I love my webinar audiences. They listen and learn for an hour and then have great questions and comments that I love to address then or research more after the webinar. Questions at the end of some one-hour presentations show me that more info is needed on certain subjects. Commenters say “you didn’t mention” or “did you know about” and that tells me I need to expand on certain subjects. I have files and files of the information from my research but one hour doesn’t always allow for more to be included. I have a plan to remedy that.

In January 2025, I presented a half-day seminar on railroad records for the Peoria, Illinois, Public Library. It was accompanied by a handout totaling 22 pages. As that seminar did and any that I offer will have:

.• Background info on the subject
• What the records include
• Methodology for finding and using the records discussed
• Details on specialized finding aids to locate records
• A section related to the state or region in which the sponsoring organization is located
• Some have mini case studies related to the topic
• Time for questions, comments, and any warranted discussion

An extended handout for these events, covers all these sections with reminders of the content, tips, suggested books and articles on the topic, website links, and a section covering the region in which the virtual seminar is being presented. Handout distribution is sometime reserved for host organization members per the choice of the organization, especially if registration for the seminar is free. It’s a member benefit.

Whether the half-day seminar will be offered free or will have a cost to register is also the choice of the sponsoring organization and their budget. Education is not always free.

When an organization contacts me about doing a virtual presentation, I email a detailed set of details on my presentation services and the fees for different types of presentations and recording availability. I have updated that to reflect the NEW offering of a half-day seminar on one topic. More topics will be added later.

So, what are the initial half-day seminar topics?

• Research in Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking Workers

• The WPA Era? A New Deal of a Free Records Boon from the Government

• Sources and Methods for Researching Native American Connections
  
  
• Finding Astounding Family and Business Details in Manuscripts and Special Collections Repositories

 

Genealogical, historical, business, and community organizations may email me at PaulaStuartWarren at gmail.com for this information. Please provide me with some options as to when you might wish to schedule so I can check my calendar. I have open times throughout May-December of 2025 and into 2026

 

 

© 2025, Paula Stuart-Warren. All rights reserved.