Upcoming Talks
Oct. 8, 2026. “Writing the Lives That Time Forgot: Our Ancestors Who Died by Suicide.” All About That Place 2026 with the Society of Genealogists.
Nov. 2026. “Why is That Your Name? Crafting a First-Name Study.” Monthly Speaker for the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. [pre-recorded]
Feb. 19, 2027. “Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” Herefordshire Family History Society.
May 19, 2027. “Writing the Stories of Your Stigmatised Ancestors.” Association of Professional Genealogists, Writers SIG.
Catalogue of Talks
Forget the Family Tree. Tend Your Family Ivy!
Fear not the rabbit holes! Looking beyond your direct ancestors is actually a crucial part of developing a deep understanding of your family history and breaking down your brick walls. In this talk, Dai discusses the concept of the “family ivy,” those families that appear on the margins of your…
Keep reading
Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors
Turn names and dates into rich stories that connect with your family and wider audiences. In this talk, Dai discusses how reflecting on our own lives in the present can help us do just that. Whether you love gardening, have a pet, live with disabilities, or are fascinated with history,…
Keep reading
Writing the Stories of Your Stigmatised Ancestors
“How do I best write the life story of my ancestor?” It’s a question that all family historians have to ask. The answers become more complex when our ancestors had lives that were stigmatised or marginalised. In this talk, Dai Davies of GenealCymru explores the ethical storytelling practices that they…
Keep reading
Why is That Your Name? Crafting a First-Name Study
A new and innovative method to unlock the potential in our ancestors’ first names. In this talk, Dai illustrates how we can turn a traditional British naming system into an effective tool to help break down our brick walls. Prepare for a voyage through a sea of Thomas’, Annes, Davids,…
Keep reading
Copyright for Family Historians
Learn everything a genealogist needs to know about copyright. In this talk, Dai explains what copyright even means, how to find and use public domain images, and how to navigate the confusion of Terms of Use on genealogy websites. Build your confidence so you can infuse your genealogy research with…
Keep reading
What Did Your Ancestors Read? Exploring 18th & 19th Century Literary Culture
Have you ever wondered if your ancestors could read? Or what they read? In this talk, Dai explores the changes in literacy and literary culture in the 18th and 19th Centuries across Wales and England. This was an especially transformative time in Welsh history, culminating in the Welsh Literary Renaissance…
Keep reading
Free Software for Making Your Own Genealogy Videos
As genealogists, we’re always looking for new ways to get our loved ones more engaged with our research. We create online trees, blog our discoveries, and make photo booklets, but have you ever considered turning your research into a family history video? In this talk, Dai discusses all of the…
Keep readingTestimonials
“I hadn’t expected to be so moved.” –Writing the Life Stories of Our Marginalised Ancestors, May 11, 2026
“That was probably one of the best presentations on suicide that I’ve ever seen.” –Writing the Life Stories of Our Marginalised Ancestors, May 11, 2026
“Dai always brings a unique perspective to family history research – so refreshing, thanks.” –What Did Your Ancestors Read?, Feb. 28, 2026
“Interesting and thought provoking.” –Tend Your Family Ivy, Feb. 11, 2026
“Dai has a rare talent of making copyright understandable and even interesting.” –Copyright for Family Historians, Nov. 15, 2024
“Brilliant diagrams!” –Tend Your Family Ivy, Sept. 25. 2025
“It was most inspiring to see how researching in all directions can help sort out a complicated family.” –Tend Your Family Ivy, Sept. 25, 2025
“One of the best talks I’ve seen for a while!!” –Copyright for Family Historians, Feb. 12, 2025
“It was a very refreshing, new way of approaching research. Dai’s examples were helpful and visual aids were well chosen and helpful.” –Mar. 9, 2024
“Totally new way to look at breaking through a brick wall with research. How to approach this using a real example step by step.” –Mar. 9, 2024
Past Talks
“Remembering Our Ancestors Who Died by Suicide.” ProjectKin Speaker’s Corner with Barbara Tien. Aug. 16, 2026.
“Free Software for Making Your Own Genealogy Videos.” Association of Professional Genealogists, Mid-Atlantic SIG. Aug. 11, 2026.
“Forget the Family Tree. Tend Your Family Ivy!” The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. Jun. 29, 2026.
“Remembering Our Ancestors Who Died by Suicide.” Pharos Tutors 21st Birthday Celebration with Pharos Tutors. Jul. 16, 2026.
“Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” Allen County Public Library, Genealogy Center. Jun. 2, 2026.
“Forget the Family Tree! Tend Your Family Ivy.” Berkshire Family History Society. May 26, 2026.
“Remembering Our Ancestors Who Died by Suicide.” Mental Health and Family History Day Course with the Society of Genealogists. May 11, 2026.
“Free Software for Making Your Own Genealogy Videos.” Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain. May 10, 2026.
“Cellan’s Lending Library: Education in a Small Welsh Place.” Stories250 Live Chat with Project Kin. Apr. 12, 2026.
“Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” Powys Family History Society. Mar. 10, 2026.
“From the Bards to Your Family Tree: Exploring the Welsh Literary Renaissance.” Society of Genealogists & Welsh Week London, 2026. Feb. 28, 2026.
“Why is That Your Name?: Crafting a First-Name Study.” Sussex Family History Group. Feb. 26, 2026.
“Forget the Family Tree! Tend Your Family Ivy.” Airedale and Warfdale Family History Society. Feb. 19, 2026.
“Forget the Family Tree! Tend Your Family Ivy.” Gloucestershire Family History Society. Feb. 11, 2026.
“Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” Suffolk Family History Society. Oct. 27, 2025.
“Forget the Family Tree, Tend Your Family Ivy.” Society of Genealogists. Sept. 25, 2025.
“Why is That Your Name: Crafting a First-Name Study.” Devon Family History Society. May 21, 2025.
“Copyright for Genealogists.” Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. May 7, 2025.
“Using Free Software to Make Your Own Genealogy Videos.” Society of Genealogists. Apr. 11, 2025.
“Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” Family Historian Zoom Group. Apr. 1, 2025.
“Copyright Considerations for Genealogy,” Gold Membership Tier Professional Corner. Society of Genealogists. Feb. 12, 2025.
“Copyright Considerations for Genealogy.” Writing Your Family History Course by the Society of Genealogists. Nov. 15, 2024.
“From Passion to Profession Panel.” NextGENeration Conference with the Society of Genealogists. Oct. 5, 2024.
“Reflecting on Your Self to Discover Your Ancestors.” NextGENeration Conference with the Society of Genealogists. Oct. 5, 2024.
“Copyright Considerations for Genealogy.” Skill-building for Presenters, NextGENeration Conference with the Society of Genealogists. Aug. 14, 2024.
“Why is That Your Name: Crafting a First-Name Study.” Society of Genealogists. Mar. 9, 2024.
“Beyond a Statement of Support: Creating Safer Communities.” The Future of Genealogy: Young Genealogists at the Helm by the Society of Genealogists. May 7, 2022.
