Northern California Family History Expo-Day 2

Today's classes that I took started with Genealogy on the Go with Roots Magic's Michael Booth. I jotted down a number of new ideas and website and applications.

After that I went to Gena Philibert Ortega's class about the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. I didn't win the 9 courses, but now I know I will be paying for at least that many.

Stories to Tell (Biff and Nancy Barnes) then had a class on book design. I know I've made so many mistakes in my Grampa book. Next time I'm hiring Biff and Nancy.

I had never heard Arlene Eakle speak before so I attended her Irish genealogy class. Sadly, I didn't read the syllabus. The class is on Irish coming to America. I still picked up a lot of ideas even though my Irish went to Scotland.

Today I had lunch with Sheri Fenley and Kim Von Aspern-Parker and a table of other expo goers. The hotel had a buffet out with lasagna and whatnot, which was very nice.

Other highlights were getting a copy of Paul Larsen's Genealogy Toolbox and talking to Biff and Nancy Barnes, as well as Frankel & Fisch, who gave me some great ideas. Also, Michael Booth of Roots Magic gave me a copy of Personal Historian to give away to the L-AGS writing group. I told him I'd purchased a copy for that purpose, but after his class yesterday I knew I wasn't giving it up. He went to his booth and grabbed one for me to give away. I will need to think of some sort of contest now...

Next up is the closing speech and final raffle. Here's hoping I win!

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Family History Expo- Day 1

The Expo is living up to my expectations and then some. I took a Roots Magic class and a Personal Historian class. I bought both at the Southern California Jamboree but they are still in the boxes... Time to rectify that. I intend to use RM for my "clean data" and slowly move from FTM.

At Jamboree, I got Personal Historian to see if it would be something I'd recommend to the Livermore-Amador Genealogical Society writing group that I lead. I had no intention of using it, figuring that Word did just fine for me. I don't need writing prompts or fodder- I can write stories 'til they are coming out your ears. But after today? Not only will I recommend it, but I may make it mandatory. LOVE IT!

I also took a class about libraries by Gena Philibert Ortega. I had never heard her speak before and she is amazing. I really like her style of lecture and may revisit my schedule tomorrow to see if I can fit more of her classes in. And if not? There is the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She has a class on that tomorrow...

The last class of the night was by Angela Kraft and it was called Beyond Names and Dates. She is giving this talk at our society meeting on Tuesday, but I have to miss it. Since this is what I love (beyond names and dates) I was glad to get to hear the talk afterall.

So far my only complaints are the same as everywhere. It's too hot or too cold. The restaurant is too crowded.

So in essence, no complaints and I really do love the Family History Expos. I had a great time meeting fellow bloggers and learning that people call me the Meerkat Manor Lady.

Off to the Expo

I'm leaving soon for the Northern California Family History Expo and am so excited!  I can't wait to fill my brain with information.  Technology willing, I'll be posting my notes from there.  Have a wonderful weekend!  And if you are at the Expo, please find me and introduce yourself.  I would love to meet you.

Not for the Stalkers

I went through the catalog for the classes offered at the Northern California Family History Expo and have made my initial choices.  These choices usually change, but I thought I’d share where I plan to be (for any psychotic stalkers, I will not *really* be in those rooms at those times; posting THAT on the internet would be so stupid and I’d never be that dumb…).

What’s New in RootsMagic-

At the Jamboree last month, I bought a copy of RootsMagic.  I hear such good things about it and really wanted another program to put GOOD CLEAN data on (as opposed to my BAD DIRTY Family Tree Maker data). I like Family Tree Maker, as it’s all I’ve ever known, but I noticed that a lot of other people use more than one program.  That said, I still haven’t installed or used my copy.  A class may be just the thing I need to get excited enough about it to remember to put the disk in.

I LOVE Libraries-

I want to take this class as I really do LOVE LIBRARIES.    I want to learn more about what I can find there and what to ask for.

What’s in Your Family History Toolbox -

I really enjoy Paul Larsen’s book, Crash Course in Family History, and I know this is a new item he has for sale.  I forgot to go back for it at Jamboree and so I’ll take this class and pick it up at this Expo.

Beyond Names and Dates: Building Your Ancestor’s Profile-

I’m taking this class purely for the presenter, Angela Kraft.  She is a friend of MyHeritageHappens and I met her at Jamboree.  She’s speaking at our local genealogical society meeting next month and so I want to hear it first!  Also, the topic of finding more than names and dates is close to my heart.

Genealogy on the Go-

Since I’m mostly doing my Genealogy on the Go, I thought this seemed like an apt class for me.  I rarely have time at home in front of my computer so learning other ways to keep what I need with me will be fantastic.

Genealogy Education on the Internet: The National Institute for Genealogical Studies-

Education is always a passion and I’d like to learn more about classes that are available.  Since Jamboree and the Expo are only annual events, it would be great to find more to fill in during the rest of the year!

DIY Family History Book Design-

Biff and Nancy Barnes are two of my very favorite speakers.  I really have already designed my book and am writing it in that format, but I can’t go to a place where they speak and NOT catch a class of theirs.  Perhaps they can give me inspiration for my NEXT book…

Irish Research Online and Offline-

We just recently found some details on our Irish line, so this will be my first experience with Irish research.  All I knew from before is that YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE COUNTY, so I had ignored everything after that.  Now I have the county… so I need to go back and un-ignore what I heard before.

Northern California Family History Expo

I love the Family History Expos.  This will be my third year in attendance and a very special one, because...

I'm a Blogger of Honor!  

Not sure what that means, but I see my name and picture right alongside these people and can't believe it.  I'm sure it's a mistake but until they realize it and remove me, please join me and these Genealogy Rock Stars in Sacramento, California.

Sheri Fenley, The Educated Genealogist

Nancy Loe, MA, MLS, Sassy Jane Genealogy

Leah Allen, Leah's Family Tree

Kim von Aspern-Parker, Le Maison Duchamp

James L. Tanner,  Genealogy's Star

Arlene H. Eakle, Ph.D., Genealogy Evidence

  

Join me at the Northern California Family History Expo in Sacramento, California on July 6 and July 7.  Details are here:  https://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/viewevent.aspx?eid=55&past=0#edesc