The
following is a listing of previously presented lecture topics. All have valuable
handout material. Drew is always interested in entertaining other topics for
future lectures. These are all designed for use with a computer screen
projector. (Key
to levels: b = beginners; i = intermediate; a = advanced)
Learning a methodic approach to uncover your family history (b,
i)
Often, only part of the
�knowable facts� in a genealogical quest are discovered. Here, the
listener is invited to foster a systematic technique of researching to uncover
the most complete genealogical data on one�s subject possible.
Genealogical research in Vermont prior to 1850 (all levels, a
specialty, and tailored to needs)
Research in Vermont can be
tricky for those who do not know its unique history and recordkeeping system.
An overview of its past to 1825 is discussed along with all major types of
records, their location, uses and quirks. This lecture is filled with
information for all levels of genealogical abilities and can be heard more
than once to glean all the facts.
Genealogist�s guide to the non-population schedules of the federal
decennial census, 1810-1930 (all levels)
Researchers are very aware of
the value that population schedules bring to their research. These facts form
the basic structure of many genealogical arguments. Now it is time to take
that next step! These schedules will give the researcher a better
understanding of their subject and their world beyond the birth, marriage and
death data.
The FamilySearch� program: its uses and meaning � the unedited
version (all levels)
A frank discussion of the uses
and genealogical value of the data presented through an interactive use of the
program. Every sub-system is treated and all the special features shown. Live
demonstration with laptop and computer screen projector.
Local history and genealogical sources: how to research your local
parish history (b)
This is designed to help
non-genealogists use the methodology and sources genealogists do to write a
history of one's church or parish.
How to organize and preserve your genealogical papers (all levels, a
specialty)
A fun and informative
show-and-tell format on where to donate your material when you are
�finished� and what to expect during this process as well as to better
understand preservation needs in your own world and how to maintain your
material in the best possible way.
Even the best indexes have flaws, but watch out for the worst! (all
levels, a specialty suitable for dinner talk)
This is an entertaining look
at an often overlooked topic. The listener will see how to identify the
different types of indexes and how to use them. This discussion is a must for
anyone considering writing or editing a book!
They went that-a-way: Outmigration from Cape Cod (all levels)
People often think of our
ancestors as rigid creatures of habit that rarely ventured beyond their local
community � well, think again! This is just one example using the early
settlers of Cape Cod and showing the wide influence this region had on many of
the colonial states.
Researching your Irish ancestors in New England (b, i)
This is a review of the early
history and migration patterns to the United States with a focus on primary
records to consider when researching this very difficult community.
Writing a worthwhile genealogy (i, a)
If you have ever contemplated
writing any genealogical work, sit back and listen to the experiences of
someone who writes them himself, and for many years helped others use what
genealogical books have been written in the past. At the core, is a list of
do�s and don�ts which will make future researchers praise your name as an
author!
Immigration and migration: a story of Vermont (i, a)
The most rural and youngest of
all the New England states, Vermont has played a pivotal role in
post-Revolutionary migratory America. Until the 1820s, many families who
ultimately settled in the mid-west and west came through Vermont first. Before
1800, Vermont was the fastest growing state in the Union, and as fast as they
came, they went. Discover the possible missing link in your ancestor�s saga,
as a story of Vermont!
Crossing the Border, U.S. and Canadian Records (i, a)
The St. Albans Border Crossing
Records for the United States (1895-1954) and the Immigration Records for
Canada (1908-1935) are an undiscovered source for identifying families moving
across this country�s northern border after 1895. Many would be surprised to
find that the poorer immigrants came to the United States via Canada. It was
much cheaper to get to Canada than the United States. Your clues may be
waiting in the border crossing records.
The Mayflower Society, Its Past and Purpose (all levels)
A discussion of the founding
of the Mayflower Society, its purpose in preserving the memory of the
Pilgrims, who came, and who qualifies to continue the legacy.
American Probate System (b, i)
Listeners learn about the
development of the probate system is the United States so they may better
understand what records were produced and why. This will help discover new
clues in a class of records that many genealogists look at casually.
U.S. Census Records: How to Make the Most of the Data (b, i)
The images for the United
States census are now available online in several forms. Just having access to
them does not make the information gleaned from them better. Learn about the
history of the census, what information was taken and when, non-population
schedules, indexes, substitute records, and how to interpret what you found.
Using Vital Records in the United States � What to Find Where (b,
i)
This is a survey of the
history of why vital records were kept, by whom, and what. Learn about where
to look, what has been microfilmed, what is online, quirks, and substitute
records.
Of Death and Dying, Cemetery Records and Their Clues (b, i)
Learn about the burial
practices of the immigrants that help genealogists understand what was left
behind. Understand the types of stones, symbols used, and locating the
records. How do you care for gravestones and what material is available in
print or online.
A Northern New England Research Survey: Sources and Techniques for
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont (b)
Learn about the general
history that shaped our ancestors� lives, migration patterns, and the major
records left behind in all three states.
And remember, if you have a topic in mind that is not on this list, please e-mail
me. I am always happy to develop new lectures for groups.
