September Presentation - "Cemetery Quick Finds"

Angela Rodesky with ARodesky Genealogy will be the guest speaker this month 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 15^th of September at the Old Academy Building, 216 N. Broad Street here in Middletown.

Four Month Presentation Wrap Up

“Thank you so much for your assistance, and sharing your wealth of knowledge about this field.   I have already made progress as a result of your help.  If you do another set of lessons, I will definitely attend.”  - Claude Newton

That was just one comment from those who attended four presentations over a four month span that I did here in Middletown, Delaware at the Middletown Historical Society Museum. It always feels good knowing that what I love to do helps others, wither it be in breaking that brick wall or helping them and encouraging them to continue the research that they started.

For a quick look back it all started on the 28^th of May with the first presentation title “Where do I begin?” the turnout was fantastic. The presentation was what you read in the title, we covered the research process, where to start and the process of collecting and organizing your research. The feedback and questions were some that many of have heard before, “where do I get birth certificates”, “can I compile all information on one surname into a folder” and “is it better to keep everything on a computer or in binders on paper”.

The second presentation happened on the 25^th of June with “Records? What Records?” and just like the last presentation was great. With this one we went a step further and I guess you could say piggy backed on the presentation in May. I mentioned the importance of records in not only the beginning of your research but throughout the whole process. So we went over what records are available, the information that some records contain and how to obtain those records. I have to say the feedback and questions were good, “are the death certificates 100% accurate”, “why are some name’s misspelled from one year to the next on census records” and “why can’t I find a death certificate for all of relatives”.

The third presentation was on the 30^th of July “Researching from Your Couch” again another great turn out with fantastic questions and comments. Yes going to a facility to conduct our research is a must for most of us. But at the same time we like to conduct some of our research from the comfort of our own homes. This was the perfect opportunity to take a different approach on presenting. I thought it might be fun to ask those who would be at this presentation to email me someone they would like to receive more information about or maybe a brick wall they have hit. So during the presentation I would actually plug in those surnames into many different research sites. I was a nice new way to present and they not only learned how to navigate some sites but also get some answers.

Then the fourth and final presentation was last night the 27^th of August “Middletown’s Treasure Trove” with yes, another nice turn out for the final presentation. For the final presentation I wanted to be able to not only show everyone the wonderful treasures of information that is available in the research room. But I also know that there were still questions about research and I wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to get answers to some of those questions. The class was split up into two sections and half went up into the research room and took a tour with George Contant, who answered question and showed the request for records process. While the other half stayed with me and took the opportunity to ask questions and get some additional information. Then they switched so everyone had a chance to take a tour and get those answers.    

   

The Youth are Eager to Learn about Genealogy

     Back in December during a radio interview with Randy Whited, on the FGS station, I mentioned plans I had to give some presentations to a local elementary school. I also believe I mentioned this in a past blog, “A Day on the Radio”. Well last week I had that honor and was invited to three separate presentations, with around 55 fourth grade students in each presentation.  I had a wonderful time and I have to admit a little surprised to see the excitement and knowledge that some of these fourth graders had.  When I asked each class how many knew what a genealogist was, over 90% in each class raised their hands.

     I put together a slide show of about 15 slides including, my introduction slide.  The slide show consisted of examples of a census, a family sheet, individual research sheets, a six generation chart and many photos.  I also scanned some letters and diary entries and included those into the slide show. I know what you’re thinking, boring and those poor kids. Don’t worry I didn't spend a lot of time on the slide show but what time I did spend the questions and conversations were great.

     After everyone finished discussing some of their family stories I pulled out some hands-on objects. It was hilarious pulling out a coffee grinder that belonged to my great grandmother. A few were surprised that K-cups weren't around during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. I planned ahead and brought along a bag of coffee beans and they had a chance to grind a few beans.  I also brought some photo albums, maple syrup container, rolling pin, wash pitcher with bowl and a pair of ice skates. We talked about the importance of these objects and what they meant to those family members and the stories that go along with each piece. I could just see their little minds a work and actually processing what was being said and then it happened. There were questions about how do they start researching their families. Talking about the quilts they have that their great great aunt made, the pipes that belonged to their great grandfather and the framed passenger list in their home with their family name on it.

    So for all you that are researching your family’s history or those of you who are genealogist and worried that the younger generation doesn't care. Guess what, they do!  All you have to do is talk to them about it, share what you’ve learned and show them how to start their own research.

     I could go on and on about this and I’m sure you will see more post on this subject in future blog post by me so don’t be surprised. But I do ask that all of you take the time to share what you do with the younger generation, maybe they don’t know where to start or who to ask.  

I'm Back...

Who knew that when I said I was going to take a short break from blogging to get organized it would turn into a two month plus break. There's been so much that has happened during this organization time, I do plan on sharing. First off let me start by saying that I truly did miss blogging, honestly I didn't realize how much until  I sat down to type this out. I did manage to get so organized that at times I’ve found myself forgetting what folder I placed things in. I even had to dive in and purchase a new computer during all of this, thanks to one of those pesky viruses. So that might explain a week of my blogging break. Oh well, that’s in the past and now it’s time to move on and crack the blogging whip.  Come back tomorrow and pay me a visit, tomorrows blog will be about three of the most moving and interesting presentations that I’ve ever done. See you all tomorrow.