Upcoming Presentations
March 5-7: RootsTech
Intersecting Lines: Pedigree Collapse Helps Identify an Ancestor’s Parents
Time TBA
Skill Level: Advanced
Documentary evidence often leads to several parental candidates for an ancestor. Although pedigree collapse can sometimes lead to confusion, it can also be helpful in some cases. This class will highlight DNA tools that can be used to analyze shared DNA and then provide a case study that illustrates how and when pedigree collapse can be useful in ancestral research.
Extracting Evidence: Strategies for Analyzing Genealogical Sources
Time TBA
Skill Level: Intermediate
In
this interactive session, participants will learn how to determine the
reliability of evidence and employ decision-making skills when encountering conflicting
details in their research. Participants will practice principles of evidence
analysis using in-session polls, then participate in a “choose your own
adventure” style case study to see the value of evidence analysis in action.
Strategize Your Search: Creating a Focused Genealogy Research Plan
Time TBA
Skill Level: Intermediate
This two hour hands-on workshop will teach you how to create a focused plan to answer a genealogy research question.
First, you’ll learn why having a clear objective and analyzing all known information is crucial before beginning research. Then we’ll cover strategies for determining what records and resources are available to answer your research question.
You’ll gain skills for prioritizing a plan of records to search based on your specific research objective. Putting these methods into practice, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a research plan during a hands-on exercise with an example case study.
Finally, you can create your own personal research plan, using what you’ve learned. The instructor will be available to provide individualized guidance. Whether you’re a genealogy novice or seasoned researcher, this workshop will enable you to make breakthroughs by working smarter, not harder.
May 24, 2025: National Genealogical Society Conference
Tracing Ancestral Migrations: Asahel Chappell’s Journey
11:15 am EDT
Explore methodologies for tracing ancestral migration, illustrated through Asahel Chappell’s journey from New York to Indiana, highlighting key research principles and resources.
Please contact me about speaking at your event.
My lecture topics include the following:
Navigating the Use of Visual Data in Genealogical Writing
Explore ways to enhance your genealogical writing with effective charts, tables, and figures, adhering to the Chicago Manual of Style. Learn to utilize standard tools and new technology to create professional-quality visuals that vividly illustrate connections and data insights.
Tracing Ancestral Migrations: Asahel Chappell’s Journey
Explore methodologies for tracing ancestral migration, illustrated through Asahel Chappell’s journey from New York to Indiana, highlighting key research principles and resources.
Intersecting Lines: Pedigree Collapse Clarifies Maria Terwilliger’s Parentage
Documentary evidence revealed Maria Terwilliger as the wife of Solomon Dunn and placed a woman likely to be her in his household in New Paltz, New York, during the early 1800s. Pedigree collapse aided in identifying Maria’s correct parents among several candidates.
5 Ways to Streamline the Genealogical Writing Process
Whether writing professionally, for your family, or for your own records, the writing process takes time! Learn how to streamline the process and your final deliverables with these five practices.
Keys to Finding Your Pennsylvania German Ancestors in the Keystone State
German immigrants flooded into Pennsylvania throughout the 18th century. When they arrived, they became Pennsylvania residents, and records created for them were similar to records created for any Pennsylvanian. However, our German ancestors maintained their own language, communities, and customs. Learning about practices unique to Pennsylvania Germans will help identify them in Pennsylvania records.
Who Were the Parents of David R. Matheson? A DNA Case Study
David R. Matheson emigrated from Nova Scotia to California as a young adult. Documents created throughout David’s life in California fail to identify the names of his parents. This case study illustrates how combining DNA and documentary research helped identify David’s origins in Nova Scotia, identify and eliminate paternal candidates, and solidify biological relationships to both parents.
Research 101: Tools and Techniques for Beginning Genealogists
Learning an effective research process and analysis skills while researching less distant ancestors will lead to successful results. Early success will build skills and confidence to begin tackling more difficult tasks.
DNA 101: Tools and Techniques for Beginning Genetic Genealogists
Learn basic tools and techniques used by genetic genealogists that will provide a foundation for you to build on as you incorporate DNA in your research.
Climbing Your Branch of the FamilySearch Family Tree
The FamilySearch tree is collaborative, which means we are working together to create one tree for the entire world. Our responsibility is to ensure that our branch of that tree is as accurate as possible. Learn how to evaluate the accuracy of your branch of the FamilySearch family tree, resolve problems, and take steps to correctly document accurate information.
Lectures Designed Specifically for Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Finding Time in This Season: Simple Ways to Access the Promised Blessings of Family History TODAY
We often put off participating in temple and family history work, saying “This isn’t my season.” however, the promised blessings of participation are desirable in EVERY season. Learn simple ways to participate in temple and family history work no matter what season of life you are in. Begin experiencing the promised blessings today!
Preparing Ancestor Names for Temple Ordinance Work
This class covers considerations and best practices for reserving temple work for ancestors.
Looking for my Mission: Possible video or recorded RootsTech presentations? Find them in the GenealogyNow Learning Center.
