Tom Jones

Award-winning writer and genealogist Tom Jones will speak at the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society Annual Genealogy Seminar, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance St., Santa Barbara. Neal Graffy, local author and historian, will give the keynote speech.

Registration is now open for the seminar. Cost to attend is members $40, non-members $50. Optional boxed lunch is available for $12. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Doors open at 7:45 a.m.

Register at .

Jones is a genealogical researcher, writer, editor and educator. He has co-edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002, and is the author of the textbooks “Mastering Genealogical Proof” and “Mastering Genealogical Documentation.” He has been certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists since 1994.

A professor emeritus at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., Jones teaches genealogical research methods at week-long genealogy institutes. He speaks at national, regional and local seminars in the United States and internationally, and writes frequently on genealogical evidence, proof, and problem solving.

Seminar topics will include:

» Building a Credible Lineage Despite Multiple Research Barriers. This case study, based in New England and New York, provides an overview of methodological issues that genealogists encounter. Learn that research doesn’t need to be roadblocked by a shortage of the usual records.

» Systematically Using Autosomal DNA Test Results to Help Break through Genealogical Brick Walls. A case study set in the early 1800s demonstrates methodology for using autosomal DNA test results to help solve longstanding genealogical problems.

» The Jones Jinx: Tracing Common Surnames.This case study will explain how missing, erroneous and altered records were overcome to identify the parents of an orphan named Jones.

» Organizing Evidence to Overcome Record Shortages. Genealogists often are frustrated when surviving records specify no relationships. Using a jigsaw puzzle analogy, a case study demonstrates six steps attendees can use to bypass record shortages and identify ancestors successfully.

For more information, contact [email protected] or view the seminar flyer at .