“Latest in writing tools for family historians” with Denys Allen

Emily Sienkiewicz

Can’t get to RootsTech? Denys is there for you! Noted author, Pennsylvania ancestor researcher, and writing coach Denys Allen has graciously offered to share her insights after touring the RootsTech exhibits and participating in conference programs during the show. Denys is a family history writer uniquely committed to both the crafts of genealogy and writing. Her stories cover eight generations of Pennsylvania ancestors, and taken her to the courthouses and archives of Berks, Blair, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Union counties. Her candid perspective on the show will give you the sense of being there — without leaving the couch. Recording & resources free to Projectkin members At …

Kathy’s Corner: Digitizing that collection of inherited family photos

Emily Sienkiewicz

This popular monthly session focuses on a challenge for every family historian: Sorting and digitizing collections of inherited family photos and artifacts. Our speaker, Projectkin member Kathy Stone has decades of experience as a professional photo organizer and is now working on her family history projects. As a pro, she appreciates the challenge of actually getting projects done. In these “Corner” events, she answers questions and coaches members as your personal “sherpa over Mt. Inertia.” Our programs build on the 8-step approach she shared in a post and the 2023 Kathy’s Corner series. (Projectkin members have access to event recordings through the Members’ Chat Room in the Projectkin Forum.) Now the focus will be on …

Informal Archives: Capturing Family Memories

Emily Sienkiewicz

This workshop aims at collectively exploring different shapes and forms of informal family archives and oral histories’ role in keeping family memories alive. Informal family archives could include (but are not limited to): letters, photographs, clothes, audio recordings, videos, etc. Participants are encouraged to bring along and share one item from a family collection and share memories and stories associated with it. We will be discussing: tangible and intangible memories, what is an archive? And what we practically need to create one. For details see www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/informal-archives-capturing-family-memories-tickets-723721609817

Archiving a Life Story: How to Preserve Family Records

Emily Sienkiewicz

Your family’s records give clues about their lives and what they valued. This program will teach you how to arrange your “stuff” into an organized personal collection, from start to finish. Learn how to preserve documents, photographs, and artifacts for future generations with practical tips and best practices. By preserving and organizing family records, you can help pass on your family’s story. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes 1 hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom.

Genealogy Seekers – Exploring the Greatest Generation, with Jennifer Holik

Amanda Meeks

Contextual records are everywhere, not just the National Archives! Once you have established what units your service member was in and where they served, it is time to explore unit-level records. In this program you’ll explore: – The second part of the research strategy to piece together your veteran’s story. – How to add to your timeline of service and expand the narrative. – Explore various histories, journals, photos, and maps for all the military branches. – You will learn about the most valuable foundational records to put your service member into context and write a richer story everyone will want to read. These records help you write the narrative to your stories. They will …

Memoir Writing Club

Amanda Meeks

The Memoir Writing Club offers members a comfortable forum for sharing stories of important events, friendships, and family history. Do you have memories that you would like to share? Come join the Plainfield Public Library’s Memoir Writing Club. Before a session, participants write down their memories – creating a Memoir. During meetings, members share what they’ve written on a topic. At the end of each meeting the group chooses an optional topic for the next session, but individual members are free to write about whatever inspires them. Topic: end of the year holidays Past meeting discussions have involved educational or school experiences, favorite places, growing up in Plainfield, holidays, games, reunions, travel, and more! Registration …

Thomas Allen Harris – Host and Executive Producer of the TV Show Family Pictures USA

Amanda Meeks

Thomas Allen Harris, the Host and Executive Producer of the TV Show “Family Pictures USA” takes the audience behind the scenes of this captivating series on PBS. He shares his unique perspective on how the show brings people, places, and their family stories together through photographs, creating a tapestry of American history and heritage. Join us for an intriguing look into the making of a show that celebrates the power of family and the stories captured in pictures. For details see leavingalegacy.eventbrite.com/

Genealogy Escape Room℠ – • The Case of William Sydney Porter: Oh Henry!

Amanda Meeks

Free and open to all! A fun start to the holiday season! Imagine you are trapped at NC State archives and the only way out is to solve a series of genealogy research puzzles. Are you up to the challenge? Are you ready for Genealogy Escape Room™? Based on the popular escape room concept, Genealogy Escape Room™ turns the typical webinar format upside down! Each registrant will receive a Case Review File used to solve a series of online research tasks BEFORE the live webinar takes place. The webinar is the “reveal,” where a step-by-step review of each puzzle, task, and clue all the way to the final “key” to open the door. Genealogy methodology …