Welcome to 2025: A Big Year for One Ancestor at a Time

Hi Reader!

It’s the start of a new year, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. If you’ve been following One Ancestor at a Time, you know it’s all about uncovering the stories of the past to enrich our lives today. But there’s something I haven’t told you—until now.

Some of you may have already guessed, while for others, this will come as a surprise: One Ancestor at a Time is evolving into something even bigger. It’s not just a blog, not just a YouTube channel, not just a resource for storytelling.

The Big Reveal: One Ancestor Is Becoming a Software Tool

Yes, you read that right. One Ancestor at a Time is on its way to becoming a software tool designed to help you tell your family’s story—better, easier, and with more creativity than ever before.

Right now, we’re in the very early stages. This means a lot of research, a lot of testing, and—most importantly—a lot of listening. If you want to follow the journey, be sure to follow us on YouTube. Your feedback will be key to shaping what this becomes.

The Storytelling Journey Continues

While we build this new tool, the heart of One Ancestor at a Time remains the same: exploring how to tell great family stories. That’s why we’re focusing on three core areas:

• ​Research – There are already incredible tools out there for genealogy, but if you’re just starting out, I can help you find your way.
• ​Storytelling – The craft of turning facts into compelling narratives, from structure to emotional resonance.
• ​Sharing – Finding the right formats, platforms, and ways to connect with others through your family’s history.

What’s Coming Up? A Sneak Peek

I’ll also keep sharing my own family’s stories. Here are just a couple to look forward to:

• The Astonishing WWI Adventure of My Great-Grandfather – A tale of resilience, survival, and the unexpected twists of war.
• My Samoan Family: A Sideways Trip on the Family Tree – Exploring my wife’s Samoan heritage and what it means to navigate two cultures.

But most importantly—this space is for you. One Ancestor at a Time isn’t just about my stories; it’s about yours.

What do you want to see more of? What’s challenging you on your family history journey? What tools or techniques would make storytelling easier for you? Let me know in the comments or reach out — I’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead. Let’s make 2025 the year we bring our ancestors’ stories to life in new and meaningful ways.