Happy New Year!

It’s the start of a New Year and the start of another year of ancestor gathering. I’ve been pretty absent the last few months, but I want to get more regular about my genealogy. The new year is a good time to think about how I can improve my research. Here are a few things I want to concentrate on in 2019.

• 52 Weeks of Ancestors: I came in late last year, and didn’t keep up once I started. But a new year of prompts has begun, and I’m hoping that by getting in on the beginning this year, I’ll be able to do a little better at keeping up with both my 52 Ancestors participation. Look for my first post later this week, when the prompt is, appropriately, ‘FIRST’. If you’d like to paticipate this year, or just learn more about the challenge, visit Amy Johnson Crow’s website here.
• NGS Conference: I attended my first genealogy conference last fall, This year I want to do my first big one, the National Genealogical Society Conference being held in St. Charles, Missouri. I’m a little confused by all the choices in classes, but I’m also excited to be going.
• Local genealogical society:  I’ve belonged to a few other genealogical societies in the past, and they helped me immensely, especially in the early days of my research. But I’ve never belonged to one that is close enough to me that I will participate in classes and meetings. I’m going to try something different this year.
• Podcasts: I have several genealogy podcasts I listen to somewhat regularly, but I want to try to make more time for listening.   They always get me thinking about what else I could be doing or how I could be doing it better. Some of my favorites are:
  

• The Genealogy Guys  
• Genealogy Gems
• Genealogy Cafe 

• Organization: I want to rethink the way I organize my genealogy. What I’m doing now works for me—kind of, but after listening to a podcast this week, I’m wondering if there is a better way. I plan to read Drew Smith’s book, Organizing Your Genealogy—commitment-free. If I don’t feel like it has something to offer better than what I’m doing now, I’ll keep up what I’m doing.
• Research: I’ve spent the past 2½ years researching my Italian line on my mother’s side, with only a few detours into other branches when something of interest. I’ve enjoyed the journey and learned a lot, and I’ll probably detour back to it more than once in the coming months, but I’m ready to give another branch the same attention I’ve given that one. I’m going to start the year researching on my paternal lines.​  

Happy New Yearand best wishes as you climb your family tree!