Heirs Ireland Lecture Topics

LECTURE TOPICS ON IRISH GENEALOGY FOR CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS IN 2003

Legal Research and Genealogy (professional topic for an advanced audience)
: The role of genealogical research in legal matters will be explored. Rules of evidence, ethics in locating next of kin and the process of establishing and documenting kinship will be discussed and a case study will be included. Given the increased demand for genealogists to undertake legal research, a definition of a Legal or Forensic genealogist will be developed.

Dublin, 30 June 1922: Did Everything Blow Up? (advanced level ethnic research): A discussion of the disastrous fire in the Four Courts, Dublin in 1922 will be provided. The history of the Public Records of Ireland, documents were which lost and those which survived as well as the efforts made by the National Archives to rebuild the collection will be explored.

Researching in Ireland: Planning is the Key to Success (intermediate level): This lecture is designed to assist researchers who intend to travel to Ireland to do research. Hints on preparation, documentary sources and pre-trip organisation are offered. In the second part of the talk, insiders tips on making the most of Dublin record repositories will be given.

Introduction to Irish Genealogy: Where Do I Start? (beginners level): This lecture provides a beginners guide to Irish research. Learn about the "paper trail" left by your ancestor which will lead you to his/her place of birth in Ireland. An explanation of civil records and extant Irish census returns is provided. Application for Irish citizenship will be discussed along with suggestions for identifying information for your Irish ancestor.

From Amateur to Professional Genealogist or How I Found a Career at 40! (luncheon talk): In this talk, I trace my professional development from amateur family historian to Certified Genealogical Records Specialist. This talk includes reference to being "self-taught", the importance of attending conferences, the issue of certification and how much fun I have doing genealogical research for others.

Other topics relating to Irish research by a Dublin based genealogist, such as Irish Genealogy: Are Things Getting Better? can be presented. I am open to suggestions on topics which might prove of interest especially to beginners seeking "how to" information on research in Ireland. Weekend seminars are a possibility.

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