Last week’s membership meeting answered a question so many of us quietly carry: I’ve done the research — now what?
Fellow PGSNYS member Jerome “Jay” Biedny presented “Publishing a Family History Book: The Process & Details,” drawing on three decades of genealogical research and his own experience producing Only Two Places, Poland and Buffalo: A History of One New York Family. As the title suggests, Jay’s entire family made the same journey — from Poland to one American city, Buffalo — a story that will feel close to home for many of our members. A project manager by profession, Jay brought that same disciplined lens to the book-making process — guiding members through the full journey from years of accumulated research to a finished book readers actually want to pick up.
Members had this to say:
“The presentation gave me a different perspective on where to go next in my quest.”
“Provided excellent ideas of organizing my plans to document my family history.”
“It was extremely well organized and presented in a manner that was engaging and easy to understand.”
“We learned a step-by-step process on what it takes to write a book, including good ideas and examples.”
If you’ve been sitting on years of research and wondering how to turn it into something your family can hold in their hands, Jay’s closing message was clear: Start now. No one else in your family is going to do this.
If you missed the meeting — or would like to revisit the strategies Jay shared — the recording and handout are now available exclusively for members on our Meeting Recordings & Handouts page.
Not a member yet? Join the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State to access this recording and our full library of past presentations.