Engage your critical thinking skills when looking at historical evidence or research, just like you would when playing word games. Pharos Tutors courses and blog have quite a few short courses on critical family research that you can enroll in no matter where you live.

Talk to your living family members! Sometimes the best place to start is closer than you think, so spend time interviewing your family members - they might surprise you. Here are some inspirational questions.

Keep note of citations. Every time you find a new fact or piece of information, write down the details in detail. That way, re-finding documents is easier.

Consider bringing in the experts. If you need to research family records in a particular historical period, region, country, or state, hiring an expert in that particular field or area could save you a lot of time and money.

Keep notes and use a wide variety of apps and tools. Using a wide range of resources to make sense of your family history findings will help you navigate them and offer a new perspective. Family Search has a fantastic article about how to use the genealogical proof standard (GPS) to inspire and curate your genealogy toolbox.

Genelines timeline software allows you to create up to seven customizable timeline charts; you can display your family history results from a genealogy database, using timeline files from their library, and easily share your findings with family members.

BEEDOCS could be your answer to organizing your family research into a concise 3D timeline exclusively for Mac users. You can present historical events, reveal ancestral connections, or build your family tree.

Looking for a place to keep all your notes without losing them? Evernote could work for you; it's a simple note-taking app you can log in to on any device from anywhere. If you're more of a talker, you can also remind yourself using their audio recordings feature, especially if you're out and about and a genealogy question comes to mind.

A timeline grid is part of a genealogist's arsenal; it's a research tool to help you keep track of your findings in one place. A timeline grid is mostly based on census, so it helps display research of different countries and periods. Golden Genealogy has free templates you can use to get you started.

Another great option for building timelines is SmartDraw. If you want an easy solution with built-in templates that you can save directly to your existing setup on Microsoft or Google apps, team, etc., it could work for you. It isn't a free program, but there's a 7-day trial to see if you like it.

The popular family history site Ancestry also has a directory of professional genealogists worldwide. They also offer a free research estimate before hiring an expert, so you can check if it fits your budget.

Still trying to figure out where to start? Cyndi's List is a free genealogy research site that has been running for over 25 years. They have a curated list of geological resources, a list of links to jumpstart your research when you've hit a plateau, and more.

The Association of Professional Genealogists is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the genealogical profession's professional growth and quality assurance. They provide education and advocacy and seek to protect clients needing professional genealogical services through their genealogists' directory.

Suppose you're after a space to talk to others about genealogy or want to get tips on how to further your family history research without getting overwhelmed. Amy Johnson Crow’s free Facebook page and Generation Cafe podcast could help you connect with others and discover the joy of family history research.

If you need some help deciphering your DNA results or taking those results further by comparing your genetic makeup to that of thousands of ancient samples, My True Ancestry is a great resource.

A family social page or group is a great place to share photos and documents and ask questions without overwhelming your personal pages. If you want some tips, The Creative Family Historian has a great article on successfully utilizing social media for sharing family history.

Did you discover a captivating story you must share with your family? Creating a digital family history book or tactile binder is a great way to combine your findings, photos, and stories. If it's online, you can share it with more people, especially if you have family from far away. Crello is a great online app, and it's free. Canva basic is also a free graphic-design tool for your family history books, or if you want an all-in-one solution, Google Slides can help you present, share, and download research PDFs.

Family history blogging can offer you the flexibility to create and curate your own genealogy content to share your discoveries with your family and the wider community. Your blog can be as personalized as you want! For inspiration, the Family History Guide has loads of genealogy resources, or you can connect with them on Youtube. If you want to hear from experts, Family History Daily is a website where family history writers inspire readers with stories, support, and advice.

Genealogical competitions recognize the hard work, long hours, and creativity of genealogists and budding family history enthusiasts.The National Genealogical Society has a full list of upcoming awards. For budding young family historians, look at the American Ancestors essay contest.

Information is precious; sometimes, one person's missing link could be gathering dust in your attic or loft. So consider donating your findings or family records to a certified Repository, as your family history could strengthen genealogy databases and resources. The Society of American Archivists has some great tips.