Genealogical Sabbatical

Yesterday for the LVUG monthly hangout they discussed taking a year and doing research and visiting the places your ancestors were. The origianl idea came from Jennifer Shoer at The Scrappy Genealogist. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to an unexpected visit from my aunt. (We always have such a great time when we are together.)

Luckily for me the majority of my family and my husband's family came from the area where I currently live. Therefore, a lot of my research is focused on this area and the surrounding areas.

Month 1: I would first spend some time with my database cleaning up stuff, checking to see where I need to go, and making sure my to do list is in order.

Month 2 : I would spend my time between the Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society (my local historical society in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania) and the Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society that is about 45 minuets away. I am also researching for a marriage in Wyoming County Pennsylvania that I have not been able to find so I would go there and check out the court house and the other resources in the area.

Month 3 : Next I would go to Washington DC to the National Archives. I have a lot that I want to research there but I don't think I would need the whole month so a little site seeing and relaxation would take place. Before the next leg of my journey I would take review all of my information and make sure my database was up to date and check on my to do list to make sure it was up to date as well.

Month 4 : I would start out in New Jersey where I would research my husband's Rutan family and hopefully get through my brick wall! Hopefully I would be able to get a visit or two in with Cousin Russ during my time in New Jersey. From here I would go back to Pennsylvania and spend some time looking into the Siegfried family in Maxatawny, Bath, and the surrounding areas.

Month 5 : I would review and spend more time researching at home based on new information and prepare to travel overseas.

Month 6 to Month 10 : I would visit Germany, England, Ireland, and France for further research. I am sure I will need a few interpreters along the way. Hopefully, through my research I would be able to trace some family to Australia because it is a dream of mine to visit there some day.

Month 11 to 12 : I would need some time to recuperate from my traveling! I would review and update my database.

I am sure I would find that I missed something along the way and need to plan for a future Genealogical Sabbatical!

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