For Irish research, without knowledge and information from every available document for that family, finding them in Ireland is usually unsuccessful. However, many make the trip to Dublin or Shannon airports with no knowledge of what they are facing, expecting to find friendly family with ease. Naturalizations, passenger lists, vital records - here and there, legal records, newspapers - Irish and American, are but some of the sources needed for success. This presentation will include both successful and unsuccessful searches and includes a map of Ireland, the types of record sources in Ireland, repositories, and a comprehensive reference list. In order to be successful in Ireland, you MUST gather every record available in the USA, including those that are hidden in a box under the bed.

This presentation will point out the differences between Irish and American records, the types of records, and where they are located.  It will compare and contrast the information and what to expect. Attendees will learn of the importance of GPS and other standards. Sheila will take us along on her many adventures driving through all four provinces and thirty-two counties in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Whether you are a beginner or experienced  genealogist, you won't want to miss this.

Sheila Benedict is an archivist, researcher and forensic genealogist who heads Benedict Research Services in Solvang, CA. Her genealogical education includes courses at the National Archives, Forensic Genealogy Institute, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and other institutes. A frequent speaker, Sheila is the coodinator of the Irish research table at Southern California Genealogical Society's Jamboree.