The Federation of Genealogical Societies introduced a student rate for their 2013 conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It went live yesterday. Here's how you register for the FGS2013 student rate.
The student rate represents a significant savings, and allows young 'uns affordable access to one of the bigger genealogy conferences.
If you know someone who is interested and fits the bill, let them know.
For the rest of us old farts, the early-bird rate expires July 1. Get on it.
Did you hear? I'll be at FGS2013 and I want to meet you.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
FGS 2013 Bound!
Today I made my arrangements to go to the 2013 FGS Conference. It's in Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 21-24. Are you going? If so, will you be there earlier? I'm going a bit early and would like to meet up with dinner mates and such.
Though I've been to Indiana once (for an incredible Notre Dame football game experience), I've never been to the genealogical Disneyland that is the Allen County Public Library. I'm looking forward to it.
I did something I don't normally do and signed up for a luncheon. I'm going to the delegate one to hear J. Mark Lowe speak...and to learn how to be a good delegate for Chaparral Genealogical Society.
Other than that, my meals and social hours are open. From the looks of this handy downtown Fort Wayne restaurant map, there are some interesting places. It would be cool to do a Tweet-up/pub crawl one night. Any interest?
With the tickets purchased and reservations made, the next step is to scour and browse the Allen County Public Library catalog for genealogy treasures. It will be nice to work on my own family tree again.
Will I see you at FGS 2013? Let me know so I can get excited and look forward to our visit in Fort Wayne.
P.S. The early-bird FGS 2013 registration rate expires July 1, 2013. Get it done!
Though I've been to Indiana once (for an incredible Notre Dame football game experience), I've never been to the genealogical Disneyland that is the Allen County Public Library. I'm looking forward to it.
I did something I don't normally do and signed up for a luncheon. I'm going to the delegate one to hear J. Mark Lowe speak...and to learn how to be a good delegate for Chaparral Genealogical Society.
Other than that, my meals and social hours are open. From the looks of this handy downtown Fort Wayne restaurant map, there are some interesting places. It would be cool to do a Tweet-up/pub crawl one night. Any interest?
With the tickets purchased and reservations made, the next step is to scour and browse the Allen County Public Library catalog for genealogy treasures. It will be nice to work on my own family tree again.
Will I see you at FGS 2013? Let me know so I can get excited and look forward to our visit in Fort Wayne.
P.S. The early-bird FGS 2013 registration rate expires July 1, 2013. Get it done!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Mapping with Google Course for Genealogy
Did you know that Google is running a free Mapping with Google course?
It is a self-paced course that includes videos, mini lessons and activities to apply what you've learned. None of it is graded, and you don't have to show anyone your work if you don't want to. However, there are class forums and Hangouts for a fuller learning experience.
I signed up for it and am through all of the published sections so far. Much of it I already knew how to do, but I did come up with a great idea to use Maps or Google Earth (I can't decide which) to illustrate the 100-year story of the Lenertz family line from Luxembourg to Los Angeles.
The Mapping with Google course ends June 24. I have no idea why Google limits the time frame for open courses, but it does. If this interests you, sign up soon so you'll have time to finish.
It's actually not necessary to do the whole course. You'll learn just from watching the videos.
You know how I say there are plenty of genealogy education opportunities that are outside the genealogy box? This is one of those examples. So get out there, sign up and start mapping.
It is a self-paced course that includes videos, mini lessons and activities to apply what you've learned. None of it is graded, and you don't have to show anyone your work if you don't want to. However, there are class forums and Hangouts for a fuller learning experience.
I signed up for it and am through all of the published sections so far. Much of it I already knew how to do, but I did come up with a great idea to use Maps or Google Earth (I can't decide which) to illustrate the 100-year story of the Lenertz family line from Luxembourg to Los Angeles.
The Mapping with Google course ends June 24. I have no idea why Google limits the time frame for open courses, but it does. If this interests you, sign up soon so you'll have time to finish.
It's actually not necessary to do the whole course. You'll learn just from watching the videos.
You know how I say there are plenty of genealogy education opportunities that are outside the genealogy box? This is one of those examples. So get out there, sign up and start mapping.
Library History Sleuth program July 10 in Sugar Land, Texas
BECOME
A HISTORY SLEUTH
AT
UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY
Whether you are doing research for a history
class, tracing your family roots, or simply love digging into the past, the
library’s historical databases provide a window into times past. Learn more
about these online historical resources when Fort Bend County Libraries’ University
Branch Library presents “Library History Sleuth” on Wednesday, July
10, beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at
14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.
Reference
librarian Andrew Bennett will introduce the library’s online historical
databases, and will demonstrate tips and tricks for performing an efficient
search. Learn which resources can be used to trace people, places, and events in
history in different ways.
The
program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and
reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “University
Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the
library at 281-633-5150, or by visiting the library.
Friday, June 7, 2013
RootsTech 2014 Call for Proposals
RootsTech has opened their 2014 RootsTech Call for Presentations.
Get all the details at the website. There's even guidance on the types of programs and levels of instruction they are looking for.
You can also download the proposal page as a PDF.
So get your proposals ready. I'll be at RootsTech 2014 with bells on and I want to attend your presentation!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Simplifying Your Online Genealogy Life
One of my favorite people in one of my favorite places.
I received many thoughtful and supportive comments on my Simplifying My Genealogy Life blog post and I want to thank you for that. I did a lot of social housecleaning and priority switching. I think you might benefit from something similar, so here's an argument and path for simplifying your own online social life:
Paring down my genealogy social interaction was a wise choice on my part. Often we feel compelled to be present at every hip and popular website. Are you pinning enough? Feeling the pressure for more "likes" on your page? Worrying about Klout scores, when you don't even understand how they work?
Why? With a finite number of functional hours in each day, why worry about those things? Is it worth it?
Life is short, people, and the clock is running.
How many social networks, websites and apps do you handle each day? What do you monitor or participate in...and how much time do you devote?
Do you get anything out of it? Think before you answer. Do you check Facebook out of habit? Do you scroll and scroll through others' updates without actually reading them? Why are you skipping them? Why do you even have them in your feed if you don't read them?
The genealogy social media scene is like a giant, untamed and overgrown garden. If you try to do too much, everything gets crammed and jumbled. It's time for some pruning and maintenance.
I'm not telling you to drop everything and tune out. There's probably a lot of excess in your social media life and you don't even know it. Now we're going to take care of it. Bring your pruning shears.
Take a look at your friends list. Anyone you want to unfriend for any reason? Do it. If that is too harsh, you can always boot people from your news feed or limit what you see from them. They'll never even know.
Block games and apps you don't want to see. Stop getting mad at people for inviting you to play games. Block the games and apps yourself. You'll never see them again. Do the same for folks who send too many cat pictures, witty sayings, political statements or whatever else sticks in your craw.
Unfollow or unlike any Facebook pages you don't want to see anymore or no longer update. No need having your name associated with them.
Get Social Fixer
I love Social Fixer so much. It basically gives you the power to control many of the irritating things about Facebook. I haven't seen a sponsored ad in months, and my newsfeed is always set to "most recent."
Social Fixer also lets you know who unfollows you, so get all your own unfollowing done before more people discover this handy tool.
Later, Rinse, Repeat
Take inventory of all your other social media accounts, determine what you want and don't want to see from them and act on it. Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, etc. Unfollow if necessary. It's ok. I actually unfollowed several friends on Twitter because they share the exact same information there and on Facebook. No need to read the same thing twice. Simplify is the name of the game.
Reduce Email Notifications
Somehow I get a ton of genealogy-related sales pitches, sale flyers and such in my inbox. You probably do, too, and delete most without a look. Take an hour and unsubscribe from these things.
Also take a hard look at email discussion lists. They're handy, but they generate a lot of messages...especially where there's a debate over the definition of professionalism. It is ok to unsubscribe if you feel it is not worth the stress. Anything that makes you upset needs to go.
Final Clean Up
Social media fatigue is a real thing. It is possible to have too much information coming at you. When that happens, you miss the good stuff because you're too busy dealing with the noise. Eliminate that noise.
Simplifying your genealogy social life sounds scary, I know. It won't make you less social. Instead, it will bring you a better interactive experience and improve your social connections. I promise.
Hispanic Genealogical Society Workshop in Houston, June 15, 2013
Free Hispanic Genealogical Society Workshop
Location: Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research Carriage House
5300 Caroline Street
Houston, Texas 77004
(832) 393-2600 Please call above number to pre-register as space is limited
5300 Caroline Street
Houston, Texas 77004
(832) 393-2600 Please call above number to pre-register as space is limited
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2013—(10:00 am – 3:30 pm)
10:00 – 10:30 am Sign-in/Registration (Continental Breakfast provided)
10:30 - 10:35 am Introduction
Maria Trevino, President of HGS
Maria Trevino, President of HGS
10:35 - 11:15 am Clayton Library Center Genealogical Resources Susan Kaufman (Head Librarian – Clayton Library)
Melissa Meadows (Program Director, Clayton Library)
11:15 - 12:00 pm Introduction to Family Search
12:35 - 1:15 pm Oral Family History Interview Guide
Vincent Saenz, HGS member
Vincent Saenz, HGS member
1:15 - 2:15 pm Advanced Family Search (locating historical documents)
Lee Gonzales, HGS member
Lee Gonzales, HGS member
2:15 - 2:30 pm BREAK
2:30 - 3:20 pm Questions for Speaker Panel
3:20 - 3:30 pm Closing Remarks -- Maria Trevino, HGS President
Monday, May 27, 2013
Preacher Man
I haven't been able to do my own family history research lately, so this dispatch is about other people's genealogy.
Remember when I was scanning all that stuff for someone? Some of it was so interesting that I wrote about it here. Family history is fascinating, even when it isn't your own,
Now I'm up to the next stage of the project: getting that scanned stuff uploaded and available online for others. That's been the essential goal of this entire project: make it available to descendants.
There's more to uploading an image/document than one might think. Once it is added to the site, I also create relevant tags/keywords as well as a description of the item. In the end, you will be able to click on an ancestor in this database and see all the photos and records tied to him/her. Related items are also put in albums based on surname or a specific event.
I do all this for future and potential descendants of these ancestral lines. In the eighteen months I've been on this project, I've grown to know this family. I can identify them in photos. I know their hobbies, professions, triumphs and tragedies. Through uploaded images, documents and stories, I make sure these things are known.
The challenge lately has been in determining what is upload-worthy and what is not. You're probably thinking I should upload everything in this collection, but that's a couple thousand items. Also, to be honest, some items are more interesting than others.
At this very moment, I'm uploading the historical items of a Methodist preacher. He. Saved. Everything. Every. Thing. Do I upload receipts? Hand written notes? Old bills? It depends.
Preacher man wrote little notes all over the place. And after he died someone saved them. The past couple weeks have been about deciding what is worth uploading to the family history website. The old train passes made the cut. They described his life as a traveling preacher. The bill from the church-book publisher did not. It provided no family history details, and there are better records of the preacher's writing career.
So that's what I've been up to lately. Making sure the preacher man's story is preserved, told and available for future generations.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Simplifying My Genealogy Life
I'm still here! I didn't forget you.
Things are going pretty well on the home front. The problem I'm having is juggling all the spinning plates. The family is crazy busy as always with a spouse out of the country and a teenager navigating high school. Most days, I'm a taxi, homework warden and cook. It has not been easy. It has been challenging, frustrating and stressful.
The professional side of genealogy is keeping me very busy. I divide time between a long-term project, one medium-term project and some small stuff. It is so fun. I'm doing things I'd never imagined. Thank goodness for library school because I draw on those skills every day.
Naturally, my own ancestral research has taken a back seat, and that depressing me a bit. But something had to give.
It took several months to accept that I couldn't do everything, and that was ok. I went to RootsTech. I talked to friends. I talked to vendors. I learned about new products and spent way too much time in the demo theater. I went to developer sessions even though I'm not a developer. I left feeling recharged and more confident that maybe I could spin all these plates.
Then as I was giving myself a mental pep talk about achieving balance and getting back to blogging, I got this stellar pat on the back from a fellow genealogy blogger.
Yeah. Talk about getting kicked when you're down. Not really a big deal, but not nice either.
So I took another few weeks to sort things out and I started cleaning my genealogy house.
I unfriended several genealogy folks on Facebook who either annoy me or haven't really established a connection in years.
I unfollowed many genealogy Twitter accounts that either just promote their own stuff or duplicate what they say on their Facebook and Google+ accounts.
I took a break from reading genealogy blogs. Sorry! It's just that so many posts were complaints about Ancestry.com or the new FamilySearch web site or other things. I just needed a break from negativity.
I realized that I'm a librarian and approach genealogy as such, so I joined a professional library group to keep my genealogy research skills sharp. My professional development probably won't come from the genealogy community or APG, and that's ok. I know what I need.
Then for another few weeks, I worked and worked on my client stuff. And I yelled at my kid to do his homework. And I dropped off and picked up my husband from the airport every week. The weeks just looked the same and they all flew by.
This is where I am right now. I've simplified my genealogy life. No drama. No nonsense. No cares given whether you count my conference blog posts or not.
My blog started as a conversation with myself so my family wouldn't have to listen to my genealogy stories. It really is written as though I'm seated at a table, talking to a wall. Then an audience found me so I added more seats to the table.
I hope you've enjoyed the conversation and will continue to do so. I think I've managed to find a way to keep all the plates spinning, so blog content should pick up. Thanks for reading.
Things are going pretty well on the home front. The problem I'm having is juggling all the spinning plates. The family is crazy busy as always with a spouse out of the country and a teenager navigating high school. Most days, I'm a taxi, homework warden and cook. It has not been easy. It has been challenging, frustrating and stressful.
The professional side of genealogy is keeping me very busy. I divide time between a long-term project, one medium-term project and some small stuff. It is so fun. I'm doing things I'd never imagined. Thank goodness for library school because I draw on those skills every day.
Naturally, my own ancestral research has taken a back seat, and that depressing me a bit. But something had to give.
It took several months to accept that I couldn't do everything, and that was ok. I went to RootsTech. I talked to friends. I talked to vendors. I learned about new products and spent way too much time in the demo theater. I went to developer sessions even though I'm not a developer. I left feeling recharged and more confident that maybe I could spin all these plates.
Then as I was giving myself a mental pep talk about achieving balance and getting back to blogging, I got this stellar pat on the back from a fellow genealogy blogger.
Yeah. Talk about getting kicked when you're down. Not really a big deal, but not nice either.
So I took another few weeks to sort things out and I started cleaning my genealogy house.
I unfriended several genealogy folks on Facebook who either annoy me or haven't really established a connection in years.
I unfollowed many genealogy Twitter accounts that either just promote their own stuff or duplicate what they say on their Facebook and Google+ accounts.
I took a break from reading genealogy blogs. Sorry! It's just that so many posts were complaints about Ancestry.com or the new FamilySearch web site or other things. I just needed a break from negativity.
I realized that I'm a librarian and approach genealogy as such, so I joined a professional library group to keep my genealogy research skills sharp. My professional development probably won't come from the genealogy community or APG, and that's ok. I know what I need.
Then for another few weeks, I worked and worked on my client stuff. And I yelled at my kid to do his homework. And I dropped off and picked up my husband from the airport every week. The weeks just looked the same and they all flew by.
This is where I am right now. I've simplified my genealogy life. No drama. No nonsense. No cares given whether you count my conference blog posts or not.
My blog started as a conversation with myself so my family wouldn't have to listen to my genealogy stories. It really is written as though I'm seated at a table, talking to a wall. Then an audience found me so I added more seats to the table.
I hope you've enjoyed the conversation and will continue to do so. I think I've managed to find a way to keep all the plates spinning, so blog content should pick up. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Houston Area Genealogy Events for May 2013
Say hello to May! Summer (and hurricane season) are just around the corner. Here are some of the activities and events going on in the Houston region this month:
Mondays in May (6, 13, 20. Library closed May 27)
Katy Branch Library
Genealogy Lunchbox
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work
May 2
Galveston County Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00PM-9:00PM
Moody Mansion Museum
2618 Broadway
Galveston, TX
May 4
Houston Genealogical Forum
General Meeting featuring Dr. Kate Sayen Kirkland
"Captain James A. Baker and the Golden Age of Houston
10:00am-12:00pm (9:00 am social)
Bayland Park Community Center
6400 Bissonnet
Houston, TX
May 11
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter
Chapter Meeting
10:30 am at Clayton Library
5300 Caroline, Houston
More details at the chapter website.
Clayton Library Friends
General Meeting
"Fundamentals of Researching in Texas"
Teri E. Flack
10:15 am at Clayton Library
Carriage House Meeting Room
5300 Caroline, Houston
May 13
Baytown Genealogy Society
General Meeting
10:00am
Baytown Library
5203 Decker Drive, Baytown
(Please confirm date with society.
They didn't have their May meeting on
their website when I published this.)
Humble Area Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00 PM
Humble Senior Activity Center
1401 South Houston Ave, Humble
May 18
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Library Orientation
10:30 am - 11:45 am
5300 Caroline, Houston
Learn about the vast family history research resources at this wonderful library. Registration is free and open to the public. Call (832)393-2600.
May 19
Atascocita-Kingwood Genealogical Society
"Nazism, Nuremberg and Now"
Mike Riviere
2:45 PM
Rosemont Assisted Living
6450 Kings Park Way
Second floor community room
Kingwood, TX
May 22
Military Records for Genealogy
Cy-Fair College Branch Library
(Lone Star College - CyFair Campus)
Room LNRC 131
9191 Barker Cypress Rd.
Cypress, Texas
10:00am-11:00am
May 25
Chaparral Genealogical Society
General Meeting
10:00 am
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Organized or Trashed? Let's Get Organized!
10:30am-12:00pm
5300 Caroline, Houston
Do you search but still can’t find that elusive document when you need it? Or do you make copies and discover that you already had it? Come learn the most important reason why you need to organize your work. The second part of the presentation is a class discussion of ways to organize. Feel free to bring an example of your organizational system to share with others in the class. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.
Down the Road...
July 18-20, 2013 Angelina Genealogy Conference (Lufkin)
*** Memorial Day is May 27. Libraries, government offices and records repositories will likely be closed. Plan accordingly.
*** Please confirm all information, dates and times with the libraries or groups hosting the events. If you have a genealogy event of interest to Houstonians that you'd like mentioned here, email me with the details
Mondays in May (6, 13, 20. Library closed May 27)
Katy Branch Library
Genealogy Lunchbox
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work
May 2
Galveston County Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00PM-9:00PM
Moody Mansion Museum
2618 Broadway
Galveston, TX
May 4
Houston Genealogical Forum
General Meeting featuring Dr. Kate Sayen Kirkland
"Captain James A. Baker and the Golden Age of Houston
10:00am-12:00pm (9:00 am social)
Bayland Park Community Center
6400 Bissonnet
Houston, TX
May 11
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter
Chapter Meeting
10:30 am at Clayton Library
5300 Caroline, Houston
More details at the chapter website.
Clayton Library Friends
General Meeting
"Fundamentals of Researching in Texas"
Teri E. Flack
10:15 am at Clayton Library
Carriage House Meeting Room
5300 Caroline, Houston
May 13
Baytown Genealogy Society
General Meeting
10:00am
Baytown Library
5203 Decker Drive, Baytown
(Please confirm date with society.
They didn't have their May meeting on
their website when I published this.)
Humble Area Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00 PM
Humble Senior Activity Center
1401 South Houston Ave, Humble
May 18
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Library Orientation
10:30 am - 11:45 am
5300 Caroline, Houston
Learn about the vast family history research resources at this wonderful library. Registration is free and open to the public. Call (832)393-2600.
May 19
Atascocita-Kingwood Genealogical Society
"Nazism, Nuremberg and Now"
Mike Riviere
2:45 PM
Rosemont Assisted Living
6450 Kings Park Way
Second floor community room
Kingwood, TX
May 22
Military Records for Genealogy
Cy-Fair College Branch Library
(Lone Star College - CyFair Campus)
Room LNRC 131
9191 Barker Cypress Rd.
Cypress, Texas
10:00am-11:00am
May 25
Chaparral Genealogical Society
General Meeting
10:00 am
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Organized or Trashed? Let's Get Organized!
10:30am-12:00pm
5300 Caroline, Houston
Do you search but still can’t find that elusive document when you need it? Or do you make copies and discover that you already had it? Come learn the most important reason why you need to organize your work. The second part of the presentation is a class discussion of ways to organize. Feel free to bring an example of your organizational system to share with others in the class. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens.
Down the Road...
July 18-20, 2013 Angelina Genealogy Conference (Lufkin)
*** Memorial Day is May 27. Libraries, government offices and records repositories will likely be closed. Plan accordingly.
*** Please confirm all information, dates and times with the libraries or groups hosting the events. If you have a genealogy event of interest to Houstonians that you'd like mentioned here, email me with the details
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Transcribing a Piece of History
Today I transcribed a small diary. It was written by a widow in 1943. She lived alone, as all her children were grown.
The diary started with a January 1st entry. The tone was muted, lacking the usual New Year's optimism because the country was in the midst of World War II. The lady's son had been drafted. He shipped out a couple of weeks after the diary was started, leaving behind a pregnant wife.
Entries in the journal are short, yet descriptive. The mother missed her son, and worried about her daughter-in-law who gave birth the day after her husband shipped out.
Much of the diary focused on day-to-day events: going to church, going to town for groceries, visiting family and friends. The woman enjoyed time with her new grandchild and thought often about her son. She was very honest about feeling lonely.
It is not clear why this woman started a diary, or what she intended to do with it. It was penned in a small memo book and doesn't look like a diary at all. It could have easily been mistaken for junk by a clueless descendant and thrown away after she died. Luckily, it was saved because it is a very moving picture of one small family during one big war.
Makes you wonder how many other nondescript items are sitting around our own houses and attics waiting to be discovered.
The diary started with a January 1st entry. The tone was muted, lacking the usual New Year's optimism because the country was in the midst of World War II. The lady's son had been drafted. He shipped out a couple of weeks after the diary was started, leaving behind a pregnant wife.
Entries in the journal are short, yet descriptive. The mother missed her son, and worried about her daughter-in-law who gave birth the day after her husband shipped out.
Much of the diary focused on day-to-day events: going to church, going to town for groceries, visiting family and friends. The woman enjoyed time with her new grandchild and thought often about her son. She was very honest about feeling lonely.
It is not clear why this woman started a diary, or what she intended to do with it. It was penned in a small memo book and doesn't look like a diary at all. It could have easily been mistaken for junk by a clueless descendant and thrown away after she died. Luckily, it was saved because it is a very moving picture of one small family during one big war.
Makes you wonder how many other nondescript items are sitting around our own houses and attics waiting to be discovered.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap, part 3
See Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap part 2 here.
Hopefully the last 2 blog posts give you an idea of what to expect in the Forensic Genealogy Institute. This last section includes bits of information that may be of interest to you.
Qualifications
Are you experienced enough to attend the Forensic Genealogy Institute? That's something you have to determine. This is definitely not for beginners. At the very least, be an intermediate researcher with goals that match this group's mission. At least half of my class were practicing forensic genealogists. I am not, but followed along just fine and did well on the practicum. I'd consider my group to be advanced researchers. Questions were asked and encouraged, but they were on a higher level. Attendees should be comfortable with technology.
Certifications and fancy letters after your name
I was pleased to discover that the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy is developing a certification program that meets the standards and experience necessary to be qualified in the field of forensic genealogy. The exact name of the distinction and specific requirements are still being formed. The application process will likely include a report, written test, oral test and possibly interviews.
Forensic genealogy book in the works
Someone is working on a forensic genealogy book as we speak. I think it will be on the level -- and more current -- than Professional Genealogy. Sorry to be vague, but I didn't ask permission to talk about this one, so I don't know how much I can say. All I know is that I'm really looking forward to the publication of this book.
CAFG resource page
It just sits there quietly, but it's too good to keep a secret. Check out the CAFG resource page.
Mentor program
I learned about the CAFG mentor program during the institute and was very impressed with what I heard. I don't know of any other group that offers such an opportunity to learn the skills you need, guided by experienced professionals.
2014
The next Forensic Genealogy Institute will be March/April 2014. The date isn't cemented yet because they're trying to work around Easter. After the 3-day institute, there will be an opportunity to stay on for advanced tracks in certain forensic genealogy subjects. Only people who have completed the institute can attend advanced tracks.
Guess that's it. I learned a lot in 3 days. If you have any user-end questions about the institute, I'd be happy to answer them. If you have specific questions, you're better off emailing info@forensicgenealogists.org. They're a good group.
Hopefully the last 2 blog posts give you an idea of what to expect in the Forensic Genealogy Institute. This last section includes bits of information that may be of interest to you.
Qualifications
Are you experienced enough to attend the Forensic Genealogy Institute? That's something you have to determine. This is definitely not for beginners. At the very least, be an intermediate researcher with goals that match this group's mission. At least half of my class were practicing forensic genealogists. I am not, but followed along just fine and did well on the practicum. I'd consider my group to be advanced researchers. Questions were asked and encouraged, but they were on a higher level. Attendees should be comfortable with technology.
Certifications and fancy letters after your name
I was pleased to discover that the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy is developing a certification program that meets the standards and experience necessary to be qualified in the field of forensic genealogy. The exact name of the distinction and specific requirements are still being formed. The application process will likely include a report, written test, oral test and possibly interviews.
Forensic genealogy book in the works
Someone is working on a forensic genealogy book as we speak. I think it will be on the level -- and more current -- than Professional Genealogy. Sorry to be vague, but I didn't ask permission to talk about this one, so I don't know how much I can say. All I know is that I'm really looking forward to the publication of this book.
CAFG resource page
It just sits there quietly, but it's too good to keep a secret. Check out the CAFG resource page.
Mentor program
I learned about the CAFG mentor program during the institute and was very impressed with what I heard. I don't know of any other group that offers such an opportunity to learn the skills you need, guided by experienced professionals.
2014
The next Forensic Genealogy Institute will be March/April 2014. The date isn't cemented yet because they're trying to work around Easter. After the 3-day institute, there will be an opportunity to stay on for advanced tracks in certain forensic genealogy subjects. Only people who have completed the institute can attend advanced tracks.
Guess that's it. I learned a lot in 3 days. If you have any user-end questions about the institute, I'd be happy to answer them. If you have specific questions, you're better off emailing info@forensicgenealogists.org. They're a good group.
Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap, part 2
See Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap, part 1 here.
Now that I've shared the Forensic Genealogy Institute schedule, I'm going to tell you about then engine under the hood. Here's what you get for your registration fee:
Three full days of instruction
The 2013 Institute ran Thursday through Saturday (this may change in 2014). This sounds intense and scary, but the subject matter is extremely interesting. Also, the instructors kept everything moving, so I never felt bored, or tired. Often I lost track of time and was surprised when the day was over.
Small class size and instant professional network
The class size was about 25 people. That's it. This is cool because you get to know everyone and they become valuable qualified assets to your professional network. Before the Institute, we were instructed to bring business cards for exchange.
160+ page syllabus
Registered attendees received an electronic copy of the syllabus before the Institute. Paper copies were available by advance purchase. The syllabus is one of the best I've ever received. Each session hand an accompanying handout in the syllabus. A typical section included information on the subject (such as mineral rights), numerous links, resources and of course all the citations you need to find the information yourself.
Ample access to instructors
I really appreciated the availability of the instructors. While one was at the podium, the others were in the back of the room. They'd chime in to the discussion with their unique perspectives and experiences. If I had a question, the instructors were there during the breaks and meals. They were very forthcoming and honest, too. They even shared about mistakes early in their careers in the hopes attendees would not do the same.
Practical work experience
Each day we had a practicum where we were given the details of an actual forensic genealogy "case." We had some time at the end of the class day and our evenings to research the issue at hand. I can't share the specifics, but we were asked to find the heirs to a particular piece of land. Basically it was a matter of using the records of dead people to find living people.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks
My ticket to the Forensic Genealogy Institute included continental breakfast in the morning (fruit, pastries, coffee, juice, tea), lunch and afternoon snacks (often cookies).
A convenient location
The Institute was at a hotel next to Love Field in Dallas. People drove or flew in to either of the local airports. My room was very nice. There was a sports grill attached to the hotel.
That's it for the peek under the hood. For part 3 of the Forensic Genealogy Institute re-cap, click here.
Now that I've shared the Forensic Genealogy Institute schedule, I'm going to tell you about then engine under the hood. Here's what you get for your registration fee:
Three full days of instruction
The 2013 Institute ran Thursday through Saturday (this may change in 2014). This sounds intense and scary, but the subject matter is extremely interesting. Also, the instructors kept everything moving, so I never felt bored, or tired. Often I lost track of time and was surprised when the day was over.
Small class size and instant professional network
The class size was about 25 people. That's it. This is cool because you get to know everyone and they become valuable qualified assets to your professional network. Before the Institute, we were instructed to bring business cards for exchange.
160+ page syllabus
Registered attendees received an electronic copy of the syllabus before the Institute. Paper copies were available by advance purchase. The syllabus is one of the best I've ever received. Each session hand an accompanying handout in the syllabus. A typical section included information on the subject (such as mineral rights), numerous links, resources and of course all the citations you need to find the information yourself.
Ample access to instructors
I really appreciated the availability of the instructors. While one was at the podium, the others were in the back of the room. They'd chime in to the discussion with their unique perspectives and experiences. If I had a question, the instructors were there during the breaks and meals. They were very forthcoming and honest, too. They even shared about mistakes early in their careers in the hopes attendees would not do the same.
Practical work experience
Each day we had a practicum where we were given the details of an actual forensic genealogy "case." We had some time at the end of the class day and our evenings to research the issue at hand. I can't share the specifics, but we were asked to find the heirs to a particular piece of land. Basically it was a matter of using the records of dead people to find living people.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks
My ticket to the Forensic Genealogy Institute included continental breakfast in the morning (fruit, pastries, coffee, juice, tea), lunch and afternoon snacks (often cookies).
A convenient location
The Institute was at a hotel next to Love Field in Dallas. People drove or flew in to either of the local airports. My room was very nice. There was a sports grill attached to the hotel.
That's it for the peek under the hood. For part 3 of the Forensic Genealogy Institute re-cap, click here.
Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap, part 1
I did it! I completed the Forensic Genealogy Institute and have the paperwork to prove it.
This was a great event. I am so glad I had the chance to go. Kudos to the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) for developing such a fantastic learning opportunity.
When people hear "forensic," many automatically envision crime scene tape and coroner vans. Blame all the CSI shows for that one. In reality, the word forensic describes something suitable for use in a court of law. Thus, in our case, it's genealogical research, records and documents suitable for legal use.
The Forensic Genealogy Institute is a 3-day intensive course exploring different aspects of forensic genealogy.
Here's the schedule:
Thursday
Overview of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy
Introduction to Forensic Genealogy
Discussion of the Role of the Genealogist
Guardianships
Real Estate and Rights of Way
Mineral Rights
Adoptions
Citizenship and Immigration
Capital Mitigation
Military Repatriation
Unidentified and Unclaimed Persons
Cold Cases
Forensic Genealogy Fees and Contracts
Ethics and Liability
Practicum
Friday
Finding the Living
Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy
Missing & Unknown Heirs:
Law Procedure for the Forensic Genealogist
Witness Roles
Mock Cross Examination
Practicum
Saturday
Practicum
Legal and Ethical Implications of Adoptions
Work Products and Client Documents
Preparation, Business Structure and Due Diligence
How to Identify Potential Markets and Clients
Examples of Successful Marketing Efforts
Conclusion, Class Evaluation and Certificates
Special thanks to CAFG for giving me permission to publish their schedule.
On to Forensic Genealogy Institute Re-Cap, part 2
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
All New FamilySearch Web Site
FamilySearch has a new look. Are you seeing it? What do you think?
These are the changes that were revealed at the bloggers' dinner at RootsTech.
The FamilySearch home page is more social. The old home page gave us a menu to search for records. The new page gives equal weight to photos, stories, etc. Users are encouraged to add their own pictures and stories about their ancestors with the goal of making one big tree.
Will people contribute and share? Will they work together and resist the urge to be possessive of their ancestors? Only time will tell.
In late 2011, I had a client tell me what he wanted to do with his family history records. He asked for suggestions. Based on his wishes and specifications, I told him about this FamilySearch product that was in the works.
...and for a year I kept waiting for that product so I could show him. I saw pretty charts and pictures and slick FamilySearch presentations about the upcoming product. All I could do was relay the info to the client and hope I'd eventually have something to deliver. I kept telling him, "FamilySearch says it's coming," though I had no idea when. I hate making empty promises.
Today as I was sitting at the desk, working on this client's project, FamilySearch.org started to go wonky and slow. I refreshed my screen and there was the new site, with places to add photos and stories. I spent the next 3 hours adding information to this *forever* family tree. It's not perfect (I wish we could add documents and PDFs), but it does what this client wants it to do. That makes him happy. That makes me happy.
These are the changes that were revealed at the bloggers' dinner at RootsTech.
The FamilySearch home page is more social. The old home page gave us a menu to search for records. The new page gives equal weight to photos, stories, etc. Users are encouraged to add their own pictures and stories about their ancestors with the goal of making one big tree.
Will people contribute and share? Will they work together and resist the urge to be possessive of their ancestors? Only time will tell.
In late 2011, I had a client tell me what he wanted to do with his family history records. He asked for suggestions. Based on his wishes and specifications, I told him about this FamilySearch product that was in the works.
...and for a year I kept waiting for that product so I could show him. I saw pretty charts and pictures and slick FamilySearch presentations about the upcoming product. All I could do was relay the info to the client and hope I'd eventually have something to deliver. I kept telling him, "FamilySearch says it's coming," though I had no idea when. I hate making empty promises.
Today as I was sitting at the desk, working on this client's project, FamilySearch.org started to go wonky and slow. I refreshed my screen and there was the new site, with places to add photos and stories. I spent the next 3 hours adding information to this *forever* family tree. It's not perfect (I wish we could add documents and PDFs), but it does what this client wants it to do. That makes him happy. That makes me happy.
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