Learning from Blogs

Blogs are places where I learn, exchange ideas and information, and catch up on what my genealogy friends are doing.  It seems each week I find blogs I want to follow.  Some have infrequent posts (as this one does at times), but reading archived posts can also be interesting.

Today I was reading my friend Leland Meitzler's Genealogy Blog.  His post "Discover the Van Dusens of New Amsterdam - 1627-2011" has a link to the full article in the New York Times, published on 22 July 2011.  The name Van Dusen popped right out and I knew that I would learn from that article since I research the family in New Amsterdam.  Thanks, Leland!

Each day I read the short, but informative blog written by Michael John Neill called Genealogy Tip of the Day.  On 19 July 2011 he wrote about the terms devise and bequeath.  Thanks Michael for informing us that devise refers to real property and bequeath to personal property.

Since grade school days I have been fascinated with the Lost Colony of Roanoke.  The history book account sparked an interest in mysteries that need to be solved.  My interest was later rekindled when I discovered early ancestors living in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  They weren't members of the Lost Colony, though.  Because of my interest in that part and place of history, I frequently read the blog, Lost Colony Research Group.   If you enjoy history and genealogy in combination, check out the blog, Jamestown Adventurers.  It is a part of Virginia Pioneers.net.  You might want to also check out their web page.

Now is the time to celebrate the Civil War.  There are many blogs pertaining to the war, research, reenactments and events.  I would be hard pressed to figure out my favorite.  To find some of those great blogs, check out Best of the Civil War Blogs.

For a "trip" to a foreign country, read a blog.  You don't need to pack a suitcase or make travel arrangements!  I like the blogs Scotlands Genealogy and Scottish GENES.  Linda Elliott writes a great blog about genealogy, English genealogy in particular, at Mad About Genealogy.  Family Tree Tours brings us the blog, Heritage Travel.  There are photographs, links, videos and many research tips.  If you have European ancestry, be sure to click and read.

Some bloggers write to share family experiences, such as can be found at my sister-in-law's blog, Those Old Memories.  Others share research travels and experience.  One of my favorites is Reflections From the Fence, written by Carol Stevens.   Travel with Carol as she and her husband and dogs go searching for adventure and ancestors.  Learning skills are shared at Adventures in Genealogy Education written by Angela McGhie.

There is a lot to learn by reading blogs, such as the Library of Congress Blog.  Not every post contains information about genealogy, but they are interesting and you will a great deal about the library, history and yes ... genealogy.  The Allen County Public Library's blog, The Genealogy Center, brings news about the library, plus research information.

If I didn't mention your blog, it doesn't mean I don't read it and enjoy it.  Hey bloggers ... keep up the good work!

The Vietnam Wall

If you have ever been to the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC, I am sure you share my feelings that it is awesome and sobering.  Even the traveling Vietnam Wall evokes the same feelings.  There are 58,195 names on the wall.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall page provides a way of searching for names on the wall, determining their exact location.  If you locate a person of interest, there may be more information, such as a photograph, biographical information and postings from friends and relatives.

The Virtual Wall has links to state and town/city information on those whose names is inscribed on the wall.

Take a virtual tour of the Vietnam Wall at View the Wall.  Let your computer explore the names and areas of the wall in your search for a relative or loved on.

They are lost but certainly not forgotten.  As I have seen my reflection in the Vietnam Wall, I am thankful for the sacrifices that these men and women gave so that we can all be here to enjoy our freedom.  May they rest in peace.

Midwest Family History Expo

Mark your calendars for the next Family History Expo, July 29-30, 2011 in Overland Park, Kansas.  More details are available at the Family History Expo web site.  You can save $25 by registering NOW online.

The Expo will begin with an inspiring message from Lisa Louise Cooke, the producer and host of the Genealogy Gems Podcast.  She will also be teaching.  Once you hear her keynote speech you will want to start learning new research methods.

M. Bridget Cook will be the featured speaker at the dinner on July 29th.  She is a best selling author and biographer.  Her book, Shattered Silence, has been featured on Oprah, Dr. Phil, Good Morning America and other national TV shows and in magazines.  She will also be teaching classes at the Expo.  All of these great speakers and classes can be found at the agenda on the Midwest Family History Expo web site.

There will be vendors and more vendors, including FamilySearch, AGES-online, RootsMagic, Geni.com and the Jackson County Genealogical Society.  Be sure you stop by the Ask The Pros table in the exhibit hall.  Who can't resist free genealogical advise? We don't even use a crystal ball!

Young and old alike (including those in the middle) will enjoy and benefit from the Family History Expo.  The theme this year is "Where Ol' Dogs Learn New Trick!"  Indeed they do, but we also teach puppies about old tricks they need to know.

This is the 2nd Annual Family History Expo in the Kansas City area.  It will be held at the Overland Park Conference Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas.

PS .... my new book Genealogical Research in Nebraska will be available at the Family Roots Publishing Co. vending booth.