Some of you may have spotted this is a ‘challenge’ event.  We are hoping listeners will not only sit back and enjoy the 100 or so short talks, but that they will be inspired.

There will even be a ‘workbook’ for the event, for you to make notes, encouraging you to think how this applies to you and your potential research.  There are lots of tips on how you might record and share your knowledge and findings too. You will get more out of this mega event if you allow it to spark memories (and capture them!) as well as considering potential for your own research and how to share your findings.   It is a call to action! 

Today we have more resources for research at our fingertips than ever before.  Opportunities for disseminating our findings in interesting and exciting ways have mushroomed.  Blogs, online audio or video clips,  sharing recordings or giving live talks across the world, as well as much more accessible purposely designed software and options for visual aids.  

The boundaries between factual family and local and family histories and literature have also softened.  Many genealogists try to ‘bring their ancestor to life’ with exploration of what it was like walking in their shoes.  We can also search for memorabilia related to our place, not only locally but online.  What can you find to enrich and deepen your understanding of life at that time and enhance your narrative?  There are also a number of groups who share their research and findings together online, to encourage and help each other such as The Curious Descendants Club (£) and FewForgottenWomen project of which I am a small part (join research days for free, just requires time to research and write up your allotted woman).

This #OnePlace event will open your eyes. 

So here are some gentle challenges for you to consider (inspired by the event Facebook group). 

1. Spark a conversation with friends and family members – Which of their ancestors would they most like to meet and why?  Be ready to share some examples of your own!
2. Write a paragraph about an aspect of your own history – nothing fancy, just bullet points would do.
3. Join your local Family History Society and/or Local History Society.  At least find out who they are and explore their websites.

IF you haven’t already signed up for updates and information click here

Meanwhile I have taken up the challenge to re-start my blog, and will be adding posts throughout the #AllAboutThatPlace event.