounds, and video to individuals, events, locations, and sources, you can now also attach any other kind of document (PDFs, Word files, etc.).
• Recording DNA marker test results from different companies offering this type of service

But this is just a few of the features I like, that the deluxe version offers; there are plenty more! On the Legacy web site, they are offering several webinars on different topics, that you can listen in on, if you wish. I'll post the links below.

I'm not getting paid for the content of this blog posting; I am just merely expressing my opinion on  the software itself and the features that I enjoy so far.

Legacy Webinars- Listen Now

Legacy Family Tree Software Download

Image Source: Getty Images

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Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry...and Mine!

Image Source

Scottish Bagpipe Graphic

After months of researching my ancestry through the use of multiple resources on the web, I have found out that I have a Scottish heritage; I was very excited to learn that some of my ancestors were viking warriors, some royalty and commoner family members as well. I love the history that genealogy offers to me, a family historian. Searching for ancestors is not just a hobby that can be completed in a weeks time. It's an ongoing process of learning and I've been pretty lucky to have found out the things that I have so far. Scotland has a fairly good system of records for people like myself, wishing to trace their Scottish ancestry. Compulsory registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages was introduced in 1855 and these records are accessible and held by the General Register Office for Scotland. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons), who have a religious duty to trace their ancestors, have copied the parish records and included them in their database. Local libraries in Scotland may also hold copies, as will the family history societies and the genealogical societies. There are many options to choose from if you are just starting your family tree. Below are a few links to get you started.

Scottish Ancestry

Tracing Your Scottish Heritage

Genuki

Have a look on this site, which will help you make a start in understanding the principles of researching your family history Family Tree Folk , then download some family history sheets Genealogy Forms and starting with yourself fill one in, you will find the sheets act as a check list and you may also find that you don't have all your own information and have to go searching in your home and asking your parents/other relations about it.

Once you start researching you will notice many people don’t have primary information numbers on their research...which shows you it is hearsay, copied from others and guesswork and there is no place in research for guesswork. One wrong name in your tree and it means you are not researching YOUR family. Your best bet would be to just take your time, and just research your family at your own leisure. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your family tree of ancestry. Pick one surname and research it; include your sources, without this documentation your research is pretty much just a fairy tale!

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Family Tree Road Blocks

Lately, I haven't been finding the information that I have been seeking. This is a huge deterrent in my overall genealogy research. Why can't I find what I need? Am I looking in the wrong places? I'm thinking so, at this point. So what do I do now? Keep forging on! Go, Go, Go!! Right now, I've been searching the Sutherland part of my family branch and have come to a detour of sorts. I've tried multiple search engines and keep coming up with the same sites that I've seen a hundred times over. What do you do when the road seems to have come to a dead end?

Things You Can Do:
1. Take a break!
2. If you have an idea, write it down. (Or you can do as I do and leave yourself a little note via your iPhone).
3.Read some of the message board forums. I know Ancestry.com has some good ones.
4. Talk to family members, they may have something to share with you too.
5. Talk to other Genealogy researchers, bloggers, even librarians! Someone should be able to help or at least point you in a new direction.


Have you thought about a research plan? You may be able to isolate the problem and come to some type of conclusion. It might even get you out of the rut that your research may currently be in.




Free Genealogy Forms


The Bailey's Free Genealogy Forms


Printable Charts and Forms


Ancestry Charts- Free Download




There are also many audio/video podcast's that you can listen to via iTunes! Check it out!
If you do not have iTunes, you can download it here: iTunes Download


Here is a sample podcast link for you!
Genealogy Gems Podcast (Episode #103)

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