Several months ago, the TV show Who Do You Think You Are (WDYTYA) was on the air. I really enjoyed watching this show and seeing the family history unfold for the famous person that was the focus for an episode. After each episode I would always wish that someone would do that for me. I wanted someone who would do all the research and make the information look pretty in their presentation to me. I know that I am not alone in this wish! Right? After coming back to reality, I realized that the only way that would happen is if I did it myself.
So I am embarking on a somewhat WDYTYA journey to discover my husband’s family. How am I going to complete this huge task, you ask? Well, it is easy, with several of my husband’s family from the Missouri area, the 2015 National Genealogical Society Annual Conference in St. Charles, Missouri would be a good place to start.
I plan on being there three days before the conference to do some research and visit places where my husband’s family was located. I am hoping to find some Ewing and Stanard family ties and possibly some Sullivan ones too. I have decided that I am going to rent a car and trace down where these ancestors were born, married or buried. I am hoping to do this in one day and have already mapped some of the burial sites that I need to visit. I am hoping that I will be able to go to some libraries to do some research also.
I started my recent research by first reading the Apr/June and Oct/Dec issues of the NGS Magazine. These two issues had two articles that pointed me to not only the libraries in the area but also to other repositories and historical sites. I am hoping to also see some of the local sites around St. Charles and St. Louis, Mo.
I am really excited for this trip! With each trip I take, whether it is leisure or genealogy related, I always look for new trip outfits and possible luggage additions. For this trip to Missouri, I have started my window shopping!
I can’t wait to possibly meet new family members, meet new friends and see old ones. Are you planning on attending the NGS Annual Conference? If so, leave me a comment, maybe we can connect and meet at the conference.
