Observations from the edge: multi-generational needs in genealogy

Starting with RootsTech a few months back I have seen more and more traffic among genealogy blogs and forums about the need for outreach to younger genealogists.  To me, a border line Gen X / Gen Y (now a Gen C?) person, this is a wonderful and amazing thing.    Just in the last month there has been an upswing in the chatter on this subject culminating in the formation of a new society with its focus on promoting the next generation of genealogists.  

If you have read this blog for any amount of time you already know that I had a late start to the game.  Or at least in my mind.  In fact, I had not even heard of the word genealogy until I started to do research.  Maybe I had, but I was much younger and didn’t understand what exactly it meant.  However, I think if I had known what it was, that you could make a career out of it, or had been encouraged more as a child and young adult it would not have taken me until my mid-30s to come to where I am today.  Lost years, too many lost years, and lost family members along the way.

I obviously didn’t look hard enough for this field, I know, but I was focused on becoming a scientist.  Many of you probably understand. When you are in school trying to survive and get a degree, then get married, start a family, plus everything that comes with being young you sometimes don’t know which way is up.  I had the stories my family told me.  At that time in my life I thought that was enough.  Yes, I had Cousin Charlie who talked to everyone about my mother’s family and my dad’s mom also.  When they died I didn’t even think immediately about what happened to their stuff, and while I missed the updates I didn’t know what to do but go on with my life. 

Granted, I knew what a family tree was.  I had to do the time honored family tree in elementary school.  In college I filled out pedigree charts in biology class. Later I filled out family medical history charts with doctors.  Even then, I didn't stop and think to myself things like "wonder if I could follow a paper trail" or "how did they know what the line back was."  I had this notion in my head that all that was to be found had been and if I wanted to know more I just had to get a book. You know, because stuff back then wasn't kept like it is today.  Well, at least in my family that was the way of the world.

There was a veil in front of my eyes so to speak. A mystery that obviously only a few knew and only those in the know could pull back.  Or, at least that is what it felt like.  There had to be a way to find out more, but I did not have the tools or the education to do it.   Remember… biologist here…I knew all about that type of stuff not much about anything else.

Over the last several years a whole new world has opened up to me.  I have come to realize that it is easier now than it would have been a decade or more ago because of the internet.  Fast and easy accessibility was the key to get me started and hooked.  How else would a stay at home mom with 2 kids be able to carve out time to do research?  It would have been nearly impossible for me to do what I am doing now in the pre-computer/internet age.

It seems that those who get into genealogy as children or young adults had a family member help them at the start.  Those lucky few have more experience under their belt in their 20s than many of us late starters.  They are leading the next wave of genealogists and I don’t want anyone with a passion for family history, no matter how young, to be left out.  Mentoring the younger generations and giving them the opportunity to start on their own journey should be a concern to us all.

How many of you wish you parents/grandparents/siblings/cousins/etc. were still alive so you could ask those nagging questions?

Imagine what would happen if we encourage those already in university studying history, library science, sociology  or other related disciplines to look into genealogy as an aspect to their field.  How could we enrich them with what we know?  Even better, think about the ways they could enrich us with their knowledge of today.  

On the even younger scale, I don’t know how many of you have tweens in your life who watch the Disney Channel.  If you do you may have caught their segments My Family Tree.  These short pieces follow kids (I would guess middle school aged) as they discover aspects of their family history with their parents. They originally aired in 2010-11, but they are still being shown.  If you haven't seen them, some of the segments are on YouTube.  After my kids have watched an episode they always have questions about the show, if we have common themes in our family, and so many more questions.  If a 2 minute program can get kids attention…imagine what could happen to the future of our community if we harnessed this innate curiosity.

Granted, not all people will be interested in genealogy.  Just like I had neighbors at one point who didn’t understand why anyone would ever want to leave the tri-county area and a trip to the “City” 2 hours away was a huge deal.  We all have different interests, we all have different needs, and we all need someone to pick up where we leave off.  Wouldn't it be great if that someone was in the family?

Why should we wait until people are older to join in on the hunt? 

Coming together at the genealogy table will not happen overnight. Walls, age prejudice, thought patterns, and teaching will have to be addressed.  I have high hopes for our future with a multi-generational community that can learn and grow together.

However, to end on a funny note, add in a cat meme and I think this comic has it.

Review: Family Tree by HBO

I have been anxiously waiting for the release of the new HBO series Family Tree.  Well, it was, interesting.  First, if you don’t like British comedy in the vein of Spinal Tap you will not like this show.  It was quirky, full of dry humor, and plenty of awkward situations that make you cock your head sideways.  Below is my honest review of the first episode.  

If you have not heard about its release Family Tree is a 30 minute comedy that premiered last Sunday evening on HBO.  Created by Christopher Guest (director of A Mighty Wind, Best in Show, and For Your Consideration) and  Jim Piddock this eight part series follows the main character Tom Chadwick (played by Chris O'Dowd) through his first foray into genealogy.  

The show starts with Tom and his sister Bea (played by Nina Conti) on their way to their father's house (Keith Chadwick, played by Micheal McKean) for dinner.  It is there that he informs them of a distant relatives passing and that they each have been left with something.  Tom receives an old steamer trunk and is initially less than thrilled with it.  However, it is what he finds in the trunk after he gets home that had me smiling and will have the fellow genealogists out there nodding along too.  With one item he is bit by the bug and he starts off on his first family tree adventure.

It is described a a mockumentary, but I didn't think it lived up to that description.  As a mockumentary I expected to see more of the documentary filming style interspersed with interviews and clips.  This, however, was a regular show with the occasional interview thrown in making it seemed disjointed and no flow.  At one point I was thinking what in the world was going on.  One second they are having a nice family conversation and without warning they have cut away and are getting background information from Tom   Who is there interviewing him and why?  It just cut back and forth between the 2 genres and I wanted to yell at the screen to stick with one of the other already.  Of course it has been compared to The Office... neither version of which I could stand. So maybe it is just me.

Overall, I am curious to see where it goes.  With only 8 episodes I will probably last the whole season, but the next season will be iffy unless it gets a lot better.  Now, it just may be that I prefer British comedy in the vein of Black Adder, Coupling, or Four Weddings and a Funeral and that I just don't "get" this type.  I am sure they can say the same thing about some of our shows too.

Want another opinion, and not from a genealogy perspective?  Check out a few of these:

'Family Tree' series premiere: HBO's newest mockumentary charms in spite of its meandering nature from Zap2it

Recap: Christopher Guest's 'Family Tree' Gets Off To A Promising Start & Shows He Hasn't Lost His Touch from Indiewire

Seitz: Christopher Guest's Family Tree is a Less Mocking Mockumentary from Matt Zoller Seitz at Vulture

What a week... I can't wait for what's coming!

It has been a while since I have been able to sit down and just write about genealogy stuff going on in my life.  So, take this as your warning, this is my blog catch up post for my goal progress and tell all on what is happening in my genealogy life.  There will be information on stuff done, stuff coming up, and stuff I want to do.  You know general things that run around the inside of my head.  Maybe this way my head can settle down and I can get to work.

 

First off I did my 2 presentations last Saturday and I didn’t faint from fear.  Seriously, this was the second time I have been up in front of genealogy people so it is still knew for me.  Once again my take home message to myslef was: I am much more comfortable teaching in front of large groups than I am simply speaking or performing.  I call that a win.  Also, I am sure other presenters can relate, but after giving the lecture to a flesh and blood crowd I did see where I need to do modifications on both for the future.  I loved the feedback I got, and I am very happy that most walked away with something useful from the two sessions. 

Last week I signed up for an online course through Coursera on genetics.  It has been 14 years since I have had a class in genetics and reading articles just doesn't really keep you up to date on all the new advances.  Plus, it was free.  How can you pass up free? Well, I should say that while it is free there is an option called Signature track which is a paid version and they will verify your results for employers and other institutions.  For this course it was about $40. 

The course is geared to people who want to learn the basics of genetics as well as how it can be useful in the world around us.  They do assume you have basic biology principles under your belt, which I think several of the students were surprised by during the first sets of lectures and practice problems.  Today I find out my first grade… I am a bit anxious to see what I got because if I have an overall course grade of 85% or more I get a certificate of completion through the University offering the course.  In this case the University of British Columbia.

If you have not checked out Coursera classes I would recommend it.  There are several class offerings out there that I think many of you may get something out of.  Today there is a course starting on being an effective writer for instance.

My other new life development is that I am getting ready to be employed again.  I have called for information to become a substitute teacher in my local school district.  Yes, my genealogy habit has grown so large that my husband suggested I get a job.  Okay, it didn’t quite go down like that, but there was a suggestion that if I really wanted to do the Boston University session this fall I should look at bringing in some extra income.  Can’t say I blame him.  Up to now it has been a few dollars here or a book there. Not a couple thousand dollars at one go.  This truly shows my dedication.  After 13 years of being a stay at home mom I am looking at being, at least part time, employed.  Sigh…this will be an adventure.

In other news, my DAR paperwork has gone in.  Whew, one goal on my yearly check list taken care off.  Two weeks ago I received a package with deeds and marriage contracts (I can’t really call them certificates) from Mercer County, Kentucky.  They hopefully, fingers crossed, will help with that final proof hurdle since I can’t access the only other file in their collection for this specific line.  There should be a couple posts coming up talking about those.  I know there are some cousins out there who are also interested in the Hayden Line.

Alright, I think that is all I needed to catch-up on.  Back to writing my next blog and column articles for the IDG (you are reading the magazine right?) and getting my act together for other projects.  Need another research goal…finish the GSMD now?

Two presentations this Saturday in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Advertisment from the CRRL Newsletter
Library Point, May 2013, page 3

This Saturday 11 May 2013 I will be making two presentations to the public in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The first is an introduction to genetic genealogy and the second is on lineage societies.  If you are in the neighborhood, I hope to see you there!

From the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Website:

Introductory Genealogy and Beyond 

Branch:  Moved to the Free-Lance Star Building

Age Level:  Adults

Description: CRRL and the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society invite you to meet with the experts and learn everything you need to know about doing the family tree! Free! Sign up required. Call or email Kris Jankovits of FRGS 540-226-9280 or findkaj@hotmail.com 

May 11: DNA in Genealogy and Lineage Societies--Shannon Bennett, Fredericksburg Regional Genealogy Society

Time:  Saturday, May 11, 2013 - 9:00am - 11:00am

Synopsis of presentation on Genetic Genealogy:

This is a general overview of genetics and how it relates to genealogy.  Topics discussed will include basic terminology, the types of testing offered, and how to use it in conjunction with your genealogy research. A knowledge of genetics is not required to attend.

Synopsis of presentation on Lineage Societies:

This presentation will focus on what individuals can do with their research.  Lineage Societies are numerous and not only are a way to honor your heritage but also to connect with other people who share the same history and passions as you.  Participants will be guided through how to select and find a society to what are the best types of documents to submit.

New Book: Mastering Genealogical Proof

As always I am on the lookout for ways to continue my genealogy education and advance my knowledge in the field.  Recently I have seen all the commotion around the upcoming release of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones.  Of course, I have ordered a copy.

If you are not familiar with the title it is a new NGS publication (shipping date estimated as May 20th) aimed at being an essential research guide for those in the field of genealogy.  It is designed as a text book with problems at the end of each chapter for the readers to answer by applying what they learned in that section.  Best of all, I understand that the answers are in the book. 

Study groups have popped up too so that people can learn these new concepts together.  There may be more, but as of right now I am aware of two such groups that you can sign up to be apart of.  If you do know of more, I would love to hear about them.

First is Dear Myrtle’s study group.  She is hosting a 10 part series meeting on Sunday evenings using a Google Hangout system.  People can listen and watch the live, or the recorded version, with a panel of experts talking about the chapters.  Participants may ask questions on her G+ community page which will then be answered by the panel. 

Second, is a more structured learning group called Gen Proof and is spearheaded by Angela McGhie. It too has a G+ community page where you can sign up to interact with other participants; however those who wish to join a study group need to sign up on a wait-list for a group assignment.  These groups will consist of 10 students lead by a mentor who will go through the text and exercises with them.  These sessions are estimated to go for either 8 or 16 weeks depending on the group mentor and needs.  

My book is on its way and I am excited see what is in store.  Personally I am seriously looking at the Gen Proof sessions as I think I will get a lot more out small, close knit, working groups.  If I am left to my own devices in a loose framework I tend to go off task and get lost. 

So… anyone going to join me???

To Google+ or not to Google+ that is the question

At times I can be a bit out of the loop, and as I have pointed out here in the past, scared of change and resistant to it.  Yes, I am a Gen-Xer but I am entitled to have “fuddy-duddy” ways as some of my friends point out.  Seriously, if is aint broke why fix it?

Being married to a man to who is in the IT world, and has been known to build computer things from spare parts in the garage, is at times a challenge.  It took him years, years I tell you, to really convince me to use email and the internet after I got out of college.  Now I wonder what the heck took me so long since I now spend most of my time doing something on it.  The latest hurdle, much to the amusement of my friends, is I finally turned on text messages.  Yes I have lived this long without text messaging… so sue me.

My latest frontier to fully embrace in the new tech social media world is Google+.  I know it has been out for nearly 2 years, but I am slow to jump on bandwagons.  A few months ago I signed up for my free account, joined some groups, a bunch of people friended me, but now what?  Really, I don’t know how to work this newfangled thing and I am really confused as to its purpose. Particularly why we as genealogists have embraced it so fully while many other groups have nearly shunned it.  Of course I said that about Facebook and now I don’t know how I have lived without it.  Any one want to help enlighten me?

I have read posts by James Tanner, Daniel M. Lynch, Dorie Clark, and many others.  I do admit that I need to watch Dear Myrtle's webinar on the subject.  Or the one offered by Family Tree University.  That will be added to my to-do list.

It may be that I don’t have enough time in the day to read everything, do everything, and be everything that I want to.  In that case I may need to readjust my time management skills.  I am going to give it a bit more time while I figure out how to use it more fully.  Perhaps I am overwhelmed by the number of messages I get in my inbox daily from the different groups I have joined.  There is a lot of good stuff, just once again not enough time to read and digest it all.

On that note, I would love to know what you love/hate about this new way for genealogists to connect.  Is it a tool you use all the time?  Do you have any tips for me on using it better?  Let me know your thoughts since I hate feeling a bit on the frazzled side.  I am sure there is a reason why we love it so much.

Cousins, cousins everywhere: connections through New England

Images d'Épinal : Cendrillon

I have this friend, she is related to EVERYONE.  No, seriously she has a cousin connection to over half of the people we know in common; maybe even more than that.  She is also the reason I am sitting here today and the first person I go to with genealogy questions. Dare I say she is my genealogy fairy godmother?  Perhaps not, I don’t want to get hit the next time I see her.

What fascinates me about this is the fact that when you have links to colonial New England, like we do, you have links to a lot of other people.  I have one line from the Mayflower, Alden, but unlike most persons of that time my family left the area very quickly.  Within 3 generations they were in New Jersey.  A generation later they were in Kentucky. The next they were in Indiana where my line finally stayed for the next 150+ years.  My other New England family was named Kelley. They were Irish immigrants to the Boston area who then moved to Martha’s Vineyard before landing in Indiana via Ohio. 

I think it is due to this migration pattern that I have fewer links to others with colonial roots.  My friend on the other hand has a multitude of connections to a lot of families because even though her family group moved through New England they married in every town and integrated into the various communities.  Essentialy her family stayed longer and made more connections.  Interesting study in family dynamics and migration patterns, yes?

She and I have 2 confirmed great X-grandparents in common.  They are Christopher Webb and his wife Humility Cooper (or could it be Wheaton), as well as John Crabtree and his wife Alice Courtney.  We are still looking at the links to my husband, but so far it seems they may have as many as 7 cousin connections.  My mother-in-law has long roots in New England, much to her amazement, so this is not as surprising of a find.

Then there are the connections to figures that are larger than life.  My oldest child, the American History buff, has grabbed onto the fact that we are cousins to Presidents on one side and a signer of the Declaration on Independence on the other, all because we have the same colonial genealogical roots.  These cousin connections have sent my son on a research spree (you should have seen him when he was shown his cousins signature on the declaration at the archives).  He comes to me every so often to let me know about another cousin connection he found on the internet.  The hard part?  Trying to explain how distant of a connection this is.  To him a cousin is a cousin darn it, we should be proud of all our ancestors.  It must be that need in people to be connected in some way to people or places that have a historical significance. 

What are your thoughts? 

Do you have lots of cousin connections to fellow genealogy friends?

Did your family stay for longer periods of time, or did they have itchy feet?

I’d love to hear your experiences with researching New England ancestors and families that cross (sometimes more than once) with each other.