Facebook for Genealogists: Groups

In my previous two “Facebook for Genealogists” post, I mentioned Facebook groups. I just realized that some Facebook users might not know what a group is or why you might want to join one (or many). Those who are genealogists, especially those new to Facebook, might not know that there is a plethora of genealogy-related groups on Facebook. Even seasoned genealogists/Facebook users may not realize the breadth of groups out there.

A Facebook group is a place for people with similar interests to join together and communicate virtually. There are hundreds of genealogy-related groups. While I don’t suggest you join them all, do consider joining a few as these are great places to learn from others, ask questions, get advice, and pay it forward by helping others.

Depending on how a group is set up will determine how you join. If the group is public, simply click on the Join Group button and viola—you’re in! If the group is private you will have to be approved by someone in order to join—sometimes you may even have to answer a few questions. Private groups are established primarily to guard against spammers and unsavory individuals, although there could be other reasons including exclusivity (for example a DAR chapter may manage a Facebook group and only allow current chapter members to participate).

Once you join a group, be sure to read any “rules” that are posted. These rules are usually pinned at the top of the group’s news feed. Most rules are common sense, such as no vulgar language or no bullying. But depending on the objective of the group, there may be other conditions. For example, many genealogy groups prohibit advertising of any kind. Some have rules set up to keep on topic. Just make sure you read the rules and abide by them. And, when in doubt, ask!

Here’s a list of a variety of genealogy-related Facebook groups to give you an idea of what’s out there.

General

• The Genealogy Squad
• GAA (Genealogy Addicts Anonymous)
• Your Genealogy Brick Walls
• Genealogical Translations

Topical

• Technology for Genealogy
• Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques
• History for Genealogy Addicts
• The Organized Genealogist

Location/Ethnic

• Germany Genealogy (there are several other general groups, but there are also groups for specific locations tied to Germany, for example Germans from Russia History & Genealogy and Hessen, Germany Genealogy Group)
• Irish Genealogy (again, there are groups for specific locations within Ireland, such as Tipperary Genealogy)
• Jewish Genealogy Portal
• Czech Genealogy
• AfriGeneas African American Genealogy Community
• New England Genealogy
• New York Genealogy Network
• Staffordshire Ancestry & Genealogy
• Scott County Virginia Genealogy

Software/Apps/Websites

• FamilySearch Users Group
• Legacy User Group
• DNA Painter User Group

Family/Surname

• Sizemore Ancestry
• Adkins Family History Group
• Radice Family History

This is in no way a comprehensive list. It’s just a thought-started to show you what’s available. Think about your research interests. If you have no interest in Irish genealogy, don’t join an Irish-related genealogy group—there’s no need to clog your feed with stuff you don’t want to know about. Generate a list of interests and start searching within Facebook to see if a group (or two) exists for that interest. When you conduct your search, make sure you choose Groups from the menu at the top to filter your search.

For a darn-near comprehensive list, Katherine Willson has compiled a PDF with genealogy-related groups and pages. You can get the PDF here.

Go forth a join a genealogy Facebook group today!

Bonus Tip

Want easy access to your favorite groups? You can create a shortcut that will appear in your Shortcuts menu on the left side of your Facebook feed. From the group page, click on the More button, then click Pin to Shortcuts.

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