Dear Legacy Keepers,
Happy Family Friday—and a very happy Presidents’ Day! While many are enjoying a long weekend, we’re using this day to reflect on the leaders in our own lineages. Whether your ancestors were pioneers, community pillars, or quiet heroes, today is the perfect day to bridge your family’s story with the broader sweep of history.
We’ve curated a festive roundup of the week’s biggest breakthroughs, from massive record drops to creative ways to celebrate Black History Month and the legacy of our nation’s founders. Let’s dive into what’s new in the world of heritage!
Top News Highlights: Breaking Developments in Family Heritage
FamilySearch Unleashes 18 Million New Records: FamilySearch has unleashed another powerhouse update, adding over 18 million new historical records from 32 countries and making them freely searchable online. The U.S. portion alone contributes 5.8 million records, featuring materials from 13 different censuses, military draft registration cards, and vital records spanning 12 states—a treasure trove for anyone tracing American ancestors. International highlights include nearly 4.8 million civil registrations from Honduras and the highly anticipated addition of 1.8 million records from the 1921 Canada Census, which captures detailed snapshots of Canadian life with 35 questions covering names, occupations, religion, immigration status, and more. These fresh collections are now available at no cost on FamilySearch.org, offering renewed momentum for researchers working through brick walls or expanding their family trees across borders. Read more at FamilySearch.org
Ancestry Celebrates America’s 250th: Ancestry has officially launched “The Stories of US,” a year-long national storytelling campaign timed to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The initiative spotlights 250 diverse family narratives that highlight the everyday people—some famous, many unsung—whose courage, service, and contributions helped shape the complex tapestry of the American experience. One powerful example is the daring 1929 rescue by Wesley A. Williams, the first African American officer in the New York City Fire Department, who risked his life to save Rachel Coffino and her three young children from a burning Lower East Side tenement; Ancestry even reunited descendants of both families using historic newspaper records. Through public murals in New York City, digital stories, and an invitation for everyone to explore their own roots, the campaign encourages genealogists and families alike to discover, preserve, and share how their personal histories connect to the broader American journey—available now on Ancestry.com. Read the official announcement here
Climate Heritage Cohort Opens Applications: The Preserving Legacies initiative has opened applications for its 2026 Climate Heritage Cohort, inviting communities and heritage stewards to join a transformative three-year program focused on climate adaptation and resilience. This exciting opportunity empowers family historians, local organizations, and cultural groups to protect the physical sites, buildings, and cultural landscapes that hold our shared family and community histories from the growing threats of climate change. Participants will gain practical knowledge, assessment tools, and actionable strategies to safeguard these irreplaceable places while building long-term resilience for future generations. If you’re passionate about preserving ancestral homes, historic neighborhoods, or meaningful landscapes tied to your family story, now is the perfect time to apply and help ensure these legacies endure. Read the full application details and program information here
New Tech Tools for Al-Driven Research: Ancestors (NEHGS) has launched an exciting new seminar series dedicated to AI-driven research tools, giving family historians powerful ways to tackle challenging documents and better organize their collections. The sessions focus on practical applications such as using AI to transcribe difficult old handwriting and efficiently organizing digital archives, making it easier than ever to break through long-standing “brick walls” in your research. Led by experienced genealogists like Senior Genealogist Melanie McComb, the series explores how these cutting-edge technologies can assist with transcription, translation, analysis, and report writing while emphasizing responsible use alongside traditional research skills. Whether you’re dealing with faded manuscripts or overwhelming digital files, this seminar series offers actionable strategies to accelerate discoveries and bring greater clarity to your family’s story. Read the full details and register here
Seasonal Hot Topics: February Inspirations
Presidents’ Day Family Adventures: Today isn’t just a holiday; it’s a prime opportunity to explore leadership in your own tree. Try hosting a “Presidential Fact Finders” game to see where your ancestors were living during major historic inaugurations. If you’re near a library, many are hosting “Presidents’ Day Festivals” with storytelling and discovery carts focused on regional leadership.
Black History Month: Tracing Resilience: As we continue through February, the focus remains on inclusive narratives. Check out Ancestry’s February events or join the upcoming “Tracing Your Ancestry” workshop at the Mississippi Department of Archives (Feb 21) to learn specialized techniques for uncovering enslaved ancestors and pre-Civil War roots.
Scrapbooking Trend: The “Life Right Now” Collection: Scrapbookers are buzzing about the new Hip Kit Club February collection, which features “Life Right Now” stickers and die-cuts perfect for documenting the everyday moments of 2026. Read more at HipKitClub.net
Quick Tips for Your Week
- Unplug for Storytelling: Reports show that “nostalgia and depth” are driving Gen Z back to oral histories—put down the phone and record an elder’s romance tale this week.
- Valentine’s Remnants: Don’t toss those cards! Use “junk journaling” techniques to collage February love letters into a permanent family heirloom.
- RootsTech Prep: RootsTech 2026 (March 5-7) is just around the corner. Start building your personalized schedule now to make the most of the Al and DNA sessions.
Happy Family Friday!
What legacy moment are you preserving right now? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you.
Until next time,
The Rapsodee Team
Your Story in Your Voice