I think as learners we all get to a place where we need to turn to someone for help. There are plenty of online sites that have information that may hold the key to your questions – Facebook, YouTube, and blog posts are just a few that come to mind, and they may indeed have the answer you are looking for….but they can just as easily give you what you think is the answer, but it only confuses you more. As genealogical researcher, your questions may go from what does this word mean? To how do I break down a brick wall? And pretty much everything in between. The very best thing for you to do is to consider attending a genealogical club or conference to teach YOU how to do something new, instead of relying on input from a stranger. Over the years I have attended many genealogical conferences that not only simply educated me on a new technique or showed me a better way to find records, but these conference presentations fortified my research skills and has continued to assist me as a researcher, because I know what I am looking at.
When DNA first came on the scene as a way to find wayward ancestors, I was not interested. I had a friend who was lovin’ it! And even she could not convince me to give it a whirl. Then one weekend I found my schedule was free AND my husband was willing to hang out with the kids, so I went to nearby Genealogy Conference….it was being held at a facility less then an hour from my home. I showed up as a walk in. There were booths to peruse, and books for sale, but best of all there were programs to attend. I decided to take in the DNA presentation, which was a two-part presentation.
The presenter really started with the basics, starting with the vocabulary and then moved into using that vocabulary to explain what a DNA report was showing, and how to use that information to find family connections. She had a family mystery she was hoping to solve. She took us through her search step by step, showing us the breadcrumbs she discovered along the way. As her presentation progressed, she began to show us how she then put these pieces together to find her answer. I walked away with a new appreciation of DNA and how it can be used to break down a brick wall. I played with it for a couple of years, before I decided I needed to attend another conference. This was a week long one, and sadly because of COVID, I ended up attending it from the comfort of my own couch. We had presentations from several genealogical DNA rock stars. Their information added to my DNA tool kit, giving me a deeper understanding, as well as some new techniques that strengthened my skills.
These conferences have been very helpful to me! Plus, hanging out with a bunch of Genealogists for a couple of days is fun! Imagine talking to someone who shares your enthusiasm! My poor husband has listened me, trying to be excited for my discoveries, but I know he is not. The conference that kicked off my DNA journey is only one of many conferences I have attended. I have taken in an all day “how to search and find Irish records,” a program I though would be helpful finding my husband’s Kearney ancestors. Another presentation I took in was “how to use ArkivDigital” Sweden’s Archives, which I figured would be helpful researching my grandmother’s line.
As genealogists, we need to think of ourselves as life long learners. The more you learn….the better genealogist you will become!
(NOTE: All pictures are from RootsTech. A large in person/virtual Genealogy Conference. It happens every year in Frebrary. Some day I plan to go!)
Laurie L. Kearney 