Exciting Things Happening at Almost Home; Or TV Shows, Research Focus and Rootstech
At the end of 2015, I alluded to some exciting things that have been happening at Almost Home. One opportunity I wanted to share came as I recently completed some work for the Travel Channel’s, The Dead Files. I love that a (growing) number of television shows, such as The Dead Files are utilizing the services of genealogists. The partnership gives exposure to our profession, and ignites that spark of curiosity in many viewers. At the same time, I like to think the expertise we genealogists provide makes it a win-win for all involved. After all, we know better than anyone that truth IS often “stranger than fiction” and you really “can’t make this stuff up!” I found this project fun and interesting and I would certainly welcome any similar opportunities in the future.
On another note, I think I am coming close to really nailing down a genealogy research focus. It is no doubt apparent to the readers here that many areas of genealogy research easily capture my attention. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing, but this tendency does present a couple of difficulties. One, I tend to jump around in my own personal research as a result. So instead of having a really thorough picture of one branch or segment of my family tree, I have a kind of piecemeal conglomeration of facts sometimes producing more questions than answers.Similarly, without a research focus, I am concerned I am not reaching the highest level of expertise I might otherwise attain as a genealogist. As I’ve written before, I have a goal to one day earn a Certified Genealogist credential. The process to earn that credential requires that I declare and write a portfolio that relates to a chosen research focus. While the transient nature of our life as military family presents its own challenges to my finding that niche, I think I’ve found a specialty to which this lifestyle might actually work to my advantage.All that said, I am not quite ready YET to make any major announcements regarding the future direction of my research services of this blog. I am hoping to network with and ask advice from a few people at Salt Lake City’s upcoming “Rootstech” event before I settle on this direction.Speaking of Rootstech, can I just say, I am so excited to be able to attend this event this year!? I am ready to LEARN more and hope to MEET many of you there!! No doubt the event will inspire some future posts as well. Stay tuned.