This weekend was the Houston Family History Expo. I wasn't available for the Friday afternoon/evening portion of it, but I did attend all day Saturday. Here is my recap:
I got to the conference hotel early for registration. I chatted with Sue Kaufman, who heads the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research and is also the president of the Texas State Genealogical Society. I also had nice conversations with dedicated FamilySearch volunteer extraordinaire Fran Ellsworth and Mark Olsen of MyHeritage.
The first session I attended was "Researching North and South Carolina" with Arlene Eakle. My own research is in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Arlene's talk focused on records about 100 years earlier than where I've stopped with my Jones line, so I got an idea of what to expect when I move my line further back.
Session two on my list was "How to Plan and Organize a Family History Book" with Biff and Nancy Barnes of Stories to Tell Books. This presentation was very helpful to me because it provided steps to developing a family history book. The Barnes' provided good examples and had one particular chart that was very valuable to me. I appreciate that this was a *real* genealogy session taught by vendors. At many conferences, genealogy vendors lead sessions that are more like product commercials. The Stories to Tell crew does not do that, for which I am thankful.
There was a break at lunch, so I found Lisa Alzo and we had a nice catch-up chat. Big conference where everyone is rushing around don't afford this opportunity so it was good to have time to visit. I also had a nice chat with Michelle Goodrum and Lisa Louise Cooke.
"Prussia or Germany?" with Barbara Bell was the third session I attended. I have significant German ancestry and I don't know as much about the region's history as I should, so I figured this was a good place to start. The best takeaway from this session was an animated timeline map of the history of Prussia's borders and just how fluid they were as the years passed. No wonder I'm confused about the area!
The last session I attended was "Immigrant Cluster Communities: Past, Present and Future" with Lisa Alzo. I enjoy Lisa's presentations because she always incorporates her own family history into them. She gave some good advice and tips I can use in my own search for my Austrian great-grandmother's immigration to Pennsylvania.
After the Expo was over, I gave Lisa Alzo a ride back to where she was staying with family in Houston. Before we got there, we made a pit stop for dinner at Goode's BBQ. If you ever come to Houston, I'll take you there, too.
Overall, I enjoyed my first Houston Family History Expo experience. Attendance was lower due to the Good Friday and Easter holidays (both widely observed here). Hopefully we get a chance at a next year on a non-holiday weekend and it will be bigger.
Two more Family History Expos are coming up in the near future: Oklahoma Family History Expo on April 11 and Albuquerque Family History Expo on April 13 and 14.
[Disclosure: I was an official blogger at the Houston Family History Expo. I received a complimentary registration. -- A]
Showing posts with label Harris County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harris County. Show all posts
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Houston Family History Expo, April 6-7, 2012
Houston, we don't have a problem. We have a very good thing. The Houston Family History Expo will roll into town April 6 and 7, 2012.
What is a Family History Expo? It is part exhibit hall, part classroom learning, part meeting other genealogy enthusiasts, part fun.
If you have an interest in family history, if you're just starting out, if you haven't even started but you're curious, then this event is for you.
The Houston Family History Expo is at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport.
Check out the agenda. Lots of great sessions.
Look at the exhibits.
Learn about the bloggers who will be covering the event.
I will be at the Houston Family History Expo as a blogger and enthusiastic attendee. Won't you join me there?
[Disclosure: I am a official blogger for the Houston Family History Expo. I received a complimentary registration. Any mention of the Expo on my blog is in my own words and not influenced by anyone associated with Family History Expos, it's speakers or vendors.]
Monday, February 27, 2012
Free Houston FamilySearch Genealogy Conference March 24
Houston FamilySearch is hosting a free genealogy conference on March 24, 2012, 9am-3pm in Kingwood, Texas.
Michael J. Hall, Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch is the keynote speaker. There are many sessions to choose from the rest of the day. Check out the schedule here.
This is a great opportunity to learn about new genealogy resources and techniques.
The Houston FamilySearch genealogy conference will be held at the Kingwood Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4201 Deerbrook Drive, Kingwood, Texas, 77339.
Everyone is welcome.
Register now at houstonfamilysearch.org.
Did I mention that this event is FREE?
Michael J. Hall, Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch is the keynote speaker. There are many sessions to choose from the rest of the day. Check out the schedule here.
This is a great opportunity to learn about new genealogy resources and techniques.
The Houston FamilySearch genealogy conference will be held at the Kingwood Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4201 Deerbrook Drive, Kingwood, Texas, 77339.
Everyone is welcome.
Register now at houstonfamilysearch.org.
Did I mention that this event is FREE?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Presentation on Genealogy Blogs at Chaparral
Yesterday was the February meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society and I was the speaker.
I was asked to talk about blogs, since I'm the bloggiest member on their membership roll.
My presentation started at the very beginning with "a blog is..." and went from there. I showed some different types of genealogy blogs and gave reasons why the audience should read blogs. At the halfway point in the presentation, I discussed how to write a blog. The process is very much like writing an email, so I stressed that point.
I incorporated photos of my own ancestors into the presentation. Each Power Point slide that was text only (instead of a screen capture of a blog page) had a family photo on it. For each one I briefly explained who the people were in each photo.
The presentation ended with a blogging success story of my own. I shared about a cousin who found me through my blog, the information we shared and the bond we built.
In the final ah-ha moment, I revealed to the audience that all of the ancestor photos in my presentation were given to me by cousins who found me through my blog, and without my blog I wouldn't have these pictures of my ancestors. The group was impressed and I think I really showed them the value of genealogy blogs.
Overall, I think the presentation went well. Nobody fell asleep, people asked questions at the end and the feedback was positive. I've decided to put this presentation in my toolbox and use it again sometime with another group.
The next Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting is March 24. Linda Jameson/Jamison is going to talk about newspaper research. Everyone is welcome to attend.
P.S. Special thanks to my son for being my slide clicker during the presentation. He did great!
I was asked to talk about blogs, since I'm the bloggiest member on their membership roll.
My presentation started at the very beginning with "a blog is..." and went from there. I showed some different types of genealogy blogs and gave reasons why the audience should read blogs. At the halfway point in the presentation, I discussed how to write a blog. The process is very much like writing an email, so I stressed that point.
I incorporated photos of my own ancestors into the presentation. Each Power Point slide that was text only (instead of a screen capture of a blog page) had a family photo on it. For each one I briefly explained who the people were in each photo.
The presentation ended with a blogging success story of my own. I shared about a cousin who found me through my blog, the information we shared and the bond we built.
In the final ah-ha moment, I revealed to the audience that all of the ancestor photos in my presentation were given to me by cousins who found me through my blog, and without my blog I wouldn't have these pictures of my ancestors. The group was impressed and I think I really showed them the value of genealogy blogs.
Overall, I think the presentation went well. Nobody fell asleep, people asked questions at the end and the feedback was positive. I've decided to put this presentation in my toolbox and use it again sometime with another group.
The next Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting is March 24. Linda Jameson/Jamison is going to talk about newspaper research. Everyone is welcome to attend.
P.S. Special thanks to my son for being my slide clicker during the presentation. He did great!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Yours Truly Speaking at the Chaparral Genealogical Society
The Chaparral Genealogical Society will have it's next meeting on February 25 in Tomball, Texas. If you're in the area, please join me there.
Aside from the usual business meeting and social time, they will also haveme an amazing, incredible speaker who will discuss the value of blogs in genealogy research.
I... I mean the amazing, incredible speaker will begin at the beginning by answering "What is a blog?" then going from there. By the end of the meeting, you will at least be reading genealogy blogs if not thinking about writing your own. The amazing, incredible speaker is very influential that way...or so I've heard.
So please joinme the amazing, incredible guest speaker at the Chaparral Genealogical Society's February meeting. You do not have to be a member. You can come as my guest.
They usually have cookies or doughnut holes there. That alone is reason to go.
Aside from the usual business meeting and social time, they will also have
I... I mean the amazing, incredible speaker will begin at the beginning by answering "What is a blog?" then going from there. By the end of the meeting, you will at least be reading genealogy blogs if not thinking about writing your own. The amazing, incredible speaker is very influential that way...or so I've heard.
So please join
They usually have cookies or doughnut holes there. That alone is reason to go.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Chaparral Genealogical Society Christmas Party
Earlier this month, the Chaparral Genealogical Society had its annual Christmas party. Since I am a new member, this was my first time there. My son came with me.
The event was held in the community room of a local park. It was semi-catered. The star of the show was chicken and dumplings. Members also brought side dishes.
The event was held in the community room of a local park. It was semi-catered. The star of the show was chicken and dumplings. Members also brought side dishes.
The white dish at the bottom of this photo
held blueberry cheesecake. It was SO GOOD!
During the meal, we took turns introducing ourselves, talking about our given names and where we were from. Most everyone was local, but there were a few out-of-staters. We also played a silly quick game that led to two people winning a little pocket money. The rest of us had a lot of laughs.
Next up was that game where everyone brings a present and you can take presents from others. You know the one...
Gifts for the exchange. Photo credit: my son
Since this was my first society party with this group, I didn't know the drill. Everyone brought Christmas gifts. I brought a genealogy gift. And I forgot to wrap it spectacularly.
My present is the small, flat, green square one.
Not much to look at among all these big gift bags.
The person that drew my present number didn't look too thrilled when handed the gift. Someone in the crowd correctly identified the shape as a CD, but the recipient wasn't swayed.
Until he opened it, read the front, read the back and realized that good things do come in small packages.
It was a Google for Genealogists webinar led by Thomas MacEntee for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
Whew! My gift was a hit. Nobody likes to be the one who brought the dud gift.
Speaking of hit gifts, my son got this one and loved it.
A chihuahua that sings ¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?
and dances when you press its paw.
The party wound down after the gift exchange. There were some door prizes. I won one. My son won one. And our tablemate (and sometimes blog reader) Larry won one. I think we were a pretty lucky table!
I had fun at the party and I'm pretty sure my son did, too.
If you're in the Houston area, consider coming to the next meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society on January 28, 2012. Address and other details are here.
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Visit with Emily Croom at the Chaparral Genealogical Society
This past Saturday, I attended the Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting for November, 2011.
Emily Croom was the guest speaker. She's a bit of a local legend around here. She is also the author of Unpuzzling Your Past, The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook, The Sleuth Book for Genealogists, and more (all are affiliate links).
The subject of Croom's talk was maternal lines. She offered suggestions for searching for females and gave us the encouragement to do so. She made her session even more entertaining by weaving her own maternal ancestor research challenges into the discussion.
During the break, I met a new member named Linda. We got to talking and it turns out she's big in the local DAR scene. She shared with me about the different DAR chapters around here and their different personalities. She was a treasure trove of information. I'm so glad I talked to her.
I also sat next to Barbara, the recently retired librarian who ran the big genealogy library in Conroe. She had lots of nice things to say about the new librarian there. Barbara is also the first speaker for Chaparral in 2012.
After the meeting, I went out to lunch with some of the members. This is a standing invitation, but this was the first time I was actually free, so I went. I am so glad I did. The conversation and food were great.
Chaparral Genealogical Society is having a party in December instead of their traditional meeting. Everyone is welcome, but if you're going to eat lunch, you need to RSVP by November 22. If you just want to socialize, come on down. They're having a small gift exchange (less than $10), too. Contact the society for details and directions.
The first meeting of the year will be January 28, 2012 at Amegy Bank in Tomball. Barbara Franz will be talking about the disposition of your research, heirlooms and genealogical records.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Chaparral Genealogical Society Meeting November 19
Chaparral Genealogical Society (in Tomball, Texas, near Houston) is having its monthly meeting a week early in November because of Thanksgiving.
Join them November 19 at 10:00 am. The meet in the second floor meeting room of Amegy Bank, 28201 Business 249 in Tomball. Just walk in the bank door, and take the elevator on the left.
This month's speaker is local genealogy celebrity and nationally known author Emily Croom. If the name sounds familiar, it's because she wrote Unpuzzling Your Past, The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook, The Sleuth Book for Genealogists, and more (all are affiliate links).
Tomball is having a parade at the same time as the genealogy meeting. The parade route goes through old town and Main Street, so this area will be blocked and crowded. You may need to plan an alternate route.
Sometimes members get together for lunch after the meeting. When they do, everyone is invited.
Chaparral Genealogical Society is a friendly group that welcomes all with an interest in genealogy. If you're in the Houston area and are looking for some genealogy fun this weekend, put this event on your calendar.
(Disclosure: I am a newish member of the Chaparral Genealogical Society.)
Join them November 19 at 10:00 am. The meet in the second floor meeting room of Amegy Bank, 28201 Business 249 in Tomball. Just walk in the bank door, and take the elevator on the left.
This month's speaker is local genealogy celebrity and nationally known author Emily Croom. If the name sounds familiar, it's because she wrote Unpuzzling Your Past, The Genealogist's Companion and Sourcebook, The Sleuth Book for Genealogists, and more (all are affiliate links).
Tomball is having a parade at the same time as the genealogy meeting. The parade route goes through old town and Main Street, so this area will be blocked and crowded. You may need to plan an alternate route.
Sometimes members get together for lunch after the meeting. When they do, everyone is invited.
Chaparral Genealogical Society is a friendly group that welcomes all with an interest in genealogy. If you're in the Houston area and are looking for some genealogy fun this weekend, put this event on your calendar.
(Disclosure: I am a newish member of the Chaparral Genealogical Society.)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Baby's First Genealogy Society Meeting
Today I had the pleasure of going to the Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting in Tomball, Texas. As a matter of circumstance, my son came with me and experienced his first society meeting.
Caroline Pointer of the Family Stories blog (and more) was there. She got to see the 1) I really do have a kid and these aren't stock photos on my blog and 2) he does like to talk about trains.
I don't know if my son liked the meeting, but I'm glad he came with me. We stopped in Old Town Tomball on the way home and took a few train crossing photos. It was so hot that we didn't stay long. I promised that we would come back and hunt trains when it is cooler.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Hear ye, hear ye
Houstonians mark your calendars. On June 3 I'll be speaking at the Lone Star APG meeting. The topic is my experience at the 2011 RootsTech conference. I will be talking about the value of the conference from a professional genealogist perspective.
My guess is that there are some people are trying to determine if it's worth it to go to the 2012 RootsTech conference. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you already know what I'm going to say.
This Lone Star APG event is free and open to the public. The exact location in Houston hasn't been confirmed, so check back with me in a few. The event coordinator is working on getting a room reserved now.
If you are interested in attending but don't want walk in alone in a room full of strangers, let me know and I'll say you're part of my entourage.
Ta-da! Instant network.
Hope to see you there.
.
.
My guess is that there are some people are trying to determine if it's worth it to go to the 2012 RootsTech conference. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you already know what I'm going to say.
This Lone Star APG event is free and open to the public. The exact location in Houston hasn't been confirmed, so check back with me in a few. The event coordinator is working on getting a room reserved now.
If you are interested in attending but don't want walk in alone in a room full of strangers, let me know and I'll say you're part of my entourage.
Ta-da! Instant network.
Hope to see you there.
.
.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Need a Professional Genealogist? Houston, We Don't Have a Problem
Yesterday, Ancestry.com announced that they are terminating their Expert Connect program, which was a way to connect clients and researchers. Projects ranged from basic record look-up to custom research, and Ancestry took a slice of the pie.
A quick glance at the comments on Ancestry.com's own Facebook page indicated that some folks weren't too happy with the abrupt halt of services, as there's now a void when it comes to identifying location-specific researchers.
If you are in need of professional research assistance or record retrieval in the Houston area, I am happy to help. My territory includes:
The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Houston Public Library
Houston Metropolitan Research Center
Rosenberg Library (Galveston)
Harris County Courthouse
Woodson Research Center at Rice University
Montgomery County Public Library Central Branch (Conroe)
Montgomery County Courts
Liberty County Courthouse
Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center
I am willing to travel to other counties in Texas as needed.
I'm also available for custom research and other genealogy needs including family history writing projects. Please contact me for pricing and questions.
Should you need research services in other portions of Texas, please let me know as I have established a network of wonderful professionals ready to serve you. If you need assistance in other parts of the country and world, consult the Association of Professional Genealogists directory.
Do not feel discouraged or worried about the demise of Expert Connect at Ancestry.com. There are so many researchers out there willing to assist with your family history.
Also remember that you have a friend in Texas who is more than happy to help.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Anniversaries
When I first moved to Houston, my husband and I decided to go to a fancy restaurant for our wedding anniversary, which happens to be today. We chose Brennan's, a local institution. Because we were new to town and didn't have any babysitters on speed dial, we had to take our son with us to dinner.
What could have been a risky venture fraught with tantrums turned out to be a pleasant evening. Brennan's made my son a special off-the-menu dish (a kids' portion of fried shrimp) and we had a great time. So much fun in fact that a tradition was born. My son loved Brennan's and the idea that he was part of some secret grown-up world not usually shown to children.
Each year we went to Brennan's and had a wonderful time. In 2007, my son's tastes turned expensive. He ordered the day's special, which included a flaming dish being prepared tableside. It was highly amusing to see this child being fawned over, like he was a VIP. As always, we ended the evening with dessert. "Happy Anniversary" was written in chocolate on the plate. Brennan's is good about the little things.
In 2008, we made reservations at Brennan's again for our anniversary. Dinner would be about 6:30 on Sunday, September 14. That week, Hurricane Ike made a beeline for Houston. We kept our reservations and got on with preparations.
Late at night on September 13, Hurricane Ike made landfall. Our power went out, but we were able to "borrow" someone's Internet signal. Sitting in the dark about midnight is when we heard the news: Brennan's was destroyed by fire right in the middle of the storm. It was a sad story on so many levels, especially regarding those who were injured.
Our anniversary meal in 2008 was Top Ramen (cooked on the bbq grill because we had no power) and sliced apples.
Eventually, there was buzz that Brennan's would be rebuilt. And you know what? It was. They opened again for business a few months ago.
So this weekend when we return to Brennan's for the first time post-fire, we'll be celebrating wedding anniversaries from 2008, 2009 and 2010. That's a lot of food, fun and memories crammed into one evening. We have to make up for lost time.
What could have been a risky venture fraught with tantrums turned out to be a pleasant evening. Brennan's made my son a special off-the-menu dish (a kids' portion of fried shrimp) and we had a great time. So much fun in fact that a tradition was born. My son loved Brennan's and the idea that he was part of some secret grown-up world not usually shown to children.
Each year we went to Brennan's and had a wonderful time. In 2007, my son's tastes turned expensive. He ordered the day's special, which included a flaming dish being prepared tableside. It was highly amusing to see this child being fawned over, like he was a VIP. As always, we ended the evening with dessert. "Happy Anniversary" was written in chocolate on the plate. Brennan's is good about the little things.
In 2008, we made reservations at Brennan's again for our anniversary. Dinner would be about 6:30 on Sunday, September 14. That week, Hurricane Ike made a beeline for Houston. We kept our reservations and got on with preparations.
Late at night on September 13, Hurricane Ike made landfall. Our power went out, but we were able to "borrow" someone's Internet signal. Sitting in the dark about midnight is when we heard the news: Brennan's was destroyed by fire right in the middle of the storm. It was a sad story on so many levels, especially regarding those who were injured.
Our anniversary meal in 2008 was Top Ramen (cooked on the bbq grill because we had no power) and sliced apples.
Eventually, there was buzz that Brennan's would be rebuilt. And you know what? It was. They opened again for business a few months ago.
So this weekend when we return to Brennan's for the first time post-fire, we'll be celebrating wedding anniversaries from 2008, 2009 and 2010. That's a lot of food, fun and memories crammed into one evening. We have to make up for lost time.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Courthouse Field Trip
I've been busy this week, first with day job, then with other day job. When people hire me to do genealogy-related stuff, this blog goes on the back burner for lack of content. I went to the courthouse today and retrieved records for someone. That doesn't make for interesting reading, you see? Then I had an idea. Why not take all my readers with me to the courthouse? How very Mr. Rogers-like. Yes folks, it's photo blog time.
After dropping the kiddo off at school, I headed on out of the back woods. Here's what it looks like when you hit the last light before the freeway:
Nobody in Southern California will believe me, but this picture below was taken at 8:30 a.m. going inbound to downtown. Not a brake light in sight. I promise you I did not take my eyes off the road while taking this photo. I just kind of drove with one hand for a second.
Eventually the Houston skyline comes into view:
The off-ramp to downtown runs right into the home of the Astros aka Minute Maid Park, but it's maiden name was Enron Field. The roof is open today. You can tell because it's sticking out from the rest of the stadium.
That domed building is where we're going. It's the Harris County Civil Courthouse. It's also where the records I need are located.
This is the part in the story where I park my car, but the location is secret. Yes, the price is that good. Then I mosey to the courthouse, go through security, go up to the clerk's office, and get my records. Success! In minutes! But before I go back downstairs, I pause to look at the view. Here are all the folks waiting to get into the criminal court building. Crime doesn't pay, folks. Well, maybe for the lawyers.
The best part is the view to my left.
The rest of the trip involves me driving home, then scanning/delivering documents for the person who requested them. Again, not the stuff from which great genealogy blogs are made, but you get the idea.
Thanks for playing along. Should you ever need anything of genealogical value from the Houston area and surrounding counties, I am for hire. And I know the best parking spots.
After dropping the kiddo off at school, I headed on out of the back woods. Here's what it looks like when you hit the last light before the freeway:
Nobody in Southern California will believe me, but this picture below was taken at 8:30 a.m. going inbound to downtown. Not a brake light in sight. I promise you I did not take my eyes off the road while taking this photo. I just kind of drove with one hand for a second.
Eventually the Houston skyline comes into view:
The off-ramp to downtown runs right into the home of the Astros aka Minute Maid Park, but it's maiden name was Enron Field. The roof is open today. You can tell because it's sticking out from the rest of the stadium.
That domed building is where we're going. It's the Harris County Civil Courthouse. It's also where the records I need are located.
This is the part in the story where I park my car, but the location is secret. Yes, the price is that good. Then I mosey to the courthouse, go through security, go up to the clerk's office, and get my records. Success! In minutes! But before I go back downstairs, I pause to look at the view. Here are all the folks waiting to get into the criminal court building. Crime doesn't pay, folks. Well, maybe for the lawyers.
The best part is the view to my left.
The rest of the trip involves me driving home, then scanning/delivering documents for the person who requested them. Again, not the stuff from which great genealogy blogs are made, but you get the idea.
Thanks for playing along. Should you ever need anything of genealogical value from the Houston area and surrounding counties, I am for hire. And I know the best parking spots.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tombstone Tuesday: Morning Glory Edition
This photo was taken at Humble Cemetery in Humble, Texas. I drove by there one day and thought I'd take some pictures for Find a Grave. When I got home, I saw that the cemetery was well documented there already. Oh well. Points for trying to do a good deed. At least I have some cool photos like the one above.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Get Counted in the 2010 Census
Here's a map of 2010 Census participation rates. Take 10 Map - 2010 Census Participation Rates.
How is your ZIP code doing? Mine is at 14%, with 9% county participation (Harris) and 8% city participation. Ouch.
I did my genealogical duty and mailed my 2010 census form out today. Will anyone want to look me up in 2082 when (it is presumed) this information will be released to the public? Probably not, but they'll know where to find me.
How is your ZIP code doing? Mine is at 14%, with 9% county participation (Harris) and 8% city participation. Ouch.
I did my genealogical duty and mailed my 2010 census form out today. Will anyone want to look me up in 2082 when (it is presumed) this information will be released to the public? Probably not, but they'll know where to find me.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The "No Program" Program
I want to draw your attention to a new carnival for bloggers. This one is the Carnival of Genealogy Societies. I am thrilled with the forces behind the California Genealogical Society & Library (who have an award-winning blog, by the way) for bringing this event to fruition. Blogging is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to shine the spotlight on genealogy societies. I hope more groups take the plunge.
Here's the task at hand:
Doin' Things Right!
Shine a spotlight on a specific program, project or publication and tell us why it worked.
Several months ago, I attended a meeting of the Atascocita-Kingwood Genealogical Society. This is a small group with a big heart. At this particular meeting, the schedule speaker did not show up. What to do now? The president decided that we would go around the room and give updates on our own personal genealogy research. It doesn't sound like an exciting plan B, but it ended up being a really interesting meeting. We talked about brick walls, possible connections and what not. Everybody gave a little and took a little. It was simple and great.
This "no program" program worked well because we had such a small group. If you find yourself in a similar situation with a larger group, divide up and go from there. You can also have a couple discussion topics available for less talkative crowds. Also note that you don't have to wait for an absent speaker to conduct a "no program" program. Schedule some time for your members to socialize, share and learn from each other.
You can be a part of the carnival, too. Just post on the topic to your blog and then fill out the submission form. I look forward to reading the submissions from others about society ideas.
Here's the task at hand:
Doin' Things Right!
Shine a spotlight on a specific program, project or publication and tell us why it worked.
Several months ago, I attended a meeting of the Atascocita-Kingwood Genealogical Society. This is a small group with a big heart. At this particular meeting, the schedule speaker did not show up. What to do now? The president decided that we would go around the room and give updates on our own personal genealogy research. It doesn't sound like an exciting plan B, but it ended up being a really interesting meeting. We talked about brick walls, possible connections and what not. Everybody gave a little and took a little. It was simple and great.
This "no program" program worked well because we had such a small group. If you find yourself in a similar situation with a larger group, divide up and go from there. You can also have a couple discussion topics available for less talkative crowds. Also note that you don't have to wait for an absent speaker to conduct a "no program" program. Schedule some time for your members to socialize, share and learn from each other.
You can be a part of the carnival, too. Just post on the topic to your blog and then fill out the submission form. I look forward to reading the submissions from others about society ideas.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday in the Park
Today I attended the last meeting of the season for the Houston Genealogical Forum. Part of me went because I'm hooked on the Picnic box lunches they serve. The other part of me wanted to see their guest speaker: Carolyn Earle Billingsley, Ph.D.
Dr. Billingsley talks about kinship. If you want to know more about an ancestor, you need to move beyond that person and study his or her kin. Those neighbors might be family members, you know.
I liked this talk because it justified the way I look for genealogical information. I'm not content to make the biological connection. I often call b.s. on the information I find (or others provide), then I start the process for finding more details for the same event.
Dr. Billingsley talked about migration and the reasons people move. This totally fit with my insistence that my great-great grandmother moved to New Mexico for a reason, and I think that reason was family. You don't just leave Illinois as a widow with a child and mosey down to a railroad town for a fresh start. Someone was there waiting. Dr. Billingsley's words made me feel less crazy because I am so sure this is the case.
Anyway, it was a fun time. I lost a good seat and a stack of old genealogy journals because I was being polite and courteous of others. Apparently it's every man for himself at the book sale and you must grab what you want or others will do it for you. I know that now. BUT I did get a copy of the September 1999 Evidence NGSQ, so that was a score. I was able to snatch that one without a fight. These genealogy meetings cen be tough, you know.
I also talked to a couple of people about my Texas Genealogy Events calendar. The response is always positive. Yay.
The rest of the day will be lazy. I might do some of the reading required for my NGS class.
Dr. Billingsley talks about kinship. If you want to know more about an ancestor, you need to move beyond that person and study his or her kin. Those neighbors might be family members, you know.
I liked this talk because it justified the way I look for genealogical information. I'm not content to make the biological connection. I often call b.s. on the information I find (or others provide), then I start the process for finding more details for the same event.
Dr. Billingsley talked about migration and the reasons people move. This totally fit with my insistence that my great-great grandmother moved to New Mexico for a reason, and I think that reason was family. You don't just leave Illinois as a widow with a child and mosey down to a railroad town for a fresh start. Someone was there waiting. Dr. Billingsley's words made me feel less crazy because I am so sure this is the case.
Anyway, it was a fun time. I lost a good seat and a stack of old genealogy journals because I was being polite and courteous of others. Apparently it's every man for himself at the book sale and you must grab what you want or others will do it for you. I know that now. BUT I did get a copy of the September 1999 Evidence NGSQ, so that was a score. I was able to snatch that one without a fight. These genealogy meetings cen be tough, you know.
I also talked to a couple of people about my Texas Genealogy Events calendar. The response is always positive. Yay.
The rest of the day will be lazy. I might do some of the reading required for my NGS class.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Genealogy and the Texas Library Association
Did you know the Texas Library Association has a Genealogy Round Table? Well, they do. They also have the 2009 Annual Conference coming up in Houston. Here are the events produced by the Genealogy Round Table:
Genealogy and WEB 2.0.: Creating an Internet Community Event Presenter: Kimberly M. Gay
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2009/ 2:00 pm - 3:20 pm
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Take genealogy researching to the next level using Web 2.0. Genealogy communities are flourishing online and are the new way to collaborate in the pursuit of one’s past. From flickr and YouTube to blogs and wikis, social networking websites can help your genealogy research.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.
Innovative Ideas: Managing and Collecting for a Genealogy Library
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. (Business meeting follows)
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Resources, research, and results: learn best practices for creating, developing, and managing a genealogy collection of any size. [A business meeting follows the program.]
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.
Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research Library, Houston Texas
Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline
Enjoy touring one of the top genealogy libraries in the country.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE AND BLACK CAUCUS ROUND TABLE.
You don't have to be a librarian to attend this conference. Many of the events focus on research, technology, archives and preservation. Look for me if you go. I'll be wearing my special libraries hat.
Genealogy and WEB 2.0.: Creating an Internet Community Event Presenter: Kimberly M. Gay
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2009/ 2:00 pm - 3:20 pm
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Take genealogy researching to the next level using Web 2.0. Genealogy communities are flourishing online and are the new way to collaborate in the pursuit of one’s past. From flickr and YouTube to blogs and wikis, social networking websites can help your genealogy research.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.
Innovative Ideas: Managing and Collecting for a Genealogy Library
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. (Business meeting follows)
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Resources, research, and results: learn best practices for creating, developing, and managing a genealogy collection of any size. [A business meeting follows the program.]
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.
Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research Library, Houston Texas
Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline
Enjoy touring one of the top genealogy libraries in the country.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE AND BLACK CAUCUS ROUND TABLE.
You don't have to be a librarian to attend this conference. Many of the events focus on research, technology, archives and preservation. Look for me if you go. I'll be wearing my special libraries hat.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Clayton Library's Day in the Sun
The Clayton Library renovation is done and the official public ceremony is today.
Mitch Clendening of The Seeker was kind enough to point out a local news fluff piece on the event. There is also a Houston Chronicle article about the Clayton. Be sure to watch the video on the left side to get a feel of why this place is such a gem.
Mitch Clendening of The Seeker was kind enough to point out a local news fluff piece on the event. There is also a Houston Chronicle article about the Clayton. Be sure to watch the video on the left side to get a feel of why this place is such a gem.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday in the Park
There was a Houston Genealogical Forum meeting today and I went to it. The meetings are held in a park community center, thus the name of the blog entry.
This was my first HGF meeting. I joined in January. The room was pretty full. The business part went fast. The speaker was Marjorie Lowe, who talked about het expertise with Native American research. Since I'm researching Chickasaw ancestors, the subject was timely.
Lowe discussed the resources at Clayton Library. It's been hard for me to do Chickasaw research there because I don't know what I don't know. I now have a better idea of what they have. Next time I go to the Clayton, I know what questions to ask.
There was mention of the Dawes Rolls, enrollment packets/land allotment packets and where to write to request copies. I obtained packets for my Jones and Bourland ancestors via Footnote. Lowe did mention this resource, but only in passing.
The best tidbit I learned before the presentation even began. There's a Phillips Petroleum Museum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. That's where my grandfather grew up. His father was a lawyer for an "oil company" according to a census. I'll have to contact the museum and see if they have any records.
All in all, it was a good gathering. I will attend future meetings when I can. Saturdays are a challenge on the home front.
This was my first HGF meeting. I joined in January. The room was pretty full. The business part went fast. The speaker was Marjorie Lowe, who talked about het expertise with Native American research. Since I'm researching Chickasaw ancestors, the subject was timely.
Lowe discussed the resources at Clayton Library. It's been hard for me to do Chickasaw research there because I don't know what I don't know. I now have a better idea of what they have. Next time I go to the Clayton, I know what questions to ask.
There was mention of the Dawes Rolls, enrollment packets/land allotment packets and where to write to request copies. I obtained packets for my Jones and Bourland ancestors via Footnote. Lowe did mention this resource, but only in passing.
The best tidbit I learned before the presentation even began. There's a Phillips Petroleum Museum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. That's where my grandfather grew up. His father was a lawyer for an "oil company" according to a census. I'll have to contact the museum and see if they have any records.
All in all, it was a good gathering. I will attend future meetings when I can. Saturdays are a challenge on the home front.
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