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About Genealogy In 30 Minutes

Genealogists love the thrill of discovery, and engaging in personal quests to uncover the identities and experiences of those who came before. The most profound discoveries can come from the simple act of talking with family members and learning the stories of relatives and ancestors further back in time.

Genealogy In 30 Minutes, Volume 1, is a collection of essays, observations, and practical advice by award-winning author and EasyGenie founder Ian Lamont. His own genealogical journey was launched after finding three forgotten cassette tapes containing a series of interviews with his late grandfather. The chapters in this volume cover basic concepts of genealogical research, with a strong focus on finding and preserving family stories. Topics include:

  • Tips for reaching out to family connections
  • Advice for planning genealogy road trips
  • The role of local history and genealogy groups
  • Best practices for taming records and old photos
  • Sharing genealogy discoveries with relatives
  • How to approach stories about famous ancestors
  • Genealogy hacks using census substitutes and maps
  • DNA and genetic genealogy basics
  • Understanding ethnicity percentages
  • Genealogy at the end of life
  • Sparking a passion in the next generation

Whether you are just getting started with family history, or are looking for new approaches to researching your heritage, Genealogy In 30 Minutes can help you open new avenues of discovery and connection.

Genealogy In 30 Minutes book

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This easy-to-understand genealogy guide is a great way to get started with researching your family’s history. Buy it today!

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“

As a person who has dabbled in genealogy, this collection of essays provides great perspective and background for the important things to do first.

Thomas W.
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The In 30 Minutes series demystifies and simplifies topics that leave non-techies scratching their heads for insight, if not plain old comprehension.

Jessica Lipnack
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I have found these books to be very helpful as they deal with the important items that allow one to get up and running quickly with a minimum of side issue discussion.

Dr. B. W. Langer

Excerpt: Introduction to Genealogy In 30 Minutes

In 1982, when I was just 13 years old, my mother did something very important: she sat down at the kitchen table with her father and pressed the record button on a $30 Radio Shack tape recorder. She then proceeded to interview him about his life, filling up both sides of the cassette. She recorded two more interviews between 1982 and 1985, totalling hours of recollections.

I found the tapes tucked away in the back of a kitchen drawer in 1999, nine years after my grandfather died. I quickly realized that the tapes were a treasure. I had spent lots of time with him when I was young, visiting him every summer and sometimes at Christmas. I knew the broad outlines of his life. But until I listened to those tapes, I knew little else of his past. To hear him give a personal account of his life was fascinating.

My mother didn’t know it at the time, but that simple act to preserve family lore for future generations had two lasting impacts. The tapes would not only kickstart my own genealogy journey, but would also lead to a thriving family business that has helped countless people preserve, organize, and share their own genealogy. My wife, Nicole, and I run the business, which includes a book publishing arm (In 30 Minutes Guides), genealogy charts, and other supplies (EasyGenie). 

Paperback Amazon Kindle Apple Books PDF