Today The Accidental Genealogist turns 15!
Author Archives: Lisa Alzo
Female Ancestor Profile: Remembering Emilia
[This post was written by my cousin, Renata C. in loving memory of her mum, Emilia who recently passed away.]
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[Renata C. and Emilia ] |
My Dear Mum Emilia, whom everyone called Milka,
WRITTEN BY RENATA
She was a bubbly, funny, strong, kind, an amazing cook, a fantastic hostess, a great singer, with endless compassion for everyone. Gosh, I miss you Mum…
My mum’s life wasn’t an easy one. Her father abandoned the family when she was just three years old. Grandma never remarried, and had to look after two girls all alone. Moving into a town, having only few acquaintances here and there, sisters relied on each other. However, Mum’s older sister’s domineering tendencies meant compassion towards Mum was rare.
When Mum married Dad, her mother-in-law didn’t hesitate to show her disapproval. It didn’t stop my Mum looking after both of Dad’s parents. (Grandma later developed Alzheimer’s which was undiagnosed for years). Mum had worked extremely hard, taking care of a household with four children and elderly in-laws. Moreover, the livestock needed tending to and fields needed constant workaround, however it was predominantly my father’s hobby. The doors were open to any neighbour and family. The cars just pulled in; the gates were rarely shut… Often unannounced, not using a main door doorbell, people just walked round straight to the kitchen door, knocked and sneaked their head in. To have a cup of coffee or offer of the food was a given. Mum had welcomed all. Friends, cousins, their friends, colleagues, our classmates, teachers, priests, brother’s army mates (the service was compulsory), everybody was welcome. Our house was always full of people, some staying overnight. Almost every Sunday my Dad’s large family would gather at our place. Mum would prepare so much food, it would feed an army. Weddings, funerals, Christenings, for any occasion Mum would bake a huge cake and variety of trays of small ones. She would spend days, sometimes away from home, preparing food for friends’ and families’ celebrations. The number of dishes she handwashed in her lifetime! All that while being a working mother.
Mum and Dad were together for 41 years. As in every marriage, they had their ups and downs, but with Mum being of warm-hearted nature, ‘downs’ never lasted long. A great challenge arrives… Dad got diagnosed with cancer. Mum is devastated, she cries, but doesn’t lose hope. She prays and compassionately looks after Dad after many operations and treatments. Cancers goes away, but then pacemaker follows. Dad tires easily, eats less, but operation went well, so there is hope. Mum keeps looking after him.
Myself, after the collapse of communism in 1989 and having completed my studies, I had travelled to the UK. My newly acquired knowledge of English enabled me to communicate and find long lost family ties in the USA.
I connected with the second-generation cousins on Dad’s side. Absolutely brilliant! Visit is planned, Mum started to prepare the menu. “Just tell me how many and when.” Research and talking to older family members bring family history to light. It transpired that the family homestead was lived at by our family for over 150 years, every generation working hard to preserve it for the next. After all, a piece of land means survival. The whole family legacy is on this homestead. Generations of family members who were born here, lived here, played, worked, laughed, cried, chatted here, walked on the same ground. It is precious. When Lisa, our first cousin from the USA arrives for the first time, she gets on her knees and kisses the ground.
Homestead legacy continues; more visits and more cousins follow. Mum welcomes everybody with open arms. After all, this ground is their home, too.
When Mum was younger, the accident limited her walking ability. Looking after children and vast household, there was somewhat never right time to undergo a complex operation. In her final years, she could only walk with the support of two crutches. Being strong-minded, she refused a wheelchair. Step by step, slowly battling distances between rooms and outdoor places. Inevitably, over the years, she gained weight and developed diabetes as well. Her heart was weak so undertaking both hips and knee operations would be too risky.
When Dad became seriously ill again, Mum looked after him in his final months with only a little help. She lacked the sleep and was mentally and physically drained. In his final days, my father suffered physically a lot, but passed away in his sleep. Peacefully, with Mum next to him.
Mum’s grief was deep. Despite my health issues, I decided to take our three years old daughter and relocate for a little while from London. Husband stayed behind working. For our daughter, Slovakian is a second language which she could hardly speak then. That didn’t stop Mum to enjoy her granddaughter. She would play and draw and sing with her every day, for hours and hours, while I was cleaning and cooking. And grieving together with Mum.
This solution wasn’t feasible for a long term. Mum didn’t want to sell the house and relocate somewhere else. She built that house with Dad – literally. A note to the reader about the historical background: the house was built during communism; no private business of any kind was allowed, including no private building companies to do the job. Families would help each other over the weekends, alongside friends of whom some were professional builders. I remember the sand, mountains of bricks, pipes, door frames, building material scattered all over the yard that was shared with the ‘old’ house.
Mum was pregnant with my younger brother then, looking after me and another brother. It was an incredibly hard work. She built this house with her bare hands: for her children to grow up in, for Dad and Herself to grow old in, for grandkids to visit, to spend holidays in this house, for any close or extended family and their children to gather together in, anytime they wanted to.
Her house, the local church, the village, neighbours, former colleagues and nearby community were her life.
It was agreed that one of my brothers would sell his flat in town and relocate with his second wife and stepchildren. Mum always treated them as her grandkids, them calling Mum grandma. Another two grandchildren arrived. Despite Mum’s health issues and advanced age, it was given she would help out looking after them. And she did so. Being her grandchildren, spending a lot of time with them, mainly in her room.
Then Covid struck.
For various reasons, we haven’t seen each other from 2016. Summer of 2020 was a possibility. Mum can’t wait to see her granddaughter again. Yet, we mutually agree on postponing the visit until it is safe. We love Mum too much to risk her health.
My mum had a great respect for this virus. She understood the power of nature. Watching news, listening, observing that not everybody was taking it as seriously. She was ever so careful, minimizing outings to only necessary doctor’s visits, ever excited to get her first shot of vaccine. Too soon, only few days later, she tested positive.
We kept praying and hoping…every day. Mum got worse only after few days. There was shortage of medicine and not enough beds in hospitals, anywhere. Some people are helped at day care unit, but sent home afterwards. Thankfully, local hospital manages to convert another ward onto Covid station and Mum gets a full medical care. Waiting is an agony. So many people caring about her. She fights her battle to the very end. That definitely sounds like my Mum… Staff tell us of her ‘not giving up’ attitude.
On that sad Friday, my sister is unsettled. She gets through to the nurse, who kindly switches mum’s phone on and put it to Mum’s ear. “Hi Mum, you don’t need to talk, I know it is so difficult for you to breathe. Just save your energy. We all love you Mum. We thank you for everything you have done for us All. Fight this virus if you can. So many people think of you. Everybody is praying for you. We All love you so much. We love you.” Mum is conscious, forces herself to breathe out faint and elaborate ‘alright’ and waves her hand gently. A nurse thinks Mum is signaling she understands. We later wondered if that gesture was her ‘Goodbye’. A nurse tells my sister a priest did his weekly rounds of confessions in the morning and that he attended to mum, too. Two hours after my sister’s call, Mum passed away.
Due to Covid restrictions nobody is allowed to visit. The staff is ever so kind and caring. Yet none of her children can hug Mum during her battle. None of us can gently stroke her face, to physically comfort her, talk to her… She was motherly to so many, compassionate, she opened her arms to anyone who needed her help or friendly chat. I wonder if anyone was holding her hand when God called her Soul back to Him.
I don’t care about my grief. I care about our dear Mum’s pain. Lungs and body aching all over, every attempt to breathe so painful. She has no strength to breathe, no strength to talk. Not enough oxygen in her lungs to reply to her daughter: ‘I love you all, too’. It breaks my heart to think about it. I have to force myself not to. Instead, I think of her Soul being guided away by Angels, to the realm of respect, peace and love. She would be right at home there.
She respected all of her family and anyone she knew, even if sometimes it was not reciprocated. She was the glue that held the family together, she kept the traditions alive and put order to things.
Mum did everything out of love – because she loved…
She appreciated everything that life gave her. Family, friends, health, everyday things…she didn’t take people nor stuff for granted. In her view, everything is a gift from God.
Mum tried to live every day gracefully. She used to say: “Nobody knows, when they go”.
And she was right. Tomorrow is promised to no-one.
When my time comes to leave this world, when Angels guide my Soul away, I want my Mum to be the first one to greet me. I can’t wait to hug you and hold you again, Mum. I can’t wait to have a chat and laugh with you again.
Until then, enjoy blissfulness of Heaven and company of your loved ones, who preceded you there. I have my everyday choices to make here. Guide me Mum, that my choices- small or great, are the right ones; full of respect and love, as yours were.
Some people are simple irreplaceable. Mum, you are without doubt one of them.
We ALL miss you and love you very much.
Dear Mum,
May God grant you His eternal peace.
May God holds you in His arms forever.
May God let you feel His unconditional love forever.
Amen.
Back for 2021: The Fearless Females Blogging Prompts Series
In March 2010, I launched a series of 31 blogging prompts for celebrating and honoring the “fearless females” in our family trees. Many bloggers participated and I was asked if I planned on running them again. I’m happy to say that this series is still going strong and is back for another year (the 11th).
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Fearless Females Badge courtesy of Denise Levenick with edits by Lisa A. Alzo
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So, to mark National Women’s History Month (beginning Monday, March 1), I’m listing the 31 prompts below.
Also, you can download the free badge above to use on your blog to indicate your participation. [A special thanks to my friend and colleague, Denise Levenick, The Family Curator, who created the original version of this badge especially for me for the 2016 edition of Fearless Females].
The theme for National Women’s History Month 2021 is once again “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” According to the The National Women’s History Alliance, “Since many of the women’s suffrage centennial celebrations originally scheduled for 2020 were curtailed, the National Women’s History Alliance is extending the annual theme for 2021.” The theme honors “the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.” So, once again, it is a perfect time to start writing about your valiant female ancestors.
Watch this blog for other ideas, prompts, and tips to learn about your female ancestors, as well as special coupons for discounts on books, courses, or other products related to researching your female lines.
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Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month
You can choose to do some of the prompts, or all of them–there’s no pressure–it’s meant to be a fun exercise to focus on the women and make sure their stories are told!
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[Group of young women reading in library of normal school, Washington, D.C.]Library of Congress, (Johnston, Frances Benjamin, 1864-1952, photographer.); REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-USZ62-100288 (b&w film copy neg.) DIGITAL ID: (b&w film copy neg.) cph 3c00288 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3c00288]
March 1 — Do you have a favorite female ancestor? One you are drawn to or want to learn more about? Write down some key facts you have already learned or what you would like to learn and outline your goals and potential sources you plan to check.
March 2 — Post a photo of one of your female ancestors. Who is in the photo? When was it taken? Why did you select this photo?
March 3 — Do you share a first name with one of your female ancestors? Perhaps you were named for your great-grandmother, or your name follows a particular naming pattern. If not, then list the most unique or unusual female first name you’ve come across in your family tree.
March 4 — Do you have marriage records for your grandparents or great-grandparents? Write a post about where they were married and when. Any family stories about the wedding day? Post a photo too if you have one.
March 5 — How did they meet? You’ve documented marriages, now, go back a bit. Do you know the story of how your parents met? Your grandparents?
March 6 — Describe an heirloom you may have inherited from a female ancestor (wedding ring or other jewelry, china, clothing, etc.) If you don’t have any, then write about a specific object you remember from your mother or grandmother, or aunt (a scarf, a hat, cooking utensil, furniture, etc.)
March 7 — Share a favorite recipe from your mother or grandmother’s kitchen. Why is this dish your favorite? If you don’t have one that’s been passed down, describe a favorite holiday or other meal you shared with your family.
March 8 — Did one of your female ancestors leave a diary, journal, or collection of letters? Share an entry or excerpt.
March 9 — Take a family document (baptismal certificate, passenger list, naturalization petition, etc.) and write a brief narrative using the information.
March 10 — What role did religion play in your family? How did your female ancestors practice their faith? If they did not, why didn’t they? Did you have any female ancestors who served their churches in some capacity?
March 11 — Did you have any female ancestors who died young or from tragic or unexpected circumstances? Describe and how did this affect the family?
March 12 — Working girl: Did your mother or grandmother work outside the home? What did she do? Describe her occupation.
March 13 — Moment of Strength: share a story where a female ancestor showed courage or strength in a difficult situation.
March 14 — Newsmakers? Did you have a female ancestor who made the news? Why? Was she famous or notorious? Did she appear in the social column?
March 15 — Write a six-word memoir tribute to one of your female ancestors.
March 16 — If you could have lunch with any female family member (living or dead) or any famous female who would it be and why? Where would you go? What would you eat?
March 17 — Social Butterfly? What social organizations or groups did your mother or grandmother belong to? Sewing circle, church group, fraternal benefit society or lodge? Describe her role in the group.
March 18 — Shining star: Did you have a female ancestor who had a special talent? Artist, singer, actress, athlete, seamstress, or other? Describe.
March 19 — Have you discovered a surprising fact about one of your female ancestors? What was it and how did you learn it? How did you feel when you found out?
March 20 — Is there a female ancestor who is your brick wall? Why? List possible sources for finding more information.
March 21 — Describe a tender moment one of your female ancestors shared with you or another family member.
March 22 — If a famous director wanted to make a movie about one of your female ancestors who would it be? What actress would you cast in the role and why?
March 23 — Create a timeline for a female ancestor using your favorite software program or an online timeline generator such as OurTimelines. Post an image of it or link to it.
March 24 — Do you share any physical resemblance or personality trait with one of your female ancestors? Who? What is it?
March 25 — Tell how a female ancestor interacted with her children. Was she loving or supportive? A disciplinarian? A bit of both?
March 26 — What education did your mother receive? Your grandmothers? Great-grandmothers? Note any advanced degrees or special achievements.
March 27 — Do you know the immigration story of one or more female ancestors? Do you have any passenger lists, passports, or other documentation? Interesting family stories?
March 28 — Do you remember your mother’s best friend? Your grandmother’s? How and where did they meet? How long were they friends? What activities did they share?
March 29 — Create a free Fold3 Memorial Page or a Genealogy Trading Card at Big Huge Labs for a female ancestor. Some of you may have created your own card back in September 2009 following Sheri Fenley’s post over at The Educated Genealogist. This time, the card is for your female ancestor. Tell us about who you’ve selected and why and then post a link to what you’ve created.
March 30 — Did you receive any advice or words of wisdom from your mother or another female ancestor?
March 31 — Pick one female ancestor and write a mini-profile (500 words or less).
BONUS: Take all of your postings and turn them into a memory or tribute booklet for future generations.
Post an entry on your Blog when you have created your tribute. Tell us how you did it (what format, how you printed it or digitized it, etc.).
Want Even More Prompts and Tips?
If you would like additional writing prompts and tips for researching and writing about your female ancestors, pick up a copy of my eBook Fearless Females: 31 Writing Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History. Click here to order a copy and get $2.00 off the purchase price with coupon code fearless2021 (coupon good through 31 March 2021 11:59 p.m. Eastern time).
Copyright, 2021, Lisa A. Alzo
Saying Farewell to 2020: My Year in Review
I realize I am stating the obvious when I say I am so happy that this is the final day of 2020!
What a year it has been. Like everyone else, I saw life as I knew it change due to COVID-19. After March 6th I ceased all of my travel as in-person conferences/events were canceled. Hunkering down at home, I had to make new plans for replacing lost income and adjust to things I had not done before, such as ordering groceries online and switching to mostly virtual meetings and appointments.
In previous end-of-the-year blog posts, I would reflect on my personal or professional accomplishments. This year that somehow doesn’t feel appropriate. But as bad as 2020 was, I did find a few silver linings.
1. Family and Family History. Despite the physical distance, I found I stayed in touch more regularly with family members in the U.S. and abroad (thanks to technology). I also spent more time working on my own genealogy, including collaborating with a cousin on learning more about our great-grandmother’s family.
2. Faith. More time at home meant less distraction and stress. During times of uncertainty and anxiety, I found strength and comfort through prayer and meditation, and long walks during the summer and fall. I have learned to manage my time better, and give myself permission to just “be.” This has changed my perspective on life, adversity, and my work.
3. Fortitude. The word fortitude is defined “as courage in pain or adversity” (Middle English: via French from Latin fortitudo, from fortis ‘strong’). Instead of mourning all the things I did not get to do in 2020 or dwell on the disappointments, I found strength in handling the challenges. The truth is that I managed to stay safe and healthy, and sadly I am aware that others and other families are not so lucky. The small sacrifices I had to make are nothing compared to those of previous generations. I was inspired by the stories of how my immigrant grandparents faced their obstacles, and from the many life-altering events my Slovak and Rusyn ancestors endured.
Which brings me to my “word” for 2021…
Last year, I chose the word “transform” as my word for the year. I outlined this in my “Saying Farewell to 2019: My Year in Review” blog post.” I wrote in part:
“While 2019 was a year to simplify various aspects of my life and work, 2020 is the year I plan to make some big changes including where I live and what type of work I do. While I don’t have all the specifics in place, I can say that I will be doing more creating/writing and online teaching, and virtual presentations. and less traveling/speaking at in-person conferences/events.”
Perhaps that post was a bit prophetic. While circumstances prevented me from changing where I live (I had planned to move), the unprecedented time forced me to halt travel and in-person conferences and work more virtually as well as focus on creating/writing. I had to pivot in my business and transform my goals and thinking.
Hello 2021!
According to Forbes.com ‘Resilience’ is the word for 2021 because it implies hope, faith and possibilities.” (See “Why The Word For 2021 Is ‘Resilience’ And How It Affects Mental Health” 6 December 2020).
So, I have decided that RESILIENT/RESILIENCE will be my word for 2021. I will be honest in saying I have no idea what 2021 will bring. However, as I prepare for the new year, I do have hope and faith and I look forward to new possibilities!
I would like to extend a special thank you to my readers for your continued support in 2020.
I wish you health, happiness, and better days in 2021!
Copyright 2020, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved
If improving your genealogy and/or writing skills is on your list of goals for the coming year, then check out the Black Friday Bonanza Sale at Research Write Connect!
Whether you are a beginner who wants to explore family history, understand DNA testing and specific record sets, or an experienced researcher hoping to write your family history, or master using Scrivener writing software, then take advantage of our Black Friday Bonanza Sale and save 50% on all classes and 1:1 Coaching services at Research, Write, Connect through Monday, 30 November 2020! (Note: Offer is not valid on past purchases).
All courses are self-paced with no set start or end dates so you can begin at a date and time that suits your schedule! These are the lowest prices of the year on our courses/coaching so you don’t want to miss out on this deal!
Use promo code THANKS50 at checkout to claim your 50% savings!
Offer good until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 30 November 2020.
Learn more about these courses by clicking the links below.
Genealogy Courses
- Beginning Genealogy: Starting Off Right (with Cheri Passey), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $49.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
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- Using City Directories for Genealogical Research (with Diana Crisman Smith), regularly priced at $87.00, now just $43.50 USD –click HERE to purchase!
- Researching US Government Records (101) (with Paula Stuart-Warren), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $49.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Discovering Genealogy (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Finding Your Female Ancestors (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $49.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Finding Your Family History on the Giant Genealogy Websites (with Sunny Jane Morton) , regularly priced at $99.00, now just $49.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Using Mirror Trees to Identify Ancestors (with Regina Negrycz), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- The ABCs of DNA (with Regina Negrycz), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
Writing Courses
- Crafting Your Memoir (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $97.00 , now just $48.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff: Telling the Story – Writer’s Edition (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $99.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff: Telling the Story – Homeschool Edition (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $99.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff II: Advancing the Story (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $99.00 USD, now just $43.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff III: Selling the Story (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $119.00 USD, now just $59.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Mastering Scrivener (101) (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $129.00 USD, now just $64.50 USD – click HERE to purchase!
Back to School Sale: Save 30% on all Research Write Connect Courses
September is here and it is the unofficial end of summer. As students are heading back to school, it is also time to think about your own genealogy education plan!
Whether you are a beginner who wants to explore family history, understand DNA testing and specific record sets, or an experienced researcher hoping to write your family history, or master using Scrivener writing software, then take advantage of the special back to school sale and save 30% on all classes at Research, Write, Connect through Tuesday, 14 September 2020!
Offer good until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 14 September 2020.
Genealogy Courses
- Beginning Genealogy: Starting Off Right (with Cheri Passey), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $69.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- The Genealogical Proof Standard: A Guide for Your Genealogy Journey (with Cheri Passey), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $69.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Using City Directories for Genealogical Research (with Diana Crisman Smith), regularly priced at $87.00, now just $60.90 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Researching US Government Records (101) (with Paula Stuart-Warren), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $69.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Discovering Genealogy (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $60.90 USD – click HERE to shop!
- Finding Your Female Ancestors (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $99.00, now just $69.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Using Mirror Trees to Identify Ancestors (with Regina Negrycz), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $60.90 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- The ABCs of DNA (with Regina Negrycz), regularly priced at $87.00 USD, now just $60.90 USD – click HERE to purchase!
Writing Courses
- Crafting Your Memoir (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $97.00 , now just $67.90 USD – Click here to purchase!
- Write Stuff: Telling the Story – Writer’s Edition (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $149.00 USD, now just $104.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff: Telling the Story – Homeschool Edition (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $149.00 USD, now just $104.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff II: Advancing the Story (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $149.00 USD, now just $104.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Write Stuff III: Selling the Story (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $169.00 USD, now just $118.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
- Mastering Scrivener (101) (with Lisa Alzo), regularly priced at $179.00 USD, now just $125.30 USD – click HERE to purchase!
Announcing New Course on Using City Directories at Research Write Connect
Curious about how city directories can help you with your genealogical research? Want to learn how to locate directories online or in print?
You can learn how to located and use these directories and more in a new course at Research Write Connect Academy, “Using City Directories for Genealogical Research: Windows to the Past” with instructor Diana Crisman Smith.
Click here to register today and save $10.00 off the regular price with promo code DIANA10 through 15 July 2020.
Course Description:
Learn to use directories (city, rural, occupational, and others) to mine the many gems of information they contain. The details in directories are not only useful facts in themselves, but also serve as clues in the search for more details and documentation for a clearer image of the lives of our ancestors.
What You’ll Get
1. Self-Paced Study: There is no required start or end date. Simply log in and begin your course immediately! You can work through the materials and exercises at a pace that suits your own schedule, experience, and learning style.
2. Tips & Techniques: This new three-week course is designed to introduce students to the gems in city (and other) directories. The written lessons are supplemented by videos [closed-captioning provided], and a handout with resources and websites.
3. Interactive Learning: Practical exercises will provide an opportunity to explore city directories, putting the concepts into action as you move through the course. Interact with your instructor via a designated Facebook Group.
View the full course outline here.
If you ever wanted to find a window to the past of the lives of your ancestors, city (and other directories) can provide that helpful glimpse!
About the Instructor
Diana Crisman Smith has been researching her family history since grade school. She has been attending conferences, writing, teaching and presenting to genealogical audiences for over 40 years. Her research experience began with her own families in Denmark, Canada, and the US – including three Mayflower ancestors. She has added client research, aiding patrons at the local LDS Family History Search Center as a lay librarian for more than twenty years, and traveling to genealogical repositories around the country (and in Denmark) to explore family history resources.
Diana has written feature and how-to articles and product reviews for online and print publications, including Heritage Quest, FamilyTree Magazine, Everton’s Family History Magazine, Genealogical Computing, Digital Genealogist, Family TreeMaker Magazine, APG Quarterly, NGS NewsMagazine, and others. She was an instructor for FamilyTree University, including courses on Land Records, Military Records, Civil War Research, Scandinavian Basics, Death Records, City Directories, Census Records, and RootsMagic software.
She is also on the faculty of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies in Toronto, with a course on Danish Research. Diana is past board member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG), the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE), the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and the Florida State Genealogical Society, as well as the Great Lakes Chapter of APG and various local societies. She has presented a wide variety of topics at conferences throughout the United States, at sea, and via webinar. Since concluding a career in software consulting, she is concentrating her efforts on genealogical pursuits including researching, teaching, writing, and speaking.
Hurry! Register Soon
The special discount for this course ends on Wednesday 15 July 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Register now with promo code DIANA10 and get this course for just $77 USD.
Sign up today and learn how city (and other) directories can provide windows to the past for your ancestors!
Copyright 2020, Lisa A. Alzo
Research, Write, Connect
All Rights Reserved.
Special Sale on Writing Courses and New Course Announcement
Are you struggling to get that family history writing project off the ground? Want to learn how to write your memoir or learn how to use Scrivener?
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Register for one of these courses using promo code WRITE40. NOTE: The special promo price for these courses has been extended through 5 July 2020 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Discount is valid ONLY on writing courses. Included courses:
NEW COURSE! Crafting Your Memoir, regularly priced $97,00, now just $58.20 – click HERE to register!
Write Stuff: Telling the Story – Writer’s Edition, regularly priced at $149.00, now just $89.40
Click HERE to register!
Write Stuff II: Advancing the Story, regularly priced at $149.00, now just $89.40 – click HERE to register!
Write Stuff III: Selling the Story, regularly priced at $169.00, now just $101.40 – click HERE to register!
Mastering Scrivener (101), regularly priced at $179.00, now just $107.40 – click HERE to register!
You must apply promo code WRITE40 at checkout to claim your savings!
New Course on the Genealogical Proof Standard
Do you ever question whether you are doing genealogy the right way? Have you heard others talk about the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) but find yourself intimidated by the term, or confused by exactly what it means? Do you wonder if it’s something you need to use if you are not a professional researcher?
Then check Research, Write, Connect for a brand new course with Cheri Hudson Passey The Genealogical Proof Standard: A Guide for Your Genealogy Journey.
In this four-lesson self-paced class, you will learn why every genealogist should learn to use and apply the 5 elements of the GPS. Register now and get started learning and practicing how the GPS is a fundamental “Guide for Your Genealogy Journey.”
Now through 7 July 2020 you can take $20 off with promo code GPS20.
A Message from the Instructor
“The Genealogical Proof Standard is a necessary tool to help ensure you are on the correct path to discover your ancestors. In this course, you will learn how to put the GPS into practice.”~ Cheri Hudson Passey
Click here to learn more about the course and register now.
Celebrating 14 Years of Blogging: Reflecting Back and Looking Forward
Today marks the 14th anniversary of this blog! It seems like yesterday since my first post on June 28, 2006!
When I created this blog, my goal was pretty simple: to share information about my two favorite topics: writing and genealogy!
My second blog post detailed why I decided to name my blog “The Accidental Genealogist.” In it, I wrote:
“Here I’ll share my thoughts, experiences, profiles on some of my favorite ancestors, and other useful information for genealogists who like to write, as well as tips on writing and publishing for writers who happen to be genealogists.”
A lot has happened in the genealogy world over the past 14 years both in my personal research and in my role as a writer and educator. I have enjoyed sharing news about my personal goals, books, speaking engagements, research finds, travel to my ancestral villages, and more. I participated in Blog carnivals and challenges, and even created my own blogging prompt series “Fearless Females” in 2010 to help share stories of female ancestors in March during Women’s History Month.
I have written about research challenges I have tackled and have also had the opportunity to connect with cousins and fellow researchers around the globe.
On the professional side, I have shared posts about new databases [affiliate link], software, and other technology tools such as Scrivener [affiliate link] to help with the research process, and writing family history, and online education opportunities I provide with my own webinar bundles, and through Research, Write, Connect Academy, The National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and Legacy Family Tree Webinars [affiliate link].
(See my post “Five Ways to Learn Virtually with The Accidental Genealogist“)
A Look Ahead
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my 2020 scheduled in-person appearances were either cancelled, rescheduled to virtual presentations, or postponed until 2021, This has provided more time for me to look further into my family history, finish some writing projects, and develop more educational materials.
As my research interests change and my business evolves, I recognize the importance of being able to pivot and try new things. I have plans to change my websites and newsletter, and I have a new blog in the works too. Stay tuned!
A Word of Thanks
Thank you to everyone who has commented on this blog over the years, contacted me via email, or approached me at a conference or speaking engagement to tell me how much they have enjoyed reading my posts. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
[While I have turned off the comments function of this blog for now, readers are welcome to contact me through the contact form at the top of this page.]
Copyright, 2020, Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved
[Thank you for supporting The Accidental Genealogist by purchasing any products mentioned above, which are a part of the income stream for my writing/genealogy business].
Learn How to Research U.S. Government Records in New Course from Research, Write, Connect
Have you ever wondered if there are untapped federal records you can use in your genealogy research to find your ancestors? Not sure where or how to begin to find them?
Then check out the new course, Researching U.S. Government Records (101) by Paula Stuart-Warren, CG®, FMGS, FUGA at Research, Write, Connect.
In this self-paced, 4-week “drip” course, you will learn how to research the treasure trove of federal records of the U.S. government and mine the rich personal and other details they contain to compile a better picture of your ancestors and their families.
Sign up by 31 May 2020 and receive $20 off with promo code PAULA20. Click here to learn more and start your course today!
Course Details
Researching U.S. Government Records (101)
In this course, you will get:
- Self-Paced Study – 1 Lesson Per Week. There is no deadline to finish this course. You will receive an email with a link to begin your course one day after purchase. Lessons will be “dripped” via email message to you on a weekly basis so you can work through the materials and assignments at a pace that suits your own schedule, experience, and learning style.
- Tips and Techniques – Easy-to-understand lesson materials and short simple videos will cover how to start, understand terminology, organize your research, avoid common mistakes, and learn what types of records are available and where to find them.
- Interactive Learning – Assignments will provide an opportunity to begin the process of building your tree by putting the concepts into action as you move through the course. Interact with your instructor via a private course Facebook Group.
A Message from the Instructor
“Ten years in a row spent in intensive researching at the National Archives in Washington, DC and College Park, Maryland. Then research at several of the regional locations of NARA. I knew I had to share details and discoveries with others so they could enhance their own family history. Once I was back in DC in December of 2019, I knew how I wanted to share more about the unbelievable records of our federal government. I hope you enjoy this four-session introduction to a variety of records, finding aids, and both online and in-person access. The syllabus that accompanies this is extensive and provides more detail.’
~ Paula Stuart-Warren, Instructor
About the Instructor
Paula is a genealogical and historical researcher, lecturer, writer, and research coach. She is based in Minnesota but research has taken her to locations and repositories across the U.S. She has done presentations on various topics for national, state, and local groups in the U.S., Canada, and on cruise ships. Her specialties include unusual records, analysis, research planning, problem-solving, manuscript and archival repositories, railroads, and Native American genealogy. For ten years, she lived in the Washington, DC area for weeks at a time while researching at the National Archives and other area repositories. She last researched at the Archives in DC at the end of 2019. She has also researched on-site at several of the other NARA locations. Her other extensive experience with federal records has been with microfilmed, digitized, and published material found in other repositories and online. She has written books and many articles about family history and records and is an active volunteer in many organizations. Her contracted research has assisted authors, law firms, television shows, historical societies, and others with projects. Paula is a course coordinator and instructor at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, an instructor at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and an instructor for Ancestry Academy, FamilyTree University, and Legacy Family Tree Webinars. She has served on the boards of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and Minnesota Genealogical Society. She was the first President of the Northland Chapter of APG. She has received many awards for her work, most recently the 2019 Association of Professional Genealogists Laura G. Prescott Award for Exemplary Service to Professional Genealogy. She is a member of many genealogical and historical organizations. Her ancestors came to the U.S. from eight other countries and she has also researched the southern roots of her father-in-law. Sharing the knowledge and experience of her years in genealogy is a vital part of her life which also includes her own continuing education.
~ Paula
If you are ready to get started, click here to reserve your spot. Use promo code PAULA20 at checkout to get the special ($20 off) introductory price today.
Offer ends 31 May 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. [Offer valid ONLY on the U.S. Government Records 101 Course.]