The Digital Frontier with James Beidler

BEFORE THE PAGES

We often wonder about the history inside the books on our shelves, but rarely about the history of the person who wrote them. Today, we're proud to introduce James Beidler, a veteran genealogy professional and former newspaper copy editor who has dedicated his career to helping others discover their roots.

FROM NEWSROOMS TO FAMILY TREES

James lives in a home built in 1870 that has been in his family since 1920, a fitting setting for someone so deeply connected to lineage. While many know him through his long-running weekly column, "Roots & Branches," which he has penned since 1998, his journey into writing began much earlier.

"I first was prodded into considering writing as a career by my seventh-grade English teacher!"

That early spark eventually led to a prolific professional life. Before transitioning into a full-time genealogy professional in 1999, James spent his first career working as a newspaper copy editor. His connection to Masthof Press stretches back decades, beginning when he first met Lois Ann and Lemar at the old Lancaster Family History Conference. Today, he continues that partnership with Masthof's next generation to bring vital tools to the family history community.

One of his latest projects, Trace Your German Roots Online: A Complete Guide to German Genealogy Websites (2nd Edition), updates his original 2016 work with loads of new sources. Inspired some twenty years ago by a presentation from the late John T. Humphrey titled The .www of German Genealogy," James recognized the massive shift toward digital research. This updated edition is specifically designed to capture the vast array of online records for German genealogy from around the world. Masthof's second edition of The Family Tree Historical Atlas of Germany has also been recently released, continuing his mission to map out the past for modern researchers.

CHASING THE MOVING TARGET

With a deep background in the newsroom, James admits he is fortunate enough to never suffer from writer's block. Instead, his primary challenge when compiling a comprehensive guide is much more practical: the fast-evolving nature of the internet itself. "The most challenging part of the book is keeping up with changing websites!" he notes. In a field where digital archives are constantly migrating, updating, and expanding, James’s work acts as a steady, reliable anchor for researchers navigating the complexities of online family history.

THE DRAMA OF COMMON PEOPLE

James’s approach to genealogy is flavored by his appreciation for history that feels alive. He draws deep inspiration from the historical works of Barbara Tuchman, which he considers among the best for giving a true sense of drama to major historical events.

For James, family history follows a similar pulse; it isn’t just a collection of sterile names and dates, but a way to witness how common people have actively influenced the greater sweep of history. As he reflects on his research philosophy, he notes that "there are so many 'niche' sources not just on the big websites," and it is in these specific, often overlooked records where the true stories of our ancestors are found. By providing researchers with the tools to navigate these global digital archives, he ensures that the drama of the past remains accessible, preserving the legacy of everyday lives for generations to come.

James Beidler’s journey, shaped by decades in journalism and a deep dedication to heritage, is a powerful testament to the value of reclaiming our shared past. His essential guides are more than research manuals; they are doorways into the digital frontier of history and maps to finding the everyday people who shaped our lineages.

Ready to uncover the missing branches of your family history across the globe?

Trace Your German Roots Online and the newly released The Family Tree Historical Atlas of Germany, 2nd Edition are available now, inviting researchers to experience the thrill of discovery through a comprehensive, expertly detailed roadmap of our shared past.

CONNECT WITH JAMES BEIDLER

Follow the latest news and connect with James Beidler directly:

• Website: James M. Beidler, Author

• Newspaper Column/Blog: Roots & Branches

• Facebook: James M. Beidler