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Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:45:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: Lynna Kay Shuffield <lksfriday(a)sbcglobal.net>
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Subject: [TX-Loose-Ends-Column] Trends in Genealogy - Readers' Opinions
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07/07/2005
-- Trends in Genealogy
Several weeks ago, I asked my readers to share with me their thoughts on recent trends in
genealogy. More specifically: Where has everyone gone?
What prompted this discussion was attending the 6th Annual Texas Family History Fair
sponsored by the Walker County Genealogy Society on June 25th in Huntsville, Texas. This
is a great event every year and I enjoy the speakers and vendors.
In the past years, the conference had an attendance of 400 to 300 family history
researchers and this year, fewer than 180 attended. In past years, the fair would have an
exhibit hall full of venders and genealogy groups and this year, there were empty tables
and wide-open spaces.
Last year, I attended the Federation of Genealogy Societies Conference in Austin. Again,
there was no large crowd.
There seems to be a trend in genealogy - fewer researchers in libraries and fewer members
of genealogy societies. Genealogy is suppose to be the number 1 or 2 hobby in America.
Where has everyone gone?
Here are some of the opinions shared by readers -
Carol Ann Embesi wrote: It is the Internet!! In the past, folks went to County (Genealogy
Society) meetings to find contacts and information about the county. Now, it is all on the
web. Census records are indexed and on the web . . . you can view them any time you want
to for a little over $10 per month. And, don't forget about the message boards . . .
cousins are finding cousins every day. The down side of all this is that there is a lot of
trash being spread on the Internet. The next generation is going to have to plow through a
lot of trash to get to the truth."
Vanessa Burzynski of Katy, Texas wrote: I think that with more and more people owning
their own computers they are doing their own research on the Internet. As far as the
Family History Fair (in Huntsville), I did not even see it advertised this year.
Randy Billingsley of Maysfield, Texas wrote: I would venture to say . . . the websites
that avail information to whoever wishes to visit the sites and the cost of fuel to travel
to these events.
John Crosthwait of Arlington, Texas wrote: I think it is the high cost of gas, layoffs,
the economy is not doing well now and then there is the heat and weather.
Carolyn Shimek wrote: The answer might be the computer. A lot of people are strictly
relying on getting their genealogy from the Internet. I cannot understand it, because
there are lots of times when the only way to get correct information is either at the
library, courthouse or the family history center. Since I started in 1976 (the old days!)
I am used to using these sources and would not ever want to stop. So it is very hard for
me to understand people not taking advantage of the great sources (particularly Clayton
here in Houston). They do not know what they are missing!
Dan Scott of Natalia, Texas wrote: I would think that a lot of those researching history
are senior citizens living on fixed incomes and with gas prices, they cannot afford the
travel and other expenses associated with such an outing. I spend all my time doing
Internet searches and depend on locals to help rather than actually going to the various
distant locations. Finally, I would mention lack of advertisement. So boiling it down,
I'd say its expenses and lack of advertisement.
- - - -
In this column, I will be glad to highlight and review any family history, genealogy,
county history, or similar book, free of charge, if you donate a copy of the book or item.
After it has been highlighted and reviewed, on a space available basis, it will be donated
to the genealogy section of a library. You will receive an acknowledgment of the donation
from the library. Mail item or book to me at the below address.
To read back issues of this column, go to
<
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/COLUMN-001.htm >.
Regretfully, I cannot help with individual genealogical research. However, you can submit
queries that will be published on a space available basis. If you have any questions,
comments, suggestions for column topics, genealogy or historical society announcements,
please contact me at: P. O. Box 16604, Houston, Texas 77222-6604 or e-mail: <
lksfriday(a)sbcglobal.net >.
Lynna Kay Shuffield - P. O. Box 16604 - Houston, Texas 77222
'Our Loose Ends' Genealogy Column
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/COLUMN-001.htm
Milam County TXGenWeb -
http://www.geocities.com/milamco/
San Jacinto County TXGenWeb
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/SANJAC-01.htm
Lynna Kay Shuffield - P. O. Box 16604 - Houston, Texas 77222
'Our Loose Ends' Genealogy Column
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/COLUMN-001.htm
Milam County TXGenWeb -
http://www.geocities.com/milamco/
San Jacinto County TXGenWeb
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/SANJAC-01.htm
==== TX-LOOSE-ENDS Mailing List ====
"Our Loose Ends" Genealogy Column Website at:
http://www.geocities.com/lks_friday/COLUMN-001.htm
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