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. 

Extracting Evidence: Strategies for Analyzing Genealogical Sources

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

This is a two-hour hands-on workshop aimed at teaching participants how to create a focused plan to answer a genealogy research question. Learn why having a clear objective and analyzing all known information is crucial before beginning research. Then, cover strategies for determining what records and resources are available to answer a research question. Gain skills for prioritizing a plan of records to search based on a specific research objective. Finally, participants will create their own personal research plan, using what they have learned.

Writing About Your Ancestors

Sharing stories about our ancestors with our children and grandchildren will help strengthen their self-esteem and resilience. This lecture discusses writing engaging narratives and creative ways to share our ancestors’ stories. It includes ways to incorporate AI into the writing process.

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.

Early Latter-day Saint Records from New York to Salt Lake CIty

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with pioneer ancestors often have family trees that are quite complete with dates and places for vital events. However, there are many untapped sources that will help add details and color to our ancestors’ lives. This lecture highlights some of these sources and provides examples of things we can learn from them.

Researching Early Latter-day Saint Immigrant Ancestors

Written narratives about our Early Latter-day Saint immigrant ancestors often mention the basics of their immigration stories and their homeland. This session will introduce resources and strategies for learning more about the details of their journeys and their lives in their homelands.

Proving Your Early Latter-day Saint Pedigree with DNA

When your fan chart is full, proving biological descent from your Latter-day Saint pioneer ancestors can be a fun next step. This class will discuss the basics of autosomal DNA inheritance and provide methodology for proving genetic linkage between generations. This lecture also briefly discusses how to privatize and share DNA findings.