The CD-ROM disk contains several versions of the same database, one for use with each of the following genealogy programs:

• Ancestral Quest 3.0 and later versions

• Brother's Keeper 5.2F for Windows

• Family Origins 9.0 for Windows

• Family Tree Maker 5.0 and later versions

• Generations 6 and later versions

• Legacy 3.0 and later versions

• Personal Ancestral File 4.0

• Roots-V and later versions

• The Master Genealogist 3.0 for Windows and later versions

• Ultimate Family Tree 3.0 and later versions

If your preferred genealogy program isn’t on the list, the CD-ROM also includes a GEDCOM file that you can import into any modern genealogy program.

All of the database files are stored as compressed, self-extracting Windows files. I selected the file for Legacy version 3.0 and extracted it to a new folder on my hard drive. I then launched Legacy version 4.0 and imported the version 3.0 database that I had previously extracted from the CD-ROM. Legacy asked if I wanted to convert the database to version 4.0’s format, and I clicked on "Yes." With a database of this size, the conversion requires quite a bit of time to complete. Once done, I was then looking at a database of 202,000 individuals. The best part is that there are no new software commands to learn; you use your regular genealogy program to examine the data, do the searching, and print the reports.

It was rather interesting to move around the database and to see all the relationships amongst the people listed. Here is a brief list of some of the people I found on this CD-ROM: Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, Johnny Appleseed (a.k.a. John Chapman), Clara Barton, Napoleon Bonaparte, Davy Crockett, Jefferson Davis, Hermann Goering, George Gershwin, Grandma Moses, George Plimpton, Robert E. Lee, Elvis Presley, Paul Revere, Lady Diana Spencer, "Wild Bill" Hickok, Samuel Morse, Mark Twain, Cole Porter, Charlemagne, and Myles Standish. Obviously that is a very short list as the CD-ROM contains information about 202,000 people. While I am mentioning some of the more famous people, keep in mind that each of these individuals was related to many who were not so famous. Many of those lesser-known individuals are also listed on this CD-ROM disk. You might find some of your ancestors on this disk, whether they were famous or not.

Of course, when looking at any compilation of data extracted from a number of different sources, there will be questions about data accuracy. This is especially true when looking at royal pedigrees where not all of the experts agree with each other. I thought the CD-ROM’s introduction covered this quite well:

BlueBloods is a database of royal and related lines plus American aristocracy consisting of in excess of 202,000 individuals connected through blood, through marriage, and through other relationships. It is designed to be an educational tool, and not necessarily an adjunct to your genealogical research. If you connect to one of these lines, it is your responsibility to verify dates, places, and relationships, plus document sources. BlueBloods should not be considered a primary genealogy source.

Indeed, the point is worth repeating that "it is your responsibility to verify dates, places, and relationships, plus document sources." The same is true for any genealogy data found on CD-ROMs, on the Web, or in printed books. I wish that all secondary sources of genealogy data would contain similar disclaimers.

BlueBloods 4.1 can be an interesting tool to help in the study of genealogy, history, or social history. I also found it to be just plain fun.

BlueBloods 4.1 sells for $39.95 plus $4.95 shipping charge to U.S. addresses. The producer does not yet have a website although one is in the works. In the meantime, you can order the CD-ROM directly from:

Irresistible Programs
P.O. Box 420009
San Diego, CA 92142-0009

858-268-1861

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