We were so excited to welcome participants to the second
session of Introductory Genealogy and Beyond on Saturday, March 30, 2013
at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg, VA. The
library’s largest meeting room was filled with beginning genealogists eager to
learn how to trace their ancestors.
At yesterday’s session they learned from Charles “Chuck” Mason, Jr. CG the many reasons it is critical to
cite sources, and to: “Cite Your
Sources as You Find Them!” Mr.
Mason repeated, “ Do not think you will do it later. You never will!”
Mr. Mason shared examples of source citations, stating many
scholarly works use the Chicago Manual of
Style. Other sources were books by Richard S. Lackey, the PAF Documentation Guidelines, and Evidence! Citations & Analysis for the
Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
I wish he had mentioned Evidence
Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, by
Elizabeth Shown Mills. This book is important as it shows how to cite online
source materials.
The second session was lead by Tish Como, librarian at the Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas,
Virginia. Mrs. Como’s talk covered
Genealogy 201: Beyond the Basics. As a genealogy reference librarian, she
had many research stories to share with wonderful examples in her PowerPoint
presentation. Her handouts provided information and sources for genealogists of
all levels.
Although she admits she is not one to read directions, as
her husband frequently reminds her, she did encourage her audience to read the research tips when entering a
new online database. What is the source of the records contained therein?
Record what you find and what you don’t
find. Evaluate carefully; be flexible and persistent.
Stay organized,
another quality she has trouble with, but at lunch we discussed the fact that
each person has to develop an organizational process that best suits their
lifestyle. Some of us use Pendaflex family folders with individual family
manila (or individual) folders within; some use the three-ring binder method
for each family line. Whatever works for you is the right way.
Following the session, participants were given a tour of the
library’s Virginiana Room. Besides having all sorts of information on Virginia,
the room has a ScanPro, state of the art microfilm reader that allows patrons
to print, email or download images.
If you have Virginia ancestors, the Virginiana Room is a must.
The next session of Introductory Genealogy and Beyond
will be Saturday, April 13, 2013,
9:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline
Street, Fredericksburg, VA. The
sessions will feature Phyllis Marilyn (Jule) Legare who will cover Timelines; how our ancestors fit into
the broad picture of life, and how events shaped their choices and lives. The second presentation will cover Military Research, how to use military
service and pension records in tracing your ancestors.
Creating and Using Blogs: Don’t forget our regular meeting to be held
Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Church Branch Library. Shannon Bennett,
club member and contributing writer to Family
Tree Magazine and other genealogical publications, will discuss how blogs
can be created and why they are useful in genealogical research. See you then!
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