Zoom Presentations
AGS offers the following presentation topics for your Arkansas club at no cost. Scroll down for the list of topics. If you would like to schedule one of these topics for your next club meeting or have questions, please fill out this form. We will give the presentation by Zoom or, in some cases, depending on distance, in-person.
Topics
Artificial Intelligence And Genealogy
by Scott Lee
This presentation is an overview of how artificial intelligence is used today in genealogy and some technologies on the horizon, plus possibilities for the more distant future. It also includes a high-level explanation of artificial intelligence with simple diagrams and examples.
The Blue and the Gray: Researching Your Civil War Ancestors
by Russell P. Baker
The Civil War 1861-1865 was one of the most important events in U.S. History. Millions of men served in the armies of the North and of the South. The records of military service and service pensions created during and after this great conflict often contain a goldmine of American genealogical and family history information. ZOOM ONLY
Calendar Confusion!?
by Scott Lee
Why was Thursday, October 4, 1582, followed by Friday, October 15, 1582, but only in some countries? Pope Gregory XIII did not invent the Gregorian Calendar. Who did? George Washington was born on February 11, 1731/32. So, was he born in 1731 or 1732? Why does the date of Easter shift around, sometimes before Passover, sometimes after Passover, but rarely coinciding with it? October derives from octo, Latin for eight, so why is it the 10th month? Did the Russian “October Revolution” really occur in November? Why does the Hebrew calendar sometimes have 13 months? This presentation will answer these questions and more.
Effective Use Of Ancestry.com
by Scott Lee
I clicked all those little green leaves and built my tree, but I keep finding mistakes. How do I fix them? This presentation will show you how to avoid incorporating other people’s mistakes into your tree and use the Ancestry.com service effectively. It will teach techniques for building a more reliable, evidence-based tree.
Family History Research in Arkansas: An introduction
by Russell P. Baker
Although small in size, Arkansas, sitting as it does astride several major east and west migration routes, played a substantial role in the settlement of the middle South both before and after the Civil War. This discussion features an introduction to some six major genealogy and family history sources for our state and demonstrates how to locate and use them successfully in one’s family history research. ZOOM ONLY
Genealogy for the Genealogists: A Refresher Course for the 21st Century
by Russell P. Baker
Having trouble with your genealogical research or facing numerous “brick walls”? Take a trip down memory’s lane with this refresher course on American genealogical research methods that features a discussion of locating, using, and understanding traditional sources, as well as 21st century research trends and records. ZOOM ONLY
Missing Relative Case Study Using DNA
by Andria Yakoubian
Where’d They Go? Ever had a relative who vanished? Or maybe you have a relative who only appears when they are an adult. We will take a look at how to find a “missing” relative using the DNA trail that they left behind. Andria Yakoubian will walk through the paper trail and the DNA trail to find a missing relative.
Researching Southern Native American Ancestors
by Russell P. Baker
Many Arkansas families, especially those with Southern colonial roots, have Native American ancestors. This discussion will deal with research problems encountered in locating relative records, wading through cultural and historical factors, and hints on how to use available information to achieve one’s research goals. ZOOM ONLY
Southern Church Records and Their Use in Family History Research
by Russell P. Baker
Due to its chronic loss of public records, many parts of the South are “records deserts,” making family history and genealogical research very difficult. It is in cases like these that records of local churches and other religious organizations come into their own. These records can often contain death, marriage, and even birth information. Where to find such records and how to use them is the theme of this discussion. ZOOM ONLY
Using DNA in Family Research
by Scott Lee
I took the DNA test. Now what? This presentation will teach you how to use DNA testing to research your family history. It will cover the pros and cons of each test type, the major testing companies, and techniques to use the information they provide in your genealogy research. The focus is not on the technical, biological aspects of DNA but on how to use it in genealogy.