Looking for a speaker for your group or organization?

For the last 10 years, I have spoken for genealogical, historical, civic, and church groups throughout Texas and at national genealogical conferences, including RootsTech. My presentations often focus on using technology to maximize your research or to enhance telling your family’s story. Each presentation includes a handout with further information, including websites, step-by-step instructions where appropriate, and more.

A list of selected topics is below or I can develop something specific for your organization. In addition, several sessions could be selected and combined to create a one-day workshop or 3-4 lectures.

For a PDF of topics and descriptions, see Topics.

Please e-mail me at sandrac@tx.rr.com about my availability for your event date.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO TOPICS

Digital Photography I – Repair old photos or resize and enhance new photos using Photoshop Elements.

Digital Photography II – You have lots of pictures. You have edited your pictures. Now, what can you do with them? Examine creative ways to use your photos to make your family story come alive.

Digital Storytelling – Telling your family story requires more than “just the facts” or a few photos. Learn how to plan your message and the tools available to help you tell it effectively. NOTE: This may be expanded and combined with Digital Photography, Digital Scrapbooking and/or Lights! Camera! Action! for a full day workshop.

Digital Scrapbooking – Create scrapbooks pages in various sizes using Photoshop Elements and web resources. Learn how to add journaling to your pages.

Lights! Camera! Action! – Turning photos into slide shows and movies is easy whether you’re using software that you have purchased or some of the great free software available for download.. Find out what’s available and what will work best for you.

TECHNOLOGY TOPICS

Wow, Whoa, Yikes! – The Internet offers a plethora of information. Is it reliable? Find out which sites you can count on, which must be used with caution and which should be avoided. Take a tour with this genealogists’ guide to using the Internet.

Cloudy Forecast Ahead – What is cloud computing and why should you care? Take a look at what may be the next trend in technology and learn how it may impact genealogists and other researchers.

Researching with Excel – Want to find a way to be better organized when you’re planning a research trip—or even researching online? Excel can help you see your family—and your research holes-at a glance.

Family Tree Maker – Make the most of your Family Tree Maker software. Learn how to merge individuals, search the web, and add photos and other media. Find out how to create a slide show, publish reports and much more. (Focus is on the latest version of FTM 2014)

Toy Story: Electronic Tools for Genealogists – Do you like the latest electronic gadgets? From scanners to GPS devices to Droid and iPhones to iPads, there’s a “toy” for you! Find out how you can get the most from your gadget.

Genealogists Go Mobile – To a genealogist, “going mobile” has meant putting your baggage in the car and heading to your ancestors’ family home. Today, “Going Mobile” means taking your entire family (past and present) with you. Learn about the latest trends in technology and applications that let you enjoy the benefits of having everything at your fingertips.

Google – Google is more than a search engine. Learn how to search more efficiently using Google, plus take a tour of Google’s other products and services for the genealogist.

Building a Family Web Site—Examine the tools available to help you share your research, photos, and more online.

GENERAL INTEREST TOPICS

I Remember—Many people have memories of their parents and grandparents to pass down to future generations, but writing the story can be time-consuming and daunting. Learn how to get started telling your family’s story and how to make it easier for you and those around you to share memories.

Snapshot: RootsTech – The idea was simple: “bring together family history enthusiasts and technologists to discover new solutions for genealogy.” Did it work? Join us as we explore the latest trends of the most recent RootsTech event.

Wicked Weather – Major weather-related events often shaped the lives of our ancestors. Learn about ten weather phenomena before the 1940s that impacted where and how we live. Find out how you can add weather information to your family story.

Make It Count 1 —The Role of the U.S. Census – The first U.S. Census was conducted in 1790. In 2010 we conducted the 23rd census. How did these counts take place; what prompted the changes to questions and collections methods; and what can we expect when the 1940 census data is released to the public by the National Archives in 2012? Take a journey through the history of the U.S. Census and learn how you can walk in your ancestors’ footsteps.

Make It Count 2 – U.S. Census Searches that Yield Results – Sometimes your ancestor is not where you thought they were. Or are they? There are tips & tricks to make every census search successful.

Where Did He Go? – You’ve found your ancestor—then he disappears. Use the census and other records to complete your family puzzle. Putting it in writing helps fill the gaps in your family tree.

Expose Holes in Your Family Tree with Timelines – Timelines are a great way to help tell your family story; they can tell you where people were and what they were doing at a particular point in time. They can also help you identify holes in your research. Learn how to quickly create a timeline and use it to effectively plan your next steps.

In Search of Frye Parnell – Multiple names; multiple locations; multiple wives – how do you determine which ancestor is yours and which line to research? Learn how historical records, timelines and documenting your findings can yield clues to help you complete the puzzle that is your family tree.