The Backtracker, our quarterly newsletter is published in January, April, July, and October. The deadline for articles to be submitted is on the first day of the preceeding month.

The purpose of our newsletter is to provide communication among our members, as well as non-members, of the significant news, programs, field trips and other pertinent information within our organization.

It is also an educational forum for enhancing our knowledge of family research methods and strategies. As important, this newsletter is the opportunity for the members to have their stories published.

All of us have stories to tell of our research. The pitfalls are valuable as well as the thrill of discovery. If possible, include a copy of a relevant antique photograph or map. These are an important piece to the story you tell.

Whether you are writing a story that has a beginning in Silverdale or Scotland, the focus must always be from a genealogical standpoint. Always include the first ancestor who told you the first story. As in, grampa said…then go on from there. Names and dates and the relationship to you are all important, but so are your ancestors’ stories, so be sure to include those when possible.

“Putting Down Roots” is the forum for your research success stories. “A Cautionary Tale” is your forum to address the pitfalls that led you astray. All of us have those stories and we encourage you to use this forum in which to share, because we will all learn from them.

All story and photo submissions to the Backtracker should be submitted electronically via email to the Backtracker Editor. Please use Word and text files, not PDF.

The Backtracker will be presented online beginning with the October 2011 issue. All those who want to continue to receive a copy via snail mail, please contact Membership Chairperson and you will continue to receive it in that manner.