Pauley Genealogy
My Lectures
I have presented to numerous Genealogical Societies and Events and would be happy to present for your society or event. See the list below for previously lectures. I especially love to speak about Western New York, West Virginia, Native Peoples, and Land Records.
Upcoming Lectures
May 2026 WV Historic Preservation Conference
Walking in Their Footsteps: Genealogy as a Guide to Heritage Travel Workshop
Heritage travel is most impactful when visitors feel a personal connection to the people who shaped historic sites. This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to apply genealogical records—census schedules, land deeds, church registers, migration documents—to create heritage travel experiences such as walking tours, driving routes, digital maps, and interpretive signage.
Using West Virginia and Appalachian case studies, participants will actively engage in exercises that demonstrate the step-by-step process of linking genealogical context to historic places. Ethical interpretation, descendant engagement, and collaboration with preservation and tourism professionals are emphasized throughout.
May 2026 WV Historic Preservation Conference
Connecting People to Historic Places Using Genealogical Context
Historic preservation relies on understanding and communicating the significance of places, yet many historic buildings, districts, and cultural landscapes are interpreted without fully identifying the people who lived, worked, worshiped, or were buried there. Genealogical research provides critical contextual information that enhances preservation planning, interpretation, and public engagement by restoring human stories to historic places.
This session demonstrates how genealogical records—such as census schedules, land and tax records, church registers, probate files, and migration documentation—can be used to connect individuals and families to specific sites over time. By incorporating genealogical context, preservation professionals can strengthen interpretive narratives, support statements of significance, and foster deeper community and descendant engagement.
Using case studies relevant to West Virginia and the Appalachian region, this presentation will show how genealogy can be applied to historic sites, rural landscapes,
cemeteries, and historic districts to improve interpretation, encourage heritage tourism, and build public support for preservation efforts.
September 2026 New York State Family History Conference
Best Practices for Using and Analyzing New York Land Records
Explore New York deed research with practical strategies to determine ownership, relationships, and migration. This session will teach hands-on methods for analyzing deeds and integrating them into family histories.
September 2026 New York State Family History Conference
Tracking County Lines: Researching New York County Boundary Changes
Tracing ancestors near shifting county lines is a common challenge in Upstate New York research. This session teaches methods for using historical boundary maps and legislative acts to identify the correct recording county. Learn systematic research to locate deeds, wills, and court records filed during periods of boundary change.
Past Presentations
Rootstech 2026
The 5Ws of West Virginia Vital Records
Stop guessing where your West Virginian ancestors' vital records might be. This session will outline the availability of county-level and statewide vital records, demonstrate how to utilize the state’s online database efficiently, and explain the process for requesting records. You’ll go home able to locate documents faster and document your sources with confidence. https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/the-5-ws-of-west-virginia-vital-records
Georgia Genealogical Society - November 2025
Map It! Using Maps in Genealogy
Maps are more than just geographical representations; they are windows into the past, offering rich insights into the lives and locations of those who came before us. Maps can transform your genealogical research, revealing stories and connections waiting to be found. This popular presentation has been given numerous times and discusses five types of maps: Political, Enumeration, Cadastral, Insurance, and Bird's Eye View (Panoramic).
Rochester Genealogical Society - September 2025
On the Frontier: Early Migration into Western New York
Western New York was once a frontier, full of opportunity. This presentation will explore the lives of early settlers, where they came from, and why they chose this land. Come learn how the region grew—and how your ancestors might have been part of that story. A similar presentation was also given to the Western New York Genealogical Society in June 2025.
New York Genealogical & Biographical Society Conference 2025
Native American Research In New York State
Stories of Native American ancestry are common in many family histories, but it’s crucial to verify these claims through research. This presentation will explore the Native American tribes of New York, their history, and the records needed to uncover the truth about these ancestral connections.
Allen County Public Library
Pioneers and Pedigrees: Early Western New York Research
Discover the untamed past of Western New York! Once a vast wilderness, it became a bustling crossroads in the 19th century. While vital records are scarce for most of this century, an array of valuable records are available for your research. Learn about the rich past of this region, including the role of the Holland Land Company, and explore the records that can help you find your ancestors.
Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Conference - June 2024
Interweaving History and Heritage: Native American Genealogical Research in Western Pennsylvania
Learn strategies to overcome difficulty in Native American research by exploring the region’s tribal history, migration, and records available in the search for Native ancestors.
