An overview of home resources and outreach to family members whose memories and insights can help start the process off right—how things on a bookshelf or a storage box can be of especial use, and a source of clues…if not outright answers.
This webinar marks the inaugural session of the Essential Skills for New Genealogists series, featuring the seasoned expertise of Dr. David McDonald. It serves as a foundational roadmap for anyone looking to transform from a casual collector of names into a disciplined and effective family historian. By focusing on the “hunter-gatherer” phase of research, the session highlights the critical first steps of exploring personal archives, locating hidden heirlooms, and interviewing living relatives. This presentation is particularly relevant for those who may feel overwhelmed by the vast digital landscape, as it grounds the research process in the physical evidence and oral traditions found right within one’s own family circle.
Prioritize “At-Home” Archives: One of the most vital steps in starting a family tree is identifying materials already in possession, such as old photographs, letters, school records, and even seemingly mundane items like funeral cards or yearbooks. These personal artifacts often provide the unique clues necessary to navigate more formal government or church records later in the process.
The Necessity of Early Documentation: Accuracy in genealogy depends heavily on source citations, and the webinar stresses the importance of recording where information was found from the very first day. Developing a consistent system for naming digital files and documenting oral interviews prevents the common pitfall of having to re-verify decades of work due to missing or vague sources.
The Persistence of Inquiry: Success in genealogical research often requires a persistent yet polite approach to questioning relatives. Because memories can be layered or initially withheld due to perceived insignificance, asking the same questions over several years can yield surprising new details as relatives recall stories they previously forgot or deemed unimportant.
Viewing the full webinar provides a deeper look into the nuances of genealogical discovery, illustrated through vivid personal anecdotes that bring the research process to life. The session offers a perfect balance of practical technical instruction and the heartfelt inspiration needed to sustain a long-term project. To fully capitalize on this wealth of knowledge, genealogists are encouraged to explore the additional resources and detailed guides included in the extensive six-page syllabus. Engaging with these materials will provide the clarity and structure necessary to navigate the fascinating journey of family history with confidence and joy.
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Loved it!
Enjoyed Dave’s presentation, hearing most of the same mistakes & still going down rabbit holes in doing family research. Thank you, Dave & Geoff!
Most enjoyable. I loved the humor and the casualness, making the study of genealogy important while keeping it doable.
Loads of information and not just for beginners. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Dave McDonald gives out tips and information in such a way that you know that it’s a passion! He makes you aware of the pitfalls and the urgency of getting started by asking questions and gathering STUFF. Nobody in my family wanted the old pictures when my parents passed but I have 3 boxes full!
Absolutely fantastic! Dave is such a great presenter. I love his sense of humor and his down-to-earth advice! I’ve been doing genealogy longer than Dave has, but I learned — or at least was reminded of — things I need to do. I’m sharing the link to the recording with my family history students. I hope they all watch it and enjoy it as much as I did. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
This was superb! I also have been doing some genealogy since the early days of computers. Dave describes so many of my own experiences. His presentation brings reiterates the enjoyment I also feel. Every person interested in family history should hear this presentation!
I have been “playing at” genealogy for perhaps 15-years. I’m currently 75-years old. This has been fun, and Dave has “pegged” me accurately. I’ve been the “hunter-gatherer” d/l everything I could get my hands upon. I have become the family repository for my parents, in-laws and some relatives. Sadly, I seem to be the only family member who is interested in collecting and organizing. Dave’s seminar has been excellent and helpful. I only wish they weren’t spread so far apart. I want to watch the next one!