Presentation Schedule

Prepared Presentations:

I. Torrey’s Treasures: Discovering the Hidden Gems Buried Inside New England Marriages Prior to 1700.

Genealogists often cite Torrey’s New England Marriages Prior to 1700 as the source for documenting the marriages of their Colonial New England ancestors.  In doing so, they often overlook the real source gems hiding in this Index.

Together we will open this treasure chest to learn who Clarence Almon Torrey was, what’s hiding inside, where his sources can be found, why you need to understand sources, when you should use this reference and how using this Index properly will further your research.

New England Ancestor’s Not Required 

This program is for anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of what a source is and how to approach any new source material for possible inclusion in one’s research.

II. Myths, Legends and Lies: The Dangers of Family History Research

Can you handle the truth?

Family history research is a burgeoning pursuit thanks to TV programs like “Who Do You Think You Are?”, “Genealogy Roadshow,” and “Finding Your Roots.” But before you jump in, have you asked yourself if you’re fully prepared for what you might discover?

Together we will be opening closets to expose skeletons, peeking under the lid of Pandora’s Box, and shining light on the ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the quest to find your missing ancestors. They may have good reasons why they’re hiding from you.

III. What’s in Your Genes? Deciphering DNA Testing

Do the DNA Testing commercials have you curious?

Are you considering taking a DNA test but wonder who to test with?

Clueless about spitting or swabbing?

Join genealogist Michael Lee Stills for an introduction to DNA testing. We will unravel the four types of DNA and their appropriate tests, discuss the pros and cons of the major testing companies, discover who owns your DNA once you test and answer many of your questions before you buy your first DNA kit.

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IV. The Wonders of WikiTree: Adventures in Colloaborative Genealogy (*Suspended)

Are you looking for new ways to solve old problems?

Is your current genealogy website seeming a bit stale lately?

Join Michael for a fun examination of WikiTree and learn how to leverage the power of Collaborative Genealogy to break down walls, find new sources and help you grow the shared family tree.

All you have to do is sign the Honor Code and get involved. Participants are asked to imagine what their ideal genealogical website would do for them and bring questions.

IV. A. WikiTree Workshops (*Suspended):  1-2 hour sessions where current members of WikiTree gather to share ideas on how to use WikiTree.

*WikiTree has undergone major technological upgrades thanks to it’s very talented volunteers.  Please contact me if you are interested in WikiTree as I am still a very active user.  I am sure we can put together a great program based on the current status of WikiTree at the time of contact.

 

Scheduled Events

2023

Friday, October 20th Myths, Legends and Lies. Bainbrigde Island Genealogical Society, In-Person Presentation: Bainbridge Public Library 10:00pm – 11:30pm.

Wednesday, June 28th, Torrey’s Treasures. Puget Sound Genealogical Society, In-Person / Zoom Presentation: 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

Wednesday, March 7th Myths, Legends and Lies. Poulsbo Historical Society, In-Person Presentation: Kitsap Public Library, Poulsbo 1:00pm – 2:30pm.

2022

Saturday, April 10th, What’s in Your Genes? Deciphering DNA Testing. Puget Sound Genealogical Society, Zoom Presentation: 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

2021

Saturday, April 10th, Torrey’s Treasures. Clallum County Genealogical Society, Zoom Presentation: 10:00am – 11am.

Wednesday, April 28th, Myths, Legends and Lies. Puget Sound Genealogical Society, Zoom Presentation: 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

*** COVID canceled all in-person presentations ***

2020

Tuesday, January 21st,  Myths, Legends and Lies. Heritage Quest Research Library,  Sumner, WA. 10:30am – 12:00pm. Meeting begins at 10am. In-person

Saturday, February 1st, Myths, Legends and Lies.  Clallum County Genealogical Society, KSQM Meeting Room, Sequim, WA. 10:30am to 12:00pm. Meeting begins at 10am. In-person.

2019

***Moved to the State of Washington***

Friday, February 8th, Myths, Legends and Lies.  Christ Church, Swansea, MA. 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

2018

Wednesday, July 11th. What’s in Your Genes? Deciphering DNA Testing. George Hail Free Library, Warren, RI.. 11:00am to 12:30pm.

Saturday, Jun 23rd.  WikiTree Workshop.  Prerequisite:  Must have already joined WikiTree.  Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, Bristol, RI. 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Saturday, Jun 16th. The Wonders of WikiTree  – Mass. Society of Genealogists: Bristol Chapter, MA

2017

Tue, Sep 19th.  The Wonders of Wikitree – Swansea Library, MA

Wed. Sep 20th, The Wonders of WikiTree *abbreviated* – Rehobeth Genealogical Society – MA

Thu, Nov 9th.  Myths, Legends and Lies – East Providence Library, RI

Note: Event Times are shown in Eastern Time. Subtract 3 hours for Pacific Time. [I have not found the solution to this problem]