Author: Kirsten M. Max-Douglas
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My Library Journey: From Nancy Drew To Genealogy Research
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Libraries have been my second home since childhood, shaping my love for reading and lifelong learning. From summer reading programs to complex academic research, they’ve influenced my education and career. Now, I’m thrilled to see my son sharing this same passion for libraries as I look forward to more adventures…
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The Healing Army: My Grandfather’s Service at America’s Largest WWII Hospital
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When I think about institutions that shaped my family’s history, one stands out prominently: Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. This wasn’t just any medical facility—it was where my maternal grandfather, George Dubinsky, served during the final months of World War II, and where thousands of wounded American soldiers…
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Breakthrough Methods: What I Learned at OGS Conference Day 3
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After two intensive days of genealogical immersion at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, I spent today absorbing knowledge from five remarkable sessions that have fundamentally changed how I’ll approach my family research. The “Light Up Your Genealogy” conference theme couldn’t have been more appropriate – each presentation illuminated different aspects…
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Breaking Through: 5 More Fantastic Genealogy Sessions
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The second full day of the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference filled my head with new ideas, resources, and strategies! Five information-packed sessions left me with pages of notes, a growing to-do list, and that familiar genealogy conference feeling—equal parts overwhelmed and inspired. Here’s my recap of today’s enlightening journey through…
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Breaking Through: Innovative Genealogy at OGS 2025
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After yesterday’s productive workshop sessions, I arrived early this morning eager to dive into the main conference program. The energy at OGS 2025 was palpable—hundreds of genealogists gathering to share knowledge, breakthroughs, and of course, tales of brick walls conquered! Morning Keynote: Judy G. Russell Lights the Way The day…
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OGS Conference 2025: Workshop Day Adventures
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Workshop day at a genealogy conference always feels different from the regular session days. The pace slows down, the learning deepens, and “aha!” moments happen more frequently. Today at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference delivered exactly the kind of immersive learning experience I had hoped for. Morning: A Chance to…
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Pre-Conference Planning: Making the Most of Your Genealogy Conference Experience
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As I prepare for my 3.5-hour drive from Cincinnati to Sandusky for the Ohio Genealogical Society’s annual conference, I’m feeling that familiar mix of excitement and anticipation that comes before every genealogy event. Whether you’re a conference veteran or considering attending your first in-person genealogy gathering, proper preparation can make…
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Genetic Breadcrumbs: Following DNA to Find the Mysterious Mr. Max
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Introduction Remember that story I shared about the mysterious Mr. Max? If you missed it, I introduced you to one of my family’s most enduring mysteries—the identity of Clifford Max’s father, born in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1929. According to family lore, Clifford’s father had died before his son was born.…
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From Family Tales to Documented History: The Genealogist’s Journey
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Family stories are the heartbeat of genealogy. They spark our curiosity, connect us to our past, and often set us on the path of discovery. As I reflect on the first fifteen weeks of my #52Ancestors project, I’m struck by how often my research has centered around testing family stories…
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The Case of the Two Thomas Dowlings: A Genealogical Mix-Up
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#52Ancestors – Week 15 – Big Mistake Oh, the mistakes we make when we’re just starting out! When I first began my genealogical journey, I was bright-eyed and eager—perhaps a bit too eager. I’d found census records for my paternal great grandfather, Thomas Dowling born in Brooklyn in 1871, and…