Genealogical Research Institute of Pennsylvania 1 & 2!

I am home from a successful week at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh that was held at LaRoche College. I had a classroom full of wonderful and sharing people in the course I coordinate, “Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper.” The homework project for the week turned out to be one that featured many twists and turns. One newspaper article even called the family "notorious!" We were able to spend time discussing many of the students' own research problems and I hope they follow up on the great research suggestions we all shared. Sometimes it just takes a different set of eyes and experience to help solve an issue.

I also taught in the “Becoming an Online Expert: Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives" that is coordinated by Josh Taylor and had fun sharing the ins and outs of searching on Ancestry.com and on public library websites. I appreciate the great presentations by Debra Mieszala, CG and D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS in the intermediate course.

I made some new friends last week and some of them are even attending a course in Orchard Lake! They are hooked on the institute experience.

The next offerings of the week-long institute are July 20-25, 2014 in Pittsburgh and August 3-8, 2014 in Orchard Lake, Michigan (a beautiful suburb of Detroit). I will be repeating the “Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper” and will also be teaching in the “Bridging the Gap: New England to the Midwest, 1780-1840.”

There are still some openings in the Orchard Lake week. Visit http://www.gripitt.org for more details.

A few dates & links for your genealogy calendar

Do you have these events on your summer genealogy calendar? I will be presenting sessions at all of these events and would love to meet you there. Have a genealogy question? Bring it along to the event and I will help you figure out the answer! Just click on the underlined words to reach the website and see all the details for each event. Each of these has something for all levels of research experience. Learn more about online and offline research, records, repositories, methodology, and more from experienced presenters.

June 6-8, 2014: Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, Burbank, California. This event has many special features, subscription website access, exhibit hall, plus education and fun!

July 20-25, 2014: Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Five days of exception genealogical education and a syllabus on a beautiful college campus. There are still open slots in some of the courses.

August 3-8, 2014: Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, "On the Road," Orchard Lake, Michigan (suburban Detroit). Five days of exception genealogical education and a syllabus on a beautiful college campus. There are still open slots in some of the courses.

August 27-30, 2014: Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, San Antonio, Texas. Four days of genealogical education, large exhibit hall filled with vendors, extensive syllabus, special luncheons with a speaker, evening events to celebrate Texas history, all adjacent to the famed San Antonio River Walk.

4 busy months of genealogical education for me

I just updated my large wall calendar that I see each time I walk into my office. I have a busy next four months. I hope you will be able to join me at one or more of these places where I will be lecturing. Be sure to click on the links for full details on the hotels, registration and all the presentations at each event.

• April 30-May 3, Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, Genealogical Expedition, Sandusky, Ohio. My presentations are:
• Midwestern Railroad Research
• What Next?Hands-on Research Planning (2 hour workshop)

• June 6-8, Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree, Burbank, California. My presentations are: 
• Manuscript Finding Aids: Locating Migrating Family Records
• Research Reports for Ourselves: More than a Research Log
• What Next? Hands-on Research Planning

•  July 20-25, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My presentations are in two of the courses:
• Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper: (12 sessions)
• Becoming an Online Expert: Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives (2 sessions)

•  August 3-8, GRIP on the Road in Orchard Lake, Michigan (suburban Detroit). My presentations are: 
• Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper: (12 sessions) 
• Bridging the Gap: New England to the Midwest, 1780-1840 (2 sessions)

•  August 27-30, Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, San Antonio, Texas. My presentations are: 
• The Dotted Line: Sign Before Other Steps
• Volunteering from a Distance
• Research Gems: Southern and Western Historical and Sociological Journals

Update on 2014 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh

In case you didn't know, this is a reminder that the 2014 edition of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) is being offered in two places this year.

• July 20 - 25 on the serene campus of La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with 6 courses
• August 3-8 on the beautiful campus of the Polish Mission in Orchard Lake, Michigan (suburban Detroit) with 4 courses.

There are still spots in courses at each location. Join the students, instructors, coordinators, and GRIP directors for a great week of learning. Classrooms and dorms are air conditioned, the cafeterias are handy, the education is superb, each registrant gets a course syllabus, the networking and other learning are dedicated, and fun is also guaranteed. The areas of both campuses have hotels and restaurants within a few miles. I actually like the airports in both places so that's another plus.

Just ask anyone who has attended GRIP the past two summers and you will likely find someone itching to return.

See you in both cities!

GRIP in Detroit: Registration begins today!

That is Tuesday, February 25th and registration opens at noon EST for six wonderful courses that are being held in suburban Detroit from August 3-8, 2014.

I coordinate and teach in Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper. For my course, you also get to interact with Debbie Mieszala, CG, and Josh Taylor, MA, MLS. We all have some special things planned for the week. Students will hear from me in early summer with an opportunity to participate further in the course that week. Four of the days feature an in-classroom opportunity for open discussion and further learning.


A computer, iPad, or other tablet is not a requirement for the Intermediate Course but it is helpful if you bring one to class. You may wish to check websites, look at your own family in whatever genealogy software you use, or work along with the instructor on a website that is being discussed. Bring along pen and paper too, as there will be some other hands-on work.

For a handy guide to the registration process, click here.

Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper

Monday
8:30 a.m.:  Analyzing Documents Workshop: Self-Judging Your Expertise Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren)
Are there times you question your analysis of a document? It’s likely you can do a much better job than you give yourself credit for. In this session we will analyze a document, prepare a research plan, and discuss it. Then we will break into groups and do analysis and research preparation of a different document that will

GRIP Pittsburgh registration opens February 12!

That is tomorrow, Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Registration opens at noon EST for six wonderful courses that are being held in Pittsburgh from July 20-25, 2014. Can't make it that week? Another edition of GRIP will be offered the first week of August in the Detroit area. Details are on the GRIP website for those courses and later registration.

I coordinate and teach in Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper. For my course, you also get to interact with Debbie Mieszala, CG, and Josh Taylor, MA, MLS. We all have some special things planned for the week. Students will hear from me in early summer with an opportunity to participate further in the course that week. Four of the days feature an in-classroom opportunity for open discussion and further learning.

The three of us are also instructors in Josh' course Becoming an Online Expert: Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives.

A computer, iPad, or other tablet is not a requirement for the Intermediate Course but it is helpful if you bring one to class. You may wish to check websites, look at your own family in whatever genealogy software you use, or work along with the instructor on a website that is being discussed. Bring along pen and paper too, as there will be some other hands-on work.

You may see the full lineup for the Intermediate Course by clicking here or keep on reading this long blog post. For a handy guide to the registration process, click here.

Monday
8:30 a.m.:  Analyzing Documents Workshop: Self-Judging Your Expertise Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren)
Are there times you question your analysis of a document? It’s likely you can do a much better job than you give yourself credit for. In this session we will analyze a document, prepare a research plan, and discuss it. Then we will break into groups and do analysis and research preparation of a different document that will

2014 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh - registration is coming soon!

It's just two weeks till registration opens for the 2014 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh that takes place at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh. The Institute dates are July 20-25 and registration begins on February 12th. 

The Institute's website has some great tips to prepare you for the registration process.

I hope to see many of you in the course I coordinate, "Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper" but there are five other excellent courses that will also be offered in Pittsburgh.

While on the Institute's website take a peek at the "On the Road" edition that will be held August 3-8, 2014 in Orchard Lake, Michigan (suburban Detroit). That registration begins on February 25th.

Mark February 12th on your calendar for Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh registration

It's just a bit more than two weeks till registration opens for the 2014 Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh registration. (Fondly known as GRIP) There are six courses from which to choose and students may stay in a college dorm. The dorm and classrooms are a very short walk from each other. The cafeteria is in the same building as the classrooms. The 2014 dates are July 20-25.

I coordinate and instruct in Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper.

Instructors:
Debbie Mieszala, CG
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA

Are you beyond the beginning stages of researching your family history? You probably have checked the basic records and done online searches but still have blanks to fill in. Maybe you need to gain more leads and judge the records but need some analytical skills for that. We will delve deeper into a variety of records, some that you may have never heard about, and where they may be accessed. During the week there will be some hands-on projects, small group discussions, and full class interaction as we develop research plans, delve into the records, and learn what may get those blanks filled in.

The class covers 19th through 21st century U.S. records and includes online resources. Prior to the course students will be able to send the coordinator a brief research issue of their own along with a listing of the U.S. places where their ancestors resided. The course includes some “homework” that is optional but highly suggested. Students often find they like those learning exercises. An extensive syllabus including online resources is provided.

While not required, it is suggested that you bring along a netbook, laptop, or electronic tablet for taking notes and for the week’s projects. Make sure you bring a copy of your research (either as a database or in paper form).

Debbie and I will also be teaching in Josh Taylor's Pittsburgh course Becoming an Online Expert: Mastering Search Engines and Digital Archives.

Can't make it to Pittsburgh? GRIP "On the Road" will be in suburban Detroit from August 3-8 with four courses. That registration starts on February 25th. Learn more about courses and registration for both cities here: http://www.gripitt.org/

FGS Genealogy Conference registration deadlines near

I am back home from a wonderful week of teaching at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. The 29 students in my course were amazing. The group discussions were fantastic and I thank them all for their participation.

Now my mind is turned toward the August 21-24 Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference. My conference co-chair, Dawne Slater-Putt, and I are looking forward to seeing family historians of all experience levels in Fort Wayne. Tuesday, August 20 has several pre-conference activities. Then there is the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library. The wonderful aspects of that week in Fort Wayne are detailed at https://www.fgsconference.org/

As the FGS Conference New Blog states, "if you haven’t registered for the FGS 2013 Conference yet, you still have time to register online, by mail or at the door. Mailed registrations must be postmarked by Friday, August 9. Online registration ends on Wednesday, August 14th. Pre-registering for the conference gives you access to some great benefits." One of the benefits is access to the online syllabus in the coming days!

Of course, you may still register at the door!

Read that blog for more info on all days at www.fgsconferenceblog.org

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh Savings Ends May 15th

It doesn't feel like May for some of us, but it truly is here. Are you thinking about attending the 2013 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh? It was a blast last year. We had fun in the dorms, in the cafeteria, and worked hard in the classrooms. The reviews after last July's GRIP were fantastic!

There are still a few spots left in some courses. The week begins late afternoon on Sunday, July 21st and ends at noon on Friday, July 26th.

I coordinate and teach in Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper.  In this course we have a lot of interaction and students have the opportunity to submit a problem of their own for discussion. Debbie Mieszala, CG, and D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS are the other instructors.

I am also teaching in the Bridging the 1780-1840 Gap: From New England to the Midwest coordinated by Josh Taylor.

Registration and payment no later than May 15th gives you a $35.00 savings. Check it out now at http://www.gripitt.org/

Summer Genealogy Institute in Pittsburgh

Do you know about the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh? There's something for everyone this year. Six courses, great instructors, and time for intense networking and even some fun. GRIP 2013 will commence in less than 100 days. It begins the evening of Sunday, July 21 and end at noon on Friday, July 26.

There are still limited seats in a few courses. The early bird course deadline is May 15 by which time the tuition of $390 must be paid. Tuition is $425 thereafter. For those of you thinking about GRIP, now is the time to investigate further!

The dorm is just steps away from the classrooms and cafeteria. Check out the courses and other details at www.GRIPITT.org

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburg Registration Opens February 7th!

Another great genealogy event that I am involved with is the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. Learn, eat, and sleep in air-conditioned comfort on the beautiful campus of LaRoche College in Pittsburgh from July 21-26, 2013.

Choose from six courses and get energized and educated in this setting. I tell you about this now because online registration opens this Thursday, February 7th at noon Eastern time!

I am coordinator of the Intermediate Course: Tools for Digging Deeper. You may learn more about this course here and here.

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) registration opens Feb. 7th

Registration for the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh's 2013 edition begins on Thursday, February 7, 2013. Add it to your calendar so you won't forget.


At noon, you can register for any one of the six courses. Preview the course description, coordinators, instructors, and session lineup at www.gripitt.org.

I am coordinating and instructing in Course I: Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper. The other instructors are D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS and add Debra S. Mieszala, CG. 

I am also instructing in Course 3: Bridging the 1780-1840 Gap: From New England to the Midwest


http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=653



The July 2012 GRIP was a smash hit and the set-up of the dorms, lecture rooms, and the cafeteria was perfect! The dorms were great for networking.