Genealogy & The Social Sphere by Simple Living Genealogist

09/30/2025

Facebook’s new Fan Challenges are here! 🌟
For creators with 100K+ followers, this feature lets you launch fun prompts where your fans can share their own stories, reels, or photos using a custom hashtag (just don’t forget to end it with “Challenge”).

Think of the possibilities for genealogy: , , or even . Each one could spark conversations and bring people together around the stories that matter most.

I don’t have access yet—but if you do, let me know your challenge hashtag. I’d love to participate! 🌿
Learn more in my latest blog: https://www.genealogyandthesocialsphere.com/post/facebook-s-new-fan-challenges-a-fresh-way-to-engage-in-the-genealogy-community

For years, Facebook has been a gathering place for genealogists and historians, whether you’re connecting with cousins, joining a society group, or simply swapping ancestor stories. Now Facebook has introduced Fan Challenges, a feature designed to deepen those connections and inspire more creative...

09/30/2025

The way we share family history is changing faster than ever. With AI making it easier to create content, the real power is no longer in “hacking the algorithm.” It’s in building community and telling stories that resonate. 🌿

This Family History Month, let’s remember: people don’t just want information—they want to feel connected. That’s where true impact happens.

✨ How do you bring your ancestor stories to life in a way that sparks connection?

https://f.mtr.cool/mzuhnoonzl

When the genealogy community began embracing social media, it opened up new opportunities. Suddenly, societies, libraries, and family historians could share stories and reach people well beyond their own town or membership list. Likes, follows, and algorithms shaped who saw what, and for a long time...

09/29/2025

🍂 October is almost here—and with it comes Family History Month!
This isn’t just a time to celebrate—it’s a chance to spark real conversations in the genealogy community.

In my latest blog, Turning Family History Month into a Digital Conversation, I share practical ways professional genealogists, family historians, and societies can use social media to build connection and engagement all month long.

✨ Let’s make Family History Month more than a post—let’s make it a conversation.

👉 Read the full post here: https://f.mtr.cool/cnoiugxsen
Then share in the comments: How are you planning to connect with your community this Family History Month?

October marks Family History Month, which is a time when stories, traditions, and connections can take center stage. For professional genealogists, family historians, and societies, this isn’t just a celebration. It’s an open invitation to spark conversations and create meaningful engagement wit...

09/29/2025

Tag a fellow researcher, society, or favorite account this week. Let them know they’ve inspired you.

09/25/2025

I used to think history had nothing to do with me—until I started uncovering my own. Discovering my roots gave me belonging and changed how I see myself and my future.

Read the story: https://f.mtr.cool/waevycozxp

09/24/2025

Volunteers are invaluable resources organizations can utilize in cemetery preservation projects. This webinar on October 7 will outline strategies for organizations to effectively use volunteers for cemetery projects. We will discuss finding tasks suitable for various skill levels, communication and recognition, proper safety training, and strategies for recruiting volunteers from relevant community groups like historical societies or genealogy clubs. Register at tinyurl.com/yc79saht.

09/22/2025

🎉 Thank You, IGS Community! 🎉

We are so grateful for the incredible support you’ve shown for the Veterans Bounty Land Campaign this month! 💛

Because of YOU, we’ve taken big steps toward preserving Indiana’s veteran bounty land records — stories that help connect families to their ancestors and honor their service. 🇺🇸

✨ Remember: Every dollar you’ve donated is being matched by IGS, doubling the impact!

Let’s keep the momentum going into July — we’re not done yet!
👉 Donate or share to help us reach the $10,000 goal: https://f.mtr.cool/yrvglotwcu

09/22/2025

Change can be scary. I feel it myself as I transition my business into Genealogy & The Social Sphere LLC while continuing as The Simple Living Genealogist. But change is necessary—for me, and for genealogical and historical societies too.

If societies only offer in-person workshops, they’ll lose members like me who need virtual options. Meanwhile, professionals are creating their own classes and workshops—and growing stronger communities.

It’s time for societies to step into the future with webinars, AI tools, and meaningful conversations with members (yes, that means more than just sending a poll—send a DM and ask directly!).

💬 What’s one change your society could make today to better serve the genealogy community?

👉 Read the full blog: https://f.mtr.cool/zwnfvyydxl

Hashtags:

09/22/2025

Join or create a genealogy content challenge! It’s a fun way to stay consistent *and* meet others digging into their roots.

09/22/2025

🏖️
This snapshot has me full of questions. I don’t know who this couple is, but their closeness and the joy in this moment feels timeless. The setting, the umbrella, the outfits—could this be Michigan? Maybe someone in my family?

Does anyone else see something familiar here?

09/19/2025

Lately, I’ve been noticing how often organizations use in their posts. I know it sends a notification, but when every group does it, my feed ends up filled with nothing but tags. It feels overwhelming instead of engaging. That’s why I choose not to use it—I’d rather people connect with my posts because they want to, not because a tag forced it onto their screen.

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel frustrated seeing their notifications hijacked this way?

Send a message to learn more