Rebecca Shamblin, Author/Speaker

06/08/2026

Summer Classes Start Tomorrow!

My new "Genealogy Dream Team: Combining Ancestry.com & Family Tree Maker" online class is happening Monday June 6th at 6pm Central — that’s tomorrow night! Learn how to make the most of these popular genealogy apps and maximize the time you spend on this delightful hobby of ours. https://rebeccashamblin.com/courses/genealogy-dream-team-combining-ancestrycom-family-tree-maker/

Then in two weeks, we will power through Family Book Creator in a single night with Family Book Creator Jump Start on Monday, June 22nd at 6pm Central. Learn how to get started with FBC and explore the possibilities. https://rebeccashamblin.com/courses/family-book-creator-jump-start/

Looking for a more detailed help with creating your family history book? Check out my Family Book Creator Workshop, where I walk you through the entire process, from planning to printing. We will meet twice a month, Monday evenings, from July through November. Returning students can use the promo code WELCOMEBACKSTUDENTS for $50 off workshop registration.
https://rebeccashamblin.com/courses/2026-family-book-creator-workshop-jul-nov/

Click the course links for more information, pricing, and schedule details. Hope to see you there!

A 5-month virtual workshop that walks you step-by-step through the process of producing a family history book using the Family Book Creator plug-in for Family Tree Maker. Each month you will learn new skills you can put to work before our next monthly session, so that you will have a complete cha...

04/26/2026

Hey, local genealogists -- would you like to know more about using FamilySearch.org? It's such a powerful and FREE resource to have in your toolbox. Come to my class Monday night at Wayzata Central Middle School! Class will be 6-7:30pm, in person, and the cost is $35. Read more and register here:
https://wayzata.ce.eleyo.com/course/10339/adult-classes-winter-spring-2026/family-trees-using-familysearch-org

Are you interested in building a powerful family tree but not ready to invest in any software or subscriptions? FamilySearch.org is an amazing free resource often overlooked next to giants like Ancestry.com. It is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve important family records and make...

02/27/2026

If you are a fan of Girl Scout cookies, today is Free Shipping Day for orders of at least 8 boxes! This is my daughter's first year as a Scout, so this is my version of taking the order form "into the office" :)

That's right! You can order your favorite Girl Scout Cookies from me online, all while helping my troop and I do great things in our community and beyond! Check it out.

01/02/2026

My grandpa Lawrence was intensely proud of his Luxembourgish heritage. Over and over, he wrote out what he knew, preserving the names and dates and stories as best he could - on paper, on the backs of envelopes, on the smallest scraps of paper. These are just SOME of the notes recovered from his desk when he passed away. I am honored to be his granddaughter and carry on his legacy.

01/02/2026

Just a quick reminder that this weekend is your last chance to sign up before the latest Family Book Creator workshop launches on Monday. Looking at enrollment numbers, this is likely the last time I teach this course. If you have been on the fence, now is the time :)

The workshop will run from January - May 2026. New material will be presented at 6pm Central Time (US) on the first Monday evening of each month, with the bonus help sessions at the same time on the third Monday. See more details and the full schedule here: https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/courses/family-book-creator-workshop-jan-may-2026/

12/15/2025

I am so excited to bring you the second edition of Leaving a Legacy! People have been clamoring for an update ever since the new versions of Family Tree Maker and Family Book Creator were released earlier this year.

FBC 2024 in particular offers some exciting new options in terms of customizing the appearance of charts, a helpful new Preview window, control over image borders, and the ability to limit the number of citations.

But this is not just about the new programs …

**More Than 50 Pages of New Content!**

--Artificial intelligence
--FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search
--FBC troubleshooting checklist
--Word cloud tutorial
--My new margin recommendations
--The new Lulu Cover Creator
--Excerpt from Building a Legacy
--By popular demand … an index!

FAQ

Is the second edition still helpful for people using FTM 2019 and/or the original FBC?

--Absolutely! I made sure to call out when a particular feature is only available in specific editions of the programs.

How many pages is the new edition?

--A robust 299 pages of excellent content.

Can I get it in different formats?

--Yes, just like before, it is available in paperback, spiral-bound, hardcover, and PDF.

Grab yours now!

The second edition of "Leaving a Legacy" is here! Check it out: https://www.rebeccashamblin.com/product/leaving-a-legacy/ Dismiss

10/27/2025

While teaching in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota today, I mentioned that I am Luxembourgish. The librarian suggested I check out a nearby alleyway on my way out of town, and I was delighted to find this lovely celebration of Luxembourg by the Luxembourg Heritage Society of Southern Minnesota.

09/19/2025

Another chance for us to interact in person! I'll be in Sleep Eye, Minnesota this Monday, leading a free class about getting started in genealogy. Come join us at the Dyckman Free Library!

Join us Monday at 2 pm to learn how to get started researching your family tree!

This program is made possible in part with a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the State of Minnesota.

08/12/2025

That feeling when you have clicked through 236 census records but the 237th record is the one! Triumph!

("Bley" was mis-transcribed as "Blex" - wacky fun)

08/08/2025

I'm excited to attend Luxembourg Fest this weekend in my hometown of Belgium, Wisconsin! I'll be at the parade and the fest on Saturday, and the LACS research center on Sunday. Let me know if you'll be there!

FRIDAY, August 8, 2025 6 pm: Luxembourg Tasting Experience 7:30 pm: Dinner Buechler Farms 587 S Royal Ave, Belgium, WI 53004