Before heading to GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh), I organized an informal outing to nearby North Park. I’d went last year with some friends and we had walked around the lake. This year, I was hoping to go kayaking. The day started out quite chilly, but thankfully the wind died down and the sun peeked out and Zola and I had a wonderful time on the lake. Five other GRIP attendees also headed to the park. We all enjoyed some much needed outdoor time… a little nature and a little exercise. Last year, I’d fallen in love with the...
This past week, I had an amazing week at GRIP: Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh! I took “Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy” which was primarily taught by Michael Ramage, J.D., CG; Kelvin Meyers; and Catherine B. W. Desmarais. Besides these three, Bethany Waterbury also taught two lectures. All four instructors were wonderful and I am already applying things I learned during the course. GRIP offers three evening lectures each week to the public. This photo is from Thursday night’s lecture by F. Warren Bittner, CG, titled “Understanding Illegitimacy: The Bittner Bastards of Bavaria.” (Bittner is still being introduced at this point.)...
We just finished our first day of classes at GRIP… (& I’m thankful for air-conditioning that works this year!) An “enthusiastic” quote for the “enthusiastic” genealogist One of my favorite parts of GRIP is being with my genealogy friends – both old and new. I have been pleasantly surprised to have four different ladies come up and tell me they have been reading and enjoying my blog. You don’t know how much this means to me, so thank you! One of these ladies told me she’d thought of me when she saw the above quote and handed it to me....
Next week I’ll be attending GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute in Pittsburgh) for the third year in a row. This year I’m taking “Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy for the 21st Century.” Room at GRIP (La Roche College in Pittsburgh) Unfortunately, the past two years when I’ve checked in to my room the air conditioning was broken. Both times, they moved me, but the first year I didn’t get moved until the second day. So, I’m hoping for a cold room on the first try this year! North Park – minutes away from GRIP I’m also organizing one or two trips to...
Summer is basically over as school is back in session this week. I had a wonderful summer with lots of travel, but it’s nice to be home now and getting back to a more regular schedule. Unfortunately, with all of the craziness of summer, I haven’t been blogging much! So, I hope to rectify that and blog regularly. One of my trips this summer was to Pennsylvania where I spent a week at GRIP: the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. In this post, I’ll share about my dorm room experience. In later posts, I’ll share about other aspects of my...
On Saturday, I returned from my second summer at the week-long genealogy institute in Pittsburgh known as GRIP: Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. This year, I enjoyed a course taught by Michael D. Lacopo, DVM and Sharon Cook MacInnes, PhD titled Pennsylvania: Research in the Keystone State. While trying to decide which course to take, I recognized Dr. Lacopo’s name from his blog, Hoosier Daddy? I wondered how this Indiana native could be an expert on Pennsylvania research. I was pleasantly surprised! Michael, a former veterinarian, now works full time as a genealogy researcher, writer, blogger, and lecturer. He has graciously allowed...
For the past two years, I’ve bought the video recordings offered by the NGS convention as I haven’t been able to attend in person. This year, they offered two tracks: “The Immigration & Naturalization Process” and “Methodology Techniques.” Both options include five lectures presented by some top genealogy speakers. I believe they are still available for purchase and viewing until August 16th. I’ve now finished watching the 5 “methodology” lectures and wanted to share some things I’ve learned from each: The Time of Cholera: A Case Study about Historical Context by Alison Hare A fascinating story about the lecturer’s ancestor who died...
It’s time for some more Saturday Night Genealogy Fun! Randy Seaver at Genea-Musings hosts this weekly challenge. This week’s challenge concerns our 2015 Genealogy Education Plans. The “Fun” is in two parts this week: Part 1: Describe your genealogy education plans for 2015. 1. The Write Stuff: Build Your Family History Writing Skills with Lisa Alzo I am currently participating in a 6 week online course called “The Write Stuff” coached by Lisa Alzo. This course is designed to help you write your family stories. I’m guessing it’ll be offered several more times this year. We have weekly homework and...
This week I stumbled upon the Extreme Genes podcasts. It’s a radio show that’s heard on stations across the country. But, I’ve NEVER heard of it. And, it’s terrific! Each episode runs 52 minutes and starts with some interesting news items. Then Fisher, the host, does a couple of interviews with experts in the field of genealogy. I’ve listened to four episodes which each have two longer interviews. These are 3 of my favorite stories so far: “Registering Immigrants at Castle Garden in 1866” (image from Wikipedia) Episode #43: Pat Mulso’s family had passed down a heart-breaking story. In 1860,...
Today I’m continuing to work on a major genealogy organization project starting with just one surname. When I visited family in Kansas last month, I printed out Family Group Sheets from my RootsMagic program. But, I really didn’t like the format. So, today I’ve been filling one out the old fashioned way – by hand. I started by filling out the details for my 3x great grandfather, Johann Charles/Carl Guenther Werther: BORN: 17 May 1819 n in Berka, Sonderhausen, Prussia (Germany) RELIGION: Protestant MARRIED: about 1845, probably in Berka DIED: 19 Apr 1899 CAUSE OF DEATH: dropsy (from obituary) BURIED:...
