Do you ever feel like you are getting nowhere with your to-do list? I often feel like I don’t accomplish as much as I would like, which prompted my husband many years ago to encourage me to make lists of what I accomplished each day rather than to-do lists. While to-do lists are still a mainstay of my workflow, I do like to pause once in a while to think about what I have accomplished instead of focusing on what I have left to do. With 2020 throwing so many wrenches in all kinds of plans, it has also been good to look at the opportunities and new ways of doing things that have come along because of the unique circumstances of the year. So, without further ado, here is my “Done” list for 2020, along with the lessons and unique opportunities I experienced along the way:
I had the pleasure of completing 18 client cases that included heavy research in New York and New Jersey, with forays into the states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, and Kentucky as well as some foreign research in Poland, Germany, and France. Five cases included DNA evidence as an element, and one was an adoption case in which I was able to find the adoptee’s biological father (he had already discovered his biological mother). I learn SO much from every client project, and I count myself lucky to be able to help my clients break down brick walls and create networks across generations.
I was lucky enough to be able to participate in both the Research Like a Pro and Research Like a Pro with DNA study groups. I completed my own research projects for these courses and also served as a mentor for other participants. To say I have learned a lot during these courses would be an understatement. My understanding of DNA tools and when to use them was greatly enhanced during the DNA course. Diana, Nicole, and Robin from Family Locket are the masterminds behind these study groups and the course content and instruction is exceptional.
I also participated in the ICAPGen Level 1 and ICAPGen Level 2 & 3 study groups. I am SO glad I registered for these study groups! They were valuable in helping me know and understand the requirements for accreditation, get my 4-generation project ready for submission, and prepare for the Level 2 & 3 testing. I had a great mentor who gave me valuable feedback on one generation of my 4-generation project, and I was able to fine-tune my citation templates and research log as well as make great headway on my research reference guide.
I submitted my Level One 4-generation project for accreditation through ICAPGen (still waiting on results). The hours of work required to complete this project taught me so much! Not only about researching in Pennsylvania, but also about my husband’s Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors, who were the research subjects for this project.
I was able to participate in the IGHR Institute Course “Researching New York: Resources and Strategies.” This is one opportunity that was unique to 2020. Because of the pandemic, the institute went virtual. There is no way I would have attended had it been in person in Georgia, but the virtual format made it easy for me to attend, and I’m so glad I did! I learned more than I ever knew there was to know about research in New York and I’m so thankful to Karen Mauer Jones and the other instructors that made it such an amazing experience.
I served as an Ambassador for RootsTech 2020. This was a wonderful opportunity that allowed me to connect with so many friends, old and new. I love the RootsTech family and I’m so excited for RootsTech Connect 2021…
I submitted a presentation proposal that was accepted for RootsTech Connect. As a result, I just wrapped up the creation and submission of “3 Easy Ways to Document Your Ancestor’s Life at FamilySearch.” Again, the pandemic has forced this event to go virtual, and I’m so excited to be a part of it, both as an Ambassador and a presenter. If you have not yet registered, please go do it today! This is going to be a one-of-a-kind conference – the world’s largest family history conference – and it is completely free. I’ve been able to see some of what is in store for this event and it will be fantastic!
I also prepared and presented two training sessions for temple and family history consultants, one in person at the beginning of the year and one via Zoom a week and a half ago. The theme of the first training was how to help people take the next step on their family history journey – meeting them where they are and building on that. The theme for the second training was easy ways to help and inspire people to become involved in family history, even during the ongoing pandemic.
In addition to these activities, I was able to connect with a worldwide audience through 39 blog posts on this site, 13 blog posts on Souls to Bless (my blog for temple and family history consultants), and 3 blog posts for Family Locket. I love sharing what I am learning on my genealogy journey with all of you! Thanks for being here with me!
Now that 2020 is wrapping up, I am preparing my To-Do list for 2021. I already have some exciting projects in the works and I’m looking forward to turning all those “To-Do’s” into “Done’s!” What is on your “Done” list for 2020? What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
