"Hello, hon!" from Maryland

This is such an exciting undertaking! Thanks to Julie Goucher. What a great opportunity to share the history of Maryland along with my genealogy adventures.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

Where to start? How about the beginning?

I am Deborah, Debbie. Deb. Growing up with seemingly thousands of girls with that name. Yes, it was very popular back in the day.

Most girls were named after Debbie Reynolds or Deborah Kerr. Not this chickie. This Debbie? In honor of my parents car. That my friends, is a story for another post.

I am a child of the 50's (aka a Boomer), born and raised in the "Old Line State" of Maryland. Hence the "hon" reference. I was the oldest of seven children, in a neighborhood where a big family was the norm. We had tons of playmates and never the chance to say "I'm bored!"

I was blessed with a Dad who loved history. His favorite subject to discuss? The American Civil War. Dad did his best to share that passion. Encouraging us to read and taking his broad on historical road trips.

Most weekends the van was loaded with children, snacks and a map to the nearest historical site. Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers Ferry were as familiar to us as Disney was to our friends. They would tell us about Donald and Mickey, we would tell them about John Brown and Picketts Charge. Made for very interesting conversations.

Dad with my daughter, Starr
abt. 1989
Antietam National Battlefield
(Grandpop sharing the history love)

But ... there was not much discussion about our heritage. In fact, until I was much older the subject meant very little in day to day life.

Fast forward ... Deb grows up ... meets future hubby ... has four children ... works for local public library. Life becomes hectic for many years.

Babies turn to teenagers. Then become adults flying from the nest. Hubby accepts a job away from home Monday to Friday. House is suddenly silent! Life comes to a screeching halt! What should Deb do?

At this point our library system began a new initiative. Introducing the staff to various types of technology and social networking. Twitter, Facebook, flickr and Goodreads to name a few. To help track progress, we each created a blog.

What happened next? I feel in love with technology and writing! Where had all this cool "stuff" been hiding?

When the new "experience" came to a conclusion, I wanted to keep learning and growing. How would I use these new tools? I wanted to keep blogging, but what would be my focus?

Into the Google search I typed "blogs" to get an idea or two. Wow! Pages and pages of hits. First up, crafting blogs. Nope. Can barely sew on a button. Next. Gardening. Seriously! Never met a plant I can't kill. Next. Genealogy. Maybe read a couple. That was that, my friends. Hook, line and sinker.

Adventures in Genealogy - born 8/22/10
Content by Deb Ruth
Design by her daughter, Starr

That was the beginning of "Adventures in Genealogy". Where I share frustrations and triumphs, while traveling the road to family discovery. Growing from newbie to slightly more seasoned researcher. Connecting with new found cousins and making friendships with other genealogy bloggers.

Over the years, these friends have been a large part of the learning process. With their encouragement I have become an avid webinar attendee, Twitter user and Facebook group participant.

I even got over my fear of public speaking. Dove in head-first with a presentation at the local library. Now? Talking to the world! Yes indeed, having some serious fun.

What do I hope to contribute with my posts?

Share my family history. Majority of the lines are recent  (late to mid 1800's) immigrants to Maryland. I will share the difficulties finding information on ancestors that melted into a large city.

The other end of the spectrum, my husband's family line. Each coming to America during the late to mid 1700s. Most residing in rural and farming communities. Information bonanza!

Also, the opportunity to share history and interesting (sometimes odd) facts about my Maryland.

Last by not least, make new friendships.

Julie, thank you for the opportunity to stretch my family history muscles.