8 must-have family history tools for better storytelling

If you’ve ever tried to piece together your family history, you know it’s part detective work, part treasure hunt. The thrill of discovery is real, but raw research alone isn’t enough—you need to turn those findings into a story people will actually want to hear. The good news? You don’t need a degree in history to do this well. You just need the right tools. Here are eight essentials for bringing your ancestors’ stories to life, based on the toolkit I used for my last episode, How Far Would You Go for Love?

1. Photos: The Window to the Past

If a picture is worth a thousand words, old family photos are priceless. They capture details that words can’t—expressions, clothing, surroundings. One of my biggest treasures is a 113-year-old photo album from my Dallimore ancestors’ world trip in 1912. This album wasn’t just a collection of images—it was a map of their journey, revealing their choices, their dreams, and the reason I get to call Aotearoa home today. For How Far Would You Go for Love, I used these photos to illustrate the early life of Henry Dickens Dallimore and his journey across the world.

2. Family Tree Documents: The Backbone of Research

Before diving into online records, start with what’s already in your family’s hands. Handwritten family trees, birth and marriage certificates, and old letters—these are gold. In my case, a typed letter from Henry himself provided crucial details. He originally wrote it to his daughter, then decided it was important enough to share with the entire family. That letter gave me the key facts I needed to validate records and piece together his life story.

3. Local Libraries: A Hidden Goldmine

Never underestimate the power of a local library. This is where you’ll find newspaper archives, cemetery records, and local histories that aren’t available online. A major breakthrough for How Far Would You Go for Love came from a trip my Uncle David made to the Cambridge Library (and cemetery!) in New Zealand, where he uncovered Henry’s retirement article and Edith’s obituary. These local records added emotional depth to their story, giving me insights into how they were remembered by their community.

4. Genealogy Websites: The Digital Powerhouses

Once you’ve exhausted family records and libraries, it’s time to tap into the big online databases. Platforms like FamilySearch, WikiTree, Ancestry.com, and MyHeritage offer a treasure trove of census data, birth records, and historical newspapers. For Henry’s story, I used these platforms to track his movements, verify dates, and confirm key life events. If you have UK ancestors, Findmypast is another great resource—especially for old newspaper archives that give rich personal details beyond just names and dates.

5. Genealogical Societies: The Detective Network

If you’re serious about family history, joining a genealogy society is a no-brainer. I’m a member of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, and I can tell you firsthand—this is where you find the real experts. These societies have exclusive databases, research assistance, and most importantly, people who love solving mysteries. It was through this network that I found key verification points that helped strengthen Henry’s story.

6. Key Idea: Framing the Story

All the research in the world won’t matter if your story is forgettable. A strong key idea—a defining decision, an emotional moment—makes all the difference. For How Far Would You Go for Love, I framed the story around a single question: How far would you go for love? That idea shaped the entire narrative, from Henry’s early life in London, to his three-hour walk across the city for a date, to ultimately moving to the farthest place on Earth—New Zealand. Finding a powerful central theme helps transform your research into a compelling story.

7. AI Image Generators: Bringing the Past to Life

Sometimes, you don’t have photos of key moments in your ancestors’ lives. That’s where AI comes in. Leonardo.ai helped me visualize what 1870s London looked like when Henry was growing up. The smog, the overcrowded streets, the stark contrast between rich and poor—it all helped set the scene for his early struggles and motivations. AI-generated images can’t replace real photos, but they can help immerse your audience in the world your ancestors lived in.

Leonardo is also great at taking a photo and making a fairly accurate replica. Uncanny! Although, at present, AI image creators aren’t too good at handling multiple characters.

8. AI Voice Changers: Giving Your Ancestors a Voice

Reading an old letter is one thing—hearing it spoken in a voice from the past? That’s next level. AI tools like ElevenLabs allow you to take written records and generate realistic, period-appropriate speech. For How Far Would You Go for Love, I used this tool to create a distinct voice for Henry Dickens Dallimore. Instead of just reading a quote, I was able to bring his voice to life, making his letters feel more immediate and personal.

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What’s Next? A Terrifying War Story from the Dardanelles

Researching family history is one thing. Turning it into a compelling story? That’s another. These eight tools—ranging from old-school archives to cutting-edge AI—can help you uncover, verify, and most importantly, tell your ancestors’ stories in a way that resonates.

And I’m not stopping here. Over the next month, I’ll be diving into one of the most intense and terrifying chapters of my family’s history: the World War One story of my great-grandfather, Young. It’s nearly 110 years since he fought for survival in the waters of the Dardanelles, a battle that tested every ounce of his courage. I’ll be using some very special pieces of my toolkit to bring that story to life.

Make sure to join our community to be part of the journey.

See you in the next story!