.CREATE YOUR LEGACY

About the Photomyne scanning app

By Hazel Thornton | September 12, 2022 |

Let’s start with the fact that I am an emeritus (retired) member of The Photo Managers who never specialized in photo scanning. But the more popular it becomes, the more confused I see people getting. So, I’m hoping to clear things up a bit. Instead of becoming a crackerjack photo manager like some of my…

How and when to find a common ancestor

By Hazel Thornton | August 28, 2022 |

I finally did it! Did what? I figured out my relationship to Henry Clay, the 19th century American statesman. How? By finding our common ancestor. Once upon a time, my Grandma Clay told me we were related to Henry Clay, about whom I had learned in school. (That’s what we called my paternal great-grandmother Bettie…

DNA tests: The gift that keeps on giving

By Hazel Thornton | May 23, 2022 |

Have you had your DNA tested? How often do you revisit your results? (This post is for people who have tested, or who want to test, their DNA for genealogy purposes. It’s not for those who don’t want to, or who are more interested in DNA for health purposes or traits.)

How to Declutter Your Digital Photos

By Hazel Thornton | May 16, 2022 |

Decluttering is a prominent theme in my book, What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy. Decluttering, downsizing, and telling the stories of your favorite photos and prized possessions, will allow you to leave a legacy, not a burden, when you die. But what about right now? Can you easily find…

Gifts I Got from Mom

By Hazel Thornton | May 7, 2022 |

                        I grew up in a family of six, with my parents and three younger brothers. We had few relatives. Certainly none who lived nearby. My parents did not share family stories or photos. Not really. We enjoyed slide shows of our own family…

Genealogy Volunteering Opportunities

By Hazel Thornton | March 28, 2022 |

  Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? This is very convenient for the genealogy community since the 1950 U.S. census is being released on April 1, 2022. (That’s when the mandatory 72-year privacy waiting period ends.) Here is a list of genealogy volunteer opportunities, and some of the benefits of participating.

RootsTech is (still) for Everyone!

By Hazel Thornton | March 7, 2022 |

Do you regret missing RootsTech 2022? It’s not too late! Yes, a few features are no longer available, but many of them — including 1500+ recorded sessions, on 185 topics, in 30+ languages —will be available all year long!

What the heck is a second cousin once removed?

By Hazel Thornton | February 27, 2022 |

  This question — How are we related? — might arise when you gather with relatives during holidays. Or anytime. Most people just laugh and change the subject. But, next time, YOU can be the one who knows the answer! (PRO TIP: Keep this post handy for reference!)   Casual Cousins First, there’s nothing wrong…

Odds Are We’re Gonna Be Alright

By Hazel Thornton | January 9, 2022 |

                    I heard this song recently. Yes, it’s old, but it was new to me. And it gave me hope. The song is “Odds Are” by Barenaked Ladies.

Luminarias at the Cemetery

By Hazel Thornton | December 20, 2021 |

(This story originally appeared in a Facebook Note on December 24, 2012.) Luminarias are a New Mexican Christmas Eve tradition with religious origins. (Scroll down to learn more.) They are also one of my favorite family holiday traditions. But… in the cemetery? Let me explain.