When is the last time you went outside of your genealogical comfort zone and learned something unrelated to your usual research area? One of my favorite sayings is, "you don't know what you don't know." That statement especially holds true for genealogy. Attending the BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy last week, I decided to try out some classes in areas where I’m not a specialist and find out what I didn't know. I attended classes by experts Peggy Lauritzen, Curt Witcher, Paul Woodbury, and Dan Poffenberger. Topics included Ohio Land, Native American research, Best Practices for DNA, and...
One of my favorite parts of the BYU family history conference is getting to know Accredited Genealogists and professors from the BYU family history department. This year as we attended, we reflected about the difference this conference has made in our lives. Two years ago Diana attended for the fist time and took the ICAPGen classes about becoming an accredited genealogist. She made a friend who then became a study buddy throughout the process. Later that year, the conference planners contacted us to come to the conference as official bloggers. We were thrilled at the opportunity of reporting on the conference...
We have been at the BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy in Provo, Utah this week, learning about records, methodology, and discovery. Here some highlights. Forensic Genealogy, Unclaimed Inheritances, and Missing Persons In a fascinating class by forensic genealogist Michael McCormick, AG, I learned about the real world problems that paid, professional genealogists solve. Certified and accredited genealogists are freqeuently hired by attorneys who need legal problems solved. In fact, Michael pointed out that "forensic" in forensic genealogy doesn't mean using DNA to solve genealogy problems (although a friend pointed out on Twitter that forensic genetics does include DNA testing)....
I wish the MyFamily History Youth Camp had been around when I was a teenager. I would have LOVED it! The camp is in conjunction with the BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy and when I was there last year, I saw that there was a youth camp going on at the same time. My curiosity was piqued! The youth camp is July 24-28 this summer and it's a one of a kind experience. I'll be attending parts of the camp this year as a break out speaker and observer. I interviewed the camp's director, Annie Merrell all about the camp....
Family History Is For Everyone At the Brigham Young University Family History and Genealogy Conference today, FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood spoke about the FamilySearch mission to make family history exciting for everyone. He said we need to "bring more emotion" to the work and get all ages involved by adding more technologies, photos, and memories. Rockwood wants the family history center to be the most fun, exciting place for people to visit. Family history work is so emotional and full of incredible doctrine. He said, "Yes, we want to honor the genealogical standards - but we want it to be...
Today I am sharing about the Brigham Young University Conference on Family History & Genealogy and some of the exciting things the conference has to offer. My mom wrote about the ICAP Gen track of classes here. Another track of classes to be excited about is the free consultant training that's being offered on Friday, July 29! Friday Family History Consultant Track: Devin Ashby - Taking Names to the Temple as a Family, Ward or Stake Lisa K. Ratzlaff - How to Assist (Virtually) Every Patron Kathy Behling, AG - Yes They Will: Getting Youth Involved in Family History Lila Sowards - Working...
I'm excited to announce that Nicole and I have been invited as official bloggers to Brigham Young University's Conference on Family History & Genealogy held July 26th -29th. Whether you're looking for a way to boost your family history knowledge, get inspired to tackle your next project, or just need to kick start your efforts, you'll find what you need at this conference. Held on the beautiful BYU campus in Provo, Utah, this conference combines fabulous classes with access to the BYU Family History Library. Plan to come a day early or stay a day extra to take advantage of...
