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 SLC 2020 - I am being live streamed!

This is the 10th anniversary of the RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it last year due to a family emergency, but I am ready to go this year. Plus I am an Ambassador and a Speaker, this is going to be a great time.

While there I will present three lectures, one of which will be live-streamed. So, if you cannot make it, you can at least see one of my presentations on the virtual pass! You can watch me on Wednesday at 9:30am Mountain Time present "What do you mean the vital record is wrong?"

You can see it in person on Wednesday and again on Saturday morning. On Thursday I am presenting on an amazing software program called Tropy. If you are in SLC, make sure to come and listen!

Needless to say, this is the beginning of many posts over the next few six weeks gearing up for the event. It is going to be another great time I am sure!

Lectures, presentations and hangouts oh my!

This is a busy week for me.  Not only am I still recuperating from a nasty twisted ankle (10 days out and still purple/swollen, sigh) but I am excited to be on a hangout Wednesday and presenting 2 lectures this Saturday.

Tomorrow I am thrilled to be on "Wacky Wednesday" with Dear Myrtle.  We will be discussion all hour my new book Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes.  If you have not purchased it yet this will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about it.

On Saturday I will be speaking at the Fall Seminar for the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society.  It will be an informative and jam packed day!  The event is free but you will need to register so they know how many people to prepare for.  There is a little bit of something for any level.

24 September 2016   9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Genealogy 101 - Chuck Mason
Utilizing FamilySearch.org - Julie Cabitto
The Relationship Between Chancery Causes and Lost Records Localities at the Library of Virginia - Callie Lou Freed and Joanne Porter
Genetic Genealogy - A Crash Course - Shannon Combs-Bennett
I’ve Tested My DNA, Now What? - Shannon Combs-Bennett
Researching African-American Ancestors - Shelley Murphy

2016 International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences recap

I spent the first part of August in Scotland, and I have to say, it was glorious.  Not only did I tour the countryside but I presented a paper on migration in the US to the congress and met some great people. Not to mention I learned a lot and was able to geek out on a variety of subjects. And we all know that geeking out is a very, very good thing.

First off, and the reason most of my friends hated me while I was gone, is that I missed the east coast

Loch Lomond

heat wave.  Yes, while friends and family were baking in 100+ degree heat and over 120 degree heat index I was living it up in a rainy 65 degree average country.  Believe it or not, I even bought a wool sweater to wear becasue I was cold in the morning and had forgotten my cardigan at home.

Scotland was absolutely beautiful.  I was there last in 1997 and we only spent a few days driving from Glasgow to Stirling to Edinburgh.  It was great to be back and have an adventure around the area.  With the rain the highlands were an amazing shade of green with waterfalls of the heights everywhere you looked.  We enjoyed a few days as tourists around the area and of course in the city we were staying, Glasgow.

However, the reason for the trip was for me to present at the 2016 Congress.  I spoke on the first day, 10 August, about the migration patterns of three family lines from the Northeast to the Northwest United States.  Each one had a different motivating factor as well as method to get there.  As I was speaking to a European audience (1 American was in the room that I knew of) the reactions were wonderful to my stories and the information I presented.  It made my day to have a great discussion with the attendees and answer their questions.

Even better, I was able to attend a few heraldry classes and really geek out on a subject with others who are passionate about it as well.  I heard a couple great papers on funeral escutcheons as well as marshaling of arms from the Order of the Garter prior to the 1560s.  Like I said, I was geeking out a little bit.

Right now I think I will submit a paper to the next one as well.  The following years and places were announced on the last day of the event for the upcoming congresses:

• 2018: Ararat, France
• 2020: Madrid, Spain
• 2022: Cambridge, England

I think I will put in for them all actually.  I have always wanted to see Madrid and Ararat is on the Mediterranean.  Somewhere I have not been before as well.

Back on the horse

Well hello world!  I am back and getting in the swing of things.  Well… trying to.  It may take me several more weeks to catch up on everything that I need to.

However, there is a big change coming up in my professional life.  As such, it does mean that my time will be once again split.  Not that I ever have an abundance of time, but I will have even fewer me time hours for personal research.

Next week I will start a new job.  The first time I will be employed outside of the home (by someone else) in nearly 16 years.  Scary!!  I accepted a part time position as a staff genealogist at Colonial Dames 17^th Century in Washington, DC.  A bit scary, a bit exciting, but I am looking forward to a new adventure.  Plus the building is absolutely gorgeous and I have a library to peruse to my heart’s content.  What could be better?!

Currently I am catching up with client reports and things that I owe people.  I do have some new family history breakthroughs that I am typing up, so those stories are coming as well.  Oh, and dad had moved in with us.  I have a research partner now.  He even has a NARA researcher’s card.  Not sure who is more excited, me or him.  In fact, I hope to get him set-up and comfortable as a guest blogger on here.  I think it will be a cool thing.

If you would like to see or listen to an upcoming lecture make sure to check out my presentation page.  There a quite a few coming up, and I am booking into 2017!

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.

The dog days of summer

At the Free Public Baths, Harriett Island, St. Paul, MN

Yep, that is where we are folks.  It is hot and sticky here on the east coast of the US.  School is just a few short weeks away.  Summer time is winding down.  Which means it is party time around here!  Just joking, sort of.

There is a lot coming up this fall and if you are like me I start planning months out what I am doing genealogical wise as many months in advance as I possibly can.  Well, mainly because I am a mom and I have 4 schedules to juggle!  I bet some of you can relate to that.

Plus there is a lot of stuff going on in the community right now.  I hope you are watching WDYTYA!  To be honest, I really can't wait to see this Sunday's episode.  A behind the scenes episode with cut footage and some of our favorite scenes if we are to believe the advertising.  My husband scoffs at this, he detests clip shows in any form, but he is still going to sit there and watch it with me!  Of course, I also hope you are watching the after show IDG Chit Chat Live! that I co-host.  It's lots of fun!

Speaking of genealogy TV.  Have you submitted a story to Genealogy Roadshow yet?  They are seeking your stories, so get out there and submit!!  Go out to their casting page and fill out the application.  Quick and easy, I already did mine.

On Friday, I received news that I was selected to be an Ambassador at RootsTech this year.  I am thrilled to be doing this and know that I am going to have a great time in Salt Lake City with all of my favorite genea peeps.  Now to convince my husband that I need to get there early to do research.  2 days was just not enough time last year!  That, and I should start preparing for the trip now.

My last class for the year on Source Citations at Family Tree University started this week.  Registration is open until Friday for this 4-week long class if you want to learn more about creating good source citations.  It is designed for anyone but geared to people who are scared to death that they are going to do them wrong.  Source citations are fun, promise!

Make sure you check out my presentations page on this blog.  I recently updated it with speaking engagements for the fall and into next Spring.  As always, let me know if you are in the audience.  I would love to put faces with names!

On that note, I am off to buy school supplies and organize the kids for thier last 3 weeks.  Ah, then it is back to uninterrupted working hours (when it is still daylight) again.  It is the little things in life at times that make you smile.

FXGS lecture this weekend

This Saturday April 25th I am giving a presentation to the Fairfax Genealogical Society about raising children within the genealogy community.  If you don't know it yet, I am passionate about starting early with passing the torch of family history onto the next generation.  Through this presentation I am going to touch on a lot of ideas I have come up with for my own kids but also give some insights into things that I don't think a lot of people really consider with it comes to educating the youth in our lives about genealogy.

If you are interested in attending make sure you check out the FXGS website for details.

“Raising the Next Generation: Engaging and Instilling an Appreciation of Family History in Children”  (FxGS Education Class/Meeting)

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station 2148 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22027

Lecture Description: Kids, like adults, enjoy hearing interesting stories and like to learn why things are important.  Connecting their family history to the history in the books and engaging them in conversation is the key. Learn how to keep their attention after they ask you about your family.

Keynote Speaker at the Fredericksburg Family History Day

I am very honored to give the keynote at the Fredericksburg, VA Family History Day on March 14, 2015.  If you are in the area I hope you will be able to come out and participate in this free day of family history exploration.

The theme of the event is "Threads that Bind." Staying true to the theme, I was asked to speak about the ever growing field of genetics in genealogy.  To me, genetics is the threads that bind us to our ancestors.

If you have heard my genetics lectures in the past don't be afraid that you will hear the same old lecture again.  Yes, I will have some of the same information (basics never change) but there will be a lot of new information as well.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the keynote or at my other lecture on using heraldry in genealogical research.

Join me at The Genealogy Event in New York City

I will be presenting 2 lectures at The Genealogy Event in New York City next month.  In addition to presenting I will also be sitting in the expert lounge helping people with various genealogy questions. Come by, check it out, and have a great time learning.

You can see a detailed schedule for Friday and Saturday on the website.  In addition, there will be a 3rd day dedicated to genetic genealogy, DNA Day.  Tickets are now on sale on the website and there are a variety of ticket options available.

My sessions are shown below and will be presented on Friday October 17th. Make sure to say hi if you will be there!

3:15PM – 4:00PM
Tips for a Successful Lineage Society Application
It is the goal of many people to prove they were descended from a truly unique individual. They
may have fought in a war, been a pioneer, or part of an elite group. Whatever their connection
to history, membership in a lineage society is a great way to show off your research as well as
your hard work and dedication to finding that family line. Learn ways to successfully pull
together a society application that will be accepted!

4:15PM – 5:00PM

A Genealogist’s Guide to Heraldry

The thought of heraldry conjures images of noble ancestors from long ago, dashing knights and 

grand banners but what is it really? In this presentation learn about heraldry, its historical uses, 

who can display heraldic arms (as well as why many genealogists shouldn’t) and how it can help 

your research.

Fredericksburg, VA Fall Workshop / Consultations

If you are in the Fredericksburg, VA area on October 11 consider coming to this FREE presentation by the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society. I will be presenting along with Ray Maki and Ann Amadori (Director of the Fredericksburg, VA Family History Center).  

Register early to have a session with a volunteer genealogist to help you with a brick wall question.  See details at the bottom of this post.

It should be a great time as always and I hope to see you there!

Fall Genealogy Program

Helpful Search Techniques

for

FamilySearch, U.S. Census, and Find My Past

Plus

One on one consults with volunteer

Brick Wall Busters*

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

11 October 2014

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

1201 Caroline Street

Fredericksburg, VA

Sponsored by:

The Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society

&

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library

* Registration required for one-on-one consultations. Appointments will be scheduled in half hour increments. Please visit the FRGS website for details, email FRGSVA@gmail.com or call 540 621 7732 for an appointment. 

Two chances to hear lecture on solving a family mystery

Military Pension files can hold a wide variety of information.  The files you want to uncover, however, are the ones where the individual had to prove to the government that they really did qualify for the pension.  These files are large, extensive, and where the most interesting genealogical finds are made.

One of my favorite family history cases was also one of the first large research projects I took on, so it makes it that much more special.  The joy the research and discovery brought me from being able to shed light on a 100 year old family mystery was indescribable.  My only regret was that my husband's grandmother could not hear the story as well.  She died 15 years ago this month, and at times I swore I felt her guiding me.  Meme was a firecracker and I just know she would have been fascinated by her ancestor too.

I am giving two lectures this fall about solving this family mystery. If you have read this blog, and the FTU Family Tree Firsts blog, you know a little bit about my husband's ancestor Harry Coad.  His story was amazing and unbelievable on so many levels that I felt his story needed to be told.

Lies of a Soldier: The True Identity of Harry Coad will be presented twice this fall.  I hope that you will be able to come listen and learn about Harry's life, love, heartbreak, and mystery.


Presentation 1:
Second Life APG Chapter
8:30pm Thursday 14 August 2014


Presentation 2:
Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society
7:30pm Wednesday 12 November 2014
Salem Church Library
Fredericksbrug, VA

Announcement: FRGS Spring Lecture Series Saturday March 22, 2014

For those in the Fredericksburg, VA area, I wanted to pass on this information about the spring lecture series presented by the FRGS and CRRL.  Hope to see you there!

Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society

Spring Lecture Series

In Conjunction With The Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Come join us and learn how to collect and share your family stories!

Saturday March 22, 2014

Lectures will be held in the Auditorium of the CRRL

1201 Caroline Street

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Doors open at 8:30 am

Program is from 9 am – 1 pm

Light refreshments will be provided by FRGS

For more information please call the CRRL at 540-372-1144 

Or email FRGS at FRGSVA@gmail.com | http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vafrgs/

Lecture 1: Writing Genealogy: Using the Elements of Narrative to Tell Your Family's Story

Genealogy is more than just names and dates in a lineage-linked database or on a pedigree chart . . . it's about people, places, and events in historical context. The building blocks of genealogy are similar to the narrative elements that writers use to craft memorable stories: character, plot, setting, and motivation. Learn how to make your family's story unforgettable!

Presenter: Madaleine J. Laird

Madaleine spent last summer pulling records at the National Archives for the Genealogy Roadshow research team. She serves as copy editor for Casefile Clues, an electronic publication written by Michael John Neill. She has attended Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research several times, even earning her survival badge for the Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis course taught by Elizabeth Shown Mills. In 2012 Madaleine was awarded the Kansas Historical Society's Edward N. Tihen Historical Research Grant. She used the funds to record 360 names inscribed on a quilt in the Society's Kansas Memory collection.

Lecture 2: Gathering Family Stories: Conducting an Interview

Documents and records only tell part of the family story.  Family members can tell the rest of the story that is not in the documents and records.  What is the best method to obtain that information and what should be done with it once it has been gathered?

Presenter: Charles S. “Chuck” Mason, Jr., CG

Charles S. “Chuck” Mason, Jr. is a Certified Genealogist, specializing in Southern New Jersey and 19th and 20th Century Death Records.  He is a Past President of both the Fairfax and the Mount Vernon Genealogical Societies and the NIGR Alumni Association.  Chuck is a grader for the National Genealogical Society's home study course and serves as the NGS Awards Chair.  In addition to his many volunteer activities, he teaches genealogy classes for the Fairfax County Parks and Recreation. Chuck is a co-host of Tracing Your Family Roots at Fairfax Cable Television Channel 10.  Rebroadcasts of the show can be viewed at their website at tracingroots.nova.org.  

Presentation on Genetics and Genealogy This Monday!

This coming Monday I will present the following lecture in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I hope you will be able to come! If you do, please introduce yourself, I would love to meet anyone who has followed my blog.

The presentation will be an overview on how genealogists can use DNA as a tool for their research.  You don't need to know anything about DNA testing, or genealogy, to attend. So, feel free to bring a friend or just come and listen.

Looking forward to seeing you there.  Below is the press release:

The Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library will host Shannon Bennett, a biologist and genealogist, at their Annual Meeting on Monday, October 28, at 7:00 pm. Ms. Bennett will reveal how DNA research is changing the world of genealogy. Genetic genealogy has taken off in the last decade as DNA sequencing and access to testing has become easier and more affordable. Although the DNA results currently used by genealogists will not give a definitive answer to your heritage, it can help validate possibilities. DNA test results have led to more than one person validating a hunch and proving a connection that was only theoretical.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Headquarters library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg. Refreshments will be served.

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.

First presentation, a video, and the green screen. Maybe we can call it a success?

Last night I made my first presentation to adults who are interested the field of genealogy. Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous.  That must be because I was speaking on a subject I enjoy, I am passionate about, and had worked very hard on since I was scared to death of making a mistake.  The only thing that went wrong, which was not my fault, was that the projector made everything appear on the screen with a green tint.  That I could work around.

The talk was given to the Fredericksburg Regional Genealogy Society (FRGS) at their monthly meeting held in the Salem Church Library.  A little over 20 people came to hear me discuss the ins and outs of blogging and social media.  I even made three videos to demonstrate how easy it is to make a blog and write your first post.

Making the videos was a last minute addition.  Originally I was going to do each step on a slide and after I started I became very frustrated.  In fact I was unable to continue doing nearly 2 dozen plus slides to show the process, it was becoming too much.  This is when I decided to make a video.  That was Monday.  Yes, Monday.  Thankfully I found free software and figured it out on Monday, made the videos on Tuesday, and had it all put together Wednesday Morning.  Nothing like working up to the last minute.

The software I used was Microsoft Expression Encoder 4.  Like I said I was able to download a free version, and while it didn't have all the bells and whistles that the paid version has, it got the job done.  If you want to see a few videos on how to use the software I would check out YouTube.  There are quite a few videos out there like this one.

Without further ado, because I am in awe of myself, here is the first video I have ever made:

Wasn't that cool!  Okay, it was not an interesting topic, and most of you bloggers out there who use Blogger knew this information, but I am quite proud of myself.  What's even weirder is that once you listen to yourself a few dozen times your voice no longer sounds odd.

The really, really bad part of this...now I want to make more videos.  I have some crazy notions in my head right now so watch out.  There may be some new and interesting things coming your way soon.