Using Google Earth Web to Tell Your Family History Migration Stories

In this dynamic webinar hosted by Legacy Family Tree Webinars, digital scholarship librarian and genealogist Colleen Robledo Greene demonstrates how Google Earth Web can transform genealogical research into visually engaging migration stories. Designed for researchers of all experience levels, the session explores how to map ancestral movements, connect historical context to place, and use modern digital tools to enhance family storytelling. Greene combines her expertise in technology and genealogy to show how geospatial visualization can make ancestors’ lives come alive through interactive storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

• Transforming Data into Storytelling: Greene explains that genealogical data—such as census addresses, church locations, and migration routes—are inherently geospatial. By plotting these data points on Google Earth Web, researchers can create immersive, 3D narratives that trace family movements, illustrate social contexts, and reveal overlooked migration patterns.

• Practical Tools and Workflow: The presentation walks attendees through the process of building a story from concept to completion, including project planning, data organization, and integration with Google Drive. Greene outlines how to navigate the Google Earth Web interface, manage images and citations, and collaborate with relatives or research partners. She also emphasizes using Google Chrome for full functionality and backing up work through KML exports and narrated video versions.

• Engaging Family and Preserving History: Through the example of her own great-grandmother’s journey from Mexico to California, Greene showcases how digital storytelling brings genealogical findings to life for family audiences. The use of animations, Street View, historical maps, and multimedia makes it possible to “fly” through ancestral locations and experience family history in an interactive, shareable way.

This webinar offers practical insights and creative inspiration for genealogists eager to combine research accuracy with digital presentation. View the full session to see Greene’s detailed demonstrations, discover tips for managing multimedia within stories, and learn best practices for crafting geospatial narratives that captivate both researchers and relatives.

To deepen your skills, explore the supplementary resources in the webinar syllabus, which include step-by-step guides, recommended tools, and additional learning materials curated by Greene. These resources provide invaluable support for anyone ready to turn traditional genealogy into a rich, interactive storytelling experience.