Time flies when you are having fun at RootsTech

SLC at Sunset 24 Feb 2020

I arrived Monday night in Salt Lake City, and today is the first time I have sat down to write anything about the conference. Yes, I have been that busy! But it is a good busy, so let me catch you up on some of the fantastic things that are going on here.

First off, I did make my trek to the Family History Library on Tuesday. Of course, the floors were packed with many excited researchers. I lucked out and found a couple of books I needed and have not found at any library in Virginia. Even better, I used the book scanner there. So great! It does not put pressure on the spine of the books, and you have a nice PDF of your pages downloaded to your thumb drive. Much lighter (and environmentally friendly) than carrying papers back home with me. Yes, I could have taken pictures with my phone, or used my phone scanner, but it was a new tool to try out! Can you blame me?

Photo by Terri O'Connell

It was my pleasure to attend the speaker's social and media dinner on Tuesday night. These times are always special to me as I get to see people I do not get to see very often in a more relaxed setting. We are here to work (either speaking or reporting and sometimes both), and these events are the kick-off for a high paced four days. I can never thank the event staff enough for all they do for us as well.

My first presentation is done. I spoke yesterday (and will give the lecture again on Saturday) on "What to do when the vital record is wrong?" It was the first recorded lecture I have presented at RootsTech, so I was a bit nervous. Thankfully my friends in the audience said I did great. I think I can believe them, right?!

Photo by Amie
Bowser Tennant

Last night when the expo hall doors opened to the public there was an amazing phenomenon. Hundreds (and hundreds) of kids with their parents poured into the Salt Palace. The expo hall is free for everyone and this kick-off of the 10^th anniversary grew quite the crowd. I am still waiting to see if we get a count on how many were there!

Today is off and running! Talk to you more soon.

RootsTech Registration is open are you going

It's that time of year again, time to register for RootsTech.  As of this morning the event is open for registration and you can find all the details in the press release below.

I will be there again this year not only as an ambassador but also as a speaker.  Yes, I am very excited to be speaking there for the first time and know it will be a great experience.   I will talk more about that later.  Right now, get on out there and register!

Popular RootsTech Event Open for Registration

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA (September 15, 2016)—FamilySearch International has announced that registration to RootsTech 2017 is now open. RootsTech is an annual family history and technology conference where guests of all ages are inspired to discover, preserve, and share their family roots, heritage, and stories across generations—past, present, and future. In 2016 the event attracted more than 28,000 attendees in-person from all 50 US states and 30+ countries. RootsTech 2017 will be held February 8–11 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The popular Innovator Summit and free Family Discovery Day are also open for registration. The website for registration is RootsTech.org.

The 4-day conference will offer attendees a full lineup of inspiring and well-known keynote speakers, over 200 informative sessions, including hands-on computer labs taught by industry professionals and leaders, interactive activities and helpful exhibitors in the expo hall, and entertaining evening events, all designed to inspire and empower personal family discoveries. Early bird discount pricing is available for a limited time on 4-day passes at just $159 and $189 for the RootsTech plus Innovator Summit pass. Passes for the Getting Started track start at $49 for a single day and $69 for a limited 3-day pass. All passes include access to the popular expo hall and morning keynote sessions.

Starting off the 4-day RootsTech conference is the Innovator Summit, a unique 1-day conference designed for serious entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators interested in giving their creative ideas traction in a growing multi-billion-dollar industry. The event also offers attendees the opportunity to interact and connect with industry influencers, executives, and investors. The Summit will include a morning general session (the keynote speaker will be announced soon), over 20 classes, the Innovator Showdown semi-finals, and more. Innovator Summit ONLY passes are available at the discount price of $99.

Along with the Innovator Summit, the Innovator Showdown returns to RootsTech with $100,000 in prizes. Innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world and from any industry are invited to compete with their latest products or services that enable individuals to discover, preserve, and share their personal and family stories, memories, or ancestral connections. The top 5 finalists will be invited to present their product or service on the main RootsTech stage before a panel of judges and a live audience on Friday, February 10, just after the morning keynote session.


Registration for Family Discovery Day is also now open. The event takes place on Saturday,

February 11, 2017, and is designed for families and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This free and fun 1-day event includes inspiring messages from Church leaders, engaging classes for families, youth, and young single adults, and evening entertainment to inspire and help families and members discover, preserve, and share their family connections. Family Discovery Day attendees will also have access to all the interactive activities and exhibitors found in the RootsTech expo hall. Event details, including speakers and classes, will be made available soon at RootsTech.org. Registration is required.

Fun at OGS

This weekend I am speaking, and hanging out, at the Ohio Genealogical Society annual conference.
 It is being held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio which, let's face it, genealogy and swimsuits are an interesting combination.  At least no one has attended (that I know of) a lecture in their swimsuit.

Yesterday I gave a workshop about preparing your papers for a lineage society application. My take away, wow... I can talk for 2 hours straight.  Oh, and that audience participation, while scary for the presenter, makes long lectures more entertaining. It is something that I will have to do again.

On Saturday, I will be talking about one of my favorite places to research, The Library of Virginia.  Such a great place, with so many wonderful resources.

If you are at the conference make sure to say hi!  I am at The In-Depth Genealogist booth and would be happy to see you.

Speaking Engagement: Beyond the Brick Wall Roanoke, VA

This Saturday 14 November 2015 from 1-4pm I will be presenting two case studies for the Virginia Room of the Roanoke Public Library at their event Beyond the Brick Wall.

From the Brochure:

The Virginia Room presents five professional genealogists who tackled our patrons’ toughest “brick wall” problems.

Learn how to deal with hard-to-slove family history questions, including:

• When to hire a professional to assist with a research problem

• What is a realistic expectation of time and effort required to achieve research goals

• How a research plan evolves within the process of discovery

• Where new sources for genealogical research can be found

• Why an effective research strategy can make the difference

If you are in the area I hope you come by and listen to myself and my colleagues talk about the brick wall cases that were submitted by the community.  It will be a very interesting series of presentations.  I am very curious to see how everyone's brick walls turn out!

I will also have my Richmond and DC books for sale for those that are interested.

Speaking during the month of cotober

Fall and pumpkin-spiced everything is in the air.  While I prefer apple cider, I am very happy that fall is here.  It means that I feel the need to educate!  That is right, I am ready to read about stuff want to learn, but I am also excited to be speaking with many groups of people this month.  Below are the places I will be presenting at over the next month and I hope you will come out and join me!  Make sure to say hi if you do.  I love when I can put a name with a face.

This coming Wednesday 7 October I am presenting a webinar titled "Engaging the Next Generation" to the Minnesota Genealogical Society.  It is my first time speaking with this group and I am super excited to do so.  They seem like a great bunch of people and I am happy to be participating in their first year of webinars.

I will be spending the morning of Saturday, October 10^th with my local society, the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society,  for their Fall Lecture Series.  There I will present 2 lectures, "Tips and Tricks to using FamilySearch.org" and "Introduction to DNA Testing for Genealogy.”  Registration is required and snacks will be provided so please check out the website if you are interested in attending.

In the vein of helping out local groups, I am assisting a local Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter with their Beginning Genealogy Workshop on 14 October 2015. I will admit this is my first all day workshop so I am more than a bit nervous.  Registration closed on the 2^nd, however, if you message me ‘cause you really want to come I can see if there is room still available. 

I end the month where I began it with another lecture on the topic of "Engaging the Next Generation."  This will be on October 21st for the Shenandoah Valley Genealogical Society (SVGS) in Winchester, VA.  If you can’t see a theme yet I do have a couple passions in my line of work.  One of them is making sure we actively engage, promote, and sustain the youth in our community.  That, by the way, is a blog post in of itself coming your way later this month.

Ok everyone, I am off to batten down the hatches and hope that the hurricane doesn’t hit us too hard here in the metro DC area.  Yay, hurricane season!  

Northern Virginia Genealogy Activites

The month of March is going to see 2 big conferences in the NOVA area.  One is free and one is a downright steal for the price so make sure you check them both out!

On March 14th is the 2nd Fredericksburg Virginia Family History Day and once again it is packed with great speakers and information.  Some of the speakers are nationally know and many are from great Virginia institutions.  For instance Micheal Strauss, AG, Dr. Shelly Murphy, Jean Cooper from the University of Virginia Library and Anne Toohey from the Library of Congress.  In addition, they will have these individuals from the Library of Virginia: Errol Somay, Calli Lou Freed and Joanne Porter.  Plus, I will be giving the keynote address that morning.

Two weekends later will be the Fairfax Genealogical Society's Spring Conference on March 27th and 28th.  This year they have 12 tracks of classes over 2 days with many nationally known speakers.  Their focus is on research in the Mid-Atlantic states and ethnicities that immigrated to those.  However, there are also classes on technology and methodology as well.  Early bird discount for the conference goes away on March 16th so register soon!

I hope to see you at these great regional opportunities to learn.  Make sure to say hi if you will be there!

Lectures, Appearances and a Book Signing OH MY!

Making Notes In An Organizer Stock Photo

Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 26 August 2011

It’s only half way through January and my year is starting to fill up.  That is a very nice feeling.  So far I am attending national conferences and local ones too.  I’d love to chat with you if you see me at one of these events.  As of this morning I will be lecturing at or attending the following events:

Attendance: RootsTech / FGS 12-14 February 2015

Webinar: "Dead End: 5 Sources for Death Records" 13-15 March 2015 FTU Winter Virtual Conference

Webinar: "Climb Your Genetic Family Tree," 13-15 March 2015 FTU Winter Virtual Conference

Lecture: Title TBA 14 March 2015 Family History Day, Fredericksburg, VA Family History Center

Lecture: "Beginning Irish Research and DNA," 21 April 2015 Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fredericksburg, VA

Lecture: "Raising the Next Generation: Engaging and Instilling an Appreciation of Family History in Children," 25 April 2015 Fairfax Genealogical Society

Attendance:  2 May 2015 Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society Spring Seminar at Salem Church Library Fredericksburg, VA

Attendance: NGS 13-16 May 2015

Webinar: "Creating and Maintaining a Family History Blog" 9 June 2015 Ontario Genealogical Society 

Webinar: "Engaging the Next Generation" 7 October 2015 Minnesota Genealogical Society 

Of course this will be updated through the course of the year.  Click on the “Upcoming and Previous Lectures” page here on the blog to keep up to date with where I will be.

Last but not least, at RootsTech / FGS I will be signing my books! If you are going bring your copy or buy one at the In-Depth Genealogist booth or online from them or amazon.  Time and date coming shortly for the official signing, but hey if you see me there and want my John Hancock just grab me.  I’d be delighted to stop and chat a second.

It's all about the sharing: Veteran's day 2014

Writing about the living is harder than writing about the dead.  You know it's true! I worry about writing articles on my living family members.  What if I get it wrong, they will never let me live it down.  What if they don't like it, well then they really won't let me live it down!  It makes me all queasy inside and I break out into cold sweats.  Now, imagine having to give a speech about your mom.

Last Wednesday my local DAR chapter hosted a luncheon for veterans.  My mother was supposed to speak at it but due to circumstances beyond her control she was unable to make it.  I was asked to take her place because who knows her better than her daughter, right?

Drawing by F. Dadd; red cross soldiers and wounded, 
1916 Wellcome L0009179. From Wikimedia

In 2 days I wrote a 40 minute speech, without the use of slides or a power point presentation.  This was a new experience for me and I never realized how much I relied on the slides before.  I tend to know my presentations well enough to not read from a script and use the slides as a visual clue to what information comes next.  Well, there was no way I was going to memorize 16 pages in that amount of time!

My speech was on my mother's experience as a woman combat doctor in Iraqi and how she got there. I got some laughs (even though no one cracked a smile at my Tim Gunn "make it work" comment), there were even a few tears, but most of all I was humbled by the women who came up to me afterwards.  There was a line and I talked for 40 minutes after the event was over to anyone who wanted to speak with me.  I wished my mom was there the whole time.

Each one had a story. Some cried. Some told funny stores. Some just wanted to tell me about their sons who had died and how they hoped they were cared for by someone like my mom.  Others told me to tell her how she is a resilient and strong woman.  It was hard not to tear up myself.

Then the last one was pure genealogical serendipity.  A small elegantly dressed elderly woman leaning on her cane walked out the door I was holding for the attendees.  She looked up at me, put her hand on my arm and told me how these types of presentations always make her cry.  "They remind me of my Uncle, he never made it home from Corregidor."  My jaw hit the ground.

As soon as I regained my composure I told her that my grandfather was also there and was taken as a POW.  She was 8 when WWII began and her mother's youngest brother was just 18 when he went to war.  He was captured as a POW at the same battle my grandfather was but unfortunately he died in a camp.

I wanted to know more as I escorted her to the car which was waiting for her.  As I assisted her into it I asked if she new anything about his unit.  She clearly didn't want to talk any more and I was not going to press it.  Then, before I could shut the door, she looked at me with a single tear and said "60th Coast Artillery."  She closed the door and left me standing there in shock again.  My grandfather and her uncle served together.

I don't know who she was and I have no way to contact her.  Maybe this was a way our soldier ancestors could speak to us, connecting us, in this one moment.  I don't know, but it sure was a "small world" situation.

On this Veteran's Day my thoughts are with not only my family, living and dead, who served but to all of those who never made it home.  Not all of them made it to a medical unit, but if they did I know someone like my mom did their best to give them another day in this world.

Presentation on social media and blogs for genealogy

Posting this week is a bit scattered as my kids are home on spring break.  Yeah, not much going to be accomplished I think.  However, if you are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area next Wednesday night I hope to see you at my presentation for FRGS.  I will be giving a talk on social media for genealogists after their monthly meeting starting at 7pm at the Salem Church Library.

Now, I realize that if you are reading this blog this is probably not the talk for you, however you might learn something new.  The talk will be designed to address concerns about social media, how blogs and other platforms can help your research, what you can get from a blog, and other such topics.

This is a free event and refreshments are provided by the society for the break between the meeting and the talk.  Hope to see you there!

Free Genealogy Lecture Series

For those that are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society (FRGS) will be presenting a lecture series in conjunction with the Central Regional Rappahannock Library (CRRL).  They are free and open to the public, but registration is required to make sure the correct room size is booked. 

FRGS is lucky to have a few national speakers for this event as well as talented members from the local FRGS and researchers from the CRRL presenting.  I will be giving 2 presentations on May 11^th if you are in the area.  While I will not be able to attend the whole series due to previous commitments I would love to know if you will be attending! 

The information below was kindly put together By Mary Maki for the fliers.

Introductory Genealogy and Beyond

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

1201 Caroline Street

Fredericksburg, VA 22401


Call 540-372-1144 to register

March 16&30, April 13&27, May 11

9:00 a.m. – Noon

March 16, 2013

Getting Started by Tripp Wiggins – Session I

Genealogy research is not as difficult as one might think. Mr. Wiggins will address the question of why we do genealogy, what we get out of it, and how to begin. He will explain how talking with family members, looking around the home for family bibles, letters, and photographs, etc. provides important information.  He will then show how to research vital records (birth, marriage, and death), and conclude with an introduction to using the U.S. Census in genealogy research.

A Fresh Look at Beginning African American Genealogy by Char McCargo Bah– Session II

Although this lecture is focused on finding resources for those of African American heritage, the organizational aspects she covers will benefit every genealogist. Ms. Bah will cover organizing your research, writing narratives of what you already know, how to interview relatives, utilizing the U.S. Census, vital statistics, and the importance of joining a genealogical society.

March 30, 2013

Sourcing and Documenting Information by Charles S. “Chuck”Mason Jr. – Session I

Admittedly not the most exciting part of tracing ancestors, documenting the information is by far the most important. Source citation is critical to genealogy research, and Mr. Mason will show how to correctly document sources and explain why it is so important.

Genealogy 201: Beyond the Basics by Tish Como – Session II

Genealogy is about more than recording the names and dates associated with one’s ancestors; it’s about discovering how they lived. This session will focus on locating records and resources that can help tell your family’s story; developing good research habits; using advanced search techniques for better results; and critically evaluating records and findings.

April 13, 2013

Timelines by Phyllis Marilyn (Jule) Legare – Session I

It's easy to let ourselves focus on finding ancestors names, dates & places.  However, our ancestors also fit into a broad picture of life at a certain point in time. World and local events helped to shape our ancestor's choices and lives. Initially in a timeline we may have descriptive data about an ancestor's life. When we interweave historical data, we enrich our understanding. Discussion will encompass describing timelines, how to create them and how to find the appropriate historical data to include.

Military Research Phyllis Marilyn (Jule) Legare – Session II

Much of our country's history has been centered around war & strife and for researchers the good news is those conflicts resulted in records of genealogical importance. Military service and pension records are a wonderful source of family's history and stories. Once you find your ancestors’ military information, you will add so much to your understanding of your family's struggles and life as it was.

April 27, 2013

Probate/Courthouse Records: Understanding Them and Locating Them by Sharon Hodges  – Session I

There are many important records to discover when researching your family’s history.  One of these is probate, or, as they are sometimes called, estate records.  But why do so many genealogists stop after searching for a will?  Locating and understanding other probate records can provide valuable information on your ancestors.  Learn what records exist, what they may tell you, and how to find them.

Civil War Research  by Holly Schemmer– Session II

Fredericksburg is rich in Civil War history. This presentation will help you locate the best sources in finding your Civil War ancestor.

May 11, 2013

DNA in Genealogy by Shannon Combs-Bennett – Session I

Many people are familiar with the use of genetic testing to solve crimes or diagnosis disease, but what about helping you track your family tree?  In this presentation you will learn how to use DNA to trace your ancestors, what the process is, and how you can get started.

Continuing the family legacy: Honoring heritage through lineage societies  by Shannon Combs-Bennett- Session II  Every family has a story to tell and some are more unique than others.  One of the greatest ways to honor the memory of your forefathers is by joining a lineage society.  These societies recognize those in our family tree who have done great things, fought in wars, rallied for a cause, or even owned a colonial tavern.  Learn how a lineage society can help you, what it is like to apply, and how to find the one that is right for you.

Week in Review and The Latest FHWC Story

What a week, so much done, so much left to do, and so much to share!  Knowing what to tell you and where to begin is my morning frustration it seems.

Week three of the Family History Writing Challenge is done.  Last week I mainly worked on the cookbook.  I have decided that I will need to beg for some more stories and remembrances from my family as well as pictures of the people who passed down the recipes.  It will make the book come to life much more I think.

With all the editing and sorting of the recipes I only wrote one story.  This one is about a clock that I inherited when I was 5 years old from my grandmother’s sister, Beatrice Armstrong Norris.  It is included at the end of this post.  Hope you enjoy it.

Also, if you saw my post on Friday the Going In-Depthdigital magazine was released.  I have never been involved with a project like this before and have been blown away with the response the community has given to the magazine, its creators, and my fellow writers.  I am feeling truly blessed this morning to be a part of such an amazing group of people. Let me know what you thought of the first issue! Oh, and don’t’ forget to check out the blogs and forums.  There is lots of wonderful information over there at the In-Depth Genealogist.

Finally, I will be speaking on three occasions this year and wanted to pass that information along to you.  If you are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area I hope you will come out and listen plus say hi!  First, I will be giving a presentation on Blogs for Genealogy to the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogy Society (FRGS) on April 10.  It will be at the end of the regular meeting which starts at 7pm in the Salem Church Library.  Next I will be participating in a series of Seminars (March 16 to May 11) presented by FRGS in conjunction with the Rappahannock Regional Library.  The topics I will speak about are on genetic genealogy and lineage societies from 9am – 12pm at the Downtown Fredericksburg Library May 11^th.  Finally I will be once again speaking at the FRGS evening meeting on October 9^th on the topic of genetic genealogy at the Salem Church Library starting at 7pm.

Hope you all have a great week of discovery and research!

My Cinderella Clock

As a little girl I was fascinated by my visits to my grandmother’s older sister Bea.  Aunt Bea was born Beatrice Armstrong in Martin County Indiana.  She married a man named Victor Norris and even though he died many years before I was born my great aunt never remarried.  Bea died when I was 4 years old so my memories of her are scattered and jumbled to say the least.  They are more impressions of what my senses told me about her. 

I remember her sitting in a big fluffy chair a round, happy, grey haired woman with her feet propped up on a footstool.  She always had caramel candies in a dish next to her chair that she would give me.  Her laugh was loud and strong to my little ears and she was a very animated talker.  However, the one thing I remember the most was the clock she had on top of her TV. 

This was no ordinary clock, it was a Cinderella clock.  Well, at least as a small child that is what I thought it was.  The clock was shaped like a grand carriage.  A large round cab set on top of 4 large delicate wheels.  It was ornately designed and many flourishes and embellishments.  The face of the clock was where the people would have sat and, well, I loved it.  My grandmother told me I would sit for whole visits staring at the clock.  It was too high for me to touch, but I still tried to.  To me it was the coach that carried Cinderella to the ball, a perfect princess carriage.

When Aunt Bea died my grandmother brought the clock home with her.  She sat it on her TV and I watched it again.  Grandma told me it was mine and when I was old enough I could take it away to my house.  My grandmother died when I was 16 and the clock was passed onto me.

I know nothing about this clock and I wish I knew more.  A wheel was been broken in our first big move after college but other than that the clock still works, and when plugged in keeps time.  The face-plate says it was made in the USA by United Clock Corporation, Brooklyn, New York. 

It sits packed away for now.  My boys have just become old enough where I may begin putting things that are fragile back out into circulation.  One day I hope it will sit out on display in the house. Not on top of the TV though, they are way too thin now.