After 13+ Years, This Blog Has a New Home

Dear Family Historians,

When I started this blog back in November 2011, I had no idea where the journey would take me. What began as a supplement to my Family Tree Firsts writing, a place to share discoveries, frustrations, and the occasional triumph, became something much more. Over the past thirteen years, this little corner of the internet has been my genealogical home base.

Today, I’m excited (and just a little nostalgic) to announce that I’m moving to a new digital home.

Ancestors & Annotations

You can now find me at:

Blog | T2family History

The new site brings together everything from my blog to information about my research services, speaking engagements, publications, and more, all in one place. It’s a fresh start that better reflects where I am now.

What’s Happening to This Blog?

Good news: Trials and Tribulations of a Family Historian isn’t going anywhere.

This blog will remain online as an archive. All 500+ posts, the research stories, conference recaps, Fearless Females series, family discoveries, and yes, even those early posts where I was still figuring out what I was doing, will stay right here. If you’ve bookmarked anything or want to revisit old content, you’ll still be able to find it.

However, I will no longer be publishing new posts here. All new content will be published at Ancestors & Annotations.

A Quick Look Back

I can’t let this moment pass without a little reflection. When I look back at over a decade of posts, I see:

·       Brick walls that finally crumbled (and a few that are still standing strong)

·       Family myths that turned out to be completely wrongand others that turned out to be true

·       Conferences attended, lectures given, and colleagues who became friends

·       The evolution of DNA testing from novelty to essential research tool

·       Countless late nights squinting at microfilm and digitized records

·       And through it all, a community of readers who made the journey worthwhile

 

Thank you. Truly. Whether you’ve been reading since 2011 or just stumbled across these pages recently, your readership has meant the world to me.

 

What to Expect at the New Site

·       If you enjoyed what I’ve shared here, you’ll feel right at home at [New Blog Name]. You can expect:

·       Research stories and discoveries  the wins, the walls, and the “wait, WHAT?” moments

·       Education and tips  practical advice for researchers at every level

·       Conference coverage  insights and highlights from genealogy events

·       Family stories  because every tree is full of characters worth meeting

·       The occasional myth-busting  sometimes the truth is even more interesting

 

Come Along!

I hope you’ll join me at the new site. Here’s how to stay connected:

·       Visit the new website and blog: www.t2familyhistory.com

·       Bookmark this page: This blog will remain as an archive if you ever want to revisit old posts.

This isn’t goodbye; it’s just a change of address. The passion for genealogy, the love of a good research puzzle, and the joy of sharing stories? Those are coming with me.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I’ll see you at the new place.

Happy researching!

 Shannon

P.S. If you have any posts here that you’ve bookmarked or referenced, rest assured, they’ll stay live. And if you ever have trouble finding something, just reach out. I’m always happy to help!

I was elected to the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland at the Fellowship Election Meeting on April 25, 2024. This is a great honor, and I am so excited to be a part of this organization. The Society has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past since 1780. Today they continue to promote the understanding and conservation of Scotland’s unique heritage. By becoming a Fellow, you are making a real contribution to the future of the Society.

1ST INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF YOUNG GENEALOGISTS

"Retrospective, present and future of a historiographical science"

In memory of Michel Teillard d'Eyry

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Royal Association of Hidalgos of Spain organizes the I International Congress of Young Genealogists, which will take place in Madrid on February 17 and 18, 2023 , with the collaboration of the International Confederation of Genealogy and Heraldry, the International Academy of Genealogy, the Institute Institute of Genealogy and Heraldry and the International Institute of Genealogy and Family History, under the motto: "Retrospective, present and future of a historiographical science".

The I International Congress of Young Genealogists aims to promote the participation of young people in the Congresses of Genealogy, Nobility and Heraldry, to give continuity to the academic meetings held on these disciplines and create a favorable environment for the relationship and interaction of young people, based on their study and the social activities related to them.

The first edition of the Congress is dedicated to the memory of the eminent genealogist Michel Teillard d'Eyry (1940-2022), who was president of the International Confederation of Genealogy and Heraldry (2002-2014) and president of the International Academy of Genealogy (1998 -2021). During his years at the head of the International Academy of Genealogy, the International Genealogy Colloquia of Moscow (1999), San Marino (2001), The Hague (2003), Paris (2005), Iași (2007), Guimarães (2009) were organized. , Bologna (2011), Saint Petersburg (2013), Madrid (2015), Montreal (2017), Warsaw (2019) and Messina (2021).

Participation in the I International Congress of Young Genealogists can be as a speaker or as an assistant. Speakers must be between 18 and 39 years of age in 2023. However, the organization may propose the participation of speakers over 39 years of age, when this is of special interest for the development of the Congress.

The Congress will be held jointly in person and online, to facilitate the participation of young people from anywhere in the world. The papers must be original and unpublished and priority will be given to genealogists from countries that have had close historical relations with Spain or whose papers are related to these countries.

The papers presented at the I International Congress of Young Genealogists that meet the requirements indicated by the organization of the Congress will be published in a special edition of the prestigious journal Hidalguía , forming the proceedings of the Congress. Hidalguía magazine was founded in 1953 and is a publication belonging to the Royal Association of Hidalgos of Spain. It is the world's dean in these disciplines and in 2023 it will celebrate its 70th anniversary .

Over two days, the Royal Association of Hidalgos of Spain will welcome the participants gathered around the scheduled academic activities. The Congress will conclude with the traditional Carnival Party that the Royal Association has been organizing every year on Carnival Saturday in a select place in Madrid to bring together the young associates and their guests, and to which Congress participants who wish may join.

On July 15, 2022, the call will be open to present proposals for papers for the I International Congress of Young Genealogists, whose term ends on September 30, 2022. It can be done from that date through www.congresojovenesgenealogistas2023 .it is

RootsTech Keynote Comic Maysoon Zayid

 Improbable Comic Maysoon Zayid Brings Her Powerful and Hilarious Story to RootsTech 2022

 

9 February 2022, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH— Maysoon Zayid bills herself as a comedian, actress, disability advocate, and tap dancer. What she is, is an inspiration. Injured at birth, Maysoon grew up with cerebral palsy. Doctors told her parents she would never walk, so she learned to dance. “You can do it! Yes, you cancan,” her father would tell her, and she never stopped believing it. Her powerful story, told in her unique, hilarious style is sure to delight the worldwide online audience attending RootsTech 2022 (March 3-5, 2022). Register for free at RootsTech 2022 to watch Maysoon.

Maysoon grew up in New Jersey with more than a few potential strikes against her. “In the oppression Olympics I would win a gold medal. I’m Palestinian, I’m Muslim, I’m a woman of color, I’m divorced, I’m disabled, and I am childless with a cat named ‘Beyonce’,” she says with a grin.

But as fate would have it, she was surrounded by immigrant parents, three older sisters, and a nurturing support system, including her Palestinian grandparents and extended family, that set her feet on a path of confidence and achievement. “My disability should have been isolating. The only reason it wasn’t isolating was because I was really blessed and lucky to have a community that supported me, didn’t bully me, didn’t make fun of me, [and] always included me,” said Maysoon.

In the intervening years Maysoon earned a degree in acting from Arizona State University, became a Princeton Fellow, and co-founded and co-executive produced the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. She has been a full-time On Air Contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann and a columnist for The Daily Beast. She has appeared on Oprah Winfrey Networks’ In Deep Shift, 60 Minutes, and ABC News. Maysoon had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and was named one of 100 Women 2015 by the BBC.

According to her online bio, as a professional comedian Maysoon has performed in top New York clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Muslims Are Coming Tour. Maysoon appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and has written for VICE. She limped in New York Fashion Week, is a recurring character on General Hospital, and is the author of Audible’s Find Another Dream.

But of all her accomplishments, she says the legacy she hopes to leave is one of equality, specifically for people with disabilities.

“The biggest thing that my Palestinian heritage did was it created a deep love and dedication to equality. And I think the most influential part of growing up with, you know, kind of one crooked leg in each world was knowing that equality works, it’s worth it, and it’s worth fighting for.”

To enjoy more of Maysoon’s fascinating story, and the rest of RootsTech 2022 for free, register today at RootsTech.org.

Find and share this announcement in the FamilySearch Newsroom.

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About RootsTech 2022

RootsTech welcomes millions of people worldwide to celebrate family at the world’s largest family history conference and year-long learning platform. With thousands of classes, inspiring speakers, meaningful activities, and joyful connections, RootsTech brings the human family together like no other event. The conference is 100% virtual and 100% free. Learn more at www.rootstech.org.

About FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each month to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,000 family history centers in 129 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Food Network Star Molly Yeh

https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/molly-yeh-keynote-rootstech-2022

Chef Molly Yeh has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post,

Molly Yeh is known for being the star of a Food Network series where she shares the very best of her recipes inspired by her Jewish and Chinese heritage. Her first cookbook won the Judges’ Choice IACP Cookbook Award in 2017, and her food blog regularly welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each month. She is also an accomplished musician with a degree in percussion performance from Juilliard.

Molly is a great example of someone who is proud of her heritage and shares it with others. She said, "It's so important to choose connection beyond family because we live among tons of other people; we share a planet with billions of other people." For her, cooking is the first step in that journey. "I want other people to experience the joy of cooking: feeding people who I love and creating those memories and traditions around it," she explained.

This year, Molly Yeh will be a keynote speaker at RootsTech! Join us at RootsTech 2022 on 3–5 March to listen to her delicious keynote address.

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Apollonia Poilâne Shares Recipe to Connect Family

 https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/apollonia-poilane-rootstech-connect-2022

Chef Apollonia Poilâne has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post,

“Bread Links People,” Says Third-Generation Owner of Paris’ Most-famous Bakery

It is a story about tragedy, resilience, vision, and triumph. But mostly it is a story about family, connected through generations by a special loaf of sourdough bread known worldwide as pain Poilâne. Apollonia Poilâne, the third-generation owner of Paris’ most-famous bakery, will share her remarkable family story with a global online audience as a keynote speaker during RootsTech Connect 2022, the world’s largest family history conference, March 3–5, 2022. Register for free today at RootsTech.org.

“Bread links people. I love the bond it creates when people share it,” says Apollonia, who was literally raised in the bakery started by her grandfather Pierre Poilâne in 1932. She worked in the family business as a child and began a formal 9-month apprenticeship to learn the art of bread making in her late teens. Then tragedy struck. Her father, Lionel Poilâne, whose innovative spirit and relentless commitment to quality made the Poilâne brand world-renowned, and her mother, Irena Poilâne, an American architect and art gallery owner, were both killed in a helicopter crash.

Orphaned with her younger sister, Athena, at the tender age of 18, Apolonia was faced with a decision. Gifted with a winning combination of her father’s vision and determination, and her mother’s artistic flair, she chose to carry on her family’s legacy. But she did not abandon her dream of a college education and for several years ran the business remotely while she earned an economics degree from Harvard University.

Today she is leading what can only be described as a baking empire, producing tens of thousands of the signature loaf each month, along with a variety of other culinary treats. Building on her family legacy, Apollonia has added many new mouth-watering items to the company’s offerings, written or contributed more than a dozen books, and produced online baking classes. Customers hail from down the street, and across the world, yet quality is still the chief ingredient of every hand-crafted loaf of bread, cookie, and pastry.

Learn more about her amazing story firsthand and what is next for this extraordinary entrepreneur by registering for RootsTech Connect 2022 today at RootsTech.org and joining us for the virtual event March 3–5, 2022!

RootsTech 2022 Keynote Speaker - Making Connections Is No Act for Golden Globe Winner Matthew Modine

 https://www.familysearch.org/en/newsroom/matthew-modine-rootstech-2022-keynote

Golden Globe winner Matthew Modine has been added to the lineup of Keynote Speakers at the upcoming RootsTech Virtual 2022 Conference from March 3 - 5, 2022. 

Quoting from the above blog post:

Aspiring actor Matthew Modine was working as a chef in a New York City restaurant frequented by the city’s elites when a chance encounter with one particular customer changed his life.

“I’d never seen any creature like her in my life, and I just fell in love at first sight,” he said of Caridad Rivera, now his wife of more than 40 years, whom he credits for giving him the confidence to become one of the most successful actors of our time.

Another chance encounter with FamilySearch International CEO Steve Rockwood led the star of films such as Full Metal Jacket and the Netflix hit series Stranger Things to an invitation to share his stories of human connection with a worldwide RootsTech Connect 2022 audience on March 3–5, 2022.

“Can we create, as a human being, a little ripple of positivity and goodness that will impact other peoples’ [ripples]?” he asked. “And my ripple will connect with another ripple and create a great wave of change. That’s how you connect to people…don’t think that you’re above anybody else.”

At RootsTech Modine will recount his life’s journey as a young boy in California and Utah, share his delightful discovery how New York City is actually more of a homeland than an adopted home, and the connections he’s made along the way, including a special connection with an uncle whose US Air Force uniform Modine wore as a B-17 captain in Memphis Belle.

Enjoy more of Matthew Modine’s heartwarming story by registering for RootsTech Connect 2022 today for free at RootsTech.org, and by joining the virtual event March 3–5, 2022!