I can't believe that it's Thursday evening already. Except that I'm tired. Definitely not tired of genealogy. Definitely not tired of the amazing conversations. Definitely not tired of the sessions. BUT, yes, my mind is tired of trying to process and use all of this wonderful new information, etc.
I forgot to mention that I met Amanda of http://www.amandasathenaeum.com at lunch yesterday and took the time to read some of her earlier postings as well as those about GRIP. Then, Bob sent me an email about saying hi. It's funny. We've talked numerous times but I never mentioned my blog and so I'll have to make sure to specifically say Hi tomorrow.
Sometimes I wish there was a way to slow down Josh. He gave us some great ideas about organizing digitally. Unfortunately, some of it has taken him almost 5 years, and I'm not sure I'll do that. (I'd rather research). But some of his ideas are so simple that it's too bad I didn't think of them. sooner.
Paula spoke on state archives, government records and newspapers. It seems a shame to only put titles to 3 seventy-five minutes talk, but I have so many notes that I just can't summarize them easily tonight. You'll just have to hear Paula some other time; or catch me after I've recovered from the information "stuffed" head.
Dinner tonight was with some friends I made this week and then Elissa Powell (one of the GRIP organizers/directors) sat at our table. I was able to "grill" her about SLIG, Samford, and Boston U, as well as talk about next year's GRIP sessions. Since this was my first institute, I appreciated her time and the information she provided in answer to my questions. I'll write about next year's schedule in the near future. Just not tonight.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
GRIP - Wednesday evening
Today was another busy day.
While this is my first institute, I understand from talking with other students, that they are similiar in that you get up, have breakfast, go to class, have lunch, go to class, have dinner, go to evening program, and go to bed. Of course during all of this you are talking, and talking, and talking genealogy, if you aren't listening, listening, listening. And these classrooms are great since we have power to each table and internet access, so we can go online at the same time we are trying to listen, etc. Chaos!!! No, not really. Tiring? Yes, to a point. Exhilarating? Absolutely!!!
Today, Josh and Paula were in our room (remember Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper) for two sessions each. Paula spoke on court and military records. Oh, my, are there a lot of different names for the same type of court, depending upon where you are looking. So it's important to know the correct name for the locale in order to be able to get the information you are seeking. With military records, Paula showed us why it's so very important to look at more than just pension files. And there are such a huge variety of resources in so many different places. While I don't know of many ancestors who served in the military, I now have a great number of places to look to find out more about them.
First thing this morning Josh spoke on tax and land records. No, we definitely didn't go back to sleep. He reminded us that our ancestor may have paid taxes even if he didn't own land. To me one of the most important points regarding land was that we need to account for ALL of the land our ancestor owned, and follow it at least two land exchanges before and two after our ancestor owned the land. And the last date could be decades after our ancestor either died or moved out of the area. Good things to remember.
For me the most unusual session today was the last one, by Josh, "Building a Locality Profile." Now, at dinner tonight, I heard some current and past ProGen students talk about doing this for one for one of their assignments. But I had never heard of this idea before. Yes, I have collected a little information about repositories in the area, but nothing to the extent that Josh described. But I can definitely see the advantages. Of course, he kept reminding us that while we were putting together this locality profile, we weren't supposed to be researching. (How many of us will be able to do that completely?) After listening to Josh guide us through items to include in our profile, and places to find the information, many of us went online and looked at some counties. There is a lot more information regarding research opportunities than I ever knew. I think I'm going to have to commit to doing at least one county (or locale) a week, or something like that. It just makes so much sense.
We have completed 12 sessions (3 days, 4 sessions each day). We have 6 more to do since we only have a half day on Friday. By then I think I'm going to have so much information "stuffed" in my head that I would be unable to find room for any more. But oh, am I glad I came.
Now I'm going to see if I can find anything to help a fellow student with a "brick" wall before finish up with some other homework stuff.
While this is my first institute, I understand from talking with other students, that they are similiar in that you get up, have breakfast, go to class, have lunch, go to class, have dinner, go to evening program, and go to bed. Of course during all of this you are talking, and talking, and talking genealogy, if you aren't listening, listening, listening. And these classrooms are great since we have power to each table and internet access, so we can go online at the same time we are trying to listen, etc. Chaos!!! No, not really. Tiring? Yes, to a point. Exhilarating? Absolutely!!!
Today, Josh and Paula were in our room (remember Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper) for two sessions each. Paula spoke on court and military records. Oh, my, are there a lot of different names for the same type of court, depending upon where you are looking. So it's important to know the correct name for the locale in order to be able to get the information you are seeking. With military records, Paula showed us why it's so very important to look at more than just pension files. And there are such a huge variety of resources in so many different places. While I don't know of many ancestors who served in the military, I now have a great number of places to look to find out more about them.
First thing this morning Josh spoke on tax and land records. No, we definitely didn't go back to sleep. He reminded us that our ancestor may have paid taxes even if he didn't own land. To me one of the most important points regarding land was that we need to account for ALL of the land our ancestor owned, and follow it at least two land exchanges before and two after our ancestor owned the land. And the last date could be decades after our ancestor either died or moved out of the area. Good things to remember.
For me the most unusual session today was the last one, by Josh, "Building a Locality Profile." Now, at dinner tonight, I heard some current and past ProGen students talk about doing this for one for one of their assignments. But I had never heard of this idea before. Yes, I have collected a little information about repositories in the area, but nothing to the extent that Josh described. But I can definitely see the advantages. Of course, he kept reminding us that while we were putting together this locality profile, we weren't supposed to be researching. (How many of us will be able to do that completely?) After listening to Josh guide us through items to include in our profile, and places to find the information, many of us went online and looked at some counties. There is a lot more information regarding research opportunities than I ever knew. I think I'm going to have to commit to doing at least one county (or locale) a week, or something like that. It just makes so much sense.
We have completed 12 sessions (3 days, 4 sessions each day). We have 6 more to do since we only have a half day on Friday. By then I think I'm going to have so much information "stuffed" in my head that I would be unable to find room for any more. But oh, am I glad I came.
Now I'm going to see if I can find anything to help a fellow student with a "brick" wall before finish up with some other homework stuff.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
GRIP - Tuesday evening
First I need to talk about last night's "extra" session. Pam Stone Eagleson spoke for about an hour about writing. WOW!!! I had an opportunity to talk with her at breakfast today and told her that she made the process seem simple but not easy. The basic steps are simple enough for each of us to follow. The difficult part is going to research, after the family facts research, that is necessary to make an interesting narrative. I still need to do a little more fact research before I think about writing. Of course, I need to do a lot more other research also.
Well, Maia's books to the rescue. Martha set up books for us just outside the cafeteria. She had so many different types, but there were a few that are going to give me some historical perspective. I know I have a few at home also, that I haven't read yet. Now I have more motivation. So I just have to find the time.
Now on to today, Tuesday's sessions. Our Intermediate class began at 8:30 with Paula walking us through citations. Yes, we all have some experience with them, but we had some good discussions about how to handle unusual situations. I haven't been very diligent about recording when I accessed a record, particularly an online one. Paula, and others, explained why this is important. I'm definitely going to be more careful with this; and with my software program, it's really not that hard. I've just been "neglecting" that box, thinking that it wasn't really that important. I'm not going to any more.
The next morning session, Josh Taylor came in and gave us great information about JSTOR. I had never heard of it and I need to work with it a lot more before I understand it, but it's a great resource for academic writings on 55 (I think Josh said) different topics. Most of us in the class were able to acccess JSTOR through the LaRoche College library site. Lucky us. There are a few places in Arizona that have JSTOR. I just need to find out which ones and see if there are any I can access remotely also. (I love researching "after hours".)
Original Manuscripts was Paula's first session after lunch. Oh, I hope I can find some great things my ancestors left. I'm lucky to have some, but it's really amazing what is available and at so many different repositories. Manuscripts regarding mid-American ancestors are at repositories from the University of Virginia to Bancroft Library at the University of California and many places in between. A major point I learned is to not limit my search of documents to just the locations where I thought my ancestors lived. Original manuscripts can be anywhere AND since they are one of a kind, we can't just find them locally.
Last for today was Paula talking about Government Records. I must admit that I was really brain-tired by 3:30, so I didn't process as much information as I would have liked. But with the syllabus and my notes, and some rest, I'm sure I will be able to research some of the wide variety of records that the federal government keeps and has stored in repositories all over the country. I did remember that we need to look at libraries/repositories that are not just NARA facilities. Many university libraries, as well as perhaps a few others, are federal repositories, so these places also have records that we may be able to access. Great information but I'm going to have to do some good searching before I use these.
I have a little homework for tonight, and I'll see if I can get the timeline with surnames done. It feels funny not being able to do it all online and then just printing out a copy. Oh, well. (Should I try to bring a printer with me next year?) I'll have to think about it.
Well, Maia's books to the rescue. Martha set up books for us just outside the cafeteria. She had so many different types, but there were a few that are going to give me some historical perspective. I know I have a few at home also, that I haven't read yet. Now I have more motivation. So I just have to find the time.
Now on to today, Tuesday's sessions. Our Intermediate class began at 8:30 with Paula walking us through citations. Yes, we all have some experience with them, but we had some good discussions about how to handle unusual situations. I haven't been very diligent about recording when I accessed a record, particularly an online one. Paula, and others, explained why this is important. I'm definitely going to be more careful with this; and with my software program, it's really not that hard. I've just been "neglecting" that box, thinking that it wasn't really that important. I'm not going to any more.
The next morning session, Josh Taylor came in and gave us great information about JSTOR. I had never heard of it and I need to work with it a lot more before I understand it, but it's a great resource for academic writings on 55 (I think Josh said) different topics. Most of us in the class were able to acccess JSTOR through the LaRoche College library site. Lucky us. There are a few places in Arizona that have JSTOR. I just need to find out which ones and see if there are any I can access remotely also. (I love researching "after hours".)
Original Manuscripts was Paula's first session after lunch. Oh, I hope I can find some great things my ancestors left. I'm lucky to have some, but it's really amazing what is available and at so many different repositories. Manuscripts regarding mid-American ancestors are at repositories from the University of Virginia to Bancroft Library at the University of California and many places in between. A major point I learned is to not limit my search of documents to just the locations where I thought my ancestors lived. Original manuscripts can be anywhere AND since they are one of a kind, we can't just find them locally.
Last for today was Paula talking about Government Records. I must admit that I was really brain-tired by 3:30, so I didn't process as much information as I would have liked. But with the syllabus and my notes, and some rest, I'm sure I will be able to research some of the wide variety of records that the federal government keeps and has stored in repositories all over the country. I did remember that we need to look at libraries/repositories that are not just NARA facilities. Many university libraries, as well as perhaps a few others, are federal repositories, so these places also have records that we may be able to access. Great information but I'm going to have to do some good searching before I use these.
I have a little homework for tonight, and I'll see if I can get the timeline with surnames done. It feels funny not being able to do it all online and then just printing out a copy. Oh, well. (Should I try to bring a printer with me next year?) I'll have to think about it.
Monday, July 23, 2012
GRIP - Monday evening
First day almost over. The first 2 sessions this morning were really analyzing records, and what we could find out about just one will. I had a few ideas, but the amount of information some members of the class discovered lets me know that I'm going to get a great amount of help just from class members. Of course Paula Stuart-Warren was great in leading the discussions and keeping us "on task". I took this class because I knew I needed to improve my research skills. And I already think I have. Can't wait for the rest of the week. And that was just the morning.
After lunch Josh Taylor came in and talked to us about compiled genealogies and what we can gain from them. Now I just need to find some that were written about one of my surnames. Unfortunately, I haven't found any yet, but I have great hope. Even if you don't have a genealogy written about your family, Josh gave so many different places to search; again things I had never thought of.
Then, last session today, was again by Paula. She gave us 100s of ideas for substitutes for vital records. Yes, it will take us more time if we can't find some direct evidence with specific facts, but information is out there. And we just have many more places to look.
One special part of today was at 4 pm. We had a genealogy problem from one of our class members. We spent time reading the statement and coming up with ideas to help him find this elusive ancestor. (And don't we all have them?) Anyway, gain the knowledge and ideas that the class members came up with were fantastic. Now I just hope that the problem I submitted can be used some night. Hope! Hope!
Today was a great example of why we shouldn't do genealogy alone.
In about an hour we'll have a special program. Pam Stone Eagleson will be speaking on "Telling the Tales: Writing Your Family Narrative." Then, I'll be off to my room to spend a little time on the computer trying to find out more information about Louise Post, husband of Philip Post, whose will we read and studied this morning.
After lunch Josh Taylor came in and talked to us about compiled genealogies and what we can gain from them. Now I just need to find some that were written about one of my surnames. Unfortunately, I haven't found any yet, but I have great hope. Even if you don't have a genealogy written about your family, Josh gave so many different places to search; again things I had never thought of.
Then, last session today, was again by Paula. She gave us 100s of ideas for substitutes for vital records. Yes, it will take us more time if we can't find some direct evidence with specific facts, but information is out there. And we just have many more places to look.
One special part of today was at 4 pm. We had a genealogy problem from one of our class members. We spent time reading the statement and coming up with ideas to help him find this elusive ancestor. (And don't we all have them?) Anyway, gain the knowledge and ideas that the class members came up with were fantastic. Now I just hope that the problem I submitted can be used some night. Hope! Hope!
Today was a great example of why we shouldn't do genealogy alone.
In about an hour we'll have a special program. Pam Stone Eagleson will be speaking on "Telling the Tales: Writing Your Family Narrative." Then, I'll be off to my room to spend a little time on the computer trying to find out more information about Louise Post, husband of Philip Post, whose will we read and studied this morning.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
GRIPitt - Sunday night
Today, we checked into the LaRoche College dorms. I'm not sure how many of us are at the First Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, GRIP for short. The rooms are basic dorm rooms but different than when I was in college (eons ago). Then we had two people to a room, with about 14 rooms sharing one down-the-hall bathroom. These rooms all have private baths. WOW!! AND they come with a small microwave and refrigerator. (Since I flew, I didn't bring snacks, but what a treat for those who drove and could pack snacks.)
While I brought an ethernet cable, as required for internet use in the dorm room, the router, etc. weren't hooked up. And, I didn't know how to connect everything. Well, Jess and Marissa came to the rescue. Thank you ladies. Otherwise, there would be no posting tonight.
After dinner in in the cafeteria (where it was LOUD) with so many genealogists all have a great time, we had our welcome and introduction. And a special announcement. Next year's dates are already set (July 22-26) and there will be SIX (6) classes, not four as this year. Isn't that great! Ican hardly wait to see the brochure and find out what my options will be. Of course, I think I'm going to suggest that everyone here this year gets first choice next year. OR, everyone in the Intermediate Genealogy course automatically gets moved to the Advanced, if they want to. Now wouldn't that be great?!!! At least for a few of us. Oh, well. Wishful thinking.
But the campus is beautiful with some hills, but not too much slope for me and my legs. I'm used to walking on flat, flat ground (Phoenix area, if you didn't know). It is a little more humid, so perhaps I'll try walking in the morning.
Breakfast is 7:30 to 8:30 and classes start at 8:30. It's going to be interesting to see how we all get through the cafeteria line finish eating in only an hour. But we'll see. Perhaps some of the group won't be eating breakfast. Then, on two days, I think Wednesday and Thursday, one of the classes starts at 8:15, not 8:30. So those students are really going to have to be on time if they want to eat.
I'll try to write tomorrow night. I'm going to be writing primarily for me, so that I can better remember this week, but I hope you will also enjoy the stories and information.
While I brought an ethernet cable, as required for internet use in the dorm room, the router, etc. weren't hooked up. And, I didn't know how to connect everything. Well, Jess and Marissa came to the rescue. Thank you ladies. Otherwise, there would be no posting tonight.
After dinner in in the cafeteria (where it was LOUD) with so many genealogists all have a great time, we had our welcome and introduction. And a special announcement. Next year's dates are already set (July 22-26) and there will be SIX (6) classes, not four as this year. Isn't that great! Ican hardly wait to see the brochure and find out what my options will be. Of course, I think I'm going to suggest that everyone here this year gets first choice next year. OR, everyone in the Intermediate Genealogy course automatically gets moved to the Advanced, if they want to. Now wouldn't that be great?!!! At least for a few of us. Oh, well. Wishful thinking.
But the campus is beautiful with some hills, but not too much slope for me and my legs. I'm used to walking on flat, flat ground (Phoenix area, if you didn't know). It is a little more humid, so perhaps I'll try walking in the morning.
Breakfast is 7:30 to 8:30 and classes start at 8:30. It's going to be interesting to see how we all get through the cafeteria line finish eating in only an hour. But we'll see. Perhaps some of the group won't be eating breakfast. Then, on two days, I think Wednesday and Thursday, one of the classes starts at 8:15, not 8:30. So those students are really going to have to be on time if they want to eat.
I'll try to write tomorrow night. I'm going to be writing primarily for me, so that I can better remember this week, but I hope you will also enjoy the stories and information.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Surname Saturday - Poe, Sharon and Sandra
I believe that Sharon and Sandra Poe were born about 1938-1939 in the Reno area of Nevada. I believe their mother was Marian. I found a few articles in online newspapers, but nothing mentions their parents. I am hoping to find them to help me with my research on the Poe family.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
GRIP - Pittsburgh - Some openings - 10 days to go
I haven't been posting about the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, but I'm very excited about going. I leave 10 days from today and fly into Pittsburgh. I'll have one night in a hotel before moving into the dorm on Sunday. I'm nervous because I've never been to an institute before, and excited about meeting other researchers and the great organizers and instructors. And, of course, I'm looking forward to all of the new information I'll have to help me with my research in the future.
While I don't know if I'll have time to post during the Institute, I'll keep notes so that if any of you are interested in attending next year, I may be able to answer questions. Because a few students had to cancel at the last minute, as of this minute, the GRIPitt site says that there are two seats available in Intermediate Genealogy, one seat in German Research and four in Problem Solving with Online Repositories. Look at the web page for more information: http://www.gripitt.org/
Hope to see you in Pittsburgh.
While I don't know if I'll have time to post during the Institute, I'll keep notes so that if any of you are interested in attending next year, I may be able to answer questions. Because a few students had to cancel at the last minute, as of this minute, the GRIPitt site says that there are two seats available in Intermediate Genealogy, one seat in German Research and four in Problem Solving with Online Repositories. Look at the web page for more information: http://www.gripitt.org/
Hope to see you in Pittsburgh.
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