Presentations

Kate is a dynamic lecturer who can explain complicated topics in a clear and concise manner. Kate would be glad to speak at your next society meeting or conference. Please contact her to initiate this process.

Available Lectures

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

Kate started her career as an investigator fighting financial crime. Learn how to apply the skill set she developed investigating fraud, money laundering and high-net worth individuals to your genealogical research pursuits.

*A version of this presentation geared towards professionals in the forensic field of genealogy is also available.

A Guide to Western Pennsylvania Court Records Research

Learn why and how to conduct research for your ancestors in Western Pennsylvania court records.

Beyond the Basics: Effectively Using Ancestry.com

Whether you're a newbie or you consider yourself an old pro, there is always more to learn on Ancestry.com. Make sure that you're using the best research practices possible while using the site. Learn how to efficiently gather as much information as possible about your ancestors and prevent yourself from climbing up the wrong branch of your family tree.

Beyond the Computer Screen: Planning for Repository Visits

If most of your genealogical research is conducted in your pajamas, it's time to venture to the repository. Learn how to plan for this adventure.

Building Genealogical Database Research Skills One Search String at a Time

Do you know how to use wildcards and Boolean operators? Learn more about these topics and how to create search strings.

Court Records Research without the Law Degree

Court records are an underutilized genealogical resource. Discover how to explore courthouses (no law degree required) to find records involving your ancestors.

Effective Research Documentation: How and Why

Have you ever conducted the same search twice? Uncover the keys to avoiding this cycle by documenting your research appropriately the first time around.

England and Wales Vital Records Research 101

Did you know that you can access many England and Wales Vital Records (plus Wills and Probate) without crossing the pond? Learn the history of these records and how to order and receive them from the comfort of your home.

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!

Get into the habit of "following the records." Often if you find one record, it leaves a trail to something else. Learn about some common examples of how following clues in records sets can lead you to a treasure trove of more information.

It's Not Just about Your Ancestors! Preserving Your Family History

Preserving your family history starts with you! What's the point of calling yourself a family historian, if you don't make it easy for future generations to know about your life? Gain some ideas on how to organize your personal archive beyond the family treasures of your ancestors.

Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale of Common Genealogical Mistakes

As a beginner, Kate climbed up the wrong branch of her family tree. Learn techniques (with antidotes) to avoid the error of her (old) ways.

Pittsburgh Genealogy 101: A Guide to Researching in the Steel City

Have you dabbled in genealogical research for your Pittsburgh ancestors? Do you think there might be more records out there, but you don't know where or how to find them? Learn what is available both online and offline. We aren't just talking about birth, marriage and death records (although we'll cover those too!). Find out how you can also access more atypical genealogical records (i.e. criminal records, coroner's files, divorce records, etc.) for your Pittsburgh based ancestors.

So You Want to Know More About Your Family History?

Do you want to know more about your family history, but don't know where to start? Learn some tips and tricks to uncover information regarding your ancestors using online resources like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and Newspapers.com. Whether you don't know anything beyond your grandparents' names or you already know that your great-great-great-father was a private in the Union Army, learn the basics of how to effectively and efficiently research using these online databases.

Stop the Presses! Incorporating Newspaper Records into your Research

Newspaper records are not just useful for identifying the obituaries of your ancestors. Learn about an additional level of information that might exist as well as where and how to find it.

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Genealogical Search Net

Are you utilizing search techniques to their potential? Do you know what "Boolean" means? Learn how to optimize your searches to find new genealogical treasures.

Tracking Your Ancestors Through Time: Utilizing Timelines to Enhance Your Research

Do you need a new research tool in your wheelhouse to help with a research question and/or give you a better understanding of your ancestor(s)? Learn how a timeline can give you a greater understanding of your ancestor's life and their relationships.

Unlocking the Keystone State

Do you have ancestors who hail from the Keystone State? If so, it's time to learn about Pennsylvania's records and repositories.

Writing Clear and Concise Client Reports for Yourself and Others

Learn how to write client reports that your clients will want to read by learning best practices for structure, format, and writing.