I set many goals at the beginning of 2020, completely unaware of what the year had in store for our world. Even with COVID-19 shutdowns, I’ve made good progress on my professional genealogy journey:
| 2020 Goal | Result |
| Improve my evidence analysis and writing skills by studying National Genealogical Society Quarterly articles and Mastering Genealogical Proof by Tom Jones. | I joined an NGSQ Study Group led by Cari Taplin and completed 9 of 11 articles for discussion. I missed two months due to my children’s virtual schooling. I’ve learned so much about how to structure formal proof arguments! I read two chapters and did their exercises in Mastering Genealogical Proof and realized I do much better with peer review and an accountability group. |
| Complete quarterly research projects for my challenging ancestors using the Research Like a Pro methodology and blog about the process. | I completed two quarterly research projects and blogged about them. Library shutdowns really hindered me here, along with prioritizing ProGen assignments (more on that below). |
| Begin ProGen Study when called off the waiting list. | I got called up from the waiting list and began ProGen 48 in May. I’m now halfway through the 14-month program. It has been the most enriching experience so far on my professional journey. I’m learning so much from my mentor and peers about research and client/business procedures. I’m also serving as a chat day discussion group leader for my co-hort. |
| Write two articles for Stirpes and submit at least two pieces to publications outside Texas. | I had three articles published in Stirpes this year. I also wrote one for Houston Genealogical Forum’s Record. Nothing outside of Texas yet. I’ve had a couple leads that may result in Louisiana publications next year. |
| Enter an article in the TxSGS Awards Program in Category III: Manuscripts by a Non-Professional. | The 2020 TxSGS Awards Program was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
| Submit at least one DAR supplemental application. | I completed a supplemental for John Hendry but have not mailed it in. |
| Complete research and prepare DAR application for my cousin Debra. | Debra decided to enter DAR on a paternal line (not our shared ancestor on her maternal side) and had help from her local chapter in Ohio. |
| Complete research and submit my application for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. | I completed a proof argument for the one generation I anticipate will be problematic. I made inquiries about membership but have not submitted an application yet. |
| Log at least 100 volunteer hours at Clayton Library. | I volunteered approximately 20 hours before COVID-19 shut down the library and about 70 hours co-hosting and administering Genealogy Face2Face, a weekly virtual Zoom hangout for Clayton Library patrons presented by Clayton Library Friends. |
| Have at least one volunteer speaking engagement to a group other than children. | I gave two virtual presentations to adults: one to my DAR chapter about my ancestor Thomas Hendry and his sons, and another about using Fold3 at Genealogy Face2Face. |
| Finish transcription of the 1845 Alexander Rose Hendry letter. | I am about 85% complete on the transcription. There are still some challenging areas, so I return to it every few months with a fresh perspective. |
I’m unsure what 2021 will hold, so I’m keeping my goals simple:
- Complete ProGen 48.
- Participate in at least 10 of 12 months of NGSQ Study Group.
- Complete Certification Discussion Group winter series.
- Submit an article for publication outside of Texas.
- Complete 2021 education plan. (Lots of detailed webinars/conferences to attend and books/articles to read; compiled as a ProGen assignment.)
Here’s to a successful — but most importantly, healthy — 2021.
You inspire me with your sound approach to setting goals and reviewing them!
You are also being named as a Daughter who brought another (me) into the DAR. THANK YOU!!
Impressive goals and accomplishments-wish I could be as focused as you are ! Proud of you !
Jessica it’s wonderful reading about the histories of the folks in Liddieville. I kind of dabble in ancesty, trying to find the history of my family. What is surprising in reading your histories is how your familes and mine were in the same counties in Mississippi and parishes in Louisiana during the same periods. Makes me wonder if somewhere along the line they knew each other.