CQFHA Newsletter Article 2016

Branches of the Tree

Being a novice participant in “Unlock the Past” conferences and sea cruises I saved madly to give these adventures a go.

 What a delightful seven days!

My cabin mate was Judith Rowarth who I had not had the pleasure of meeting whilst she lived in Rocky. In the extremely small space of our twin share cabin with ensuite I found Judith easy to get along with.

I hope Judith writes up her life story as she is a very interesting lady.

 Overall the preparation, presentation and support of the “Unlock the Past” conference was confident and competent – Alan Phillips working diligently to copy the ebooks he promoted during the voyage onto USB drives - still waiting on the emailed handouts though – my notes need the basics to make sense now! Being able to peruse the resource booklets was a bonus – many thanks to those authors for their time and generosity in compiling these documents – several  of the conference speakers were authors.

 Carol Baxter as keynote speaker was dynamic and she presented information in an easy manner – stimulated my imagination to visualise stories of my various ancestors that I could write up if necessary. The resource books I purchased will definitely help with this activity. I can understand how her books of ‘True Crime Historical Nonfiction’ are lucrative and noted as readable.

Rosemary and Eric Kopitke were extremely approachable and deeply knowledgeable about indices and finding those German ancestors. From other participants and my own interview with Eric, he listened actively to the issue then burst forth with email addresses and possible avenues of search that will be greatly helpful. Rosemary with calm good humour provided insight into the ways and means of using indices and maintaining an attitude of credibility and analysis. Those ‘Research Help Zones’ given by the speakers , were appreciated by all who were able to attend – well worth making the appointment.

 The sessions Rosemary provided on aspects of several commonly used websites was fantastic – several I had heard of but really had no idea were such repositories of useful stuff.

 Helen Smith assertively kept all on track during the sessions and then with humour and authority reinforced the central essentials of family history research of accuracy and substantial background to the facts of information. I found the legal boundaries within her sessions very enlightening.

Keeping the sensitive and sensibility of skeletons surfacing. Identifying the impact of certain information and when and how to discuss and with whom, especially if more information is wanted. Timely reinforcement for someone like me who has a problem with ‘foot and mouth’ syndrome.

 The use of maps to assist in locating and guiding searches as given by Eric and Helen, awesome, as another avenue of thought and presentation of family life story. Those changing county / shire boundaries now make sense and where to find old maps – gold!

Judy Webster provided valuable direction in the search of those elusive ancestors who may have donned cloaks of invisibility for various reasons – illegitimacy, starting a new life, escaping circumstances, dodging responsibilities. Find those ‘Police Gazettes’.

Chris Wright answered several questions I had on software programs in regard to Picasa – thank you. Chris also taught me to use another software program I had on my computer though did not know for what it was good (EverNote -> OneNote).

In summary, the points of note I took away from the conference were:

·         Search widely and have a number of citations in support of identity

·         Search widely within a family group for information – all siblings of all members

·         Search widely from around the globe – widen boundaries

·         Search widely from environmental, social, political and cultural avenues

·         Search widely from as many websites as can find – keywords: family, history, ancestors, genealogy, ancestry, heritage, past, search, find

·         Thoroughly use local resources – family, library, CQFH

·         Keep an open mind!

Overall, I am reassured I have many years of adventure ahead with making my ancestors and descendant family members into human and comprehensive beings.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise experience I do feel I am a land based person – will scout out elite exotic resorts for future family history conferences. I heard that the next Congress is being held in Sydney in March 2018.

Have started saving for this event already.

 Chose that person of interest and bring to life again.