Hi everyone!
It's time to get to know another one of our wonderful WikiTreers: Karen Hoy.
Karen became a Wiki Genealogist 11 years ago, back in April of 2014. She is a Project Coordinator for the Data Doctors and leads a Michaud One Name Study.
When did you get interested in family history?
Ever since I was little, I heard my mother and her sisters talk about past generations as a matter of both pride and curiosity. A great aunt spent a lot of time researching the family and I inherited her work.
What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?
Graphic artwork. I really enjoy making icons, business cards, banners, videos, etc.
Are you interested in certain surnames?
I do extensive work on Michauds and have set up a one-name-study on it.
Do you have a favorite ancestor?
My favorite ancestor is Leonard Garrett. He was at Valley Forge with General Washington, then moved south until he reached Missouri, where he died. He is also one of my brick walls I’d dearly love to break through. Professional genealogists haven’t been able to, so my chances are pretty slim.
What is your toughest brick wall currently?
My great-great grandmother Alice (Brown) Gamble. Ancestry has her tangled with the wrong family. It’s difficult to positively connect her to records prior to her marriage.
How long have you been on WikiTree?
I’ve been a member of WikiTree since 2014. I wanted an alternative to a paid site, and this was perfect. I appreciate that there is one profile per person, not multiple. It is designed for contributors to keep the record straight.
What do you spend the most time doing on WikiTree?
I am a Data Doctor and spend a lot of time going through the weekly Suggestion Report, cleaning what I can. Some years back, I made videos for Data Doctor suggestions and have just now started making them again. It’s been so long since my last one that my learning curve looks suspiciously vertical.
How can others help the Data Doctors?
There are millions of profiles on WikiTree, so any and all volunteers for Data Doctors is greatly appreciated, especially those who speak something besides English. I read enough French to get into trouble, but when I come across a profile written in Arabic or Russian, I back away slowly.
What inspires you to contribute so much of yourself to WikiTree's mission?
I remember the thrill I felt when my dad told me he had traced his family back to the 1600s. The sense of being connected, of belonging, was intense. I truly want that same experience for everyone who desires to know where they come from, what their ancestors survived, what they achieved.
Do you have any tips for someone who wants to get more involved in our community?
It might help to remember that just about everyone here is a volunteer, from profile managers to project leaders. So don’t be afraid to get it wrong. Everyone here has messed up. The feature showing changes made to a profile is a great safety net. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are a lot of moving parts here, and they’re all subject to change from time to time.
