Tom Rice CG^sm

Personal Research

My personal lineage research has focused on the United States - from New York to Michigan, to Iowa, to Montana and back to Illinois. It has taken a side trip to Alberta Canada with occasional excursions to origins in Ireland. In North America, it has stretched from colonial times to today's search for newly discovered first cousins. Helping my wife with her research, has also brought me in close contact with Scottish research and has touched on Slovakia. Work on my son-in-law’s family has involved Scandinavian research. The breadth has been challenging but rewarding.

Like everyone, I have had ancestors and shared in a heritage passed down from them all of my life. However, it has taken me awhile to appreciate the value of this inheritance. My genealogical research has brought me to the realization that the forces that shape us are not just our immediate family, home, place and time but the same elements working upon all of our ancestors as they built our heritage generation by generation. My personal goal has been to learn as much about this in as much detail as I can. Thus by understanding the events that shaped their lives and their actions, I can empathize with them in the context of their times.

In my personal research I focus on learning as much about each person and family as possible, rather than just collecting names. Once I learn the who (my ancestors and their siblings), I want to learn the what (they did) and then the why (they did it). I want to learn about where and when they lived, what happened there and then, and who they came in contact with.

Genealogical Education

I believe strongly in growing as a genealogist. In addition to extensive reading and listening to taped lectures, I have attended almost every local course, workshop and seminar offered. I have completed the National Genealogical Society’s sixteen month home study course, “American Genealogy – A Basic Course”, their online courses, “Introduction to Genealogy” and “Using the Federal Census”. I have attended the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research offered by Samford University. I completed their courses: “Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis”, "Professional Genealogy","Military Records" - and "Land Records."

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Professional Genealogical Activities

Memberships:

• Minnesota Genealogical Society: Director
• Irish Genealogical Society International: Managing Editor of The Septs
• National Genealogical Society
• Association of Professional Genealogists
• Minnesota Historical Society: - Genealogy Help Desk Volunteer

Facilities Used:

• Minnesota Historical Society Library and State Archives
• University of Minnesota - Wilson Library
• Wisconsin Historical Society Library – Madison, Wisconsin
• Newberry Library - Chicago
• Family History Library – Salt Lake City
• Local courthouses, historical societies, genealogical societies and libraries throughout the Midwest.

Awards

Winner of 2003 Board for Certification of Genealogists scholarship to attend the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research at Samford University.

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Other Expertise, Experiences and Training

I have traveled an interesting path. I have a Ph.D. in microbial genetics and post doctoral training in cellular immunology. I have been a high school science instructor, a Fortune 50 Company researcher, a venture capital investor, the CEO of a medical device company and of a financial service company and a management consultant serving investors in and the management of small medical products companies. Now I have added professional genealogist to this list.

I probably have more training and experience in research methodology and practice than most genealogists. Besides my formal genealogy research training and experience, I have over 14 years as a doctoral level biological researcher in academia and industry. These same skills were also used for 10 years in the venture capital investment arena. The principles of good research are universally applicable to any intellectual pursuit whether it is to discover a new drug or the next generations of one's ancestors

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