My Husband Says I'm Famous

About a month ago, I gave a presentation titled French Genealogy is Easy – Merci Napoleon!  I love this presentation and in our area, it’s unique.  It seems there is no one else presenting research in the countries of France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Northern Italy and the Netherlands, and surrounding areas where Napoleon ruled in late 1700’s and early 1800’s.  This lecture got the attention of two newspapers.  The Daily Herald listed me as a top thing to do for the weekend. (Daily Herald, Feb 28, 2014 Section 5 pg1)

 
 

The Palatine Journal interviewed me and in the April 3^rd issue, page 14A, this appeared.  It was a wonderful article written by Denise Fleischer.  She and I talked several times, and she was great in trying to get all the details correct.  

 I am quite proud of these notices, but like many people who are REALLY famous, it took many years to get this point in my genealogical journey. 

 In 1996, I began to actively pursue my research and for the first time went to my local  Family History library, run by the Church of Latter Day Saints.  Soon I volunteered there, partly to get a discount in the cost of the many microfilms (over 100)  I ordered.  I enjoyed helping people research their families when it was busy and working on my own when it was quiet.  I met the nicest people and learned from the customers.  I had a key, so I could go there any time and investigate the films.  Over the years, research changed drastically.  Instead of ordering films at the library, the internet was the almost exclusively being used.  Traffic at the library was reduced. 

 After 15 years, it was time to make a change. My 2012 New Year’s resolution was to “amp up” my genealogy. I started by attending my first genealogy organization meeting.  At the meeting,  it was announced that Arlington Heights Memorial Library, needed genealogy room volunteers.  felt the announcement was meant for me.    I had spent many pleasant hours there over the years, and called for an interview and was “hired”. There is more traffic at the new library and I love helping people. Part of the Thursday night gig, included teaching a monthly beginning genealogy class.  I loved it.  Teaching genealogy had always been a goal, and I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity. 

 Well, one thing lead to another, and with a little luck, by 2014, I also teach 7 or 8 weeks courses for two local high school adult ed programs (District 211 and 214), and give presentations to local groups.  Since I’ve researched much of my family and my husband’s family, I decided I should be concentrating on writing the stories.  With that in mind, I decided to start a blog.  I hope this blog serves several purposes:

1)to write our family’s story

2) to teach techniques that I present in my classes
3) the last week of every month I will list  presentations in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs
4)to reflect thoughts about genealogy. 

 It is my hope that people will enjoy and learn from my experiences. 

 Also remember New Year’s resolutions should not be just losing weight, or getting organized.  Reach for the stars.  And you might become “famous.”