Workshops
Examples of genealogy books published by Modern Memoirs, Inc.
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP: Learn to Investigate Your Family History
This four-part program led by Modern Memoirs Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg is designed to guide participants through an exploration of best practices for conducting genealogical research. It provides a solid foundation for people who are new to genealogy work and offers a good reminder of key concepts for those who are more experienced. The series covers the following topics:
Session 1—Introduction: Seeking the true story
Session 2—Analyzing evidence: How do you know what you know?
Session 3—Gathering and organizing information: Be methodical
Session 4—Reporting your findings: Completing your research and sharing it with others
This program can be expanded or reduced to fit your group’s schedule and can be conducted in person or remotely via video conference.
WRITING WORKSHOP: Once Upon a Memory: Writing from Personal and Family History
In a program suitable for senior citizen groups, libraries, heritage organizations, and other civic and community organizations, Modern Memoirs President Megan St. Marie will provide a brief overview of her company’s services aimed at documenting, researching, preserving, and publishing personal and family histories. She will then guide participants through a series of writing prompts that will invite them to draw on their own memories and family histories. The goal will be to demonstrate how engaging in writing and life-review work can be a means of fostering self-discovery and deepening familial connections. Participants will be encouraged, but not required, to share their work as time permits, and there is no obligation for them to further engage Modern Memoirs services.
This writing program can be expanded or reduced to fit your group’s schedule and can be conducted in person or remotely via video conference.
Presenter biographies
Modern Memoirs Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg holds a BA in journalism and linguistics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After decades of work in newspapers and publishing, Liz completed a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, which emphasizes professionalism and adherence to the Genealogical Proof Standard. As a professional genealogist, she brings to her work at Modern Memoirs the conviction that one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones is to share your genealogical discoveries with them. She is honored to help clients research their ancestry, document and organize findings, and preserve and craft their family stories.
Modern Memoirs President, Megan St. Marie, is a published, award-winning children’s book author and scholar under her maiden name, Megan Dowd Lambert (www.megandowdlambert.com). Much of her work as a Lecturer at Simmons University was devoted to examining child readers’ responses to illustration and book design. This background in book arts and an investment in actively listening to children respond to literature now translate into Megan’s commitment to actively listen to Modern Memoirs clients as they share their personal and family (hi)stories, while helping them turn their memories and research into beautiful, heirloom books.