Accentuate the Positive!

Once again, Jill Ball, Australian genealogist, in her blog, http://geniaus.blogspot.com, has invited genealogists around the world to write about their highlights in 2014.

There are two things I remember which were fundamental in helping me sharpen  my research technique.

The first one was a genealogy workshop I attended in April this past year in Toronto with fellow APGers from the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (OCAPG), for a full-day workshop with Dr. Thomas Jones, the author of Mastering Genealogical Proof.

The scheduled four presentations turned into a day full of discussions, questions, and socializing, ending with a supper at a nearby restaurant for about 30 of us.

If you ever want to learn from the best on how to do ‘proper’ research, write concise citations and reports, and learn how to do genealogy research correctly, then his presentations should not be missed.

As the editor of Families, the journal of the Ontario Genealogical Society (the largest society in Canada), I often receive books to review, and one such book was Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques by George G. Morgan and Drew Smith (The Genealogy Guys). I consider this book to be rightfully placed up there with works from Dr. Jones and Elizabeth Shown Mills as a resource which teaches, as well as informs.

Their book, filled with case studies, fully examines the FAN Club principle, as explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills in her various writings. I consider the FAN (Friends, Associates, and Neighbours) method as an essential part of genealogical research – especially when it comes to dealing with ‘brick walls’.

There were lots of other “little” highs this year, including the continued publication of my Canadian Week in Review (CWR) postings at my blog www.GenealogyCanada.blogspot.com every Monday morning, and my Canada Day contest on July 1st, asking readers to send in their ‘brick walls’, and then provide them with free research tips and detailed Consultation Reports through my website, http://www.elrs.biz.

There are plans in the works for the release of e-books on Canadian genealogy in 2015, and with the continuation of my courses through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies so that I can get my Professional Development Certificate in 2016, and onwards towards my certification as a CG.

So my husband, Mario, and myself wish everyone a Happy New Year, and good hunting for your ancestors in 2015!