Note: Detailed outlines are available for each of these lectures.
Where's the Dirt? The How, Why, and Where of Land Records.
These records identify and describe the land that our ancestors owned. They can
also provide proof of relationships, as well as clues about families and
individuals. This lecture discusses history, access, search strategies and
provides examples of the personal information that may be found in these
records.
Audiotape available
Reading the Fine Print: Newspaper Research.
Articles and notices found in newspapers can provide valuable information and
clues about our ancestors. They can bring them to life as we read about the
events in their lives. This presentation discusses the type of information that
can be found as well as providing examples and search techniques.
Using Historical Resources: Dictionaries, Bibliographies, Theses, and
Dissertations.
Our ancestors are more than just names and dates on a chart. They were real
people who lived real lives. Thus successful family history research requires an
understanding of the history, politics, events, and culture that they
experienced. Historical resources such as encyclopedias, bibliographies, theses,
and dissertations can help in developing this knowledge. Moreover, they can also
help locate additional sources of information as well as institutions and
archives where primary documents may be found.
Audiotape available
Introduction to the Library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Imagine a university-related research library that welcomes family researchers
and houses an extensive genealogical collection. This describes the Library of
the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, which attempts to acquire all
available historical and genealogical materials relating to any part of the
United States and Canada. The lecture discusses the collection and how to access
it.
Audiotape available
On Location: Researching in Your Ancestor's Community.
A successful research trip is the result of careful preparation and organization
of your family data, research objectives and utilization of your precious time.
Actually going to the location of your ancestral home can provide a clearer
picture of your ancestor and may provide unexpected rewards. This lecture
provides helpful travel tips.
They Left Town: Tracking Migrating Families.
Tracing families who are moving from one location to another can be a challenge
for the family researcher. This presentation discusses some of the techniques
and resources that can be used to determine where they came from, where they
went, and how they got there.
The PERiodical Source Index: A Genealogical Finding Aid.
There are hundreds of genealogical publications ranging from scholarly journals
to low budget newsletters. One of these publications may have the information
that will help solve a troublesome genealogical problem. The Periodical Source
Index is a finding aid that may help locate additional family sources. This
presentation discusses the scope and criteria of the project.
What You Can Dig Up in Cemeteries.
Cemeteries can provide family information not available elsewhere and can
provide valuable clues. A tombstone may be the only source of a birth and death
date. Cemetery burial records may be the only vital record available. This
lecture discusses types of cemeteries, their records, and research strategies.
Leaving a Legacy: Writing Your Family History.
Most of us would rather research our family history than spend time writing it.
The excuses are many, but unfortunately, wonderful family information disappears
because it is buried in an unorganized pile of research notes. What kind of
genealogical legacy do you want to leave for your descendants and other
researchers? Will others be able to access and use your research? Will your
personal knowledge of family members be lost? This lecture presents ideas and
techniques to produce a well-written and documented family history.
From Piles to Files: Organizing Your Research.
Genealogists are gatherers of family information and documents. It is far more
interesting to search for data than to organize it. With the use of copy
machines and computers, it is very easy to collect vast piles of paper. At some
point, something must be done with all those piles of papers. This presentation
discusses some ideas and techniques to help you turn your genealogical mess into
organized and accessible information.
Audiotape available
Tracing Your Baptist Ancestors.
Church records vary a great deal in content and emphasis based on the theology
and social role of each denomination. This presentation outlines the history of
Baptists, their distinctive beliefs, and the records they may have created.
Strategies to locate these records are discussed.
Audiotape available
Back to Basics.
This lecture is an overview of basic genealogical resources and techniques. It
is an introduction for the beginning family researcher as well as a quick review
for the more advanced family historian.
So, What Do I Do Next? Developing a Research Plan
The first step is to learn about the various sources of family information that
can be used in our quest. However, the next step of starting our search is more
difficult. It requires developing and carrying forward a research plan as well
as evaluating the results. This is an ongoing and continual process. This
presentation discusses the research plan and provides helpful tips and examples.
Audiotape available
Financial Management for your Genealogy Business
Starting your own business can be very exciting and challenging. You need to
collect financial information that is timely, accurate, and helpful so that you
can make decisions about your business. You have to have an understanding of tax
law so that you can maximize your income and avoid potential tax problems. Thus,
the successful professional genealogist must understand the basics of financial
management, record keeping, and taxes and the impact they have on your business.
Audiotape available