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By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.11.15 Genealogical Strategies to Avoid Information Overload Navigating the world of genealogy can sometimes feel like wading through a vast ocean of facts, figures, and historical records. It’s easy to get swamped by the sheer volume of information available. But fear not! I’m here to guide you through managing this information overload with straightforward, easy-to-grasp strategies. So let’s start the journey. 1. Develop a Focused Plan Start with a clear plan of action. Choose a specific ancestor or family line to research first. This approach is like selecting a single path to explore in a vast […]

By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.11.08 Back in my day, when you wanted to get to know someone, you’d invite them for tea. These days? We go snooping in cemeteries. Ah, the sweet scent of progress! Before you raise your eyebrow at me, let me clarify: I am not talking about some morbid curiosity but rather the age-old art of genealogy. And even as an Amateur (and, might I add, rather grumpy one), I can tell you that cemeteries can be gold mines for family history enthusiasts. Allow me to enlighten you. 1. Start with the Living Before Bothering the Dead […]

By Dale E. Lee,Copyright (c), 20232023.11.01 The following may be able to help avoid confusion on how to address the collection and storage of Family History records. Family History records can be of many different kinds and media. Each kind of record and kind of media may need to be handled differently. The following are some of the kinds of records and media to look for when attempting to collect Family History records: certificates, xerox copies of records, handwritten copies of records, Family Group Sheets, Pedigree Charts, family histories, personal histories, pictures, slides, cassette tapes, videos, etc. Be careful not […]

By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.25 Alright, all you family historians! Grab your bifocals and put down that dusty old record because I have a thought or two about an issue I am concerned about. I am the only one in my family that is into genealogy. With all this hustle and bustle to dig up ol’ Great Great Grandpa Joe’s second cousin, if you’re going to stroll down memory lane, digging up skeletons and old family photos, you better make sure it isn’t all for nothing. Genealogy isn’t just a lonely pursuit of dead folks; it’s about living, breathing history. […]

10 Proven Strategies to Discover Your AncestorsBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.18 Genealogy, the study of family ancestries and histories, is a journey into the past that can bring to light our forebears’ stories, struggles, and triumphs. For many, it’s a deeply personal quest to connect with roots and understand one’s place in the continuum of family history. If you’re eager to embark on this journey but don’t know where to start, fear not! Here are ten proven strategies to guide you in uncovering your ancestral lineage. 1. Start with What You Know: Begin your genealogical journey at home by documenting […]

By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.10.11 The Grumpy Old Man’s thoughts on Seekerz Training, specifically, the Seekerz Intro to Family History: Beginners step by step guide to Proficiency in Genealogy course. Ah, family history! A tapestry woven with threads of distant relatives, surprising connections, and perhaps a few skeletons in the closet, just for good measure. But where does one begin to unravel such the complex, intertwined web? Fear not, for the Grumpy Old Man is here to talk with you about a book, Seekerz Intro to Family History that promises to light the path through the labyrinthine world of genealogy, […]

Regrets of a Grumpy Old ManBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.09.27 I had a dog. Her name was Gypsy Magic. She was my dog for about 15 years. I loved that dog. It was just me and her. It was a great time in my life. I still miss her to this day. What does that dog have to do with Genealogy? Everything. At 74, I have lived a long life and had many great exploits and feats of peril. As a young kid, I was a cowboy. I rode Bulls and Bucking Horses. I worked for a horse trader and […]

The Grumpy Old Man on Leveraging AI in Genealogy: A New Age of Ancestral Discovery I may be a Grumpy Old Man, that is true. Contrary to popular belief, all people over 20 are not computer illiterate. Granted, I am not an expert. However, I am constantly looking to educate myself. When I heard of AI, I dived in head first. Of course, being interested in Genealogy, I had to see how the combination of the two was compatible. So what did I do? I asked AI. This is what it said: Genealogy, the study of families and their lineages […]

By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.09.13 Genealogy, the intricate study of families and their lineages, offers more than personal introspection. It extends to understanding the familial histories of illustrious historical and contemporary figures. Examining the ancestral narratives of such individuals provides invaluable insights into how family legacies intertwine with greatness. For those passionate about genealogy, these narratives can be an important part of their ancestral journeys. 1. Martin Luther King Jr.: Revered globally for his indelible mark on the civil rights movement, Dr. King’s lineage symbolizes the African-American experience. Descending from enslaved people in Georgia, King’s ancestors underwent the trials and […]