The We Tree Genealogy Blog

RootsTech Love Broadcast of Genealogy Sessions

2012-01-27T16:33:00.001-06:00

[Below is a press release and list of sessions that will be broadcast live from RootsTech. This is a great chance to experience the conference from home. If you look at the list, it's a full slate of sessions each day, just like you're there! --Amy]

RootsTech Conference Will Broadcast Select Sessions Free Online

SALT LAKE CITY—RootsTech, a leading family history and technology conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2-4, 2012, announced today that fourteen of its popular sessions will be broadcasted live and complimentary over the Internet. The live broadcasts will give those unable to attend worldwide a sample of this year’s conference content. Interested viewers can watch the live presentations at RootsTech.org. The second-year conference has attracted over 3,000 registered attendees.

The free online sessions include the keynote speakers and a sampling of technology and family history presentations. Following are the fourteen broadcasted sessions and speakers. All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST):

Thursday, February 2

8:30-10:00 am, Inventing the Future, as a Community (Keynote Address) by Jay L. Verkler

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Do I Trust the Cloud? by D. Joshua Taylor

1:45-2:45 pm, Effective Database Search Tactics by Kory Meyerink

3:00-4:00 pm, Twitter – It’s Not Just “What I Had for Breakfast” Anymore by Thomas MacEntee

4:15-5:15 pm, Eleven Layers of Online Searches by Barbara Renick

Friday, February 3

8:30-9:30 am, Exabyte Social Clouds and Other Monstrosities (Keynote Address) by Josh Coates

9:45-10:45 am, Publish Your Genealogy Online by Laura G. Prescott

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Optimize Your Site for Search Engines by Robert Gardner

1:45-2:45 pm, Genealogists “Go Mobile” by Sandra Crowly

3:00-4:00 pm, Google’s Toolbar and Genealogy by Dave Barney

Saturday, February 4

8:30-9:30 am, Making the Most of Technology to Further the Family History Industry (Keynote Address) by Tim Sullivan and Ancestry.com Panel

9:45-10:45 am Genealogy Podcasts and Blogs 101 by Lisa Louise Cooke

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Future of FamilySearch Family Tree by Ron Tanner

1:45-2:45 pm, Privacy in a Collaborative Environment by Noah Tatuk

Fun with Search Terms

2012-01-27T14:00:00.001-06:00

It's time for another round of "Fun with Search Terms!" People type certain words or phrases into search engines. If the combination is right, my blog turns up in the search results. Sometimes the searches are funny. Sometimes I can provide more information to users, if only they'd comment on my blog. Either way, I enjoy the process. Please note that these searches are anonymous so I don't know who is stumbling on my blog. I just comment in the hope that they find it again.

Now on with the show. Actual search phrases are in bold.

Can I use another sd card in flip pal scanner?
I used an sd card with more memory when I did my marathon scanning project last year. It worked fine. I've not heard of any brand of sd card not being compatible, but you never know. However, from my experience, it's never been a problem.

"we went" "chickasaw cultural center"
Cool, "we did, too."

genealogy society blog replace newsletter
and
increasing genealogical society membership
I put these two together because the best solution for each is the same. Tap in to the resources of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. These are the very issues they discuss and assist their societies with on a daily basis. Your society does not need to be a member (though you should be) to read the FGS Voice blog or listen to the FGS Radio podcasts.

riley fuzzel road named for
Really? You can't figure this one out yourself?

montgomery county library texas genealogy family history
My oh my you were very thorough in your search terms! I'm surprised you ended up on my blog instead of the Central Library in Conroe that is part of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System. Mozy on over there if you have a chance. They have a fabulous genealogy room.

hypothetical ancestor
Hypothetical response.

geneology is boring
Maybe, but GENEALOGY is awesome! As is spelling.

Thanks for playing, folks! See you next month!

A RootsTech Moment with Janet Hovorka of Family ChartMasters

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

One of the sessions offered at RootsTech 2012 is "Advocating Genealogy and Growing the Market: Issues of the New Genealogist," being taught by Janet Hovorka. You may also know her at The Chart Chick and part of the Family ChartMasters team.

I asked Janet some questions about her session and RootsTech in general, and she was kind enough to share with us:

Is this a new presentation? What compelled you to discuss the issues of genealogy advocacy as it pertains to the growing market?

This is a new presentation. I did try it out last month at the BYU Family History Center for a dry run. I proposed this session for RootsTech because it was a topic I wanted to hear a lecture on and I'm hoping we'll have a good discussion. I am fascinated with what attracts people to genealogy, and why some people appear not to be interested in genealogy. I wanted to explore the issues in the genealogy community that create a welcoming environment and how we can all help to grow this hobby and share all the fun. And I want to catalog the things the genealogy community does that turn off newcomers so that we can learn to be more hospitable.

Can you briefly describe the session?

We are going to start with some definitions of the different levels of genealogists using Ancestry Insider's Genealogical Maturity Model. Then we are going to discuss why new genealogists need advanced genealogists and why advanced genealogists need new genealogists. I have several discussion points here to get the feeling of the students on these issues. I'm hoping we can learn from each other. Then we are going to talk about some of the brick walls new genealogists run into when they begin interacting in the community. And finally we will discuss a vision for a healthy society that embraces newcomers.

What can visitors expect to see in the Family ChartMasters booth?

We are redoing our booth materials for RootsTech this year. We want to show off some of the fantastic charts that we do and display why we really are the masters of printing genealogy charts. We can print any chart you want to dream up. You'll be able to get all sorts of ideas for how you can display your family history in beautiful ways. We want you to be able to share it with your family and others around you. We'll also have our fill-in-the-blank charts on sale in case you just want to take one and work with it before you're ready to print one of our masterpieces.

Do you have any advice for RootsTech first-timers?

I think my best advice for RootsTech first timers is just to be friendly and introduce yourself to people. When you go to class, sit down by someone and talk to them. And when you come to the vendor's hall, be friendly and ask lots of questions. At RootsTech you'll get to rub shoulders with the people you see online, the authors of your favorite genealogy books, and the genealogy product developers. They are all very friendly. I love working with genealogists. They are the nicest people in the world. I'm sure newcomers to RootsTech will find the same.

Great advice! Thanks again to Janet Havorka for taking the time to share her insights. Be sure to meet her if you're going to RootsTech.

Disclosure: I am an official RootsTech blogger.

Latest News about RootsTech

2012-01-25T18:51:00.003-06:00

RootsTech is just around the corner. I know I always say that, but now it really *is* around the corner.

Here are the latest developments from Salt Lake City:

Now you can download the RootsTech app. It features information about the conference sessions, speakers, maps a calendar and more. It is available in the Apple App Store and the Android Market.

Several sessions will be live-streamed at RootsTech. Lynn, The Armchair Genealogist, put together a list of them. If you attend the sessions from home, follow along and participate in the discussion on Twitter. It's great fun to interact with your friends in the audience.

Syllabi for the RootsTech sessions are available for public view. This is a big deal, as they're usually reserved for conference attendees. You can access the syllabus for each session by clicking on the session link from the Schedule page.

Finally, here's a great deal for anyone who even plans to go to Salt Lake City. Janet Hovorka, aka The Chart Chick, authored a FREE publication titled, The Chart Chick's Quick Insider's Guide to Salt Lake City. Go get it. Now.

If anymore RootsTech news develops, I'll keep you posted!

[Disclosure: I am an official RootsTech blogger. See my disclosures page for more details. -A]

The Wallflowers Guide to RootsTech

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Genealogy conferences can be fun and scary depending on your perception of the unknown. Will I be alone? Will everyone be smarter that I am? Will I get lost? Will I get a spot in that popular speaker’s class?

The genealogy world, just like the regular world, is full of all types of personalities and characters. If you’re new to the conference circuit, this can be an overwhelming experience. Just like those junior-high dances, you’re most comfortable observing everyone from afar. Please reconsider that wallflower pose. Here are some steps to get you out on the RootsTech dance floor in no time:

Make a new blogger friend

Genealogy bloggers are some of the friendliest people on the planet. It’s a tight-knit group that everyone is welcome to join. Make a plan to meet and chat with at least one genealogy blogger during the RootsTech conference. How can you spot a genealogy blogger? It’s pretty easy as they usually wear one or more sets of colorful Mardi-Gras beads. They also congregate at the Media Hub in the exhibit hall. GeneaBloggers.com has a great list of bloggers attending RootsTech.

Chat with some vendors

Exhibit halls are designed for wandering. Big, long aisles make it easy to walk down the middle and observe vendor booths from afar. Resist the urge to breeze through the hall. Take the time to interact at a least two vendor booths. Talk to the representatives, ask questions, sample the wares. Do this because you never know when you might need these items down the line. Even if you never use a particular brand of software, chart making tool, or whatever is being sold, you will have the knowledge to give to someone else.

Meet your neighbors

Smart genealogists get to conference sessions early so they get a good seat and are ready to learn. Make the most of the pre-session time by chatting with those seated around you. Don’t feel awkward introducing yourself to strangers. Remember, we all have genealogy in common and love to talk about it. You never know who you might meet just by making small talk.

Attend a class outside your comfort zone

Rootstech offers a variety of course subjects at several experience levels. Pick at least one class on a topic about which you know very little. Do not be afraid to be clueless. How else will you learn? Besides, nobody else will know you’re lost and you just might learn something that will help you with your genealogy research.

Explore new territories in the Family History Library

The Family History Library: it’s big and intimidating as all get out until you learn your way around the place. Then it becomes the happiest place on Earth (sorry, Disneyland). If you’re not familiar with the FHL, join up with a tour and learn the ropes. If you’ve been there, done that, explore some “new to you” areas. Research in new geographic locations, learn to use new machines, attend a class or anything else that strikes your fancy. See Banai's great FHL post for more helpful advice.

Embrace spontaneity

You’ve spent weeks (or months) planning your RootsTech trip down to the wire. Planning is good, but not written in stone. Use your schedule as a guide, but don’t be afraid to stray from the plan. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be invited to lunch with one of your new friends. Or perhaps an unconference pops up in one of your favorite subjects. Don’t be afraid to take a detour and go where curiosity takes you. That’s what makes conferences fun.

So what do you think? Are we ready to ditch the wallflower ways? Come find me at RootsTech. I have a present for you.

My RootsTech Blogger Challenge

2012-01-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

GeneaBloggers.com has been keeping track of the slate of genealogy bloggers planning to attend RootsTech. Currently there will be 81 bloggers and the number just keeps growing.

I printed out the list of names and I'm going to try to connect with each one. There are at least 29 bloggers I've never met, so I will add a lot of new friends to the mix.

So what do you think? Can I meet the other 80 bloggers and still find time to see everything I want to see? I'll have fun while I try and keep you posted on the results.

Say Cheese! Remember the Town Photographer in Your Genealogical Hunt

2012-01-20T14:39:00.000-06:00

Alberta Russell (1873-1952) is my first cousin, three times removed. That means that her mama (Ann Williamson) and my great-great grandfather (William Woodberry Williamson) were siblings. Ann married Alva Russell, as in Russellville, Arkansas, where my Williamsons have been since the 1830's. The city was named for Alva's father, Thomas Russell.

Alberta married John H. Ganner, town photographer. This got me thinking...

Have you researched your town's photographer? If not, you should.

Not only was John Ganner a local photographer for decades, over 3,000 images of his collection are housed at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

I see several names that I recognize in this collection. Not only Ganners, but Russells, too. The photo at the top of the collection page shows another cousin of mine. If you look closely, you can see Anna "May" Russell in the door of the photography studio. She is Alberta's sister, also my first cousin, thrice removed.

How I wish I could visit this library and get permission to view these images! I wonder if any of my Williamsons are any of the "unidentified" subjects in the photos?

If you have any studio photos of your ancestors, look for the name of the photographer somewhere on the photo. You can also use city directories to identify local photographers.

Research the photographers names and see if their work is being housed in special collections like that of John Ganner. You never know if your ancestors are in there.

Also, be sure to browse the special collection portions of the library web sites of colleges and universities in the regions where your ancestors lived. Look for images of the towns and their residents. Often, Google does not search this deep into library databases, so you have to do the browsing work yourself.

The genealogical information provided about Ganner and his family is a gold mine to my own tree. I am thankful his granddaughter donated the collection. Maybe I'll find the time someday to head to Fayetteville and seek permission to view it myself.

Until then let's remember to research the local photographers. Their pictures tell our ancestors' stories, too.

Genealogy Workshop in Liberty, Texas

2012-01-20T10:24:00.001-06:00

Below is an announcement I received via email. I have no affiliation with the Liberty County Genealogical Society, I'm just trying to publicize regional genealogy events. --A

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Presented By

THE LIBERTY COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Saturday, February 18^th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$25.00 Workshop Fee

$10.00 Lunch (optional) Catered by Quiznos

St. Stephens Episcopal Church Meeting Room

2041 Trinity Ave.

Liberty, Texas

Introduction to Genealogy

Finding Civil War Ancestors Online

Thinking Outside the Box

Newspaper Archives: Opening Windows to Your Ancestors

For Additional Information Contact

Stacy Sundgren – 936-336-6048 936-336-6048

stacy.sundgren@yahoo.com

Paid Reservations Including Lunch Must Be Received by February 16, 2012

Make Checks Payable To: LCGS

Mail to: LCGS P.O. Box 723 Liberty , Texas 77575

Include Name, Address, Phone, & Email Address

$25.00 Workshop Only OR $35.00 Workshop & Lunch

Please Indicate Sandwich Choice – Ham or Turkey if Purchasing Lunch

Registration Open for RootsTech 2012 Workshops

2012-01-18T13:47:00.000-06:00

Workshop registration is now open for RootsTech 2012. These are twelve hands-on workshops in a computer lab. They are separate from the regular RootsTech sessions and have limited availability so register now if you are interested.

If you are already registered for the actual conference, go to the Edit Your Registration page and sign up there. If you haven't registered for the conference yet, you can to that and sign up for the hand-on workshops at the same time.

Hurry though because space is limited.

See you there.

[Edit 1/20/12: I've been told that the workshops have filled up.]

[Disclosure: I am an official RootsTech blogger. -A]

FGS 2012 Conference Registration Now Open

2012-01-16T10:32:00.000-06:00

[Below is the press release announcing open registration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2012 conference in Birmingham, Alabama. Don't worry if you don't have "kin"
down there. I didn't have a single ancestor in Illinois and the 2011 Springfield conference was one of the best I'd ever attended.
Won't you join us? --A]

Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the "Old Southwest"

A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists

January 16, 2012 – Austin, TX. Registration for the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, scheduled for August 29 - September 1, 2012, in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama, is now open. This year’s conference theme is “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the ‘Old Southwest’,” and the local host is the Alabama Genealogical Society (AGS).

This year's FGS conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Over 175 educational sessions and 13 luncheons are designed to balance the needs of genealogists at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to those interested in researching their family history. Special sessions include a wide variety targeting members and leaders of genealogical and historical societies. In addition, special events, such as the Alabama Genealogical Society Opening Social at the Alabama Theater, the FGS Evening Social at the historic Sloss Furnaces, Spotlight on Societies, and daily sponsored lectures provide an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, findmypast.com, the National Archives and Records Administration, and others.

Conference Highlights

Librarian’s Day: On Wednesday, August 29, 2012, ProQuest is sponsoring a full day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.

Conference Sessions: A wide variety of genealogy-related lectures and workshops for all experience levels. Topics include Southern research, Settlers and Indians, soldiers, strategies and techniques, technology, and writing.

Special Events: Include the AGS Opening Social at the Alabama Theater and the FGS Evening Social at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark—all providing an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy. This exciting week of genealogy closes with a Farewell Brunch on Sunday.

Exhibit Hall: Filled with a wide array of vendors and organizations, Cyber Cafe and lounge area sponsored by RootsMagic, and a special Spotlight on Societies area will showcase local and regional genealogical and historical societies.

There are more activities and research opportunities too numerous to list. However, you can learn all about the 2012 FGS Conference and register for this exciting four-day event at http://www.fgs.org/2012conference. Be sure to also visit or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org for more information and travel advice. We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham in August!

Learn More and Stay Connected

Visit the Conference News Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org

Follow the Conference on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/fgs2012 and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fgs2012

Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau athttp://www.birminghamal.org

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org

Rejected Genealogy Conference Proposals

2012-01-13T09:16:00.000-06:00

Genealogy conference season is almost here. Several groups are accepting speaker proposals for their events. Here are some of the suggested sessions that didn't quite make the cut.

Because We’ve Always Done it This Way: Genealogy Society Bankruptcy in 6 Easy Steps

This session will teach you all the best ways to resist change, including digging in your heels, refusing to listen and alienating other board members. Your group will disband in record pace!

Keep Beating that Dead Horse: Worst Practices for Arguments on Email Discussion Lists

Learn how to resurrect old debates, argue in circles and create random tangents that are guaranteed to fill your email box with countless pointless opinions perfect for wasting time and money!

Advanced Techniques for Making Your Cell Phone Ring During Genealogy Sessions

Join us in this fast-paced session that will show you all the best ways to ignore requests to turn off your cell phone. You will also learn all the loudest ring tones, how to pretend you don’t hear your own phone ringing, and how to stare blankly at your ringing phone as though you have no idea how to answer it. Reserve your seat now!

How to Beat a Ticket from the Citation Police

A well-known genealogy outlaw will show you all the tips and tricks to skirt the law when the citation sheriff comes to town. Includes all the best techniques for designing your own citation “system” that no one else will understand.

New Ways to Judge Others Based on their Lineage Society Memberships

Strategies you can utilize to ensure that everyone knows how important your ancestors are as opposed to others. Learn how to order special pins, clothing and “bling” to show that you’re top dog, making it easy for you to look down on others.

Passive-Aggressive Blogging for Beginners

This in-depth session shows you how to write a blog post about someone that makes you angry without naming names, though everyone knows who you’re talking about. Also includes ways to blow issues out of proportion and write pieces without thinking to ensure you’ll regret what you said tomorrow.

GEN-ealogy or GENE-eaology? Pronunciation Fight Club

There are two camps in the pronunciation of genealogy. The session puts both groups in a closed room. Last man standing wins pronunciation rights.

Overhead Transparencies: A Genealogy Speaker’s Best Asset

Learn the earliest and oldest in overhead transparency technology including fuzzy fonts, blurry images and filling the whole page with text. Audiences will be talking about you in no time!

The fact that these gems were rejected just tells you how many great sessions are offered at regional and national genealogy conferences these days. Get out there and have fun (but turn off your cell phone, please).

Interview with Stories to Tell: RootsTech Vendors and Speakers

2012-01-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

In anticipation of the upcoming RootsTech conference, I reached out to vendors and speakers Biff and Nancy Barnes of Stories To Tell Books. Thankfully, they granted me an interview. They are teaching a session titled, "Self Publish Your MS Word Book Like a Pro." The sessions title and content intrigued me so I asked them about it:

1. Your session's title makes it sound really easy to go from Word document to book. Is it really that easy? Does this session provide the steps?

Writing and self publishing a book is easier than it may seem. Really, all authors follow the same process, and we explain it step by step. Like a recipe, if you prepare the ingredients in advance, it is much easier to put a book together. MS Word is very useful for family history books, because it is designed to include footnotes, endnotes, appendixes, the index, and a table of contents. Photos and other images should be scanned and prepared correctly, and this requires photo editing software. We will discuss the benefits and limits of a Word-only book, and provide alternatives, too.

2. Must one already have a Word document in hand to benefit from this session?

We’ll provide everything for the participants. The class is intended to help authors at any stage, even those who have not yet begun to write. Sample book chapters will be pre-loaded on the lab computers so that you can practice each skill in Word as we demonstrate. We will also present a PowerPoint with additional information about self publishing, and provide useful web links. If class participants would like to review the class later, the slideshow will be available to download from our website.

3. What advice would you give to RootsTech first timers?

These conferences can result in information overload! Our advice is to set a few concrete goals before you come, and to choose the classes that match your goals. You want to learn something you can take home and use.

4. What can attendees expect to see at the Stories To Tell booth?

As editors and designers of family history books, we have a lot of valuable information to share about writing, editing and publishing. Visitors may wish to talk about their book project ideas and ask questions. Authors who have written a draft are invited to bring it along for a free consultation. We display examples of different types of family history books. Attendees may wish to purchase our book, Stories To Tell: An Easy Guide to Self Publishing Family History Books and Memoirs. We also offer a CD, How To Plan And Organize a Family History Book.

Special thanks to Biff and Nancy of Stories to Tell for taking some time to share about what they have in store for RootsTech attendees. Nancy will also be teaching a session titled, "Use Adobe Creative Suite to Self-publish Your Family History Book."

See you soon in Salt Lake City!

RoostTech Update: It's Almost Here!

2012-01-07T11:40:00.000-06:00

The session schedule for RootsTech was posted earlier this week. It's possible that this isn't the *final* schedule, so be sure to check back regularly and confirm actual times with the conference program when it is in your hands.

I have been told by an employee of FamilySearch that there will be unconferencing slots available, so think about the topics you're interested in and contribute to the discussion.

There will be some sessions live streamed to those at home, just like last year. As of right now, I can't find anywhere on the web site where it says which ones or when. This makes it a challenge for societies and groups to plan viewing parties. If I learn which sessions will be live streamed, I will be sure to tell you here.

I am on a social media discussion panel hosted by Jill Ball of Genaius. The session is at 11:00am on Friday, February 3 (as of now). I will let you know if that time changes. If you're in the neighborhood, come check us out!

Discounted registration at $149 is still available for RootsTech through January 13.

The official RootsTech Twitter hashtag is #rootstech. Follow the conference discussion at Twitter here. The official RootsTech Twitter account is @RootsTechConf.

That's it for now. Check back to this blog periodically for RootsTech news and developments.

[Note: I am an official blogger for RootsTech. I received a complimentary registration in return for blog coverage of the event. My posts are my own. --Amy]

Genealogy Goals: Steps for Success

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

Genealogy goals are a great way to build motivation and get tasks accomplished in a given period of time. I set goals in 2011 and was pretty successful. I have 3 more goals for 2012 and can't wait to see how I do.

Should you set goals? The answer is up to you (but I say yes). Here are some considerations to increase your chances of success.

1. Goals aren't just for January 1
You can set a genealogy goal at any time, for as long as you want. Several bloggers set monthly goals. It's perfectly fine to set a goal on February 7. Give yourself the flexibility to succeed.

2. Goals should be a little bit scary.
Let me clarify "scary." You should set some goals that take you outside your comfort zone and lead to new experiences. For example, one of my 2012 goals requires me to research in a state archive that is new to me. I will have to learn the ins and outs of the place, as well as how to locate and get the item that I want. When I complete this goal, I will have new knowledge and new research experiences.

3. Set yourself up for success.
What motivation do you need to succeed? Some people write their genealogy goals in their blogs. The public declaration is enough to get them going. Others recruit a goal "buddy" to help them be accountable. You can even reward yourself with the purchase of a new genealogy toy when you complete your goal. You know what it takes for you to stay motivated. Make than happen.

4. Divide your goals into manageable pieces.
"Write my family history book" is a great goal, but it needs definition and direction. If this is the year you finally write your family's history, break it into manageable pieces. Start with an outline, then take on the task one step at a time. If you want to clean your genealogy office, make a commitment to clean the file cabinet, then another to clean the top of the desk, etc. Set smaller goals. Doing so will get you closer to completing your goal.

5. Goals aren't written in stone.
It is ok if you don't complete the tasks set forth in your goals. Really. Don't beat yourself up over what you haven't done. Just pick yourself up and start again. One of my 2012 genealogy goals is recycled from 2011 because I didn't finish it then.

6. Move the ball forward.
Some days are more productive than others. As long as you move the ball forward, you will continually move toward completing your goal.

Hopefully I've stated my case for genealogy goals. I wish you the best in completing yours.

National Archives Puts Popular Records Workshops Online for First Time

2012-01-05T10:04:00.001-06:00

[FYI. Below is a press release from the National Archives. I thought you might be interested. -A]

"Know Your Records" videos now available on National Archives YouTube Channel

Washington, DC…For the first time, the National Archives has launched online videos of its most popular genealogy “how to” workshops. These videos cover “hot topics” in genealogical research such as census, immigration and military records. Now, these popular workshops led by National Archives experts are available on the National Archives YouTube channel [www.youtube.com/user/usnationalarchives].

The National Archives-produced Know Your Records video shorts cover the creation, scope, content, and use of National Archives records for genealogical research. "The National Archives is proud to make our most popular genealogy lectures available online and ready for viewing by anyone, anywhere, at any time," said Diane Dimkoff, Director of Customer Services.

Genealogy Introduction: Military Research at the National Archives: Volunteer Service (8:22) [www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zgKBrsVpxY]
Archives specialist John Deeben discusses compiled military service records at the National Archives.

Genealogy Introduction—Military Research at the National Archives: Regular Service (6:11) [www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OMO-PbmMEw]
Archives Specialist John Deeben explains how to use Army and Navy registers of enlistment and rendezvous reports for research.

Genealogy Introduction—Military Research at the National Archives: Pension Records (9:04)
[www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT-AgYFhX1k]
Archives Specialist John Deeben discusses how to research military service using pension records dating from 1775 to 1916. Deeben shows samples of both Revolutionary War and Civil War pensions.

Genealogy Introduction—Immigration Records at the National Archives (11:57)
[www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCZTSrSvxyc]
Archives Specialists Katherine Vollen and Rebecca Crawford provide an overview of immigration records from 1800 to 1957, including Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization records, as well as records of ports and border crossings.

Genealogy Introduction: Census Records at the National Archives (11:57)
[www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl54NX_H1ko]
Genealogy expert Constance Potter shares tips and strategies for researching U.S. Federal Census Records 1790 to 1930, and explains how they can be used for genealogical research.

Background on “Know Your Records” programs

The National Archives holds the permanently valuable records of the Federal government. These include records of interest to genealogists, such as pension files, ship passenger lists, census and Freedmen’s Bureau materials. The Know Your Records Program offers opportunities for staff, volunteers, and researchers to learn about these records through lectures, ongoing genealogy programs, workshops, symposia, the Annual Genealogy Fair, an online genealogy tutorial, reference reports for genealogical research, and editions of Researcher News for Washington DC area researchers.

My Genealogy Goals for 2012

2012-01-05T09:36:00.000-06:00

On December 23, Denise Levenick aka The Family Curator and I met for our annual lunch and declaration of genealogy resolutions. Here's what I pledged last year.

Over a really good hamburger and Rogue Ale, I fessed up to my results of my 2011 goals. Denise did the same.

For 2012, we decided to stick with the same format:

1 organizational goal
1 research goal
1 writing goal

The organizational goal
I am going to recycle 2011's unaccomplished task of scanning the four notebooks full of "stuff" on my shelf. I want these documents digitized so I can 1) put the notebooks away and 2) make it easier for me to send items and records to other cousins. Honestly, I don't have a lot of enthusiasm for this one, but it's a necessary chore. I will feel better when it's done.

The research goal
Denise proposed a fun idea. She named a special guild where you needed a qualifying ancestor to get in. The name of the group escapes me, as I had never heard of them before. So I will need to investigate my husband's family to see if he qualifies. I already know I don't because I don't have a single New England ancestor.

I also added a second research goal within the last week. Thanks to FamilySearch, I know that my great-great grandfather Emile Bourgaux and his father Michel Bourgaux have naturalization files somewhere in Louisiana. My second research goal is to find these files. They are (hopefully) either in Lafayette or Baton Rouge. I will make them mine.

The writing goal
Last year, at the encouragement of Denise, I wrote an e-book based on some of the blog writing I'd already done. This year, I have a similar goal...only I don't have any pre-written content in the hopper!

My writing goal part 1 is to get a first draft completed of a book I've been writing in my head. It is a mainstream genealogy book, but that's all the details you're going to get for now.

I've been thinking, and thinking is a bad thing. I have another e-book idea as well. I made an outline and I'm going to work in it at the same time. That's writing goal part 2.

Crazy.

So there are my 3+ goals for 2012. I might finish them. I might not. What I do know is that I'm very optimistic, and that will carry me far. Even if I don't complete them, I will do great things.

The one hurdle in my way is that I have a significant 8-month family history project for someone else on the calendar. It takes up a lot of my time. I love it and the income it generates, but as far as my 2012 goals are concerned, I have my work cut out for me.

That's it for now. Denise posted her goals here. I need to get busy! Our annual lunch date is less than a year away!

Tune into Geneabloggers Radio on January 6, 2012

2012-01-04T13:33:00.003-06:00

Clear your calendar on Friday night, January 6, 2012, and join me for Geneabloggers Radio. The topic is Genealogy New Year's Resolutions for 2012. I am guest #2.

All you need to know about logging in and listening via computer is found at the link above. You can also participate in the chat room during the broadcast. It's a really fun experience and I hope you become a part of it.

You may be thinking, "how can Amy talk about 2012 resolutions when she hasn't even listed her own?" That's coming. Trust me.

See you Friday night.

The Big Genealogy Blog Book for Your 2012 Goals

2012-01-03T17:43:00.000-06:00

If one of your 2012 genealogy goals is to write more, why not use the 200+ family history topics in The Big Genealogy Blog Book?

Available in:

PDF from Lulu.com
EPUB format from Lulu.com
Amazon Kindle
iBookstore
Nook

For the price of an app, you can have a whole book full of ideas. You'll never draw a blank on your genealogy blog again.

Read what others are saying about The Big Genealogy Blog Book in these reviews:

Luxegen

Finding Our Ancestors

For Your Family Story

And as a complete surprise, The Big Genealogy Blog Book is #9 in the Computers and Internet category at Lulu.com. Look at genealogy up there with all the techy books!

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy

2012-01-02T19:09:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone that participated in the 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History series. I really enjoyed reading all the different posts about your past experiences. I hope you found value in it as well. Your descendants will thank you for sharing the history of your lives.

In December of 2011 I almost gave up on the blog topic series streak. I was simply out of ideas. I had written three years' worth of individual genealogy blog ideas, plus a set of society ideas and another set of professional genealogy blog topics. I was tired.

Then I got one of those cartoon light bulbs over my head. What if we did a series of genealogy things we were grateful for? I began writing a list in the car one day while my son waited for trains.

The result is 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy (credit Thomas MacEntee for the title which was better than mine).

We live in such an exciting time to pursue genealogy. There are so many resources available to us. We have a wonderful social community, educational opportunities and conference events.

I chose this series theme to help us remain aware of all we have. At the same time, we can share our experiences and resources with others. We can even give thanks and shine a spotlight on those dedicated volunteers who preserve our heritage.

Have fun with this one. There is no rule that says you have to do all 52 weeks. I encourage you to adapt these prompts to fit your life experience.

So let's get out there and find some family history!

Onward.

My Wish for You in 2012

2012-01-01T14:22:00.000-06:00

Happy 2012 to you and yours.

2011 was a pretty crazy year, genealogically speaking. New companies sprouted up, while old companies bought each other. Genealogy as an industry is getting a bigger profile and that's causing a lot of interesting things to happen to our once serene little hobby.

Thank goodness for our blogs, where we meet to discuss and analyze those developments. I don't know about you, but my blog is a retreat from regular life. It's my own version of a man cave, or antique car garage or hunting trip. It's my escape and will continue to be so in the future. It's my voice and it's influenced very little by others.

I say this because the popularity of genealogy is increasing at a rapid pace. With that comes lots of opinions and discussion on defining genealogy, what's right, what's wrong, what you should be saying, how you should be saying it. Yada, yada, yada.

Some of that discussion is good. Some of it not so much. Some of it will make you feel inferior to others, even when you shouldn't.

My wish for you in 2012 is that you get much joy from your genealogy experience including your blog. Remember why you started it and stay close to that motivation. Should you run into any negativity, maintain your blog as you see fit and keep your genealogy voice strong.

The field of genealogy is changing before our eyes and we have a front row seat. Enjoy that view, stay positive and have a great 2012.

10 Most Popular Genealogy Blog Posts for 2011

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

2011 was quite a year, genealogically speaking. The field is growing by leaps and bounds.

I tried my best to stay in the game in the past year. I used this blog to learn, teach, question and comment.

Some posts were more favored than others, based on the number of hits received for each one. Here is a list of the 10 most popular We Tree blog posts of 2011:

10. The Hypothetical Ancestor Trade Off
It looks like others want to table their difficult ancestors as much as I do.

9. Genealogy is Unfair
I had a mini pity party about my own family tree and invited others to the table.

8. Careers in Genealogy: Charting Your Own Course
I do like this post. I still feel this way, and am happy I made my own path.

7. Genealogy Societies: What Keeps You Coming Back for More?
A case where I used my blog to learn from others.

6. Eleanor's Story
A story about my great-grandmother using photos and music.

5. This is Not a Flip-Pal Review
One of the best headlines I ever wrote. It does well in search results.

4. Where Keggers and Social Genealogy Intersect
I think the word "keggers" is what got people to read this one.

3. The Big Genealogy Blog Book
Announcing the arrival of the little book that could.

2. If Genealogists Ran Hollywood
Looks like a lot of people share my sense of humor.

1. Genealogy Blogs: A Comment on Comments
This post is part sounding board, part editorial. Clearly the topic of blog comments is a big one. This post also garnered the most comments for the year (65 and counting).

Thank you to everyone who read and commented on these posts and others in the blog. It's my tree, but your presence makes it bloom.

Recap of My 2011 Genealogy Goals

2011-12-29T09:10:00.000-06:00

Last Christmas, I went to lunch with The Family Curator and we got to talking about genealogy goals. In the end, we each came up with three goals for the new year and made a buddy pact to follow through with our plans. I blogged about mine here. Denise blogged about hers here.

We each came up with 1 research goal, 1 writing goal and 1 organizational goal.

Denise already posted her 2011 year-end report.

How did I do? Well...

Research goal: determine the name of my maternal grandmother's maternal grandmother. Everyone has 16 great-great grandparents, and I only knew 15 of mine. This goal was a tad scary because I had to cross the pond and research Austria and Hungary. I am pleased to say that I accomplished this goal. I was also able to tell my own grandmother the name of her grandmother. It was very rewarding.

Writing goal: write an e-book. Result? BOOYAH! Mission accomplished.

Organizational goal: get all the stuff in my notebooks scanned. What is the opposite of finished? Because that's where I ended up with this goal. I had good intentions, but we got a new printer/scanner and it hates me. Also, my professional life really picked up in the last half of the year, and that's when my scanning was penciled in. I decided getting paid to do genealogy was better.

So there you go. 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

To be perfectly honest, the thought of researching Hungarian records was way scarier than writing an e-book. I did both! Woo-hoo!

So what about you? Did you meet your 2011 goals? Are you interested in a new set for 2012?

You know I have a new set of goals for 2012 and they'll be published soon, so why don't you join me?

Turn Out the Lights...

2011-12-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

The party's over.

I'm going to take a couple of days off. See you soon.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T03:30:00.000-06:00

One year, my family had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It had no real shape or appeal. It's branches were strong enough for heavy ornaments, but they went all different directions.

To this day, we still talk about that Charlie Brown tree. It's a good Christmas memory.

Take the time to make some good Christmas memories of your own today. Not the things you're *supposed* to do for the holidays, but the things that your heart tells you to do that make the day special.

Merry Christmas. It's been a pleasure celebrating family history with you.

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories: December 24

2011-12-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

(This is post 24 in the Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories hosted by Geneabloggers.com)

Prompt: December 24 - Christmas Eve

How did you, your family or ancestors spend Christmas Eve?

For close to 30 years now, Christmas Eve has always been at my aunt & uncle's house. It's very casual, with no set dinner table. People mingle as they please. The kids are always bouncing off the walls because it's the night before Christmas. At some point, the dog will steal some food off a plate or the kitchen counter. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I married into a family that celebrates Christmas Eve in a more official manner. They open presents on the 24th and sit down for a meal. For the last 13 years, this has been how I have spent 3/4 of December 24th.

After said meal, my little family of three heads out to visit family friends. Then we make the hour drive to go to my aunt's house for a brief visit with folks & family we only get to see once a year.

My Christmas Eve has a lot of driving and visiting. We're so busy trying to make sure we see everyone that sometimes the message gets lost.

(Originally published December 24, 2009)