Genealogy First Tuesday

Join us on the first Tuesday of the new year! Bring your questions and your research to the Genealogy & Local History Room between 2 and 4:30 on Tuesday, January 6.

Rock Island County Genealogical Society

The Rock Island County Genealogical Society has a nice website and offers great services if you're

looking for ancestors from the Quad Cities area of Illinois.

Their online records includes:

• Obituary Index
• Funeral Home Memorial Cards
• Surnames Index
• Cemetery Facts

There is plenty of other great information to be found on the site too!

DNA Kits and Genealogy Research

Genetic genealogy is growing in popularity and if you're looking for a fun genealogy project or gift for the holidays, several DNA testing companies are having holiday specials.

Ancestry DNA is having a holiday special on DNA tests. Save 10% on a DNA kit until December 21.

23andMe has a special offer of buy one and get 20% off each additional kit you buy.

Family Tree DNA also has some good deals on the variety of tests they offer.

Still have questions about genetic genealogy, DNA tests, and how it all works? CeCe Moore has written a good introduction to genetic genealogy on the Geni Blog.

Holiday Gift Guide for Genealogists

Family heirloom 'scrapbox' from wholeliving.com

Trying to find family history-themed holiday gifts this year? Here are a few ideas:

Check Pinterest for crafty, DIY family history projects. This board in particular has some really unique craft ideas!

The GenealogyBank blog offers great ideas for sharing your family history this season:

• Ancestor Booklets
• Old Fashioned Recipe Books
• Family Cookbooks
• Family Advent Calendars

Family Tree Magazine also has a good list of things to buy for genealogy enthusiasts.

If you're looking to splurge on something really memorable, plan a trip to the family's country of origin. Visit and learn about your family's homestead and organize a research trip to the local archives!