Writing Your Way to the Past

The Family History Writing Challenge is Over…But I’m Still Going

2012-03-01T13:39:00.001-06:00

The Family History Writing Challenge ran through the month of February and sadly ended yesterday. I pledged to write 300 words (or more) each day during February. And although my goal of writing vignettes shifted a little, I did manage to write at least 300 words each day, with the exception of the first five days (I was in SLC for RootsTech). I did manage to massage one batch of writing into a blog post about my second great-grandmother, Hulda Wach. I’ll be tweaking a few more and posting them within the next few weeks over at GenBlog.

Although the challenge is over, I’m going to keep at it, writing about 300 words a day. That seemed to be a pretty manageable chunk and I really got a lot accomplished.

If you took the challenge, how did you do? I’d love to hear about your accomplishments, so leave me a comment and tell me how it went.

ISFHWE 2012 Excellence in Writing Competition

2012-02-25T20:46:00.001-06:00

It’s time for the annual Excellence in Writing Competition sponsored by the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors. Both ISFHWE members and non-members are eligible to participate. There are five categories for the competition, and you can enter in more than one category. The submission deadline is June 3, 2012.

For a complete list of categories, rules, instructions, and the entry form, download the 2012 Excellence in Writing Entry Package (PDF).

Last year, I won 3rd Place in Category 5 (unpublished work by published author), which you can read more about here.

I’m Accepting the Challenge, Are You?

2012-01-18T15:26:00.002-06:00

During the month of February, The Armchair Genealogist encourages genealogists and family historians to participate in The Family History Writing Challenge.

What is this challenge, you ask? It’s a commitment to yourself to write about your family history each day throughout the month of February. You simply make a pledge to write a certain number of words per day and then stick to it. All of the details can be found here.

I must admit, I did not participate last year. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, I just had too many competing priorities. But that’s all behind me and I’m ready to commit to the challenge this year!

My pledge is 300 words (at a minimum) per day. I’m going to use this time to write vignettes of my ancestors, which I will post (at GenBlog) throughout the month of February. This is a very ambitious goal, but one that I hope to accomplish.

So who’s going to join me?

Self-Publishing? Hire an Editor…Your Credibility Depends on It!

2012-01-10T07:37:00.000-06:00

When you go the traditional route in publishing a book, editing is one of the services performed by the publisher during the production phase of the book. However, more often than not, when you publish a book yourself, editing is a service that you have to seek on your own. After reading several self-published books lately, I have a bad feeling that many authors either skip this step or “edit” the manuscript themselves. I’ll be straight with you—not having your book professionally edited can damage your credibility and possibly impede traditional publishing opportunities in the future.

Many people think that because they are writers, they can also edit. While this is generally true, it’s only applicable to editing the work of others. Self-editing, while it is exist, is usually where authors fail. You can’t effectively edit your own work simply because you know what the text is supposed to say and you know the book’s composition.

For example, you know that the sentence is supposed to say “Bob took a moment to assess the situation.” So naturally you’ll probably read the following and think it’s correct and exactly what you want it to say, but look really close…it’s wrong: “Bob took a moment to access the situation.” Now you might have caught the error simply because you weren’t the one that wrote it. But had you been the self-editing author who wrote the latter version, I’m willing to bet you would have read right over the error and it would have gone to print as such. A good editor would not let this error make it to print.

Another problem I see with all types of self-published books, whether fiction or non-fiction, is grammar and style issues as well as organizational issues. Editors don’t just watch out for typos. An editor performs a variety of editing services including proofreading, copyediting, substantive, and developmental (you can read my post, Did You Know? Different Types of Editing for more information on each one). This is why an editor can be a huge asset to your book. They can look for grammar and style issues, such as voice (changing from first-person to third-person or vice versa), word usage, consistency with terminology, punctuation, and they can even do some fact checking. And you’ll certainly want an editor who can analyze the entire manuscript and help you rewrite or rework sentences, paragraphs, chapters, or the entire book to make sure it flows in a logic manner. As an author, it’s hard to see that the book that you’ve poured your heart and soul into doesn’t really flow organizationally. A professional outsider will identify that immediately and help you fix it.

The bottom line? If you’re choosing the self-publishing route, be smart and hire an editor, particularly one that offers various levels of edit. This is very important in the world of genealogy and family history—you don’t want the credibility of all your hard work and research to be questioned simply because your book has typos, word usage issues, and is difficult to follow. Don’t damage your credibility by trying to save a few bucks or a little bit of time. Believe me, it’s worth the time and money to present a polished book!

Start a New Christmas Tradition

2011-12-22T06:37:00.001-06:00

There’s always reminiscing at Christmas time, especially during family gatherings. Why not start a more “formal” tradition and collect these stories to preserve your family’s history. Here are some ideas:

Over dinner, have everyone share a story about their favorite past Christmas.
If you take turns opening presents, have each person share a story about a living family member before they begin opening their presents.
Gather in front of the fireplace, cup of hot chocolate in hand, and share memories of family members who have passed on.

Be sure to record these stories, either with a digital voice recorder (or a tape recorder), a video recorder, or simply write them in a notebook. You could even make gifts out of the stories for the following Christmas…get creative!

And although this post was written specifically for the Christmas holiday, you could do this at other holidays, such as Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Easter, and birthdays. You could also do this at family reunions or a family BBQ in the summertime.

Make it an annual tradition, one that will stay in the family for generation to come!

4 Reasons to Convert Your Genealogy Research Into Writing

2011-11-17T22:29:00.001-06:00

Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) is a daunting task for some people. But taking the time to turn your genealogy research into something more than facts in a database can be very rewarding and beneficial to your research endeavor.

Here are four reasons you should convert your genealogy research into writing:

Organize & Analyze – Writing out your genealogy research provides a means to organize your research in order to perform a thorough analysis. In doing so, you are able to find gaps in your research (from missing records or events, to having used only secondary sources) and recognize when something doesn’t fit (a child born after a mother died, or a melding of two people into one, for example).
Prove It – Once you’re satisfied with your analysis and conclusions, you can document them as proof arguments/summaries to defend your research. Proof arguments also help you keep track of your conclusions and why you reached them in the first place.
Solve Another Problem – Sometimes when you write about the research process or records you used for one person, you may realize the same strategies can be applied to solve other mysteries in your family tree.
Tell a Story – Let’s face it, our non-genealogy family and friends won’t get much from a database file, family group sheet, or pedigree chart. But putting your research in written form, with some narrative and social context…now that they can sink their teeth into. Plus, it helps you as the researcher see your family as more than just names and dates.

Give the Gift of Family History

2011-11-16T17:15:00.000-06:00

One of the reasons I haven’t been blogging much over here is because I’ve been working on some gift projects for the upcoming holiday season. And I’ve been having way too much fun with my Flip-Pal™ Mobile Scanner (I received the product as part of my commitment to the Simple Gifts Blog Hop).

Part of this Simple Gifts gig is to write about simple gifts that you can make while using your Flip-Pal scanner. I just finished writing a post about creating a digital scrapbook and thought it would be nice to share it with the readers of this blog: Flip-Pal™ Simple Gifts Blog Hop – Digital Scrapbook.

Start Writing Your Life Stories – A Free Webinar from FTU

2011-10-19T18:04:00.001-05:00

Family Tree University is offering a free webinar entitled Start Writing Your Life Stories, “where Sunny Jane Morton, author of My Life & Times: A Guided Journal For Collecting Your Stories, shares tips and ideas for capturing the stories of a lifetime—whether they’re your own or those of a loved one.”

The one-hour on-demand webinar can be accessed here.

Excuses, Excuses

2011-10-14T20:48:00.001-05:00

It’s time to stop whining and start writing! Head over to Sharon DeBartolo Carmack’s article “Write You Family History: Get Motivated” to see the top five excuses we use to put off writing our family stories and advice on how to defeat those excuses.

Yes, I said “we” since I whine about #5 (not “finished” researching) all the time! But Sharon reminds us that the best way to find the gaps in your research and ultimately those pesky to-do items is by writing out what you’ve already researched.

Read her article to learn about the other four excuses and how you can overcome the whining and start writing!

CT Society of Genealogists Literary Awards Contest

2011-10-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

The Connecticut Society of Genealogists literary contests are underway. There are two different contests. Entries for both contests are due by February 15, 2011. Winners for both contests will be notified by April 1, 2012.

Tell Your Family Story Essay Contest

This contest is open to anyone; winner receives $250. Entries must be related to New England and not more than 10 pages (double-spaced). Entries could include family stories, oral histories, diary/journal excerpts, family histories or traditions, or socioeconomic conditions affecting the life on an ancestor. These essays must convey how it pertains to the author. Full contest rules and entry form for this contest are available at http://www.csginc.org/Literary_Files/csg_fledging_essay_2012.pdf.

25th Annual Literary Awards Contest

This contest is open to anyone, the entry fee is $20. Entries must be related to New England and have been published in the past five years. Categories for this contest are:

Genealogy (begins with someone in the past and works forward in time) – Awarded $1,000
Family History (begins with someone living today or recently and works backward in time) – Awarded $500
Genealogical Resource (could include cemetery abstracts, compilations, court records, etc.) – Awarded $500

All entries should include a title page, table of contents, and index. Books should be bound. CDs are acceptable provided they have a fully searchable and easy-to-follow name index with page numbers. Full contest rules and entry form for this contest are available at http://www.csginc.org/Literary_Files/csg_contest_entry_2012.pdf.

SCGS 12th Annual Family History Writing Contest

2011-10-03T21:53:00.001-05:00

The Southern California Genealogical Society is holding their annual family history writing competition between November 1 and December 31, 2011. You do not have to be a member of SCGS to enter, nor does your submission have to relate to California.

Entries must be family or local history articles, which may or may not have been previously published. The length of the article will determine the category it fits in:

Category 1
1,000-2,000 words

Prizes
1st Place - $200
2nd Place - $100
3rd Place - $50

Category 2
Less than 1,000 words

Prizes
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $50
3rd Place - $25

Winners will be notified by May 1, 2012. Winning entries may be published in SCGS’s quarterly, their website, or an anthology of winners.

For complete rules and how to enter, visit http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/2011contest-cat.htm.

Good luck!

The Future of Memories

2011-10-03T16:07:00.001-05:00

Denis Barrett Olson put together a digital book that offers up advice and ideas for digitally publishing your family stories. The Future of Memories “introduces you to these new technologies and shows you how to take advantage of the opportunities they offer to produce quality histories at a reasonable price.”

Currently, you can purchase the book for $2.99 in PDF format through Scribd or as an Kindle eBook through Amazon. eBook versions for iBook and Nook will be available soon.

In The Works

2011-09-30T21:20:00.001-05:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I promise to be back soon with some great articles. I’ve been out of town most of September and now I’m packing up the house for our move in a week. And although I haven’t had time to sit down and write anything, I’ve been accumulating article ideas and outlines. Here are a few of the upcoming topics I have planned:

Writing for Magazines: Niche Markets & Your Family History
Organize Your Writing Projects with Scrivener
Using 1000memories to Capture Your Family Stories

These are just a few, so stay tuned!

Pre-Order: My Life & Times

2011-09-21T11:17:00.001-05:00

My Life & Times: A Guided Journal for Collecting your Stories is available for pre-order from shopfamilytree.com at a special price of $19.79 (special offer good until October 31, 2011).

Part journal, part keepsake, the prompts on the fill-in pages allow you to “write down key moments from childhood to adulthood.” This journal is a 3-ring binder and includes a bonus CD with additional refill pages that can be printed as needed.

Placing Your Ancestors in Time

2011-09-16T22:49:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest challenges of genealogy research and writing is putting your ancestors in context based on time and location. This information is what gives meat to the story, which helps you understand your ancestors’ actions and motives.

Earlier tonight, the GeneaBloggers Radio show topic was “Ancestors in Place” featuring Jane E. Wilcox and Lisa Alzo. There are some great tips and ideas, so be sure to catch the recorded version, when you have about an hour-and-a-half to spare.

Got Ontario Roots?

2011-09-15T18:59:00.001-05:00

I came across yet another writing contest. This one is the Keffer Writing Contest, sponsored by the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS). The contest, which is open to OGS members, awards four cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100. Winning entries are also featured in the OGS journal Families. Entries should be 1,500-2,000 words (including footnotes) and relate to Canada or Ontario genealogy. The deadline is November 1, 2011.

Click here for additional information or contact Families editor at familieseditor@ogs.on.ca.

Win a Family History Publishing Package

2011-09-15T16:47:00.001-05:00

A 500-word essay about your family history could win you a complete Premium publishing package from Abbot Press, a Family Tree Magazine partner. The deadline is September 30, but they will only draw the grand prize winner from the first 200 submissions.

For complete details, rules, and how to enter, click here.

Great Tips for Writing Your Family History

2011-09-15T16:18:00.001-05:00

Valerie, author of the Family Cherished blog, shares what she learned from Eleanor Jensen’s family history writing class at the UGA Family History Conference in her post “The Easiest Way to Write Family History Stories Revealed!”

Some good advice!

Write Now!

2011-09-14T09:19:00.000-05:00

Kimberly Powell of About Genealogy wrote an excellent post last week entitled “10 Steps to Writing Your Family History.”

This is a must-read article with solid tips to get the juices flowing and start writing NOW!

Writers’ Week Writing Contest

2011-09-13T12:20:00.001-05:00

Writers of all varieties are invited to participate in the Writers’ Week Writing Contest hosted by Emily Suess at her blog, Suess’s Pieces. First, second, and third places will be awarded great prizes, including Amazon gift certificates.

Emily has supplied 50 writing prompts to choose from. To enter, choose one of the prompts and write as much or as little as you like. You have to post the entry on your blog or website with the official entry badge and provide a link to your entry.

The deadline is Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:59pm (Eastern).

Refer to Writers’ Week Writing Contest Rules for details on prizes, how to enter, and of course, the writing prompts.

Writing-Related Lectures at the FGS 2011 Conference

2011-09-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

If you are attending the FGS 2011 Conference in Springfield next week, you should consider attending at least one lecture related to the subject of writing your family history. This is a great way to learn about different aspects of writing as well as find some motivation to start capturing your stories.

Wednesday Sessions

Although Wednesday is “Focus on Societies” day, there are a few lectures that are still applicable to the individual writer.

9:30am – But It’s My Family: Copyright Issues for Genealogists, Cath Madden Trindle
2:00pm – Effective Editing and Writing, Pamela Boyer Sayre
3:30pm – Printed vs. Online Publishing for Societies, Donna M. Moughty

Thursday Sessions

12:15 – Get Off That Fence and Start Writing!, Pat Richley-Erickson (this is part of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors luncheon, which is an additional fee)
2:00pm – Citing Your Sources, Russell Lynch
5:00 – Going Beyond the Bare Bones: Reconstructing Your Ancestors’ Lives, Thomas W. Jones
5:00 – Writing a Quality Client Report, Linda Turner (research reports are also good for your personal files and can help jumpstart the family history writing process)
Workshop* – Social History and Genealogy: Writing a Family Narrative, Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Workshop* – Writing Your Family History With Microsoft Word, Michael J. Leclerc

Saturday Sessions

8:00am – Digital Scrapbooking, Linda Woodward Geiger
9:30am – Build a Genealogy Blog, Thomas MacEntee
9:30am – Write Your Family History Step-by-Step, Lisa Alzo
11:00am – A Dozen Ways to Jumpstart Your Family History Project, Loretto D. Szucs
2:00pm – The Place of Place in Your Family History Narrative: Anchoring Your Family History in Its Setting, Dawn Thurston
5:00pm – Using Diaries and Journals to Add Personality to Your Research, Laura Prescott

*Workshops have an additional fee. I’m not sure if you can sign up for them at the conference, or if you had to register for them beforehand. I do know a few were “sold out.”

Change Is In The Air

2011-08-31T16:14:00.001-05:00

Oddly enough, I just read a status update on Facebook about a variety of changes that have gone on today. In keeping with that theme, I am announcing a name change for this blog.

This change had been planned for awhile now, but with a variety of high-priority projects, I had to put it on the back burner. A few weeks ago, I learned of a website called Genwriters, which is operated by a colleague of mine. In addition, she operates a blog called Genwriting. Since my blog’s name was very similar, I decided to change the name of my blog as a courtesy.

So, without further ado, GenWriter has been changed to Writing Your Way to the Past. The main goal for this blog is still the same; to provide writing and research tips and ideas. News about my services and the world of genealogy will also be posted.

Today’s Genealogy News – 08/18/11

2011-08-18T22:06:00.001-05:00

Today’s post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Footnote is now Fold3

“True Irish Roots” Sweepstakes Winner Reports Back on Their Trip of a Lifetime

Today’s Genealogy News – 08/17/11

2011-08-17T22:23:00.001-05:00

Today’s post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

1940 US Census to be Free on Ancestry.com

Raffle Winner Gets Roots Review (this is a really neat idea)

FamilySearch Expands Its Resources With YouTube Channel, Languages

Today’s Genealogy News – 08/16/11

2011-08-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today’s post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Lingotek Enables FamilySearch Members to Translate Historical Family Documents

Know Your Roots

A Perfect Fit: Cemeteries, Youths in Need of Work

Genealogy’s “Runaway Bride” or Groom in the Records

Wanted: Old Yearbooks From [Traverse City] Schools

Cemeteries Abound With Stories of Life and History

Roots & Branches: German Surnames Book Helpful for Immigrant Research

Feds Grant Maine Funds to Rehab Veterans Cemetery

Today’s Genealogy News – 08/13/11

2011-08-13T20:41:00.001-05:00

Today’s post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

History Comes Alive, Thanks to Award-Winning Librarian

One Family Tree Chart for History

Stark County (IL) Genealogical Society Seeking Info for Family History Book

Texas Drought Unearths Long-Lost Slave Cemetery

The First World Memory Project Collection Now Available (Ancestry)

ISGS Makes Donation to War of 1812 Pensions $10,000 Match Challenge

Tracing Her Family Tree

Group Breathes New Life into 200-Year-Old Cemetery

4 Resources for Writing Your Family History

2011-08-12T19:00:00.001-05:00

Following are four great resources that can assist you in writing your family history.

You Can Write Your Family History

A great book to set you on your course is You Can Write Your Family History, by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack. One of the questions I struggle with the most is answered in this book: How much research is enough? Sharon also defines the various types of family histories and provides creative strategies for the writing process. This book can be purchased on Amazon for under $20.

Producing a Quality Family History

Patricia Law Hatcher gets into the nitty-gritty of writing and publishing a book in Producing a Quality Family History. While Patricia does discuss the writing aspect, the most valuable piece of her book is the several chapter dedicated to putting the book together in terms of what elements to include, the layout and design of the book, and publishing considerations. I’m glad I got this book awhile ago since it appears to be out of print; it’s certainly worth checking to see if your local library or genealogical society has a copy.

Ready, Set, Write! Share Your Family’s Story

Lisa Alzo did a great webinar in June called Ready, Set, Write! Share Your Family’s Story. The webinar was done through Legacy Family Tree. Lisa’s presentation was very informative and extremely inspirational. A 13 minute preview is available here. You can also purchase the CD from this link as well; it’s worth the $9.95 price tag!

For All Time: A Complete Guide to Writing Your Family History

For All Time: A Complete Guide to Writing Your Family History, by Charley Kempthorne takes a different approach than the previously mentioned books. Charley really focuses on the writing and shows you how to make the story interesting. He gives a lot of examples and even has small challenges throughout the book to put what you’ve learned into practice. There are also chapters on the types of family histories and publishing. This book can be purchased on Amazon for under $15.

Today’s Genealogy News – 08/08/11

2011-08-08T22:20:00.001-05:00

Daily post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

False Government Death Reports Leave People in the Lurch

Genealogy Buffs Rejoice as Mocavo Indexes Countless Searches Into a Single, Social Site

Are You Preparing for the 1940 Census? We are!

Find Your Research Mojo

2011-08-03T15:12:00.001-05:00

There are so many factors that take us away from our passion for genealogy: lack of time and money, limited access to records, and other obligations. All of these suck the motivation right out of us and when we do find time or some extra cash, we don’t have the desire to do any research. So how can we find that motivation?

The following is a list of activities that serve as motivators. I almost always walk away feeling renewed with a sense of purpose. My perspective shifts and I’m ready to tackle some research.

Read how-to materials, informational articles, or case studies. This can be in the form of journals, magazines, newsletters, books, blogs, or websites. Some good online materials are:

Listen to webinars, podcasts, and radio shows. Following is a list of popular shows along with places to find webinars.

Attend a local genealogical or historical society meeting. Not only a inspirational tactic, but a great networking opportunity.
Sign up for a class or complete a certificate program. Consider the following options:

Many community colleges offer “community education” courses and you may find that they offer classes related to genealogy or history.
NGS Online Courses
NGS Home Study Course
FamilySearch Research Courses
National Institute for Genealogical Studies
Boston University Genealogical Programs
Family Tree University

Join a study group. Two that I know of are ProGen Study Group and NGS Quarterly Study Group.
Attend a conference or workshop. Also a great networking opportunity.
Tap the virtual world. Peruse message boards, Twitter (#genealogy), or GenealogyWise.

Heck, just writing this post has inspired me. Even thought I have a zillion other things to do, I’m going to carve out some time today and work on my own research for a bit…I found my mojo!

What are some other activities that help motivate you to dive into your research? Post a comment and share!

Did You Know? Different Types of Editing

2011-08-02T17:26:00.001-05:00

When you ask someone to “edit” your work, what exactly does that mean? There are various schools of thought on types or “levels of edit” so it is important to ask a potential editor what type of editorial services they offer and what to expect. Doing this will set the expectations of the project and ensure that both author and editor are on the same page.

For my own professional editorial services, I use the following levels of edit:

Developmental
Substantive
Copyediting
Proofreading

Each level has its own parameters. Note: The parameters may vary from editor to editor. Be sure to find out what is included at what level with any editor you consider.

Developmental

Assists the author during manuscript development (sometimes before, perhaps during the concept or outline stage) in terms of content and organization.
May be involved in the writing and/or editing of the manuscript, depending on the scope and terms of the project agreement.
A developmental editor may sometimes be regarded as a ghostwriter or co-author.

Substantive

Concerned with the overall integrity of the manuscript.
Rewrites/revises and reorganizes content for clarity, logic, and presentation.

Copyediting

Adheres to specified style guide.
Corrects errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and word usage.
Checks for consistency in voice, terms, abbreviations/acronyms, style, and format.
Verifies facts, calculations, cross-references, and website addresses.
Queries author when questions of clarity, logic, or inconsistencies arise.

Proofreading

Examines a proof (a.k.a. galley proof or galley) against the edited manuscript for typographical errors or omissions.
May query copyeditor or author with other errors such as word usage, grammar, and punctuation.

Most of the work I do falls under substantive and copyediting, and more often than not, due to time constraints, those types of edits end up combined. This is always determined ahead of time and is provided for in the written service agreement.

Remember, when working with any editor it is important to clearly understand what editorial services will be provided. And of course, make sure to get it in writing to ensure the project’s expectations are agreed upon by both author and editor.

Today’s Genealogy News

2011-08-01T19:04:00.000-05:00

Daily post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Your Show: Genealogy Research Tips and Insights From an Expert

Roots & Branches: Software Product Adds to Census Feature

Mount Calvary Cemetery in Harrisburg Undergoes Laser Scan Study

110 Years After His Death, a Forgotten Union Soldier Honored at Camp Nelson

Today’s Genealogy News

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

Daily post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Computer Genies Captures Family History Before It’s Lost

Chattanooga Man Part of Volunteer Network that Helps People Trace Their Roots

Remember, and Hear, the Dead

Youth Group Finds ‘Treasure’ at Library

Families Reunited in Southington

Today’s Genealogy News

2011-07-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

Daily post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Digging for Roots: Searching For (and Finding) the Birth Father I Never Knew

Kansas City [Missouri]Museum Gets Artifacts From Storied Melrose United Methodist Church

A High-Tech Library Keeps Books at Faculty Fingertips—With Robot Help

Today’s Genealogy News

2011-07-27T19:06:00.001-05:00

Daily post of online news items of interest to genealogists.

Family Has Strong Ties to Douglas County [Georgia]

Scaling the Family Tree: Genealogy is a Fun Way For Kids to Discover the Past

Richmond [Michigan] Seeking Input on Veteran's Memorial Project

Veteran’s Family Presents Him With Naval Award

Missing Veteran's’ Remains Given Final Resting Place

Shout-Out to Genealogy and the Kane County (IL) Genealogical Society

2011-07-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

There was a great article in the Geneva (IL) Republican about genealogy and its popularity. The Kane County Genealogical Society was also highlighted in the article. This is so wonderful to see. And I am especially excited since I have ancestors from Kane County!

You can read the article here.

DNA and DAR

2011-07-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I caught a quick glimpse of a discussion in a Facebook group about DNA tests and DAR proofs. I didn’t have much time to read the whole discussion, but the gist was that the DNA results were not accepted as proof, in conjunction with other documentation, all of which clearly identified the woman as a descendant.

Today, I came across an article in the Washington Post about the same topic. Whether it was the same woman, I’m not sure, as I wasn’t able to relocate the Facebook discussion. The debate is quite interesting…read for yourself.

New Blog

2011-07-26T00:16:00.002-05:00

Writing Your Way to the Past is my new blog! I’ve created this blog in conjunction with my genealogy business. This blog contains static pages that discuss my experience and services. The plan is to post a variety of posts including news on my business, genealogy news, and research tips and writing ideas.

Enjoy!