Nicole Elder Dyer

About Nicole Elder Dyer

Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States research and genetic genealogy. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. She co-authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide and Research Like a Pro with DNA and is an instructor for the study groups of the same name. She lectures at conferences and institutes and previously served as the secretary and publicity chair of the Pima County Genealogy Society. Nicole holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in History Teaching. At Family Locket Genealogists, Nicole is a project manager, editor, and researcher.

RLP 86: Mining Records for Research Opportunities – Certification Preparation

Mar 2, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to analyze a record thoroughly and find clues for future research. Nicole is preparing her portfolio to submit to the Board for Certification of Genealogists, so we are discussing portfolio element 3 – Document Work – in conjunction with this subject. For this portfolio element, applicants are given a document to transcribe and analyze. We focus primarily on parts 3C, 3D, and 3E – creating...

RLP 85: Adding Context to Genealogical Writing

Feb 24, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to include contextual information in your genealogical writing. Whether you are writing a research report, proof argument, or a family history narrative, adding context will aid you. You may want to flesh out an ancestor’s life with details about their occupation and community, or add to your body of evidence by discussing the laws that prompted a record set’s creation. Tune in as we discuss...

Felt Family Tree Craft Kits – Available at RootsTech

Feb 22, 2020

Do you need a fun way to engage your small children with family history? Look no further. One of my favorite ways to introduce family history to little kids is with this felt family tree activity. Showing a toddler a family photo album is fun, but it’s even more fun to show them pictures of their ancestors on an interactive felt chart with movable pieces! I have made these for each of my kids and...

DNA Process Trees – Learn What to Do Next

Feb 21, 2020

Have you used DNA test results to help with your genealogy research? Maybe you’ve heard that you can verify ancestors with DNA. Or perhaps you have formed a hypothesis about a brick wall ancestor’s parents and would like to confirm it. You may want to identify the biological parents of a recent relative who was adopted. What is the best way to go about using DNA test results to meet these objectives? What tool could...

RLP 84: DNA Source Citations

Feb 17, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to create DNA source citations. We will discuss the importance of citing and saving DNA information, the citation elements described in Genealogy Standard #5, and how to cite DNA matches and tools using this formula. We give several examples of what each element could be, from the DNA testing company name, to the details about an mtDNA haplogroup. Join us to learn about how...

RLP 83: DNA Research Planning

Feb 10, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to create a research plan with DNA sources and methods. Robin Wirthlin joins us as we discuss the next step in the Research Like a Pro with DNA process. We talk about the summary of known facts for documentary sources, and also for DNA sources. We go over how to identify possible sources and methods, including DNA analysis tools, then prioritize them. Throughout the episode,...

Strategies to Meet Standards with DNA Evidence – Compelling SLIG Course

Feb 6, 2020

How can genealogists know if they are using DNA evidence correctly to prove conclusions? What is required to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard when incorporating DNA evidence? Since the 2nd Edition of Genealogy Standards was published last year, I have been studying the new standards relating to DNA evidence, Standards 51-57. Then at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) last month, I had the opportunity to learn from Karen Stanbary and her team of...

RLP 82: Military Service Records with Michael Strauss

Feb 3, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Michael Strauss, Accredited Genealogist Professional. Michael is an expert on United States federal records and military records. We will talk about military service records beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the Philippine Insurrection (1898-1902). Michael shares how Fred Ainsworth was instrumental in creating the compiled military service records and what you might find in them. We also discuss the Official Military Personnel...

RLP 81: Mayflower Lineage Society Applications with Kathy Kaldis

Jan 27, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to prepare a lineage society application for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Kathy Kaldis is a professional genealogist and an expert on submitting successful Mayflower Society applications. She guides us through the process of working with state societies to prove your lineage to a Mayflower passenger. Listen in for her great advice! Links General Society of Mayflower Descendants – lineage society Mayflower Quarterly Magazine...

Turning Little Hearts-Over 90 Activities to Connect Children with their Ancestors

Jan 23, 2020

I’m excited to share a new book with you today – Turning Little Hearts-Over 90 Activities to Connect Children with their Ancestors by Charlotte & Jonah Barnes. (This is an affiliate link). Charlotte reached out and asked if we would like to feature the book on our website. I love helping children connect to their roots, so I jumped at the chance! Charlotte wrote this guest blog post to introduce the book and share what you...