The new National World War I Memorial in Pershing Park opened to the public on this September. I was very honored to attend both the ceremony and the afterparty to celebrate this exceptional project. After nearly fourteen years of World War I genealogy research, it was affirming to see a renewed burst of interest and reverence put forth at the monument's first illumination ceremony. After the event, I mingled in a crowd of people who all had ancestors with Great War connections, and they brought uniforms, photos, and stories with them to the public ceremony. Where the public ceremonies were flush with people, the following night was the exact opposite - a warm quiet night with a few people sitting in plastic chairs, gazing at the bronze art reverently and not saying much at all. The absence of sound is really something, as the bustling Willard Hotel and its many eating establishments are right across the street. Pershing Park should be seemingly swallowed up by the cars, tourists, drinkers, and occasional motorcades, but it's not. The monument and its park seem to have some sort of protective bubble around it. Outside noise doesn't really carry over. It's peaceful and reflective, and certainly needs more seating for visitors, especially at night.
It was fitting how I finished the third edition of my World War I Genealogy Research Guide to coincide with the opening of the new monument. Every chapter of the book was updated, and I included an additional chapter relating to international Great War military service records. There are several World War I lectures scheduled for the upcoming year, and if you or someone you know needs beginner level help with this area of your research, check out my free World War I genealogy webinar.
I also spent a considerable amount of time this year locating some spectacular records for folks researching their Irish ancestors. I helped four patrons locate their Irish immigrant ancestors in America, as well as the ancestorial places of birth for the same individuals in Ireland. I highly recommend hiring My Ireland Family Heritage for an ancestral tour, where their research staff drive you around your family's townland or parish, checking out the local churches, cemeteries, holy sites, and other locations of interest. Feedback for this service has been very positive, and their researchers are excellent!
Due to this year's research, I have three new presentations available for booking in 2025. Virtual, in-person, hybrid, and recorded options are available!
Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations - Irish Edition
Widen your search for your Irish ancestor's birth date, place of origin, and their American naturalization details from a variety of underutilized resources! In this lecture, you'll learn how to utilize a combination of research methodologies and combine them with military rosters, sailing registers, professional registrations, and much more! This lecture focuses on both digital and physical resources, so bring your research checklist and see if these resources can help you fill in the gaps in your family tree.
Even More Places to Find Births and Naturalizations
A sequel to one of the most-requested lectures of the year! Using newly digitized and available archival records, this lecture will help you locate even more birth dates (or close estimates), birth places, and naturalizations. Great for researchers of all levels and backgrounds. Recommended as part two to the original!
Calling the Spirits - Researching the Rise of Spiritualism and Records Relating to Our Ancestors
During the 19th century, thousands and perhaps millions of Americans participated in the rise of Spiritualism - a movement based on the belief that the living could communicate directly with the deceased. The popularity of this movement stretched through the 1920s. This lecture will highlight newspapers, records, and resources to help you connect with the supernatural side of your ancestry.
A calendar of all my upcoming lectures is available on the main page of my website. Registration information and program details are included with each session. I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new researchers in the upcoming year!
Cheers,
Debra
Yorumlar