Ambassadorship in Australia

There was a flurry of activity on the internet when Alan Phillips announced that Unlock the Past would be staging a huge geneaevent on The Sunshine Coast in March 2021. After the roaring success of DNA Downunder in Sydney last year Alan committed to giving us Family History Downunder, a world class genealogy conference with well regarded international speakers.

As someone who loves attending geneaevents overseas I have been privileged to hear each of the international speakers on the image to the right. Being able to hear them all under the one roof is a real treat for Australians.

I was one of the enthusiastic genies who took advantage of the opportunity to register for this event when it was announced. I hear that several hundred genies have already registered. You too can register at https://www.familyhistorydownunder.com/#booking-form and take advantage of the Earlybird Prices.

The good news in my mailbox was that I have been appointed as an Ambassador for this event so my blog is now featuring a new badge in its sidebar. While there are some perks to this appointment there are added responsibilities. Having been an Ambassador at similar events I find that I cannot comfortably manage being a Presenter and Ambassador so (when I had a whisper that I may be an Ambassador) I did not go ahead with an application to speak.

If you are considering attendance at the event remember to join the Facebook Group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/FamilyHistoryDownUnder, where you can ask questions and meet genimates prior to the conference.

Blaine Overload?

I have just been perusing the program for Diving Deeper in Sydney, Unlock the Past's DNA event in Sydney next month.

It was pleasing to see that there are plenty of opportunities to hear DNA Guru, Blaine Bettinger on the program. Blaine will be the opening act on each of the three days of the conference when he will give a keynote type address to all attendees.The remainder of the sessions that cover a wide variety of topics are at three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced with two of the days concluding with a panel session. 

Blaine is giving 14 presentations in all and I will endeavour to attend most of them. He is such a knowledgeable and affable presenter that I am sure my case of Blaine Overload will be easy to handle. 

Others on the program I want to hear are two knowledgeable out of towners,  Louise Coakley from Cairns and Shelley Crawford from Canberra. 

There are still a couple of TBA slots on the program, I would love to see one of these filled with one or more experienced genies who are not  DNA experts but DNA dabblers. I would love to hear how ordinary genies like me deal with this exciting new tool in their resource repertoire. No doubt Alan Phillips (Mr Unlock the Past) will let us know via social media when the program is complete.

No matter what is offered I am confident that this event will be am amazing learning experience for all who attend.

DNA Reinforcement

When it comes to DNA I need all the help I can get. 

I started out on the DNA Trail when I purchased my first DNA kits in April 2011 and since Rootstech 2011, when I attended every DNA talk on the program, I have listened to umpteen talks and webinars  on DNA and the various tools available. It has been a steep learning curve especially in the early days when the talks were full of science and not really targeted towards ordinary folk like me.

Back in 2011 DNA as a genealogy resource was a novelty and there were many sceptics but the sceptics have been won over and now recognise DNA as a valuable additional resource. I am now at the stage where I know I could stand up and give a credible introductory talk on DNA for family history but I need to learn and understand more in this evolving field. As an old educator I recognise the value of reinforcement in learning.

Blaine Bettinger, a DNA Guru from the US, will be travelling to Australia in August to present a series of lectures with a field of Australian experts at The DNA Downunder Events being organised by Alan Phillips of Unlock the Past. Blaine will be joined by a team of local enthusiasts and experts at the events. In most cities the events are just for one day but in Sydney there will be a super dooper, Diving in Deeper,  3 day event. I am pleased that I live close enough to travel down to Sydney for that event. You can attend this on 1, 2 or 3 days. There is no way I am going to miss out on this mega learning opportunity.

I was pleased to accept Alan's invitation to be an Ambassador for The DNA Downunder Events. I commend Alan for bringing together such a great team for the program, its no easy task to organise such an endeavour.

I know many of my genimates will want  attend one of The DNA Downunder Events and get good value from their DNA dollars. You have until April 30 to snag the earlybird price for the event so, if you haven't registered, you had better move quickly.

Disclosure : In return for promoting the event (and a few other duties) I am receiving a complimentary admission to The DNA Downunder Event. 

Will I see you there?

One of the events I have signed up for in National Family History Month is the two day Researching Abroad event hosted by Unlock the Past in Parramatta on 15-16 August.

I am an Ambassador for this event and look forward to catching up with many of my genimates there. I will be there all day Tuesday and for half the day on Wednesday as I am must attend my FHG meeting on the Wednesday afternoon.

I'm wondering if anyone else is likely to be hanging around for dinner at the venue, the Parramatta RSL, on the Tuesday. Seems like a perfect opportunity to catch up and have a chat.

The cost for attending this event is quite modest - it's a great opportunity to hear international speakers. Will I see you there?

Meet Dirk

Many of you may not have previously heard of Dirk Weissleder, the German Genealogist who is featuring in  Researching Abroad: Finding British Isles and European Ancestors, a series of Unlock the Past events in Sydney in August.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Dirk at several Rootstech conferences. This year I was fortunate to snag an interview in the video studio with Dirk. Dirk's enthusiasm and passion are evident in the interview. If you attend a Roadshow event you will have a chance to hear Dirk present several sessions.

A New Badge on the Blog

When Alan Phillips' invitation to be an Ambassador for  Researching Abroad: Finding British Isles and European Ancestors, a series of Unlock the Past events, I had no hesitation in accepting.

For the next few weeks this badge will appear on my blo

I had every intention of attending this event and was going to share my enthusiasm anyway. I love to support the events Unlock the Past host for the geneacommunity downunder. UTP is the only commercial organisation that regularly organises events that bring overseas genealogy speakers we would not otherwise hear downunder. A bonus is that the costs of these events are quite reasonable.

I will be attending the Sydney gig at Parramatta (did you know you can get there by bus or train from Hornsby way over on the other side of town?). I love these events because they fire up my enthusiasm and educate and enlighten me. They also provide an opportunity to catch up with my distant genimates.

I am probably one of a handful of Australians who has met both Dirk and Chris, the headliners at this event. They are both enthusiastic chaps who are passionate about genealogy in their geographical areas..

The hashtag for this event is #utproadshow17.

Disclosure: As compensation for my Ambassadorial duties I receive complimentary entry to the Researching Abroad: Finding British Isles and European Ancestors in Sydney.

101 Reasons to attend #congress_2018 - The Legal Genealogist

Of all the genealogy speakers I have heard here and overseas there is just a handful whom I hold in the very highest regard.

One of those who is relatively new on the speaking circuit (I first heard her keynote at Rootstech 2014) is my genimate Judy G Russell aka The Legal Genealogist. I have since met Judy in person several times and have found her to be a warrm, generous and knowledgeable soul who is a great storyteller.

I was privileged to interview Judy with my genimate Sharn White at Rootstech 2016. You can view the interview below.



In 2016 Judy made a trip downunder as a presenter with Unlock the Past, she made several new genimates and (I think) was besotted by our country, its natural beauty and wildlife. Judy generously shared this photo taken with a new Aussie pal in 2016.

Judy G Russell and Friend - Cudlee Creek 2016

I was privileged to hear Judy speak (and have dinner with she and some genimates) when she was in Sydney on that 2016 tour and she was inspirational. I can't wait to hear her again at Congress.

You need no other reason to attend Congress than to hear Judy G Russell present.

Judy sailed in ....

....and blew us away.

The small but enthusiastic audience that gathered at SAG for the Unlock the Past Event in Sydney yesterday were winners in the genealogy stakes. Those who didn't take the opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts missed out on two exceptional talks by Judy G Russell, a chance to win some valuable prizes and an opportunity to network with genimates. I can't understand why more folk didn't attend and can only surmise that perhaps the cost or location of the event put them off.

As I entered SAG's grounds I didn't know who to say g'day to first, as quite a number of my pals were already waiting in the garden. It was beaut to see Dot who had travelled down from Narromine and Janelle and Sharon from The Central Coast. It was good to see interstate members of the Unlock the Past  team too. I won't name everyone I saw as I may forget someone.

I was pleased to see representatives from our Hornsby Shire Family History Group in attendance and  I was chuffed when one lady said she came along because she had seen my video interview with Judy at Rootstech. 

Hapy Genies at UTP event

It is rare that I lavish praise on genealogy presenters but Judy is excellence in presentation personified. She knows her subject, she looks professional and acts professionally (although we casual Aussies encouraged her to discard her jacket in the 36c heat), she oozes passion and enthusiasm, injects humour into her presentations, involves her audience : she delivers on all counts.  I am sometimes concerned at the quality of presenters that are sent down under, Judy (and a couple of others are exceptions). I do hope the organisers of our 2018 Congress consider inviting Judy (who has family connections to Australia) to be be a keynote (Hint, Hint).

Judy will be performing at two more venues in Perth and Brisbane. I suggest you get along and see her at one of them.

Judy presented two talks yesterday that encouraged me to think and inspired me to act, I was entertained into the bargain.

After this talk I feel equipped to convince family members to consent to taking DNA tests without resorting to bullying.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second talk which I had heard before. In a practical exercise with the audience Judy demonstrated how family facts and stories can disappear in just three generations. I am pleased that I blog some of my personal anecdotes and thoughts on another site but I realise that I need to do so much more. I want my grandchildren and their descendants to know their Gummy.

After these two sessions Judy skipped off with Helen Smith to explore our city. We had a break for lunch at the local sandwich shop and reconvened for the prize draw. There were several generous prizes from sponsors, I won a 75% discount off some UTP resources while Sue,  another Hornsby Shire Family History Group  member, won a subscription to MyHeritage worth over $300.

Alan Phillips (R) from UTP draws the prizes  while Paul Blake (L) prepares for his presentation.

The afternoon presentation consisted of two talks by Paul Blake, another presenter on the present Unlock the Past Cruise, who was onshore for the day. I was extremely disappointed (and have heard from a few others that they agree with me) in Paul's presentation on Irish Records. I am sure that many of those present in the audience would have done a better job with this topic. Thankfully one audience member was able to correct a couple of errors and add supplementary information.

Paul's second presentation was on a topic I know little about, The History of Photographs, so I did learn something.  My time after lunch would have been better spent on personal research.

Then it was time to network. I wandered down to The Rocks with Jenny and Lilian where we stopped off at The Argyle for some long, cold drinks and a natter before heading to The Glenmore to reunite with Judy, Helen and a few other genies for some more cool refreshment and some Aussie tucker. Although we had hoped to get a spot on the Rooftop we couldn't so we managed to score The Glenmore Lounge where we sat around a large round table to chat and dine.

And the good news is that I think Judy likes Australia so far, so she may come back.

Our dinner group minus shy Jenny who acted as photographer

Excursion to The Other Shire

I live in the Hornsby Shire Local Government Area on the northern edge of Sydney, known as The Bushland Shire about one third of Hornsby's area is public bushland.

On Saturday I will be going on an excursion to Sydney's southernmost Local Government Area, Sutherland Shire which for some reason markets itself as The Shire.  I'll be attending the Heritage Fair hosted by The Botany Bay Family History Society at Tradies in Gymea.

The Fair is being held in a venue with great facilities and there is plenty on the program to amuse and interest family historians. I will be working on the Unlock the Past/Gould Genealogy stand demonstrating the Flip-Pal, providing information on upcoming cruises and events and showing their range of publications.

I hope I can steal away for a few minutes to see some of these other exhibitors:

BOTANY BAY FHS EXHIBITORS

Welcome & Membership table Sales and Raffles  Getting Started Ask for Info English Interest Group Writers' Interest Group Irish Interest Group Scottish Interest Group Family Tree Maker Users' Group Reunion For Mac Users' Group Legacy Users' Group Immigration Soldiers Project Filing Your Records Mapping Family Search Joy Murrin Transcriptions Marilyn Rowan Transcriptions  Turtle Transcriptions Ancestry.com FindMyPast Book Displays Australian States Research OTHER EXHIBITORS  Images 4 U Gould Genealogy Unlock the Past Seniors Endeavour Computer Club   Stampin Up Scrapbooking Port Hacking Potters Spinners & Weavers Calligraphers Jewellery  Cape Banks Family History Society Bankstown Family History Society State Records NSW Biographical Database of Australia Sutherland Historical Society Peter Plowman Books Custom Framers  Flip-Pal Scanners

But that's not all on offer. There is a program of free talks throughout the day:

10.40 am	Peter Plowman, author of Emigrant Ships to Luxury Liners: Postwar Migrant Ships
11.40 am	Joy & Allan Murrin, NSW BDM Transcription Agents: The Best of Times for Family History Research
12.40 pm	Maree McKinley, BBFHS Member - Writers' Interest Group Convenor Writing Your Family History
1.40 pm	Gail Davis, NSW State Records What's in the Archives for Family History?
2.40 pm	Helen McDonald, Local Studies Librarian, Sutherland Shire Libraries Local History Resources in our Libraries

How about popping down to Gymea on Saturday and saying G'day? 

My Mate Marie

On my first trip to Salt Lake City for the inaugural Rootstech Conference in 2011 I palled up with another foreigner, a bonnie wee lassie from Scotland, Marie Dougan.

We were in the minority at this huge event that was overrun with North Americans and they thought we talked funny but we know that our accents were quite normal.

Marie Dougan, GeniAus and Joan Miller at Rootstech 2011

 I had great fun with Marie in 2011 so I was pleased when she announced that she would be returning to Rootstech in 2013. As I had been selected to host a panel session at the 2013 conference I invited Marie to join the panel, her contributions to the panel were fantastic.

GeniAus with panelists at Rootstech 2013, Marie Dougan, Heather Rojo and A C Ivory.

When Alan Phillips of Unlock the Past told me that he had secured Marie's services for his 5th Genealogy Cruise I was thrilled as I knew that Marie would be a great asset to the team of presenters on the cruise. Last night I had the pleasure of interviewing Marie for Unlock the Past in a Google Hangout on Air.

In case you missed the Hangout with the delightful Marie I am embedding it her for your viewing pleasure.

Chatting with a Geneablogger from Victoria

In this interview on the 4th Unlock the Past Genealogy Cruise I chat with Lee-Ann Hamilton, one of my geneablogging mates at The Pear Tree Cottage Blog.

Chatting with a Boer War Boy

One of the pleasant tasks I undertook on the recent Unlock the Past Cruise was to host a couple of Google Hangouts on Air and to conduct a few interviews with cruisers.

In the first video I interviewed several cruisers in one hit but,on viewing it, realised that having people hop in and out of the interview seat was a little problematic. I then suggested to the congenial Mr Unlock the Past, Alan Phillips, that it might be better if I conducted a series of short interviews. Alan agreed so I made a date with our young camerman, Lachlan, and proceeded to find some victims to interview. I tried to select a diverse range of people. I hope you enjoy watching these short vidoes from Unlock the Past's Youtube Channel.

My first volunteer was Geoff Doherty a serial geneacruiser who is interested in the Boer War.

#UTPcruise - Day 2

Instead of typing up a report on yesterday's cruise activities I scheduled a Google Hangout on Air. I was thrilled that Tessa Keough from The US joined me.

A Glutton for Punishment

When I debark (American term for disembark - sounds like something one does to a noisy dog) from the 4th Unlock the Past Cruise in Sydney next month I am not racing home to be reunited with my family.

Mr GeniAus is going to collect me from the dock and whisk me out to Parramatta for the Chris Paton and Thomas MacEntee Downunder Sydney event. 

Why am I doing this? It is simply because the program on the cruise is jam packed and I can't get to see all of Chris' and Thomas' presentations while on board. Additionally, as a user of Family Historian software I need to attend any presentation that English expert Jane Taubman is giving while she is in Australia.

I have previously heard Chris and Thomas speak, they are both knowledgeable, entertaining and accomplished speakers. I have spoken privately with Jane in a Google Hangout and  follow her posts in the Family Historian forums, she has an amazing depth of knowledge on Family Historian software.

If you can get to Parramatta on Thursday 13th February why not join me. We do not get many opportunities in Sydney to hear three international speakers like Chris, Thomas and Jane all in one place (and for a modest entry fee).

Details can be found here on the Unlock the Past Website. 

Don't live near Sydney? Thomas and Chris will also be presenting workshops in all capital cities except Darwin. See here for details.

2012 Unlock the Past event at Parramatta

A Virtual "Meet and Greet"

Oh, boy, am I nervous and excited.

Tonight I am hosting a Hangout on Air about Genealogy Cruising for Unlock the Past. I am nervous because Mr Unlock the Past, Alan Phillips, has put his faith in me to carry out this task for UTP. I will try my best no to besmirch the reputation of his organisation.

Sometimes the Google Hangout application can be a bit flaky and sometimes my internet connection is dodgy (I do have a backup plan) so that adds to my anxiety. I also don't know exactly who will be on the panel until they actually join so I can't really script the activity. I just make do with a rough runsheet.

Overriding all of this is my excitement. I love the Hangout tool which allows people from distant places to join together in an online teleconference that is livestreamed to the world. Potentially thousands of people could watch our little broadcast tonight.

I am excited because I am going to meet fellow presenters and cruisers prior to our cruise in three weeks time. I know that presenters from three countries will join me (technology willing) as well as seasoned cruisers and some first-time sailors. We plan to chat for 45 minutes (but may have to stretch to 60) about who we are, why we love geneacruising and what we expect to get out of the cruise. We hope that our newbie or any potential cruisers come armed with questions to ask.

This Hangout will be of interest to anyone who wants to meet some renowned genealogists, find out about geneacruising or just spend some time with fellow family historians. While the 4th Unlock the Past Cruise will be our focus we will share details of future cruises and geneacrusising in general

You can watch this event at 8:00pm Sydney time tonight directly from here on the Unlock the Past Youtube Channel.  If you wish to comment or pose questions during the event you should join the Unlock the Past Hangout Community on Google+. You need to have a Google account for this, if you have a Gmail account you can log in to plus.google.com with your Gmail username and password.

Disclaimer: As their Hangout Host I am being compensated by Unlock the Past. The excitement is all my own.

A New Role

I am thrilled to announce that, in addition to hosting my GeniAus Hangouts on Air, I will be working with Unlock the Past as a host/moderator on Unlock the Past Hangouts, a new venture in 2014.

I have been discussing this move with Alan Phillips from Gould Genealogy and Unlock the Past for quite some time. Alan has a long list of topics for the Unlock the Past Hangouts that promise to have something of interest for all family historians. I won't steal his thunder by sharing details of what he proposes but it is fantastic.

I will continue to host GeniAUS Hangouts on Air which differ in flavour from the UTP Hangouts. The GeniAUS Hangouts are more informal in nature and will complement the Unlock the Past program.

I am pleased to be partnering with a firm that gives so much to the Genealogy Community, many individuals attending live events have benefitted from the generous prizes and giveaways Gould Genealogy/Unlock the Past offer.

Alan Phillips is investing quite a deal of time and energy to provide these free Unlock the Past Hangouts to the genealogy community. These events will give people in remote areas of Australia and those who cannot attend genealogy conferences and events in person an opportunity to hear a range of speakers from Australia and abroad speak on a diverse range of topics. Unlock the Past is to be commended for providing this service that no family history society in Australia has yet attempted.

Hangouts on Air are video conferences that one can join as a panelist or watch live from a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Those who watch live can ask questions of the panelists via the Unlock the Past Hangouts Community. To join the Community you will need a Google account  then go to this link https://plus.google.com/communities/111698461607562622872 and select Join.

Hangouts on Air are recorded and saved on Youtube so even if you are unable to watch a live event you can watch it at your leisure in your own time.

You are invited to join the Unlock the Past Hangouts Community.

Like a Scout

Just like a good scout I want to Be Prepared.

As I get ready to head to East Gosford for the Central Coast Family History Fair tomorrow I am packing my kit for the day.Tomorrow I'll be a working girl on the Gould Genealogy/Unlock the Past tables at the Fair. I'll put the Flip-Pal mobile scanner through its paces and answer questions fairgoers may have about Geneacruising.

So what will I be packing?

Bottled water - I'll be doing a bit of talking so need to keep my whistle wet
Peanut butter sandwiches - I might not have time for lunch
Peppermints - need to keep halitosis at bay
My camera with spare battery - can't miss an opportunity to get pix for this blog
Business cards - although I'm usually too shy to hand them out

My pretty pink bag

Some old photos and an ancient family album - for demos
Flip-Pal scanner and its pretty pink bag - essential for demos
Spare rechargeable batteries and charger
Spare SD card - just in case
Small laptop - for downloading of photos
My Galaxy tablet - to use as an internet hotspot for my laptop

The bonus for me is that I will be able to chat with a lot of fellow researchers, buy some resources and hear some talks by experts.

Getting Organised

Alan Phillips of Unlock the Past has sent out the provisional program for the 4th Unlock the Past History and Genealogy Cruise.

I see that Alan has me down for five timeslots; this is half the number I presented on the last cruise butas there are more presenters on this cruise there will be more variety for the cruisers.

In the timeslots I am scheduled I will discuss:
Free Australian genealogy websites I love
Before it's too late: interviewing oldies
Librarything for genealogy
Evernote for genealogists
Geneareaders circle - this is a collaborative session that I will moderate

Apparently this is a provisional program so I might yet have a chance to talk about blogging.

As a couple of these are new topics I am starting to put these presentations together by creating notebooks for each of these in my Evernote Projects Stack. Another organisation has already asked me to present one of these talks in the coming months so I had better get started with that one.

I will have to ask Alan Phillips if he would mind making a couple of adjustments to his program so that I can attend a couple of the talks I really want to see but that clash with mine. These are:

What does Freemasonry offer the genealogist - Rob Hamilton
Taking better photographs, an introduction to composition - Jane Taubman

There are so many other talks I am looking forward to, more about those later.

Thomas is a busy boy

American genealogist, Thomas MacEntee, who will be a speaker on the 4th Unlock the Past History and Genealogy Cruise in February 2013 forwarded this press release this week. Space on the cruise is filling fast. If you would like to meet Thomas in person it would be wiae to book now.

..............

HACK GENEALOGY: A NEW GENEALOGY ANd TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE

Repurposing today's technology for tomorrow's genealogy

17 July 2013 – Chicago, IL. Genealogy educator and author Thomas MacEntee announces the debut of Hack Genealogy, a new resource for the genealogy industry and the growing community of genealogy and family history enthusiasts.

Hack Genealogy is about “repurposing today's technology for tomorrow's genealogy” and a little bit more. Hack Genealogy is more than just a list of resources: It provides information on emerging technology inside and outside the genealogy industry.

Hack Genealogy is not merely about surviving the overwhelming presence of new and emerging technologies . . . Hack Genealogy is about genealogy and technology success in its many facets.

What Will You Find at Hack Genealogy?

Here are the features to be offered at Hack Genealogy over the coming months:

·       Cool GenStuff: Each day we’ll provide a curated list of the latest information about genealogy that deserve your attention.

·       Discussions and Issues: We’ll discuss issues important to the genealogy community including education, self-publishing, sharing research and more.

·       Education and E-Guides: Through the use of webinars, e-guides, Google+ hangouts and other innovative educational technologies, Hack Genealogy seeks to educate genealogists on the latest technologies.

·       GenBiz Buzz: Learn how others have succeeded with their genealogy and family history-related business and the tools they used to succeed.

·       Interviews: We’ll ask a variety of players in the genealogy landscape this question: How Do You Hack Genealogy? to learn more about how technology is being repurposed to expand the family history experience.

·       Product Reviews: Reviews of the latest products and services including software, mobile apps and more.

·       Resources: A listing of the best tools for every aspect of genealogy from research to sharing photos to writing and publishing your family history.

How Hack Genealogy Got Started

Hack Genealogy takes its inspiration from the Technology and Genealogy group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/techgen/) started by Susan Petersen in late 2012. As an administrator of the group, Thomas MacEntee – creator ofGeneaBloggers and High-Definition Genealogy – realized that the questions asked by group members and the great content shared was reaching only the Facebook audience. Hack Genealogy is a way to get more genealogists and family historians to discuss the use of technology in a non-threatening, easy-to-understand environment.

We hope you’ll travel along with us on this journey of discovery in the genealogy and technology fields.

About Hack Genealogy

Hack Genealogy (http://hackgenealogy.com) is a technology resource for the genealogy community with a focus on“repurposing today's technology for tomorrow's genealogy.” Thomas MacEntee is the driving force between Hack Genealogy whose goal is to provide information on emerging technology inside and outside the genealogy industry.

Follow Hack Genealogy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/HackGenealogy), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/hackgenealogy) and at http://hackgenealogy.com.

About Thomas MacEntee

Thomas MacEntee is a genealogy professional specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogy research and as a way to connect with others in the family history community. When he’s not busy writing blog posts, organizing the 3,000+ members of GeneaBloggers, teaching online genealogy webinars and more, Thomas MacEntee is busy in his role as “genealogy ninja.” Stealth is not easy, but he manages to get the inside track on emerging technologies and vendors as they relate to the genealogy industry. After being laid off from a 25-year career in the tech industry in 2008, Thomas has been able to “repurpose” his skill set for the genealogy community and loves to see other genealogists succeed, whether it is with their own research or building their own careers in the field.

Addictions united

Those who read my blog will know that I am a Genealogy Junkie and a Social Media Tragic but I have another addiction; I am a Cruiseaholic. Having a chance to combine these three interests puts me on a stairway to heaven.

I have become a blogging partner on Unlock the Past Cruises new website, http://www.unlockthepastcruises.com/, because it allows me to combine those three interests.  Most importantly the modest Alan Phillips, the man behind Unlock the Past, is an ethical operator with a  genuine passion for history and genealogy.  I am honoured that Alan has added me to his list of  blogging partners that includes foremost bloggers, researchers and writers from Australia and overseas.

Unlock the Past Cruises Website

Alan has organised four successful cruises in the Australian region so he is perfecting the recipe for a perfect cruise. He is now dipping his toes into foreign waters by including cruises around Britain and Europe.

 As a veteran of just one Unlock the Past Genealogy Cruise I am hooked; I have already booked and will be presenting on the next cruise in February. I hope that I can join Alan's Unlock the Past team in some of the cruises in more distant locations.