New Year Continues Many Options for Researchers

are for all levels of researchers.

By Sheila Benedict

Hopefully everyone in our Valley and elsewhere came through the recent heavy storms safe and sound.

As mentioned last month, there are still many conferences, webinars, and meetings that are either totally virtual (online) or hybrid (in person and online). As time passes, more and more meetings, etc. will be in person but many will stay hybrid for the foreseeable future.

The new year continues with more of the many options that are available for researchers. As mentioned in every column, it is important to note ALWAYS that finding one document is just the beginning of a research project. It takes many documents, often DNA, to validate the research and not chance using erroneous information to put together a family history. Remember: 1) Thorough researches;

2) locate information in sources that could have important evidence;

3) Analyze and compare all sources and information;

4) Resolve conflicting evidence;

5) Write the findings. To continue: there is a website called ConferenceKeeper.org, which lists not only conferences, but also events, contests, tours, and more. Another important place to check the National Genealogical Society (NGS) website at ngsgenealogy. org. They have a yearly major conference in all parts of the U.S. In 2022, it was in California, and in 2023 it is in Virginia. Their topics and genealogy courses online

One of my writing projects in 2015, was the booklet written for NGS, “Research in the States, California.” It is one of a series they are hoping will cover all 50 states. You can check out what is available both in print or as a PDF download. A recent review of their list shows they have over 30 states completed, which includes a volume on the indigenous people in Oklahoma. If you go to the website, all this and more is listed.

This column is monthly, so I would be remiss if I didn’t mention other writings, such as articles in a variety of genealogical newsletters, the most recent one published in The Irish Ancestry Research Association (TIARA) news magazine. It is about the first Irish Capuchin Franciscan priest to come to Old Mission Santa Inés, Solvang, in 1924. He became very ill and only lived a short time after arriving, but his time here was the beginning of many restoration projects. The mission was built in 1804, almost 220 years ago, so restoration is an ongoing project.

Another writing project is to document men who were born in Ireland, came to the U.S., and served in the American Civil War from 1861-65. Many came for mining before the war and a lot of them came back to California after the war, died and were buried here. At last count, there are about 550 in Los Angeles County, plus those buried in the other 57 counties. Currently, it is a database using many sources for information and evidence. It is mentioned so that if anyone has an ancestor who fits that profile, I will look it up and if there is information on the person, will share it. Good luck and we will “talk” again next month.

Copyright ©2023, Sheila Benedict; All Rights Reserved

ARTIST PUTS BODY AND 'SOUL' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Alexandra said she is sometimes asked what inspires her to paint, and she has a ready answer.

“My answer is that when I paint I am full and I make a difference in the world," she said. "I am being of service, which not only heals me, but fulfills my soul’s calling.

“I once had a mother and daughter come to me for a Soul Print. Her daughter was dying of cancer. Her daughter’s imprint hangs on her mother’s wall and although her daughter has passed, she still feels her daughter’s presence in the art. It is both comforting and healing to her, she expressed to me.”

If you have never thought about having a soul imprint, Alexandra said, “You don’t know you want a pair of purple velvet pants until you see them.”

Alexandra’s art along with videos of the process can be viewed on her website at www.suzannealexandra.com.

For more information, email suzalexandra1@gmail.com, on Instagram, direct message her @_soul_prints_, or call 805-456-9134. She is also available for live demonstrations, fundraisers, and events.