The Rootstech conference conference started today ~ and so far, so wonderful!

I chose a couple of the presentations to go to because a couple of my favorite bloggers were speaking. I figure that’s as good a reason as any to pick a session, right?

Roberta Estes, of DNA Explained, talked about using various DNA tools. Some very helpful information about a fast-changing field. I really need to do more with some of the new tools at both the DNA testing companies and at the third party sites like DNA Painter. (Can someone invent a 36 hour day? That would help so much!)

Lara Diamond, of Lara’s Genealogy (and one of the absolute best at integrating research and stories in her blog), talked about using Russian Empire records. While the sample record types she talked about were very Russian, her techniques for figuring out which records are worth a deeper look would be helpful for anyone working in a language they don’t know.

I also went to a session on creating a surname table. The presenter puts the surname data together in a slightly different way than others; I’ll need to ponder how her technique might be helpful in my research or for patrons to use.

The Family History Library was open late tonight ~ until 11, as opposed to their usual 9. I headed over there, expecting it to be very busy, as the only ‘competition’ from Rootstech was the exhibition hall preview. But the library was almost empty ~ yeah! I got a microfilm reader with no issue, and (since copies/printouts are free there this week because of Rootstech), I had some fun ~ I now have a copy of the whole 1837 Danvers MA local census, for example.

I also spent a couple hours in the U.S. books section, in the NJ and PA books, working on my Weston/Horton line, which anyone reading this who has been to my presentations is familiar with ~ that’s the couple with the newspaper ad about the neighbors knowing more than the husband about why the wife has left him. No major revelations, although I discovered a very local genealogical society publication has transcribed Mary [Cady] (Weston) (Tracey) Miles’s diary, which I’d taken notes on during a trip to Susquehanna County PA years ago. It’s nice to have the full transcript {yeah for free copies!}

Despite my usual night owl tendencies, I actually didn’t stay until 11 ~ well, I did, according to my eastern time body, but not the mountain time clock 😉