Genealogy and history magazines can be a valuable educational tool. While many genealogical societies put out magazines/journals for their membership (which are also very valuable educationals tools), here we're talking about commercially produced magazines. Many, many of these are available, some better than others, and range from those useful primarily for those with limited experience to those useful for all levels of genealogists. In addition, subject matter may be very broad or it may be specilized, for instance, to a specific ethnic group, geographical region, or topic (e.g. DNA).

 

Common topics in the broader genealogy magazines might include: ancestor stories and how the researcher learned about them, general research techniques, brick wall methodology, detailed looks at specific record types, locating records of different types, information on lineage societies, how to run a successfull family reunion, software reviews, and much more. More specialize genealogy magazines will often cover many of the same types of topics, but will be focused specifically on their application to the research focus area.

 

History magazines tend to be specialized (but are not always) to a particular topic or geographic region (e.g. WWII, Civil War, Ireland, aircraft). These are a wonderful resource to learn in greater depth about the events, inventions, and social conditions that played a part in your ancestors lives. As such, they provide context to your ancestors lives.

 

Subscriptions to these magazines does come at a cost. Typical annual subscription costs can run from $20-$100 depending on the magazine. Generally, broad topic magazines tend to be less expensive than more specialized ones and history magazines tend to be more expensive than genealogy magazines (due to their usually more specialized focus). Generally, e-versions of magazines is a bit less expensive than print version (and don't take up so much space).

 

Look for magazines that might be useful to you. Try googling "genealogy magazine" or "history magazine' and see what comes up. Add a specific topic to the search to narrow it down to the subject on interest. Or check out some of these examples of what is available:

 

Have limited time? Like to listen to interesting things while doing the housework, riding in the car, or doing something tedious at your computer? Can't stand to not be doing something genealogical each week? Try learning through genealogy podcasts. Hundreds exist, some better than others, and range from general topics in genealogy to very specific topics. Try googling "genealogy podcasts" and see what comes up. Add a specific topic to the search to narrow it down to the subject on interest. Or try one of these poplular podcasts:

For many of the podcasts you can listen to past episodes as well as the most current ones. Many of the most popular podcasts can be downloaded to your mobile device(s) through iTunes.

 

Hundreds of genealogy blogs exist. Like genealogy podcasts, some are better than others, and they range from general topics in genealogy to very specific topics. Try googling "genealogy blog" and see what comes up. Add a specific topic to the search to narrow it down to the subject on interest. You can also find an extensive list of blogs at Cyndi's List at https://www.cyndislist.com/blogs/. Or try one of these popular blogs: