The death date is one of the vital things we need as we research our ancestors. We know once they have died, any other documentation will be limited on them after that date. That is why resources like death certificates and the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is so vital to our research.

RootsTech was held this past week in Utah. For those who could not attend, some of the lectures were available via live streaming on the RootsTech home page. They are now available as an archived version. Come read some of what I learned watching Saturday's session.

RootsTech will be offering live streaming during their conference: RootsTech will be held in Salt Lake City Utah, Feb 2- Feb 4. "RootsTech is a leading edge conference designed to bring technologists together with genealogists, so they can learn from each other & find solutions to their challenges.

The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG)created an advanced course in the fall of 2011. CAFG recently announced the first Forensic Genealogy Institute. It will be held October 25 through October 27, 2012, in Dallas, Texas, at the Wyndham Dallas Love Field hotel.

Today I pondered the different societies that I have joined. I would like to share them with you and how I benefited from them.

We now have a new resource in using FamilySearch, The Guide to FamilySearch Online. FamilySearch has been a great research tool for many genealogists. Its website states “FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Come learn how this great book can help you!

The New Year is a great time to reevaluate our goals.There are many areas that we might consider setting goals for. Resolutions are very personal and you should make them based on your time, abilities and need. You even might consider getting a GeneaBuddy to set goals with

Amy Coffin of the "We Tree Genealogy Blog" has yet another successful series on her hands: 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History. This week’s challenge is to offer future generations some advice. Come read my advice, then share yours in the forum!

This week Elizabeth Shown Mills launched her new website, Historic Pathways! Visit this website and take advantage of its educational opportunities.

Family Roots Publishing is a wonderful resource to order your genealogical books. There is FREE SHIPPING on all purchases over $25 at the FRPC website between now and Christmas Eve - December 24, 2011. The sale ends at 2 pm MST December 24, so make sure you take advantage of it! Come learn more!