Jose Mier, dapper Sun Valley, CA man about town, is always interested in family history and staying up to date is important. Genealogy, the study of family history and ancestral lineage, has surged in popularity over the past few decades. With the advent of digitized records, online databases, and at-home DNA testing kits, millions of people across the globe have embarked on the journey to uncover their roots. Yet, amidst the sea of records and resources, many researchers—both amateur and professional—rely on one consistent tool to stay informed, educated, and connected: the genealogy newsletter.
These newsletters, whether produced by national organizations, local societies, or individuals, serve as curated guides through the ever-evolving world of genealogical research. One of the most respected and long-standing of these publications is Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter, a cornerstone of the genealogical community for decades.
In this article, we will explore the role genealogy newsletters play in the world of family history research, what makes a newsletter effective and reliable, how to get the most out of them, and we will take a special look at Eastman’s contribution to the genealogy world.
What Are Genealogy Newsletters?
A genealogy newsletter is a recurring publication—delivered via email, post, or online platform—that provides updates, advice, resources, and news relevant to family history research. These newsletters can vary in frequency, from weekly to monthly, and may be produced by genealogical societies, archives, libraries, research institutions, commercial genealogy companies, or individual experts.
The content typically includes:
- Tips and strategies for researching family history
- Updates on new records and databases available online or in physical archives
- Genealogy software and technology reviews
- Event announcements, such as webinars, conferences, or local meetings
- DNA testing developments and how they affect genealogical findings
- Spotlights on historical themes, immigration waves, or ethnic-specific research
- Interviews and articles by professional genealogists
- User-submitted stories and queries, promoting collaboration
The goal of these newsletters is to keep readers engaged, informed, and motivated in their research, helping them overcome roadblocks and discover new leads.
The Importance of Genealogy Newsletters
For many family history researchers, genealogy newsletters are more than just informative—they are essential.
1. Staying Current in a Fast-Moving Field
Genealogy is dynamic. Every week, new record sets are digitized and added to websites like Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, or Findmypast. Privacy laws change, archives are updated, and new partnerships form between institutions. Without a reliable way to track these changes, researchers risk missing key opportunities. Newsletters offer a concise way to stay informed.
2. Access to Expert Insight
While anyone can begin exploring their family tree, it’s not always easy to navigate the complexity of old documents, foreign-language records, or conflicting information. Newsletters frequently feature insights from professionals who share best practices, tools, and techniques, helping readers avoid common pitfalls.
3. Community and Collaboration
Genealogy can be a solitary pursuit, but newsletters create a virtual community. Many include message boards or reader submissions where individuals post queries, brick walls, or success stories. This fosters collaboration, connection, and even distant cousin discoveries.
4. Event Promotion and Education
Workshops, webinars, and conferences are critical to genealogical education. Newsletters alert readers to these opportunities, often including links to registration or summaries of past events. For those unable to travel, these announcements can lead to valuable virtual learning.
What Makes a Good Genealogy Newsletter?
Not all genealogy newsletters are created equal. The best ones share a few common traits:
– Accuracy and Credibility
Genealogy is a field rooted in evidence. A good newsletter upholds high standards, ensuring that facts are well-researched and sources are cited. Contributors are often experienced genealogists, archivists, or history professionals.
– Timeliness
Because the world of genealogy changes frequently—especially with new online databases—newsletters must be timely. Weekly or bi-weekly updates are ideal, though monthly formats can also work when curated carefully.
– Clarity and Accessibility
A newsletter must cater to a broad audience, from newcomers to experts. Content should be well-organized, clearly written, and free of excessive jargon.
– Breadth of Topics
Strong newsletters cover a wide range of topics: software, DNA, record repositories, cultural research tips, legal considerations, and more. They often balance historical context with actionable research strategies.
– Reader Engagement
Newsletters that invite reader submissions, questions, and stories create an interactive platform. This engagement builds loyalty and fosters a sense of community.
Spotlight: Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter
Among the most respected genealogy newsletters is Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter (EOGN), founded by Dick Eastman. With thousands of readers worldwide and decades of consistent publication, EOGN is widely considered one of the most influential and enduring resources in the genealogical community.
A Legacy of Reliability
Dick Eastman began writing about technology and genealogy in the mid-1990s, just as the internet was becoming a vital tool for researchers. His newsletter emerged as a pioneering source, blending traditional genealogical expertise with cutting-edge technological awareness. He was among the first to cover how computers and software could aid genealogists.
Today, Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter publishes daily articles that cover a wide array of topics—from major announcements in the genealogy world to software reviews, archive updates, and DNA testing trends. It’s widely recognized for its objectivity, clear writing style, and commitment to factual reporting.
Two Levels of Access
EOGN operates with two tiers: a free subscription and a Plus Edition, which offers additional, exclusive content to paying subscribers. This model has allowed Eastman to maintain a high-quality service without relying heavily on advertising, which keeps the content clean, uncluttered, and focused.
Tech Savvy and Forward-Thinking
One of EOGN’s key differentiators is its emphasis on technology in genealogy. Eastman’s background in computer science allows him to critically evaluate new genealogy software, hardware tools, digitization methods, and privacy issues in DNA testing. His reviews are trusted, practical, and detailed, guiding readers to make informed choices.
A Global Perspective
Although based in the United States, Eastman’s coverage is international. He routinely features updates from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. This global scope is vital for genealogists with ancestry that crosses borders.
A Trusted Voice
Dick Eastman has built a reputation for being objective, practical, and inclusive. His newsletter often addresses controversies or changing industry standards—such as data privacy concerns in genetic genealogy or ethical dilemmas in sharing family trees. This makes EOGN not just a source of news but a platform for thoughtful discussion.
Examples of Genealogy Newsletter Content
To illustrate how informative and varied these publications can be, here are some sample topics commonly found in popular genealogy newsletters:
- “New Irish Parish Records Now Available on FindMyPast”
- “Understanding Y-DNA: How Male Line Testing Can Solve Paternal Mysteries”
- “Genealogy Software Showdown: RootsMagic vs. Family Tree Maker”
- “10 Tips for Translating German Civil Records”
- “Upcoming Webinar: African American Genealogy Before 1870”
- “Library of Congress Adds 500,000 Digitized Obituaries”
- “Story Spotlight: How a 1920s Diary Led Me to My Great-Grandfather’s Immigration Story”
Such content doesn’t just entertain—it empowers readers to dig deeper, apply new techniques, and uncover information they might otherwise miss.
Where to Find Genealogy Newsletters
There are hundreds of genealogy newsletters, both general and niche. Some are affiliated with local or national genealogy societies, while others come from individual bloggers or research services.
Examples include:
- Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter – eogn.com
- FamilySearch Newsletter – From the nonprofit LDS-affiliated site.
- National Genealogical Society Newsletter – For members of the NGS.
- Genealogy Gems by Lisa Louise Cooke – Offers a podcast and newsletter.
- Legacy News – Tied to Legacy Family Tree software and webinars.
- State or County Genealogy Societies – Many offer free or member-only bulletins.
Subscribing to a combination of national, regional, and topical newsletters ensures well-rounded coverage and more targeted insights.
Getting the Most from Your Subscription
To truly benefit from genealogy newsletters, readers should:
- Stay organized: Save useful issues or articles in folders for easy retrieval.
- Apply insights: Don’t just read—try new research methods or visit suggested sites.
- Engage with the community: Respond to calls for stories or questions. You may connect with relatives or discover new leads.
- Share with others: Help genealogy thrive by forwarding valuable articles to family or fellow researchers.
- Support quality: Consider subscribing to paid editions of newsletters that consistently deliver value, like Eastman’s Plus Edition.
Genealogy newsletters are more than just informative bulletins—they are lifelines for researchers, educators for newcomers, and platforms for storytelling and discovery. In a field where knowledge is power, staying updated with curated and insightful content can make all the difference between hitting a brick wall and breaking through to a new generation in your family tree.
Among the many excellent resources available, Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter stands out for its longevity, professionalism, and deep integration of technology with tradition. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into family history or have been climbing the branches of your tree for years, newsletters like Eastman’s offer ongoing inspiration, tools, and the timely information needed to succeed.
So subscribe, engage, and let each edition bring you one step closer to understanding your family’s unique place in history.