Karen Evans

Location: Wombourne, Staffordshire
About me...

After completing a History degree I taught in Primary schools before retiring in 2015. I’ve written two ‘Grim Almanac’ books for the History Press and I currently write for Family Tree Magazine on all things genealogical! My love and enthusiasm for history was the impetus for all my talks, be it Regency dancing or using DNA in my own research.

About my Talks...

My talks last 50 – 60 minutes (including Q and A if applicable) and are illustrated with a PowerPoint presentation. I require a screen or blank wall and, if possible, a projector stand. Some of my talks can be stand-alone so please feel free to enquire.  I’m happy to travel within a 25 mile radius of Wombourne in Staffordshire.

Fee:

My fee is £65.00. I am available daytime and evenings and a modest travel fee applies if the venue is more than 10 miles from my home in Wombourne, Staffordshire. I am happy to travel within a 25 mile radius of my home, further afield, please contact me so that we can discuss.

My Contact Details:
Phone:

07462 801829

The Ultimate Black Sheep

Uncovering an 1823 murder in my family sent me on a thrilling and fascinating journey of discovery. The death of baby Richard Overfield in Bridgnorth was reported throughout the country but what was the full story? How did the murderer try to cover their tracks? Why was the nosy neighbour so crucial to the story and what was the ultimate fate of the killer? The talk explains how I stumbled on the murder, the resources I used and how the story unfolded nearly two hundred years ago.

Where does my family come from? Unlocking the secrets of DNA testing

Adverts for DNA testing kits are constantly on the TV-but what do you actually get? This talk covers areas such as understanding how the test works in very general terms, getting the most from the test (what the results mean) and how to use your results to overcome brick walls such as illegitimacy and validating paper resources. It also highlights the range and pitfalls of using DNA testing, particularly finding out where your family came from- Can you really be a Viking? I have tested autosomal DNA with several companies and used any of my family who stood still long enough!

A Grim Almanac of Birmingham

Discussing some of the gruesome, shocking and frankly unbelievable stories I uncovered when writing the Grim Almanac of Birmingham. In my book each event was described in one paragraph but there was often so much more. Shocking accounts of murders, catastrophes and truly nasty goings-on!

A Grim Almanac of Staffordshire

Discussing some of the gruesome, shocking and frankly unbelievable stories I uncovered when writing the Grim Almanac of Staffordshire. In my book each event was described in one paragraph but there was often so much more. Shocking accounts of murders, catastrophes and truly nasty goings-on!

Dancing in the time of Jane Austen

Every savage can dance according to Mr Darcy but what would he have seen in the ballrooms of the day? A discussion of ballroom etiquette, dance steps and tunes of the day. There will be music and clothing to represent the Ball and my own experiences of attending Regency/Georgian Balls in Bath and Brighton. Although this is a talk audience participation is encouraged to dance like the Bennets if space allows. My dance group ‘The Meryton Mob’ are also available for demonstrations (a talk and demonstration is £100)

Tracing Your Family Tree on a Modest Budget.

Tips and tricks to get started on your family history journey. How to access information for free and make the most of the resources available. Includes: What online sources can I use? Making the most of record offices and using the paid sites as cheaply as possible.

Karen Evans Contact Details:
Phone:

07462 801829

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