As I write this final conference post from my room at The Galt House, I’m reflecting on what has been an absolutely incredible in-person genealogical immersion. Today’s sessions were the perfect capstone to my first NGS conference, taking me from foundational methodology all the way to cutting-edge AI applications. But honestly? This introvert is ready to go home and process everything I’ve learned in the blessed quiet of my own research space!
Morning Methodology Marathon
“Beyond the First Clue: Unraveling a Genealogical Mystery with GPS” with Gary L. Ball-Kilbourne, PhD, CG, CGL
What a way to start the day! Gary delivered an absolutely fantastic BCG Skillbuilding methodology session, featuring a compelling case study that applied the Genealogical Proof Standard to uncover Delany DeVine’s true birthplace. His presentation masterfully demonstrated how to challenge initial evidence and showcase truly exhaustive research, analysis, correlation, and resolution of conflicting evidence.
The quote that’s going straight onto my office wall: “The starting point is seldom the ending point in genealogy.” Isn’t that just perfectly true? It captures exactly what I’ve experienced with cases like my two Thomas Dowlings mix-up and my ongoing Swedish brick wall research. Gary also shared a fantastic graphic showing the research process that I absolutely must print out for my whiteboard at home.
This session reinforced why methodology matters so much – without proper GPS application, we collect names and dates instead of actually proving relationships and solving mysteries.
“Beyond Names and Dates: Integrating Social History into your Research” with Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA
I had eagerly anticipated this session on social context, and Gena absolutely delivered! Her exploration of social history’s importance in family research opened my eyes, particularly her emphasis on how the “where” enriches the “what” and “why” of our ancestors’ lives.
This session couldn’t have come at a better time for my Stephen Marcisak letter project, where I’m transcribing letters he wrote to his family while he was a POW during WWII. Understanding the social context of his wartime experience – the conditions, the community, the broader historical moment – will transform those letters from mere documents into vivid historical narratives that truly capture his lived experience.
Gena’s approach will definitely influence how I contextualize all my ancestor stories moving forward. It’s not enough to know when and where something happened – we need to understand the world our ancestors were living in.
“Using Tax Records to Address Genealogical Issues” with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CGL, FASG
This records and repositories class was incredibly informative! LaBrenda walked us through the various types of taxes imposed pre-20th century: poll or head taxes, real property, personal property, occupation or license taxes, and income taxes. While I don’t currently have any ancestors (that I know of) who would have been subject to some of these early tax types, this knowledge will be invaluable when I eventually branch out into client research.
LaBrenda’s systematic approach to understanding what records exist, where to find them, and how to interpret them was exactly the kind of practical education that makes conferences so valuable. Even if you think a particular record type doesn’t apply to your research, you never know when that knowledge might crack open a brick wall!
The Afternoon AI Adventure
“AI-Powered Genealogical Research Planning: From Organization to Creation” with Diana Elder, AG and Nicole Dyer
This was the session I’d been most excited about, and Nicole and Diana from FamilyLocket absolutely delivered! Their mother-daughter team dynamic brings such a unique perspective to genealogical education, and their session today where Diana covered the first steps leading up to the genealogy research plan and then Nicole took over the rest, was just perfect.
What impressed me most was how they’ve managed to integrate AI applications while maintaining the rigorous research methodology they’re known for. Their approach perfectly demonstrates how to combine traditional solid research standards with cutting-edge technology tools – exactly what our field needs as we navigate this new AI landscape.
They showed practical applications for working with AI in general (covering the major AI tools) to formulate research objectives, create timelines and to help create locality guides, then bringing it all together to construct a research plan, but always within the framework of proper genealogical practice. This isn’t about replacing good methodology with flashy technology – it’s about using AI to enhance and streamline the research process while maintaining our professional standards.
Having already taken their RLP course and currently working through RLP with DNA, I was thrilled to see how they’re evolving their educational approach to include these new tools. Their systematic method lends itself perfectly to leveraging AI effectively.
The Introvert’s Dilemma: Amazing Experience, Ready for Solitude
Here’s my confession: as much as I’ve absolutely loved this conference, this introvert is ready to go home! Don’t get me wrong – the learning has been incredible, the connections meaningful, and the inspiration overwhelming. But there’s something to be said for processing all this new knowledge in the quiet comfort of my own research space.
Virtual conferences and webinars suit my personality perfectly most of the time. I can absorb all that knowledge without the social exhaustion, rewatch sessions if I missed something, and immediately apply what I’ve learned without the stimulation overload of constant interaction.
That said, meeting those genealogy heroes in person was pretty special, even if it left me a bit starstruck! And there’s definitely value in the spontaneous conversations and connections that only happen at in-person events. There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who understand your excitement over census records and DNA matches, and experiencing that energy in person was truly special.
Looking Ahead: Implementing What I’ve Learned
Now comes the real work – taking all these insights and applying them to my ongoing research challenges:
- Using Gary’s GPS methodology to tackle my remaining brick walls more systematically
- Applying Gena’s social history integration to the Stephen Marcisak POW letter project
- Incorporating Diana and Nicole’s AI tools into my research planning process
- Leveraging LaBrenda’s tax record strategies for future client work
I head home with pages of notes, new research strategies, and renewed enthusiasm for several stalled projects. Sometimes the best part of a conference comes when you return to your own research space and actually implement everything you’ve learned.
Final Thoughts: Virtual vs. In-Person
After this experience, I think I’ve found my perfect conference balance. The in-person experience was invaluable for those deeper connections and intensive learning sessions, but virtual attendance will remain my preferred method for most events. There’s wisdom in knowing your own working style and energy limits!
For fellow introverts considering their first in-person genealogy conference: do it, but give yourself permission to step away when you need to recharge. The genealogy community is wonderfully welcoming, but it’s okay to need quiet time to process all that amazing information.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pack up and prepare for the drive back to Cincinnati. I have some Swedish records calling my name, and those Stephen Marcisak letters aren’t going to transcribe themselves!
What’s your preference: virtual or in-person conferences? Have you found your perfect balance between learning and social energy management? I’d love to hear your conference strategies in the comments!
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