I am still here and happily researching! The first part of this year has been filled with lots of education along with plenty of client research.

January through June was spent working on the post-graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies (online) at the University of Strathclyde. This was a fantastic program, and I learned so much. Not only do I feel better equipped to use English, Scottish and Irish records, but the palaeographic and heraldic portions were quite interesting and potentially useful. The option I chose for the final graded assignment was a four-generation research project on Scottish ancestors (not mine). It was great to use all of the newly acquired skills.

In June, I finished ProGen65! My cohort consisted of fantastic genealogists. While we all have different goals, I think we all learned from each other. I now feel confident that I can complete all of the work necessary for the certification portfolio. I have started working on my portfolio components, and hope to be “on the clock” with the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

In August, I attend GRIP – also known as genealogist summer camp. This year, I took “Get Your Hands Dirty! A Workshop in Land and Property Records,” with Kimberly Powell, Jerry Smith, CG, and Richard Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA. We got into plotting deeds (which I have some experience doing) and placing those plots on Google Earth. That was what I was most interested in, and can know more confidently state where my 2nd great grandfather’s land was located in Johnson County, Tennessee.

Client work is going well. I thank everyone who has reached out to me. I’ve been doing a decent mix of forensic and traditional genealogy work. I love each and every new case. . .forensic genealogy offers the challenging of making connections and providing results within a deadline (usually). . .traditional work involves diving deeper and I often become engrossed in the family I am researching. All of our ancestors have such unique stories.

What’s Next?

Client work will always be a priority. I have a couple of great projects in the works right now, researching in a variety of locations.

I love learning, and genealogy offers plenty of opportunities in that regard. However, I’ve done a lot of courses in the last two years. My plan for the rest of the year (when I have free time) is to start studying about DNA and endogamy. I have a firm grasp of the basic principles of using DNA; however, my tree is an endogamous mess. I need to learn how to use those DNA matches.

Working on my BCG portfolio is also a priority. I have sketched out my case study, and chosen a line for the Kinship Determination Project.

Cleaning up the website, and blogging a bit more regularly are also part of the plan, so stay tuned!