What do you do when reality doesn’t match your expectations? Here’s what I happened at a conference I attended, plus a prompt to help you reframe your own genealogy moments.
Anytime we get people talking about their ancestors is a win! It’s the doorway to “saying” the ancestor’s name and bringing their story out of obscurity.
It’s not a negative. It’s positively invigorating to connect with others at conferences. And as a genealogy conference speaker, most questions from attendees, (once even in the ladies room!) it’s about the story. The story of an ancestor and/or the story of the researcher’s challenges.
This reflection resonated so deeply with me. It’s extraordinary how, when we least expect it, real connection becomes the true takeaway rather than the information we meticulously prepare. Your honesty about that moment of disillusionment—and the graceful reframing that followed—is incredibly refreshing and, frankly, very inspiring.
I taught a three-week course of 1.25 hour presentations form y local LifeLong Learning chapter, and I only presented the first 45 minutes, allowing for the Seniors in my course to share their stories of discovery. A win-win for everyone!
The conference I attended a couple of weeks ago left me sharing my standout moments. They were not what I expected. I connected with a cousin on my husband's family. I also discovered more about my gt uncle. My latest blog post tells more of his story.The conference in Liverpool, England was mostly about subjects relevant to the area and what built the city. But given its importance, in the past at least, as a major port the subjects covered those who just passed through. The younger generations especially want to know the stories that make those they never met and we all crave connection. If there is one thing those of us who experienced the pandemic 5 years ago can say we learnt it is that we all need to connect in person when we can.
Such a good piece about our perceptions and moving on from them. Your experience resonates and is a good reminder that family history is actually story telling. Thanks Denyse.
Yes sounds like my experiences Denyse both at national genealogy shows and at local history fairs. The stories often had a query with them but in the family and local history world all you need is to show interest and out the stories come. My stand became a prompt for those stories. I got very little business but it was such fun to hear everyone’s enthusiasm and I learned and shared my own experiences too. From learning about the hardships on the Italian Front in WW1 to Ten Pound Poms, and of course the Czech resistance in Leamington Spa!
Anytime we get people talking about their ancestors is a win! It’s the doorway to “saying” the ancestor’s name and bringing their story out of obscurity.
It’s not a negative. It’s positively invigorating to connect with others at conferences. And as a genealogy conference speaker, most questions from attendees, (once even in the ladies room!) it’s about the story. The story of an ancestor and/or the story of the researcher’s challenges.
…..lol was that question while you were in the stall or at the sink?
In the stall. The person recognized my shoes!
Omg too funny 😂
This reflection resonated so deeply with me. It’s extraordinary how, when we least expect it, real connection becomes the true takeaway rather than the information we meticulously prepare. Your honesty about that moment of disillusionment—and the graceful reframing that followed—is incredibly refreshing and, frankly, very inspiring.
I taught a three-week course of 1.25 hour presentations form y local LifeLong Learning chapter, and I only presented the first 45 minutes, allowing for the Seniors in my course to share their stories of discovery. A win-win for everyone!
Thank you! That course you taught sounds wonderfu for all involved.
It always has to be about stories and connections, these things are at the heart of everything we do.
So true.
The conference I attended a couple of weeks ago left me sharing my standout moments. They were not what I expected. I connected with a cousin on my husband's family. I also discovered more about my gt uncle. My latest blog post tells more of his story.The conference in Liverpool, England was mostly about subjects relevant to the area and what built the city. But given its importance, in the past at least, as a major port the subjects covered those who just passed through. The younger generations especially want to know the stories that make those they never met and we all crave connection. If there is one thing those of us who experienced the pandemic 5 years ago can say we learnt it is that we all need to connect in person when we can.
https://gadsbyfamilyancestors.blogspot.com/2025/05/how-do-we-find-stories-of-our-ancestors.html
Thanks for sharing! You’ve written so much! Plants to turn the posts into a book or permanent online space?
No plans I am working on several platforms online so something can be passed on to future generations.
Ahh very nice. Can you share a link to your post?
Such a good piece about our perceptions and moving on from them. Your experience resonates and is a good reminder that family history is actually story telling. Thanks Denyse.
Thanks for reading. ❤️
Yes sounds like my experiences Denyse both at national genealogy shows and at local history fairs. The stories often had a query with them but in the family and local history world all you need is to show interest and out the stories come. My stand became a prompt for those stories. I got very little business but it was such fun to hear everyone’s enthusiasm and I learned and shared my own experiences too. From learning about the hardships on the Italian Front in WW1 to Ten Pound Poms, and of course the Czech resistance in Leamington Spa!
The range and depth of the stories is so large that I really do wish I had set up a story booth to capture them all.