The presentation was comprehensive about the past known genealogy methods, the inclusion of the Internet and it's effect on genealogy research and some of the new opportunities but also possible downfalls with future genealogy studies.
A lot of data was covered as an overview to a very broad subject. But as in most great presentations, there was something for everyone from beginner historian to very contemporary and informed professional genealogist. Anytime I can learn or glean one great idea from a presentation I feel blessed by the presentation: So I am in a
genealogy happy danceas I feel motivated and enriched by the presentation when I found three key points I want to include in my genealogy studies.
In summary the three key points I picked up were:
1--- the "Cold Calling" idea. I must admit I never would have thought that would be a good way to find family. The idea of getting a city directory and just cold calling people with same surnames was just a new concept for me. Yet I can see if I have a city location and strong indication that this person could possibly be related ---maybe I will try it.
2--- the loss of libraries, historic books, and court records as so many cities, states are down sizing. The state library of Michigan was mentioned. The decision to close a state library seemed almost impossible to imagine. Someone also mentioned Pennsylvania public libraries are in jeopardy. Pennsylvania is an original colony and holds many founders records. There seems a need to make people aware and move people to act before court records, libraries, and historical documentation are loss.
3--- the third idea that Susie presented that motivated me to possibly rethink and put more focus on --- is the need to add the reason for death, health issues, and family genetic make ups-----enough illnesses can be genetically traced, that to have family health history could be very valuable to the future generations. Family health history is a valuable tool used by the medical to quickly and accurately diagnosis serious illnesses.
I follow Susi's blog as she continues her genealogy journey. To learn more about Susi and find times and places you can attend her presentations or classes I am enclosing her blog spot addy:
Susi's Chatty Performances on Genealogy
http://susischattyperformances.blogspot.com you can learn more about Susi and her passion for genealogy at her blog site.
Cold Calling
ReplyDeleteI've made a number of these over the years. Mostly have had very good 'luck' in connecting with kin. Don't always come away with any new info/date, however, one more avenue investigated.
I've also applied this idea to writing to individuals with like names state my purpose and provide a means to contact me whether or not if they are interested in corresponding.
Lots of interesting responses to that method.
thanks for the input Gerry. I will try it---
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