As I mentioned back in July, I was hired as the lead researcher for the new PBS television, Genealogy Roadshow. As of this date, two episodes have aired with two coming up on the next two Mondays (Oct. 7 & 14). As expected, many comments are being received by genealogists, bloggers, production people, the applicants to the show, and anyone who asks, "What did you think?" In some cases, there is just some venting about the errors noticed; in others, there are those who are trying to answer the complaints and concerns. I have tried to do the latter in various places - on blogs, on Facebook, and in person. But I am getting weary saying the same things. So I think it would be appropriate to try to do some mass responses to the concerns (and also accept any accolades sent my way). I do have to say that the issues that are addressable in any future seasons we might enjoy WILL be forwarded to the production folks, so please DO include questions and comments here . . . but I am a sensitive person so please be thoughtful about your wording and logical about your complaints (yes, it would have been nice if we could have taken the family line of an applicant back to the migration of a slave, but consider that we were asked to answer specific questions and our available work time and resources - no, no funding for a quick trip to Africa, darn - prohibited weeks and weeks of research).
OK, first of all, if you have not read the post below about my personal trek, shared with the amazing research team, please look at that first. From that, let us keep in mind that we were creating a television program (translation: entertainment) and, in spite of its position (on PBS), the educational focus was not intended to be more than a basic "these things can be found," not a step-by-step DIY. I know that a lot of genealogists wanted to know the "how was that done?" but that would be likely to bore the non-researchers in the audience (i.e., the bulk of the viewers) and cause the show to drop in the ratings. So a major issue was making it flashy, enticing, mysterious, exciting, and emotional. While those of us who would be thrilled with details on each step of the research may not be as enthralled by the moving graphics and views of onlookers' faces as the "average viewer," we have to ask, "what will encourage people to look into their own lineage?" A minority will say "show me dusty archives and hours of microfilms," it is the majority of the viewers that the show has to play to in order to (1) be sold in the first place and (2) be renewed for another season.
So, if the show doesn't change at all - that is, we continue with flashy images and focus on surprise findings, omitting the step-by-step I promise you occurred - would you prefer us to just forget it? Or should it be renewed and continued in an effort to reach those who have not even considered searching for their ancestors? And, hopefully, eliminate the faulty ideas "out there" (straight black hair does not mean Native American Ancestry, a surname shared with a famous statesman does not mean a relationship, a love of music/art/science does not mean that an ancestor was a renown musician/artist/scientist, etc.).
My hopes for the future season are, first, for their to BE a second season, and, second, for us to have a website that people can access for the step-by-step reports that we did prepare for the applicants. This would require permission from those applicants, at least for the names of any living individuals. But that is what I am pitching to the powers that be. Wish me luck. Meanwhile, in the next few weeks I hope to give some "behind the scenes" research info for the stories I did (and maybe my teammates will give theirs), but they have to be carefully handled as we are under a confidentiality agreement.
The Oct. 7 episode is the last one filmed (in San Francisco) and I will be on it (I understand), though only for a moment or two. And the Oct. 14 episode is the first one filmed (in Austin) . . . look closely and you may see a young man with a familiar surname.
OK, roll in those comments . . . let's work together to give the powers that be some great (and workable) ideas for the next season. And don't forget to email your PBS stations so that there will BE a next season.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Blogging sabbatical - yes, another
Indeed, you are tired of my excuses. Me, too!
On April 12, I got a telephone call. I had no idea how that call would change my life (at least for the past 3 months), but it did. It was from a representative of a PBS television show, to be produced for this coming September, modeled after Antiques Roadshow and a "parent program": Genealogy Roadshow, produced and filmed in Ireland. It seems that the show is a big hit among the Irish, who have a love of their history and ancestors. Now the concept was to be introduced in America.
Yes, we have Who Do You Think You Are? and some other similar programs on PBS and BYU channel, but this promised to be different. This show would be dealing with applicants who sent in their stories and queries about family legends and lineage and then a group of genealogists would be assigned to research the information to prove the stories true or false. Would I like to be the lead researcher?
While I saw some inherent problems, I also saw a great future for the idea and felt as if I was up to the challenge. Indeed, I would love to. And so, my life changed. No more writing articles. No more client research. No more new presentations to develop (though I could continue my speaking and seminar schedule). And, well, no more housework, cooking, shopping, or other such things. My life BECAME Genealogy Roadshow. (FYI, the show did not dictate this insanity - I did . . . necessary if I was to keep up with the influx of stories.)
Gratefully, this journey did not require me to paddle the boat solo. Alice Volkert, Gena Philibert-Ortega, Jamie McManus Mayhew, and Linda Serna were all on the vessel with me (and it times it appeared it would be all sink or swim together). And we swam, tread water, did every stroke imaginable, and sometimes even performed some water ballet. We survived! My house has been cleaner, my diet has been healthier, my Church attendance has been better, and my dogs have had smoother fur at other times in my life . . . but I have survived and so has my fabulous research team. And we have been aided by folks from all over the country! I won't name any because I am certain to forget some . . .people with expertise in Native American research, Jewish Genealogy, local histories, etc. along with a crew of great people who made themselves available to pull records (sometimes within minutes) from the National Archives (and not just the one in Washington, DC), the Salt Lake Family History Library, courthouses in various cities around the country, and libraries in some of the most out of the way places. And there were photographers who were ready to snap photos of tombstones, buildings, and whatever needed to be captured visually.
So yesterday (Sunday) I attended the last taping of the show (there were tapings in Austin, Nashville, and Detroit first and yesterday we wound it up in San Francisco, the only taping I attended). What an experience. Meeting people who were seeking their ancestors - some of whom had names the descendants did not even know. Many with occupations that are no longer part of American culture. People laughed. People cried. People hugged. It was a day of many emotions. I was kept very busy, as the lead researcher from behind the scenes (usually), and was thrilled with seeing it all come together (well, the real vision will be on Sept. 23 when the show debuts on PBS - check your local schedule for exact time). One family knew nothing about the particulars of how two ancestors met . . . we were able to piece it together and soon they had a vision of how two immigrant families joined forces to become one of the most delightful families I had ever met.
The on-air talent to introduce the people and the stories are two of the most respected and talented genealogists in our family history world: D. Joshua Taylor and Kenyatta Berry. The stories they handled were treated as the special legacies that they are for the respective families. I am grateful to them for taking the raw research and, with the help of some amazingly talented producers, put them into presentable form for those receiving news - some good, some not so good.
There is reward in uniting people with a past they didn't know they had. I loved the experience and, though my house could use a shoveling and hosing out about now, I am, personally, better for the experience. I hope everyone reading this watches the show, loves it, and helps promote it so that it will come back again in 2014 as I would love to do it again (though the next time I'm hiring a housekeeper).
On April 12, I got a telephone call. I had no idea how that call would change my life (at least for the past 3 months), but it did. It was from a representative of a PBS television show, to be produced for this coming September, modeled after Antiques Roadshow and a "parent program": Genealogy Roadshow, produced and filmed in Ireland. It seems that the show is a big hit among the Irish, who have a love of their history and ancestors. Now the concept was to be introduced in America.
Yes, we have Who Do You Think You Are? and some other similar programs on PBS and BYU channel, but this promised to be different. This show would be dealing with applicants who sent in their stories and queries about family legends and lineage and then a group of genealogists would be assigned to research the information to prove the stories true or false. Would I like to be the lead researcher?
While I saw some inherent problems, I also saw a great future for the idea and felt as if I was up to the challenge. Indeed, I would love to. And so, my life changed. No more writing articles. No more client research. No more new presentations to develop (though I could continue my speaking and seminar schedule). And, well, no more housework, cooking, shopping, or other such things. My life BECAME Genealogy Roadshow. (FYI, the show did not dictate this insanity - I did . . . necessary if I was to keep up with the influx of stories.)
Gratefully, this journey did not require me to paddle the boat solo. Alice Volkert, Gena Philibert-Ortega, Jamie McManus Mayhew, and Linda Serna were all on the vessel with me (and it times it appeared it would be all sink or swim together). And we swam, tread water, did every stroke imaginable, and sometimes even performed some water ballet. We survived! My house has been cleaner, my diet has been healthier, my Church attendance has been better, and my dogs have had smoother fur at other times in my life . . . but I have survived and so has my fabulous research team. And we have been aided by folks from all over the country! I won't name any because I am certain to forget some . . .people with expertise in Native American research, Jewish Genealogy, local histories, etc. along with a crew of great people who made themselves available to pull records (sometimes within minutes) from the National Archives (and not just the one in Washington, DC), the Salt Lake Family History Library, courthouses in various cities around the country, and libraries in some of the most out of the way places. And there were photographers who were ready to snap photos of tombstones, buildings, and whatever needed to be captured visually.
So yesterday (Sunday) I attended the last taping of the show (there were tapings in Austin, Nashville, and Detroit first and yesterday we wound it up in San Francisco, the only taping I attended). What an experience. Meeting people who were seeking their ancestors - some of whom had names the descendants did not even know. Many with occupations that are no longer part of American culture. People laughed. People cried. People hugged. It was a day of many emotions. I was kept very busy, as the lead researcher from behind the scenes (usually), and was thrilled with seeing it all come together (well, the real vision will be on Sept. 23 when the show debuts on PBS - check your local schedule for exact time). One family knew nothing about the particulars of how two ancestors met . . . we were able to piece it together and soon they had a vision of how two immigrant families joined forces to become one of the most delightful families I had ever met.
The on-air talent to introduce the people and the stories are two of the most respected and talented genealogists in our family history world: D. Joshua Taylor and Kenyatta Berry. The stories they handled were treated as the special legacies that they are for the respective families. I am grateful to them for taking the raw research and, with the help of some amazingly talented producers, put them into presentable form for those receiving news - some good, some not so good.
There is reward in uniting people with a past they didn't know they had. I loved the experience and, though my house could use a shoveling and hosing out about now, I am, personally, better for the experience. I hope everyone reading this watches the show, loves it, and helps promote it so that it will come back again in 2014 as I would love to do it again (though the next time I'm hiring a housekeeper).
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
March, Music, and Mucous
March has certainly come in like a lion for me. I started the month (March 1) attending an amazing concert by Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen. This is an incredible duo who perform together like hand in glove, but who also perform their separate songs with perfection. I like their technique - when one is going to sing solo, the other slips off the stage to give the whole spotlight to the performer. Very effective and courteous, in my opinion.
The next day we attended the Orange County Calif. Genealogical Society BASH (which I call "Big Ancestor Scavenger Hunt") where I represented the So. Calif. Chapter of APG and also gave two presentations. I also tested out a new song on the inspiration - professional genealogist Barbara Renick - detailing the woes of a migraine sufferer. She approved, though will probably do a little editing of the final draft.
That night we attended a Songmakers meeting in Laguna where I introduced the Migraine Song to the group there and was validated by many attendees who also suffer from the malady.
The next day, in spite of all my hand washing and refusal to shake hands at any event, I came down with a cold. As is traditional with me, the cold slid right into my lungs (I believe this tendency is courtesy of my parents, who were non-stop smokers, resulting in my being raised in a cloud that, in my opinion, destroyed my lung strength). Regardless, I discovered that my illness, though confining me to my bed, coughing up all sorts of disgusting stuff from the dark recesses of my respiratory system, gave me lots of thinking time.
Before I was bedridden three or four days, I wrote another song - this time about being sick when I was a child. In those days (the 1950s), understanding of the negative results of smoking was unheard of. So, while puffing on her cigarette, my mother would care for me in the best ways she knew how. The things we remember about our childhood are largely tainted by such elements as our understanding at the time; our physical, as well as mental, size; the memories others have shared; and our adult perspectives. What I remember of being sick as a child includes a bottle of nose drops that, as I recall, had to have been the size of a half gallon. And there was also a large, ceramic vaporizer that was filled and emptied from a large hole in the front and could only be filled in the bathtub. I remember being sick and hearing that apparatus being filled, knowing that soon I would be enveloped in hot steam.
Other such memories made their way into the lyrics of this song of sickness, which was finished within short order, but my own laryngitis means that I have yet to actually sing it!
With a good dose of antibiotics, which I hate to take because of the danger of developing a tolerance to them, I was much improved within a little more than a week and we attended another concert, this time by Lou and Peter Berryman. This comedy duo sings songs that I feared would cause me to laugh, resulting in fits of coughing. I was lucky - only one coughing fit (but lots of laughing). Their song of the artist who starts many projects but finishes none was an inspiration to me. It reminded me of the people who start researching one ancestral line but then move to another and another, soon confusing the different clans. I have some fodder for another song, but only have the first few lines, which I will not divulge here. But I hope to get it completed while I am spending some time in Salt Lake City at RootsTech and other meetings before that.
My conclusions: being ill gives a person time to think. Some of the thinks are not very positive ("will I survive this one?" "how much will the doctor visits cost?" "I miss my life," etc.) but, at least for me, I've had time to put together some song lyrics. I don't write many songs, mostly because I lack the time to do so. I am not hoping for more illness, but at least I made good use of the time with this one. Maybe now I'll have enough material for my next CD!
Now I have to go cough up some more "stuff" and take a nap. Then pack for Salt Lake. I think March will be going out like a lion, too!
The next day we attended the Orange County Calif. Genealogical Society BASH (which I call "Big Ancestor Scavenger Hunt") where I represented the So. Calif. Chapter of APG and also gave two presentations. I also tested out a new song on the inspiration - professional genealogist Barbara Renick - detailing the woes of a migraine sufferer. She approved, though will probably do a little editing of the final draft.
That night we attended a Songmakers meeting in Laguna where I introduced the Migraine Song to the group there and was validated by many attendees who also suffer from the malady.
The next day, in spite of all my hand washing and refusal to shake hands at any event, I came down with a cold. As is traditional with me, the cold slid right into my lungs (I believe this tendency is courtesy of my parents, who were non-stop smokers, resulting in my being raised in a cloud that, in my opinion, destroyed my lung strength). Regardless, I discovered that my illness, though confining me to my bed, coughing up all sorts of disgusting stuff from the dark recesses of my respiratory system, gave me lots of thinking time.
Before I was bedridden three or four days, I wrote another song - this time about being sick when I was a child. In those days (the 1950s), understanding of the negative results of smoking was unheard of. So, while puffing on her cigarette, my mother would care for me in the best ways she knew how. The things we remember about our childhood are largely tainted by such elements as our understanding at the time; our physical, as well as mental, size; the memories others have shared; and our adult perspectives. What I remember of being sick as a child includes a bottle of nose drops that, as I recall, had to have been the size of a half gallon. And there was also a large, ceramic vaporizer that was filled and emptied from a large hole in the front and could only be filled in the bathtub. I remember being sick and hearing that apparatus being filled, knowing that soon I would be enveloped in hot steam.
(Hankscraft Vapor Master photo from http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-porcelain-hankscraft-vapor-132082892)
With a good dose of antibiotics, which I hate to take because of the danger of developing a tolerance to them, I was much improved within a little more than a week and we attended another concert, this time by Lou and Peter Berryman. This comedy duo sings songs that I feared would cause me to laugh, resulting in fits of coughing. I was lucky - only one coughing fit (but lots of laughing). Their song of the artist who starts many projects but finishes none was an inspiration to me. It reminded me of the people who start researching one ancestral line but then move to another and another, soon confusing the different clans. I have some fodder for another song, but only have the first few lines, which I will not divulge here. But I hope to get it completed while I am spending some time in Salt Lake City at RootsTech and other meetings before that.
My conclusions: being ill gives a person time to think. Some of the thinks are not very positive ("will I survive this one?" "how much will the doctor visits cost?" "I miss my life," etc.) but, at least for me, I've had time to put together some song lyrics. I don't write many songs, mostly because I lack the time to do so. I am not hoping for more illness, but at least I made good use of the time with this one. Maybe now I'll have enough material for my next CD!
Now I have to go cough up some more "stuff" and take a nap. Then pack for Salt Lake. I think March will be going out like a lion, too!
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