Below is a list of NON-FICTION books that may be of interest to genealogists and family historians. Most are written by independent authors and many are self-published. If you have written a genealogy-related book, please feel free to submit the form to have your work included at https://pxl.to/BookSubmissionForm (also found at the very bottom of this page).
See the list of Genealogy Books (Fiction) HERE.
Inclusion in this list does not indicate endorsement or promotion by ConferenceKeeper or the National Genealogical Society. This is simply a platform provided for authors to share their genealogy-related publications.
Genealogy Books (Non-Fiction)
| Title | Author | Description | Fiction or Non-fiction? | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pennsylvania Vital Records Research | Allen, Denyse | Learn how to find every created vital record on your Pennsylvania ancestors from 1682 to today. This genealogy research guide gives the history, state laws, and processes for birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, county vital record registrations, adoptions, and divorce - plus how to include DNA results in your research. Be confident you have every possible vital record. This guide will explain what was created and where to find it. Includes: Research Checklists, Pennsylvania Archives and Repositories, Common Vital Records Terms, and Pennsylvania State Laws | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/0aJfrBi |
 | Archives in Pennsylvania for Genealogy Research | Allen, Denyse | Genealogists and historians often face challenges uncovering their family history in Pennsylvania. With over 800 archives scattered across the state, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Archives in Pennsylvania simplifies this process, serving as your essential guide to finding and accessing the records you need. Inside, you’ll discover: - A checklist for planning successful research trips. - Pro tips for collaborating with archive staff and volunteers. - How to navigate archive catalogs and finding aids effectively. - Expert advice on hiring researchers to assist with your discoveries. - The unique types of records housed in museums, libraries, government offices, universities, and societies. Archives in Pennsylvania transforms genealogy research from frustration to joy. Feel the thrill of uncovering original historical documents that bring your ancestors to life. Whether you’re just starting or refining your family history, this book will help you uncover new insights and answer those lingering questions. Bonus Downloads Included: Ancestor Profile template, Research Focus template, and Common Terms Used in Archives | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/7Muhmq2 |
 | DNA Organization-- It Starts with a Chart | Bergheimer, Kelli Jo | "DNA Organization-- It Starts with a Chart" (available in print and digital) Organizing with a Leeds chart and expanding the categories to make it an almost-all-inclusive workspace has changed my approach to genetic genealogy analysis. If you struggle to make progress in your genetic genealogy, my hope is this step-by-step approach will give you a comprehensive workspace for success! | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/4IxBbZx |
 | DNA Checklists-- Let's Get Organized! | Bergheimer, Kelli Jo | "DNA Checklists-- Let's Get Organized!" (available in print only) Are you looking for a set of checklists to track the information from DNA testing companies? This might just be your solution! This book can be used to track the DNA kits you manage, biogeographical information, common third-party-tools, beneficiaries, permissions, and more. It's one easy location to keep information at your fingertips. Each book tracks everything you need to find and keep for up to six DNA testers. | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/2hhLXXu |
 | Rhode Island State Census for Genealogists | Boumenot (CG), Diane M. | It's the smallest state with the biggest census collection! The colony and state of Rhode Island enumerated residents many times in the colonial era and in seven detailed statewide collections from 1865 to 1935 (1895 was destroyed), collecting unusual details not found in other census data. This guide offers meticulous blank form recreations, a town formation guide, and details taken from the enumerator's instructions. | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/gNMxYiz |
 | Examples of Handwriting | Buck, W S | This useful book provides much insight into handwriting in the 1550-1650 period. Using the Parish Register of Froome Selwood in Somerset as a primary source, it contains handwriting examples of the alphabet, popular forenames of the time and a number of place names. The author of the book, W S B Buck, also takes into variations in both spelling and the formation of individual letters, thus forming an important source of reference. For those wishing to decipher old parish records, or gain a broader understanding of archaic handwriting practices, this book is an essential tool. | Non-fiction | https://societyofgenealogists-shop.myshopify.com/products/sog-a-century-of-family-history |
 | Essential Skills for The Occasional Genealogist: Beyond-beginner Genealogy Skills for Busy Family Historians | Dondero, Jennifer | Do you want to learn how to effectively and efficiently track, analyze, plan, and report your genealogy research? Genealogists often find themselves strapped for time, struggling to balance their passion for family history with the demands of everyday life. In this book, professional genealogist, and chronic Occasional Genealogist, Jennifer Dondero shares her expertise to help hobbyist genealogists maximize their limited time and achieve meaningful progress in their research. You will learn: How to stay focused on solving a brick wall. The skills to get started in genealogical analysis. How to create a genealogy research plan. The difference in solving a problem versus other genealogy research. This book will equip you with the essential skills to bust through brick walls and make continual progress in your genealogical journey. Expand your knowledge with research strategies that go beyond beginner. Get your copy now! | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJ5T1WCR/ |
 | Coffers, Clysters, Comfrey and Coifs: the lives of our seventeenth century ancestors | Few, Janet | (Family History Partnership 2012) Our seventeenth century ancestors may be people that we can identify, or they may be lurking, nameless, waiting to be discovered. In either case they existed, therefore we owe it to them to find out more about their way of life. This book sets out to provide an all-important context for these ancestors, ancestors whose detailed biographies probably elude us. | Non-fiction | https://www.familyhistorybooksonline.com/coffers-clysters-comfrey-and-coifs-by-janet-few-76 |
 | Tracing your Marginalised Ancestors: a guide for family historians | Few, Janet | (Pen and Sword 2024) Often, our most fascinating ancestors are those on society’s margins. They might have been discriminated against due to personal misfortune, or have been a victim of society’s fear of difference. You may have ancestors who were poor, or sick, illegitimate, or lawbreakers. Were your family stigmatised because of their ethnicity? Perhaps they struggled with alcoholism, were prostitutes, or were accused of witchcraft. This book will help you find out more about them and the times in which they lived. The nature of this book means that it deals with subjects that can make uncomfortable reading but it is important to confront these issues as we try to understand our ancestors and the society that led to them becoming marginalised. In Tracing your Marginalised Ancestors, you will find plenty of suggestions to help you uncover the stories of these, often elusive, groups of people. Will you accept the challenge to seek out your marginalised ancestors and tell their stories? | Non-fiction | https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Marginalised-Ancestors-Paperback/p/24417 |
 | A History of Women’s Work: the evolution of women’s working lives | Few, Janet | (Pen and Sword 2025) A History of Women's Work explores the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history, particularly in a patriarchal society where men have dominated the historical record. While men were more likely to leave traces – through wills, leases, and civic duties – women laboured behind the scenes, performing crucial yet unpaid tasks for their families and communities. In many households, women supported their husbands’ work, ran home-based industries, or sought paid employment despite societal restrictions. This book delves into three main areas of women’s work: household tasks, home industries, and paid employment outside the home. Through case studies and practical research tips, it sheds light on the lives of these women, encouraging readers to uncover their own female ancestors' stories and contribute to a richer understanding of women’s history. | Non-fiction | https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/A-History-of-Womens-Work-Hardback/p/52574 |
 | Ten Steps to a One-Place Study | Few, Janet | (Blue Poppy Publishing 2020) One-place studies are a fascinating blend of family history and local history. This form of micro-research is becoming increasingly popular amongst genealogists and local historians. A one-place study involves investigating a small geographical area in minute detail, researching the inhabitants, the buildings and the institutions within that place, as well as the events that took place there. This booklet is an introductory guide for those who are just starting on their one-place journey and for more experienced one-placers who would like direction or inspiration, or who are seeking a more organised approach to their study. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086HP46WY |
 | Putting your Ancestors in their Place: a guide to one-place studies | Few, Janet | (2nd edition Blue Poppy Publishing 2024) A One Place Study brings family and local history together, to the benefit of both fields. Ranging from how to choose your place, through locating sources, collating and interpreting your data, to publishing your findings; this book is suitable for experienced researchers as well as those new to One Place Studies. Elements that a One Place Study might incorporate and sources that could be used, are explained. Although sources are described, it is not primarily about the sources themselves. The emphasis is on how these records might be used and over thirty mini-projects for the one place researcher are suggested. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Putting-Your-Ancestors-their-Place-ebook/dp/B0DNXWX8X9?ref_=ast_author_mpb |
 | Remember Then: women’s memories of 1946-1969 and how to write your own | Few, Janet | (Family History Partnership 2014) This book is the result of letting 80 women spend a year and a half recording their memories of life in Britain during the pivotal period 1946-1969. This twenty-four year period was one of tremendous change in almost every area that they investigated.During this time, the country moved from liberty bodices to mini skirts and from ration books to ready meals. It saw the emergence of youth culture, the comprehensive education system, conspicuous consumerism and feminism; the Britain of 1969, was very different from that of 1946. The ladies describe their homes and neighborhoods, clothes housework and food, education and work, health and childbearing, leisure and celebrations, as well as more emotive subjects, such as relationships and attitudes. Over a hundred photographs evoke the essence of the era. This book is more than just a collection of women's memories. At the end of each chapter is the brief that the volunteers were given when working on that topic. This can be applied to other time frames and will help the reader, male or female, to write reminiscences of their own. The author has woven together the words of this disparate group of volunteers, using direct quotations from their reminiscences wherever possible, to reveal this era, as seen through their eyes,. The result is a many faceted perspective of life at the time. The book allows those born after 1969 to gain an understanding of what life was like for earlier generations. If you lived through this era yourself, you will find yourself exclaiming. I remember that' on every page. 248mm x 173mm, 246 pages, ISBN 978-1-906280-53-6 | Non-fiction | https://www.familyhistorybooksonline.com/remember-then-womens-memories-of-1946-1969-and-how-to-write-your-own-167 |
class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-15158" /> | A Guide to Norwegian Genealogy, Emigration, and Transmigration | Haakenstad, AG®, AGL™, Liv Marit | Ready to dive into Norwegian Genealogy? Here's all you need to start tracing your ancestor’s journey back to Norway - the emigration history, the sources, where to find them, and the methodology. It is also helpful for those who have already started doing Norwegian Genealogy. The first part of this book gives an overall view of the Norwegian emigration history before taking you to Great Britain, which was one of several routes for transmigration. Further, you will get an insight into what happened when Norwegian emigrants arrived in North America. The second part is a description and a guide to sources in the United States, Canada, and Norway. What information can you find in genealogical sources in the US and Canada that show the way back to Norway? What clues do they contain, and how could they be used to find traces of them in Norway? The book also thoroughly covers Norwegian sources, like emigration records, censuses, church records, probates, mortgage registers and mortgage books, land registers, seaman records, military records, and bygdebøker (farm books). The book finishes with a chapter about genealogical methods. A Norwegian-English dictionary is in the Appendix. This book has a proper source citation, so use the sources to find more information about a topic. See a short video about the book at https://www.studygenealogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Book.mp4 | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Norwegian-Genealogy-Emigration-Transmigration/dp/B0BBYB8TF5 |
 | Essential Guide to Kentucky Family Research | Kentucky Genealogical Society | Uncover the stories of your Kentucky ancestors and delve into the rich history of the Bluegrass State with the Essential Guide to Kentucky Family Research. This comprehensive guide is a must-have resource for anyone looking to explore their family history in Kentucky. Learn to perform comprehensive genealogical research and get step-by-step guidance on how to piece together your Kentucky family history, from understanding the state's history to using genealogy techniques and tricks. With its hands-on approach, this guide will empower you to become a skilled genealogist and uncover the stories of your ancestors. From assembling your family tree to sharing your research with others, this book is the ultimate guide to genealogy research in the Bluegrass State. The Kentucky Genealogical Society formed in 1973 to provide educational opportunities for family researchers. In addition to that goal, the society raises money to preserve records of genealogical value to Kentucky. The proceeds from this book support that goal. | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/3uNTIEv |
 | Kentucky & Its Kin: An In-depth Guide to Genealogical Resources in Kentucky and Beyond | Kentucky Genealogical Society | Kentucky and Its Kin—a phrase that encapsulates a shared ancestry, a shared history, and a shared identity. The Kentucky Genealogical Society, with a distinguished roster of historians, genealogists, archivists, and educators, has compiled a guide of remarkable breadth and depth that covers every corner of Kentucky's ancestral landscape. The authors understand that tracing your family history isn't just about dates and documents—it's about understanding the historical context, the socio-political currents, and the personal narratives that have shaped your ancestors' lives. It's more than just a research guide—it's a journey into the past that helps you make sense of the present. Whether you're a novice genealogist taking your first steps into family research or an experienced historian seeking a comprehensive guide, this book is an essential addition to your library. And most important, the proceeds from the book support the all volunteer Kentucky Genealogical Society projects, such as the Kentucky Digitization Grant Fund that has preserved so many important records. | Non-fiction | https://a.co/d/8O6IcKs |
 | Researching U.S. WWI Military Members, Military Organizations and Overseas Noncombatants | McMahon, Ph.D., Margaret M. | This book demonstrates how to research the service of members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and civilian noncombatants, with a focus on those who served overseas. The strategies presented can also be applied to larger projects investigating military organizations. It introduces a variety of resources, including online records, social networking platforms, and archives, while offering guidance on expanding your search to other valuable sources. The book explains how to use a timeline to organize and document your findings. It concludes with suggestions for sharing your research. " The author… provides tips from her own experience to help researchers achieve success in their online searches and visits to research facilities. This guide opens up many avenues that will help to direct genealogists and military historians in their research efforts." – Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, Vol. 64, No. 1. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Researching-Military-Organizations-Overseas-Noncombatants/dp/B0BT6YHYGP |
 | A Guide to the U.S. Pioneer infantry Regiments in WWI | McMahon, Ph.D., Margaret M. | The Pioneer Infantry Regiments are usually mentioned in passing, or in the footnotes of history. The Pioneer Infantry were similar to regular army troops in that they were trained in infantry tactics, but they were also trained in combat engineering. This book contains material common to all the Pioneer Infantry Regiments. For each Pioneer Infantry Regiment, there are origins, important dates, and training locations. Sailing dates and ship names are given for those regiments that served overseas. Battle participation is included for those regiments that saw combat. When available, other material about each regiment has been included. Additional sources are listed for each regiment, as is material relevant to all of the regiments. "They did everything the Infantry was too proud to do, and the Engineers too lazy to do." | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Guide-U-S-Pioneer-infantry-Regiments/dp/1727742710 |
 | Write Their Story: From Timeline to Young Readers Book | McMahon, Ph.D., Margaret M. | We all want to share our family stories, but bringing research reports to family gatherings often prompts yawns, and writing a full-length book can feel overwhelming. A book for young readers offers a “Goldilocks Zone” between these extremes—a simple, approachable way to write and share a story. Begin by choosing a focus: an immigrant family’s journey, an ancestor’s military service, or any other meaningful person or event from your family’s past. Gather key dates, places, and events from your research, and then construct a timeline. Weave that timeline together with historical context, images, and narrative to create an engaging illustrated story. This process can uncover gaps in your research and may evolve into the full-length book you’ve dreamed of writing. Marching and Mules, about a WWI Pioneer Infantryman, serves as an example. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Write-Their-Story-Timeline-Readers/dp/B08WZLYZWN |
 | From Swedish Soil to American Shores: A History of the James Samuelson Family | Samuelson, Lori | Delve into the rich tapestry of Swedish genealogy in this meticulously researched guide. Uncover the stories behind ancestral connections, explore the fascinating meanings of Swedish place names in Östergötland and Jönköping, and follow the intricate migration paths of families across generations. This book offers a blend of historical context, practical research tips, and captivating family narratives, perfect for genealogists, historians, and anyone curious about Swedish heritage. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Soil-American-Shores-Samuelson/dp/B0DVC8TDX3 |
 | Whispers from the Old Country: A Croatian Family's Journey | Samuelson, Lori | For centuries, the Kos and Grdenić families called the rolling hills and dense forests of Turopolje home. From noble roots and ancient land records to whispered family lore and harrowing migration stories, Whispers from the Old Country unravels the rich history of a Croatian family through meticulously researched records, DNA evidence, and personal recollections. More than just a genealogy, this book weaves historical context with personal anecdotes, revealing how the past still echoes in the present. Whether you’re passionate about family history, Croatian heritage, or the immigrant experience, Whispers from the Old Country is a captivating testament to the enduring power of ancestry and identity. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Old-Country-Croatian-Familys/dp/B0DXC6R6P6 |
 | Perseverance Amidst Adversity: The Ancestry of Three George Harbaughs | Samuelson, Lori | Extensively researched, Perseverance Amidst Adversity is a true story of three generations of the Harbaugh clan. The family was unaware their idyllic life in the early 19th century was headed for tumultuous change. The son of a wagon maker, George Henry and family fled the gentle sloping farm land of southern Pennsylvania after the devastation wrought by the Civil War, longing for a fresh start in the fertile fields of northeastern Indiana. Trying to live a simple life became impossible when political ideology continued to interfere; George Bryant and George Willard were drafted to serve on the front lines during World War I and II. Through steadfastness and resilience, the Harbaughs marched on. The records of their heroic experiences leave an inspirational legacy to ponder. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Amidst-Adversity-Ancestry-Harbaughs-ebook/dp/B01N7O2NOE |
 | Leaving a Legacy: Turn Your Family Tree into a Family Book | Shamblin, Rebecca | Maybe it has always been a secret dream of yours to create a book out of your genealogy research, but you have been too busy or overwhelmed to get started. I will help you break this process down into simple, manageable steps. You will learn about the research process, what to include, how to turn facts into stories, how to organize your book, how to get it printed, and finally how to share it. | Non-fiction | https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/leaving-a-legacy/ |
 | Leaving a Legacy Companion Workbook (The) | Shamblin, Rebecca | Are you finally ready to write that family book, but find yourself paralyzed with indecision? Where do you start? What should you write about? How do you get it off your screen and in your hands? This workbook follows the original text, section by section, offering prompts, notetaking space, and checklists to help you plan and produce the family history book of your dreams. | Non-fiction | https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/the-leaving-a-legacy-companion-workbook/ |
 | Building a Legacy: A Guide to Combining Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker | Shamblin, Rebecca | Have you spent years collecting bits and pieces of your family history, confused by Ancestry.com and overwhelmed by Family Tree Maker? You’re not alone! This book is your ultimate step-by-step guide to unlocking the combined power of these programs without the endless toggling between them. | Non-fiction | https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/building-a-legacy/ |
 | Ancestors of Olive Schmidt | Shamblin, Rebecca | This book explores the ancestry of Olive Marie Schmidt, daughter of Charles Peter William Schmidt and Clara Katherine Krier. It explores the family’s home in Mequon/Thiensville, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin and traces their lineage all the way back to Germany and Luxembourg. There are biographical sections with photos and documents for the first three generations, and family trees extend another four generations further back. Common family names are HERMANN, JEHLE/YEHLE, KOLL, KRIER, KRUSE, MANS, SCHMIDT, and SCHWENDEMANN. | Non-fiction | https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/ancestors-of-olive-schmidt/ |
 | Ancestors of Lawrence Watry | Shamblin, Rebecca | This book explores the ancestry of Lawrence Casper Watry, son of Dominic Watry and Mary Catherine Weiland. It explores the family’s home in Belgium, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin and traces the lineage all the way back to Luxembourg. There are biographical sections with photos and documents for the first three generations, and family trees extend another four generations further back. Common family names are BECKER, DECKER, FRANZEN, ROOB, STREFF, THILL, WATRY, and WEILAND/WEYLAND. | Non-fiction | https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/ancestors-of-lawrence-watry/ |
 | Your DNA Guide-the Book + companion Workbook bundle | Southard, Diahan | Your DNA Guide—the Book takes you step-by-step through the various ways of using DNA to answer questions about your origins. And it’s all in plain English. The companion Workbook will help you easily record your DNA discoveries as you work through the Book. What's in the Book: 200+ pages that guide you through your DNA questions, wherever they take you. Powerful, step-by-step paths to help you identify a DNA match or search for biological parents, grandparents, to even 3x great grandparents. Colorful charts and illustrations. Learning guides, essential organization elements, and much more. What's in the Workbook: Spiral-bound and 80+ heavyweight pages. Track (and evaluate) research goals. Organize all test kit logins. Identify and track target testing candidates. Quick-reference and planning worksheets, logs, charts and much more. | Non-fiction | https://diy.yourdnaguide.com/your-dna-guide-the-book-and-workbook |
 | Dates and Calendars | Webb, Cliff | This valuable guide contains plenty of tables and charts, allowing the genealogist to work out times and dates. | Non-fiction | https://societyofgenealogists-shop.myshopify.com/products/dates-calendars-for-the-genealogist?_pos=1&_sid=8b6e85408&_ss=r |
 | Planning a Future for Your Family's Past | Wood, Marian Burk | Old photos, ancestor stories, genealogical documents, and heirlooms reflect your family's past--and they should be safeguarded for tomorrow's descendants and researchers. Even if there are no obvious heirs for your genealogy materials, this book presents a process with specific steps you can take now to protect and share information and items from your family history. | Non-fiction | https://www.amazon.com/Planning-Future-Your-Familys-Past-ebook/dp/B09F6PS92G |
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