Yesterday I gave 4 presentations with a Scottish focus to a group of 70-80 genealogists at the Hornsby RSL (Returned Service League) Club in the northern suburbs of Sydney. To get a sense of the audience my opening question was – How many people can identify their Scottish ancestors and put them physically on the ground in Scotland? Everyone put hands up. I knew immediately that I had a different audience than I typically find in the U.S.
In the States, when asking a similar question, I will often only get only a handful of participants who can physically locate their ancestors in Scotland. These folks have come to learn how to jump the Atlantic and locate their ancestors.
The participants in Hornsby knew where their Scottish ancestors came from, and they were familiar with a wider variety of research tools. Their questions were thoughtful, and they were well prepared to go deeper to break down the brick walls in their research. At the end of the day, they seemed a little overwhelmed but they were clearly ready to immediately use the more complex (and sometimes less known) research tools we discussed.
A thoroughly good day for all.
Paul, thank you so much for a truly wonderful day at Hornsby! Yes, our heads were reeling, but also so inspired, and raring to get going to try out all those wonderful (and for me, ) hitherto unknown sources. No time wasted, new information delivered with clarity and humour, and no sign of flagging despite a pretty cracking pace.
I loved the way we were inspired to reflect on the history and culture of the times, and the maps information and examples was amazing1
We were invited to ask you questions in breaks- and I hesitated, knowing how precious break time is,, but ploughed in, anyway, trying to be brief. I really was appreciative of your courteous answers to my queries,one about an orphaned ancestor from Edinburgh, and again, about tracing emigration records of an ancestor leaving Ireland for Scotland. The thoughtful questions you asked gave me the chance to reflect on other resources I could use.
Participants were very inspired and break times were full of lively discussion and appreciation.
A huge thank you- and I’m so jealous of those able to hear more!
Cheers and best wishes,
Heather Dunn
It was a fantastic talk and so many things in Scottish Law I was unaware of were highlighted!
Paul your talks were enjoyable to listen to and I look forward to having the opportunity to hear you speak again in the future!
Hi Paul, thank you for your very informative talks at Hornsby RSL.
The links to the handouts do not seem to be working. Is it possible to obtain these for the talks you gave.
Many thanks
David Berry
State Library of New South Wales
David, I think I have them working now.