Learning from a Genealogical Brochure | Generous Genealogists
Seattle Genealogical Society booth, Festál Irish Festival, Center House, Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Genealogical research is very rewarding and there are many opportunities to learn the different aspects of it. But, some of these opportunities come with a price tag, which some of us can not afford. Or maybe we can attend one or two of them a year, but miss out on several others. What can we do to take advantage of those seminars, conferences and educational moments that we are not able to attend personally?
How many times do we visit our local society or library and there on the table is the next FGS or NGS conference? If we know we can not attend, do we just walk past this brochure without taking the time to look it over? I would suggest that you pick it up and study it for the following things.
Who is speaking? These are genealogists who those responsible for the event felt were knowledgeable in their field. They are someone that has experience in this field or topic they were chosen to speak on. See what other avenues you can find to learn about these speakers and their topics from the comfort of your own home, without having to spend money on airfare, hotel, etc.
See if they have any of the following that you can learn from:
- Websites
- Books
- Webinars
- Speaking Engagements that may be closer to your home
- Magazine Articles
- Blogs
- Are any of the classes being shown live online?
Another thing to look for in the brochure, is what are the topics being discussed. Those are usually the ones that we all need a little more help with, or the newest genealogy product, software or news being showcased in the genealogical community. For example, if you see DNA is one of the featured topics, then take time to seek out material at your local library or online Webinars to education yourself on this topic. That way you can also be educated on those topics being taught at the conferences and seminars.
If you have a desire to learn from those speakers on those topics, ask your local society to sponsor them to come to your area. Many societies pay to have genealogy speakers come, but they need the member’s suggestions on topics and speakers.
So, next time you are walking past that brochure for RootsTech, NGS, FGS and/or another conference, do not just let it lay there. Pick it up, take it home and research those speakers and topics. You may be amazed at what you might learn from the comfort of your own home at no costs.
