Sharpen

Did you know that there are tools available to help indexers and arbitrators to get even better at what they do?  To sharpen their skills?

A whole page of resources is available.  There you can find a Frequently Asked Questions page, and Enumerator Instructions (for those gathering the information for the census = fascinating – like place of birth and number of children born to mothers – so very good for those seeking family history answers – and neat info like current occupation and years of education.  I love the glimpses into the lives of these people.)  There are also classes on the history of, how to use and understanding the census.

Video trainings introducing the census, showing how to download the software, create an account, how to index and how to associate yourself with a group are all there.  So good for a visual learner such as myself.

So, there you have it.  Lots of good reading/watching inspiration and ways to sharpen the skills you have developed.  Or if you wish to develop these skills, head on over to the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project site and help by being an indexer or arbitrator.

On a personal note, Jacob had his first Court of Honor for Boy Scouts last night.  He loved it.  A scuba instructor brought his gear and told fascinating stories.  (Did you know that sea lions like scuba divers because their bubble trails tickle the sea lion’s bellies.  I sure didn’t.)

Jacob was also able to participate in the flag ceremony.  He told his scout leader he wanted to be the one up front calling the ceremony.  He memorized and practiced… and nailed it.  (Really??  The spotlight?  Is that my boy??)  Good on him.

This morning his dad presented him with a Swiss Army Knife.  Jacob loves all it can do.  And there is a neat connection to the 1940s too.  When World War II ended, many U.S. soldiers bought Swiss Army knives on military bases.  The german name:  Schweizer Offiziersmesser was too hard for most to say, so they called them “Swiss Army knives” – what they are now commonly known as worldwide.

Victorinox‘s website is so cool by the way – take a peek at their stories.

{As part of the1940census.com ambassador program this blog post enters me into a drawing for $100 Amazon gift card.}