10 Surprising Things I Discovered about My Ancestors Using MyHeritage

Exploring family history often leads to unexpected revelations, and in this engaging Webtember session, genealogist and author Lisa Alzo demonstrates just how powerful modern research tools can be. In her presentation, 10 Surprising Things I Discovered About My Ancestors Using MyHeritage, Alzo walks viewers through real-life examples of discoveries made with the platform’s diverse features. From unlocking forgotten family stories hidden in yearbooks and newspapers to connecting with living cousins across the globe, the session showcases how MyHeritage can enrich genealogical research by combining technology, historical records, and personal narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• Harnessing Record and Smart Matches: Automated hints from MyHeritage’s record collections revealed unexpected details about Alzo’s family, including her father’s forgotten role as a football team manager and rare photographs shared by cousins. These features not only save time but also help confirm or challenge family lore.

• Adding Depth with Newspapers and DNA Tools: Through digitized newspaper archives, Alzo uncovered her grandfather’s involvement in a political controversy and obtained valuable obituaries and estate notices. Meanwhile, DNA testing and cousin connections extended her tree internationally, especially within her Slovak ancestry.

• Bringing Ancestors to Life with Photo Tools and AI: Enhancements, colorization, and animation features gave Alzo a fresh perspective on her grandparents as vibrant individuals before they became “grandma and grandpa.” Combining these visual tools with AI-generated biographies provided context and emotion that deepened her personal connection to their stories.

This webinar is more than a demonstration of technology; it is a vivid reminder of the ever-evolving ways genealogists can uncover, preserve, and share their family histories. Watching the full presentation will provide invaluable tips on maximizing MyHeritage’s resources, ensuring that researchers can make discoveries of their own—both big and small.

To continue the journey, genealogists are encouraged to explore the additional resources included in the webinar syllabus, which expand upon the strategies discussed and offer guidance for diving deeper into family history research.