Recommended by Lori Olson White
Helene was gifted several boxes of old letters from her great-grandmother, each one illed with rich family, local, social and national history. She is lovingly researching the life and times of her great-grandmother and other family members mentioned in the letters, and then sharing the content, insight and wisdom with the rest of us.
Laurence brings a fascinatingly rich understanding of graphology, psychogenealogy and creativity to the table.
Jodi's newsletter shares the interesting, weird, silly and historic stories that appeared 100 years ago in the local newspapers of the Chippewa Valley in Northern Wisconsin. Such a great way to look back at local, national and world events.
A popular genealogy speaker, Denyse understands that storytelling is at the heart of family history and shares tips, advice, inspiration and her own family stories in this engaging newsletter.
Barbara has generously created and shares this ever-changing, always-growing community forum for family historians who love to tell stories. So many tools and ideas. Too little time.
Everything Victoria shares is thoughtful and beautifully written. She has an amazing ability to share her insights while encouraging me to find my own - another reason to love family history.
David's newsletter is among my favorites on Substack. He's a brilliant writer with a wide-ranging passion for family and local history. His commitment to preserving and telling stories of cemetery markers is inspirational and fascinating. And his storytelling is superb, whatever the topic.
Jill is a talented writer, a tenacious researcher and wonderful storyteller, and brings those skills to bear on the history of Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, a place rich with meaning for the Ojibway Indians as well as immigrant settlers. Jill's attention to detail brings the conflicts and questions to life.
Robin has loaded her space with so much fabulous information and technology on organizing and keeping track of records, photos and all the digital and OG "stuff" associated with family history and genealogical research. Super generous with her time and knowledge.
Caroline's newsletter is always a fun read, and never fails to surprise when it comes to the hucksters, frauds and quacks that have tried to dupe their fellow humans over the years. Most stories have a medical tilt, all are thoroughly researched, and the storytelling is spot on.
As a professional historian and amateur genealogist, Lisa brings depth and insight into the stories of her family and the people of French Canada. Her ability to find the kernel of meaning in every story is remarkable, as is her storytelling style.
Deborah writes, collects, curates and shares stories about the things we keep when out loved ones are no longer with us. Some pieces will sweep you back in a tide of nostalgia, others will make you spit out your coffee, and still others will have you in tears. And each one will get you thinking about the people you love.
I've never been to Manchester, England, but Dean's deeply researched true stories of the place are fascinating just the same. No surprise, considering he's an award-winning journalist, urban historian, genealogist and tour guide who specializes in one place - Manchester.
The best thing to hit an inbox in a long while. Sean writes with the old-fashioned heart and humor we all need more of.
Some of the best family history storytelling out there. Rich with historical context and enough personal details to breathe life into both the stories and the people. Also some great tips, tricks and inspiration.
On the surface, Louise's newsletter is a way to help her Japanese students learn English. But don't be fooled. Each piece ties a piece of history with a song, adding meaning and depth and insight that goes well beyond language and speaks to the core of knowledge.
Cynthia is a genealogist and author of genealogical mysteries and true crime stories, all of which is reflected in her newsletter. Her research is spot on, and her storytelling brings all the details together for truly enjoyable reads.
Some of my best childhood memories were made with my dad in his woodworking shop. He loved making beautiful things, and the furniture making stories here just make me happy.
Amanda is a whiz at helping writers and creators here on Substack balance editorial strategy with creative depth, and her newsletter is filled with real-life examples, practical tips and inspirational treasures. And she's authentic, a rarity in the 'do-better' genre of writing here.