Research for the Writer - Finding Stories in Genealogical Records
The presentation will utilize an example which weaves research from early land records, vital records, diaries, DNA, artificial intelligence, and full-text search into a story. The variety of sources can provide ancestor profiles for an authentic family history narrative. The genealogical details can supply ideas on settings, characters, relationships, religious and political persecution, migration, conflicts, loss, resilience, and other social history.
Mike Godown, a retired GE executive, has co-facilitated an adult writing group since 2021 for the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation in Vero Beach, Florida. He has taught the Storycorps.org curriculum to local youth organizations, taught a family history program for the foundation’s summer writing camp, and is currently promoting the foundation’s Wisdom and Wonder intergenerational writing program.
In addition to being a new MCGS member, Mike served three years as President of the Indian River Genealogical Society and four years in other board positions and has previously been a speaker at both the IRGS and MCGS annual conferences.
He completed the NGS American Genealogical Studies (AGS) graded courses and the recent ProGen Study Group 95 on Thomas Jones’ Mastering Genealogical Proof. He is an NGS member and has assisted 10 distant DNA matches identify their birthparents and will co-facilitate the April 23rd MCGS DNA Workshop with Joe Boriotti.
Today's hours
We're open 10:00AM to 5:30PM
| Mon, Apr 06 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
| Tue, Apr 07 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Wed, Apr 08 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
| Thu, Apr 09 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Fri, Apr 10 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
| Sat, Apr 11 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
| Sun, Apr 12 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
Blake Library contains the bulk of the library system’s book collection, microfilms, genealogy research materials, public access computers, and specialized databases.
