A Professional Researcher's Most Used Genealogy Books

As a professional researcher, these books have been my go-to resources for family history research. Instagram: ancestrybyaimee Facebook: @aimeecross2 Given I research daily for clients, one of my professional secrets is my favorite genealogy books. The list could be very long, but I try to keep my books to a relative minimum and use online resources whenever possible. Yet there are times when you just want to flip through a helpful book - these are the most used books in my library. If you purchase through one of the links below I will receive a small commission; however there is no increase in cost to you - it just helps me out. Thanks! 0:00 Intro 1:18 Process Oriented Books: Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones https://amzn.to/3teXbAB Professional Genealogy by Elizabeth Shown Mills https://amzn.to/3I215Bp Genealogy Standards by Board for Certification of Genealogists https://amzn.to/32ZnDDq Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills https://amzn.to/3JQwIiz Older book (I have) Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills https://amzn.to/3f1Uxpt I also have (helps you build citations) QuickSheet: Your Stripped-Bare Guide to Citing Sources https://amzn.to/31CpQE3 4:58 DNA Books: The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T. Bettinger https://amzn.to/3qST1LO 5:42 General Resource Books: Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses 1790-1920 https://amzn.to/3n7nHrD United States Atlas 1890 and Complete Post-Office Directory by Eleanor S. Hutcheson https://amzn.to/3t7sKvQ Cemetery Iconography: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism by Cassidy Madariaga – not available – alternate – Stories in Stone by Gibbs Smith https://amzn.to/3HJWuTN Courthouse Research for Family Historians by Christine Rose https://amzn.to/3fkIdkp Nicknames: Past and Present by Christine Rose https://amzn.to/3q6Ln1a What Did They Mean by That? By Paul Drake https://amzn.to/3r7vkiK 10:17 African American Research: The Best of Reclaiming Kin by Robyn N. Smith https://amzn.to/31CnQvx A Genealogists Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors by Franklin Carter Smith and Emily Anne Croom https://amzn.to/3JT3jnS Directory of African American Religious Bodies – Howard University https://amzn.to/3q3VLXw Ari Wilkins - African American Researcher - https://www.blackgenesis.com ADDITION: just came across a couple of other books for more advanced research, one on land grants, land grants and deeds are essential for genealogy research, the other on tax lists, another frequently overlooked resource for difficult genealogy problems. Military Bounty Land, 1776-1855 by Christine Rose - https://amzn.to/3GqIwG9 The Genealogist's Guide to Researching Tax Records by Carol Cooke Darrow and Susan Winchester - https://amzn.to/3trx3Cu Opening and closing music "Something Elated" by Broke for Free. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Br... Aimee Cross, a professional genealogist based in the United States, shares practical, step-by-step strategies. On Ancestry Aimee we break down brick walls, use records correctly, organize family history research, build accurate, well-sourced family trees, all while avoiding common genealogy mistakes. Terrific for beginner and intermediate researchers who want real progress, not just hints. Be sure to catch reviews of the latest Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Find A Grave, and other genealogy platform features, essential for your family search. Aimee's goal is to make genealogy feel approachable, logical, and rewarding—so you can trust the discoveries you make. 👉 New videos and research guidance to help you build your family tree with confidence.