Always something to learn...

With our 2nd annual Genealogy Expo just around the virtual corner, like Saturday, I am reminded of the many things I've learned from attending events such as this one. 

One time, I was privileged to be present in a class on English research. As I my grandfather was born in England, that is always an area of interest for me. This particular presentation was chock-full of wonderful information. One of the first things I did after the conference was go into Google Maps and search for where my family lived. 

The picture included here is of the very street where my great-grandfather, John Richard Hoyle, was born; Rings Row. He was the only child of John Hoyle and Mary Lord, but the youngest of at least nine children, his father having had two previous wives. While in Google Maps, I was able to change to street view and see the very buildings where they and their neighbors, many of whom were also relatives, lived. It was amazing to me, and led me to further findings about my family and the area in which they lived - all prompted by the information gained at a genealogy event.

Come join us! You never know what gems you will take away.

 

This Expo is going to be GREAT!! In short I am beyond excited. Ecstatic, I claim that great word.

I just started learning how to do genealogy work on my own. And by “on my own” I mean with at least another person in the room to supervise and make sure that I am not messing up the parts of my family tree that have already been established. But I have already been bitten to the point of addiction by this marvelous work, and I refuse to be discouraged by my inexperience!  I feel there is almost no better way for me to spend at least half an hour a week. I am discovering some really amazing resources out there that are SO easy to use! And I have just barely scratched the surface. This expo is going to fill in so many holes and probably just overwhelm me with how much great information that will be offered for attendees to use and learn from.

Please mark it on your calendars NOW, and while you are at it, REGISTER HERE so we at least know that someone is planning on attending.

Two weeks to go!

Click here to register for this Free Event!

We are SO excited!

Our presentation schedule is finally complete. We have some fantastic classes on the roster again, this year. There is truly something for everyone, beginner to expert, young to not-so-young. We hope you'll take the opportunity to read through them and make your choices.

NOW is a perfect time to register! 
While registration is not mandatory, it is very helpful as we continue making preparations for this great event. (It also helps us feel better, knowing that at least some people are attending.) ☺

Ellis Richard Bradford and Martha Jane Ragsdale

These are my Great-Grandparents, Ellis Richard Bradford and Martha Jane Ragsdale. My momma always told me the story about how they met and were married. Great grandpa was 21 and great grandma was 14 when they met. And papaw told her, he says “Martha-Jane, I am going to come back in one year, and I’m gonna marry you” and she say’s “Okay”. Romantic, I know. Well, he did, he came back in one year, and they got married. He was 22, and she was 15. A few days after they were married, her daddy came to their home with a shot gun "I come to bring you home, Martha Jane". Martha met him at the front porch, "Dad, I am married now, and this is where I belong." He turn around and went home. By my calculations, that would be 1912. Some time later, Mamaw did get home sick. Papaw, who mamma always said was the most affectionate and sweetest man, he put his foot down. He put his hands on his hips, and he told her "Martha Jane, you are my wife. Now, you can go home, if that's what you want, but if you do, you ain't comin' back" My papaw (my mom’s dad) was, was the youngest of their nine children. Obviously, she stayed.

Done, and mostly done!

It's ready! Woot!

Our schedule of classes is updated and we're nearly ready to open for registration.

We are so pleased with what we have to offer our guests this year. We have some exceptional presenters, and great topics. There is truly something for everyone.

We hope you will take a look at the schedule. You may click HERE to do so. There will be some informational changes, but the schedule will remain essentially intact as it is. We hope you will be as excited as we are!