We all have difficult genealogical puzzles (also known as brick walls). This presentation focuses on teaching how to develop multiple hypotheses to solve these road blocks. Often, researchers will develop one scenario, or hypothesis, that can explain the situation. The working hypothesis takes root and we move forward, supporting it without considering alternative hypotheses. This approach often works out. However, in more complex genealogical challenges, developing multiple hypotheses early can be more successful to opening up our thinking, exploring additional possibilities, and arriving at a successful conclusion.

Census records are among the most rich and rewarding family history records available. Depending on which census your ancestor is in, you can learn where he or she lived at a particular place or time, learn his or her place of birth, what he or she did for a living, how many times they were married and other bits of valuable information. Each census is a little different than the previous census. In this class you will learn what information is available on each census record. Using this knowledge you can find census information to advance your search for your ancestors. Taught by Dave McCready.

We all have difficult genealogical puzzles (also known as brick walls). This presentation focuses on teaching how to develop multiple hypotheses to solve these road blocks. Often, researchers will develop one scenario, or hypothesis, that can explain the situation. The working hypothesis takes root and we move forward, supporting it without considering alternative hypotheses. This approach often works out. However, in more complex genealogical challenges, developing multiple hypotheses early can be more successful to opening up our thinking, exploring additional possibilities, and arriving at a successful conclusion.

Learn the basics of starting your genealogy research. What is documentation? This class will explain what a “source” is and how to document it. We will also explore the organization of your genealogy materials. View how seasoned genealogists organize their materials. We will also review some of the different genealogy reports to help you analyze your findings. Looking for a genealogy program for your computer? You will learn what to look for when choosing a computer program.

Have you thought about testing your DNA but did not know which test to do? Or, are you one who has tested your DNA, but you don’t know how to use the tools to break through your brick wall? Patricia Burrow will give a basic introduction into DNA testing, covering the four different DNA types. Not sure which company to use to test your DNA? Pat will cover the top three companies to show you what is available from each company and will discuss their strong points and weaknesses. Pam Fujii will walk you through her case study on how she used all three companies. Pam will show you the tools she used to find new family members. We guarantee when you leave the session, you will be thinking of DNA testing in a whole new light!

Have you thought about testing your DNA but did not know which test to do? Or, are you one who has tested your DNA, but you don’t know how to use the tools to break through your brick wall? Patricia Burrow will give a basic introduction into DNA testing, covering the four different DNA types. Not sure which company to use to test your DNA? Pat will cover the top three companies to show you what is available from each company and will discuss their strong points and weaknesses. Pam Fujii will walk you through her case study on how she used all three companies. Pam will show you the tools she used to find new family members. We guarantee when you leave the session, you will be thinking of DNA testing in a whole new light!