Family Locket Genealogists – RootsTech 2021
About Us
Welcome to Family Locket! Diana Elder, AG, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin are professional genealogists who educate through their blog, books, and teaching. Diana and Nicole are the mother-daughter team who authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and are co-hosts of the free Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. Diana is an Accredited Genealogist professional specializing in the gulf-south United States region. She is a Commissioner on the Board of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Accredited Genealogists (ICAPGen). Nicole is a professional genealogist who focuses on Southern U.S. research and incorporating DNA evidence into tough cases. Robin Wirthlin is a genetic genealogist with expertise in using DNA in family history research. Scroll down to find our coupon codes for discounts on our online courses!
Free Weekly Podcast
Diana and Nicole discuss genealogy research methodology in their weekly podcast, Research Like a Pro, with frequent guest appearances by Robin Wirthlin on DNA topics. Learn about research objectives, analysis, locality research, research planning, source citations, report writing, case studies, and more. To view a list of recent episodes, click here: Research Like a Pro Podcast recent episodes. To receive the weekly episodes, subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite podcast app. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes.
“This is a great podcast for both beginning and experienced genealogists. Beginners can learn how to do genealogy the right way from the start. I wish this process was around when I started genealogy – it would have saved a lot of time and effort! Experienced genealogists will learn something new from the discussion of the various tools and tech that Nicole and Diana use. The other thing I love about this podcast is the quality of the audio. The discussion of the topics is very clear and easy to listen to in the car, and there is no annoying bumper music or other useless content. Highly recommended!” – Bill
Newsletter
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Research Like a Pro with DNA eBook
Research Like a Pro with DNA, our new book, is coming out March 3rd in e-book format, and is available for pre-order now! Click here to go to Amazon. If you purchase it now, the book will be delivered to your ebook reader on March 3 (next Wednesday). The print book will be coming out later this spring. We are so excited to share this book with you. To be notified when the print book is available, join our newsletter here: https://familylocket.com/sign-up/.
Title: Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence
Description
Would you like to use DNA evidence in your genealogy research? Do you have thousands of cousin matches, but no idea what to do next? Perhaps you have found some evidence to support your theories, but are not confident in your conclusions. Learn a step-by-step method to organize and use your DNA test results to find and confirm ancestors in your family tree. Diana Elder, AG, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin share the method they use in their professional research to incorporate DNA with documentary evidence. Study the methodology in each chapter, then apply it in your own research by completing the associated task. You will group and evaluate your matches, diagram descent from the common ancestor, plan next research steps, track correspondence and research in a log, and write a report incorporating DNA evidence. Work samples and templates are included.
Excerpt from the Foreword by Paul Woodbury
Over the years I have continually refined my own research processes in genetic genealogy. At the same time, I have met other practitioners who are continually refining their own. Throughout this journey, I have found the truth in Abraham Maslow’s famous quote that “it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” When I am successful with one approach, my first inclination has sometimes been to force every new research problem into the same strict approach. Gradually, I have learned that not every research project is best suited for my hammer du jour – my favorite new tool, approach, or methodology. As I have adopted and mastered new tools, methodologies, approaches, and strategies my arsenal has grown to the point that I can now consider a research problem on its own merits and select, prioritize, and implement the most appropriate strategies and approaches based on the context of a problem. If you follow the steps of Research Like a Pro with DNA, you will get to this point too. The book presents a process for researching, analyzing, and writing about DNA evidence, and while this process is strict enough to reinforce careful and thorough research habits, it is also flexible enough to permit customization for the needs of a particular problem. Rather than presenting you with a hammer which will fail you anytime you face something other than a nail, Research Like a Pro with DNA provides you with a toolbox, instruction manual, and resources for regular updates and add-ons.
Genetic Genealogy is a rapidly developing and constantly evolving field. DNA match lists are constantly changing as are the tools and methodologies for interpreting DNA evidence. For this reason, many other books on genetic genealogy have been obsolete almost immediately off the press. Research Like a Pro with DNA is different in that its overall strategies and processes for evidence analysis are evergreen. Meanwhile, its discussions of tools, methodologies and strategies may be subject to change as the field evolves; however, for these elements the research Like a Pro podcast series and blog provide a fantastic supplement for continued growth and for staying on top of new developments.
As you to close the chasm between genetics and genealogy, as you master the strategies and tools for DNA evidence analysis, interpretation and writing, as you refine and prioritize your research process and launch (or even just maintain) your genetic genealogy education, Research Like a Pro with DNA will help you on the journey. Get ready to Research Like a Pro with DNA.
Paul Woodbury, MEd, is the DNA team lead at Legacy Tree Genealogists where he has helped to solve hundreds of genetic genealogy cases. He also regularly presents webinars, and genealogy conference lectures. He currently teaches and coordinates “Introduction to Genetic Genealogy” at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. From a young age, Paul Woodbury fell in love with genealogy research. To pursue his passion for this field, he studied genetics and family history at Brigham Young University. To aid in his desire to share his knowledge with others, he has also received a masters degree in instructional design and educational technology from the University of Utah. Read more about Paul at the Association of Professional Genealogist’s directory here. See Paul’s upcoming and past webinars at Family Tree Webinars here.
Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse
Our brand new Research Like a Pro with DNA online course is available for just $189 until 3/21/2021 using coupon code DNARoots2021. Click below to register or learn more.
Would you like to learn how to use DNA in your genealogical research? Do you need a step-by-step process to guide you? The Research Like a Pro with DNA e-Course will help you make progress on your goals, whether to confirm a relationship proven through documentary research, test an hypothesized ancestral relationship, or discover unknown parents of an ancestor.
Learn how to assess and organize your DNA matches, create a research objective, make a research plan, keep a research log, and write a report. Watch eleven lectures recorded by Nicole Dyer, Diana Elder, and Robin Wirthlin. Take quizzes and join our private Facebook community to share your assignments and receive feedback. Check in during our live monthly office hours session to get help in a group setting. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way. Learn more or register here.
DNA Tools Bell Curve
DNA tools help us work with our DNA results. There are so many tools—which ones do we use first? What is a logical order for using tools to work through DNA research projects? This bell curve is a great visual of which DNA tools to use and a general guide of how much time to spend working with them. Watch Robin’s RootsTech video about using this bell curve here: Link to class recording.
Books, Felt Family Tree Kits, and DNA Process Charts
Research Like a Pro is available for only $4.99 on Amazon Kindle! You can purchase a print copy here on our website for $11.99 plus shipping. Find Names for the Temple is just $2.99 on Amazon as well, and on our website for $7.99. You can also find felt family tree kits and DNA process tree charts.
Free Downloads and Cheat Sheets
As a thank you for visiting our booth, we wanted to give you some free documents. Here are some of our popular freebies available to download:
U.S. Census Records Cheat Sheet
U.S. Federal Census Tables Template
Sample DNA Citations Cheat Sheet
Children’s Activity
Need a fun activity for chidlren or youth? Print this scavenger hunt. Kids can use FamilySearch on their phone, laptop, or computer to find the icons needed to fill it out. First you will go to FamilySearch.org, then sign in. click Family Tree and expand your tree by clicking on the arrows at the end of each line. Look for the various icons such as: available, needs information, in progress, record hints, research suggestions, data problems etc. Children will answer questions including “what is the most unusual name in your family tree?” and “how many great grandparents do you have?”
Get copies of the Find a Name Scavenger hunt here: Find a Name Scavenger Hunt.
Research Like a Pro Online Course
Use coupon code rlproots2021 to receive the eCourse for $89 instead of $125!
Expires 3/21/21
Could you use some structure in your genealogy research? Do you need help breaking down your brick walls? Take our Research Like a Pro eCourse to learn how to analyze records, make a research plan, create citations, keep a research log, and write a report. Watch eight webinars recorded by Diana Elder, AG.
Register for the Research Like a Pro Online Course Here
Take quizzes, listen to our free podcast, and read chapters from the book. Join our private Facebook community to share your assignments and receive feedback. Check in during our monthly live “Ask Diana” office hours to get help in a group setting. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you might need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way.
Study Groups
We offer Research Like a Pro Study Groups twice a year – RLP in the spring and RLP with DNA in the fall. The spring study group, beginning in March 2021, is Research Like a Pro. The Fall study group is Research Like a Pro with DNA. In the RLP with DNA study group, we will follow a step-by-step process to help you either confirm a relationship proven through traditional research or test a hypothesized ancestral relationship.
The Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group will focus on using autosomal DNA in your genealogical research. One of the prerequisites for the study group is to have access to your autosomal DNA test results. (See the prerequisite section below). You may also wish to include evidence from Y-DNA and Mitochondrial DNA tests in your research project, but these tests are not required for the study group. Registration for the fall group begins in the summer. Please join our email list for updates.
Click here for more information: Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group.
Join our email list for updates: Study Group Email List.
Class Materials
Below we are sharing the names of our class presentations that are part of the RootsTech Connect 2021 experience. We hope you find them useful!
Diana Elder, AG
Peeling Back the Layers: Citing Sources From Online Materials
Have you wondered how to create a source citation for a record found on a website like FamilySearch or Ancestry? With the majority of our research now done online, understanding the basics of citation can help us accurately cite our sources and create a path back to the original source. In this three-part series, we’ll look at different examples that illustrate the principles needed to construct a citation for a source from any website.
Problem Solve with the Pre-1850 Census: Investigate the Tick Marks
The pre-1850 census records may be ignored because of the lack of names and relationships. However, several strategies can turn those tick marks into valuable clues for a family and even be used as evidence in proving identity or relationships. Learn how to analyze an individual or family from census year to census year, then correlate that information with other records. Discover ways to use the neighbors located near your ancestor to prove identity and how to eliminate men of the same name by careful tracking of the data
Prune and Graft Branches on Your Family Tree Using Source Analysis
Tree hinting programs and online family trees generate correct and incorrect information for your ancestors. Accepting hints and new ancestors without careful analysis can result in adding incorrect details and people to your family tree. Learn how to carefully analyze relationships, dates, and places before adding new sources or ancestors to your tree. Discover methods to separate identities of same name individuals and ways to keep track of your research findings.
Using DNA in a Client Research Project to Solve a Family Mystery
DNA evidence can be key in solving challenging brick wall problems, but where do you start? Having an effective process to use when working through a DNA project makes all the difference. Learn how to identify a research objective, analyze sources, use locality research, create a research plan, log the research, create source citations, and write the report—all in conjunction with DNA evidence. Whether you are a professional or not, you can learn ideas for working through a complete research project involving DNA.
The Value of a Personal Genealogical Database and How to Choose
Storage of your valuable genealogical data should be safely under your control, not left to an online tree. A desktop program has powerful features not available in online trees. Learn about the many options available to you and the criteria you should consider in choosing the best storage program for you.
AG and CG: A Town Hall Conversation
Jan M. Joyce, DBA, CG®, CGL(SM), AG®, Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG®, CGL(SM), Diana Elder, AG®, Richard G. Sayre, Jenny Hansen, AG®
In this friendly and open town-hall conversation, five professionals discuss their experiences with certification and accreditation. With the direction of moderator Jan M. Joyce, DBA, CG®, CGLSM, AG®, a small panel of associates of the Board for Certification of Genealogists and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists discuss their relative organizations.
Diana Elder: My Educational Journey—Preparing for Accreditation
Diana Elder tells the story of how she became an accredited genealogist. Diana was working with her first paid client when she considered becoming accredited.
The Nuts and Bolts of Accreditation, Part 3 of 3: Preparation
Brought to you by ICAPGen: What do you need to do to prepare for the Accreditation process? Learn about the education, research experience, and writing experience needed to be a successful candidate for Accreditation. This video is part three of a three-part series.
Locality Research: Key to Making New Discoveries
Do you want to discover new record collections and avenues for your challenging research? Learn how locality research fits into the research process and how to use the FamilySearch Catalog to find new records for your ancestors.
Locality Guide Template – link to a google document. You need a google account to use this. When you click the link, you will be asked if you want to copy the template to your own Google Drive. “make a copy.” If you prefer to download the word document file instead, click here: Locality Guide Template docx file.
Boosting Your Genealogical Education: The Value of a Study Group
Are you tired of researching by yourself and looking at the same brick wall problem again and again? Learn how participating in a study group could help you learn new avenues for your research and improve your research skills.
When to Hire a Professional Genealogist
Is your genealogy research stuck? Have you been researching the same ancestor for years and still can’t make progress? Do you need help planning research or making sense of a document? Learn how a professional genealogist can help you get moving forward on your research goals again.
Using DNA Ethnicity Estimates in Your Research
Can DNA ethnicity estimates help to solve a genealogy research problem? How can you organize your DNA research? View an example of using ethnicity estimates in solving an adoptee case and discover tips in organizing those estimates. Learn about the Research Like a Pro with DNA Course and how it can help you learn to use ethnicity estimates as well as follow a process for a DNA research project.
Put it in a Table: Understanding and Sharing DNA Findings
You have thousands of DNA results, now how can you make sense of them? Creating tables to hold DNA data can help you make connections and provide something tangible to share with others. Learn the benefits of writing up your genetic genealogy findings and tips for creating informative tables.
Nicole Dyer
Research in the Southern States
Researching ancestors in the Southern United States can be difficult. Burned counties, missing census records, and a lack of vital records before the 20th century can present challenges. Learn how to dig up unique record sets, use DNA to find clues, and make connections in this challenging region. Keep track of the resources and record collections you discover in your own locality guide document to help you research like a pro. Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States Research. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast.
How to Map Creeks, Roads, and More with Custom Google MyMaps
This session will teach you how to map the places mentioned in your ancestor’s wills, deeds, and census records with your own Google MyMap. Pinpointing exact locations within a county can help you distinguish between people of the same name and identify which person is your ancestor. Use creek names, road names, town names, post offices, churches, and other places found in historical records to help you gather evidence that leads to a specific place for your ancestor’s residence. Use the power of Google Maps to locate these landmarks and plot them out in a map about your ancestor.
How to Use Airtable for a DNA Research Log – Family Locket Booth Demo
Do you have a system for tracking your DNA matches and research? Airtable is a powerful database tool that can help. It is web-based and allows you to link records from one table to records in another table. This makes it easy to keep track of your DNA matches and other data relevant to your research project – correspondence, locations, surnames, searches performed, etc. Learn how Nicole Dyer of Family Locket uses Airtable in her professional research and in the Research Like a Pro with DNA study group. Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States Research. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast and is the co-author of Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and Research Like a Pro with DNA.
Organize Your DNA Matches in a Diagram
Visualize how your DNA matches descend from a common ancestor in a diagram. Charting your matches helps you figure out the relationship and confirm generations in your family tree. Use LucidChart or Diagrams.net to help you build a descendancy diagram including many DNA matches from the ancestor in your research objective. Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States Research and co-author of Research Like a Pro with DNA.
How to Evaluate a ThruLines Hypothesis
Learn how to check an AncestryDNA ThruLines Hypothesis for accuracy. If it includes DNA matches who form a genetic network and the documentary research looks possible, it could be accurate and worth further examination. Look for red flags like common names, a potential ancestor before 1800, and no siblings to identify unreliable Thrulines. Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in the Southern United States Research and co-author of Research Like a Pro with DNA.
How to Interpret a DNA Cluster Chart
Learn to read genetic network charts and decipher the clues they hold. Cluster chart groupings indicate shared ancestry. Look for the most recent common ancestor of a cluster, then use the gray squares to find related clusters. Network graphs from ConnectedDNA show groups of matches who are shared matches to each other. Connections between the groups can show ancestry along the same line.
How to Make a Felt Family Tree
Create an interactive felt family tree for small children to play with. As children move the photos and place them on the felt tree, they get to know the faces of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
Robin Wirthlin
How can DNA Help Me Find My Ancestors
Have you wondered what a DNA test has to do with finding your ancestors? Have you wondered how that actually works? When you use DNA along with traditional genealogy research, you can make more progress, verify genetic connections to ancestors and find distant family members. Watch this presentation to learn more about DNA and how it is used in family history research.
Robin Wirthlin is the DNA Specialist for Family Locket Genealogists. Learn more at www.familylocket.com
How Finding Your Ancestors Can Bring Peace and Understanding
We can find peace and understanding by learning from our ancestors. The resilience our forbears developed can inspire us to overcome challenges and avoid mistakes that others have made. Everyone has scoundrels and heroes in their family tree. Discovering information about ancestors can bring understanding and compassion for them and ourselves.
In this session, learn about records that can open doors into the past and give information about life circumstances that influenced our ancestors’ choices.
Wie die Suche nach Ihren Vorfahren Frieden & Verständnis bringen kann
Jeder hat Halunken/Schurken und Helden in seinem Stammbaum. Das Lernen über die Vorfahren kann Verständnis und Mitgefühl für sie und uns selbst bringen. Lernen wir Aufzeichnungen kennen, die Türen in die Vergangenheit öffnen können und Informationen über Lebensumstände geben, die die Entscheidungen unserer Vorfahren beeinflusst haben. Die Widerstandsfähigkeit, die unsere Vorfahren entwickelt haben, kann uns inspirieren, Herausforderungen zu überwinden und Fehler zu vermeiden, die andere gemacht haben – dies fuhrt uns zu Frieden und Verstaendnis.
DNA Process Trees Guide You in Using DNA in Family History Research
How do I know what to do next in my DNA and family history research? Use these DNA Process Trees to guide you through the process from taking a DNA test to using DNA results to identify ancestors, and achieving your research objective. The guides explain why steps should be taken and list tools and techniques to move your research forward.
DNA Tools Bell Curve
DNA tools help us work with our DNA results. There are so many tools—which ones do we use first? What is a logical order for using tools to work through DNA research projects? This bell curve is a great visual of which DNA tools to use and a general guide of how much time to spend working with them.