Practical Genealogy for Serious Researchers
"Your ancestors left a paper trail."
"We'll teach you to follow it."
Free weekly missions that build real genealogy skills - from your first census search to advanced DNA analysis. Each mission includes a downloadable research tool you can take to the archive.
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Your Learning Path
Progressive missions that build on each other
What Is Operation Granny Files?
Operation Granny Files is a progressive genealogy education series published on Substack. Each "mission" is a self-contained lesson that teaches a specific research skill - and comes with a free downloadable artifact (a field guide, quick reference, or workbook) you can use immediately.
Missions build on each other, from the absolute basics of Genealogy 101 through advanced methodology in the 300- and 400-level courses. Whether you're interviewing your grandmother for the first time or decoding a Civil War pension file, there's a mission for where you are right now.
Latest Missions
New missions published weekly on Substack
Staking Your Claim - Land Records
Decode land patents, deeds, and property transfers.
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Mission 15 201 The Reading of the Will - Probate Records
Wills, estate inventories, and what the dead left behind.
Read on Substack
Mission 14 201 Reporting for Duty - Military Records
Service records, pensions, and draft registration cards.
Read on SubstackFree Research Tools
Downloadable field guides, quick references, and workbooks
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