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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.


Contact:  Drew@YourGenealogist.com

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Last modified: Sunday March 22, 2009