Presentations

 I am available to give presentations to local libraries, genealogy societies, and other organizations. My lectures consist of a PowerPoint presentation with a corresponding handout. New lectures can be developed upon request.

I am available to speak either in person or virtually. I have presented in person for numerous genealogical societies in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Nationally, I have presented at conferences of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Federation of Genealogical Societies, New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, and the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Virtually, I have presented programs for societies in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas. I have also spoken for numerous chapters of the DAR.

I frequently speak at libraries. Local libraries include the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Ashtabula County District Library, Avon Lake Public Library, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, Perry Public Library, Salem Public Library, Sandusky Library, Stark County District Library and the Tuscarawas County Public Library.

Current presentations include:

EDUCATION/SKILLS

• Mastering the Art of Reading Old Handwriting: Strategies for Success
  Learning to read old handwriting can be time-consuming and requires patience. This presentation offers several strategies for deciphering old handwriting.
• Searching and Browsing Basics
  Instructions? We don’t need no instructions⸺But maybe we do! This presentation reviews Boolean operators, Venn diagrams, and search strategies. The benefits of browsing are also discussed. Includes copious examples.

METHODOLOGY

• Avoiding Rabbit Holes: Using Research Questions, Plans, and Logs
  Learn how developing a research question and creating research plans and logs can help guide your research and keep your research on track. Includes a case study.
• Let’s Talk About Indexes
  How many different indexing systems are there? How can I evaluate if an index is thorough? Comprehensive? When should I use the index? Will I miss anything if I just look in the index?

RESOURCES 

 The DAR Genealogical Research System

• Take a guided tour of the DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS). The multi-faceted GRS is a genealogical resource available to everyone. It offers a variety of indexes, many of which cannot be found elsewhere.
• Digital Ohio: Researching Buckeye Gems
  Small local history and genealogy collections are often unrecognized and under-utilized. But in the Buckeye state, many colleges, public libraries and genealogical societies are working together to get these valuable collections online. Learn how to find and access these unique online resources.
• Mining for Genealogical Treasures in the Internet Archive
  The Internet Archive is not just the Wayback Machine! It also contains audio, movies, images, software, maps, and texts. Discover everything you can do at the Archive and learn search strategies for accessing its genealogical treasures.
• Researching Family in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)
  Access the digital collections of over 5,000 libraries, archives, and museums. The Digital Public Library of America brings them together in one place. Explore this unique resource filled with items of interest to genealogists and family historians.