Family Tree February 2026

Thought-provoking genealogy, expert advice, and powerful stories from the past.

This latest issue of Family Tree invites you to look again at the records, the assumptions, and the stories we tell about our ancestors. Packed with expert insight, moving real-life case studies, and practical research guidance, it explores how truth, hardship, and identity are woven into the historical record—and how we, as family historians, can uncover them with care and confidence.

From Victorian poverty and hidden illegitimacy to reclaiming German citizenship and reassessing long-held research conclusions, this issue will challenge, inspire, and support you as you dig deeper into your family’s past.

Why you’ll love this issue:

• Gain fresh perspective on familiar records
  Learn why revisiting your research can transform your understanding of your ancestors - and how even experienced genealogists refine their work over time.

• Understand the human stories behind the sources
  Explore how poverty, stigma, and survival shaped what our ancestors recorded (or concealed) in censuses and official documents.

• Build confidence with expert tools and techniques
  From DNA testing dos and don’ts to Ancestry tips, photo dating advice, and historical literature, you’ll gain practical skills you can use immediately.

In This Issue:

Family History News
Updates on the latest family history projects and developments.

Poverty, Illegitimacy and Lies
David Annal explores the harsh realities faced by Victorian urban working-class families—and how those pressures shaped the paper trail.

Reclaiming my German roots
Erica Worth shares her family history journey and her application for German citizenship.

Twiglets
Gill Shaw tosses a coin and follows an ‘accidental ancestor’, discovering unexpected connections along the way.

Dear Paul
Paul Chiddicks reminds us that the full breadth of human life can be found within census records.

Revisiting research
Chris Paton reflects honestly on research mistakes - and explains why reassessment is a vital part of good genealogy.

An East London slum
Patricia Sears presents a compelling case study of life in a 19th-century East London court.

The Romanovs: reform and revolution
Steve Roberts charts the turbulent history of Russia’s Romanov dynasty.

The dos and don’ts of DNA testing
Karen Evans explains how to get the most from your DNA results - and avoid common pitfalls.

Works of historical literature
Richard Tolson reviews historical texts pertaining to the Medieval period that can help you research people and places up to 1,000 years ago.

Photo Corner
Jayne Shrimpton offers expert advice on dating unidentified photographs.

Ancestry advice
Tips and tools to help you make the most of your Ancestry research.

Q&A
Your genealogy questions answered by our expert panel.

Your Letters
Readers share their thoughts and experiences.

Diary Dates
Genealogy events taking place in February.

Classified Ads
Professional researchers and services—please mention Family Tree when responding.

Thoughts On…
Diane Lindsay asks a light-hearted question: should she get a new tiara?