Journey Home Genealogy

Irish Genealogical Research | Dwight Radford

Call Today! 801.699.2450

Or send us an Email

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Ireland
  • United States
    • American Genealogy (general)
    • Native American
    • African American
  • Canada
  • International Genealogy
    • England and Wales
    • Scotland
    • Other Research
  • Research Services
  • Research Proposal

The Speaker’s Perspective

3 Oct By Dwight

On August 11th I had the privilege of presenting two classes at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus. This is the state archive. In other words, it was no small gig!

L to R: Liz Plummer, Tom Rieder, Lisa Long, Amanda Rindler
L to R: Liz Plummer, Tom Rieder, Lisa Long, Amanda Rindler

There were about 150 in attendance. My topics were were “Getting Your Irish Ancestors Over the Water” and “Beginning Irish Research.” From my perspective, I was impressed at how professional the staff at the archives was and how they did everything possible to take care of my needs. So from the speaker’s relationship with the hosts, I rate them very highly. The group in attendance was comprised of all levels of family historians. They ranged from novices to professional genealogists. That makes any speaker squirm a bit as a balance has to be struck between not being too technical or insulting.DSC_0605_resize

This group was a bit complicated because in addition in the audience were a number of staff from the Genealogy Department of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Franklin County Genealogical & Historical Society, both of whose members spent their time to help advertise my classes. On top of that were some of the movers and shakers of the annual Dublin Irish Festival, held in Dublin, Ohio, outside of Columbus – also family historians.

So how does any speaker evaluate the needs of such a diverse class of participants? Not easy. My first task was to try and balance a little bit of everything in the two hours allotted. If I had to venture an educated guess, a typical Ohio class would consist of up to 50% to 75% Scots-Irish Protestant needs verses the rest Irish Catholic needs. So 1700s Scots-Irish research had to be considered along with 1840s and 1850s Potato Famine immigrants.DSC_0612_resize

DSC_0604_resizeMy observation was that the class was very well prepared. What I did notice was many came expecting me to give them that one magic answer to solve their research problems. That was not necessarily going to happen as Irish and Scots-Irish research can be very complicated. From my teaching experience, I have learned sometimes by just listening to the questions asked and the answers given, the smoking gun may actually present itself.

DSC_0616_resizeAll that being said and done, it was a marvelous experience and the class was very top notch. The diversity in the class actually brought the discussion up a level. My hope is I struck a balance and ignited some new strategies in the minds of the researchers to help them address their particular issue. As I remind classes, I can feed them sources all day long, but unless they know strategies on what to do with those sources, their research may just remained blocked. While at times Irish research can be as simple as “pushing a button” it is just as often just not that simple.

I hope you enjoy the pictures graciously sent to me by the Ohio History Connection.

If you would like help with your genealogy please call 385-214-0925.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Libraries and Archives, Research

About Dwight

Dwight A. Radford

Dwight A. Radford is a professional family history researcher. Along with his staff they specialize in Ireland, England, Canada, African American, Native American, and United States. Connecting families together through historical documents and then creating a cherished family heirloom published book for generations to enjoy. Full bio…

Follow Our Blog

Blog

  • How do You Determine the Associates of Your Ancestor?
  • When to Jump Over the Water in Your Research
  • Grand Lodge of Ireland Membership Records Online

Online Course

  • My Courses
  • Courses
  • My Account

Contact

  • About
  • Contact
  • Research Services

Journey Home Geneology © 2023 · Designed by GO Marketing