On Point WPR radio just broadcast interview with Dani Shapiro who wrote a book about her own experience and results with DNA. It looks interesting. Have to read.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love

By Dani Shapiro

Found this picture today. My Grandma Amelia Maas nee Podrasky in 1935 graduation from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lyndon Station, WI. My Grandma is in the very back (two rows in back of priest). She looks tall but was not. A beautiful 15 year old girl at the time.

Pictures of My Maternal Great-Grandparents. Marie Antoinette Maas nee Ursprung, the house she is said to have been born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1879. She came to US in November 1901 through Ellis Island. Settled in Lake Geneva, Wisc. and later in 1937 in Long Beach, CA., where she died in 1952. Also her husband William Maas and a windmill he built for his yard. Still learning more about both sides.

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Above picture is of a windmill that my Great-Grandpa William Maas built for his yard.

Had an interesting conversation yesterday about how best to ask for help from a researcher and where to find qualified genealogy researchers.

This is an important question that every person seeking help with a family history problem (a brick wall or lack of knowledge in a particular expertise area for source information, etc..) should ask themselves before picking anyone that says they do family history research.

Just be aware that certain qualifications could help make your results/outcomes better or least educational when working with qualified people.

A key place to look for credible researchers is to review these three specific organizations: Association of Professional Genealogist (APG), the Board of Certification of Genealogists® or BCG, and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, internationally recognized as ICAPGen with Accredited Genealogists (AGs).

Each of these three genealogy organizations have set standards for the genealogical community and what should qualify for good research practice.

Once you find a person doing genealogical research in your area of need, contact the person via email or phone call and request a research plan/proposal for the research question you seek answers or guidance. Remember that most qualified genealogists would expect this request be made, and it also helps if you as the potential client, clearly write out what your research question is and any objectives you expect with research.

This is only the beginning of how to select and secure help for the research you may need or want. There is more in the process, which I will explain in future posts on “helping clients through education”.

Happy research.

Hi followers

In May 2017 I began an 18 month long Professional Genealogy study group. The ProGen Program is a great way to prepare for becoming a Certified Genealogist (CG) by a national organization.

In November 2018 the study program ended for my group.

Yesterday in the mail I received my certification of completion and participation in the study group.

Now next goal is going through the certification process.

Thanks to all the leaders and fellow students I worked with the last year and half.

Best Bob

As of yesterday, I will be giving four Genealogy presentations across the state of Wisconsin at local libraries and Community Centers.

This year a business goal is to increase the number of speaking engagements. So far on target.

Happy New Year

Hello and Happy Holidays from Rettammel Genealogy Service LLC.

We wish you a very safe and fun celebration at this time of year. We hope your new year is also fruitful and productive, as you work on your family tree.

Peace to All now and in 2019

Photo taken in 1967 of Church where my Great-grandma Marie Ursprung went to church before coming to America in 1901.

Tombstone of Stefan Ursprung and Barbara Ursprung.

I recently found my Grandma Erenstina Wendtland and her faternal twin brother Wiehelm/Wilhelm Wendtland confirmation gift booklets given on April 27, 1902 by the Lutheran pastor in Lyndon Station, WI. The readings are all in German and printed out of St. Louis, Missouri by Concordia Publishing house. The church was part of the Missouri synod at the time. Both children’s parents immigrated from Germany/Prussia circa 1880.