Showing off our Town

I heard during the week that one of my mates, Brenda and her companion Charlie B., would be visiting Newcastle yesterday on one of my favourite cruise ships, Seven Seas Mariner. Brenda is one of the guest lecturers on the next leg of the current world cruise. 

I whipped off a quick message asking Brenda if she would like to catch up with Robert and me. We arranged to meet Brenda and Charlie at the Cruise Ship Shuttle stop where we had previously collected cruisers for a spin around the area. As we approached the site where we were to collect them there was no sign of the shuttle. After some furious messaging we discovered that the shuttle stop was in a new location. 

With Brenda found I settled in the back seat with she and Charlie B. Robert, our chauffeur, launched into his tour guide spiel while Brenda and I gossiped away. 

Back Seat Driver, Charlie B, with his companion Baary

As Brenda had visited Newcastle on several occasions we did not need to give her the full tourist treatment, Nevertheless Robert pointed out many of the historic buildings in the city.

Our first stop was for a stroll along the Newcastle Memorial Walk where we looked at the exhibits and admired our stunning coastline. Robert added the role of photographer to that of chauffeur and tour guide.

Some of Newcastle's beautiful beaches viewed from the Memorial Walk

Charlie was happy to pose along the walk

Charlie was careful not to fall

Brenda and I posed with a shy Charlie

After our stroll I was keen to show Brenda and Charlie our backyard on Lake Macquarie so we drove on to Warners Bay.

Robert left Brenda and I to chat while he went in search of some Australian delicacies for her to share with her shipmates. 

Brenda, Charlie and I sitting across the Lake from our home

Charlie kindly looked after the treats for their shipmates

After so much touristing we were in need of refreshment at a local cafe.
Brenda chose something sweet.

Charlie was dwarfed by some of the public art along the Lake's edge

We were so grateful to Robert and Charlie for leading us

We returned Brenda to the shuttle in plenty of time to brush up on her talk for today

It's always great to catch up with friends. Thanks to Brenda and Charlie B. for sharing your day with us. 

A Genimate in London

We capped off our genealogy day by spending a few hours and sharing a pleasant dinner with genimate and font of knowledge on all things English, Graham A Walter.

There's always plenty to talk about when genealogy is involved

Graham and Jill

Rootstech Week 2019 - Commonwealth Dinner

I was thrilled when 31 folk from 7 (British) Commonwealth countries (including a few ringins) gathered in Salt Lake City for the Annual Commonwealth Dinner on Monday evening.

We Commonwealth chaps are a minority group at Rootstech so this gathering gives us a chance to reconnect with genimates and introduce first-timers to new friends before the madness that is Rootstech begins. From the number of conversations I witnessed and the feedback received I know that this was a very successful event. Thank you to all who joined us.

Following are some photos I snapped of those present. On reviewing the photos I realise that I missed taking pics of everyone present including yours truly. Take a look at the photos below to see how many of the genies you recognise, there are some BIG names in the group.

I wasn't going but....

...now I am.

As we have quite a number of holidays planned for 2019 including a commitment to attend Rootstech, London in 2019 I decided that it would be sensible to stay home for a while. Just yesterday I got a message that Salt Lake City Ambassadors need to register for that event by 31 October, 2018 (that's today) and my mind was made up - I would be a #notatrootstech Ambassador this year.

Rootstech 2018

Fast forward to today and Qantas, our favourite airline, had a special "Companion Airfare Offer" where two people could fly for the price of one. I mentioned this to Mr GeniAus when he came in for lunch and suggested that it would for fun for him to accompany me and travel to Salt Lake City via Seattle (a city near the top of our bucket list) in February. He agreed!

I just booked our flights from Sydney to Seattle and from Salt Lake City back home. We arrive in Seattle on 15 February 2019 and leave Salt Lake City on March 3. I am definitely attending  Rootstech in Salt Lake City.  Luckily months ago I had booked four nights (all I could get)  at The Marriott Downtown City Creek so we have accommodation during the Conference.  Now I need to work out our itinerary for the rest of our trip - suggestions most welcome. My immediate task is to register.

I am so excited to be able to partake in the geneafest of  educational opportunities Rootstech offers. Catching up with the many genimates I have made at Rootstech over the past 9 years is the icing on the cake. As a proud Australian I love to fly our flag at Rootstech.

Aussies at Rootstech 2019

Genimates at Rootstech

One of the best things about Rootstech is meeting up with my Genimates from all over the world.

This morning, when a Google Photos message popped up on my computer, I started browsing and came across some pics of my genimates at Rootstech in 2015 - a year when we had a strong  Australian contingent make their way across the equator to Rootstech in Salt Lake City.

I had never explored making animations with Google Photos - it was dead easy but I wish I could have slowed down the animation.

Genimates at Rootstech 2015

Seeing all those smiling faces makes me keen to return to Rootstech once more.

Can you spot any of your genimates in the animation?

I just ran out of puff

I had a ball at #Congress_2018.

Up front and eager to learn

By the time Day 3 - Sunday and my second presentation rolled around at 4:45pm I was breathless from exhaustion and excitement. I thought no-one would turn up to hear me on the graveyard shift but I was delighted to have a nearly full room.

I was out of puff by the time Jennie Fairs (L) introduced me on Sunday

I had a wonderful five days in Sydney catching up with genimates at the two day pre-Congress registration and at the first three days of the event.

Three happy young genies at Congress

On Day 4 - Monday I gave in to my asthma, called my doctor, attended the first morning sessions and left for home. I was sentenced to bedrest for a few days. This is quite frustrating as I have so much to share but I need to recuperate for our next travel adventure which is just around the corner.

I want to shower accolades on the Congress organisers for having the courage to select a world class venue to showcase our event. The marvellous volunteers, the exhibitors, the speakers and most of all my genimates came together in friendship to make the experience so memorable for all involved.

Tempatations

The standouts for me were Kerry Farmer with her DNA stats, Paul Milner on 17th and 18th Century Research, Liz Rushen on Mr Marshall's Immigrants and Judy G Russell on Copyrights and Copywrongs. For energy and enthusiasm Thom Reed from Familysearch took the cake. I was disappointed that while some of the speakers had valuable information to convey their fumbling with notes distracted from their talks. I was disappointed to miss Lisa Louise Cooke's final keynote as I know this would have been a knockout.

Paul Milner - a confident engaging speaker

I have gained much new learning to apply - when I finally get around to putting it into practice I will blog about it here.

A Trio from the Tribe

Were you ears burning this morning?  Your name may have come up in conversations today about cemeteries, conferences, colleagues and other geneatopics.

A few hours ago I met up in a cafe at Beecroft with a couple of fellow GeneabloggersTRIBE members for a cuppa and a chat. Although we rarely see each other we have become firm online friends over the years due to our shared interests in genealogy and geneablogging and as members of the GeneabloggersTRIBE. Seeing each other ín the flesh is a special treat. That I am nearly old enough to be Caitlin's grandmother doesn't matter - family history friendships cross generations.

L-R Sharn, Jill, Caitlin

Due to life's circumstances I haven't seen Sharn White or Caitlin Gow for ages. When Caitlin mentioned that she was visiting Sydney for a week I contacted she and Sharn and we organised our meeting. I was able to present Sharn, whose health issues prevented her from attending Rootstech 2017, with some sougenirs and loot from the Conference.

It was quite a family affair as Sharn's husband David, two of her daughters and a grandson called by to say G'day and meet Caitlin who lives 1,000km away. I think the mystery gentleman who picked up our tab may have been David, thank you so much.

We had a great old chinwag and shared a few geneasecrets that are not suitable to air in public!!

A sweet something to complement the cuppa.

Shades of Pink

Salt Lake City 4 February

The colour pink figured in my day.

I was woken in the wee hours by my very pink, sore, swollen, itchy and weepy eyes. Thankfully my fellow Ambassador Jennie had given me, at dinner last night, some ampoules of soothing liquid that helped relieve the symptoms.

Pink eyes - not a good look

After a few hours I woke again to find my eyes even more pink so I hotfooted it round to the local drugstore where the friendly pharmacist said I needed something more than soothing drops or gel as my eyes looked infected (I had been blaming the dry atmosphere on Qantas). She referred me to Lenscrafters where the receptionist (who loved y Aussie accent and had an Australian Grandfather) squeezed me in to see the eye doctor, Dr Micah, who gave my eyes a thorough examination and confirmed that I had a mild infection. Back to the pharmacy I went where I invested $US97 on a tiny bottle of eye drops. As I had intended visiting the Family History Library my laptop joined me on this journey where I clocked up my 6000 steps well before lunchtime.

The Creek at City Creek Mall

 I took a few pics of the beautiful City Creek Mall as I wandered back and forth but I ditched the idea of the library visit because my eyes just weren't up to looking at screens and fine print. The temperature reached a balmy 54 F in Salt Lake City and I had worn my warmest coat so I returned to the hotel, dispensed with the Arctic gear and laptop and went for lunch at Johnny Rockets (passing through Macys on the way).

My Genimates from Grand Rapids, Roger and Lisa, had asked me if I felt like going for a spin to DearMYRTLE's place to drop off a parcel so, as I wasn't fit for research, I went along for the ride. Pat (aka DearMYRTLE)  and Gordon were very welcoming and we settled in for a chat with them and their houseguest, Martha of Maia's Books.

When Pat invited us to join them for dinner we accepted. We ordered in from a local restaurant (I had ribs) and had a wonderful evening catching up and discussing various issues in genealogy.

Pat kindly issued us with our Rootstech blogger beads and a DearMYRTLE ribbon, in a more attractive shade of pink than the one I started the day with.

Kerry Jones - a Positive Genimate

One of my readers, Kerry Jones, completed the Accentuate the Positive 2016 Challenge and sent it to me in a Word doc. With Kerry's permission I am sharing it here. Congratulations on a beaut year, Kerry.

Accentuate the Positive 

1.  An elusive ancestor I found was: David Culley, my fourth Great Grandfather.

2.  A precious family photo I found was:  A photo of my great great Grandmother, Ellen Crowley.  I found it quite by accident.  I went to the website of the Female Convict Research Centre and there sitting prominently on the site was Ellen!  I was delighted as I have never seen a photo of her before.

3.  An ancestor's grave I found was:  It was actually a photograph of the grave of my grandmother (who I had never met). Edith Ballard’s grave is in Queensland and I hope to see it one day.

4.  An important vital record I found was: So many!  But one of the most interesting ones that I found was the Apprenticeship of my fourth Great Grandfather, David Culley.  He was apprenticed to be a plumber in 1803 and later in his life worked at Windsor Castle.

5.  A newly found family member shared: I discovered some new information about my husband’s ancestors through meeting a new found family member.  Her Great Great Grandmother and my husband’s Great Grandfather were twins.

6.  A geneasurprise I received was:  Being contacted by a distant relative who had done a lot of research into subsequent generations.


8.   I made a new genimate who: I am studying the Diploma of Family History online through the University of Tasmania and I met two ladies who are also studying it.  One of them lives in the next street to me!  We have now met twice and have formed a nice little support group.

9.  A new piece of software I mastered was: Wavepad.  I used this to edit an Oral History interview that I had done.  It was remarkably easy.

10. A social media tool I enjoyed using for genealogy was:  Probably Facebook.  There are many different Facebook groups and reading some of the posts is very interesting.

11. A genealogy conference/seminar/webinar from which I learnt something new was: A presentation at the Dead Person’s Society in Melbourne.  This was on Finding Hidden Records and the presenter, Ada Ackerly was excellent.


14. I taught a friend how to: Use Ancestry.


17. A new genealogy/history book I enjoyed was:  Not a new book, in fact a very old book was ‘Tasmanian Convicts’ by Alison Alexander.  It is very well written and easy to read and very informative.


20. Another positive I would like to share is ...Learning as much as possible about genealogy is great.  Reading blogs, Facebook posts and studying online all help one’s knowledge.  

Will I see you at Rootstech?

Qantas recently announced the reintroduction of direct flights from Sydney to San Francisco so I hopped on the internet this morning to see if I could spend my Frequent Flyer points on a return flight that would land me in the US within cooee of Salt Lake City.

BINGO! I managed to get a booking - now I just need to organise some internal flights, accommodation in Salt Lake City and then in San Francisco for some retail therapy prior to returning to Australia. I'm hoping the Rootstech people publish accommodation details on therie website soon.

I'm wondering which of my genimates will be joining me at Rootstech 2016.

Genimates at Rootstech 2015

AFFHO Congress Presenter Interview - Paul Milner

When is an interview not an interview? Perhaps when you are having a pleasant day out with friends.

Mr GeniAus and I had a Pre-Congress Social Day out with AFFHO Congress presenter,  Paul Milner and his wife Carol Becker yesterday.

We tried to not to talk about genealogy etc because our spouses (who don't admit to being genies) were along for the ride to the beautiful Blue Mountains. At times, during our 11 hours together the conversation did turn to geneachat and Paul kindly responded to my questions.

Paul indicated that he loves Australia and was thrilled to have an opportunity to be able to address a new audience at our national event. Paul has plenty to share, he is not having difficulty with what to share in his sessions but in what to delete from his talks so that he can adhere to the 45 minute session time limit at Congress. I have heard Paul speak on a previous Australian tour and an Unlock the Past Cruise and can attest that he has lots of knowledge to share. Paul's presentations are packed with information and he is an excellent presenter, he will be giving 5 talks at Congress so do try to get along to hear one or two.

Paul, as a conference attendee, is pleased that he will have an opportunity to hear presenters from the UK and local speakers that he does not have an opportunity to hear in the United States. Paul, like many Americans, also has ancestor ties to Australia and feels a areal affinity with our country.

Paul was pleased to tell me that local publisher, Unlock the Past, have published several of his books and that they will be on sale from the Unlock the Past booth at Congress. I'm sure Paul will be happy to sign any of his titles that you purchase there.

Paul and Carol have allowed themselves time to explore NSW before and after Congress and are looking for advice on places to visit particularly in and around Canberra, The Snowy and the South Coast so if you know of some local hidden gems please do find Paul during Congress.

Our first stop Blaxland Riverside Park was a huge success, Carol had read about it in a landscaping magazine and was keen for a visit.  Thankfully the weather there was just overcast.

Blaxland Riverside Park

We had a fun but frustrating day when we reached our destination, the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney, the weather just wasn't cooperating.At Echo Point The Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley were shrouded in obliterated by mist, Paul and Carol bought a postcard so they would know what they should have seen.

The Three Sisters came out for a few minutes to greet Carol and Paul

While at Echo Point Carol was excited to a Banksia and I was pleased to see the Road Builders' Memorial that I misssed on my last visit.

Blue Mountains Banksia

Road Builders Memorial

After our lunch break at the Paragon in Katoomba which was a hit my hardy co-travellers managed a walk to the Leura Cascades with its beautiful display of ferns. Our drive home was punctuated by a yummy dinner at The Red Spoon at Top Ryde.

A Room at The Paragon, Katoomba

While Paul and I enjoy Congress I think that Mr GeniAus and Carol are going to fit in some sightseeing - I do hope the weather is kind to them.

Congress Presenter Interview - Jan Worthington

My latest interview for AFFHO Congress 2015 is from Sydney based professional genealogist, Jan Worthington. Apologies to Jan for taking so long to post this interview but my trip to Salt Lake City and Rootstech got in the way.

Learn about Jan from her detailed responses to my questions.

---

Jan Worthington

I am a professional genealogist, family historian and researcher specialising in probate genealogy, tracing family histories, locating missing living people and writing historical non-fiction.


Over 30 years ago my mother and my daughter introduced me to my own family history and from that moment the quest to find out more took over my life. I obtained my Diploma in Family Historical Studies through the Society of Australian Genealogists in 1984 and started up a genealogical company which grew to 17 people, which I recently sold. I then started up another company – Jan Worthington Genealogy. For over 25 years I was a Councillor/Director of the Society of Australian Genealogists and served in various roles as Vice President, Company Secretary and Convenor of the Computer Users Group, Computer Committee, Education Committee, Library Committee, Premises Committee, Awards Committee and Diploma in Family Historical Studies and Certificate Course Committee, which I still convene.

During that time I have spoken and given lectures at many conferences in various States of Australia, USA, UK and New Zealand. As a regular researcher at the genealogical library in Salt Lake City I have partnered with Perry McIntyre and taken several family history groups there, so that we could support and share our knowledge with them. I was elected President of the Worthington Family History Society ten years ago and chair the Annual General Meeting every year as well as host the biennial three day Gatherings in either the USA or the UK.


Genealogy has improved and changed my life in many ways. It has enabled me to achieve a lifelong objective, i.e. start and build up a small to medium size successful business. It has enabled me to travel extensively, meet and help people and given me an unexpectedly passionate, exciting and rewarding career in every way. I have been lucky enough to be recognised and rewarded by my peers. In 1994 I was made a Fellow of the Society of Australian Genealogists. In 2012 I was awarded the Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Achievement Award in Birmingham, Alabama and the Independent Book Publishers Silver Award in the regional Historical Non-Fiction category for my book Inky Fingers in New York. In 2013 I was made an Honorary Member of the Society of Australian Genealogists.


The problem solving aspect of genealogy is what I love about genealogy the most. Every new job is an exciting challenge and adventure into the unknown.


I have attended and spoken at many local, interstate and international Congresses over 30 years. In 1988 I was Convenor of the First International Congress on Family History and 5th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry in the newly opened Darling Harbour Convention Centre, Sydney. Many local, interstate and overseas speakers spoke to over 1500 attendees during this hugely successful five day event.


My topic for the Congress is The Abandoned Child – Social Changes in New South Wales 1850-1870 from the records of the Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children. This was a time period of little government support for families in need of assistance and private enterprise came to the rescue. There is also a paucity of primary records for family historians researching the 1850s and what there are can be very misleading. My talk will open up further avenues of research for family historians unable to trace their families back past this point in New South Wales.


There are huge benefits in attending any conference as there is always something new to be learned, no matter how long you have been in the game. For the more seasoned attendee there are catch ups with faces not seen for a while. For newcomers to family history an exciting plethora of sessions to attend, people to meet, new friends to make and lots of things to see.


My favourite piece of advice or tip to share with anyone researching their family history is simple: When researching your family history always go forwards in time to go backwards in time; and always go backwards in time to go forwards in time. In other words if you are not making progress tracing ancestral families, or looking for living relatives, go back to your starting point, or the point where the problem arose, and review your findings again. At that point you may need to carry out further research before continuing. Good Luck!

The Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children