Maintaining a blog for your local genealogy society is an economical (often free) way to publicize your group and attract new members. Blogging is very easy and minimal technical knowledge is needed. In fact, the biggest challenge is keeping blog posts fresh and current. Here are 25 ideas to get your society’s genealogy blog up and running:
1. On the first of each month, list the society’s upcoming events.
Remind members what’s on the calendar and advertise to potential members what your society is all about. This subject provides at least nine posts if your group takes summers off, and twelve posts if your group meets year-round.
2. Invite youth genealogists to be guest bloggers. This blogging idea is win/win--your society gets a fresh look on issues and youth genealogists are brought into the organization. Having a bi-monthly guest blogger you give you six posts of new material.
3. Spotlight a current society member. Give a little love to a long-time member or stand-out volunteer.
4. Write a tribute to a society member no longer with us. Use your blog to preserve some of your society’s history. Write about a deceased member who helped make your society what it is today.
5. Share descriptions of your society’s events. This is your chance to spotlight the fun and informative happenings in your society. Warning: may attract new members!
6. List volunteer opportunities. Use your blog to recruit volunteers.
Many folks are under the impression that a volunteer gig takes a lot of time and special expertise. Announce some of your society’s opportunities and see what happens.
7. Share the table of contents and/or brief descriptions of your society’s newsletter. Show potential members all the informational treasures to which they would gain access if they became members.
8. Highlight an item in your library’s collection. Don’t have a collection? Describe an item that would be helpful for society members to know about.
9. Use your blog as a forum to get member feedback. If your society has ideas forming in the pipeline, blog posts are a good way to get opinions. If you feel such an open forum could lead to heated debate, comment moderation can be used.
10. Publicize your society’s events, meetings or booth location at upcoming conferences. This is a great way to advertise your group and reach out to others who will be at the same event.
11. Publicize local events outside the society that may be of interest to members. Show blog readers that your society is on the pulse of what’s happening in the genealogy world.
12. Report on genealogy conference attendance. Wrangle up members who attend regional or national conferences and have them share their experiences, new ideas, etc.
13. Give tips on genealogy conference attendance for first-time attendees. Encourage others to attend local and regional conferences and give them advice on how to make the most of their time.
14. Share photos of your society’s events. This is an easy, fast way to show others the great work that goes on in your society.
15. Share old photos and comment on them. Use photos from your library or invite members to share old local photos. Provide comments, stories and/or memories of the past in your area.
16. Prepare mini-histories of local buildings, houses and landmarks. Locate old buildings in your society’s area and describe their history. This is a great way to attract potential new members. Share your historical blog posts with local press and maybe you’ll get even more publicity for your group.
17. Talk about major historical events and their impact on your local area. The way to get others interested in history (and genealogy) is relate events to their lives.
18. Reminisce about old businesses and restaurants in your society’s area. Remember the old diner? That store that sold that candy? This is another great idea to get others interested in local history (and new members to boot).
19. Write about celebrities and notorious folks from the area.
Important people all come from somewhere. Talk about yours!
20. Share surnames of society members. When you’re running low on blog ideas, offer up some member surnames. Provide details on location and scope of search and see if there are any distant cousins out there.
21. Have an advice column. Do society members approach officers with research questions? Use your blog to publish the answers.
22. Present genealogy brick walls and invite readers to assist in solving the research problems. This is an easy way to get readers involved in your blog.
23. Offer research tips and tricks. There’s always something new to learn with genealogy research.
24. Highlight local cemeteries. Each cemetery is unique as are the people buried there. Discuss some of the unique characteristics of the location and the people.
25. Interview an elderly local citizen and preserve history. This is a fantastic way to honor our elders, preserve their stories and draw the attention of potential society members.
These 25 ideas are enough to give your blog about two posts a month. If you use these topics more than once, you’ll get even more material and more opportunities to reach out to current and potential members.
These tips are available in document format for distribution during genealogy events. Please contact me (email address is at the top right of this blog) for permission to use and access to the file. Thank you.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tombstone Tuesday: Nobody Home Edition
St. Joseph's Cemetery #1, Rayne, Louisiana. During my road trip, I stumbled upon this "vacancy" in a very crowded cemetery. Not sure why it's empty. Notice how small the area is? They just don't make caskets that size anymore.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of July 27 - August 2, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of July 27 - August 2, 2009:
Tuesday, July 28
Austin Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Location: Highland Park Baptist Church,
5206 Balcones, Austin, Texas
Topic: Old News is Good News:
Newspapers in Genealogy
Presenter: Randy Whited
Saturday, August 1
Fort Worth Genealogical Society Summer Seminar
Travis Avenue Baptist Church
800 West Berry Street
Fort Worth, Texas
Speaker: Trevia Wooster Beverly
Further details on the Summer Seminar
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Tuesday, July 28
Austin Genealogical Society Meeting, 7pm
Location: Highland Park Baptist Church,
5206 Balcones, Austin, Texas
Topic: Old News is Good News:
Newspapers in Genealogy
Presenter: Randy Whited
Saturday, August 1
Fort Worth Genealogical Society Summer Seminar
Travis Avenue Baptist Church
800 West Berry Street
Fort Worth, Texas
Speaker: Trevia Wooster Beverly
Further details on the Summer Seminar
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Return to the Scene of the Crime
Many months ago, I shared the story of my great-great grandfather and how he was murdered in 1889. You can read about it here, or just stay put for the recap: he had a wife and a girlfriend. The married husband of the married girlfriend didn't like that too much. My great-great grandfather also stole the guy's horse. Tensions escalated until one shot the other. That was the end of that.
The shooting took place at a person's saw mill. Before I went on my Acadia Parish road trip, I looked up the location of the land where the saw mill once stood. After a day of research and cemetery hunting, my father, son and I made our way through the back roads of Louisiana in search of the scene of the crime.
These buildings are younger than the saw mill, but this was the land on which the shooting took place.
The yellow grass is really rice that's almost ready for harvest. It was a indescribable sensation to ponder what once went down in this field, all while listening to the gentle sound of the rice blowing in the wind.
A building thunderstorm really added to the scene. It was like movie special effects, symbolizing the tension between my great-great grandfather and the man who shot him. We stayed for just a bit, trying to race the storm and get back to our hotel after a long day.
The shooting took place at a person's saw mill. Before I went on my Acadia Parish road trip, I looked up the location of the land where the saw mill once stood. After a day of research and cemetery hunting, my father, son and I made our way through the back roads of Louisiana in search of the scene of the crime.
These buildings are younger than the saw mill, but this was the land on which the shooting took place.
The yellow grass is really rice that's almost ready for harvest. It was a indescribable sensation to ponder what once went down in this field, all while listening to the gentle sound of the rice blowing in the wind.
A building thunderstorm really added to the scene. It was like movie special effects, symbolizing the tension between my great-great grandfather and the man who shot him. We stayed for just a bit, trying to race the storm and get back to our hotel after a long day.
But before we left, my dad paused to re-enact the scene. Here he is playing the part of my great-great grandfather, uttering the line, "DON'T SHOOT!"
Oh yeah, we went there.
You know, not all my ancestors walked the straight and narrow path, but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I wouldn't be here if not for them.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Last week I took a genealogy road trip to Acadia Parish, Louisiana. I wanted to find some information and gravesites for ancestors on my mom's side of the family.
One of the places I went was the city of Rayne (aka Frog Capital of the World). The cemetery system there is a bit confusing as there are two St. Joseph cemeteries, referred to as 1 and 2. After searching for my great-great grandparents all over cemetery #2, I learned the information I was given was wrong. They were buried in #1.
St. Joseph's Cemetery (#1) has a unique characteristic, as described here:
"The site of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Cemetery was determined after the new settlement of Rayne was established. Huge wooden wheels were made and the old church from the original Poupeville settlement was mounted on them and moved to this location in 1882. The cemetery, adjacent to the church, was the only known Christian cemetery for many years where the graves were placed in a north-south direction lengthwise. According to ancient Christian customs, graves are positioned east-west so the bodies of the dead lie facing the rising sun, the symbol of Christ's resurrection. Folklore about the cemetery's misalignment has been passed down over the years in stories, but no one knows for certain why this cemetery does not follow tradition."
One of the places I went was the city of Rayne (aka Frog Capital of the World). The cemetery system there is a bit confusing as there are two St. Joseph cemeteries, referred to as 1 and 2. After searching for my great-great grandparents all over cemetery #2, I learned the information I was given was wrong. They were buried in #1.
St. Joseph's Cemetery (#1) has a unique characteristic, as described here:
"The site of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Cemetery was determined after the new settlement of Rayne was established. Huge wooden wheels were made and the old church from the original Poupeville settlement was mounted on them and moved to this location in 1882. The cemetery, adjacent to the church, was the only known Christian cemetery for many years where the graves were placed in a north-south direction lengthwise. According to ancient Christian customs, graves are positioned east-west so the bodies of the dead lie facing the rising sun, the symbol of Christ's resurrection. Folklore about the cemetery's misalignment has been passed down over the years in stories, but no one knows for certain why this cemetery does not follow tradition."
I looked for the graves of my great-great grandparents Bourgaux, but did not find anything. Many of the markers were worn and the print hard to read. Mosquitoes were everywhere and I had to walk at a clip to keep them at bay. I did not find what I was looking for.
My father and I asked for the Bourgaux grave location at the cemetery/church office, but was told the exact spot was unknown. They were out there somewhere. The lady also said something disturbing. The sidewalk around the cemetery was constructed over gravesites, now marked only by the cement path on top of them.
I sure hope my great-great grandparents aren't buried under the sidewalk. They came here from France and Belgium. They got married on July 4. The had 13 children and lost 8 early on. They ran a theater. When they lost it in a fire, they moved and began again with a blacksmith business. They deserve better than to be buried under a sidewalk.
My father and I asked for the Bourgaux grave location at the cemetery/church office, but was told the exact spot was unknown. They were out there somewhere. The lady also said something disturbing. The sidewalk around the cemetery was constructed over gravesites, now marked only by the cement path on top of them.
I sure hope my great-great grandparents aren't buried under the sidewalk. They came here from France and Belgium. They got married on July 4. The had 13 children and lost 8 early on. They ran a theater. When they lost it in a fire, they moved and began again with a blacksmith business. They deserve better than to be buried under a sidewalk.
Choices, choices: SCGS10 or IGHR10?
My plan this year has been to tackle all the big genealogy conferences. I did NGS and the SCGS Jamboree already in 2009. FGS is coming up and then I'll be done. The only event I had on my calendar for 2010 was IGHR at Samford.
However, the date for the Samford Institute coincides with the date for the 2010 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.
Which party do I attend?
I really, really wanted to go to Samford in 2010 and take the Southern states week-long course. Its not offered every year, but it will be there next year. Everyone says, "Go to Samford! It's like summer camp!" Well, I haven't been there, but I have been to the Jamboree. If Samford is summer camp, then Jamboree is the frat house.
I'm leaning toward attending the 2010 Jamboree, even if it means missing the IGHR Southern states class for several years. I have distinct goals in terms of genealogy and I think the Jamboree experience--including the best networking opportunities ever--better fits my needs.
You're probably wondering why I am worrying about this now. It's because I need to get it on the calendar.
I'm curious about others that attended Jamboree in the past. Is it an occasional event for you? Will you be back next year? I'm just trying to gauge others' experiences to see if I'm overestimating the value of the event for professional goals or I'm right on the nose. (Looking back on my own experience, I'm pretty sure I'm on the nose.)
However, the date for the Samford Institute coincides with the date for the 2010 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.
Which party do I attend?
I really, really wanted to go to Samford in 2010 and take the Southern states week-long course. Its not offered every year, but it will be there next year. Everyone says, "Go to Samford! It's like summer camp!" Well, I haven't been there, but I have been to the Jamboree. If Samford is summer camp, then Jamboree is the frat house.
I'm leaning toward attending the 2010 Jamboree, even if it means missing the IGHR Southern states class for several years. I have distinct goals in terms of genealogy and I think the Jamboree experience--including the best networking opportunities ever--better fits my needs.
You're probably wondering why I am worrying about this now. It's because I need to get it on the calendar.
I'm curious about others that attended Jamboree in the past. Is it an occasional event for you? Will you be back next year? I'm just trying to gauge others' experiences to see if I'm overestimating the value of the event for professional goals or I'm right on the nose. (Looking back on my own experience, I'm pretty sure I'm on the nose.)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of July 20-26, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of July 20-26, 2009:
Monday, July 20
Angelina County Genealogical Society Meeting, 5pm
Kurth Memorial Library
706 S Raguet Street
Lufkin, TX 75904
Meeting times and places may be changed. Confirm with genealogical society.
Thursday July 23 - Saturday July 25:
Dallas Genealogical Society Summer Institute 2009
Pre-registration required.
Info on the event is here.
Thursday July 23
East Texas Genealogical Society
Get Acquainted Luncheon, 11:30 am
Heartland Ham Co. 3400-A South Broadway, Tyler 75701. (903) 581-2802
These meetings are a chance to meet other members of the society in a relaxed, informal, social atmosphere -- all while enjoying a delicious lunch.
We talk about all sorts of subjects: genealogy, computers, kids, grand-kids, etc. Come and enjoy yourself!
Saturday July 25
Czech Heritage Society Summer Membership Meeting
and Genealogy Conference
Caldwell Civic and Visitors Center
103 Presidential Corridor W. (State Hwy 2)
Caldwell, TX
Clayton Library Mini-Education Session, 10am
What I learned at the National Archives
Every year the National Archives in Washington DC holds a National Institute on Genealogical Research. Assistant Manager Lesley Douthwaite attended the Institute in 2008 and will share some of the information she learned about different types of Federal records held at the National Archives, and how to use them. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Beginners Workshop, 10:30 am
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Beginners Workshop Series
Getting started for novice and intermediate genealogists.
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street
Fort Worth, Texas
Chappell Meeting Room
Austin Genealogical Society
Saturday Series, 1pm
Cost: Free
Location: Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 78701
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society Meeting, 2pm
Location: Van Zandt County Library
317 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103-1052
903-567-4276
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Monday, July 20
Angelina County Genealogical Society Meeting, 5pm
Kurth Memorial Library
706 S Raguet Street
Lufkin, TX 75904
Meeting times and places may be changed. Confirm with genealogical society.
Thursday July 23 - Saturday July 25:
Dallas Genealogical Society Summer Institute 2009
Pre-registration required.
Info on the event is here.
Thursday July 23
East Texas Genealogical Society
Get Acquainted Luncheon, 11:30 am
Heartland Ham Co. 3400-A South Broadway, Tyler 75701. (903) 581-2802
These meetings are a chance to meet other members of the society in a relaxed, informal, social atmosphere -- all while enjoying a delicious lunch.
We talk about all sorts of subjects: genealogy, computers, kids, grand-kids, etc. Come and enjoy yourself!
Saturday July 25
Czech Heritage Society Summer Membership Meeting
and Genealogy Conference
Caldwell Civic and Visitors Center
103 Presidential Corridor W. (State Hwy 2)
Caldwell, TX
Clayton Library Mini-Education Session, 10am
What I learned at the National Archives
Every year the National Archives in Washington DC holds a National Institute on Genealogical Research. Assistant Manager Lesley Douthwaite attended the Institute in 2008 and will share some of the information she learned about different types of Federal records held at the National Archives, and how to use them. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Beginners Workshop, 10:30 am
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Beginners Workshop Series
Getting started for novice and intermediate genealogists.
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street
Fort Worth, Texas
Chappell Meeting Room
Austin Genealogical Society
Saturday Series, 1pm
Cost: Free
Location: Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 78701
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society Meeting, 2pm
Location: Van Zandt County Library
317 First Monday Lane
Canton, TX 75103-1052
903-567-4276
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Road Trip Re-Cap
I'm back from my quickie road trip to Acadia Parish. The focus was on the names Bourgaux and Menou. I threw a bit of Thibodeaux research in there for good measure, but I'll have to mosey on up to Opelousas for the real details on that line.
My dad and my son went with me on this trek. My dad was kind enough to entertain my son while I did research at the Crowley Branch of the Acadia Parish Public Library. They have a nice genealogy room, including a great obit collection developed by wonderful volunteers and some members of the local Pointe de l'Eglise: Acadia Genealogical and Historical Society.
In the afternoons, we went searching the local cemeteries. I was mostly successful but not completely. I will elaborate at a later date.
Of course, when you go to Louisiana, you must sample the local food.
One night we ate at Prejean's in Lafayette.
Another night we ate at Chef Roy's Frog City Cafe in Rayne (Frog Capital of the World, y'all).
On the way home we stopped at Steamboat Bill's in Lake Charles. My son and I shared the magic of pistolettes with my dad.
This was a good road trip and research trip. I came away with about 75 copied pages of information which will provide a strong, well-sourced base for me to continue my work on the Bourgaux and Menou lines in the Iota and Rayne areas of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.
My dad and my son went with me on this trek. My dad was kind enough to entertain my son while I did research at the Crowley Branch of the Acadia Parish Public Library. They have a nice genealogy room, including a great obit collection developed by wonderful volunteers and some members of the local Pointe de l'Eglise: Acadia Genealogical and Historical Society.
In the afternoons, we went searching the local cemeteries. I was mostly successful but not completely. I will elaborate at a later date.
Of course, when you go to Louisiana, you must sample the local food.
One night we ate at Prejean's in Lafayette.
Another night we ate at Chef Roy's Frog City Cafe in Rayne (Frog Capital of the World, y'all).
On the way home we stopped at Steamboat Bill's in Lake Charles. My son and I shared the magic of pistolettes with my dad.
This was a good road trip and research trip. I came away with about 75 copied pages of information which will provide a strong, well-sourced base for me to continue my work on the Bourgaux and Menou lines in the Iota and Rayne areas of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Road Trip Coming Up
I have a little road trip coming up and I've been busy preparing for it. I have a packet of papers and records that may come in handy during research. I have directions to the little library & archives room that hopefully holds the answers to my questions. I have some loose directions to various cemeteries.
What's most important, though, are my directions to several of SW Louisiana's best restaurants. A genealogist needs to eat, you know.
I'll report my findings (on the facts and the food) at a later date.
What's most important, though, are my directions to several of SW Louisiana's best restaurants. A genealogist needs to eat, you know.
I'll report my findings (on the facts and the food) at a later date.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of July 13-19, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of July 13-19:
Tuesday, July 14:
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Computer Users Group, 6:30 pm
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street
Intel Computer Lab
Thursday July 16 - Saturday July 18:
Angelina Genealogy Conference - Lufkin
Angelina College
This is a multi-day conference.
See web site for details.
[Edit: I couldn't access the web site on 7/13.--Amy]
Saturday, July 18:
Clayton Library - DAR Lineage Help Day
Ever wanted to know about the Daughters of the American Revolution?Bring in your genealogy and speak with experts from local DAR chapters. No reservations required. Adults/Teens. 10 am - 4 pm
Clayton Library Orientation, 11 am
Discussion of the resources available at Clayton Library. Orientation lasts approximately one hour. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Board Meeting, 10am
All members are welcome.
Southwest Regional Library
4001 Library Lane at Hulen St.
Fort Worth, Texas
Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries
Plano Saturday Seminar, 10 am
The seminars are FREE and are held at the W.O. Haggard, Jr. Library, 2501 Coit Rd., Plano, Texas, in the first floor Program Room. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. Registration is not necessary.
Rains County Genealogical Society Meeting, 1 pm
Location: Rains County Library
150 Doris Briggs Parkway
Emory, Texas 75440
Phone: (903)473-5000 ext 283
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Tuesday, July 14:
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Computer Users Group, 6:30 pm
Fort Worth Central Library (Downtown)
500 West 3rd Street
Intel Computer Lab
Thursday July 16 - Saturday July 18:
Angelina Genealogy Conference - Lufkin
Angelina College
This is a multi-day conference.
See web site for details.
[Edit: I couldn't access the web site on 7/13.--Amy]
Saturday, July 18:
Clayton Library - DAR Lineage Help Day
Ever wanted to know about the Daughters of the American Revolution?Bring in your genealogy and speak with experts from local DAR chapters. No reservations required. Adults/Teens. 10 am - 4 pm
Clayton Library Orientation, 11 am
Discussion of the resources available at Clayton Library. Orientation lasts approximately one hour. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.
Fort Worth Genealogical Society
Board Meeting, 10am
All members are welcome.
Southwest Regional Library
4001 Library Lane at Hulen St.
Fort Worth, Texas
Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries
Plano Saturday Seminar, 10 am
The seminars are FREE and are held at the W.O. Haggard, Jr. Library, 2501 Coit Rd., Plano, Texas, in the first floor Program Room. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. Registration is not necessary.
Rains County Genealogical Society Meeting, 1 pm
Location: Rains County Library
150 Doris Briggs Parkway
Emory, Texas 75440
Phone: (903)473-5000 ext 283
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Catching Up
I have been so busy lately doing many different things. Each little task is important in its own way, but none is really worthy of a blog post on its own. I decided to combine all the details into one post.
First, I'm working on the details for an upcoming Acadia Parish, Louisiana road trip. I have one great-great grandparent who came to the area from Belgium in the 1880's and another who came from France at the same time. I'm pretty sure my Thibodeaux branch has been there (and St. Landry parish before that) since the 1700's but until I can sort the mess out, I don't know which Pierre Thibodeaux is mine. What's funny is that when I moved to Texas, I did not know I was only 3 hours away from so much family history.
This week I have been trying to find out where everyone is buried and gathering directions to those cemeteries. I also have an appointment in the research room of the public library. I also went to the Clayton Library to see what they had on Acadia Parish. I didn't get much more than I already had.
Construction has begun on my website. I've had a domain name for years now, figuring it would come in handy one day when I became famous. Since that's not gonna happen, I figure I'll just do something genealogy-related with it. At this rate, the site should be up by 2015. Mark your calendar.
I've also had contact with several different distant cousins this week. That's the way it seems to work for me--no contact for months then they come out of the woodwork. I am really thrilled to meet these people and share information. Hopefully I'll have some time in the next few days to write more in detail about what I've found.
First, I'm working on the details for an upcoming Acadia Parish, Louisiana road trip. I have one great-great grandparent who came to the area from Belgium in the 1880's and another who came from France at the same time. I'm pretty sure my Thibodeaux branch has been there (and St. Landry parish before that) since the 1700's but until I can sort the mess out, I don't know which Pierre Thibodeaux is mine. What's funny is that when I moved to Texas, I did not know I was only 3 hours away from so much family history.
This week I have been trying to find out where everyone is buried and gathering directions to those cemeteries. I also have an appointment in the research room of the public library. I also went to the Clayton Library to see what they had on Acadia Parish. I didn't get much more than I already had.
Construction has begun on my website. I've had a domain name for years now, figuring it would come in handy one day when I became famous. Since that's not gonna happen, I figure I'll just do something genealogy-related with it. At this rate, the site should be up by 2015. Mark your calendar.
I've also had contact with several different distant cousins this week. That's the way it seems to work for me--no contact for months then they come out of the woodwork. I am really thrilled to meet these people and share information. Hopefully I'll have some time in the next few days to write more in detail about what I've found.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
ProGen Explained
Recently, the official ProGen website went live. This makes me very happy because I was having a hard time explaining ProGen to people and what exactly I was doing in the group. Now, all I have to do is refer people to the link.
I belong to ProGen 3. We have a few assignments under out belts and are starting to get into a groove. The first online interactions were kind of formal, but I sense things changing as we learn more about each other.
I love ProGen. It was the educational experience I was looking for and couldn't find in the genealogy community. There are assignments about research. There are assignments about the business end of genealogy. ProGen--for me--has been everything I can't find (but want to) in the National Genealogical Society course and the Association of Professional Genealogists membership. And it's free.
ProGen is an 18-month commitment. You have an assignment every month. You are expected to offer feedback on everyone else's work. You also meet monthly online to chat about the chapter covered during that time period.
It sounds scary, but it's not. Everyone brings different experiences and skill sets to the table. We learn from each other. So far I've actually had fun doing the homework and I haven't screwed up too much. That's a win in my book.
If you have serious genealogical aspirations or really want to challenge yourself, I encourage you to consider signing up for an upcoming ProGen session. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and coax you into it as well. :)
I belong to ProGen 3. We have a few assignments under out belts and are starting to get into a groove. The first online interactions were kind of formal, but I sense things changing as we learn more about each other.
I love ProGen. It was the educational experience I was looking for and couldn't find in the genealogy community. There are assignments about research. There are assignments about the business end of genealogy. ProGen--for me--has been everything I can't find (but want to) in the National Genealogical Society course and the Association of Professional Genealogists membership. And it's free.
ProGen is an 18-month commitment. You have an assignment every month. You are expected to offer feedback on everyone else's work. You also meet monthly online to chat about the chapter covered during that time period.
It sounds scary, but it's not. Everyone brings different experiences and skill sets to the table. We learn from each other. So far I've actually had fun doing the homework and I haven't screwed up too much. That's a win in my book.
If you have serious genealogical aspirations or really want to challenge yourself, I encourage you to consider signing up for an upcoming ProGen session. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and coax you into it as well. :)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Texas Genealogy Events: Week of July 6-11, 2009
Straight from the Texas Genealogy Events calendar, here's what is happening in Texas for the week of July 6-11, 2009:
Monday, July 6:
Ellis County Genealogical Society
Meeting, 7pm
Ellis County Woman's Building,
407 West Jefferson Street in Waxahachie
Saturday, July 11
East Texas Genealogical Society
Meeting, 2pm
Tyler Public Library
201 S. College Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
903-593-1329
East Texas Genealogical Society
Computer Interest Group, 3:30pm
Presenter: Jay Wimberley -
"Understanding the differences between the VISTA & XP Operating Systems"
Tyler Public Library
201 S. College Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
903-593-1329
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Monday, July 6:
Ellis County Genealogical Society
Meeting, 7pm
Ellis County Woman's Building,
407 West Jefferson Street in Waxahachie
Saturday, July 11
East Texas Genealogical Society
Meeting, 2pm
Tyler Public Library
201 S. College Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
903-593-1329
East Texas Genealogical Society
Computer Interest Group, 3:30pm
Presenter: Jay Wimberley -
"Understanding the differences between the VISTA & XP Operating Systems"
Tyler Public Library
201 S. College Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
903-593-1329
For further details on these events, see the Texas Genealogy Events Calendar. Please confirm all dates and locations with the host societies and organizations.
Do you have an event you'd like to see on the calendar? Contact me using the email address at the right side of this blog. Events should occur in Texas or be of interest to Texans (neighboring states welcome). Speakers are encouraged to publicize their presentations.
Friday, July 3, 2009
On Being a Rock Star
If you read many genealogy blogs, chances are you heard someone mention the "Rock Star" ribbons some people wore on their conference badges at the 2009 Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree.
I'm the one who brought the Rock Star badge ribbons to the party. My intention was to give a little present the folks who read my blog, are Facebook friends or follow me on Twitter. It was just a little sumthin' sumthin' and my way of saying thanks for being part of my world.
The ribbons were way more popular than I expected them to be. I loosely knew whom to expect at the Jamboree and I had a mental list of who I wanted to meet and make sure they had ribbons. The only problem was that word of the ribbons spread faster than I found everyone, and it created a teeny buzz. People wanted to know where to get the ribbons. I even had a big-name blogger sheepishly approach me and ask for a ribbon and I thought, "Are you kidding me? You're famous. You should have five ribbons!"
Occasionally, genealogy events can be stuffy affairs: all business and no fun. I want to change that in my own way. I am so relieved everyone at the Jamboree loved the ribbons and showed their Rock Star personalities.
The Rock Star ribbons also illustrated an important lesson on the value of social networking in genealogy. I gave those ribbons to people who were in my social networks. Conference attendees said that they saw them everywhere. What they saw was MY social network right before their eyes. There are those who say Facebook is a waste of time, blogs are semi-useless and Twitter has no informational value, but the Rock Stars show that just isn't true.
I'm the one who brought the Rock Star badge ribbons to the party. My intention was to give a little present the folks who read my blog, are Facebook friends or follow me on Twitter. It was just a little sumthin' sumthin' and my way of saying thanks for being part of my world.
The ribbons were way more popular than I expected them to be. I loosely knew whom to expect at the Jamboree and I had a mental list of who I wanted to meet and make sure they had ribbons. The only problem was that word of the ribbons spread faster than I found everyone, and it created a teeny buzz. People wanted to know where to get the ribbons. I even had a big-name blogger sheepishly approach me and ask for a ribbon and I thought, "Are you kidding me? You're famous. You should have five ribbons!"
Occasionally, genealogy events can be stuffy affairs: all business and no fun. I want to change that in my own way. I am so relieved everyone at the Jamboree loved the ribbons and showed their Rock Star personalities.
The Rock Star ribbons also illustrated an important lesson on the value of social networking in genealogy. I gave those ribbons to people who were in my social networks. Conference attendees said that they saw them everywhere. What they saw was MY social network right before their eyes. There are those who say Facebook is a waste of time, blogs are semi-useless and Twitter has no informational value, but the Rock Stars show that just isn't true.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Happy Birthday to We Tree!
Yes, folks, this baby turns ONE today. It seems older than that, doesn't it?
Last year I was hesitant to start another blog, but I needed a place to talk about genealogy without others having to listen to me talk about genealogy. I decided I could talk to this blog about it and give my family a rest.
We Tree has been a great billboard for sharing my research focus and using it to meet other long lost cousins. I also have met many wonderful bloggers. So many that whenever I go to a conference, I always know someone now. I feel very fortunate. My genealogical cup runneth over and this blog is a factor in that.
So what's on tap for the next year? Well, more of the same. This blog's focus is really "no focus." It's part diary, part advertisement, part coffee table. I do firmly believe in the value of blogging for genealogists and I may put some more attention on getting new bloggers up and running. Anyone can do it and I know I can be there to help. I also want to write professionally, so this blog may increase its duties as a platform for this goal.
Chances are that you won't even see a difference. I'm still the same hyper genealogy nerd who doesn't read instructions, won't follow the rules and finds humor in all the wrong places. So there.
Thank you to all those who read We Tree, those who left comments and those who dared to meet me in person. This has been a rewarding experience and it will continue because of your support and kindness.
Last year I was hesitant to start another blog, but I needed a place to talk about genealogy without others having to listen to me talk about genealogy. I decided I could talk to this blog about it and give my family a rest.
We Tree has been a great billboard for sharing my research focus and using it to meet other long lost cousins. I also have met many wonderful bloggers. So many that whenever I go to a conference, I always know someone now. I feel very fortunate. My genealogical cup runneth over and this blog is a factor in that.
So what's on tap for the next year? Well, more of the same. This blog's focus is really "no focus." It's part diary, part advertisement, part coffee table. I do firmly believe in the value of blogging for genealogists and I may put some more attention on getting new bloggers up and running. Anyone can do it and I know I can be there to help. I also want to write professionally, so this blog may increase its duties as a platform for this goal.
Chances are that you won't even see a difference. I'm still the same hyper genealogy nerd who doesn't read instructions, won't follow the rules and finds humor in all the wrong places. So there.
Thank you to all those who read We Tree, those who left comments and those who dared to meet me in person. This has been a rewarding experience and it will continue because of your support and kindness.
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