Family History News and More

Project Management Chart - Download SmartDraw FREE and easily create project charts and more.

2012-01-11T21:18:00.000-06:00

Project Management Chart - Download SmartDraw FREE and easily create project charts and more.

I've been contemplating whether I can devise a system that will allow me to track my progress on specific genealogy goals for 2012. This Smart Draw website is something I stumbled across and it rang a bell:

Several years ago, I had a free trial of this software and I made some of the best charts for projects that I specifically wanted to display a design of my own making. The cost was a little high, back then, and since I'm still in financial recovery from the holiday season, I'll guess that it still is. It does do the job, though and believe me, if I can use it, you can use it. Try it out, at least, and if I stumble across something else interesting, I will get back to you.

I don't use Adobe whatever and I'm awkward with drawing programs, such as "Paint" (MS).

The History Place - This Month in History

2012-01-11T19:51:00.000-06:00

The History Place - This Month in History

It's the first of the year; to tell the truth, the first day (January 1, 2012), has come and gone.

Still, we still feel the freshness of it---no matter what happened on this day in history, 2012 will be unique for us. We are making personal history this year. For example, my oldest granddaughter who is twenty-two years old, just got married this past weekend. She will never forget that part of her personal history; in fact, she will celebrate it every year, hereafter.

Babies will be born, a president will be elected, and sports teams will set new records, play in new championship games, and yes, there may be some not so happy events in our futures, too.
The bad times (and they do come to all of us---rich or poor, royalty or not,), may be remembered but will probably not be celebrated. How we face the unexpected, endure the trials, and overcome the challenges, will serve to make us appreciate the sweetly singular days like graduation, baptism, birthday, or a first date.

Have a camera ready (most of us have that capacity on our phones, these days), and get a journal started. You may become a part of a larger history, this year; whether you will show up in someone else's journal on some momentous occasion or whether you will be an actor in national history, your memories--your personal history is worth recording. And that's what really makes for a happy new year.

2012-01-11T12:45:00.000-06:00

How to create a family journal

To preserve family memories, many genealogists turn to scrapbooking. Even better is a journaled scrapbook or just a family journal. The journal has both photos and journal notes. Microsoft reminds us that this project can be done on the computer, where we are likely to have files containing family photos. Follow the steps in this video to construct your family journal.

2011-08-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

County histories have been touted as a valuable resource for genealogists. Even if your ancestor isn't in the index, they are worth looking at for the background factor. I want to understand the what, how, where, when stuff so that I will have a better understanding of what my ancestors went through, the landscape upon which they lived their lives.

This reminds me of a book review that I recently read (thanks to Gale Power Search). I recently started receiving my alerts again after a lapse of a few years; my search parameters were "family history" and genealogy. The name of the book is Section 27: A Century on a Family Farm by Mil Penner. I haven't really read the book, yet, but from the review I can tell it's one of those kinds of books that makes you feel like you're there.

Another good reason to dig this deep into county history is that it will permit you to design a time-line on a level that will be very up close and personal to your ancestor's time-line. Our lives are tied to the places we've lived, right? The same holds true for family tree folks also.

Finally, I can't help but think that after you've completed a project of gathering and looking into county-level histories, or even before you finish, you will start to see little clues here and there--other sources of information you haven't thought of previously to check.

The Ancestry Insider: Utah South Area Gets Online Film Ordering

2011-03-29T03:27:00.000-05:00

The Ancestry Insider: Utah South Area Gets Online Film Ordering

Genealogy Roots Blog: Online Death Records, Indexes and Obituaries - Latest Additions and Updates

2011-03-29T00:58:00.000-05:00

Genealogy Roots Blog: Online Death Records, Indexes and Obituaries - Latest Additions and Updates

Notice the date of this post. When you find a blog you like, one that has the stuff you need, it makes sense to search the archives. With this blogger, you can also find out which resources he's updated.

Ancestry.com - Vital Records in the Past and Future

2011-03-27T00:46:00.000-05:00

Ancestry.com - Vital Records in the Past and Future

As you are reading this article, remember that it is dated 2004. There is no Ancestry Magazine, anymore, for example.

However, many of these articles contain basic research prinicples that you can depend on to be reliable time and time again. Be sure to use the "Printer Friendly" option if you like printing things out; I, for one, have been known to print an article, stuff it in my bag with a highlighter and take it to read while I'm waiting for the doctor, dentist, or whatever. You can also e-mail the article to a friend.

Family History is about Family: The living as well as dead.

2011-02-05T16:40:00.001-06:00

Keeping up with our children: I guess that sending a Christmas letter each year is one way of recording their history. Scrapbooking is another way to capture "live" family history. However, it's obvious to me that in this day and age, we have to go a step further...which leads me to the Internet site, YouTube.com. You don't even need a camera, folks, if you have a smart phone. Example below is of my son, Kevin, doing his thing: Parcorps (Free Running).

West Florida Genealogical Society P.S.

2011-01-25T18:44:00.000-06:00

Needed: Speakers in the following topic areas. The members spoke and WFGS listened. Contact Bruce Rova if you are interested in visiting lovely and historic Pensacola.

Wills/Probate

Vital Records

Organizing Data

LDS

Court Records

Cemetery/Burial records

National Archives Researach

Internet Resources (We are doing that at the Feb. meeting.)

Church Records

West Florida Genealogical Society News

2011-01-25T18:25:00.001-06:00

Pensacola is an old and historic city; if you decide that you need to go and do genealogical research at the still, fairly new library on 9th Avenue, attend a family history conference in that location or just horn in on one of the monthly meetings of WFGS, you won't be sorry. There are great and some, unusual, places to get a bite to eat. There is the haunted lighthouse, the Scenic Drive, and the T. T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum.

A description of the library's holdings and collections is available at this web site. The holler that goes out to y'all, from the West Florida Gen. Society is this:

"The WFGS Library has 16 Volunteers and needs more." Since the opening of the library, they've had 4,297 patrons come and visit.
The library is looking for a donation of a computer with larger memory.
The library accepts your family histories, so get busy and let whatever you've already researched get others interested. Don't wait till you finish because it's way more fun to collaborate with others and utilize networking to find the keys for jumping over brick walls!
Jerry Merritt leads the project to transcribe marriage transcriptions of the Twentieth Century. If you want to participate, contact him and receive your packet.

The February Meeting of the WFGS will feature Jerry Merritt, "Searching for Ancestors Using the Internet". Bring a friend who might be showing interest in genealogy. Jerry will show some tips and tricks as well as some more complex methods to use for searching.

Legacy News: Register for our free webinar - Chasing Women: Finding Your Female Ancestors

2010-12-29T12:08:00.000-06:00

Legacy News: Register for our free webinar - Chasing Women: Finding Your Female Ancestors: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Great opportunity for learning some tips in this area of genealogical research. And "Free" isn't bad, either.

Genealogy Clutter Closet

2010-12-23T00:55:00.000-06:00

I was looking for Christmas music. Here's what I found instead:

Heritage of Alabama, Series Index CD, a list of surnames in the county books; costs me about $20 and available by calling 1-800-568-1611; I could also do a couple of look-ups for you.
Heritage Quest, from ProQuest Company, CD of the 1920 Florida Census Index.
Florida Land Records 1700's-1908, Land Records Series #2,, (CD-ROM), From GRS.
The Genealogy TimeLine; a CD program for creating timelines.
Florida Civil War Soldiers Index, Eastern Digital Resources.
Vital Records Index North American, Family History Resource File.

I don't know whether any of these are still available, but we've all gotten so used to the ease and convenience of the Internet that I'm not sure any of these are worth hanging onto. What think you? Will my Windows Vista PC still run these antique CD's?

Santa Rosa County: a newsletter that will set you on fire!

2010-12-12T03:24:00.000-06:00

When you find a good thing, you embrace it and return to it often. The Kindling is a newsletter put out by the The Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County, Florida. In these times of tough economic challenges, it's super to find a five page (DOUBLE SIDED) publication issued on a monthly basis.

The content and arrangement of this one reflects the makeup of the society: though the society is not the biggest in the Panhandle of Florida, it is nevertheless made up of some very talented and dedicated members. Surprisingly, the membership fee is still very reasonable at $15.00 per year.

One feature that I really like is that the society is never slow about thanking the volunteers that contribute in one way or other to the cause. This time, kudos go out to the October speaker, Glynda Cupp (also the VP), for her presentation on two local communities, Baker and Otahite. Others also recognized are Mary Hawkins for her continuing work on obits and Rebecca Black on preparing the indexes.

A welcome to new members is an element of many newsletters; The Kindling is no exception. Contact information is included, along with the particular research interests of the individual. I'm always looking for someone who shares my research interests; I read these new member blurbs, faithfully.

Trish Wariner has been active in editing this newsletter and in participating in many other positions of service for this society for many years. I like her "November Trivia" spot and other fillers. These bring interest and variety to the newsletter.

The society's minutes for the previous month are included; this is a useful way to find out what projects the society is working on, but more than that, there are a few mentions of upcoming events both in the Florida Panhandle and the state of Florida that would be of interest to genealogists. Of special note, is that one of the members invited the others to her annual "Syrup Making Day". Those attending should bring a covered dish. I can't help but wonder if the party treat is a small sample of the syrup!

Do any of you still remember what a Query is? People used to write letters to societies stating their need for help in their research. Well, I guess it still happens, occasionally! The newsletter printed one such call for assistance; in fact, they allowed a whole half-page for it. Even if you didn't connect with this query, personally, it's interesting to read. Here are some things I consider important for an effective query, whether presented in a letter or a posting on the Internet:

Capitalize surnames, ie. "BRAY". It makes for quick browsing.
Mention the sources and documents that you have used as a basis for the research direction you are pursuing.
Use full names, nicknames, maiden names--give all of it to me, all you know.
Be clear about what you need. This writer put it in a separate paragraph, in one solitary sentence.
Offer to be of help to others who are searching relatives in the location where you live. (What a novel idea!)

Every newsletter should have some "how-to" tips or articles. It's good review for the experienced genealogist and something that the beginner might not have learned yet. In this issue of the society's newsletter the education spotlight was on "Census Tips". I wish I could regurgitate these for you all, but that would be taking a little too much literary license. There are no bulleted lists, here. The information is relayed much as if someone were just conversationally passing along the curiosities of each census.

Okay, I know I'm getting a little long-winded with this blog, but the good news is, I'm about to wind it up. The Minutes section recapped the previous month's meeting and no newsletter would be complete without putting in an announcement and/or preview for the next month's meeting. Santa Rosa County's newsletter gets it in, and on December 18th, it promises to be a very relaxing, stress free, "Show and Tell". "Every member is urged to bring their special genealogical show-piece", is the central point of the column, but it is clear that even if you didn't have a showpiece to share, you could come and share your ideas or just do a meet and greet kind of thing. This is the jewel of Southern societies-- you can spend time just getting to know each other better.

Finally, the largest project that the Santa Rosa County Society has ever embarked upon is the establishment of a genealogy section in the Milton (county seat) Public Library. They accomplished this feat a few years back and continue to build upon their collection. The Tech Services staff catalogs the material and creates an index for these items. In addition, six or seven members of the society make themselves available at the library, to assist researchers. I've got to say, this is really dedication in its purest form.

Attached to the newsletter is a three page (front and back, six pages), table of some of the additions to the library's collection for 2010. Those who have paid the $15 a year for their membership fees in this society are getting the best deal in town. And then some! I would be curios to see how large the circulation of this newsletter is. Hopefully, the Allen County, Indiana, Public Library (the genealogy department there specializes in genealogy periodicals) and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, are among the subscribers.

Family History Stuff in Northwest Florida

2010-12-12T00:39:00.000-06:00

Today, I attended the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County Christmas Party. How great to be associated with such great people. Some of them work full time jobs, some are retired, and some, like me, work in the home. We come from different backgrounds, but we all have something in common: genealogy and family history work.

The work we do, the research, the preservation of records, etc., is far beyond the definition of being a "hobby". It's more like a passion. Though the members of the society have little or no association with each other except the meetings, we have bonded through our pursuit of ancestors. Because of personal circumstances I haven't attended most of the meetings this past year, but thanks to the hospice volunteers I was able to leave town, today, and travel to meet with my friends. Their friendship and support has been constant.

I have given the members and the society what I could over the years; some of my comments and "Know it all" opinions they could have done without. But by sharing with each other, the good and the bad, we are a kind of family. Good families forgive and move on. My genealogy society is a wonderful family.

After Christmas, There Will be the New Year...

2010-12-05T20:27:00.000-06:00

I will be teaching, again, at the Center for Lifelong Learning for the Spring 2011 Session. My class is “Genealogy—It’s All Relative”.

Those who are unfamiliar with the CLL may access the website at http://www.cll-fwb.org/. Registration will be held in January; watch the local newspaper for the date or access the phone number at the web site. The CLL has as its primary campus the Univ. of W. Florida/Fort Walton campus (and the Northwest Florida State College campus, as well); other sites are also utilized for classes.

Genealogy—It’s all Relative is a course devoted to exploring family history and various aspects that are relevant to researching our ancestors. Being somewhat computer literate will enhance the class member’s experience. There are no real prerequisites, though, for taking the class. Class is held once a week. Here is a sample syllabus for the class:

Week 1: Introduction to the Course; Brief review of beginner strategies for ancestor digging; and an invitation to class members to share their family history goals.

Week 2: Family History Current Events and News (Class participation); Review and expanded discussion of Genealogy Basics; How Family History brings genealogical research a step further; A case study!

Week 3: Review and completion of case study; class members ask questions, make comments, gauge their progress, etc.; Begin discussion of genealogy and technology.

Week 4: The Land and our Ancestors—land records, maps and map collections, agricultural censuses, Emigration, Immigration, and Migration.

Week 5: Court Records (marriage, divorce, wills, and other)

Week 6: Review, questions. Fun with the Internet and Family History; Making family history, preserving family history, and archiving family history.

Week 7: The FamilySearch Beta Site

Week 8: Flaunt it: show relics, heirlooms, and antiques from your family. Bring photos, tell stories. Talk about scanning and photography as it pertains to family history.

Don’t let the syllabus scare you—this class is meant to be fun and informative; it is a casual glance at all the pieces and parts of family history, but what parts we don’t get to this session, we’ll try to pick up next session. There is no real homework or assignments, no tests, no grades. But we do want to come away from the class having received an overview of the process.

Chris Haley and Curt Witcher at the FGS 2007 Conference

2010-10-28T23:02:00.000-05:00

Who Do You Think You Are?

2010-10-28T22:59:00.000-05:00

The joy of genealogy and family history

2010-10-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

Tony Brought Me Peaches

2010-09-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

Today is a lovely day. It is hot as heck outside, but a spring day on the inside of my heart. My stepson, Tony, traveled from Mississippi to Florida to visit with his family; he brought my husband a special hug and a gift of service for our household. Tony would be a gift all by himself; if you knew him, you'd know whereof I speak.

And, Tony brought me three huge Chilton County peaches (Chilton County, Alabama). I think I had mentioned something to him about my obsession with eating peaches, this summer. I was determined to eat Wal-Mart out of peaches. This was back before the blueberry craze that also took me by the collar this summer.

On another subject, for a moment: Being a genealogist can become, at times, a dull and dark drudgery kind of experience. This is the moment that we just don't feel like we're not getting all the answers to our questions, we're in a rut with Ancestry.com, and we feel that we are lost in cyberspace, so why bother? We wonder where the secrets are hiding, we hit a "brick" wall, or we've lost our inspiration. A shot of inspiration will carry us through the worst brain freeze, ancestrally speaking.

So, tired of being boring, tired of being in a rut, I turned to the beta website for FamilySearch.org. I had heard that new things were coming, that the FamilySearch website was being overhauled and I secretly thought, Why mess with perfection?

Then, I caught the vision. You see, there is a spirit of "can-do" out in Salt Lake. Talk about too many cooks in the kitchen, all of these nerdy types get together with the veteran genealogists (sometimes these are one and the same person) and start brainstorming. The cool thing is that they get the juices flowing and the next thing you know a beta site up on the web so they can get feedback and identify all the bugs in the system, before it's released to the world.

Anyway, to make a longer story shorter, I went to the beta site of FamilySearch and within five minutes I had searched and found a new leaf for my tree! She was Sara (without the "H") A. Wells [married name]. She died 12 March, 1918 at the age of 88, [b. 1830]. Can you guess where she passed away? In the city of Clanton, in the county of Chilton, in the state of Alabama! I will celebrate my find by making an easy peach cobbler And by following up on Sara to see where she fits in with the Price family (father's name is in the death resource I found at beta.familysearch.org)...this collection is titled Alabama Deaths and Burials, 1881-1952.

Who Do You Think You Are - Emmitt Smith - Video - NBC.com

2010-08-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

Who Do You Think You Are - Emmitt Smith - Video - NBC.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

The episodes from last year's season are available at this link! Watch them and be healed. So many of us fear family history; who wants to dig up those old bones? Why, just tell me why, do we need to examine the skeleton(s) of our family history? The presumption is that we will be hurt, that someone will be uncomfortable with our manic craze to do genealogy.

There are many avenues that go down that road in family history. My experience has been that after you've rounded up one of the skeletons, you have a good cry, then you accept that people are people and find out if there is more to the story than you've heard (third or fourth hand rumor/knowledge). The healing part comes when you dig a little deeper, you strike gold.

West Florida Gen. Society Meetings and More

2010-08-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

PROGRAM: West Florida Genealogical Society will meet this Sat. at the West Florida

Genealogy Library, 5740 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola. Visitors welcome.
Donuts and coffee will be served.Bruce Rova will demonstrate the genealogy program Family Tree Maker 2010 and the use of the online GenealogyBank.com.

FAMILY HISTORY DAY - Sept. 4 will not be a regular meeting, but anyone can come and get help with their genealogy. It will be in the genealogylibrary. There will be volunteers to help with online genealogy as well aswith information that is in the library itself, so it is not limited topeople with just local history. Bring an ancestor chart or a family groupsheet or whatever dates or information you have on the particular ancestor you are researching.

NOV. 6 ELIZABETH SHOWN MILLS SEMINAR
at the Washington High School theater/auditorium in Pensacola - 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Q & A 3:30-4:00.Registration 8:00-8:50 AM. It's not too soon to start registering. Many already have. The registration form may be found at

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flwfgs/registration2010nov06.doc

Direct link to Elizabeth Shown Mills info

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flwfgs/2010FallSeminarNotice.htm

West Florida Genealogical Society Web Site:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flwfgs/ has links to above.

Contact Cynthia Dean - 850-432-7072 cgdean@bellsouth.net

Free Lecture

2010-08-05T15:04:00.001-05:00

Not sure whether this is free to everyone, or just Heritage Museum Members:

The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center is

hosting a free lecture on Friday, August 13th, at 12:00 p.m./noon inside the Indian Temple

Mound Museum. Dr. Amy Mitchell-Cook, a professor of history at the University of

West Florida, will deliver a presentation titled “Women Sailors: Pirates, Soldiers and Saviors.”

Dr. Mitchell-Cook received a PhD from Penn State University and a master’s degree

from East Carolina University in history with a specialization in maritime history. Her

current research interest includes early American shipwreck narratives. Dr. Mitchell-

Cook has published several articles on maritime history and her forthcoming book, When

God, the Devil, and a Friendly Cannibal Met at Sea: A Study of Early American

Shipwrecks, is due out in 2010-2011.

For more information contact Museum Program Coordinator Mike Thomin at 833-9595.

Heritage Park Cultural Center is located at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park Cultural Center is a cultural services

division of the City and is committed to providing area historical educational

programming.

Alabama Researchers Alert

2010-07-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

At Ancestry.com, free access to Alabama State Census, 1820-1866 (some 400,000 names or so). On map, click on Alabama; you will see "Data Collections". Voila! You are there!

Scroll down the page; there are other free access collections. Revolutionary soldiers in Alabama is one of them.

I'm loving the new Search Page!

Life on Earth Arose Just Once | Wired Science | Wired.com

2010-05-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Life on Earth Arose Just Once | Wired Science | Wired.com

When science and genealogy connect...

1 - Granite Mtn. Vault LDS

2010-05-15T22:32:00.000-05:00

EOGN's List of Upcoming Events - Calendar

2010-05-04T18:59:00.000-05:00

EOGN's List of Upcoming Events - Calendar

I appreciate the time and trouble it takes to put together this Genealogy Events Calendar. I know that the technicalities are taken care of by the service at this site (http.trumba.com/calendars); however, I can't even imagine how many hours it takes to gather, preview, and edit the information that goes in the calendar. Knowing Dick Eastman, though, (who is, if anything, very thorough and knowledgeable), I'm not too surprised. To Dick we just say, keep on going.

Genealogy Discipline

2010-04-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

I learned the value of "piece-mealing" from my husband. He managed large projects by doing a little here and a little there until it was completed. Most of us are familiar with the concept, "How to Eat An Elephant". A bite here, a bite there and pretty soon, the elephant of project genealogy can become reality.

So here a are few ideas that I've had over the years to keep myself in line with my family history goals. I need to do this type of thing much more often in all areas of my life.

Each morning when I get up, I pick a folder out of a file box and put it on the table. This will be my genealogy focus for the day. Today's folder is having to do with the Rabb family. When I get a moment, it will be readily accessible; I can grab it and take a load off my feet or substitute it for meaningless tv shows that I sometimes get caught.
On the computer, a similar notion would be to schedule your genealogy work on your calendar, scheduler, or time management device. Most of these have a reminder system, so you can remind yourself to do Family History on this or that family surname at a specific time. You could also add it to your tasks list. Some of these types of management systems have been created in the widget format and can be displayed on your desktop at all times.
You could also do this with index cards; carry them around in your pocket (this is if you don't own an iPhone or a Blackberry); take a card out at lunchtime and eat your sandwich as you search ancestry's resources.

See the following sites for help with the challenge of making each day count for something family history-wise.

Don't forget I love to listen to your ideas, get your recommendations on websites and your personal recommendations for this challenge or any other.

Writing a Case Study, (or not)?

2010-03-11T12:18:00.000-06:00

This is my idea of how to organize and record a case study:

A friend/student in my class at the CLL expresssed frustration with getting further back than his grandparents. In particular, he wanted to know more about his grandfather's ancestry.

I believe that to do that, his grandfather's life needs to be looked over more carefully.

Begin with the death. Do we have a death certificate? What information in that document can provide clues for the quest? Who was the informant? Can we find any siblings?
Do we have an obituary? What data can be gathered and analyzed from that source? Digital newspapers are available in many locations, these days; in any event, if there is an archives for the newspaper that existed at the time of grandfather's death, the existence of an obituary can be determined. I would be surprised if a family member didn't already have this little treasure somewhere in their trove of relics, already.
Did the family attend a particular church? What records are available for that period of time?
What was grandfather's occupation? Perhaps he continued in an occupation that had been in his family for years.
Did Grandpa immigrate to the U.S.? (See the 1910 Census); the year of immigration is key. What do the naturalization papers show?
Find out all you can about the community in which Grandpa lived and died. Immigrants tended to come together and form their own ethnic associations. There were occasionally ethnic newspapers. Look at the census carefully, at least the page before and after Grandpa's entry. Who else was from his location in the old country? While he may have been the lone immigrant from his family to strike out for distant shores, he most likely determined his American residence with information gathered from friends and relations with whom he communicated before he embarked on the journey across the sea. Someone from that area, and in fact, probably many others, were already gone, getting ready to go, or traveling at the same time.
Following collateral lines, establishing even distant relations is important to determining who might have ending up with the collection of photographs and family papers.

These are my thought processes, currently: Get the info, cite the source, analyze the data, and create multiple hypotheses as to how things might have played out. This is just the beginning of my fascination with case studies.

Fitting the Pieces Together

2010-03-09T02:57:00.000-06:00

Nothing in genealogy is more satisfying than assembling a case for proving your relationship to Jane Doe (your ancestor's name goes here). Imagine that you have a death certificate, the Social Security Death Index info, and an obituary in your hands.

It's just a hop, skip, and a jump to do a quick census timeline. Jane was born in 1845 and died in 1921. She should appear in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census, the 1860, the 1870, 1880, the 1900, and the 1920 U.S. Census. Of course, it is a bit more challenging finding her if you didn't know her married name. However, with any luck, that info will be in the death certificate or the obituary. Even if a woman has been married several times, the obituary may list those other names, or the children will be of different names.

I thought of this after completing a simple but unique little puzzle of a pretty gray tabby. You can't force the pieces of the puzzle to fit with each other. You can sort it all out by color or by corner. I encourage my students to find many as many different types of documentation as possible, but of course focusing on vital life events. The more puzzle pieces you have, the easier it will be to determine if Jane Doe really is your ancestor.

We Tree: Anatomy of a Military Pension File, Part 10

2010-02-14T23:34:00.000-06:00

We Tree: Anatomy of a Military Pension File, Part 10

Go back and find the other nine parts if you want a lesson in understanding a Military Pension File.

sfgenealogy | Halsted Mortuary Records (1923-1974) Search

2010-01-26T20:36:00.000-06:00

sfgenealogy | Halsted Mortuary Records (1923-1974) Search

This is the kind of link that you are dying to find; no pun intended. Although you might not think funeral records are available, it is not always the case, so keep looking!

New Genealogy Library in Pensacola

2010-01-25T15:47:00.002-06:00

The West Florida Genealogy Library, which used to be in the Pensacola
Library downtown, will be officially open for business on Tuesday, January
26, 2010.

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday

Location: North 9th Avenue at College Blvd, formerly the Tryon Library
(which has now moved to Langley Ave.)

It has 3 computers with access to Ancestry.com and to Heritage Quest. There
is plenty of space and tables on which to put your books and papers to do
research.

On Saturday, February 6, the program for the WFGS will be a tour of the new
facility by Bill Nelson, head librarian. The meeting of the society will
be in the conference room of the new library on that day.

Cynthia Dean
850-432-7072

Basic rules for researching online

2009-12-01T02:37:00.001-06:00

Understanding "Boolean logic" is a challenge for me. But, we are promised in this article we only need to know a little bit about this subject. Thus the rules, (guidelines, strategies, etc.).

Read this article and you may discover you know more about searching than you think!

in reference to: Genealogy's Star: Search strategy online for ancestors (view on Google Sidewiki)

Orphan Photos

2009-08-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

Every genealogist has come across one, a mystery photo. Either you don't know who the individuals are or you don't know where or when the photo was taken. I've even gotten my photos mixed up: my maternal line photos are in the paternal line pile and vice versa!

Family reunions are the best place to post these photos. Make a poster or display board and give your kin a chance to weigh in on "who's who". Other events in the community where you believe these folks may have come from, might be worth checking out, also. Such events would be a "pioneer" day, related lines family reunions, high school reunions, centennial celebrations, and church homecomings.

You can also post photos in various places on the Internet. First and foremost, post on web site that already has your family's attention. Geni.com, MyHeritage.com are two suggestions. Facebook, which has a family tree application and other family oriented apps, could be another outlet for your search. Do you have a family website? A Family Newsletter? Local museums and libraries may have a historical photo collection and be willing to help you run that elusive ancestor down.

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak has devoted a lot of time and effort in helping to reunite relics from the past with the appropriate families. In her article on the subject of orphan photos, she provides several websites where posting these photos might be helpful and result in information useful to the identification of these people.

I will be happy to receive your ideas relevant to this subject and I have quite a bit more to say about it, myself. That's another day's project, I think. In the photo above, I can identify my father and one other individual. The place, I'm sure is Fort Walton Beach, Florida (Okaloosa County). Who are these other individuals and what was the occasion? I am speculating that this group was the Board of Realtors.

Fort Walton Library Presentation July 25 2009

2009-07-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

APPENDIX A: Spring Cleaning Your Family History

2009-05-08T00:30:00.000-05:00

Spring cleaning will flow a little more smoothly if you will set aside, first, a day to inventory and organize your genealogy library. I have everything from reference books to personal histories to "how to" manuals. You can accomplish this task by creating a table in your word processor, by using a database creator such as MS Excel, or by finding a template, software program, or a web site that caters to readers and the books they collect.

Library Thing is an online catalog; it's free and fun.

A Family History Scrapbook and Digital Scrapbooking | Treasure Maps Genealogy

2008-10-12T02:30:00.000-05:00

A Family History Scrapbook and Digital Scrapbooking | Treasure Maps Genealogy

Genealogy Update newsletter

2008-10-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

Genealogy Update newsletter

Ancestry Weekly (FREE) Journal

2008-09-14T12:19:00.002-05:00

It seems these days that I have more and more excuses for not reading. My e-zines and newsletters collect virtual dust in the e-mail bin where they are automatically deposited. However, once in a while, I have a few moments to check that box and when I do, I head for the Ancestry Weekly Journal, which is a free subscription, by the way.

What I like about this journal is No. 1: Its editor: Juliana Smith. She seems like someone who could be your next door neighbor, someone who has a real-time family, and someone who has devoted hours to her passion, family history.

In the August 4th issue are some tantalizing titles for that week's articles:

Ten Exercises to Jumpstart Your Research
Getting the Most out of Obituaries
Blog Extras
Looking for Some Good Summer Reading?
Today's Image (It's really good to have an occasional photo image as a focal point).
Tips from the Pros: Post-It Notes are a No-No (this from Michael John Neill)
Your Quick Tips
The Year was 1877
Photo Corner
Ancestor Seekers
Product Picks of the Week

The quote for this issue of the Ancestry Weekly Journal is from Mahatma Gandi:
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." ~

The Journal can be viewed online, has of course, a product watch, an ad or two, a link to 24/7 Family History Circle, an Ancestry.com Blog, and a plus feature, one more WOW feature:

WHAT'S NEW AT ANCESTRY.COM
August 4th Listing

New at Ancestry

• Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002 (Updated)

• Bremen, German Deaths of Sailors and Ship Passengers, 1834-1875 (in German)

• Bremen, German Desertions of Sailors, 1855-1874 (in German)

• Bremen, Germany Ships Crew Lists, 1815-1917 (in German)

• Bremen, Germany Sailors Registry, 1824-1917 (in German)

• Bremen, Germany Births on Ships, 1867-1911 (in German)

• View a list of all new and updated databases

• Learn more about what's new at Ancestry.com

• Search the Ancestry.com Card Catalog

This column lists all the databases recently acquired by Ancestry and made available to Ancestry.com subscribers. Don't forget that some collections at Ancestry are FREE and can be accessed without joining. You may, however, have to register; I'm not sure about that. Memberships at Ancestry can be done on a monthly basis, did you know that? If I'm in error with any of this information, someone please let me know.

Finally, Juliana Smith's To Do List August 4th Issue: Catch Back-to-School Fever. We can emulate the excitement of our children as they return to the halls of learning.

"Plan to master a new skill–whether it is a new technology or utilizing a new record group or tool. Help files, reference guides, books, and even online tutorials can be your guides to new skills that will help you locate even the most elusive ancestor."

Thanks, Juliana! Your efforts might not be in vain if I put on my to-do list: Make time for reading every day.

5 Tips for Taking Great Photos For Family History Records | Family History Quick Start

2008-05-10T00:47:00.000-05:00

5 Tips for Taking Great Photos For Family History Records | Family History Quick Start

What a great site! The discussion topic is appropriate and timely. All of us have become photo bugs or shutterflies--but often those digital cameras lead us down the path of time consuming photo editing.

Murfreesboro and Rutherford County news from The Daily News Journal - www.dnj.com - Murfreesboro, Tenn.

2008-05-10T00:40:00.000-05:00

Murfreesboro and Rutherford County news from The Daily News Journal - www.dnj.com - Murfreesboro, Tenn.

I especially liked the part about focusing on one branch of the family at a time. This would work well until you start receiving queries for ten different surnames in the same week. Many of these are prompted by postings that you made over the years at sites like Rootsweb's Message Boards.

Genealogy Viewed Graphically

2008-03-08T15:19:00.002-06:00

Charting:

Visually oriented genealogists and even those who believe they aren't, will find it interesting to play around a bit with the different options for charting family history. I think of myself as being primarily oriented to the spoken and written word, to hard copies of everything, to books, crosswords, etc. However, who of us can turn away from a multi-colored sunset?

A color coded chart may not be quite what I'd call artistic, but when data and facts extracted automatically from your genealogy software, are transformed into a graphic view, you may not be able to turn away...at least not without looking a little closer. Pictures (and charts, perhaps) may be worth a thousand words. To a certain segment of the population, (engineers for one), something that can be viewed and juxtapositioned to show relationship (not kin, necessarily), elucidates, clarifies, and begs for analysis.

Recently, Legacy Family Tree, offered its pre-release version of their charting program, for free download. This little program can read genealogical files* on your hard drive and "translate" the information into various "chart reports", for lack of a better word.

* Program files like PAF, Family Tree Maker, Gedcom, and of course LegacyFamily Tree.

See Legacy Charting for more information and be aware that this pre-release version expires on Jun. 15th, when you will either need to purchase the program or uninstall it from your computer.

Other charting options include:

For additional information, read this article at about.com.

Genealogy Insider - NARA Posts Free Passenger Indexes Online

2008-03-06T17:29:00.000-06:00

Genealogy Insider - NARA Posts Free Passenger Indexes Online

You'll want to read this blogpost! There are tips for searching the free indexes, now online, thank you very much National Archives!

Announcement for OK researchers

2008-02-27T21:11:00.000-06:00

The Gregath Publishing Company is pleased to announce the following new Ottawa County, Oklahoma Families book is now available through our company:

OTTAWA County Oklahoma Families Volume 3, by Fredas L., Fredrea & Carrie Ann Cook, 2007. 8½x11", full color sewn hard bound book, 114 pages of family information, photos, indexed. This volume concentrates on the Picher and Cardin areas of the county. G10033-$35.00

Visit http://www.gregathcompany.com/ottco/v3.html for more information and online index.

Books may be ordered by mail at PO BOX 505, Wyandotte, OK 74370, by Visa or MasterCard by telephone at 918-542-4148 (generally M-F 9-noon and 1-4 CT), or PayPal - this address.

All orders are subject to standard shipping and handling: $9 for first title/item and $2 each additional. Orders sent Priority USPS unless otherwise noted or requested. Local pick ups are always free of s&h, by arrangement.

We do accept purchase orders from libraries. All other orders must be pre-paid.

Carrie Cook, VP/Webmaster

The Gregath Publishing Company
Printer, Publisher and Bookseller
918-542-4148
*No Attachments, Please*

Physical address: 61101 E 140 RD, Miami, OK 74354

You have received this email due to the privacy policy - http://www.gregathcompany.com/privacy.html

 
 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition.  Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.0/1296 - Release Date: 2/24/2008 12:19 PM

Research Log = Treasure Map

2008-01-07T22:16:00.001-06:00

The difference between a casual researcher and a serious seeker of family history is that the one that uses a research log, (hard copy form, word processor document, online blog,or spreadsheet), is the one that will get the most out of his source.

Sent to you by Margaret via Google Reader:

Research Log = Treasure Map

via About.com Genealogy on 1/2/08

Like many genealogists, I used to think it was needless to create and keep a research log. Too organized...too much work...a waste of time. Research logs -- forms for recording...

Things you can do from here:

Subscribe to About.com Genealogy using Google Reader
Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Queries Work or Get it in Print

2007-11-20T21:55:00.000-06:00

Seeking help with a family’s history - Gazette Live

National Personnel Records Center

2007-10-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

National Personnel Records Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2007
National Personnel Records Center Opens more than Six Million New Military
Personnel Files St. Louis, MO

For more information, please see Dear Myrtle.

Mish Mash

2007-08-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

FAMILY HISTORY TIP OF THE DAY: For organizing loose files and papers in your "Genealogy Box"/collection, make a trip to Office Depot and purchase a Pendaflex Sort-All. The Pendaflex retails for about $15-$18. There are several options for sorting: alphabetical (by surname or location), by RIN (identification number), chronologically (by month), or assign each family a number 1-31 and use a simple numbering system to categorize your genealogy.

REMINDERS:

Your very best bet for staying on top of what’s happening in the world of genealogy/family history is to subscribe to the PLUS edition of Dick Eastman’s online newsletter; it’s very inexpensive and well worth the money.

PCMag.com also has a newsletter – sometimes it’s a little too technical for my understanding, but I do find links and informative items like software recommendations, downloads, etc. There is no charge for subscribing.

QUERY:

Information desired on a self-published book, History of George Arnold Family in America and England, by James William Harrison, (deceased). The only copy located so far is in the University of Wisconsin Library. The book was previously in a library in Bolivar, Mississippi, but is no longer there. Please contact me, Margaret Harris, if you have information pertinent to this 1990 publication. Mr. Harrison was residing in Fort Walton Beach at the time of his death and it is possible that a relative may have the original.

EVENTS:

4 August 2007, Saturday, West Florida Genealogical Society meets at 10a.m. at the Bayview Senior Citizens Center, Pensacola, Florida; program is “Tracing Your Ancestors Through Collateral Lines. Presenter is Lee Scott.

To join the WFGS, send a check to P.O. Box 947, Pensacola, FL 32591-0947, Attention: Treasurer. Individual dues are $20 a year.

To volunteer at the Genealogical Department of the Pensacola Library (WFRL), contact Judy Jolly at 850-484-7421.

11 August 2007, Saturday, 10 a.m. – Noon: Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County meets at the Heritage Museum in Valparaiso, Florida. William Zehner will give a program on “Organization, Citations, & Evidence”. Bill is currently the President of the Bay County Genealogical Society.

11 August 2007, Saturday, from Noon – 3p.m. in the Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Walton Beach. This is a Sneak Peek at the “New” FamilySearch. All enthusiastic genealogists and family historians are invited to attend.

18 August 2007, Saturday, 1p.m.-3p.m., Genealogy Program at the Fort Walton Public Library: Margaret M. Harris, “Tracing Your Ethnic Origins on the Internet”, and “What DO YOU KNOW about DNA?”

NEWS:

Archiving the history of Northwest Florida and former Congressman, Robert F. L. Sikes, (deceased):

The Robert L. Sikes Office and Collection located at the Robert L. Sikes Education Center at the Okaloosa-Walton College campus in Crestview houses photographs, documents and memorabilia related to the former Congressman’s life and work. The Heritage Museum's extensive collection pertaining to the social and economic history of the Panhandle is housed in its current facility at 115 Westview Avenue in Valparaiso.
Volunteers are being sought to assist with projects associated with both collections. For additional information, please contact Amy Hellmich at (850) 678-2615.

Heritage Museum Director Michelle Severino: "A major challenge for history organizations in our region is securing qualified staff and funding to support collections care. We are very grateful for this opportunity to further our efforts and look forward making these valuable resources more available to students, educators and the community in the year ahead."

Valparaiso Heritage Museum Fundraiser: Boggy’s Best BBQ Contest to benefit the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida on Saturday, September 1 from 4-7 p.m. at the Heritage Museum and Perrine Park in Valparaiso. For contest rules, registration or sponsorship information, call (850) 678-2615 or visit the Heritage Museum located at 115 West Avenue in Valparaiso www.heritage-museum.org.

2007-07-24T19:00:00.001-05:00

What is the "New" FamilySearch?

A Saturday, August 11th meeting in Fort Walton Beach will feature a Family History Area (Southeast) Specialist who will present a preview on just that subject. All genealogy enthusiasts are invited. This event will be from noon until 3p.m. at the local chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 339 Lake Drive, FWB, Florida.

Those who have accessed the various options at the "old" FamilySearch, understand that original records are the way to go. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, offers, through its satellite Family History Centers, the microfilm rental program which includes those original records. An example for Okaloosa County, Florida, of some of the listings in the library catalog, are:

Under the category of vital records: Marriage Records, V. 1-2, 1915-1935
From Probate Records: Record of Wills, Volume 1 (1915-1935)
Okaloosa Cemeteries
And more--not a lot more, unfortunately, but there is some, even if it's not all available via microfilm

The list for other locations varies, so pop your ancestor's locale into the catalog searcher box and see what's available. The Family History Center has microfilm readers available.

There are two parts that I look for in a new and revised FamilySearch website. One is an increase in the amount of original records that can be accessed, not just from microfilm, (the technology of which is outdated), but from digitized versions of original records. You would not even have to get up out of your chair for these scanned, searchable and indexed items which are already starting to show up at FamilySearch.org.

The second improvement, for lack of a better word--perhaps I would say expanded services, that I would look forward to using was a more dependable, more comprehensive database of compiled records, records sent in by individuals or submitted by the L.D.S. members. There has been in the past, not enough citation and documentation included in these records. There has been an overlap or underlap in the different databases--I'm looking for one central location where all reliable information is combined or available so that the user can choose what to merge into his or her own family tree. To read some articles or see what's on the Internet re this subject of the New FamilySearch or related articles, check out the following links:

Random Friday Question: Do We Need Libraries Anymore? - Raw Fisher

2007-07-13T19:57:00.000-05:00

Random Friday Question: Do We Need Libraries Anymore? - Raw Fisher

2007-07-13T18:39:00.000-05:00

Attention: All who have an interest in Northwest Florida's heritage--

You can support the efforts of the Heritage Museum in Valparaiso, Florida, just by becoming a member. Seniors and Students pay just $15.00. There are other levels of membership, but the point is, support the mission of the Heritage Museum-- which is:

To collect, preserve, and promote our regional history.

This is their 36th year. Museum Director, Michelle A. Severino, can always use a helping hand. Volunteers are the secret of the museum's success. Call 850-678-2615 for more information, or access the website. You will find the Museum at 115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso, Florida.

GenWeekly_20070628.pdf (application/pdf Object)

2007-07-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

GenWeekly_20070628.pdf (application/pdf Object)

BBC NEWS | Technology | Warning of data ticking time bomb

2007-07-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

BBC NEWS | Technology | Warning of data ticking time bomb

2007-07-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

From the Heritage Museum's "newsletter", the Heritage Press, (Summer 2007 issue), I learned of a promising program for what used to be the "back-to-school" month of September. "Tools, Toil and Turpentine" will be presented by Ray Melvin on September 6th at 12:00 noon. Space is limited, so call 850-678-2615 to reserve your chair.

Citizens of the area are very familiar with the importance that the lumber and turpentine industry played in the early economics of this area, and Mr. Melvin will share his extensive knowledge of how tools were made and used in the pine forests of Northwest Florida.

The Press also reminds us that the Heritage Museum has become the "home" of the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County. A published schedule is included for the balance of the 2007 meeting year and a reference to the website leads to further information. Featured for July 14th: Ann Staley, "Hatched, Matched and Dispatched: Vital Records of the 20th Century."

2007-07-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hurrah! Hurrah! for the Newsletter of the West Florida Genealogical Society. Appropriately, its July issue celebrates Independence Day with articles of related interests. "Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestor" has several tips for finding military records. I especially like the "tiny" url following this article, for associated microfilms at the Family History Library. What a great idea!

Another article in the newsletter described the attraction of the website, Footnote.com. In short, the excitement is all about original documents and getting online access to their information, PLUS the partnering of this website with the Family History Library in Salt Lake. All Family History Centers, worldwide, will have free access to footnote.com. In return the GSU will provide help with digitizing large historical collections.

Family History & Genealogy Conference

2007-06-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

When: 31 July-Aug 3rd, 2007
Where: Brigham Young University

What are the newest ideas in genealogical research? Come and pick the brains of the Jim Greene, Alan Mann, Todd Jones, Barbara Renick, Anne Roach, Mary Hill, and many others. Shirley J. Riemer, the author of The German Research Companion will be a featured speaker. Hands-on new FamilySearch classes will be taught in computer classrooms.

News from West Florida Society

2007-06-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

What is the program for the June 2nd meeting of the WFGS? A presentation of Animap software by Goldbug will be the subject of Bruce Rova's presentation. Check out the website to see what can be accomplished with this amazing mapping software.

Other news:

Annual BYU genealogy conference offers more than 100 classes, July 31-August 3, 2007, Provo Utah.
FGS Conference, August 15-18, 2007, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

To keep up with the news and events of the genealogy community, subscribe (join) the West Florida Genealogical Society and receive their monthly newsletter.

OrganizedHome.Com Printables Gallery - Daily Planner

2007-05-15T16:25:00.000-05:00

OrganizedHome.Com Printables Gallery - Daily Planner

Getting organized is certainly a goal of genealogists. Some of us are not list makers or day planners. But for those of you who would like to get organized at home, so as to have more time for "guilt-free" family history research, check out this site. It's chock full of goodies and I really like using some of these forms; I guess I'm experienced with forms. Pedigree charts and family group forms litter my office, which is a corner of the living room.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Rumor Mill: LDS Family History Centers to Offer Additional Online Resources

2007-05-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Rumor Mill: LDS Family History Centers to Offer Additional Online Resources

There was a sigh of disappointment when Ancestry.com removed its free access from Family History Centers across the world. Now, we can breathe a sigh of relief!

By the way, the links have little or nothing to do with this posting, except that they contain the relevant phrases in the them.

Corrections and apologies are always appropro

2007-05-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Read what Alex Haley has to say about ethnic research.

Want to know where I'll be on Saturday, May 12th, 2007, at 10a.m.? Unfortunately, because of my yen to wander, I have again made a commmitment which will keep me from attending my own Genealogical Society meeting! I have asked for their patience through the month of June (this "dumping" of my buddies began in April).

I will be at the West Florida Regional Library in Pensacola, on Gregory Street. It is about a 40 mile drive, one way, from my home, but after several trips, it seems to get shorter and shorter. Could it be that I am getting more familiar with the route?

Last month (April), I teamed up with genealogical educator, Liz Smith, to discuss and teach about Immigration, Emigration, and Naturalization. Two hours was hardly enough to cover even one of those topics, but Liz and I are not known for our narrowmindedness. To view some of the Internet links on the subjects of Immigration, etc., scoot on over to my other blog, "Genealogy, It's All Relative".

This month of May will bring us to tackling a presentation on Ethnic Research. If you're not attending another event, won't you consider coming along with us on the uncertain trail of African-American research, Hispanic and Native American genealogy? It is a trail of both brick walls and serendipity, of great historical interest and gravity, with a lighter moment or two. Resources will include reading material, physical repositories, and Internet websites.

More About Alex

Mobile Genealogical Society May program

2007-05-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

A workshop for computer users is the first item on Saturday's May 12th program for the Mobile Genealogical Society. Guest speaker, Kevin Sellew, an independent Internet safety advocate, will cover "Computer Security & Internet Safety in the 21st Century". The program begins at noon on the campus of the old Holy Family Cathoic School off Overlook Road.

Following a break for lunch/refreshments, Anne Chancey Dalton, author and Character Interpreter will lead you back to the 18th Century with her presentation, "The Trials and Triumphs of a Cassette Girl".

Memory Lane, Inc. - Pamela Boyer Porter

2007-05-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

Memory Lane, Inc. - Pamela Boyer Porter

Take note of this link. Pamela Boyer Porter will be in Pensacola on Saturday, May 5th, as the featured speaker and presenter for the West Florida Spring Conference. I have to go, as researching on the Internet is my special interest. Also, I have coupons to use at Catherine's in Pensacola!

FamilySearch.org - Family History and Genealogy Records

2007-04-19T00:45:00.000-05:00

FamilySearch.org - Family History and Genealogy Records

I just discovered yet another cool page at Family Search! Join my friend and I when we present this (African-American Genealogical Research) topic and related subjects the second Saturday of May at the Pensacola (Gregory St.) Library. More details and reminders to follow.

We are also doing a presentation in June, but can't remember what it is right now!

Macs Touted

2007-03-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

In his monthly editorial of the Bay County Genealogical Society's The County Line,
Bill Zehner touts the advantages of using the Intel powered Mac. And no wonder! It combines the best of both worlds--it runs the Operating System for Mac's of course, and it also runs Windows compatible software, using XP.

My son, a grad student, had acquired a IMac notebook, a few months ago. It was slim and trim and beautifully contoured. It also cost a little more than I could have afforded to spend at the time and Chis' wife, Tina, still prefers the PC. It is familiar if nothing else--her Windows based notebook. I wondered if I too would have trouble converrting--in the event my children get together and give me a MAC, (like Bill's did)!!

To read more about the pros and cons of using MAC's for family history, access the following links:

Reunions, a Family History Software for MacIntosh.
2005 Commentary
MAC360
MACFamily Tree
Why MacINtosh?
What Dick has to say

Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society Event

2007-03-06T22:15:00.000-06:00

The Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society of Jacksonville, Florida
will host their spring seminar on Saturday March 24th. Registration is
at 8:30 A.M. The event will be held at Riverside Presbyterian  Church,
879 Park Street, Jacksonville. Guest speaker is Robert "Bob" Davis,
director of the Genealogy Program of Wallace State Community College.
He has published more than 1,000 publications, books and research
journals. Lunch will be served and a tour of a RAP Home. More
information:(904)778-1000 or website www.sgesjax.com  Fee:$30. members/
$35.00 non-members.

Penny Postcards

2007-03-05T10:09:00.000-06:00

Penny Postcards
Click on the button for your particular state's penny postcard entries. A bit of history contributed by people just like me and you.

IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide

2007-03-05T10:05:00.000-06:00

IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide
I received this link from a friend of mine who is filling a Family History Mission in Salt Lake for the LDS Church. It looks as though this little free utility allows you to do several things with census images, creating slideshows, etc. Try it and give me some feedback!

Librarians and Library Patrons

2007-03-02T22:42:00.000-06:00

Librarians can make the difference in the quality of the library and the services it offers the community. I met such a librarian tonight at the local Air Force Base, (Hurlburt), in Florida. She had arranged to have me come and give a presentation on Genealogy.

First, she promoted the program with early publicity, talked it up, involved volunteers (one of which was responsible for some graphic artwork in the form of a poster with my face), and she finished the evening off with light refreshments. Thank you, Sabrina. Best of all, she kept a smile on her face, took pictures (documentation), and was extremely nice to me (the speaker).

Globat.com - Web Hosting Made Easy :: Home

2006-10-29T21:46:00.000-06:00

Globat.com - Web Hosting Made Easy :: Home
See what you think about this deal! Looks like an interesting offer. And there's no time like the present to make your own genealogy website.

Northwest Florida Upcoming Genealogy Events

2006-10-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

Northwest Florida Upcoming Genealogy Events

Okay, folks, this is it! Education Information Elucidation etc. Attend seminars, especially free ones, whenever possible.

Welcome to Web Biographies!

2006-09-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Web Biographies!

This is a really classy looking site. My hat is off to the designer, Scott Purcell.

DearMYRTLE's Beginning #6 Government Sources

2006-08-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

DearMYRTLE's Beginning #6 Government Sources

Go through and list some of the types of records you will find at the different levels of government.

British Genealogy - Resources

2006-08-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

British Genealogy - Resources

The difference between Primary Sources and Secondary Sources is explained here: Primary records can be trusted to be generally correct as they are original documents that were created contemporaneously with the individual whose information has been documented. What does the term "Secondary Resources" refer to in this article?

Mormon Church (LDS) Genealogy / Geneology Records

2006-08-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

Mormon Church (LDS) Genealogy / Geneology Records

Don't really know much about this site, thought maybe one of you could check it out and give us some feedback.

Helm's Genealogy Toolbox - Providing the Tools to Research Your Family Online

2006-08-20T20:16:00.000-05:00

Helm's Genealogy Toolbox - Providing the Tools to Research Your Family Online

Illinois State Census for 1855 has been added for counties Kan-Ogle.

Historical Register and Dictionary of the U.S. Army, 1903, surnames A-H.

Further down the page is the Search function. I chose surnames and by clicking there was brought to a screen where I could fine tune my search; I picked "Mueller" as an experiment. Try this or your own surname and see what happens!

There were a scad of hits for "Mueller", from forums to home pages, to church records. There were even scanned documents.

Historic Map Works, Residential Genealogy

2006-08-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

Historic Map Works, Residential Genealogy

Easy Google Genealogy Searcher by Ancestor Search. Learn all the possibilities Google offers for a genealogy search.

2006-08-11T00:23:00.000-05:00

Easy Google Genealogy Searcher by Ancestor Search. Learn all the possibilities Google offers for a genealogy search.

I've had this link, lost it before I got to check it out, and now found it again. I can now see what kind of genealogy search machine Google powers.

Searchable Databases on the WWW

2006-08-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

Searchable Databases on the WWW

Gotta lovitt!

Globat.com

2006-08-07T19:57:00.000-05:00

Globat.com

Many of you would like to try out the whole concept of having a family website without having to pay a fee. Well, here's your chance, a 6 months free trial for webhosting. You would have to register a domain name if you don't already have one and the charge for that is reasonable: $14.95. Of course, these folks are hoping that you'll be so pleased with their service that you'll stick with them. I suppose at the end of the six-month period, you can discover what the webhosting will really cost and opt to go with it or not.

Daniel's Genealogy Blog

2006-08-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

Daniel's Genealogy Blog

I thought the article on hurricanes and baby names was very timely for those of us who live in Florida.

People's Republic of China

2006-08-02T21:12:00.000-05:00

People's Republic of China

Part of Family History is the history you and your family are making right now! My son and his family are working in China this next year. They arrived via a flight across the Pacific last night, in Shanghai. Their destination is Nanjing, where Chris (my son), will teach Chinese culture, literature, history, and language to Students Abroad participants. My daughter-in-law passed up the 100 year old egg at breakfast, but I'm sure they will all assimilate sooner or later!

Submissions Wanted for Okaloosa County, Florida History ? Genealogy Blog

2006-08-02T10:29:00.000-05:00

Submissions Wanted for Okaloosa County, Florida History ? Genealogy Blog

Florida QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

2006-07-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

Florida QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau

Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show?

2006-07-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show?

Technology problems? Looking for a Cool Site?

IG_genealogy-ae.pdf (application/pdf Object)

2006-07-18T23:36:00.000-05:00

IG_genealogy-ae.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Complete Guide to Genealogy is now downloadable!

Daily Herald | Search

2006-07-02T05:41:00.000-05:00

Daily Herald | Search

This is a truly heartwarming account of how we, as parents, can reach out to our children. Gather those letters and documents, and yes, even those maps, to verse yourselves in the stories of your loved ones....then, pass it along in story form to your children and grandchildren. I, for one, have no artistic abilities, but perhaps I could find a service where I could get photos done in colorbook style!

? Genealogy & Technology Articles by Mark Howells

2006-06-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

? Genealogy & Technology Articles by Mark Howells

Calendar

2006-06-23T10:10:00.000-05:00

Calendar
The FGS is the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

I was exploring its web site when I noticed that they have an events calendar. So, wherever you're traveling this summer, check and see if you can take in a little continued education coursework in your favorite field of Family History. Representative of the places you can go,
are:
Albuquerque, NM
New York, Rochester
Richmond, VA
Knoxville, Tenn
London, England
Columbia, South Carolina
Tipp City, Ohio
Etc.

ROAD TRIP USA

2006-06-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

ROAD TRIP USA

Longing for real scenery? Want an adventure, not just an excuse to hate driving even more? Check out Jamie's book and this website. History was not made on interstate highways; well, some history might have been made there, but not the "heritage" history genealogists long for.

Genealogy Definition

2006-06-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

Genealogy Definition

There you have it, short and sweet. Check out this web site for more humor (click "genealogy humor").

Genealogy and Family History

2006-06-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

Genealogy and Family History

A guide for researching in the UK.

Time Passages: Couple saves county records in digital medium for posterity - Doug Kesseli (176)

2006-06-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

Time Passages: Couple saves county records in digital medium for posterity - Doug Kesseli (176)

Pageviewer

2006-06-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

Pageviewer

Someone want to check this web site out and report back on its vale for Florida researchers?

Scotland: Genealogy

2006-06-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

Scotland: Genealogy

A friend recently asked where to begin with Scottish research; since I have yet to jump the pond (my focus is family units relevant to my direct ancestral line and I'm documenting everyone every step of the way), I had to go to the Internet for an answer to her question.

My first stop was FamilySearch. I clicked on the "Search" tab above the blue horizontal navigation bar. I knew that (as the above website, Tracing your Scottish Ancestry, stated), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have many parish records in their databases. After clicking on the Search tab at FamilySearch, another blue bar comes up and on that bar are two tools (at the very least) that will be of help, I believe. One option in the blue bar is "Research Guidance" and the other is "Research Helps".

Research guidance is an interactive kind of deal. You may receive assistance by answering questions that are directed at pinning down what it is you are looking for. The answers given are based around your responses.

Research helps are basically, documents. You can download them, print them, or simply read them and make notes in your wordpad...even better, highlight, copy, and paste! One such document for Scotland that has been devised by the Family History Department of the Church, is the Research Guide for Scotland (and many other locations).

Second stop? Google, what else? I simply put into the search engine box, the criteria "genealogy scotland". A whole bunch of sites came up!

It obviously doesn't hurt to check out World Connect at Rootsweb.com
either! I would include a look at Cyndislist in my list of portals to check out, also.

Be sure to catch my next posting, for more on Scotland. Hmmm, maybe I will check out my roots over the great waters. Your best bet, meanwhile, is to try and find someone on a messageboard that has had similar research challenges. While checking surname databases and resources, it's really all about location. Geography. No matter where you're searching, it all boils down to local history, regional history, etc., but locale and history are so enmeshed, it would be hard to suggest one without the other!

Welcome to The Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society, Inc.

2006-06-02T17:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society, Inc.
Native American presentation in Jacksonville.

Ancestry.com - Sample Census Grid

2006-05-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

Ancestry.com - Sample Census Grid

This is a little different than the form I use for keeping track of census info, but you can get creative with a spreadsheet and create your own if you don't like this one!

Genealogy and Family History Research in Illinois

2006-05-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Genealogy and Family History Research in Illinois

Sweet and simple site; just the way we like it.

LimaOhio.com

2006-05-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

LimaOhio.com

Interesting perspective on finding out who our relatives really were. Like us, they were many things. The more we know about them, I'm convinced, the more we can restore them to their rightful place in our family's history! What do you think?

Thomas S. Hibbs on The Da Vinci Code on National Review Online

2006-05-22T10:09:00.000-05:00

Thomas S. Hibbs on The Da Vinci Code on National Review Online

A timely bit of reflection well worth reading! Let me know what you think by clicking on comment.

Main Page - Genealogy

2006-05-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Main Page - Genealogy

I think I've recommended this website before (We Relate), but they've recently added a tutorial and some new features, such as "Surname + Place". This is helpful, as I often categorize in my mind, the "Settles family in Nebraska" or "Givens surname in Oklahoma", etc. This new feature will allow me to search and list in a way that I also think! If you've never had a wiki, then you'll want to take advantage of the tutorials.