Presentations
Have you been looking for a speaker for your society or group? You can book Dr. McMahon for genealogy presentations or classes.
Click here for reviews of Dr. McMahon’s books and talks.
Our current presentation topics are listed below. We are open to customizing the topics for your society’s needs.
- “Ancestors in the US Military: Online and in Military Archives”. Learn how to use online resources to locate information about your ancestors’ US Military service. The discussion will include information about how to use military archives in your research.
- “Researching Your WWI U.S. Army Ancestors”. Learn more about the military service of your doughboy ancestors using online databases, repositories, social networking and other resources. Use what you learn to create a narrative to share with your family.
- “Google for Genealogists”. Learn how to search for ancestors using Google and its tools. You will learn how to construct searches to look for your ancestors on the web and be introduced to the use of selected search techniques.
- “Creating an Individualized Genealogical Educational Plan.” Whether your goal is to become a professional genealogist, to better understand an ancestor’s life or break down your own brick walls, your own educational plan can help you focus on what you want to learn. Having an individualized education plan clarifies your goals as well as providing accountability. Explore the types of resources that are available to use, and how to put together your own plan. Note: If you are interested in learning your society members’ current interests, a customized survey can be included when booking the presentation “Creating an Individualized Genealogical Educational Plan.” Results of the survey, and a brief report with some suggestions will be provided. You can read the feedback on our website.
- “Genealogy: The U.S. Census”. Learn about your ancestors’ professions, immigration, and vital details. This presentation will help you get started using online U.S. and state census records.
- “First steps in Irish Research”. Get started on your quest for Irish ancestors. Where to look in the US and Irish records and resources will be discussed.
- “Beyond Genealogy Basics: Online Databases”. Go beyond the basic records to learn more about your ancestors through some of the online databases available for immigration, US Military Service, and graves.
- “Genealogy: Using FamilySearch.org”. Learn how to use the FamilySearch.org website for locating records, family trees, research resources, and courses.
- “Genealogy: Using Newspapers”. Explore the use of newspapers to expand your research. Learn how to find the publications available, with emphasis on some online resources.
- “Genealogy: Using Online Land Records”. Learn how to find and use Land Records that are now online at FamilySearch.org in your genealogical research.
- “Get Started Blogging!” It’s time to get your research on the Web, and put out some cousin bait! This class will take you through the steps to start a simple blog using both Blogger and WordPress.
- “Introduction to Genealogy”. Learn about basic genealogical research and library resources such as Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.
- “Using Fold3“. The historical military records at Fold3 are now available with some Maryland County library cards. Learn what is available and how to search this database of military records.
- “Online Probate Records”. Expand your research to include the use of probate records. Learn where to look for them online, and how to use them on FamilySearch.
- “Genealogy: Using DNA”. Learn about the types of DNA testing available for genealogists, the companies doing it, and how to use DNA in your genealogy research.
- “Genealogy: Using Family Trees”. Find out about the use of electronic and online family trees to capture and share your research.
- “Social Media and Genealogy”. Explore the use of social networking in genealogical research, from message boards to Second Life, including the use of Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Dr. McMahon has been an invited speaker at:
- Anne Arundel County Public Library
- Montgomery County Genealogical Society
- Baltimore County Genealogical Society
- Harford County Public Library
- The Huguenot Society of Maryland
- Howard County Genealogical Society
- Prince George’s County Genealogical Society
- Anne Arundel Genealogical Society
- Genealogical Society of Marion County (Indianapolis)
- Carroll County Genealogical Society
- Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Fairfax Genealogical Society (Virginia)
- Tabb Library (York, VA)
- Washington DC Family History Center Family History Conference
- Baltimore Family History Center Family History Workshop
- Oak Crest Genealogy Group
- Riderwood Village Genealogy Club
Events
- Invited speaker and created a Resource Table at 3rd annual Camp Doughboy WWI History Weekend [2018] at Governors Island National Monument
- Taught classes at RootsTech Connect