ROOTSTECH 2020 ~ We arrive in Salt Lake City and explore at the Family History Library

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This was my second time attending the Rootstech Conference in Salt Lake City.  My friend, Pam and I went in 2018.  You can read about that experience here RootsTech Is Over But We Had Fun

To tell you the truth, after we had attended in 2018, we thought “well, we’ve done that and now we don’t need to go back.”  WRONG!  When 2019 rolled around and we weren’t at the conference we immediately regretted our decision and determined to go in 2020.

 

ARE WE EVER GLAD WE DID!

Sunday – Feb 23rd - I flew in from San Diego and arrived around noon.  Pam didn’t arrive from Colorado until later in the day.  I was able to check into our room at the Plaza Hotel and get unpacked and settled in.  FYI – I made that reservation in July 2019, to make sure we were able to stay at the Plaza.  We enjoy the convenience of the location of that hotel as well as the very friendly staff.

I had the afternoon to wander around so I went over the the FHL to check out the new layout on the first floor.  That’s the only floor open on Sundays.  It is a very interactive area and excellent for families or for someone wanting to learn about the library, Family Search and all the offerings available.

 

Pam arrived about 5 p.m. after her trolley ride from the airport.

My view on the plane and me & Pam outside Squatter's Pub

Monday – Feb 24th – Let the fun begin.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday so Pam and I have two full days to research at the Family History Library.  We planned our trip so we would have the extra days at the library.  We’ve both been there before (me 3 times and Pam twice), but there is always more to find.  STAY TUNED FOR A POST ABOUT WHAT I WANTED TO LOCATE AND WHETHER I SUCCEEDED OR NOT.

In front of the Family History Library and all set up at the tables on the 3rd floor - Pam is pondering.....I wonder what about?

Tuesday – Feb 25th – Another day to spend at the FHL.  This time instead of sitting at the tables that we’ve always sat at, we were able to enjoy the new area on the 3rd floor.  WOW!

Check out this set up.  They have stations with either 2 or 3 monitors and tables that raise up and down.  So much more comfortable than just the usual tables.  We always bring our own laptops and you can see in the photo with me waving, that Pam and I were sharing the station.  We were eventually able to set up at separate stations, but it was quite a busy place, so getting to the library as soon as it opens is the key.  The upgrades are very impressive and more are on the way.

This was the day I went to the European floor of the library and made a discovery in German records for my husband’s family.  It was, according to those around me, a genealogy miracle that I even found this record.  I’ll tell you about it in my “What I Found” blog post.

A sample of one of the new stations with 3 monitors and me in my happy place 

Pam and I have a couple of favorite restaurants we like to go to.  On night one we went to Squatter’s where they have a great atmosphere, wonderful food and good service.  We Ubered over and took a Lyft back.  I had never used either of those services (yes, I know, I need to get with the times).  It was a very good experience and I was impressed.  The Blu Lemon is another favorite restaurant and they have very good food.

Oh, I forgot to tell you one more thing.  I have had an iPhone SE for 4 years.  I liked the size of my 5c and bought the SE because of that.  I've been reluctant to upgrade because I didn't want to pay the price and felt the phones were too big.  Well, for the past 6 months or more, I've been having terrible problems with the battery not staying charged.  It's irritating to say the least and could be dangerous if I was in need of assistance.  

On Wednesday, the first day of the conference my phone was going dead, yet again.  I had a break between classes and walked over to the Apple store, which I knew was in the mall nearby.  I had done my research and knew which phone I might want.  I'm SO happy that I purchased the iPhone 11.  I can't tell you how much easier it was for me to stay in touch at Rootstech and how much better this phone is.  As much as we all use technology, we do need to stay up to date.  That will teach me to upgrade sooner.  Lesson learned.

Isn't this pretty?  The phone is a lovely light teal.

So, that was the first 3 days of our week in Salt Lake City.

 

I’ll write about the conference in my next post.

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

PREPARING FOR ROOTSTECH 10 ~ THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN.....Here's What I'm Doing...

EXCITED!  That’s the word I’d use to describe how I’m feeling this week.  On Sunday, I am flying to Salt Lake City to attend Rootstech 10.  The conference doesn’t begin until Wednesday.  But, who can resist going a couple of days early to have time at the Family History Library?  I can’t.

This will be my 2nd time attending Rootstech.  I went two years ago.  Even more fun is that I’m being joined, as in 2018, by my friend, Pam, from Colorado.  Two very long time friends enjoying something their passionate about in a place that will be a alive with activity and fun.

I wrote a blog post before my last trip.  As I review what I did to prepare then, I must say, not much has changed.  I am two years further along in my research so there are families I’ll be looking for that I didn’t know about in 2018.

 

HERE ARE SOME SCENES FROM 2018 THAT REMIND ME OF THE FUN I'M ABOUT TO HAVE

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)  

THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO

• Meeting face to face some of the people who have been my virtual friends for several years
• Attending some of the many classes that are offered each of the four days.  It’s very difficult to choose which ones to attend.
• Walking through and experiencing all the vendors in the exhibit hall.  I’ve heard reports there will be as many as 200 of them.
• Being able to share my passion for family research with my friend of over 30 years and helping her with her research.
• Spending time at the FHL and hoping to find some of the hidden treasures and dare I hope….break down a brick wall.
• Being around others who share my love for our ancestors and making sure they are never forgotten.

WHAT I’VE DONE TO PREPARE

• I long ago made my reservation for the conference and my hotel reservation at the Plaza.  And, of course, my plane reservation.
• Over the past several months I have been making a list of the people, places and things I want to look for.  Whether it’s microfilm or books.  I keep this list in Evernote so it is with me on all my devices.
• I do all my work on my desktop PC.  Of course I’ll need to take my laptop and I’ll be taking my iPad.  I’ve made sure that everything that’s on my desktop is also on my laptop.  All the programs I use for editing, my Legacy program etc. are all synced up.
• I’ve made new “business” cards so that I can share them with the people I meet.  My genealogy is not really a business, but it’s an easy way to share websites, email and phone numbers with others.
• I’ve downloaded the Rootstech app to all my devices.
• I’ve pre selected the classes I’d like to attend.  They are first come first serve, so I also need to be sure I have a second choice for that time slot.
• I’ve washed and packed all my clothes.  I hope I’ve chosen wisely and brought enough layers.
  I’ve secured my ride to the airport.  A huge thanks to my husband for getting up so early to take me ♥
  Now…..I just wait until Sunday for my flight and let the fun begin.

I wonder how all of you prepare your lists when you are going to visit a place like the Family History Library or some other repository?

Here’s a sample of 2 of my 6 pages of “Things to look for at the FHL.”  I know some people use Excel and I have used that method in the past as well.  But, not this year.

If you will be at Rootstech this year, please look me up.  I’d love to meet you.  You can find me on the attendee list as Diane Gould Hall.

 

Happy hunting…….and Rootstech 10 – Here I Come!!

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2020   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

52 ANCESTORS IN 52 WEEKS–Week #5–In the Library - Some tips from my own trips

An isle of books at the Family History Library - like a genealogy gold mine

When I think of libraries, I think of books.  And when I think of books, I smile.  I have always loved reading, studying & learning.  Much of that is done with the aid of books.  Especially back when I was young and growing up.
 
But, libraries these days are hubs of activities and technology, as well as books.

Let’s talk about the two BIG libraries in the world of genealogy.  The Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City and the Allen County Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  I’ve been to the FHL three times and each trip was wonderful.  I learned a lot and spent most of my days there on the third floor where it’s wall to wall books.  I have never had the pleasure of going to the Allen County library, but it’s on my list.

How important are libraries to our genealogical research?  VERY IMPORTANT!

Not all, or even close to all of our research can be done online.  WHAT?  Yes, it’s true.  Many millions of records and the information we seek about our ancestors is still only available with boots on the ground research.

I’ve taken several genealogy road trips.  What could be more fun?  Each time I go I visit a library or two.  I also go to historical societies, but that’s for another blog post.

Let’s review where I’ve gone and what libraries I’ve visited:

• Beginning here at home I often visit the Carlsbad Library or the
• San Diego Public Library downtown, which holds all the genealogical books and materials from the San Diego Genealogical Society
• Macomb County, Michigan – Mt. Clemens Library
• Richmond, Virginia – The Richmond Public Library
• Cabell County, West Virginia – the Marshall Library
• Lawrence County, Ohio – The Briggs Library
• Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Public Library

When you visit a library, always try to have a plan. 

• What are you looking for?
• Who do you need information on?
• What does this library offer?  Search their card catalog before you go
• Take your laptop, tablet, smart phone and camera
• Clothes pins to hold books open

I prefer to take photos of books with my camera. It’s actually quicker for me and more reliable, less chances of blurring than with my iPad or iPhone.  I have a Canon Sure Shot and it has served me well.

Here’s a screen shot of some of the items from a trip to the FHL in June 2015. Remember to always FIRST photograph the title page and/or the copyright page if they are on two different pages. Then you will know exactly which book your images came from.

This is what your images will look like.  I transfer them to my computer from my camera card, each day.  After they are transferred I crop and straighten or enhance them as needed.

Take advantage of the local histories that may be on file at the libraries. Also check for city directories for that location.  Use the microfilm readers to view items that may not be available online.  Especially local newspapers.
 
Ask questions of staff, as they can be a wealth of information.
Have fun and enjoy.  I can literally get lost in libraries for hours on end.

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST

BOOKS - Why We Still Need Them - Which Ones Are in Your Library?

MY BIGGEST LIBRARY FIND EVER - The real name of my husband's great grandfather!

Happy hunting,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2019   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

ROOTSTECH IS OVER BUT ~ We had fun……..meeting other bloggers, wandering the Expo Hall, enjoying the classes and researching at the Family History Library

I’ve been home from Rootstech for two days.  Of course I caught the obligatory cold during my visit.  But, it was on the last day, so it never ruined my fun.

This was my first time attending. I was fortunate to have my friend Pam join me.  She and I have been friends for over 30 years, she lives in Colorado and is fairly new to genealogy.  Quite an overwhelming experience, that’s for sure.

We arrived on Monday afternoon so we would have all day Tuesday at the FHL (Family History Library).  This was my third time at the Library and Pam’s first.  Many of us know what a wonderful and inspiring place it is.

We woke up Tuesday morning, had breakfast at JB’s and headed to the library.  Pam had a great day and was able to find lots of information in the books about North Carolina marriages.  I worked, yet again, on some of my brick wall families and came up empty.  I’ll never give up though.

They might not be in this book, but I will find them eventually

Pam, hard at work

My happy place

We were all given the option to check-in to the conference on Tuesday.  Boy, was that a process. Two hours in line with hundreds of others.  The Rootstech staff really did a great job keeping the line moving, kudos to all of them.  We received a nice bag and a flash drive with the syllabus for all the classes.

Day One at Rootstech.  We had picked classes to attend so we knew where we needed to go.  What we didn’t expect was the long lines for some of the more popular classes. This was the case on all four days of the conference.  The other thing we didn’t know, was that we had to pre register for the Lab classes. I guess we missed that in the Welcome to Rootstech emails.  Pam and I had quite different agendas, based on our levels of experience.  She picked up some great information at her classes.  I ended up attending only a couple of classes during the four days because the Labs were full.  Lesson learned for next time.

The Expo Hall opened for a sneak preview on Wednesday evening, but we waited until Thursday morning to go there.  WOW!!  What a wonderful setup.  It was like Disneyland for genealogists.  All the software and DNA companies had booths.  Lots of society, book, charts and many other fun booths.  There were classes and demonstrations being held every where.  The media hub was full of activity and interviews with the genealogy movers and shakers in the industry were going on a lot of the time.
 
There were displays all over the Expo Hall.

The Legacy staff hard at work

I was able to finally meet, face to face, other bloggers & genealogists I’ve been friends with on Facebook for many years.  Of course we took photos of the occasion.   

With Pat Richley-Erickson aka Dear Myrt

Marian Pierre-Louis and Geoff Rasmussen from Legacy Family Tree software

David Robison, Professional Genealogist & author of Old Bones Genealogy of New England blog

Deidre Erin Denton author of  Twisted Twigs on Gnarled Branches Genealogy

Laura Wilkinson Hedgecock from our Geneabloggers Tribe Facebook group

Russ Worthington from Monday's with Myrt and author of Family Tree Maker User blog

Jonny Perl - Innovator award winner for the year for his program DNA Painter

Linda Stufflebean - author of Empty Branches on the Family Tree blog

Susan Howard, Facebook friend

Michelle Ganus Taggart author of A Southern Sleuth blog

Randy Seaver, author of Genea-Musings blog and my friend Pam Paxton

Yes, I admit it.  I like to collect the ribbons given out at various booths

On Friday, as many bloggers as could make it, gathered near the media hub for a group photo.  You should have seen us all trying to squeeze together.  If you find Thomas McEntee in his colorful shirt in the front row, you’ll see my head just above his. There’s about 40 of us represented here.  More bloggers were at the conference, but some couldn’t make it for the photo shoot.



The conference was over on Saturday evening.  My friend Pam and I made our plans to have a couple of extra days after the conference.  The FHL is closed on Sunday.  It was a day we had planned to stay at the hotel so I could share some technology and research tips with her.  It couldn’t have been better……it snowed!  Being from southern California, I get excited any time I see or am in snow.  I apologize to all of you who live in places that have snow, but this was great!! 

The view from our 8th floor room at the Plaza Hotel

Snow covered street near the Salt Palace where Rootstech was held

Pam & me enjoying the cold weather on our way to Squatters Pub for dinner

Our last day was Monday.  Neither of us were flying out until late afternoon.  So, where did we go?  Not difficult to guess. Right back to the FHL.  By this time, Pam was really making progress in her tree and finding more and more evidence.  Lots of information on the third floor (my favorite – the books).
 
Takeaway from my first trip to Rootstech.  It was a bit overwhelming at first.  They do a great job with such a large crowd.  There were vendors selling food and drink items, so even if you attended lots of classes, you didn’t go hungry.  There was a good variety of classes, but they weren’t always easy to attend, because of the high volume of people.  The Expo Hall was, hands down, my favorite part of the entire experience.  Meeting up with so many longtime virtual friends was fantastic!

Would I attend again?  I think that I would, but with a different agenda.  Perhaps just go for a couple of days during the conference and spend the other days going to the Library
. 
Did you go to Rootstech this year?  If so, what was your experience like?  Was it your first time, or had you attended before?  If you haven’t attended, do you want to in the future?
Stay tuned because I had a BIG breakthrough at the library involving my husband’s great grandfather, John Doller.  A blog post about that will be coming up soon.

Happy hunting,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2018   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

ROOTSTECH PREPARATION ~ MY FIRST TIME ATTENDING

I’m pretty excited that I will be attending Rootstech for the very first time this year.  It’s been on my wish list for a long time.  Why not?  It’s the biggest genealogy conference in the world, with thousands of attendees, hundreds of speakers and a huge exhibit hall.
 
I’ve been to Salt Lake City and the Family History Library twice.  Once in 2011 and again in 2015.  But, never during a big seminar or conference.  This at least makes me familiar with the library, the Plaza hotel and the surrounding area.  My friend Pam is joining me, coming in from Colorado. She started her genealogy journey not long ago and is anxious to learn more.  I expect we will both be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, classes and activities.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO

• Meeting face to face some of the people who have been my virtual friends for several years.
• Attending the plethora of classes that are offered each of the four days.  It’s very difficult to choose which ones to attend.
• Walking through and experiencing all the vendors in the exhibit hall.  I’ve hear reports there will be as many as 200 of them. 
• Being able to share my passion for family research with my friend of over 30 years and helping her with her research.
• Spending time at the FHL and hoping to find some of the hidden treasures and dare I hope….break down a brick wall.
• Being around others who share my love for our ancestors and making sure they are never forgotten.

WHAT I’VE DONE TO PREPARE

• I long ago made my reservation for the conference and my hotel reservation at the Plaza.  And, of course, my plane reservation.
• Over the past several months I have been making a list of the people, places and things I want to look for.  Whether it’s microfilm or books.  I keep this list in Evernote so it is with me on all my devices.
• I do all my work on my desktop PC.  Of course I’ll need to take my laptop and I’ll be taking my iPad.  I’ve made sure that everything that’s on my desktop is also on my laptop.  All the programs I use for editing, my Legacy program etc. are all synced up. 
• I’ve made new “business” cards so that I can share them with the people I meet.  My genealogy is not really a business, but it’s an easy way to share websites, email and phone numbers with others. 
• I’ve downloaded the Rootstech app to all my devices.
• I’ve pre selected the classes I’d like to attend.  They are first come first serve, so I also need to be sure I have a second choice for that time slot.
• I’ve washed and packed all my clothes.  It’s not easy for a southern California girl  to prepare for the cold weather in Utah this time of year.  I hope I’ve chosen wisely and brought enough layers.
• I’ve secured my ride to the airport.
• Now…..I just wait until Monday for my flight and let the fun begin. 

I’m hoping to be able to write a blog post or two while I’m attending the conference.  But…I won’t be surprised if I’m so busy or tired, I don’t write until I get home.
 
If you will be attending, please look me up on the Rootstech app and get in touch.  The more people I meet the more fun I’ll have.

Happy hunting,
Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2018   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

TREASURE CHEST THURSDAY ~ Baptismal record for Abraham Rosett–1728

Today I’m highlighting a record I located on my first trip to the Family History Library, in June 2011.
 
The record was located in The Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, July 1928, page 42.



Transcription: 1728 Aug 11 Roset, David and Tryntje Spyr – Abraham. Wit: Johannes Spry; Sara Wouterse.

Also on this page is the baptismal record of my husband’s 5th great granduncle, Johannes Kip.

I located this publication and photographed several pages.  I was at the library for 5 days and took over 500 photographs of books, publications and other data during that first visit to the FHL.
 
TIP: I prefer to use a camera to capture any data I find.  It’s quick & efficient and allows you to see if there was any error in the image when it was taken.  I take along clothes pins to hold book pages open.  I find this method works better for me, than hand held scanners, copy machines or using phones or tablets.

These types of publications can contain many wonderful references to records.
 
Do we still need to try to find the original record? YES.  But, this certainly points us in the right direction.

WHO IS ABRAHAM ROSETT/ROSET?

He is my husband’s 5th great grandfather.

1. Abraham Rosett ²Aug 1728 – 6 Jan 1775 married Catherine Kip on 13 Apr 1752.  She was born 8 Mar 1728/30 and died circa 1761.

2. David Rosett/Rosette 21 Dec 1754 – ¹28 Apr 1819 married Lydia Bailey May 1779. Lydia was born about 1760 and died 23 Dec 1842.

3. Dr. Abraham Rosette 29 Jul 1780 – 8 Apr 1815 married Susan Boylston on 30 May 1804.  Susan was born about 1783 and died 23 Apr 1847.

4. Almira Rosette about 1806 – Sep 1858 married Rev. George Hall on 11 Mar 1834.  Rev. George Hall was born ³4 Jun 1804 and died ^3,44 Sep 1878.

5. Thomas Cornelius Hall ⁵1845 – ⁵18 Jan 1897 married Cora E. Brown 1875-1878.  Cora was born 3 Aug 1854 and died 9 Sep 1933.

6.  Charles Schuyler Hall 5 Mar 1878 – 25 Mar 1953 married Daisy Fern Bright on 15 Oct 1903. Daisy was born 19 Apr 1882 and died 23 Oct 1953.

7. Gordon Charles Hall 29 Jul 1917 – 12 Jan 1966 married Dorothy Beatrice Fink on 22 Aug 1948.  Dorothy was born 7 Nov 1913 and died 6 Oct 1993 (23 years ago today).

8.  My husband

Don’t overlook newsletters and other publications when you are visiting any library or other repository.  They could be the key to finding those records you need.

Some sources used for the information contained in this post include: 1. Ancestry.com. U.S., Newspaper Extractions from the Northeast, 1704-1930 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors.  2. New York   Film Number 974.7 B2N V. 90-93:   Abraham Rosett; digital image,  "New York, Births & Christenings, 1640-1962," (www.familysearch.org: 7 May 2012).  3.  Necrological Report Alumni Assoc. of Princeton Theological Seminary 1879.  4. Minsterial Directory of the Presbyterian Church 1861-1941.  5. Register of Death-Village of Saratoga Springs, NY.

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
     
TOMBSTONE TUESDAY - Abraham & Susan Rosette - died 1815 & 1847

TREASURE CHEST THURSDAY - The actual church record for the marriage of Jeremiah Hall & Elizabeth Bailey 22 Dec 1748

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2010-2016   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

GERMAN RECORDS–I’m learning and having fun too

As you may know from my previous posts, I was recently able to go to the Family History Library for 4 days.

During that visit I looked at German records on microfilm.  This was my first time ever looking at German records of any kind.
Since I’ve returned home, I’ve begun processing my finds and in the process have found new records online.

Why I’m having so much fun….

• I love learning new things
• I’m adding a whole new list of surnames to my family
• I’ve taken my family back another two-three generations
• Researching in a new country is exciting
• I’m also learning some of the German language

There was one microfilm I looked at that contained a gold mine of records.  Film #1055846.  I know, based on the dates of information contained on that film, that there is more to be found on it.  As a result I have just ordered the film online via Family Search Online Film Ordering, to be sent to our local Family History Center in San Diego.  Once the film arrives I will have three months to view it as I paid for extra time.

In the meantime I will continue to mine the German records available on Ancestry and/or Family Search.
 
New Names Added to Our Family Tree…so far.

• Rummelspacher
• Ernst
• Von Votzing
• Enricher

I’ve found this database useful Germany, Select Marriages, 1558-1929.
 
I located this record for my 8th great grandparents, Jacob Martin & Appolinia Von Votzing.

Name:    Jacob Martin
Gender:    Male
Marriage Date:    2 Aug 1659
Marriage Place:    Evangelisch, Jesingen, Donaukreis, Wuerttemberg
Spouse:  Appolinia Von Votzing
FHL Film Number:1055744

PLEASE contact me if you think you might be related, even remotely, to anyone mentioned in this blog.

So stay tuned and I’ll continue to share my journey.

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY TRIP - DAY 2 - A Red Letter Day!
FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY TRIP - After You Return Home - Then What?

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2015   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY–After you return home….then what?

You finally made that long awaited trip to the Family History Library.  You spent several days there.  You found so many books and microfilm records that you could barely record them all.
 
I use my camera to record all images from books and microfilm.  It’s faster than a portable scanner (this is my observation) and the images come out very clear.  Here is a sample.  And, please note that these images have been cropped, but they have not yet been enhanced in any way.

(CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)

You’re home.  Now what?

Once I arrive home I remove my camera card from the camera and transfer all images to my desktop computer.  I also transfer them to two portable hard drives and to Dropbox.  You cannot have too many backups.

NOTE:  During my various trips to conduct genealogy research I have developed the habit of copying all images from my camera card to my laptop each day.  That way should your camera card fail, you have a backup.  This time I even brought along one of my portable hard drives and copied them to it each evening, as well as the laptop.  I copy the images in the original order they appear on the camera card.  Then, I create folders of each day and copy the images from that day into the folder.  Sometimes I will even create folders of different locations such as states or countries.  But, the one thing I always want is the original pictures in order, uncropped and unenhanced.

I have a special digital folder on my desktop for my trips to various libraries, whether local or out of state or country.



What I worked on today was going into each of the individual day folders and cropping the images.  I won’t be using every image I have recorded so, I don’t worry about changing the color tone or enhancing them in any way.  Right now all I want to do is crop off all that excess area.  If I decide to use the image I will make enhancements at that time.

BEFORE CROPPING

AFTER CROPPING

You can clearly see that the images look much better after they are cropped.

The next step I take will be to begin going through each of these images to glean information from them and do any follow up research necessary.  This is the hard, but fun, work that must be done after a research trip.  I will record the information as proper sources and enter the images into my Legacy database.
 
NOTE:  It is very important to take a photo of the cover and/or title page of each book, BEFORE you photograph any pages.  The same thing is true of each microfilm you use.  It does us no good to have page 465 from a particular book and not know the name of that book.

How many pictures did I take during my 4 days at the FHL?  250
How does that compare to my trip back in 2011 when I was there for 5 days?    Amazingly, I took 880 photos on that first trip.  I might have gotten a little bit carried away, don’t you think?
 
DID I PROPERLY PROCESS AND USE ALL OF THOSE IMAGES FROM THE FIRST TRIP?  NO!
  
I really don’t want to make the same mistake this time.  Once we get sidetracked it’s very difficult to go back.  At least for me it is.  How about you?

I would love to hear about your research trips. 

• How do you process the information you’ve gathered once you’ve returned home?
• Have you ever taken a trip and then not completely utilized all the information you gathered?
• Do you have an organized method for storing your gathered information, either digitally or physically?

OTHER POSTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
MY FIRST GENEALOGY ROAD TRIP
MY TRIP TO SCOTLAND - WHAT I DID RIGHT, WHAT I DID WRONG
ARE YOU GETTING OFF TRACK...LOSING YOUR FOCUS?

Happy hunting,

Michigan Girl

Copyright ©  2015   Diane Gould Hall

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION