Our March meeting last week featured Roxanne Bocyck, an author from Syracuse, New York, who presented “Genealogical Research and Storytelling.” Roxanne shared the research and writing process she used in crafting her novel, Catherine’s Dream: A Story of Spirit and Courage, which was inspired by the true story of her Polish grandmother, Catherine Soboń, who immigrated to New York in 1921. Roxanne provided insight into the decisions she had to make regarding creative license, balancing adherence to the historical facts of her grandmother’s life with fictional elements of the narrative. She offered tips for telling our own ancestral stories, and encouraged her audience to tell those stories boldly.

Enthusiastic attendees commented,

“[Roxanne’s presentation] leads me to look at the bigger picture, not just dates and facts.”

“Her presentation was relaxing, enjoyable, and relatable.”

“She was enchanting.”

“I appreciated the discussion about writing up genealogical findings and using actual details in historical stories. For a novel, you are free to invent people, places, and dialogue. I liked hearing about how she structured the novel.”

The lecture recording is now available on our Meeting Recordings page for members to access.