A quick summary of my family searches.

I have been researching my parents' histories and family trees for the past 8 years or so, and learning so much along this path. When I began, there was very little information on either set of grandparents, and with all of them deceased, with cousins rather far-flung and a full generation older, it was quite a challenge.

Along the way I discovered a first cousin - another genealogy nut like me! - who had been "lost" to the family for over 40 years. He and I have shared many finds and copies of documents. I have met and corresponded with 2nd and 3rd cousins, shared information with others on both sides of the family, and more. Lately I have been searching my ex-husband's family lines, and been very excited to find excellent material online. Two lines have well-researched genealogies available, and one goes back to a Mayflower passenger, Resolved White (son of William & Susanne White). Fascinating details to a person who sees herself as "Canadian", yet I have found that both of my own parents' lines go back to very early settlers in the northeast states of the USA.

My cousin and I have enjoyed the searches, the details we've unearthed, the articles published in historical newspapers, and more. I have taken a number of genealogy classes online and attended several conferences, enjoying building up my knowledge. With a Master's degree, I am quite competent with research, but it has been very exciting to learn more on genealogy standards, and creative problem-solving approaches to research. Now I am digging into those brick walls and also female ancestors with no surnames! There has to be a way...

At this point, I am helping beginners start to build their family trees with 1-1 help, or through small classes in the local community. The basics are the basics, and people need to learn a few pitfalls and possibilities in using online resources, as well as learn what is available in libraries and other repositories, as well as the benefits of joining their local/provincial genealogical society. I love the challenges, and these days I am digging into the ends of my trees, seeing what I can find to fill out the tree with not just details of BMD, but also with any stories I can find, or any additional details of their lives and the times they lived in.

Cheers for now - Celia