family history writer
vermont genealogist
about ann
I'm Ann D. Watson, your Vermont family genealogist and family history writer. I hold a Certificate of Study from the Genealogical Research Program at Boston University and a certificate from the ProGen study group. I've also published several family history books. As a professional genealogist I combine my enjoyment of research and writing with a love of Vermont genealogy research and history.
I grew up in a large family of artists and writers. My ancestors were doctors, mill workers, farmers, mothers, business people, artists, and educators from England, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, and Holland. When I was 21 years old, a family reunion brought me together with my elderly cousin Jean. Jean gave me one whole branch of the family tree going back to my Scottish great-great-grandparents. The information Jean gave me that warm summer day was the beginning of my odyssey into my own family history.
education and training
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2023, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), "Walking in Penn's Woods: Pennsylvania Research"
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2022, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), "Advanced Practices in Social History"
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2021, Creative Nonfiction: Historical Narratives
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2020, Creative Nonfiction: Writing From Photographs
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2020, National Institute for Genealogical Studies: Social History
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2020, Research Write Connect Academy: "The Write Stuff II: Advancing the Story"
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2019, Research Write Connect Academy: "The Write Stuff: Telling the Story"
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2017, completed the ProGen Study Program
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2017, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), "From Confusion to Conclusion: How to Write Proof Arguments"
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2016, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), "Diving Deeper into New England"
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2015, Certificate of Study, Boston University Genealogical Research Program
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2015, National Genealogical Society course "American Genealogical Studies: The Basics"
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M. Ed. in Library Media, University of Vermont
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40+ graduate credits
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B.A. in History, University of Vermont
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Librarian for 30+ years
Publications
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A Life in Art: Eva Auld and Ernest Watson. Ann D. Watson: 2023. Available at Bookemon.com .
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Service and Family: Ann Bauer and Norman Dingman (2022). Available at Bookemon.com .
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Duty, Family, Perseverance: The Story of William Watson. Ann D. Watson: 2019. Available at lulu.com.
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"Vermont Probate Research," NGS Magazine Vol 48:3 (April–June 2022)
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"Research Guide: Vermont," Family Tree Magazine, July/August 2023
Testimonials
I have worked with several genealogists, and without a doubt Ann's work exceeds the others. Ann goes above and beyond to understand the client's needs and engages in the research process wtih enthusiasm. Not only is Ann a top professional... she connects with her clients in a warm and friendly way. The final report was beyond what I expected. — Cindy S., New Hampshire
Thanks for all the great work! My aunt and mother and I are all thrilled with ALL of the work you've done on our family. — Elizabeth M., Vermont
I wanted to let you know how truly happy I am with your research. Your work is truly amazing! It was all so well organized, which made it easy for me to go through, digest, and understand. — John C., New York
This report was great! For a subcontracting project, you definitely provided what I needed: a clear list of what was searched and what was not, and why; citations for what you found; and any known research issues. — Bryna S., Connecticut
Thank you for a thoroughly researched, very detailed, and overall awesome report! Thank you for knocking down this "brick wall" for me! — John C., New York
We hired Ann to research town records for a DAR application. She was thorough, thoughtful, and detailed in her research, and offered suggestions on how to proceed. We appreciated her timeliness in completing the job. Well done and thank you, Ann! — Jacqueline R., Washington state
The interactions were very professional ... The report is very thorough and I like the footnoted style... Nothing but positive feedback! — Mike W., California
"Thanks Ann for your thorough and professional report ... I appreciate the documents you have provided." — Ted S., Missouri
"I'm very satisfied with the quality of your work and would like to continue with this later if I run into a DNA brick wall ...I do truly appreciate the great work you've done." — John R., South Korea
"I want to thank you for a job well done! Your bibliography was amazing ... Thank you for a professional job done in a timely manner." —Nancy S., Maine
"The scholarship and attention to detail in [the report] is of the first order." — [name withheld for privacy], Massachusetts