Every family has a crazy uncle. Let the RR Genealogy Club help you find yours.
David M. Randall
The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club has enjoyed a fall filled with useful ideas and memorable stories. In September, we watched Denise May Levenick’s presentation on caring for family keepsakes. We followed it with our own Robson Ranch Genealogy Roadshow, where members brought in their family treasures, shared the stories behind them, and explored with our genealogy experts how their heirlooms can offer clues to their family’s past. It was an enjoyable reminder that some of our most meaningful research begins close to home.
At our October workshop, David Randall shared his Fast-Track Genealogy method. He showed how modern tools can help researchers move more quickly from their first discoveries to a well-documented family history while maintaining sound genealogical standards.
There is still more to come. On Oct. 20, Nancy Gilbride Casey will present “Tracking Down Immigrant Stories.” Drawing on examples from her own ancestry, she will show how census records, voter rolls, land records, passenger manifests, and newspapers can help uncover the stories of immigrant ancestors.
On Nov. 3, Ari Wilkins will present “Let Your Fingers Do the Walking: Exploring City Directories, Telephone Books and Criss-Cross Directories.” She will explain the history of these resources and the many details they can reveal about where our ancestors lived and worked.
Our final afternoon workshop of the year will be held Nov. 9. Our last evening presentation follows on Nov. 17, with its topic to be announced. That evening will also include our year-end business meeting and election of new officers, so we strongly encourage all members to attend.
The Robson Ranch Genealogy Club meets in Room 104 of the Creative Arts and Technology Center. Presentations are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, and workshops are generally held at 2 p.m. on the second Monday. The club does not meet in December, but anyone considering membership for next year is welcome at our final November sessions. No genealogical experience is required, and first-time visitors may attend free. Annual dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a household.