ShapingYourFamilyTree
@shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social
Hi! 🔵 5th gen Texan. Former IT, now Qualified Genealogist. BBA UT 🤘🏻, MSc@Uni of Strathclyde. Teach genealogy to seniors (ATX). 🧡US&UK, Texas genealogy, maps, visuals. See https://shapingyourfamilytree.com. ✔️Democracy ✔️ 🌎☮️ 🚫 DMs 🚫 Porn 🚫 Crypto 🚫 $ request
#Genealogy #ATX It has been a bit since I've sent a newsletter. Many thanks to all who have enjoyed my genealogy research. Check out the recent one, What Can We Learn from Photos, Diaries, Journals, and Letters? Turning Private Sources into Genealogy Gold, at bit.ly/43UX3HU Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🤗
November 27, 2025 at 3:03 AM
#Genealogy #ATX It has been a bit since I've sent a newsletter. Many thanks to all who have enjoyed my genealogy research. Check out the recent one, What Can We Learn from Photos, Diaries, Journals, and Letters? Turning Private Sources into Genealogy Gold, at bit.ly/43UX3HU Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🤗
#Genealogy Genealogists can find ancestors' residences (county) by researching tax records, usually for land, which also contained a "poll tax". In 1902, Texas women who wanted to vote were targeted by legislators. Women had little access to their own money. Image is fair use. bit.ly/3WaBM8I
September 26, 2025 at 5:47 PM
#Genealogy Genealogists can find ancestors' residences (county) by researching tax records, usually for land, which also contained a "poll tax". In 1902, Texas women who wanted to vote were targeted by legislators. Women had little access to their own money. Image is fair use. bit.ly/3WaBM8I
#Genealogy My 2GG had 12 kids and lost 4 when young; these two had diphtheria, died the same week. Thankfully, this disease was eradicated and the DTaP regimen is still a recommended vaccine. See Texas Christian Advocate. 19 November 1891. p. 7d (top) (Read newspapers.swco.ttu.edu/handle/20.50...).
September 25, 2025 at 9:15 PM
#Genealogy My 2GG had 12 kids and lost 4 when young; these two had diphtheria, died the same week. Thankfully, this disease was eradicated and the DTaP regimen is still a recommended vaccine. See Texas Christian Advocate. 19 November 1891. p. 7d (top) (Read newspapers.swco.ttu.edu/handle/20.50...).
Tomorrow is the first day for semester (Mondays-6 wks)! I have abt 8 seats for Researching Texas Ancestors (1820-recent), but the other class is full (30!!). #ATX #Genealogy
If you want to come to the Texas class (orange folders!), reach out to me. Lots of info and fun! Just show up and pay there.
If you want to come to the Texas class (orange folders!), reach out to me. Lots of info and fun! Just show up and pay there.
September 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Tomorrow is the first day for semester (Mondays-6 wks)! I have abt 8 seats for Researching Texas Ancestors (1820-recent), but the other class is full (30!!). #ATX #Genealogy
If you want to come to the Texas class (orange folders!), reach out to me. Lots of info and fun! Just show up and pay there.
If you want to come to the Texas class (orange folders!), reach out to me. Lots of info and fun! Just show up and pay there.
#ATX #Genealogy In Researching Texas ancestors class (starting in Sept), we'll review immigrant groups from 5 countries. US Census data (1850-1870) was charted for our case study reviews. Notably missing are indigenous people, slaves, smaller groups. Sources via www.archives.gov/research/cen...
August 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM
#ATX #Genealogy In Researching Texas ancestors class (starting in Sept), we'll review immigrant groups from 5 countries. US Census data (1850-1870) was charted for our case study reviews. Notably missing are indigenous people, slaves, smaller groups. Sources via www.archives.gov/research/cen...
#ATX #Genealogy There are still a few seats in the Researching Texas Ancestors class! Free resources, research immigrants in the 1820s-1900s (plus to recent), tips for Ancestry and FamilySearch. 2 seats in Finding Ancestors along US migration trails (sell out soon!). www.lliaustin.org Pic: BBNP TX.
August 18, 2025 at 4:41 PM
#ATX #Genealogy There are still a few seats in the Researching Texas Ancestors class! Free resources, research immigrants in the 1820s-1900s (plus to recent), tips for Ancestry and FamilySearch. 2 seats in Finding Ancestors along US migration trails (sell out soon!). www.lliaustin.org Pic: BBNP TX.
#ATX #Genealogy Seats open! www.lliaustin.org. 12 seats in Researching Ancestors in Texas, 1820 to Recent, with European & Mexican immigrants & genealogy. 5 seats in Finding Ancestors Along US Migration Trails in the SE US, (over land, rivers, canals, and railroads) for 12 SE states & genealogy.
August 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
#ATX #Genealogy Seats open! www.lliaustin.org. 12 seats in Researching Ancestors in Texas, 1820 to Recent, with European & Mexican immigrants & genealogy. 5 seats in Finding Ancestors Along US Migration Trails in the SE US, (over land, rivers, canals, and railroads) for 12 SE states & genealogy.
#ATX In #Genealogy some paths feel like there's no end in sight; it is part of the fun! Check my newsletter 1) Austin LLI registration starts Wed. at noon; if over 50, don't delay! We have a blast, learn new things and the instructor is very entertaining! 😂 & 2) Use Free Resources! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ.
August 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
#ATX In #Genealogy some paths feel like there's no end in sight; it is part of the fun! Check my newsletter 1) Austin LLI registration starts Wed. at noon; if over 50, don't delay! We have a blast, learn new things and the instructor is very entertaining! 😂 & 2) Use Free Resources! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ.
Hi! I just sent out today's newsletter (and posted here, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ). Check it out as I have some great tips and news to share. I'm always learning! What do you think about this picture of my brother and me. Every moment is special, even ones where you shake your head. #Genealogy
July 25, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Hi! I just sent out today's newsletter (and posted here, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ). Check it out as I have some great tips and news to share. I'm always learning! What do you think about this picture of my brother and me. Every moment is special, even ones where you shake your head. #Genealogy
Check my newsletter for Ancestry's New DNA Cluster Tool and their Featured Search – Records for Wedding Season. I share using websites like RootsIreland for a short time, researching Migration Paths, new blogs and collections & more! Sign up for the next one, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. #Genealogy
July 18, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Check my newsletter for Ancestry's New DNA Cluster Tool and their Featured Search – Records for Wedding Season. I share using websites like RootsIreland for a short time, researching Migration Paths, new blogs and collections & more! Sign up for the next one, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. #Genealogy
Hi Bluesky! Check out my daughter’s new biz, RIA Pitchworks! She and her partners bring exciting technological advances and deep marketing expertise to the financial services industry. riapitchworks.com
July 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Hi Bluesky! Check out my daughter’s new biz, RIA Pitchworks! She and her partners bring exciting technological advances and deep marketing expertise to the financial services industry. riapitchworks.com
Check out my newest blog about visiting Edinburgh, Scotland! I've included the top 10 sites for anyone interested in the town's history. bit.ly/3GlS4a7. Check my latest newsletter, which includes recent news, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. Signup if you'd like to receive them in your inbox. Enjoy! #Genealogy #ATX
May 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Check out my newest blog about visiting Edinburgh, Scotland! I've included the top 10 sites for anyone interested in the town's history. bit.ly/3GlS4a7. Check my latest newsletter, which includes recent news, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. Signup if you'd like to receive them in your inbox. Enjoy! #Genealogy #ATX
My summer series events are posted, bit.ly/3GlS4a7! I've also sent my newsletter which tracks the path I took to find published Zumwalt Family genealogies. Check it & signup! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. The Royal Coat of Arms pic - Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, Bath, England. #Genealogy #ATX #Heraldry
May 4, 2025 at 5:52 PM
My summer series events are posted, bit.ly/3GlS4a7! I've also sent my newsletter which tracks the path I took to find published Zumwalt Family genealogies. Check it & signup! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. The Royal Coat of Arms pic - Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, Bath, England. #Genealogy #ATX #Heraldry
ATX - need a break? Tomorrow I'll talk about yearbook research. I do have seats available. These sessions are fun with shared interactions and experiences. Join me! bit.ly/41vAQ1a. Photo from Texas, 1922 Howard Payne College yearbook, with my maternal grandmother, Eva Cutbirth, circled. #Genealogy
March 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
ATX - need a break? Tomorrow I'll talk about yearbook research. I do have seats available. These sessions are fun with shared interactions and experiences. Join me! bit.ly/41vAQ1a. Photo from Texas, 1922 Howard Payne College yearbook, with my maternal grandmother, Eva Cutbirth, circled. #Genealogy
Enjoyed hearing Congressmen Doggett, Cesar, and Lieu and Senator Elizabeth Warren today at the Texas Capitol! Defend Democracy!
March 8, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Enjoyed hearing Congressmen Doggett, Cesar, and Lieu and Senator Elizabeth Warren today at the Texas Capitol! Defend Democracy!
the best kind of trip! Enjoy!
March 7, 2025 at 4:34 PM
the best kind of trip! Enjoy!
Heraldry and blazoning - a fun topic! Symbols and imagery include coats of arms, shields, crests, seals, and other objects, including the adornments over the entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre at the University of Oxford. See my March 6th newsletter / signup, too! #Genealogy #Heraldry
bit.ly/4fYkkfQ
bit.ly/4fYkkfQ
March 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Heraldry and blazoning - a fun topic! Symbols and imagery include coats of arms, shields, crests, seals, and other objects, including the adornments over the entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre at the University of Oxford. See my March 6th newsletter / signup, too! #Genealogy #Heraldry
bit.ly/4fYkkfQ
bit.ly/4fYkkfQ
Exciting news-Yay! My class sizes were increased! We met Monday with intros, resources to use, and semester goals. Go to www.lliaustin.org, and register and pay. Now I have 3 seats in British Isles class and 5 in the Family Trees. Register asap! only $30. Online registration ends Friday. #genealogy
February 18, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Exciting news-Yay! My class sizes were increased! We met Monday with intros, resources to use, and semester goals. Go to www.lliaustin.org, and register and pay. Now I have 3 seats in British Isles class and 5 in the Family Trees. Register asap! only $30. Online registration ends Friday. #genealogy
This is a typical Central Texas winter week in February. Rain jackets & umbrella, then shorts the next day, then coats! Then repeat. The upside? Early spring temps (70’s/80’s) will start in a week or two. 🌸🌹🌺
February 11, 2025 at 12:27 AM
This is a typical Central Texas winter week in February. Rain jackets & umbrella, then shorts the next day, then coats! Then repeat. The upside? Early spring temps (70’s/80’s) will start in a week or two. 🌸🌹🌺
WOW - Good news! My Spring genealogy classes (2) are already sold out. Registration opened yesterday at Austin Lifetime Learning Institute. I love teaching to the 55+ crowd where the avg age is 75. I always learn as well, as they share their insights. If you love genealogy, share it! #genealogy
January 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
WOW - Good news! My Spring genealogy classes (2) are already sold out. Registration opened yesterday at Austin Lifetime Learning Institute. I love teaching to the 55+ crowd where the avg age is 75. I always learn as well, as they share their insights. If you love genealogy, share it! #genealogy
The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies is offering a week-long summer school, "Ken Your Kin!" which will "bring Scottish ancestry and heritage to life!" Follow @strathgenealogy.bsky.social and read about it, bit.ly/kyk2025 here. See #genealogy topics in my newsletter bit.ly/40DKuPV.
January 20, 2025 at 1:58 AM
The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies is offering a week-long summer school, "Ken Your Kin!" which will "bring Scottish ancestry and heritage to life!" Follow @strathgenealogy.bsky.social and read about it, bit.ly/kyk2025 here. See #genealogy topics in my newsletter bit.ly/40DKuPV.
#Genealogy I've started on my 2025 resolutions! This year my themes are self-improvement and self-care. One resolution for genealogy; organize better. I've created an AirTable base to log resources (non-genealogy subscription links), I've used in my newsletters / research. What are your resolutions?
January 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#Genealogy I've started on my 2025 resolutions! This year my themes are self-improvement and self-care. One resolution for genealogy; organize better. I've created an AirTable base to log resources (non-genealogy subscription links), I've used in my newsletters / research. What are your resolutions?
#Genealogy Happy New Year! Be sure to include a resolution aligned to genealogy. Examples might be:
1-Attend at least one genealogy class or webinar a month.
2-Share a family history story in person, followed with written notes to one descendant.
3-Learn one new resource or tool a month.
Have FUN!
1-Attend at least one genealogy class or webinar a month.
2-Share a family history story in person, followed with written notes to one descendant.
3-Learn one new resource or tool a month.
Have FUN!
January 1, 2025 at 1:27 AM
#Genealogy Happy New Year! Be sure to include a resolution aligned to genealogy. Examples might be:
1-Attend at least one genealogy class or webinar a month.
2-Share a family history story in person, followed with written notes to one descendant.
3-Learn one new resource or tool a month.
Have FUN!
1-Attend at least one genealogy class or webinar a month.
2-Share a family history story in person, followed with written notes to one descendant.
3-Learn one new resource or tool a month.
Have FUN!
#Genealogy Today, I checked the historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, DC. I saw the chapel and several notable figures; Lillie Mackall, a spy for the Confederates, John Joyce, the famous poet and others. oakhillcemeterydc.org
December 29, 2024 at 5:05 AM
#Genealogy Today, I checked the historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, DC. I saw the chapel and several notable figures; Lillie Mackall, a spy for the Confederates, John Joyce, the famous poet and others. oakhillcemeterydc.org
#genealogy a 1976-ish photo of my brother, me, my paternal grandma, my Dad, and stepmom to today’s (my stepmom, my brother, and me). Enjoy holidays with your family - share photos and memories. Tell your story! 🥳🎄🎅🏻
December 16, 2024 at 10:16 PM
#genealogy a 1976-ish photo of my brother, me, my paternal grandma, my Dad, and stepmom to today’s (my stepmom, my brother, and me). Enjoy holidays with your family - share photos and memories. Tell your story! 🥳🎄🎅🏻