You’ve identified a group of shared DNA matches, but you’re stumped on how you’re all related. Learn how to let DNA take the lead in determining who and where to search to uncover the group’s most recent common ancestor.
Put Some Meat on ‘Dem Bones
Combine your research with historical information and turn your ancestral data into a compelling story even the non-genealogist will want to read. Learn how to bring life to your ancestors, structure a story line, depict time and place, use general information as a backdrop, and let the tale evolve into a fully developed story. No previous writing experience is required.
Seeing the Patterns: Organize, Visualize, and Evaluate the Evidence
We gather lots of information, data, and evidence as we research our ancestors. The difficulty lies in analyzing the information, correlating and comparing it to data gathered from multiple sources, evaluating the evidence, and ultimately concluding what it all means. Organizing data using timelines, chronologies, charts, tables, and other assemblages can help us visualize the evidence to make it easier to analyze and evaluate. We can discover gaps and missing information, see how pieces of the puzzle fit together (or don’t), and uncover new paths for research.
Her Name was Not Unknown: Finding Female Ancestors
“What’s her maiden name?” “What happened to her after her husband died?” “How do I start researching my great-grandmother?” We’ve all felt the disappointment of seeing the word “unknown” to describe a female ancestor’s name. How do we go from “unknown” to finding a name? This presentation will explain techniques, methodology, and resources vital to family history research. Enhance your research skills using a 5-step approach to researching (and finding) female ancestors.
After You’re Gone: Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research
Have you ever considered what will happen to your years of genealogy research once you’re gone? Learn how to ensure that your hard work carries on. Through a combination of planning, common sense, and new technologies, we’ll review how to create an action plan for preserving your genealogy research.
Thomas MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community. He is a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more.
Ten Ways to Jumpstart Your Eastern European Research
Curious about your East European roots but don’t know where to begin? This session will show you how to “jumpstart your genealogy!” Learn the basics of how to investigate your family’s history using both traditional and online sources. Discover which records to tap into to identify your ancestral village, and how history impacts genealogical research. Tips for contacting possible relatives and writing to foreign archives, as well as strategies for overcoming the most common pitfalls and problems will also be discussed.
Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Slovak/Eastern European genealogical research, writing your family history, and using the Internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors.