If you’re staying home 24/7 right now, all this time at home might be a boon for your genealogy research. But I have to admit it hasn’t really benefited mine, not yet anyway. I’m feeling a little untethered without work appointments providing structure to my day. I’m trying to make the best of the situation by accomplishing some of the tasks and projects for my organizing business that I felt I didn’t have time for in the past. As a result, I’m feeling disconnected from my genealogy research. I hate that feeling.
But what I’m trying to do to regain the spark and connection to my research is spend some of my free time on the many learning opportunities available to me from my computer. There’s a lot from which to choose, some free and some paid. In case it’s helpful to you, I’ll list some of the resources I’m choosing among:
- RootsTech video archive, with keynotes and sessions from 2015-2020, all available free of charge
- Legacy Family Tree 24-hour genealogy marathon webinars (free until April 6)
- Legacy Family Tree webinars that come with my paid subscription. First on my list: New Tools and Ideas in Research, presented by D. Joshua Taylor, one of my favorite genealogy speakers
- RootsTech 2020 Virtual Pass videos (As a speaker, I was given a free Virtual Pass.)
- Ancestry Academy videos (free)
I’m easily overwhelmed by choices, so I’m not even considering the many learning resources I’ve downloaded over the years that are waiting to be read or viewed.
How about you? Are you using your extra home time to do more research or learn more about researching?
You could create structure by making a schedule. Schedule time to go genealogy, watch a webinar, write up research. This along with exercise, clean, cook, watch tv.
Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa. I’m finding at this particular juncture my mind is rebelling against schedules. But some looser structure (for me) is a great idea.
Thanks for these suggestions! I’m feeling particularly scattered and unable to concentrate. I’ve been thinking this might be a good time to do something uncomplicated like transcribing those letters I’ve been meaning to get to. Do something easy to get the brain re-engaged and then hopefully move on to something more challenging. Stay well!
I think that’s a smart strategy–doing something easy to re-engage. And those transcription projects can be so helpful! Mostly I’ve been working on easy (non-genealogy) organizing projects that make me feel productive. But I am dipping my toe back in! Thanks for your comment.
I was doing fine with a genealogy routine until we got news about 2 family members who have COVID-19 and 1 who has a suspected case. I am off track but I am working on getting back on track one small step at a time.
I don’t seem to have the brain capacity to do research. I am going through new DNA matches to see how we connect. I think watching or listening to webinars would be beneficial. Thanks for the ideas of places to watch.
Mary, you can’t underestimate the stress you’re going through with sick family members. I am so sorry to hear how COVID-19 is affecting you. Please be kind to yourself.