Discovery Day 2021 - Presentations

"Write Your Own Story"

Presenter: Deborah Abbott, PhD.

We kick off the day this year by welcoming back a favorite at Discovery Days and at our Kirtland Family History monthly webinars, Dr. Deborah Abbott. In this presentation, Dr. Abbott will share her recommendations on proven ways to enhance your personal history. By recording milestones in your own life, including social and political events that shaped history from your perspective, this will take your personal story to the next level.

Deborah Abbott, PhD.

"Slavery and African Americans"

Presenter: Deborah Abbott, PhD.

The most difficult part of genealogical research for African Americans is finding and identifying slave ancestors and their owners. As difficult as this might seem, it is not impossible. For many individuals of African descent, the experience can become overwhelming and frustrating. This presentation will focus on the multitude of clues and resources available for research, including the importance of using the U.S. Federal Census records and the records of the possible slaveholder.

Deborah Abbott, PhD.

"Understanding and Using FamilySearch.org - Part 1"

Presenter: Cheryl McClellan

In this first-part of her two part presentation, Cheryl dives into the hugely popular, and free, online family history research tool. FamilySearch.org is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all people discover their family story, and is dedicated to preserving important family records and making them freely accessible online.

Cheryl McCellan

"Understanding and Using FamilySearch.org - Part 2"

Presenter: Cheryl McClellan

Cheryl continues her discussion of FamilySearch from this morning's presentation. How and why (or why not) to join, how to navigate, add names, edit information and relationships, how and why to merge, how to add sources, add photos and stories. Family Search.org is worldwide and has involved collaborations with more than 10,000 archives and partners in over 100 countries. With a collection of billions of records, you can piece together your ancestors’ history and bring their stories to life.​

Cheryl McCellan

"Free Online Help for Your Family History Research"

Presenter: Alan Jones

Let's discover how to use FREE online databases, guidelines and helps to rev-up your research efforts. Also, we'll introduce sites with free volunteers to help research your family, answer your questions, and resolve common research problems. Learn how to use graves, obituaries, and vital records to unravel difficult research roadblocks. This presentation also explores the multitude of free services offered to everyone at LDS Family History Centers.

Alan Jones

"RootsMagic 7"

Presenter: Tanya Lynch

Tanya will present a probing overview of RootsMagic 7 and how to navigate the program. We'll examine how RootsMagic 7 can complement and clarify your Family History research efforts.

Tanya Lynch