Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!

Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.

There are 5 writing systems in the world. These are abugida, syllabary, logography, abjad, and alphabet. These writing systems have been used anciently through today. As genealogists go back in time and across the globe, they may run into these different types of scripts. This lecture briefly explains the differences, gives examples, and directs you where to find more information. Scripts that will be covered include but are not limited to Cherokee, Baybayin (Filipino script), Egyptian, Hebrew, and Old English.

This presentation addresses the challenge of creating compelling genealogical narratives beyond simple lists of names and dates. By utilizing historical records, archives, research methods, and integrating historical context, participants will learn how to transform their family histories into engaging stories. The presentation will teach genealogists how to perform historical research and incorporate first-hand narratives, pension files, and other historical data using the example of a Gettysburg soldier. Participants will be guided through the research journey, highlighting key decision-making moments and demonstrating where and why to include historical context. This innovative approach will help genealogists add depth and authenticity to their writing, making narratives more vivid and meaningful. The presentation will inspire attendees to share their passion for family history, fostering a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for genealogical research.

Bring your ancestors to life with this webinar! Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin will teach you the basics of how to write your own genealogical crime mystery. He will cover outlining a story, creating believable characters with realistic dialogue and show how to incorporate genealogy into your story.

When is it okay to use artificial intelligence tools for writing assistance? If it’s okay to use AI, how and when should we disclose the use of AI tools? Learn how various applications of generative AI — from grammar assistance to generating new text — may need to be approached differently. We will go over specific methods for disclosing and citing AI tools, such as mentioning the use of generative AI in the limitations section of a report and citing the specific AI tool in a reference note citation.

This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.

In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.

Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.