Substack is a relatively new social media platform that has a growing, thriving genealogy storytelling community.

Storytelling, in its broadest sense, includes not only fictional and non-fictional accounts of ancestors, but also covers methodology and resources.

Barbara at ProjectKin has been instrumental in sharing all that this genealogy community is achieving.

It was Barbara who alerted me to an upcoming free Zoom presentation about County GIS Maps and Land Patents by Crystal Lorimor, Anthony Atkins and Jason Garzyk on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 1:00 (Eastern).

Although this talk focuses on Belmont County, Ohio, it is part of the original Seven Ranges in eastern Ohio that was the first area to be surveyed after the Land Ordinance of 1785.

If you have early Ohio ancestors or would like to learn more about County GIS Maps and how they can be used for genealogical purposes, be sure to register for this presentation.

To learn more about the program, check out the local story on the Barnsville Area News.

This is the time of summer when children used to prepare for Back to School days. Many K-12 districts in the U.S. now begin the fall term in early August. However, colleges and universities still begin a bit later in the summer.

In any case, genealogists should be preparing to head Back to Genealogy School!

Suggestions:

1. It’s not to late to fill up on stationery supplies that are needed for those non-digital genealogy activities. File folders, pens and pencils, post-its, paper and other items are still on sale. Take advantage of the prices and you’ll be one step ahead of your fall genealogy classes and webinars.
2. Make a research plan for fall. Create a to-do list and perhaps even a research guide if your research will take you into unfamiliar locations.
3. Register for upcoming free webinars. This is your pre-back to school homework assignment. Review the listings in Conference Keeper and Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Sessions viewed live are almost always free to attend, but access to handouts is usually restricted to paid membership. Hint: This is where your newly purchased stationery supplies will come in handy!
4. Join, participate, support and volunteer at your local genealogy society, even if you “local” society is virtual. Genealogy societies only exist through the dedicated volunteers who help make them successful. There are many ways to help out as a volunteer. Some jobs are only a one-time happening.

That’s it! You’ll be ready to move forward with both your genealogy education and ancestor research.