Drew's Genealogy Seminars

The following is a list of all of Drew Smith's genealogy seminar topics.These topics are also available as webinars using Zoom Please contact Drew by email at drew@ahaseminars.com or by phone at (813) 263-2028 to discuss availability and fees. 
 

 
DNA
 
Before You Test: DNA Basics You Need to Know
 
Avoid wasting time and money by learning how DNA is inherited, which type of DNA test to take, and exactly what you can expect to get as a result.
 
Using AncestryDNA Today
 
AncestryDNA continues to add new tools to help with matching other testers, categorizing the matches into groups, and discovering the right relationships. This presentation focuses on how to use the latest AncestryDNA tools (ThruLines, groups, etc.) to identify relatives near and distant.
 
Introduction to GEDmatch
 
GEDmatch is a free website that allows uploading raw DNA data from DNA testing companies so that the test data can be compared with data from tests taken at different companies. It also provides tools that may not be available at the original testing company. This presentation will focus on the basics of using GEDmatch to match relatives.
 
 
Organizing
 
Organizing Your Genealogy Research Process
 
The research process includes goals, questions, sources, information, evidence, and conclusions. Learn to use task management software, research logs, and other tools to keep track.
 
Using Evernote for Capturing Notes and Ideas
 
Learn to use Evernote, a tool that allows genealogists to capture, organize, preserve, and synchronize (across multiple devices) small pieces of information, including ideas, notes (typed, handwritten, and audio), photos, online articles, web pages, and URLs.
 
Organizing Your Genealogy Files
 
Overwhelmed with too many paper documents and digital files? Learn to organize these so that you'll quickly find just the one you need.
 
Organizing Your Research Trip
 
Leaving home to do research will be most successful when you plan and prepare. Learn exactly what to do before, during, and after the trip.
 
 
Methodology
 
Your Ancestor's FAN Club: Using Cluster Research to Get Past Brick Walls
 
Our ancestors were each surrounded by family, associates, and neighbors. By researching them, we discover additional records pointing to our own ancestors.
 
Where Is the Book with My Family in It?
 
Before beginning their own research, good researchers seek out the research already done by others.  Find out how to do an exhaustive search for books, periodicals, and other published or unpublished printed research material that may save you time in your own research.
 
Understanding Copyright and Plagiarism
 
Concerned about the legal and ethical issues surrounding genealogical materials?  This presentation explains what copyright is, what is and isn’t protected by law, how to legally use others’ copyrighted work, and how to avoid committing plagiarism.
 
 
Online Research
 
Using FamilySearch.org to Find Genealogical Records
 
Over the past few years, FamilySearch.org has become one of the largest online repositories of genealogical records.  Learn how to search and browse, how to save and share results, and how to get help with the available resources.
 
Front Page News (and Beyond): Finding Archived Newspapers
 
The stories of our ancestors' lives, from birth to death and everything in between, can be found in the pages of archived newspapers. Learn whether those stories are already somewhere online or on microform in a library.
 
Crowdsourcing Your Brick Walls
 
Online genealogy forums provide an opportunity to ask others questions about brick wall problems. Learn how to find and search through relevant mailing lists, message boards, and social networking groups, and how to craft the perfect online research query.