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Lectures and SeminarsAnn is available for consultation, conference/seminar planning, and to speak at meetings and seminars. C. Ann Staley is a Certified GenealogistSM, Certified Genealogical LecturerSM, and instructor. She has been researching her family since 1980 and for clients since 1998. For more biographical information, please see the "Credentials" page. Click here to find a list of some of her recent speaking engagements. Click here to see her current calendar of speaking engagements.
Lecture TopicsHatched, Matched and Dispatched: Vital Record ResearchPresentation Abstract: The 21st Century poses it own particular problems on the researcher today. With the onslaught of "privacy issues" how is the family researcher going to be able to further their knowledge of their families? This presentation examines the various records available to the researcher searching 21st century vital statistics and how to locate and use them. Among the topics, I will include:
City Directories - A Line-by-line Account of Our AncestorsPresentation Abstract: Many different types of "directories" have been published that may help the researcher today solve their family history brickwalls. One of those is the City Directory. They can place a person in a particular place at a particular time and can group people by place of residency and/or by association with others. This presentation examines the city directories available to the researcher and how to locate and use them. Among the topics, I will include:
Using Search Engines EffectivelyPresentation Abstract: Searching the Internet can be daunting; however, if you have the right "tools" your search can be most effective. Among the topics we will discuss are:
Compiled Resources for the 21st CenturyPresentation Abstract: Many records are available for the 21st century researcher - online and off-line; we just have to locate them. This presentation will take a look at a variety of these sources, what they contain and where they can be acquired. Some sources we will discuss are:
“Shore to Shore” - 20th Century Immigration ResearchPresentation Abstract: Between 1607 and 1980 approximately 50 million immigrants arrived, with the peak year being 1907 when approximately 1,285,000 people arrived. How are we to find our ancestor among those millions? This presentation discusses:
Death Record Research Sources: Beyond Death CertificatesPresentation Abstract: Death certificates are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a record created at death; however, statewide death registrations did not start in most states until the first quarter of the 1900s. So what other documents can be used to obtain death information? This lecture presents an overview of a contemporary death certificate and then goes on to examine how some of those same "clues" can be found in a variety of other documents/resources. Some of those covered are:
What Do I Do With All This STUFF? Mission: OrganizationPresentation Abstract: We go on a research trip and gather all sorts of information. We come home to other responsibilities and our research gets stacked in piles waiting the moment when we can do something with it. This lecture tries to minimize the damage. The discussion will include:
Overlooked Research Sources: A Gold Mine to be DiscoveredPresentation Abstract: We sometimes get caught in a researcher's "rut"; we start looking at the same type of sources and "forget" that there are a lot of different types of sources to be scoured for information and clues to our ancestors. This presentation will take a look at a variety of these sources, what they contain and where they can be acquired. Some sources we will discuss are:
"Read all about it!" Newspaper Research: Reading Past the HeadlinesPresentation Abstract: Newspapers have been published in this country for almost 300 years. These day-to-day diaries of our ancestors' lives can make them "come to life for us" if we but use the rich daily life information that can be garnered from within the pages of newspapers. This lecture will start with a brief history of the newspaper's rise in American history and then examine various components found in a variety of types of newspapers and how they can be used to further the research for your ancestor. We will end with information on how/where to find older newspapers. Some items we will discuss are:
The Twilight Zone...Strange Web Sites for Family History ResearchPresentation Abstract: There are many web pages devoted to subjects that we researchers may not even think of as possibilities to help us in our research. This presentation examines a variety of these sites and discusses their merits and relationship to Genealogical Research. Some topics discussed are:
So You Can't Read a Foreign Language: Deciphering Vital Records - Tips and TechniquesPresentation Abstract: Sooner or later, a researcher will be facing a vital record in a foreign language. Treating the language as a barrier or "brick wall" will only frustrate them further. This presentation will use vital records in various languages to demonstrate ways to decipher them. Among the topics discussed are:
Florida Research: Online ResourcesPresentation Abstract: Florida is a state varied in history and culture from its' tip in Key West, through the Everglades to the West Coast, and the Panhandle to the "First" Coast. This lecture is designed to work through that diversity utilizing resources available on the World Wide Web. We will discuss online resources for:
Claws or Clues - Scratching for the Elusive Ancestor!Presentation Abstract: If you are at the point in your research that you are encountering "dead ends", you may need to stop, regroup, check where you have been and where you need to go. This lecture is designed to start the thought processes with a systematic research approach. We will discuss evidence criteria, timelines and spreading your research net outwards.
Basic Genealogical Note-Keeping System (ByGones)Presentation Abstract: This presentation can be done as a computer lab or as a lecture. Bygones is a computerized genealogical note-keeping system in computer database form for genealogists with laptop or desktop computers. It is available as freeware for Windows 95/98/me/XP/NT and Macintosh 8.1+ computers. It does not replace a lineage-linked database program rather is meant to be used in conjunction with it. It does, however, replace paper-only genealogical note keeping forms, such as paper research logs and research extracts, with computer versions of these forms which can be printed out for your paper files. Having your research notes in a computer program offers advantages over a paper-only based note-keeping system. Among the topics that will be discussed are:
Family Research IntroductionPresentation Abstract: There comes a time in our life that we begin to wonder about our "family. It might be because of a medical problem, to establish a sense of heritage (or Where did I come from?) or just plain curiosity. Whatever the reason, Genealogy (or Family Research) is a very fulfilling hobby. This lecture will discuss among other topics:
Genealogical Research: Online Resources - for Free!Presentation Abstract: In the economically challenged world we are in today, free is good! The World Wide Web holds a host of options for today's genealogist to explore. This lecture will provide insight into what is in store when some of the popular, and some so not well known, free websites are explored. Come join us as we surf the internet to find those choice websites that hold digital images, databases, text files, etc. Some of the websites visited are:
Googling Your Family: Using the Whole Google WebsitePresentation Abstract: Google's mission is "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful" and they do that task very well. Learn how to use the search engine for books, images, newspapers, maps, etc. to enhance your research and the family story you want to tell. This lecture will show what is available in this collection of databases. We will look at:
HeritageQuesttm Online - The Ins and OutsPresentation Abstract: HeritageQuesttm Online contains much more than just the Federal population census. If you are searching for immigration, naturalization, land grants, monetary claims, pensions, public works projects, military matters, vital records, parents, etc. you should take a look at this collection. This lecture will show what is available in this collection of databases. We will look at:
The FamilySearch Website - DemystifiedPresentation Abstract: This website is made up of many parts; each one essential to the research of a genealogist. However, many have never heard of the site or have not used it to its' greatest potential. Join us as we explore the wonderful possibilities! Among the topics, I will include:
Starting and Maintaining a Pioneer Descendants ProgramPresentation Abstract: Has your society thought about starting a First Family, Pioneer Family or Pioneer Descendants Program and didn't know where to start? Then this presentation is for you. A pioneer program can be fun and beneficial to the society and community. I have been involved in a pioneer program as a co-chair of the Florida State Genealogical Society's pioneer program. Among the topics I will discuss are:
Organizing a Society Seminar or ConferencePresentation Abstract: Has your society talked about having a seminar or conference but they just are not sure it is worth the trouble? Join the societies that are finding that this educational opportunity for their society and community is fun and beneficial. I have been involved in providing seminars and conferences since 2000 at the national, state and local levels. I have the experience as National Registration and Vendor Chairs, State Conference Chair for 9 years, and a local society seminar chair for 5 years. Among the topics I will discuss are:
Organizing and Carrying Out a Society ProjectPresentation Abstract: Whether big or small, a society project can be a daunting task. This presentation is designed to help the society officers and volunteers manage a society-wide project from start to completion. Among the topics to be discussed, I will include:
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