A big fortnight for learning new things. Trying out AI and Chat GPT, SubStack and solving website issues are just some of my technolical learnings this past fortnight.
AFFHO
I have agreed to convene the Nick Vine Hall awards again and my three judges from last year have all agreed to stay on for 2026 which is wonderful. Updating the flyer and information sheet is easier when there is not too much to change. Journal entries from member societies will come in during February and March and then the judges have three months to read and score the journals. I get a month to collate the scores and all is ready to be announced at the beginning of Family History Month in August.
Amazing how quick the year goes when you outline a timeline like that.
Books
My review of the Hop-Picker Murders by Nathan Dylan Goodwin is now up on my blog page of my website. As always, I love his books and can't wait for the next one.
Conferences
RootsTech 2026 is just a month away so start looking at what you might want to attend live or watch later. I am giving one session on Australian cemetery and burial records. It is recorded and will be available in the library to watch anytime. I'm also part of the virtual media team.
The NSW & ACT conference is in person in 2026 and will be hosted by Port Macquarie & District Family History Society. Check out the conference website. We nearly settled in Port Macquarie so it will be on our travel plans this year.
New Resources
Legacy Family Tree Webinars has a whole series on AI and DNA and I really need a few rainy weekends to catch up with my viewing schedule. And it is only January.
Talks
My first talk/webinar for 2026 was for Legacy Family Tree Webinars on Sorting my DNA matches with MyHeritage's theory of family relativity which went well. It was the first time I have done a case study as a talk so it was about my methodology and what I found by looking at my mother's DNA matches. You can watch it here for free.
Next is a talk in early February for the Bribie Family History Association on Mining the archives so that is in person. I am looking forward to seeing people again at the meeting and having lunch after.
The following week is up to Noosaville for two workshops on using apps for family history and blogging our stories so that we will be fun.
Travel plans
This is the year I explore my Mother's origins in central England (Northamptonshire, Staffordshire), before heading up to Scotland to check out Dad's maternal Scottish ancestry north of Edinburgh. Plus a stopover in York, must see the Jorvik Viking Centre!
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| James Carnegie (my great grandfather), his mother was from Montrose, Scotland |
Writing Family History
As many of you will know, I have written draft family histories for both Mum and Dad's side of the family on different family lines. I haven't published yet because I keep adding things, changing how I cite sources, or simply tinkering. Biting the bullet I had decided to get Chat GPT to help me edit my Cornish Connections draft.
Edit only, not rewrite and it has been interesting to see little inconsistencies in style, dates and it has even picked up when I failed to cite a source. For example, I use 'on board' and sometimes 'aboard' a ship.
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| Front cover of latest draft |
I think 2026 is the year these long standing drafts will get finished.
What's Coming Up?
February sees the start of my PhD meetings again with my tutors. I have made good progress over the holidays but those monthly meetings will keep me focussed.
I have also resolved to get out and about more and have joined the Bribie RSL fishing club. My first fishing competition is coming up next week using only a hand line. The last time I did that was probably with my father decades ago. It will be followed by a BBQ. Just hoping this heatwave is over by then.
Until next fortnight, happy searching.
Shauna
