From Sunrise to Sunset: A Day in the Life of a Female Ancestor

The image above was created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

A Day in the Life: Homemaking Then and Now

Growing up, I never thought I’d be grateful for ironing practice, budget sheets, or learning the proper way to plan a week's worth of meals. But studying Home Economics, Family Living, and Health at Western Michigan University opened my eyes to the science behind the home and gave me a new perspective on my ancestor's lives.

Recently, I started thinking about what a day in the life might have looked like for my great-grandmother. A woman who likely rose before the sun, tended the fire, prepared breakfast from scratch, and managed a household with efficiency born of necessity.

Morning: The Start of the Day

My ancestor's morning may have begun with stoking the stove and boiling water, often before anyone else was awake. Breakfast wasn’t poured from a cereal box. It involved mixing, kneading, or frying. She likely prepared lunches for the children, sometimes wrapping leftovers in cloth or paper.

When I was studying nutrition, we broke down all the elements of a balanced breakfast. But long before that, my great-grandmother understood it in her own way. She learned from her mother and through experience. She didn’t need food groups or calorie charts to know that a hearty meal gave you the strength to face a long day of work, especially during the busy seasons of farm life.

She also didn’t need written recipes. Her cooking came from memory and instinct passed down through the generations. She knew how much flour to use by feel, how long to simmer soup by scent, and how to season a dish by taste. Her kitchen knowledge was inherited and intuitive, not measured and written down.

Midday: Managing the Home

While the children were at school and her husband worked in the fields, homemaking carried on. Washing laundry, baking bread, scrubbing floors, sewing or mending clothes, and doing farm chores filled her day. Her work was physical, repetitive, and often unrecognized. 

Her kitchen likely held the essential tools of her era: a cast iron stove, butter churn, hand-cranked food grinders, and tinware utensils. Her laundry routine involved hauling water, scrubbing with lye soap, and using a washboard. Weekly baking required sifting flour by hand, fermenting yeast, and using heavy iron bakeware.

Cleaning practices emphasized sanitation through boiling water and vinegar. Rugs were beaten outside, and linens were aired on clotheslines. It was the kind of knowledge you didn’t learn from books but from watching, doing, and repeating over time.

Afternoon: Family and Function

By mid-afternoon, she might have visited neighbors, preserved food, or tended the garden. She kept a mental calendar of seasonal chores: spring cleaning, canning in late summer, holiday preparations in the fall. Her work was as cyclical as the seasons, grounded in a deep understanding of her environment and her family’s needs.

In my studies, we called this "household management" It sounds sterile in a textbook, but lived out in history, it was an art form. It included juggling needs, emotions, and limited resources with patience and foresight.

Evening: Winding Down

Dinner was another full meal, with leftovers reused creatively. After dishes were done, she may have sat down to knit, read the Bible, or simply rest. Or maybe she continued working, preparing dough for the next day or ironing the children’s school clothes.

In today’s world, we often think of “productivity” as something that happens at a desk or in offices. But my great-grandmother’s day was filled with labor, love, and life lessons that were handed down to the women in my family. They show up in the way that I do things now and I’m grateful my education helped me appreciate that.

Bridging Generations

Studying Home Economics didn’t just prepare me for a career, it deepened my appreciation for the people who came before me. Their knowledge wasn’t always found in books, but in doing. As a teacher and genealogist, I try to honor their legacy by sharing their stories and daily lives with others. I’ve come to enjoy learning about the social history of my ancestors.

So the next time I sew on a button or make soup from scratch, I will think of all the women in my family who had it so much harder than I do.

Honoring Paul Pixley’s Service This Independence Day

Once I discovered the maiden name of my fourth great-grandmother, Lucy Hyde, I knew I had to explore her family history further. Her maiden name, Pixley, led me to her parents, Paul Pixley and Sylvia Philips. I found their marriage record dated May 31, 1781, and from there, my research took off.

Today, as the United States celebrates Independence Day, I want to share the story of Paul Pixley (also spelled Pigsley) and his patriotic service during the American Revolution.

Paul Pixley, a Revolutionary War veteran, applied for a pension under the Act of March 18, 1818. At the time of his application, he was living in Huron County, Ohio. Pixley had served as a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Bradford of the Massachusetts line. He enlisted in September 1779 and served for approximately nine months, including time stationed at West Point, New York.

His pension was approved beginning June 13, 1818, at the rate of $8 per month. A certificate of pension was issued on September 6, 1819. When he applied, he was 58 years old and in poor health, unable to work due to age and rheumatism.

His household at the time included his wife, a 14-year-old daughter, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 3-year-old son. He listed minimal personal property in his pension declaration—just a heifer, a steer, a bed, a kettle, and some tools—valued at $32.50.

I find pension files fascinating for the rich genealogical information they can contain. This particular file, however, offered fewer personal details than others I've seen. It named only Paul and his military commanders, leaving out the names of his family members.

This blog post is just a brief summary of the information I extracted from Paul Pixley’s Revolutionary War pension file. The file contains more details that I plan to explore in future blog posts. I’ll be sharing what I discover about his military service, family life, and the broader historical context in which he lived.

Still, even sparse records like this one help illuminate the lives of those who came before us. On this Independence Day, I honor Paul Pixley, whose service reminds us of the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in pursuit of American freedom. 

Inside the IGGP Conference: A Weekend of German Genealogy Inspiration

Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society (MiGGS) board members in attendance: Mich, Pr äsidentin Julie Hanneman-Schoenbach, and Schatzmeister Ed Redmer. (Me, President, and Treasurer)

I had planned to write while attending the recent IGGP Conference at the Nationwide Convention Center, near Columbus, Ohio, but time got away from me. It had been a while since I attended an in-person conference, and I forgot how busy it can be. Catching up with people, attending sessions, and enjoying the evening activities was both exciting and exhausting. By the end of each day, my mind was on overdrive. Now that I'm back home, I'm ready to share the highlights of my wonderful, all-German genealogy weekend.

The entrance to the convention center.

A Little Background

The International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference was held at the Nationwide Convention Center near Columbus, Ohio. This biennial event brings together German genealogy enthusiasts from around the world, and it was my first time participating. I was eager to connect with fellow researchers, learn from experts, and explore new strategies for uncovering my family’s German roots.

First Impressions

Arriving at the Nationwide Convention Center, I was immediately impressed by how beautiful the venue was. It took me a few minutes to find the hotel desk, but a helpful Nationwide employee kindly escorted me there. The hotel is in a separate building from the Convention Center and the hotel entrance was undergoing renovations, and I wasn’t as observant as I should have been. After checking in and dropping off my belongings in the room, I made my way to the registration table to pick up my materials. I received a bag of goodies, event and meal tickets, and door prize coupons. I went ahead and placed my tickets in the prize bags, fingers crossed I would win something! And I did! I received a beautiful wax Springerle mold wall hanging from Wax Werkes.

The beautiful eight mold plaque is what I received as a door prize from The Art Wax Werke in Centerville, Ohio. Her work is exquisite.

Conference Highlights

Thursday was my travel day, and I arrived in the afternoon. That evening, I attended a casual get-together in the vendor hall, where I made some wonderful connections. I reconnected with people I knew and browsed the vendor tables. Several German genealogical societies were represented, offering memberships. I joined the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) and, while signing up, discovered that the GSP volunteer and I were actually cousins! It truly is a small world. Other vendors offered books (I only bought one!), jewelry, Christmas ornaments, wax decorations, German genealogy resources, research assistance, maps, and more. The Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society had a small space on a shared table for partner societies, and I spent some time there greeting people and answering questions. I really enjoyed that part of the evening.

The walk back to the hotel from the Ohio Dining Room, 

where breakfast was served everyday.

Friday marked the beginning of the conference, with a packed schedule of sessions. I attended presentations on German census records, German archives, citizenship and nationality laws, and German village history. I also spent time browsing the exhibitor booths and talking to vendors offering tools and resources I hadn’t encountered before. I started by Christmas shopping and purchased earrings, a Christmas ornament, and a gnome making kit. One particularly sobering moment occurred during the session on citizenship and nationality laws, presented virtually by Sabine Akabayov from Israel. Towards the end of her presentation, she had to abruptly leave due to a warning to take cover amid the Iran-Israeli conflict. I can't imagine living in that kind of environment. Thankfully, Sabine later let us know she was safe, but my thoughts remained with her throughout the rest of the conference. Friday evening was the Palatines to America Anniversary Dinner, where attendees enjoyed a delicious German meal featuring pretzel buns, bratwurst, schnitzel, spaetzle, and more. For dessert, there was German chocolate cake and apple strudel where I chose the strudel. Entertainment was provided by the Columbus Männerchor. 

Saturday continued the learning momentum. I attended sessions on Genealogy.net, AI in German genealogy, and AI and German handwriting. During the break between the third and fourth sessions, I went to my hotel room to grab some Tylenol for a headache. I made the mistake of lying down and ended up falling asleep, missing the entire fourth session! Despite that, I found myself furiously jotting down notes throughout the day and imagining new paths to explore in my own research. Saturday night was a fun way to end the conference. IGGP awards were presented, and a ten-question, challenging trivia contest was held. I answered five questions correctly and felt good about it since the ones I missed were related to Ohio history. Street tacos and a veggie platter were available for food.

Sunday brought the conference to a close. The final sessions I attended were German Indentured Servants and Village Family Books (Ortsfamilienbücher) which were both informative and engaging. I left the conference with my mind in overdrive, thinking about all the new avenues I could pursue in my family history research. I decided to stay an extra night to unwind before driving home. On Sunday afternoon, MiGGS President Julia Hanneman-Schoenbach and I visited German Village in Columbus, Ohio. We got takeout from Schmidt’s Restaurant and ate outside, as the restaurant had a very busy wait time of one to one and a half hours. Of course, it was Father’s Day, so the crowds were no surprise. After eating, we browsed a couple of stores before heading back to the hotel to prepare for our Monday morning departure.

What I Learned

This conference provided much more than just information. It offered encouragement and inspiration. I walked away with new strategies for deciphering old German script, tips for navigating German archives in the areas I am researching. I also learned where to find German genealogical societies, how to uncover more about the history of German villages, the differences between German and English indentured servants, and where to locate Ortsfamilienbücher (village family books). I left the conference with a renewed sense of excitement about the detective work involved in family history. At this point in my research, I have exhausted most United States records and am ready to begin exploring resources available in Germany.

Advice for Future Attendees

If you are thinking about attending a future IGGP conference, here are a few tips. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes, as every session will offer something valuable. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself; everyone is there to connect and learn. Use the conference app, such as Whova, but don’t hesitate to ask for help if it is your first time using it. Make sure to stay hydrated and allow time to rest, because the days can be long and full of activity.

Final Thoughts

I’m so grateful to the organizers and volunteers who made this conference a success, even with the challenges that arose. It was a well-run, content-rich experience that delivered on its promise to support and inspire German genealogists of all levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your German family history journey, the IGGP conference is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. 

Have you attended an IGGP conference or are you researching your German ancestors? I’d love to hear your experience. Please, leave a comment below!

Here are a few more pictures from my trip.

My pool friend on Sunday afternoon.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Restaurant in German Village

Back side of Nationwide Convention Center Hotel, the grounds were immaculate.

The pub at the convention center.

Apple Strudel, yummo!

German Dinner to celebrate PalAm's Anniversary

Ed Redmer at the MiGGS table.

Accordian player in the Exhibit Hall

One of the vendors selling springerle molds. 

Germanology course students in attendence with Kathryn Schober. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Schober of Germanology Unlocked.

A German Widow’s Story in 1870s America

(Image created through ChatGPT from description given by author)

What was daily life like for a German immigrant widow raising eight children on a farm in rural Indiana during the 1870s? My second great-grandmother, Mary Wrightweasner Graf, found herself in that very situation. She became a widow in her mid-thirties after the death of her husband, Johann Caspar Graf, in 1869. At the time of his passing, their eight children ranged in age from one to sixteen. Caroline was 16, Philippina 14, Jacob 12, Philip 9, Henry 8, George 5, Valentine 4, and Elizabeth just 1 year old.

Mary Wrightweasner Graf was widowed at a time when women had few legal rights and even fewer resources, she relied on her faith, her children, and her own determination to keep her family and farm running. I decided to research what a day in her life might have looked like in Miami county, Indiana.

Before Sunrise (4:30–6:00 AM)
Mary’s day likely began in the dark, with the glow of an oil lamp or the crackle of a rekindled hearth fire. A morning prayer or Scripture reading may have grounded her before the chaos of the day began. She would haul water from the well, light the stove, and begin preparing breakfast. Cornmeal mush, leftover meat, or fried potatoes, enough to feed a household of nine, were common at the time.

Morning (6:00–10:00 AM)
With the sun rising, the farm came alive. Older children helped with chores: feeding livestock, milking cows, collecting eggs. Mary directed this hive of activity, often working alongside them while keeping an eye on the youngest.

On Mondays, the laundry took over. Clothes were scrubbed by hand with lye soap, wrung out, and hung on lines to dry. With eight children, laundry was never truly finished. The older girls would help with this chore.

Late Morning (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
The morning continued with housework like sweeping floors, mending clothes, or preparing food for preservation. If her children attended school, Mary ensured they left properly dressed, with packed lunches of bread and jam or cheese.

Midday Meal (12:00–1:00 PM)
Dinner was the day’s main meal. A hearty stew, boiled potatoes, or fresh vegetables filled the table. After eating, Mary and her children scraped plates, saved scraps for animals, and washed the dishes by hand, of course.

Afternoon (1:00–5:00 PM)
Afternoons brought garden work and food preservation, depending on the season. Mary might render lard, can fruit, or stir homemade soap. She sewed clothing from flour sacks and mended garments too valuable to discard.

As a widow, she was also the farm’s business manager. She may have bartered eggs, butter, or produce, kept a ledger, and handled transactions that sustained her family.

Evening (5:00–8:00 PM)
Supper was lighter bread and milk, or maybe cold meat and soup. Afterward, the family gathered by candlelight. They sang hymns, read together, or the older children helped the younger ones with their lessons. Mary checked the barn one last time before nightfall.

Bathing was a shared ritual in a tin washtub, the water reused between siblings and only done a couple of times a week. Finally, with everyone in bed, Mary might have sat by the lamplightda rning socks, writing in a journal, or reading from her Bible.

Night (8:00 PM onward)
Sleep came late and lightly. Mary may have shared her bed with a small child or slept alone, always alert to a child’s cough or an unfamiliar noise outside. Indoor plumbing didn’t exist and chamber pots were a necessity.

Reflections on Resilience
Mary’s world was one of survival but also of strength, structure, and love. She raised her children without a vote, without a pension, and with few rights, yet she gave them something far more enduring: grit, values, and the ability to thrive against the odds.

Her story is not just history. It’s a legacy, passed down through generations. It's a reminder that behind every family tree is a woman who held it all together.  Mary never remarried and lived to the age of 63, having raised eight children who gave her many grandchildren.

The First Stop on a 66-Year Journey: Kingsley, Michigan

I'm picking up my dad’s story right after one of the happiest moments of his life: his wedding to my mom in 1952. This next chapter takes us into their first year of marriage, when they settled into a little house in Kingsley, Michigan, a rural town southeast of Traverse City. It was the first of many years my mother would spend as a coach's wife. This was the first year of what would be 66 years of love.

OUR FIRST MARRIED YEAR 1952-53

     Kingsley was a small town with a Class D school located 18 miles SE of Traverse City. We rented a small, one bedroom house in town.  We have many pleasant memories of our year there; among them sponsoring class parties at the roller rink in Traverse City.  Audrey was an accomplished skater and enjoyed these jaunts very much.  I had to spend most of the time making sure I didn't fall and bust my posterior, but nevertheless it was a lot of fun.  What wasn’t fun was coming home in the winter and finding the oil line to our stove had frozen and before we could get any heat in the house, we had to thaw the line.  The end of the month was shaky many times as we ended up eating soup, beans and whatever else we could come up with as we eagerly awaited payday.

     During the basketball season we usually would get together at our house or one of the teacher’s homes for a social hour following basketball games, usually consisting of beer and light refreshments.  One family we became close friends with was the Bosserdet family.  Bud was a 6^th grade teacher, a big, lovable, jolly, redhead who was a fan of athletics and his wife Betty and 4 kids (3 boys and a girl).  After we left Kingsley at the end of the year, we maintained contact with them for a couple of years and then lost contact.  Bud died at an early age we later found out and discovered Betty had moved to Florida.  After an e-mail or two we have not heard from her since.

        On the athletic front we had a successful year.  In Varsity basketball, we ended up 14-7 with a loss in the semi-finals of the district.  The JV team which I also coached ended up 12-6.  I don’t remember a lot about the baseball season which occurred in the fall, but we ended up somewhere around the .500 mark.  In the spring, I started the first track team Kingsley ever had.  We showed up well in the Central Michigan relays and were cheated out of a first place in the medley relay due to a timing gaffe.  I had one outstanding three sport star Jack Rodes who did very well in the half mile run qualifying for the State finals in that event. February of that year Audrey became pregnant and we both decided it was time to move on.  The Superintendent was a jerk and we just decided we didn’t want to spend the rest of our life in Kingsley.

     I started putting out letters and on a late Saturday, in May, following the school prom the night before; we set out for Deckerville, in the Thumb, for a job interview.  It was completely uncharted territory for both of us.  I checked out a Michigan map and found Deckerville was due east of Saginaw with a road that went across all the way.  Little did I realize it was mostly a gravel road, most of the way, and in spots was so narrow that you had to turn around and seek the nearest driveway so the oncoming traffic could pass. On top of that it was extremely hot coupled with Audrey’s pregnancy and the dust swirled up from the dirt road made it a memorable journey. We finally made it, however, and coming into the West End of Deckerville we were greeted with a less than encouraging view of a grain elevator, a couple of rundown buildings holding a grocery store, and farm machinery store.

     We proceeded to the school to meet with Ace Fleck, the Supt.  He was shocked we came across on what was the Deckerville Road.  Had we gone 6 miles further we could have come all the way across on M46, a two-lane paved highway.   After a brief interview in which he made it a point to say we were not to patronize either one of the two taverns in town as townspeople considered it improper for teachers.  Ace took us to the hospital to meet Doc Blanchard, the President of the school board, and to see Frank Merriman, a prominent farmer, who was treasurer of the Board.  Deckerville was like Kingsley with a slightly bigger school (Class C) and like Kingsley a rural farming area where most of the students were bussed in.  The job was like Kingsley.  I would be teaching Social Studies, Government, History, Civics, and Junior High health.  I would be Head Basketball, Head Track, and Asst. Football which would be my first such assignment.  We left Deckerville and were told they would decide at Monday night’s Board meeting and let me know one way or the other.

     That Monday night Frank Merriman called and offered me the job with a starting salary of $3600.  I told him I would accept and asked him for an extra $100 which would help with moving expenses.  He said that would be no problem and mailed me a $3700 contract. That summer Audrey and I, after saying goodbye to Kingsley, headed to Hazel Park to spend the summer with my mother.  Following an uneventful summer, we packed up our goods and headed for Deckerville in early August; little realizing we would spend 19 years of our married life there and another 9 years in Harbor Beach, 25 miles north of Deckerville.

Genealogy with a Twist: What Did My Ancestors Smell Like?

This image was created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

I’ve had fun connecting my family history with my college experience at Western Michigan University. In a past post, I explored how my Watt ancestors’ work in textile mills tied into the textile classes I took for my Home Economics major. This month, I’m tapping into my Health Education minor to tackle a different kind of topic: how my ancestors smelled. Yes, you read that right! This post dives nose-first into the world of historical hygiene, where I explore what my great great grandparents might have smelled like. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all roses and lavender.

Historical Hygiene: What My Ancestors Probably Smelled Like"

A humorous yet research-based post about historical hygiene practices across different eras in your family.

When we think about our ancestors, we often picture them posed in sepia-toned photographs, dressed in their Sunday best, with solemn expressions and polished shoes. But let’s be honest what did they smell like?

It’s a question we don’t often ask in genealogy, but it opens a fascinating window into the daily lives of our forebears. Hygiene, like everything else, has a history. And chances are, your 19th-century ancestors weren't as fresh as we might like to imagine.

Bathing Once a Week—If That

In many American and European households before indoor plumbing, bathing was a labor-intensive affair. Water had to be hauled, heated over a fire or stove, and poured into a tub, often shared by the whole family. Saturday night was the traditional bath night, and even then, it might have been a quick rinse.

Daily bathing didn’t become common until the late 19th to early 20th century, and even then, it was more likely to be a sponge bath than a full immersion. Soap was used sparingly and was often homemade, harsh, and reserved for hands and faces.

Source: Bushman, Richard L. The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Knopf, 1992.

Toothbrushes, Toothpowder, and Mouth Odor

Toothbrushes weren’t widely available until the mid-1800s, and toothpaste as we know it didn’t exist. People used toothpowder made from charcoal, chalk, salt, or even brick dust. Mouthwash? Not a thing. Halitosis probably ran rampant.

George Washington famously suffered from dental issues and wore dentures made from a combination of ivory, animal bone, and human teeth—a reminder that oral hygiene was rudimentary at best.

Source: National Museum of Dentistry, University of Maryland, www.dentalmuseum.org

The Great Unwashed—Clothing and Laundry

Clothing wasn't washed often. Underclothes like chemises and drawers (if worn) were changed more frequently, but outer garments, wool suits, dresses, coats, might go months without a wash. Instead, they were brushed or aired out.

Laundry day was a weekly ordeal. In rural settings, this meant boiling water outside in a cauldron, scrubbing clothes by hand on a washboard, and line-drying them. The smell of lye soap and wet wool likely hung heavy in many homes.

Source: Strasser, Susan. Never Done: A History of American Housework. Pantheon Books, 1982.

Perfumes, Pomades, and Powder Rooms

To mask odors, both men and women relied on perfumes and scented oils. Pomade was used in hair to control it and add fragrance (or hide grease). In wealthier households, powder rooms weren’t just for makeup. They were meant to help freshen up without full-body washing.

In some places, people believed that water could carry disease into the body through pores. Dry bathing, wiping with cloths and powders, was sometimes preferred to soap and water.

Source: Classen, Constance, et al. The Deepest Sense: A Cultural History of Touch. University of Illinois Press, 2012.

The Nose Knows: Reimagining the Past

So what did your ancestors smell like? The answer might include:

• Smoke from wood stoves

• Sweat from manual labor

• Lye soap or pine tar

• Leather, wool, or unwashed cotton

• Farm animals or coal smoke

• Tooth decay or strong breath

• Rose water or lavender oil (if lucky)

Since most of my ancestors came from agrarian stock, it’s safe to say their daily scent was a blend of hard work and the land itself. The smell of the barn, hay, livestock, manure, and leather, likely clung to their clothes and skin no matter how clean they tried to be. Add to that the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil, sweat from field labor, and the lingering smoke from woodstoves or open fires, and you get a sensory picture of rural life that was anything but sterile. It wasn’t unpleasant to them, it was simply the smell of their daily lives.

Next time you visit an old homestead or archive, take a moment to breathe deeply. You might not smell the past, but you’ll certainly appreciate modern hygiene a bit more.

Sources

1. Bushman, Richard L. The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Knopf, 1992.

2. Strasser, Susan. Never Done: A History of American Housework. Pantheon Books, 1982.

3. Classen, Constance, et al. The Deepest Sense: A Cultural History of Touch. University of Illinois Press, 2012.

4. University of Maryland School of Dentistry, National Museum of Dentistry. www.dentalmuseum.org

Kicking Off the IGGP Conference 2025

Today, I’m heading to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the “Celebrate Your German-Speaking Ancestors” conference, hosted by the Palatines to America German Genealogy Society. This will be my first time attending this biennial event.

First, I want to say thank you to the organizers of this conference. It hasn’t been easy for them. Some members of the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) board and a few scheduled speakers decided not to travel to the United States due to current travel advisories from Germany.

Additionally, the original conference venue, the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, announced that its renovations and construction won’t be finished in time. Because of this, 15 attendees were offered the option to move their reservations to a nearby Sheraton.

I chose not to be one of them. The Sheraton is two miles away, and I often need a midday break. Plus, I signed up for evening events and didn’t want to deal with traveling back and forth. I’ve missed out in the past by not staying at the main conference hotel, and this time I wanted the full experience.

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the IGGP conference for the first time. I’ve attended FGS and NGS conferences before and always enjoyed them. I love learning new things, exploring the vendor booths, and diving into all things genealogy for three days straight.

Today is a travel day for me. I’ll arrive in Columbus early in the afternoon. On the schedule today is a German Village Bus Tour and a casual get-together for IGGP partners. Tonigth I’ll be able to attend the Welcome Reception. Tomorrow, the sessions begin, with four options to choose from during each time slot.

Check back soon for updates on all the wonderful things I’m experiencing!

Conference Packing List for the Digital Age

How Am I Feeling Today? A Then-and-Now Reflection

My husband had a “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster in his school counseling office, and it showed how I felt before my first genealogy conference. I was nervous and overwhelmed, but also happy, hopeful, and ecstatic to be heading to Springfield, Illinois for my first national genealogy conference. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be exciting. Today, those feelings have shifted. I feel happy and relaxed because I know what lies ahead, and I am hopeful about gaining new knowledge, especially for researching my German connections at the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Fourteen Years Later

After looking at the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster and reflecting on the emotions I had before my first conference, I decided to revisit my earlier blog posts about preparing for a genealogy conference. Fourteen years later, I reread those posts to see what made it onto my packing list back in 2011. A lot has changed since that first trip, both in how I prepare and what I bring along.

Fourteen years ago, I attended my very first national genealogy conference. I still remember the excitement and the overpacking. I brought a netbook, printed schedules, a CD syllabus, and enough office supplies to outfit a small office. Fast forward to today, and while the thrill of attending a genealogy conference hasn’t changed, how I pack certainly has. Welcome to conference prep in the digital age!

This year, my tablet is my go-to genealogy companion. Instead of lugging around folders or printing the entire syllabus, I simply upload the syllabus to Dropbox and use ezPDF Reader to access it on my tablet. Not only can I highlight key information, but I can also take notes directly on the digital pages. No more sticky notes fluttering away between sessions.

For times when I want to jot down ideas or sketch a quick family tree diagram, I bring along my Rocketbook notebook. It gives me the feel of writing on paper, but with a quick scan, my notes are saved to the cloud. It is lightweight, reusable, and a game-changer for traveling genealogists.

Even in this digital era, some essentials haven't changed. I still bring a tote bag, perfect for collecting goodies from the vendor hall. Those vendor giveaways, sample charts, and irresistible books need a place to go, after all.

Comfortable shoes are still non-negotiable. You will thank yourself after walking between breakout sessions, strolling through exhibit halls, and standing in line for coffee, or in my case tea. I also dress in layers because conference centers love their air conditioning and temperatures can swing from summer heat outside to sweater weather inside.

My cell phone now handles what my camera, GPS, and notebook used to do, all in one pocket-sized device. From snapping quick photos of new products to navigating unfamiliar streets, it is indispensable.

Business cards still come with me, but now I carry two types. One with my personal genealogy blog information, and another promoting my new book. Conferences are a wonderful way to network with fellow genealogists, potential readers, and collaborators.

It is easy to get caught up in tech and sessions, but I never leave my room without a water bottle and a few snacks tucked in my bag. In 2011, almonds were my snack of choice. Now, I bring protein bars instead. Staying hydrated and energized keeps me focused throughout the day.

And of course, do not forget your chargers. Whether it is your tablet, phone, or another device, make sure it can last through a long day at the conference. Include a portable charger, if you have one, in case an outlet is not available when needed.

Packing for a genealogy conference today is more streamlined and efficient than it was back in 2011. I have traded bulk for cloud storage, paper for digital annotation, music cds for Sirius, and added a dash of smart technology to enhance my experience. But at its heart, the conference experience is still about connecting, whether it is with your ancestors, fellow researchers, or new ideas.

Now, if only packing my suitcase were this easy!