Get Unstuck: Break Down Brick Walls; Learn Family History Research Skills (Previous Webinar)

Introduction

The webinar is a pre-recorded presentation aimed at helping with family history research. The presenter, Connie Knox, provides strategies to get unstuck, improve research skills, and share findings with future generations.

About the Presenter

• Connie Knox is known as the "lifelong genealogist" and offers assistance in family history research.

• She has a background in genealogy and television broadcasting.

• Connie started her career as a production assistant and later became an independent producer.

• In 2018, she launched a YouTube channel dedicated to genealogy.

• Connie left broadcasting in 2020 to focus on professional genealogy work.

Research Questions

Connie poses questions for participants to consider regarding their current progress in genealogy research.

Key Questions

1. Have you found everything there is to know about your ancestors? This question relates to reasonably exhaustive research, which is essential for accurate results.

2. Do you have a solid workflow or methodical process for conducting research?

3. Are you familiar with where to look for evidence? This includes records research and potentially DNA evidence.

4. Do you possess the necessary skills to overcome brick walls or challenges in your research?

Challenges Faced by Genealogists

Connie discusses common challenges faced by genealogists that can hinder their progress.

Common Challenges

• Lack of available records or difficulty interpreting old script and nuances within records.

• Insufficient knowledge of research skills and where to find relevant evidence.

• Limited participation from family members who may not want to discuss or contribute information.

• Time constraints due to work or other commitments that limit available research time.

• Geographic location barriers when physical access to certain records is necessary.

Importance of Physical Records

Connie emphasizes that not all records are available online and highlights the significance of physical records.

Key Points

• While many records are accessible online, some important documents can only be found in physical locations.

• Being present at specific repositories or archives may be necessary to access certain records.

• Researchers should be aware that not everything is digitized and readily available on the internet.

The transcript does not provide further content beyond this point.

Getting Unstuck in Genealogy Research

In this section, the speaker discusses strategies for getting unstuck in genealogy research and emphasizes the importance of organization, focused research, and gathering information about the target ancestor and their immediate family.

Strategies for Getting Unstuck

• Get Organized: The speaker suggests organizing one's research materials and focusing on the areas that need attention. This doesn't require a complete overhaul but rather finding a system that works for you.

• Dig Deeper: While hints from online platforms like Ancestry can be helpful, they only represent a small portion of available records. It is important to dig deeper and find all possible records related to the target ancestor.

• Cluster Research: Cluster research involves investigating not only the immediate family (spouse and children) but also friends, associates, and neighbors (fan club). This approach helps tie records together and provides additional insights.

• Focus on Target Ancestor: Instead of chasing hints all over the tree, it is recommended to focus on one specific target ancestor. Create a research question around who, what, where, when, why, and how to guide your search.

• Record Organization: Keep track of records specific to the target ancestor by organizing them effectively. This allows for easy access when needed without having to reorganize everything.

Gathering Information

• Abstracting Details: To overcome research challenges, it is necessary to abstract details from records. Start by transcribing information exactly as seen in documents such as wills or other sources. Then create an abstract by removing boilerplate language and focusing on names, dates, places, etc.

By following these strategies and gathering comprehensive information about the target ancestor and their immediate family, researchers can overcome obstacles and make progress in their genealogy research.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of keeping research notes in chronological order and introduces the FamilySearch Wiki as a valuable resource for genealogical research.

Keeping Research Notes in Chronological Order

• It is recommended to keep research notes in chronological order.

• As more information is gathered about each individual, it is advisable to separate the research notes into two individual sets.

• Chronological organization helps maintain a clear timeline of events and findings.

Utilizing the FamilySearch Wiki

• The FamilySearch Wiki, accessible through familysearch.org, is an excellent resource for genealogical research.

• It provides answers to various questions related to finding birth records, wills, and other relevant information.

• Bookmarking the FamilySearch Wiki is recommended for easy access to a wide range of resources.

New Section

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining good quality research notes and suggests exploring beyond one's preferred genealogy platform.

Importance of Good Quality Research Notes

• Good quality research notes are essential for organizing and documenting genealogical findings effectively.

• Abstracted information should be recorded in research notes to provide a comprehensive overview.

Exploring Beyond Preferred Genealogy Platform

• It is beneficial to explore other platforms besides one's favorite genealogy platform.

• While not necessary to have subscriptions to all platforms, checking resources like FamilySearch, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, state archives, and county records can yield valuable information.

• The speaker recommends becoming familiar with state archives as they often hold significant records.

New Section

In this section, the speaker highlights additional resources such as Cindy's List and encourages researchers to think outside the box when conducting genealogical research.

Additional Resources: Cindy's List

• Cindy's List is mentioned as another valuable resource for genealogical research.

• While not elaborated upon, it is recommended as a useful tool alongside the FamilySearch Wiki.

Thinking Outside the Box

• Researchers should not limit themselves to a single platform but explore various platforms and resources.

• Ancestry users are specifically encouraged to look beyond their preferred platform.

• State archives and county records are suggested as alternative sources of information.

• No single platform has access to all records, so exploring different avenues is essential.

New Section

In this section, the speaker advises against solely relying on hints and other member trees when conducting genealogical research.

Avoid Chasing Hints

• Relying solely on leafy hints provided by genealogy platforms only scratches the surface of available information.

• It is important not to become fixated on chasing hints without delving deeper into research.

Member Trees as Last Resort

• Other members' family trees should be used as a last step in the research process.

• The speaker recommends following a methodical approach that involves researching records first before consulting member trees.

• By conducting thorough research independently, one can avoid potential biases or incorrect information found in other member trees.

New Section

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding historical records and suggests learning how they were kept and where they were stored.

Understanding Historical Records

• Researchers should strive to understand how historical records were created and maintained.

• Learning about recordkeeping practices, storage locations, and symbols used can aid in effectively utilizing these resources for genealogical research.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the process of correlating evidence and using Excel or Google Sheets to organize research data.

Correlating Evidence and Using Spreadsheets

• The speaker gives an example of correlating evidence for a fictional family, emphasizing the importance of recording names, ages, record dates, and sources.

• Using Excel or Google Sheets allows for sorting and filtering data, making it easier to identify connections within a community.

• Researching state archives online can be challenging but is necessary to understand the resources available in specific areas or states.

• Abstracting facts from documents helps pay attention to details that may reveal new insights about relationships or gaps in information.

• Keeping research notes in chronological order facilitates tracking progress and identifying missing information.

New Section

This section focuses on understanding target ancestors, researching their path, and utilizing cluster research.

Understanding Target Ancestors and Cluster Research

• To effectively research target ancestors, it is important to explore all records related to them as well as their family members and siblings.

• Familiarity with state archives and county records is crucial for accessing relevant resources.

• Cluster research involves investigating the broader network of individuals connected to the target ancestor through family or community ties.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes that eventually there may be limitations in available records but encourages thorough research before reaching dead ends.

Limitations of Records and Exhaustive Research

• Researchers should acknowledge that there may come a point where available records no longer provide further information.

• However, it is essential to conduct reasonably exhaustive research before concluding that all possible avenues have been explored.

New Section

The speaker introduces the concept of correlating evidence and provides an example of how to organize research data.

Correlating Evidence and Organizing Research Data

• Correlating evidence involves connecting various pieces of information about a family, such as names, ages, record dates, and sources.

• Using tools like Excel or Google Sheets allows for sorting and filtering data, making it easier to identify connections within a community.

• Researching state archives online can be challenging but is necessary to understand the resources available in specific areas or states.

• Abstracting facts from documents helps pay attention to details that may reveal new insights about relationships or gaps in information.

• Keeping research notes in chronological order facilitates tracking progress and identifying missing information.

New Section

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding target ancestors and utilizing cluster research.

Understanding Target Ancestors and Cluster Research

• To effectively research target ancestors, it is important to explore all records related to them as well as their family members and siblings.

• Familiarity with state archives and county records is crucial for accessing relevant resources.

• Cluster research involves investigating the broader network of individuals connected to the target ancestor through family or community ties.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes the importance of thorough research and acknowledges the limitations of available records.

Limitations of Records and Exhaustive Research

• Researchers should acknowledge that there may come a point where available records no longer provide further information.

• However, it is essential to conduct reasonably exhaustive research before concluding that all possible avenues have been explored.

Research Skills for Genealogy

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of research skills in breaking down genealogical brick walls and offers a clip from another webinar where viewers can learn these skills.

Importance of Research Skills

• Research skills are essential for overcoming genealogical challenges and breaking down brick walls.

• The speaker asks if the audience has the necessary skills to tackle family history problems.

• Viewers are encouraged to learn research skills that can be applied repeatedly.

Story Behind Starting Genealogy TV

• The speaker shares a personal story about belonging to a local Camera Club but constantly being asked genealogy questions during meetings.

• This led to the idea of creating a video channel dedicated to teaching genealogy skills.

• The speaker's background in television broadcasting and love for genealogy made it a perfect match.

Lack of Skill-focused Genealogy Education

• During research for the genealogy TV YouTube channel, it was observed that there was limited focus on teaching research skills on platforms like YouTube.

• Existing resources mainly covered specific topics like German or French research, but not comprehensive skill-building.

• This realization prompted the creation of the Genealogy TV Academy to teach essential research skills.

Skills Taught at Genealogy TV Academy

• The Genealogy TV Academy offers courses on various aspects of genealogical research, including evidence analysis, correlation, documentation, and utilizing research tools and strategies.

• These skills enable researchers to take their family trees back through generations by following proper evidence-based methods.

Components of Genealogy TV Academy

1. Self-guided Courses:

• "Getting Started in Genealogy": A beginner's course providing foundational knowledge.

• "Smart Research": A comprehensive course suitable for all levels, guiding learners towards advanced research techniques.

• Both courses include lessons, videos, handouts, and worksheets.

2. Live Classroom Presentations:

• Monthly presentations held on the first Wednesday of each month, covering different research skills.

• These presentations are recorded for those unable to attend live.

Membership and Flexibility

• The Genealogy TV Academy operates on a monthly membership basis.

• Members have access to both self-guided courses and live classroom presentations.

• Learners can progress at their own pace, skipping lessons they are already familiar with.

Record Research and Evidence Analysis

This section focuses on the importance of record research and evidence analysis in genealogical research. It explains how these skills help uncover hidden information and establish connections between different records.

Utilizing Records for Research

• Researchers need to delve into various records to gather information about their ancestors.

• Records contain valuable details that may not be immediately apparent but can be discovered through careful analysis.

Uncovering Hidden Gems

• Proper evidence analysis allows researchers to identify hidden gems within records.

• Reading between the lines helps extract additional information beyond what is explicitly stated.

Correlation of Evidence

• Comparing multiple records enables evidence correlation, which is crucial for establishing accurate lineage connections.

• Correlating facts and evidence helps build a stronger case for ancestral relationships.

Documentation and Research Tools

• Documentation plays a vital role in genealogical research, ensuring proper recording of findings.

• Various research tools are available to aid in the search for records and strategies for effective research.

Conclusion

The transcript covers two main sections: "Research Skills for Genealogy" and "Record Research and Evidence Analysis." The first section emphasizes the importance of acquiring research skills to overcome genealogical challenges. The second section highlights the significance of record research, evidence analysis, correlation, documentation, and utilizing research tools. The Genealogy TV Academy is introduced as a resource offering self-guided courses and live classroom presentations to teach these essential skills.

New Section

This section discusses the benefits and features of a monthly membership for genealogy research.

Benefits of Monthly Membership

• The monthly membership includes a Q&A session called "office hours" held once a month on Zoom. These sessions are recorded, allowing members to submit questions in advance or ask them live during the session.

• The membership also provides access to a private Facebook group called "Genealogy TV Insiders," where members can ask questions and receive help from the community.

• Handouts and worksheets are provided with each live presentation, offering valuable information to assist with research problems.

• The annual value of the membership is estimated at $5500, considering all the benefits included.

New Section

This section highlights additional features and the increased value of an annual membership.

Additional Features and Value

• In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, an annual membership includes access to handouts, worksheets, and the Genealogy TV Insiders group.

• The total annual value of an annual membership is estimated at $6700.

• Members gain confidence in their family tree research, learn how to find ancestors and break down brick walls, and acquire organizational skills.

• The presenter encourages viewers to consider how much these benefits are worth to them personally.

New Section

This section provides details about pricing options for joining the Genealogy TV Academy.

Pricing Options

• The monthly membership fee is $59 per month but is currently offered at a discounted rate of $44.25 per month.

• To avail this discount, interested individuals can visit genealogytv.org/academy and use promo code "gtva25%" during sign-up.

• A one-time payment grants unlimited access to all courses within the Genealogy TV Academy.

• The presenter emphasizes affordability and making the membership accessible to everyone.

New Section

This section emphasizes the commitment of Genealogy TV Academy to support learners on their genealogical journey.

Commitment to Learners

• Genealogy TV Academy is dedicated to helping individuals learn and improve their genealogical skills.

• Satisfaction is a priority, and if a member is not satisfied for any reason, they can request a full refund within 14 days of purchase.

• Upon signing up, members receive three free handouts as bonus gifts: "10 Tips to Breaking Down Brick Walls," "How to Create Great Research Notes," and "Grouping DNA Matches on Ancestry."

• The annual total value of the membership is $6775.

New Section

This section focuses on the importance of gaining confidence in research skills and lineage verification.

Importance of Research Skills

• By joining Genealogy TV Academy, individuals gain access to all courses during their membership period.

• New lessons are added monthly, providing continuous learning opportunities.

• Live Zoom meetings with Q&A sessions allow members to ask questions and seek guidance from the presenter.

• The presenter encourages viewers to consider how these skills can help them confidently share their family history with future generations.

New Section

This section concludes by inviting viewers to join Genealogy TV Academy and highlights the goal of creating a family tree for future generations.

Invitation to Join

• Viewers are invited to join Genealogy TV Academy for unlimited course access, live meetings, and ongoing support in their genealogical journey.

• A discounted rate of $44.25 per month is currently available.

• The presenter expresses her commitment towards helping individuals stop making mistakes, get organized, and prove their lineage with confidence.

• The goal is to create a family tree that can be shared with future generations.

Timestamps are provided for each section, allowing viewers to easily navigate to specific parts of the video.

New Section

This section provides information about the limited time offer, the instructor of the courses, and the difference between Genealogy TV membership and the online courses.

Who is Teaching the Courses?

• The instructor of all the courses is the speaker himself.

Comparison with Genealogy TV Membership

• The content in Zoom presentations and online courses is similar to what is seen on Genealogy TV YouTube channel.

• More instructors may be added in the future to provide different perspectives on the skills taught.

• Genealogy TV membership on YouTube and online courses are completely separate entities.

• Handouts provided for information access level members on YouTube differ from those in online courses.

Availability and Discount

• The presentation will only be available for a short time, approximately a week.

• Attendees have an opportunity to get a 25% discount during this limited time offer.

Contact for Questions

• For any questions, attendees can reach out to help@genealogytv.org where either the speaker or Ashley will respond as quickly as possible.

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