I just want to take the time to thank all the #genchatters past & present on Twitter, Mastodon & Bluesky. These past 13 years could not have happened without your collaboration, passion for #genealogy, welcoming spirit and friendship. You’ve made #genchat one of the best spots on social media.

Hey #genchatters ! Since there have been a few inquiries, I thought I’d take a little time to talk about the future of #genchat. First, let me thank everyone who has participated over the years. It’s that collaboration which made the chat come to life!

As you know, the Twitter environment has changed over the years. When there was a question about the platform’s future, I quickly set up an account over on Mastodon. We didn’t move, but Saturday Morning #genchat on Mastodon was soon born & has been growing slowly & firmly.

Now that Twitter’s terms are changing & people are moving to other platforms, I’ve been approached by some about moving to Threads or Bluesky. I must admit that I’m not crazy about setting up yet another social media account, but I am willing to at least think about it.

I don’t intend to sound prideful, but it has been my money, time & effort that were invested in #genchat during some of the most difficult years of my life (not anyone’s problem but mine, of course). It has been a labor of love.

Because of this I want to be clear: it is my decision if, where & when Friday #genchat will move. I want to take time to weigh my options and make the best decision for everyone. I ask for your patience as I do this.

Meanwhile I can affirm that #genchat on Mastodon will remain on the Saturday at 9amET (after the 2nd & 4th Fridays). Stay tuned as I go exploring!

Resources from other #genchatters :

- Michelle: A book I recommend to newbies is Research Like a Pro. As a scientist in a past life I was already across the need for citations, research plan/log (lab book) etc but the chapter on creating a Locality Guide was really valuable. #Genchat https://genealogical.com/store/unpuzzling-your-past-4th-edition/

- Liam: Professional Genealogy, by E.S.Mills

And a tip:

- Dawn: You have to beware of the fraudulent genealogies out there that were written by Gustave Anjou, Harriet de Salis and Horatio Gates Somerby.

#genchat @genchat@a.gup.pe

Last night, I was surprised to see how many #genchatters lived with their grandparents at least temporarily. My paternal grandmother lived with us for a few years after my grandfather died, then went to a nursing home since she had MS & caring for her became impossible. #genchat @genchat@a.gup.pe

Happy to see the after-hours engagement for #genchat here on Mastodon. And of course the during-hour! I’m thankful for the #genchatters helping it take hold. @genchat

Attention #genchat @genchat@a.gup.pe : If you use the Tusky app for Android when participating, you may want to check your reply settings to be set to Public so that other #genchatters can see your posts. See the revised instructions for Mastodon on our website: https://www.genchatgenealogy.com/how-it-works.html

Good day, #genchatters ! Welcome to our "Plain Old Open Mic", where we'll just talk about anything #genealogy related! So what have you been researching? What do you wonder about? Any cool roadtrips? Let's #genchat ! @genchat@a.gup.pe

@cyndislist Thank you again for your time spent at #genchat with us, especially when you had to get up so early today! @genchat@a.gup.pe

And thanks to all the #genchatters for participating, contributing, asking questions & giving good tips!

Our next #genchat will be on June 29 - Just a Plain Old Open Mic!

ICEBREAKER #genchat I personally have not, but I've seen many #genchatters have in the past. @genchat@a.gup.pe

@david @PattyHankins @Flominator @MarianBWood I know some form #genchatters are on Threads.

Good morning, Mastodon #genchatters! Today we're talking about marriage records. And one disclaimer: I have a different style graphic for the 1st card than the rest (long story). Let's get started! #genchat @genchat@a.gup.pe

@MarianBWood aw, thanks Marian! #genchat only keeps going because of all the #genchatters like you!