Midwestern Roots 2014~Day Two

I will say here that this is the first time I’ve attended a speech about technology and left in tears. Lisa Louise Cooke was day #2’s keynote speaker. She discussed things to look for in the future of the technology of genealogy. At the end of her speech, however, #5 was “listen to your ancestors” accompanied by a lovely slideshow. Future-wise, Ms. Cooke talked about “getting outside the genealogy box” using newspaper research and programs like Evernote. Use Google Earth, create a blog, plan a family reunion, publish your family story! Use YouTube and online video to search for ancestors. Your desktop is moving to the cloud; however, keep a hard copy of your data just in case a cloud program you utilize goes away. She also touched on Google’s Project Tango, 3D technology that looks completely awesome!

For the next session, I chose to sit in on “New Frontiers in Family History at the Indiana State Archives,” presented by Vicki Casteel and Alan January. I had visited the State Archives for the first time a couple days before but decided I wanted to reinforce what I had learned previously. This was extremely helpful in that I found a court case listing one of my 3rd-great-grandfathers as subpoenaed for the case. The case was in 1843, that’s all I know for now. I’ve requested the court records…can’t wait to receive them! I will mention here that it was announced at the banquet the night before that IHS is seeking funds to move the archives to a vacated downtown Indy building by 2016, which is fabulous news!

I made it to lunch on time this day and met two of the nicest ladies. One was trying to find out more about her grandfather, a glass blower who had lived in Madison County, IN. I asked if he was in Elwood, a town in that county known for their glass, and she had not heard of Elwood. Thanks to the power of the internet, she quickly looked it up and was astounded. I was so happy to have been able to assist her.

Off to the afternoon sessions!

Next, Joan Hostetler talked about “Dating Clues Within Historic Photographs.” I very much enjoy looking at historic photos, and many were shown during this presentation, along with tips on what to look to date the picture. Very fascinating and so different from today! I just updated my cell phone to one that boasts a 41-megapixel camera! For better photos of headstones, of course. 🙂

The next session I attended was “Evernote for Genealogists,” given by Thomas MacEntee. I must say, this man knows his stuff about technology! I always walk away from his talks having learned something new (Evernote scanner? Yes, please!).

I ended my conference time with F. Warren Bittner and his lecture entitled, “‘Beat the Children with a Fresh Birch Stick so the Animals Don’t Get a Worms’-Reading for Historical Context.” This man is a genius! He always provides a bibliography chockfull of excellent reads to pursue.

Needless to say, at the end of the conference I was a bit tired but felt I had come away with valuable tips and education. I hope to really start integrating some of these new ideas soon!

Pre-Conference Activities

The day before the conference, Midwestern Roots 2014, I kept myself very busy. I took the day off work and got to the Indiana State Archives at 10 a.m. for a small tour and introduction. I was there until 3 p.m. researching! I needed to do some IN Civil War research on my ancestors, Paul Mayer, John Ford and his son Lyman. I also found my 2nd-great-GF, Amos Ballard, on the 1862 draft list stating he had “disease of the heart” and therefore could not enlist. He was the one who later became a doctor. Also, while looking through the 1862 draft list, I found the name of the man who Paul Mayer is listed as living with on the 1860 census (the first census where Paul is enumerated and I wondered if this man was married to Paul’s sister as they all came from Württemberg). On the census, it was transcribed as “Gasper Seff”; on the 1862 draft list, it’s listed as “Casper Zepf.” Aha! More on that later!

After the Archives, I needed to go to the Indiana Historical Society as I wanted to see the Ballard letters up close and personal. Of course, they are only open until 5 and I’m basically on the opposite side of Indy. Plus, I had had no lunch. I ordered some chilled peach and goat cheese soup and pasta salad online from a place in Indy called Soupremacy (located on the Circle, if you’re ever in town, just go!). I drove down there, called them, and they ran it out to me! Super service! Off to the Historical Society.

I drove around the block a couple times trying to figure out parking; however, I realized what to do, pulled in, and got a great spot. I made it to the Historical Society Library at 4 p.m. (after a few bites of soup and salad!).

There was just so much to see and do at the Historical Society, and, of course, I had only mere minutes. I made my way to the Library, already had the call number on hand, and my materials were brought to the reading room for me. How awesome it was to see and practically touch the same letters my ancestors had written and read, the earliest from 1833 and written by my 4th-great-grandparents. They can be viewed online here:

http://images.indianahistory.org/cdm/search/collection/dc033

It was an entirely different feeling to see them in person. I had copies made, as many as I could afford and with the time I had. One letter was written by the sister of my 3rd-great-GM about their mother’s passing. One of the most touching things I’ve read to date.

From the Historical Society, I dashed off to my hotel to check in and get ready for the final event of the day, The Google Earth Genealogy Game Show, held at the Indianapolis Public Library in downtown Indy. It was the first time I had visited their library, and it is gorgeous! The speaker was Lisa Louise Cooke of Genealogy Gems Podcast, and she took us on a tour of Google Earth using historical questions in game show-style fashion. Lots of fun!

I have used Google Maps a lot in the past but never Google Earth and, boy howdy, what have I been missing! I’ve got a lot of learning to do with Google Earth but what a neat and fun app, especially when used with genealogy!

Afterward, yummy refreshments were served at a reception and then I was on my way back to the hotel for the evening for some much-needed rest and to prepare for the first day of the conference.

I will leave you with this quote I saw at the Indianapolis Public Library:

“Light captured in words won’t hide in shadow; it emerges to illuminate life.”