Personal historian husband and wife team share skills at Oregon Genealogical Society’s spring seminar.

 Eugene, Oregon, April 23, 2005: Rick and Paula Slavens, a Beaverton couple, present two workshops at the annual spring seminar for the Oregon Genealogical Society. The couple will share skills used in their personal history business that help participants analyze their own genealogical records and effectively tell the story that brings those documents to life.

 “Using GenSmarts: The Best New Software Gem Available Today”

Rick Slavens demonstrates how GenSmarts works with your own genealogical software (Family Tree Maker, PAF, Legacy, TMG, RootsMagic, Ancestral Quest, Ancestry Family Tree and gedcom files) to answers the eternal question, “Where do I go from here?”  This utility program analyzes your data and compares it against an extensive database of known records such as censuses, vital records, military documents, land and property records; then generates a report telling you not only what’s missing, but where you can find it. GenSmarts’ research recommendations are also accompanied by a to-do list and a trip plan so that when you visit any of the 31 facilities, you are prepared to make your research time more effective and rewarding. One lucky workshop attendee will win a copy of GenSmarts as a door prize. Others will be able to purchase it from Slavens after the workshop.

 “Preserving the Story Behind the Dates, Facts and Statistics”

Paula Slavens demonstrates how life is breathed into genealogical data by first analyzing a document’s contents; then adding social and historical research along with personal history gathered through family interviews. The presentation focuses on how a simple death certificate transforms into a story that helps future generations feel emotionally connected. An illusive piece of paper added to our genealogical records makes our files complete, but the story behind that document, makes the life complete. Excerpts from a Slavens’ client book project show by example how Great-grandmother Bailey’s death certificate evolves into a touching story about her illness and death. 

 Seminar attendees will also receive a valuable resource guide that Slavens compiled from her favorite Internet research sources and a bibliography of personal history books.

 About the Presenters

Rick and Paula Slavens are owners of Special Editions Customized Biographies, a Beaverton-based business that serves clients throughout the nation, helping them tell their stories through beautifully crafted books. Sample book projects will be displayed at the seminar that range from a Washington, D.C.-based architectural firm to a Portland great-grandmother whose book is now being sold commercially.

 Paula Slavens is a member of the Association of Personal Historians (www.personalhistorians.org), an international network of skilled professionals who are passionate about preserving life stories, and the Northwest Book Publishers Association.

 Rick Slavens is Vice President of the Oregon Historical Cemeteries Association, and member of the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Clark County Genealogical Society, The National Genealogical Society, Genealogical Council of Oregon and the Association of Professional Genealogist.

 Both Rick and Paula are members of the Washington County Family History Society, the Oregon Historical Society and Washington County Historical Society.

 For more information, call 503-526-0904 or email pslavens@mac.com.

 For more information about the Oregon Genealogical Society Spring Seminar, call Fern Kellow at 541-683-4309 or email fernemell@comcast.net.