Presentations

Kate is a dynamic lecturer who can explain complicated topics in a clear and concise manner. Kate would be glad to speak at your next society meeting or conference. Please contact her to initiate this process.

Available Lectures

Applying Investigative Skills from the Financial Crime World to Genealogy

Kate started her career as an investigator fighting financial crime. Learn how to apply the skills she developed investigating fraud, money laundering, and high-net-worth individuals to your genealogical research pursuits.

*A version of this presentation geared towards professionals in the forensic field of genealogy is also available.

A Guide to Pennsylvania Court Records Research

Have you researched your Pennsylvania ancestors, but have never dabbed in court records research? Learn how you might find anything from a probate file to the criminal records of your ancestors in the Commonwealth.

Beyond the Basics: Effectively Using Ancestry.com

Whether you're a newbie or you consider yourself an old pro, there is always more to learn on Ancestry.com. Make sure that you're using the best research practices possible while using the site. Learn how to efficiently gather as much information as possible about your ancestors and prevent yourself from climbing up the wrong branch of your family tree

Beyond the Computer Screen: Planning for Repository Visits

If most of your genealogical research is conducted in your pajamas, it's time to venture to the repository. Learn how to prepare for this adventure.

Court Records Research Without the Law Degree

Court records are an underutilized genealogical resource. Discover how to explore courthouses (no law degree required) to find records involving your ancestors.

England and Wales Research 101

Learn how to cross the pond without leaving the States to research your ancestors who hail from England and Wales.

Family Narrative Lineage Projects Demystified

Instead of being intimidated, have tools at your disposal to succeed at writing a family narrative lineage project. Learn steps, techniques, and guidance on how to systematically gather evidence, organize, and write a family narrative lineage project.

Follow the Records and See Where They Go!

Get into the habit of "following the records." Often if you find one record, it leaves a trail to something else. Learn about some common examples of how following clues in record sets can lead you to a treasure trove of more information.

Italian Immigrant Ancestors: Following the Community's Migration

Just as Italians thrived through a network of friends and family in Italy, it is quite common to see this community pervasive in all aspects of their lives in the United States. Through case studies, see how Italians might have migrated to and within the United States leveraging the communities they cultivated.

It's Not Just about Your Ancestors! Preserving Your Family History

Preserving your family history starts with you! What's the point of calling yourself a family historian, if you don't make it easy for future generations to know about your life? Gain some ideas on how to organize your personal archive while also maintaining the treasures of your ancestors.

Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale of Common Genealogical Mistakes

As a beginner, Kate climbed up the wrong branch of her family tree. Learn techniques (with antidotes) to avoid the error of her (old) ways.

Organizing Research Findings for Tough Research Problems

Do you struggle to organize your research findings? Do you have trouble identifying where you got your information? Learn strategies to mitigate these problems.

Pittsburgh Genealogy 101: A Guide to Researching in the Steel City

Have you dabbled in genealogical research for your Pittsburgh ancestors? Do you think there might be more records out there, but you don't know where or how to find them? Learn what is available both online and offline.

Stop the Presses! Incorporating Newspaper Records into Your Research

Newspaper records are not just useful for identifying the obituaries of your ancestors. Learn about an additional level of information that might exist as well as where and how to find it.

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your Genealogical Search Net

Are you utilizing search techniques to their potential? Do you know what "Boolean" means? Learn how to optimize your searches to find new genealogical treasures.

Tracking Your Ancestors Through Time: Utilizing Timelines to Enhance Your Research

Do you need a new research tool in your wheelhouse to help with a research question and/or give you a better understanding of your ancestor(s)? Learn how a timeline can give you a greater understanding of your ancestor's life and their relationships.

Unlocking the Keystone State

Do you have ancestors who hail from the Keystone State? If so, it's time to learn about Pennsylvania's records and repositories.

United States Immigration Records: A Primer

Learn about the records that your immigration ancestors might have left on their journeys to the United States and on their journeys to become (or not) United States citizens.

Writing Clear and Concise Client Reports for Yourself and Others

Kate has written hundreds (if not thousands) of client reports as both an investigator and genealogist. Learn best practices for structure, format, and writing to write client reports that your clients will want to read.