Dutchess County Genealogical Society

Topics of Meetings Held in 2001-2002

Spring 2001 Seminar - Researching Ancestors-with Computer or Not - November 17, 2001

September 18, 2001 "Researching Old Gravestones" - Nettie Hill
Nettie, who has done readings of several cemeteries in Dutchess County, will talk about her experiences in recording data from cemeteries, including suggestions on how to do such a project and advice about the care of gravestones.
November 20, 2001 "Bring Your Brick Walls!"
Have you run up against a brick wall in your genealogical research? This will be an interactive meeting. Come prepared to tell us about your brick wall problems. Maybe someone else can think of a resource that hasn't occurred to you, or that you didn't know existed. At the very least, we can offer a sympathetic shoulder.

The meeting will also include follow-up on the Dutchess County Genealogical Society Seminar. Did you attend on Saturday, 17 November 2001? Did you ask all the questions you wanted to ask, and get all the answers you wanted? If you still have questions, or thought of questions after the seminar, ask them at this meeting.

January 15, 2002 "Oops! Bad Moments in Genealogy!" - Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer
In the course of doing genealogical research, you may find information you wish you hadn't. This talk includes examples of less than savory information researchers have found, and a discussion of how to deal with such finds.

Christine has spoken at several national genealogical conferences, has had articles published in major genealogical magazines such as the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, and is the author of Long-Distance Genealogy: Researching Your Family History From Home.

March 19, 2002 "Finding Your Ancestors in Upstate New York" - Roger Joslyn CG, FASG
This presentation will focus on New York State genealogical source records, their location, content, and use, with particular emphasis on the nineteenth century. Research examples will be discussed and special attention given to the uniqueness of certain records, such as probate petitions, state censuses, and Civil War lists, all with the intention of quieting the myth that New York is a genealogical graveyard.

Just about everyone has a connection to New York, and Roger Joslyn’s lively and informative lectures on the Empire State and New York City are derived from his extensive research experience throughout the area.
May 21, 2002 "Poorhouse Records" - Susan Stessin-Cohn
Ms. Stessin-Cohn will speak about poorhouse records and what researchers might find in them. She is an education professor at SUNY New Paltz and is involved in a project that is researching the Ulster County Poorhouse and its occupants over the years.