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.
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
Mission 21 201 The Paper Trail of Everyday Life - Intercensal Records
City directories, Social Security, and the records that fill the years between censuses.
Read on Substack
Mission 20 201 Breaking Through Brick Walls
Five moves to try when your ancestor vanishes from the record.
Read on Substack
Mission 19 201 Weighing the Evidence - The Genealogical Proof Standard
How to know what you think you know - evaluating evidence like a pro.
Read on SubstackFree Research Tools
Downloadable field guides, quick references, and workbooks
Join the Mission
Free weekly genealogy lessons and downloadable research tools, delivered to your inbox.