McCoy Training and Development Resources

FIND-YOUR-ROOTS

Family History & Genealogy Research

Genealogy and Family Research Presentations

PAST TALKS/WORKSHOPS

Talks & Workshops

Carol P. McCoy, Ph.D. is pleased to be part of the faculty of the Boston University Certificate Program in Genealogy.
She will be teaching "Foundations of Genealogy."

Carol P. McCoy(right) with Alexdra Stocker at
Family History Day in Boston on Feb 20th, 2010.
Carol was part of the Ancestor Road Show
sponsored by the New England Chapter of the
Association of Professional Genealogists.

August 14 , 2010 - Ancestors Road Show

Sponsor: Brickstore Museum in Kennebunk, Maine
Date:August 14, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Brickstore Museum in Kennebunk, Maine Cost: $25 for a 25-minute session ($20 for museum members)
Registration:call the Museum at 207-985-4802
FMI www.brickstoremuseum.org - Learn more about the Ancestor Roadshow!

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Are you the family genealogist? Need help reading and analyzing an old document? Want to write up your family history but donā€™t know how? Stuck in trying to find immigration or naturalization records? Hit a snag with a lineage society application?

If so, then our Ancestors Road Show is for you! Book a 25-minute session with one of our visiting, skilled genealogists--all members of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists--to personally help you with your genealogy roadblock. Carol McCoy, Margaret Dube, and Pam Eagleson, have years of experience and expertise that can assist in answering your questions and advancing your research. Consultations are $25 for a 25-minute session ($20 for museum members). Drop-ins are welcome, but pre-scheduling is highly encouraged. To get the most out of your consultation, email us in advance or come prepared with the following information:

WHAT (your research goal)
WHERE (your research locale)
WHO (names and relationships)
WHEN (time period)

October 2, 2010 - "The Origins of Mary Drummond-
Oldest Native Negro in New Bedford, MA

Sponsor:Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society
Date:October 2, 2010 1p.m. to 2 p.m.
(Come early at 12:30 for refreshments; stay after for the chapter business meeting)
Location:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Cost: Free
SESSION ABSTRACT:
This enlightening case illustrates how a creative approach and extensive search can uncover the parentage of a person of color born early in the 19th century. Learn how to use vital records, censuses, deeds, directories, newspapers, probate and cemetery records, and online resources to discover evidence to un-puzszle a genealogical mystery.

October 16, 2010 - "The Origins of Mary Drummond of New Bedford
--Finding Elusive Female Ancestors.

Sponsor:Rhode Island Historical Society Library
Date:Saturday 16 October 10:30 - noon
Location:Rhode Island Historical Society Library, 121 Hope Street, Providence, R.I. 02906
Cost: $8.00 for RIHS members; $10.00 for non-members.
SESSION ABSTRACT:
Many people are frustrated when attempting to find their female ancestors. This fun and informative case illustrates tips for success and pitfalls to avoid in looking for the ancestors of a New England woman. The subject of this case was supposedly the oldest native Negro of New Bedford in 1928. This talk will inspire you to try new ways to find your female roots.

For More Information: Contact Carol McCoy at www.find-your-roots.com; or email Carol at Cmccoy3333@aol.com For Information on the RIHS contact Lee Teverow, MLS, Reference Librarian, at 401-272-8107 ext 10 lteverow@rihs.org

Genealogy and Family Research Presentations

By Carol P. McCoy, Ph.D.

Dr. McCoy will be pleased to give talks or workshops for your group. She can give presentations of one hour to one and one-half hour as well as longer workshops given individually or in a series.

She has an informative, engaging and motivating style and uses many examples to enliven her talks. While some of her topics are listed below, she can also speak on other topics as well.

Making the Most of Census Research. Learn tips and tactics to make the most of your census research. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and use a variety of censuses to learn about your ancestors and track down those elusive relatives. Get beyond the census indexes and broaden your focus beyond a specific relative to get the whole story.

Finding Your Family Roots in New England—Sound Strategies for Genealogical Research. Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research.

Enriching Genealogy with Memorabilia and Pictures. There is only so much excitement that can be generated from ancestor charts and family group sheets. Pictures are indeed worth a thousand words. Find out types of memorabilia that can enrich your family history and become inspired to locate them! Share ideas of what others have done to enliven their stories to give people a feel for what their ancestors’ lives were like.

Tracing Your Ancestors—Getting Started. This talk presents the fundamentals of genealogy and family research to help people get started on a solid foundation. Learn how to unravel family mysteries and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research.

Creative Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems. Have you hit the proverbial brick wall or road block in your genealogical research? Is an ancestor or two eluding you and hiding from the census taker or the town clerk? Learn some solid strategies and ways to take a fresh look at what you’ve tried and what else you can do to find those pesky hidden ancestors.

Finding Your Roots—Unpuzzling Your Past. A six-session workshop series. Are you curious about your ancestors—who they were, where they lived, what they did, who you take after? This fun and inspiring workshop will help you to learn sound techniques for tracing your family genealogy and history. Using Emily Croom’s best-selling book, Unpuzzling Your Past as a spring-board, this class will teach you ways to track down your ancestors, learn more about their lives, and create a meaningful family history.

Session One—Getting Started

Session Two—Keys to Success in Genealogy

Session Three—Understanding the Census

Session Four—Vital Records

Session Five—Building on Others’ Work

Session Six—Organizing and Digging Deeper

The Maine-Canada-Ireland Connection —Seeking Rogers’ Roots. An intriguing and entertaining case study shows how we discovered the Canadian and Irish roots of the Rogers’ family who lived in Brewer Maine in 1850. Learn how US and Canadian census, land, probate, historical, cemetery, and newspaper records as well as archival material, online sites and databases and internet contacts can bring a complex family history to life.

Finding Treasures in Cumberland County Maine Deeds—Why Use Deeds in Your Research? Deeds are a valuable research tool especially when early probate records have been destroyed. Carved from York in 1760, early Cumberland County covers areas which later became Oxford, Androscoggin and other counties. This lecture will clarify ways to use deeds effectively and inspire people to use them to discover family relationships, locations, and other key information.

Keys to Successful Presentations. Learn tips and tactics for giving successful presentations. Enjoy a humorous approach to overcoming an activity many people approach with dread--public speaking. This discussion will help you give presentations with more confidence and impact by planning for success, structuring your content, creating useful visual aids, and learning ways to increase your confidence in delivering talks and workshops. Dr. McCoy has over 30 years experience giving talks, lectures and workshops to audiences large and small and to a wide range of audiences on a variety of subjects, including genealogy. She can also help you as an individual speaking coach.

PAST TALKS/WORKSHOPS

July 7, 2010 - Rufus Porter Museum Cultural Heritage Series -
"Crafty Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems"

Sponsor:Rufus Porter Museum Cultural Heritage Series
Date:July 7, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location:Stevens Brook Elementary, Bridgton, Maine 04009 Cost: $100 for members; $110 for nonmembers; $15 for materials
Registration: call 207-647-2828
FMI www.rufusportermuseum.org - Learn more about the Cultural Heritage Series Week!

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Have you hit the proverbial brick wall or road block in your genalogical research? Is an ancestor or two eluding you? This hands-on workshop will help you learn crafty ways to succeed in finding new evidence and avoid common pitfalls. Learn some solid strategies and ways to take a fresh look at what you've tried and what else you can do to find those pesky hidden ancestors. Please bring your lap top computer to class if you have one. We'll have a chance to use the Internet.To register, call 207-647-2828; visit 222.rufusportermuseum.org

March 27, 2010 - Annual New England Family History Conference -
" The Origins of Mary Drummond . . . the oldest negro in New Bedford"

Sponsor:Sponsored by the Hingham Stake Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Date:March 27, 2010 at 12:40 p.m.-1:40 p.m.
Location:Franklin LDS Chapel, 91 Jordan Road, Franklin, Massachusetts
Registration:FREE!
FMI New England Family History Conference

SESSION ABSTRACT:
This enlightening case illustrates how a creative approach and extensive search can uncover the parentage of a person of color born early in the 19th century. Learn how to use vital records, censuses, deeds, directories, newspapers, probate and cemetery records, and online resources to discover evidence to un-puzzle a genealogical mystery.

February 20, 2010 - Annual New England Family History Conference -
"Ancestor Roadshow"

Sponsor:New England Historic Genealogical Society and Ancestry.com
Date:February 20, 2010 at 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ancestry road show with Dr. McCoy, noon to 2:00 p.m. (sign up for 20 minute individual appointments.)
Location:Westin Copley Place, Boston, MA.
FMI Family History Day

August 16, 2009 - "Tracing Your Roots--Getting Started"

Sponsor:Walsh History Center, Camden Public Library
Date:August 16, 2009 at 2 PM
Location:Camden Public Library, 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843
Registration:FREE! To register contact Heather Bilodeau at 207-236-3440 ext 21 or hbilodeau@librarycamden.org
Questions? contact 781-659-4702 or Camden Public Library

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Tracing Your Ancestors—Getting Started. Finding your ancestors and creating a family history is fast becoming the most popular hobby in America. This talk presents the fundamentals of genealogy and family research to help people get started on a solid foundation. Learn how to unravel family mysteries and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research.

August 1, 2009 - "New England Resources" by Carol Prescott McCoy, Ph.D.
as part of the Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society
30th Anniversary Celebration

Sponsor: Greater Portland Chapter, Maine Genealogical Society 30th Anniversary Come celebrate and learn with us. Activities are planned from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. A wonderful luncheon will be provided courtesy of our chapter members.
Date: 1 August 2009, from 10:40 - 11:40; note--various workshops and presentations by members are offered all day from 10:15 to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Registration: To register contact Carol McCoy at Cmccoy3333@aol.com

SESSION ABSTRACT: Learn how to find out about your New England Ancestors. We live in a special area that is rich in genealogical resources. This presentation will help you understand where to find Vital Records, Land and Probate Records, City Directories and Newspapers relating to New England. There are numerous examples of types of resources. I will share some of my favorite repositories and resources. Feel free to bring along your questions and ideas as well.
Note: From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dr. McCoy will participate in an Expert Panel discussion on Genealogy. Come and share your ideas.

July 8, 2009 - "Mining the Secrets of Deeds and
the Census—Tools for Discovering Your Roots"

Sponsor: The Rufus Porter Museum
Date: 8 July 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Bridgton Memorial School, Bridgton Maine
Registration: To register contact Nancy Smoak, Rufus Porter Museum. 207-647-2828. www.rufusportermuseum.org Registration is limited to 12 people so register early to ensure a spot!

SESSION ABSTRACT: Learn how to find out about your ancestors and bring them to life by working with deeds and census records. This hands-on workshop will help you learn tips for success and avoid common pitfalls. Learn strategies for making the best use of these valuable resources to uncover your roots. Discover ways to organize your approach, find the records you need, and interpret, evaluate, and keep track of your results. Carol McCoy has an engaging, fun and interactive style. Feel free to bring along your questions and examples to the class.
Materials; The materials charge includes the book Unpuzzling Your Past The Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy, 4th Edition by Emily Anne Croom.

June 6, 2009 - "Finding Gems in Deeds"

Sponsor: The Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society
Date: 6 June 2009 at 1 p.m.
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Registration: No registration required. For more information, contact Carol P. McCoy at Cmccoy3333@aol.com or 847-3271

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Deeds are a valuable research tool especially when early probate records have been destroyed as in Cumberland County Maine. Our MGS Chapter has been conducting a special project to index the early (1760-1796) deeds of Cumberland County. This talk will highlight some gems to be found in deeds and clarify ways to use deeds effectively to discover family relationships, locations, and other key information. Come learn about the wonders found in old deeds!

May 9, 2009 - "Creative Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems"
part of the "Come Spring Conference"

Sponsor: Walsh History Center, Camden Public Library.
Date: May 9, 2009 at 10 am
Location: Camden Public Library, 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843
Registration: To register contact Heather Bilodeau at 207-236-3440 ext 21 or hbilodeau@librarycamden.org

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Creative Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems. Have you hit the proverbial brick wall or road block in your genealogical research? Is an ancestor or two eluding you and hiding from the census taker or the town clerk? Learn some solid strategies and ways to take a fresh look at what you've tried and what else you can do to find those pesky hidden ancestors.

Endorsement:
We were pleased to have Carol speak at the 2009 Come Spring Conference, which was attended by more than 60 people representing midcoast Maine's historical societies, museums and libraries. Carol's presentation "Creative Ways to Solve Genealogical Problems" was fascinating, and her enthusiasm for the topic was contagious! Her real-life experiences kept her presentation lively and informative, and I learned many time-saving research tricks to help steer our customers around those genealogical brick walls.
Heather Bilodeau
Director of the Edward J. Walsh History Center at the Camden Public Library

April 25, 2009 - "Deed Research Workshop" at NERG 2009

Sponsor: New England Regional Genealogical Conference
Date: Saturday 25 April, 2009 from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Location: Expo Center of New Hampshire, Manchester, New Hampshire
Registration: Contact www.nergc.org

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Deeds are a valuable research tool especially when early probate records have been destroyed as in Cumberland County Maine. This workshop will highlight some gems to be found in deeds and clarify ways to use deeds effectively to discover family relationships, locations, and other key information.

March 28, 2009 - "The Maine-Canada-Ireland Connection: Seeking Rogers' Roots"
& New England Family History Conference

Sponsor:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints
Date:March 28, 2009
Location:91 Jordan Road, Franklin Massachusetts, (LDS Church)
Registration:www.nefamilyhistory.com (will open in early January, 2009
Questions? contact 781-659-4702

SESSION ABSTRACT:
The Maine Canada Ireland Connection: Seeking Rogers Roots. An entertaining case study shows how we discovered the Canadian and Irish roots of the Rogers' family who lived in Brewer in 1850. Learn how US and Canadian census, land, probate, historical, and newspaper records as well as archival material, online sites and databases and internet contacts can bring a complex family history to life. This case focuses on helpful resources in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as in Maine.

Endorsement:
Recently I had the opportunity to attend the New England Family History Conference in Franklin, Ma where Carol Mc Coy, PhD was a presenter. Carol's class on The Maine-Canada-Ireland Connection--Seeking Rogers' helped me greatly in the approach that I have been taking to do my own genealogy of the Rodgers family in New Brunswick. She took us on a step-by-step search back in time with all the sources that she researched on a Maine ancestor. The class helped me by giving me ideas about where I should look for more information and gave me the right questions I should ask. After the class, I went to the Ancestors Road Show for a 15-minute one-on-one conversation with Carol. We discussed my individual research and the area I should approach next. She suggested that I do more investigations with the Catholic diocese, home owner's records, city directories, and vital records of my ancestors. With Carol's suggestions, I am confident that I will find much more information than I was able to find on my own. After talking with her, I am hoping that my research will take me to Ireland. I appreciate Carol and her efforts in helping me, as well as others, in tracing their roots.
Ginni Burke, New Hampshire

March 4, 2009 - "Strategies for Finding Your New England Roots"

Sponsor: The Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.
Date:March 4, 2009 at 1 pm
Location:Walker Memorial Library, 800 Main St., Westbrook, ME 04092
Registration:To register contact Marian Peterson, Assistant Director of Walker Memorial Library. Phone 207-854-0630 X 5.

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England Roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the Internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research. This fun and informative talk will help you make progress in seeking your own New England ancestors, especially those with Maine and Massachusetts roots. Dr. Carol P. McCoy, president of Find-Your-Roots in Yarmouth Maine. She is an energetic, engaging, and inspiring speaker. Come learn and share with others who have a similar passion for genealogy.

September 20, 2008 - "The Maine-Canada-Ireland Connection:
Seeking Rogers’ Roots" - MGS FALL CONFERENCE

Sponsor:Maine Genealogical Society
Date:September 20, 2008
Location:Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Rd., S. Portland, Maine
Registration: Contact www.maineroots.org. Contact Dale W. Mower, Conference Chair (dale@mower-family.com.) 207-942-9375
FYI: Talk Flyer

SESSION ABSTRACT:
The Maine Canada Ireland Connection: Seeking Rogers Roots. An entertaining case study shows how we discovered the Canadian and Irish roots of the Rogers’ family who lived in Brewer in 1850. Learn how US and Canadian census, land, probate, historical, and newspaper records as well as archival material, online sites and databases and internet contacts can bring a complex family to life.

Endorsement:
Recently I had the opportunity to attend the New England Family History Conference in Franklin, Ma where Carol Mc Coy, PhD was a presenter. Carol's class on The Maine-Canada-Ireland Connection--Seeking Rogers' helped me greatly in the approach that I have been taking to do my own genealogy of the Rodgers family in New Brunswick. She took us on a step-by-step search back in time with all the sources that she researched on a Maine ancestor. The class helped me by giving me ideas about where I should look for more information and gave me the right questions I should ask. After the class, I went to the Ancestors Road Show for a 15-minute one-on-one conversation with Carol. We discussed my individual research and the area I should approach next. She suggested that I do more investigations with the Catholic diocese, home owner's records, city directories, and vital records of my ancestors. With Carol's suggestions, I am confident that I will find much more information than I was able to find on my own. After talking with her, I am hoping that my research will take me to Ireland. I appreciate Carol and her efforts in helping me, as well as others, in tracing their roots.
Ginni Burke, New Hampshire

Tuesday 9, Sept 2008 - "Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research"

Sponsor: Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Genealogical Society
Date:9 September 2008 at 7 p.m.
Location:Auburn Public Library, Auburn, Massachusetts

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England Roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the Internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research. This fun and informative talk hopes to help you make progress in seeking your own New England ancestors, especially those with Maine and Massachusetts roots.

Endorsement:
Carol McCoy spoke at the MSOG-Worcester Chapter on September 9, 2007 in Auburn,MA. She gave a wonderful, stimulating lecture on Strategies to use on New England Research! Her lecture was organized, detailed and beneficial to both new and experienced researchers. I would like to hear her lecture again in the near future. Carol is an enthusiastic speaker!
Karen Trearchis

Saturday 6, Sept 2008 - "Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research"

Date: 6 September 2008
Carol's talks will be a 2-part presentation given from 9:00 to 10:15 and from 10:30 to 11:45
Location:Winslow Congregational Church, Lithgow St. Next to Taconnet Library, Winslow Maine
Cost: Register prior to August 29th $10 for DAR member; $12 for non-DAR member; $15 at the door.
www.geocities.com/shhaydendar/

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England Roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the Internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research. This fun and informative talk hopes to help you make progress in seeking your own New England ancestors, especially those with Maine and Massachusetts roots.

Endorsement:
Thank you for doing your talk on Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research for our historical society. It was a lot of fun and very informative. Your enthusiasm is contagious! You can really tell you thoroughly enjoy what you do. The response from the group after the meeting was very positive. Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon!
Mary Anderson, Program Committee Member, Limerick (Maine) Historical Society

August 16, 2008 - "Keys to Successful Presentations"

Date:16 August 2008
Sponsor: Association of Professional Genealogists, New England Chapter
Facilitated Discussion
Location: New Hampshire Historical Society, Park Street, Concord, NH

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for giving successful presentations. Enjoy a humorous approach to overcoming an activity many people approach with dread--public speaking. This discussion will help you give presentations with more confidence and impact by planning for success, structuring your content, creating useful visual aids, and learning ways to increase your confidence in delivering talks and workshops. Dr. McCoy has over 30 years experience giving talks, lectures and workshops to audiences large and small and to a wide range of audiences on a variety of subjects, including genealogy.

Endorsement:
Carol's presentation to our chapter was excellent! She facilitated a discussion on the often-intimidating subject of public speaking, entitled "Keys to Successful Presentations." Not only was it interesting and helpful; it was fun! She has a real talent for drawing people into a discussion.
Diane Florence Gravel, CG
President, New England Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists

August 7, 2008 - "Making the Most of Census Research to Find Your Ancestors"

Date:7 August 2008 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Location: Naples, Maine Public Library, 940 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, Maine
Cost: Free!
For more information: Contact Dr. McCoy at www.find-your-roots.com or call 847-3271.

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Making the Most of Census Research. Learn tips and tactics to make the most of your census research. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and use a variety of censuses to learn about your ancestors and track down those elusive relatives. Get beyond the census indexes and broaden your focus beyond a specific relative to get the whole story.

Endorsement:
We were pleased to have Carol McCoy as a speaker (Making the Most of the Census in Your Research) at our 2007 conference. She is a dynamic speaker whose enthusiasm in genealogical research is readily apparent and contagious. Carol's delivery of material, no matter its complexity, is well-grounded and straightforward. Her presentations are very easy to relate to because she makes extensive use of real-life experiences and examples to illustrate the subject matter. I have sat in on a couple presentations by Carol at other events and would pretty much sum up the experience as "Exciting and Motivating!"
Dale W. Mower
President, Maine Genealogical Society

June 5, 2008 - "Strategies for Finding Your New England Roots"

Date:June 5, 2008 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Location:Naples, Maine Public Library, 940 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, Maine

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the Internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research. This fun and informative workshop hopes to help you make progress in seeking your own New England ancestors, especially those from Maine and Massachusetts. A case study identifying the parents of 91 year old female person of color who died in New Bedford Massachusetts in 1928 will help clarify ways to find female ancestors.
For more information: Contact Dr. McCoy at www.find-your-roots.com
or call 847-3271.

May 3, 2008 - "Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research"

Sponsor:Greater Portland Chapter, Maine Genealogical Society (www.gpcmgs.org)
Date:May 3, 2008 following the GPC Meeting at 1 p.m.
Location:Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Cape Elizabeth ME

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England Roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the Internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research. This fun and informative talk hopes to help you make progress in seeking your own New England ancestors, especially those with Maine and Massachusetts roots.

Endorsement:
Thank you for doing your talk on Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research for our historical society. It was a lot of fun and very informative. Your enthusiasm is contagious! You can really tell you thoroughly enjoy what you do. The response from the group after the meeting was very positive. Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon! Mary Anderson, Program Committee Member, Limerick (Maine) Historical Society

October 13, 2007 - "Finding Your Family Roots in New England
Sound Strategies for Genealogical Research"

Sponsor:Limerick Historical Society
Date: October 13, 2007
Location:: Limerick Historical Society, The Brick Town Hall, Limerick Village, Maine
Registration:Contact Mary Anderson - manderson@synergentcorp.com
FYI: Talk Flyer

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Learn tips and tactics for locating your ancestors with New England Roots. Find ways to maximize traditional resources, historical societies, family mementos, and the internet to learn about your family heritage. Create a solid research plan and avoid common pitfalls in genealogical research.

Endorsement:
Thank you for doing your talk on Sound Strategies for New England Genealogy Research for our historical society. It was a lot of fun and very informative. Your enthusiasm is contagious! You can really tell you thoroughly enjoy what you do. The response from the group after the meeting was very positive. Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon!
Mary Anderson, Program Committee Member,
Limerick (Maine) Historical Society

September 22, 2007 - "Getting the Most From Census Records."

Sponsor:Maine Genealogical Society 2007 Annual Conference "Footprints in Time: Discovering Your Ancestors' Lives"
Date: September 22, 2007; from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location:Bangor Civic Center - Bangor, Maine
Conference Flyer
Conference Schedule & Details
Speaker Bios

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Getting the Most from Census Research. Learn tips and tactics to make the most of your census research. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and use a variety of censuses to learn about your ancestors and track down those elusive relatives. Get beyond the census indexes and broaden your focus beyond a specific relative to get the whole story.

Note: If participants have specific questions they would like addressed during the presentation, please contact Carol McCoy before the meeting at 207-847-3271 or at cmccoy3333@aol.com .

Endorsement:
We were pleased to have Carol McCoy as a speaker at our 2007 conference. She is a dynamic speaker whose enthusiasm in genealogical research is readily apparent and contagious. Carol's delivery of material, no matter its complexity, is well-grounded and straightforward. Her presentations are very easy to relate to because she makes extensive use of real-life experiences and examples to illustrate the subject matter. I have sat in on a couple presentations by Carol at other events and would pretty much sum up the experience as "Exciting and Motivating!"

Dale W. Mower
President, Maine Genealogical Society

August 18, 2007 - "Making the Most of Your Census Research"
and "Enriching Genealogy with Memorabilia and Pictures"

Sponsor:D.A. R. Genealogy Conference in Winslow, Maine
Date: August 18, 2007
Location:: First Congregational Church, Lithgow Street, Winslow Maine
Registration:Contact Marilyn Dennis, Silence Howard Hayden Chapter of the D.A.R., Waterville, ME at 207-873-1171
FYI: Presentation Flyer

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Making the Most of Census Research. Learn tips and tactics to make the most of your census research. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and use a variety of censuses to learn about your ancestors and track down those elusive relatives. Get beyond the census indexes and broaden your focus beyond a specific relative to get the whole story.

Enriching Genealogy with Memorabilia and Pictures. There is only so much excitement that can be generated from ancestor charts and family group sheets. Pictures are indeed worth a thousand words. Find out types of memorabilia that can enrich your family history and become inspired to locate them! Share ideas of what others have done to enliven their stories to give people a feel for what their ancestors' lives were like.

Endorsement:
Hi Carol,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talks today (Making the Most of the Census and Enriching Genealogy with Memorabilia.) You are so enthusiastic! Just makes one want to go home and get started on new things. I always learn something new at each conference. As always, I appreciate that you think 'outside of the box' and talk about some of the less used sources. You make it very clear that good documented research is not completed overnight, but takes a lot of well thought out work. So many thanks for all your work.

Janice Gower, Frequent contributor to Maine Families in 1790 and a former member of the Maine Genealogical Society Executive Committee

Dr. Carol McCoy was the main speaker at our Sixth Annual Genealogy Conference in August 2007. She also did a workshop in the morning. All the comments from participants were very positive with no negatives — they said they learned a lot and that the handouts were extremely helpful. Carol was very organized, easy to talk to, on time and very prepared. Our Chapter would not hesitate to ask her to speak again.

Marilyn Dennis, Regent
Silence Howard Hayden Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution

January 23, 2007 Finding Your Roots--Unpuzzling Your Past

Sponsor:University of Southern Maine, Center for Continuing Education
Date:Six Tuesday Evenings (6:30 – 9:00 p.m.) starting 23 Jan 2007 (Dates: Jan. 23 & 30; Feb 6, 13 & 27, March 6, 2007)
Location:Abromson Center, Portland, Maine

SESSION ABSTRACT:
Are you curious about your ancestors—who they were, where they lived, what they did, who you taake after? This fun and inspiring workshop will help you to learn sound techniques for tracing your family genealogy and history. Using Emily Croom's best-selling book, Unpuzzling Your Past as a spring-board, this class will teach you ways to track down your ancestors, learn more about their lives, and create a meaningful family history.

As a result of this workshop, you will be able to:

trace your family's genealogy by using memorabilia, public documents, the internet, and other sources

make use of forms and charts to track your ancestors and family and keep your family history organized

learn to make sense of census records

recognize sound strategies and avoid pitfalls for pursuing genealogy

gain ideas and inspiration to break down brick walls

Session 1: (Jan. 23) Getting Started.
Session 2: (Jan. 30) Keys to Success in Genealogy.
Session 3: (Feb. 6) Understanding the Census.
Session 4: (Feb 13) Vital Records.
Session 5: (Feb 27) Building on Others' Work
Session 6: (March 6) Organizing and Digging Deeper.

Dr. Carol McCoy has been tracing her roots for over 20 years. As president of Find-Your-Roots, she has been helping others to learn more about their family history for the past six years. With her passion for genealogy along with her background in psychology, training, and coaching, Carol can help you become a better genealogist.

Cost: $145
Course Syllabus

The required textbook, Unpuzzling Your Past-The Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy, can be purchased at the USM Portland Bookstore.

May 18, 2004 - Where Do Your Talents and Passions Come From?
Finding Your Roots--Discovering Yourself Through Your Ancestors

Date: May 18, 2004; 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Deb Elliot Salon, corner Forest Ave. & 1 William St., Portland, ME
Sponsor:A facilitated discussion for Women's Passion
Cost: $5 (includes hors 'oeuvres and beverages)
Registration: Contact Jayme Proctor (jproctor@maine.rr.com) or Lynn Marie Danforth (207-767-5776).
Description: Many people have a passion for discovering their family history. I am such a person-- I first became fascinated in tracing my own roots and then realized that I love helping others learn about their own history just as much. Genealogy is much more than filling in names and dates in charts. Through genealogy exploration, I have gained an appreciation of the struggles that our ancestors faced and ultimately learned more about myself--who I look like, what talents run through my genes, and what made those McCoy's so feisty and determined to succeed?
Learning about your ancestors ultimately enriches your understanding of yourself and your appreciation for your family. In this discussion group, participants will explore their family roots—Who iss your favorite ancestor? Why? Where do your talents, characteristics and passions come from? What nationalities and cultural practices contribute to your essence? From where, when and why did your ancestors come to America? What family myths are you curious about? This discussion will explore the joys of learning about yourself by learning about your family history and will provide you with ideas about how to learn more.