Late Posting

Steve Rockwood, Familysearch CEO 

I have a very good excuse for delaying my post this month. I was totally immersed in the madness that is Rootstech, the greatest family history show on earth. Rather than skipping the post I am playing catchup and writing it now I am back in Australia. I will backdate so it appears in its correct spot in our blog archive. 

Why do I travel for hours across the Pacific to attend this event?

I previously wrote that I wanted to be Challenged, Educated, Entertained, Informed and Inspired. Rootstech with its broad program can deliver on all of these needs.

• I like to renew old friendships and meet online pals in the flesh, a solitary life in the geneacave can be lonely sometimes. 
• As an Official Ambassador for the event I like to attend in person and be a voice for Australia. I like to be on hand to help newbie Australians negotiate Salt Lake City and Rootstech. 
• I enjoy the opportunities given to Ambassadors to interview celebrities and attendees. I love being able to ask my own questions. 
• I was honoured to have a presentation proposal accepted and I was not going to miss out on sharing my thoughts with the attendees. I think I was the only Australian on the program and I like to see our nation represented. 
• I appreciate the opportunity to have research time at The Family History Library. 

Some Rootstech Ambassadors

When I arrived home my husband asked "Did you learn anything?" I said "not a lot if you are talking of learning as acquiring skills". I said that I had been educated and enriched by the experience.

Did Rootstech Deliver?
I was challenged, as I listened to others' opinions in my presentation where I moderated a panel discussion "Ethical Dilemmas in an Online World".

Panelists from Four Nations

I didn't really find any of the presentations I attended,with the exception of Josh Taylor's, particularly challenging, Perhaps there needs to be more discussion of issues on the Rootstech program.

I was educated about DNA in the several sessions I attended on that topic. Outside of the formal program I learnt a lot about the Mormon faith through Ambassador visits to the new Provo Temple and The Church History Library. I did acquire some skills in an excellent presentation on Audacity given by Andrew Lee. I didn't go to many "How to"sessions as I like to learn by myself through trial and error.

With Sharn White (Australia) and Audrey Collins (UK)

I was entertained in several of the keynote sessions. There was the humour of AJ Jacobs, the passion of David Isay and the determination of Paula Williams Madison. There were many opportunities to be entertained at the formal and informal social events the occur around the time of Rootstech. I seemed to have a different party, reception and/or dinner every evening for nine days.

I didn't have to go to any sessions to be informed. A walk around the Expo Hall with over 300 exhibitors provided many opportunities to hear about products and services both old and new. I try to avoid formal sessions that are infomercials by company representatives. I prefer to visit the booths and ask my own questions.

I was inspired by Steve Rockwood, David Isay and Paula Williams Madison (Google them). Much inspiration came from hanging out with my genimates, ordinary people like you and me who have a passion for discovering their ancestors and their stories. Their enthusiasm is contagious and will carry me through until I return to Rootstech in 2017.

The icing on the cake for me is meeting up with people I have known online for several years. This year I finally met Tony Proctor from Ireland, True Lewis from the US, Jana Last from California and Geoff Mulholland (an Aussie) from Germany.

With Geoff Mulholland

With True Lewis 

National Family History Month

Each August in Australia and New Zealand we celebrate National Family History Month.

My Genimate, Shauna Hicks is the voluntary coordinator for this event (in Australia) which is an initiative of AFFHO. All around Australia family history societies and groups, libraries, commercial organisations and individuals host events that promote our hobby/passion. Shauna enters these all these onto an online calendar so that we can see what is on offer in our local area.

In addition Shauna has created challenges for both individual and family history groups: 31 Activities for Researchers and 31 Activities for Genealogy/Family History Societies during NFHM. These are useful exercises not just for Australians but for all family historians.

And what about me?  I am attending a few events during the month and I have organised two events for my local family history group.

In addition I am hosting a Geneagala series of Google Hangouts on Air on Sunday 30th August. Because the Geneagala is an online activity it is open to genealogists all around the world. As a Worldwide Genealogist you are invited to join me and your friends downunder for this event.

Considering a Trip Downunder?

Have I got a date for you!

Every three years family historians from Australia, New Zealand and a few of their international mates gather for The Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry. This year the 14th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry, Congress 2015 Canberra,  will be held in our nation's capital, Canberra. 

Whenever  I am travelling and someone expresses an interest in visiting Australia I suggest that they should visit Canberra, a place that is not on most organised tours downunder. Canberra is a beautiful planned city that houses most of Australia's national institutions, our new Parliament House is stunning, our War Memorial is exceptional and the central lake, trees and gardens provide a wonderful environment. March is a good time to visit Canberra when the weather is pleasant, not to cold, not too hot but just right.

Canberra is situated just three hours drive from Sydney and around seven hours from Melbourne.It has a new modern airport terminal and a range of accommodation options. 

Source: http://www.freeworldmaps.net/australia/australia-map-political.png

It just so happens that March 2015 has been set for the next Congress downunder. As well as having some super social events that include a reception at The Australian War Memorial and the Congress Dinner in Parliament House.

There is an impressive list of speakers from Australia and overseas. Those travelling downunder include Colleen Fitzpatrick, Simon Fowler, David Holman, Roger Kershaw, Paul Milner, David Rencher and Joshua Taylor. The beaut thing about a conference in Australia is that it is much smaller than most conferences overseas that attract thousands of delegates so the opportunities to meet and chat with the speakers are greater.

If you are into family history and Australia is on your travel bucket list then March 2015 should be a date you consider. It would be great to meet up with you at Congress.

I am honoured to have been invited to be an Official Blogger for the event.