Presentation - Records? What Records?

The number of records you can find while doing your research can be overwhelming. Knowing what information they hold, the stories they share about your ancestors. While giving this presentation I address all of that and so much more.    

Presentation - Researching From the Couch

When giving this presentation I hear some interesting responses from those who have always "researched old school" their words. I agree completely that you can't complete your research sitting at home on the computer. But some find it a good place to start before they head out the door. So with this presentation I show you how to research on the internet, including some sites that you might not have visited yet, and some helpful tools for maneuvering around them.

Presentation - Cemetery Quick Finds

We can learn so many beautiful things about our ancestors when we include a visit to the cemetery in our research. Not only do we see dates and names, but you might also find information about their career or even an organization they belonged to.

Presentation - Including Newspapers in Our Research

Focusing on some of the wonderful nuggets of information found when including newspapers in our research. I love including newspapers in my research; you never know what you might find relating to those you’re researching. In addition, including newspapers in our study will help paint a larger picture.   

Presentations - Tracing Your African-American Roots

Tracing your African-American Roots

The journey starts here! Discover resources for researching your family history and genealogy. We discuss Slave Schedules, Voter Registration, Freedman’s Bureau, Plantations Records, Bill of Sales, and much more. 

Play Catch Up

     Wow who knew when the month of November rolled around I would find myself so busy that I would neglect posting on my blog. I’m sure that has never happen to anyone else. (Insert a smile with a few giggles.)  Well let me catch you up on all of the fun that has taken place in my world of family, genealogy, history and research. We celebrated another successful Halloween making memories. My parents joined us in the trick-or-treat festivities and a day trip into Philadelphia.  If you ever have the chance to walk around parts of Philadelphia prepare yourself for the amount of history you will see, hear and feel.  Wonderful!

     I presented “Searching Newspapers” at the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society, on the 10th of October, I believe I already blogged on that experience.  I then had the opportunity to present “Getting Started” at the Appoquinimink Community Library and had a fun time with a great turn out and some wonderful questions. I will be presenting there again on the 13^th of January “Researching from Your Couch,” sharing some sites you can view from the comfort of your home while research your ancestors.   

 

     Before the night of witches, ghost and goblins I had the opportunity to be interviewed and appear in a local documentary on Middletown, “Middletown USA.” Nadine Owens Burton is the spirit behind this project and she continues to pour her love for Middletown our history and growth into this film. It was interesting to learn through this filming that there are actually 22 towns called Middletown within the United States. You’re invited to view her page, http://www.middletownusathemovie.com/     and see what she has accomplished so far.

     During the month of November I found myself working on research for a few clients and was able to reveal my work to one client. She was so delighted to learn more about her family and had a better understanding as to why her grandmother was so tough. Sometimes we hear stories about how one of our ancestors seemed to always be grumpy or wouldn’t spend a dime. Maybe they were always wrapped in a blanket while sitting in their home. She couldn’t understand why in the world her grandmother wouldn’t turn on the heat and insisted that a blanket and fire was all that was needed to keep her home warm. After reading some of the stories she had better understanding and found a new respect for that “grumpy grandma.”   

     I also had the opportunity to be one of the 12 presenters during a career fair at one of the local middle schools. I know that I’ve posted before on the fun I have presenting to our youth and their desire to learn more. Some of the questions I got were what you might expect, “how much money can you make,” “do you have a college degree,” “what it the hardest thing to find while researching.” Some of the unusual questions that made me laugh were “do you have to dig up the bodies of the ancestors,” and “is the paper they would write stuff on still alive.”  There were some really questions about DNA, difference between a record and a vital record and what information can be found in a cemetery. I had a few hands on items for them to view which always helps with the history connection.

     Whew…now onto this wonderful month of December. Finished closing another wonderful client and shared in the joy of her discovery. I was lucky enough to have some of her family’s history available to share with her from our local Middletown Historical Society. I’ve said it before and will say it again; your local historical society might have that key to unlocking some of your family’s history.  

 

Cemetery Quick Find Presentation

I’m sitting here preparing for tomorrow evenings presentation. This looks to be the perfect time of month to be presenting on cemeteries and what you can find while doing your research.  I will be discussing the different types of cemeteries you can include in your research.  The symbols that can be found on some headstones, there meaning and the story they can hold about the loved on buried.  I will also review some of the “Tombstone Tuesday” blog postings and how walking through the cemetery helped to find out more about those families.

I will be the guest speaker at the Middletown Historical Society on the 20th of October, tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM here in Middletown, Delaware.  You don’t have to be a member to attend the meetings so if you are in the area please stop by.   

Enjoyed Presenting at Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society

This past Saturday I was the guest speaker at the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society in Dover. I presented on “Searching Newspapers” pointing out some of the wonderful nuggets of information that can be found when including newspapers in your research. The turnout was great as were the questions and the presentation was well received. I don’t know about most of you but I love including newspapers in my research you never know what you might find relating to those you’re researching. Plus the pages offer you a glimpse into their lives, helping to paint a larger picture of them and what was happening in the world at that time.  

Presenting Today "Searching Newspapers"

I'm excited today to be heading down to Dover and presenting on some of the fun things and hidden information you find while "Searching Newspapers". Thank you Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society for inviting me to present today.

Speaking Engagement with Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society

Schedule Update "Cemetery Quick Finds"

Angela Rodesky with ARodesky Genealogy will be the guest speaker in October at the Middletown Historical Society meeting. She will be presenting on her “Cemetery Quick Finds” from our local cemeteries here in Middletown, Delaware.  Members and non-members are encouraged to attend this informative and fun presentation at 7:30 on the 20^th of October at the Old Academy Building, 216 N. Broad Street here in Middletown.