Have you read a good book or article lately on the history of a certain locality? Maybe your good friend Annabelle shared several of the recipes she drafted based on her years of cooking things everyone loves to eat. Did you just attend a genealogy seminar or conference and found the handout especially helpful?
So, you want to write an article about the history of that locality and decide that the author already wrote it the way you would want to do it. You just "share" those pages in your genealogical society's publication and your name is listed as the author of the article because you added a few things. You cook a prize-winning apple pie based on Annabelle's recipe and share the recipe and receive $500 for "your" recipe. Oops.
Another scenario might be that you heard a speaker and loved their PowerPoint slides and handouts/syllabus material. At the end of the seminar or conference, you decide to use those handouts in the classes you teach because they are better than those you have composed. Maybe you even asked the speaker for permission to use them.
In all these cases, it's not your material. It's not your many years of research, time, writing, checking out websites, and the associated expenses. It's not your trips to archives, courthouses, or the hours upon hours of verifying website links that you verified just two months before when you last gave that lecture. It's not your testing and retesting of the apple pie recipe that grew into the excellent product.
If you don't have enough experience or education to compile your own material, article, book, or website, then you probably shouldn't be doing that writing or teaching. If you don't know enough about original documents at the courthouse, state or national archives, or how to put that knowledge together, then you need more experience.
I heard a lecture about 25 years ago and was intrigued by the topic. I began to research more about it at my state archives here in Minnesota. I read scholarly articles in historical periodicals. I researched in the applicable record group at the National Archives. At one point I realized I had more info from original material of the time period than that speaker had shared. Of course, it was only one handout and one-hour lecture but I knew that my work had reached depths beyond what this person knew. I had been working in original papers that hadn't been touched since being archived almost 50 years previously.Then and only then did I craft my lecture and handout which have undergone numerous updates due to continuing research.
If you wish to share something with another genealogist, don't just "take" what others have compiled. Do your own research. If you think that what that other person compiled is vital to others, don't just copy. Promote that person's lecture, book, or article. Have a blog? Quote a couple sentences and then give a live link to the website or place to purchase the item. Don't pretend these are your thoughts. Give that other person the credit. That wonderful family tree you found online? Ask the author if you may abstract some information and share what you have with that person. Just copying that online or otherwise published tree might cause you problems if that author didn't do careful research or cite their sources.
Your own creations are yours. The creations of others are theirs. It's simple. Don't take things from other folks. Copyright protection is already there once something original is created. Do you want someone coming into your home and taking your wedding or baby album? Do you want someone taking your family tree and posting it as if they had compiled it? Do you want another website sharing what has taken you years to put together? Sharing is great. It's a part of being a family historian. But it's still stealing if you take something that isn't yours. I am grateful to everyone whose work has ended up helping me in my searching. That's as far as it goes, though. It's still their work.
This is my last post for 2012. I hope 2013 give me more fodder for positive posts. There is so much good in our field of family history.
31 December 2012
18 December 2012
Wisconsin pronunciation guide is great for genealogy!
I was at a Christmas party this evening and had a fun time. Then I came back to my apartment and have been having fun on my computer. The Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office has an online pronunciation guide to places all around the state. Not a written guide, but an audio presentation.I do stumble over some of the names of Wisconsin places where my ancestors resided.
Pronounce these names and then see if you got them right by clicking here. Click on the arrow on the map and then jump around to see a variety of places. Then use the search box near the upper right corner to do more specific searches.
- Berlin
- New Berlin
- Buena Vista
- Oconomowoc
- Peebles
- Stoughton
I would give you more places to check but I need to go back to my own evening entertainment. Hmmm, how is Hurricane or maybe Louis Corners pronounced?
17 December 2012
2020 census electronically? Census bureau modernizing?
Census takes on horseback over fields, avoiding snow or mud, missing people, and possibly asking the wrong person for the information might be changing further for the 2020 U.S. Census.
The [St. Paul] Pioneer Press has this story today:
"WASHINGTON—For
the first time, the Census Bureau is giving U.S. households a chance to
respond to government surveys over the Internet, part of a bid to save
costs and boost sagging response rates in a digital age. The new
online option will supplement the traditional census mail-out operation.
It is a major shift for the agency, which has relied almost exclusively
on paper forms since 1970 but is now moving toward a more
Internet-based system after spending a record $13 billion on the 2010
census."
The article further states "The once-a-decade count has traditionally missed hard-to-count groups such as minorities, the homeless and the poor, who also may be less likely to have access to computers."
But it doesn't offer an answer to that. It does include a quote that says it doesn't mean that it alleviates the cost and work involved to reach those segments of the population.
Click here to read the full story.
The [St. Paul] Pioneer Press has this story today:
The article further states "The once-a-decade count has traditionally missed hard-to-count groups such as minorities, the homeless and the poor, who also may be less likely to have access to computers."
But it doesn't offer an answer to that. It does include a quote that says it doesn't mean that it alleviates the cost and work involved to reach those segments of the population.
Click here to read the full story.
08 December 2012
Give the gift of genealogy education for the holidays!
Did you see the great post about this on the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference News Blog on December 6th. Are relatives asking what you want for Christmas or another day? Do you want to give a special gift to someone else?A special card has been designed that you can print and add cash, a check, or a promise to for the recipient to use toward the FGS 2013 Conference to be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana August 21-24.
Registration typically opens around February 1st but people have been asking how they can give a conference registration as a gift for one of the holidays in December. This card is the answer!
Read the full details and get the link to the card on the conference blog here.
27 November 2012
FamilySearch Adds to Genealogy Community Fundraising Effort
If ever something deserved a WOW and a THANK YOU, this is it! The following is excerpted from a Press Release received today from the Federation of Genealogical Societies:
November 27, 2012 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce that the War of 1812 “Preserve the Pensions” Digitization Fund received a generous donation this week of $250,000 from FamilySearch, a nonprofit organization and world leader in the genealogy community. The donation helps move the Fund closer to its goal of $3.7 million in donations to digitally preserve and index the War of 1812 pension and bounty land records.
The War of 1812, often called the “Second Revolution,” was a pivotal moment in our Nation’s history. Individual states struggled to become one nation after a long-fought Revolution, and the “American Experiment” was still at a precarious stage. The strength and courage of the patriots who fought in the War of 1812 ensured that our American Revolution did not end up as a mere footnote to British history and conquest. Instead, valiant farmers, merchants, seamen, fathers, and sons became soldiers to fight for what they and their fathers had believed in: their American home.
Now, two hundred years later, the War of 1812 “Preserve the Pensions” Digitization Fund celebrates their success, honor, and memories by digitally preserving the veterans’ pension records and making them freely accessible to all online. The initiative will digitally preserve the 180,000 War of 1812 pension records (7.2 million pages) located at NARA, and create a searchable index online. Currently, NARA receives over 3,000 patron requests per year for copies of soldiers’ files.
“The Federation is extremely grateful to FamilySearch for their generous support of this enormously important endeavor,” said Curt Witcher, vice president of development for FGS. “Linking the genealogical community, marshaling that community’s resources, preserving and making accessible records that document our heritage—all are central to the Federation's mission. FamilySearch’s very generous pacesetting gift helps ensure that this 21st century preservation and access project is a reality.”
David Rencher, chief genealogy officer for FamilySearch, said, “FamilySearch publishes over 400 million images of historic documents online for free each year, and is honored to support community efforts like the War of 1812 ‘Preserve the Pensions’ Digitization Fund to preserve and make additional high priority historic records more widely available.”
The War of 1812 files are very valuable to family historians and genealogists because they contain rich information such as:
Family Search: https://familysearch.org/
Federation of Genealogical Societies: http://www.fgs.org/
Disclosure: I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies
November 27, 2012 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce that the War of 1812 “Preserve the Pensions” Digitization Fund received a generous donation this week of $250,000 from FamilySearch, a nonprofit organization and world leader in the genealogy community. The donation helps move the Fund closer to its goal of $3.7 million in donations to digitally preserve and index the War of 1812 pension and bounty land records.
The War of 1812, often called the “Second Revolution,” was a pivotal moment in our Nation’s history. Individual states struggled to become one nation after a long-fought Revolution, and the “American Experiment” was still at a precarious stage. The strength and courage of the patriots who fought in the War of 1812 ensured that our American Revolution did not end up as a mere footnote to British history and conquest. Instead, valiant farmers, merchants, seamen, fathers, and sons became soldiers to fight for what they and their fathers had believed in: their American home.
Now, two hundred years later, the War of 1812 “Preserve the Pensions” Digitization Fund celebrates their success, honor, and memories by digitally preserving the veterans’ pension records and making them freely accessible to all online. The initiative will digitally preserve the 180,000 War of 1812 pension records (7.2 million pages) located at NARA, and create a searchable index online. Currently, NARA receives over 3,000 patron requests per year for copies of soldiers’ files.
“The Federation is extremely grateful to FamilySearch for their generous support of this enormously important endeavor,” said Curt Witcher, vice president of development for FGS. “Linking the genealogical community, marshaling that community’s resources, preserving and making accessible records that document our heritage—all are central to the Federation's mission. FamilySearch’s very generous pacesetting gift helps ensure that this 21st century preservation and access project is a reality.”
David Rencher, chief genealogy officer for FamilySearch, said, “FamilySearch publishes over 400 million images of historic documents online for free each year, and is honored to support community efforts like the War of 1812 ‘Preserve the Pensions’ Digitization Fund to preserve and make additional high priority historic records more widely available.”
The War of 1812 files are very valuable to family historians and genealogists because they contain rich information such as:
- Veteran’s name and age
- Residence
- Widow’s name and maiden name
- Service history and dates
- Military rank and organization
- If Bounty Land was granted and information on those warrants
- Marriage information
- Death dates for soldiers and widows
- Additional names of neighbors and comrades
Family Search: https://familysearch.org/
Federation of Genealogical Societies: http://www.fgs.org/
Disclosure: I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies
25 November 2012
Scotland and genealogy tourism: I'll volunteer
The Scotsman.com from Edinburgh, Scotland carried an article today titled "Scotland Urged to Refocus on Genealogy Tourism."
WHOEVER they think they are they deserve the red carpet treatment for a new study estimates people searching for their roots will be worth £2.4 billion to Scotland over the next five years.
The potential of so-called ancestral tourism has been outlined in a report by consultants TNS, which estimates a potential market of 50 million people of Scottish ancestry.
But services need to be improved if Scotland is to cash in, including promoting existing research facilities, specialist tour operators and the creation of budget “genealogy packages”."
Here's my offer: I will volunteer to be a test research tourist for this effort. My Stuart, Grant, and Forbes connections are from the area of Strathdon in Aberdeen. Robert and Mary (Grant) Stuart are my great great great grandparents. Their son James born about 1815 in that area and was later a jailer in several places in Angus. He married Helenor Edwards and had children in several places there including Arbroath. The Edwards tie into Allardyce, Leighton, and other families. Then James and Helenor came to Wisconsin with their children and descendants ended up in Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, California, Colorado, Florida, and other places. I really need to visit both counties in Scotland and the National Archives in Edinburgh.
I need to consult some original records to make up for gaps in microfilmed records, need to visit the old "home towns" and take pictures to share, and figure out where my Stuart ancestors originated.
Just think of all the publicity I could help them with here in the United States. I could mention my trip everywhere I lecture, in my blog, in articles in genealogy publications, on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, in the popular press, and to my fellow family historians. I would distribute brochures every place I went. All I would require is the plane and train tickets, hotels, and of course, a guide in all the places. It could be a Christmas present to me. I am sure it will happen. Right?
Now, back to reality.
To read the full article, click here.
WHOEVER they think they are they deserve the red carpet treatment for a new study estimates people searching for their roots will be worth £2.4 billion to Scotland over the next five years.
The potential of so-called ancestral tourism has been outlined in a report by consultants TNS, which estimates a potential market of 50 million people of Scottish ancestry.
But services need to be improved if Scotland is to cash in, including promoting existing research facilities, specialist tour operators and the creation of budget “genealogy packages”."
Here's my offer: I will volunteer to be a test research tourist for this effort. My Stuart, Grant, and Forbes connections are from the area of Strathdon in Aberdeen. Robert and Mary (Grant) Stuart are my great great great grandparents. Their son James born about 1815 in that area and was later a jailer in several places in Angus. He married Helenor Edwards and had children in several places there including Arbroath. The Edwards tie into Allardyce, Leighton, and other families. Then James and Helenor came to Wisconsin with their children and descendants ended up in Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, California, Colorado, Florida, and other places. I really need to visit both counties in Scotland and the National Archives in Edinburgh.
I need to consult some original records to make up for gaps in microfilmed records, need to visit the old "home towns" and take pictures to share, and figure out where my Stuart ancestors originated.
Just think of all the publicity I could help them with here in the United States. I could mention my trip everywhere I lecture, in my blog, in articles in genealogy publications, on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, in the popular press, and to my fellow family historians. I would distribute brochures every place I went. All I would require is the plane and train tickets, hotels, and of course, a guide in all the places. It could be a Christmas present to me. I am sure it will happen. Right?
Now, back to reality.
To read the full article, click here.
31 October 2012
Minnesota Genealogy Ambassador Award
Earlier this month at the banquet during the Minnesota Genealogical Society's annual North Star Conference, I was presented with an award. It's the "Minnesota Genealogy Ambassador Award for representing Minnesota on the national genealogy scene and bringing honor to Minnesota genealogy."
It was an easy award to win and receive. Easy to win because I love Minnesota and the fantastic resources for family and social history. I love talking about my home state and those resources. I have been a member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society for 30 years (well, I did forget to renew for a time) and was one of the founders of the MGS library. Of course I promote MGS!
There are many other Minnesota residents who are also good ambassadors for the state, for Minnesota history, genealogy, and MGS. I am honored to be chosen.
It was an easy award to win and receive. Easy to win because I love Minnesota and the fantastic resources for family and social history. I love talking about my home state and those resources. I have been a member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society for 30 years (well, I did forget to renew for a time) and was one of the founders of the MGS library. Of course I promote MGS!
There are many other Minnesota residents who are also good ambassadors for the state, for Minnesota history, genealogy, and MGS. I am honored to be chosen.
30 October 2012
Fading Military Headstones at Fort Snelling.
Today's [Minneapolis] StarTribune carried a sad article about the fading writing on military headstones at Fort Snelling National Cemetery here in Minnesota. It has also affected burials in other cemeteries.
"Gail Nicklason noticed the letters on her mother's marble headstone were starting to fade. But the black letters on her father's side of the same stone remained bold and clearly visible, even though he had died the year before his wife. Nicklason noticed the lettering on a number of stones placed in Section 17 after her mother was buried in 2008 were fading, as well.
Turns out that is the plan. Fort Snelling officials say the black lettering, using a special type of water-resistant paint called lithochrome, was never expected to be permanent. As new sections are used throughout the national cemetery system, the new headstones will not have the lithochrome paint on them, part of a national policy established in 2009 to give more uniformity to cemetery sections."
Gail's mother was buried in January 2008. My mother was buried at Fort Snelling in January 2008 but in a different section. My father was buried there the next year. I need to visit the cemetery before the snow falls.
"was never expected to be permanent." Are you kidding me? Sad news.
You may read the full story by clicking here.
"Gail Nicklason noticed the letters on her mother's marble headstone were starting to fade. But the black letters on her father's side of the same stone remained bold and clearly visible, even though he had died the year before his wife. Nicklason noticed the lettering on a number of stones placed in Section 17 after her mother was buried in 2008 were fading, as well.
Turns out that is the plan. Fort Snelling officials say the black lettering, using a special type of water-resistant paint called lithochrome, was never expected to be permanent. As new sections are used throughout the national cemetery system, the new headstones will not have the lithochrome paint on them, part of a national policy established in 2009 to give more uniformity to cemetery sections."
Gail's mother was buried in January 2008. My mother was buried at Fort Snelling in January 2008 but in a different section. My father was buried there the next year. I need to visit the cemetery before the snow falls.
"was never expected to be permanent." Are you kidding me? Sad news.
You may read the full story by clicking here.
23 October 2012
Minnesota Historical Society Hours: changed for the better
It's been really difficult to work at the Minnesota Historical Society in recent years due to the changed hours. There were too many days where the limited hours barely allowed you to get settled in, request a set of records or wait to make copies from microfilm, and boom, it was time to leave.
As of December 1, 2012 the hours will be better for researchers. We now have four almost full days for research plus the one evening that has not changed. I have researched at MHS for 30 years and remember when it was open all day, six days a week. Many researchers have complained and some of us were assured of a change more than a year ago. It has finally happened.
The great catalog, helpful guides, and finding aids may be found at www.mnhs.org
The new hours:
Tuesday: noon to 8pm
Wed. - Sat.: 9am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
As of December 1, 2012 the hours will be better for researchers. We now have four almost full days for research plus the one evening that has not changed. I have researched at MHS for 30 years and remember when it was open all day, six days a week. Many researchers have complained and some of us were assured of a change more than a year ago. It has finally happened.
The great catalog, helpful guides, and finding aids may be found at www.mnhs.org
The new hours:
Tuesday: noon to 8pm
Wed. - Sat.: 9am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
19 October 2012
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy discount deadline is looming
It's October and a great time to celebrate both Family History Month and American Archives Month.
October means I am busy preparing syllabus material for the 2013 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. The Institute will be held January 14-18, 2013 in Salt Lake City with a welcome social and check-in on Sunday, January 13th. Do join us for that social so you can pick up your course syllabus. SLIG will be held at the Radisson Hotel which is in walking distance of the Family History Library.
I coordinate and instruct in Course I: American Research and Records: Focus on Localities and am also an instructor in courses 2 and 6. Course 1 has 22 registrants and room for more.
October 31 is the last day to register for the 2013 edition of SLIG with a savings of $50.00. You may still register after that date. For the full course lineup, list of evening classes, names of coordinators and instructors and more details: http://www.ugagenealogy.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=27
You can read more about me and what I will be teaching at SLIG in these UGA blog posts:
http://ugagenealogy.blogspot.com/search/label/Paula%20Stuart-Warren
October means I am busy preparing syllabus material for the 2013 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. The Institute will be held January 14-18, 2013 in Salt Lake City with a welcome social and check-in on Sunday, January 13th. Do join us for that social so you can pick up your course syllabus. SLIG will be held at the Radisson Hotel which is in walking distance of the Family History Library.
I coordinate and instruct in Course I: American Research and Records: Focus on Localities and am also an instructor in courses 2 and 6. Course 1 has 22 registrants and room for more.
October 31 is the last day to register for the 2013 edition of SLIG with a savings of $50.00. You may still register after that date. For the full course lineup, list of evening classes, names of coordinators and instructors and more details: http://www.ugagenealogy.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=27
You can read more about me and what I will be teaching at SLIG in these UGA blog posts:
http://ugagenealogy.blogspot.com/search/label/Paula%20Stuart-Warren
18 October 2012
Fold3.com now has 100,000,000 images!
This recent press release from Fold3.com is reason to celebrate! Fold3 now has more than one hundred million images on the website. I know I have found some wonderful information on the website. It is a subscription website and well worth the cost. Fold3.com is also where the War of 1812 Pension Records are being housed for FREE. To keep them that way, please donate to the Federation of Genealogical Societies Preserve the Pensions Project. We've already raised enough funds to have almost 400,000 images on Fold3 from these original documents housed at the National Archives. Last month, almost 40,00 new images were added thanks to the donations of dedicated genealogists, historians, and others. Have you donated? You may send in a check or use your credit card at http://www.fgs.org/cstm_PreserveThePensions.php.
This is the release:
Earlier this month, we reached a major
milestone when the counter on the Fold3 home page spun to and exceeded
100,000,000 record images. Our digital partners—the National Archives
(NARA), Allen County Public Library, FamilySearch, and others—helped
Fold3 attain this significant event. We thank them and you, our members
and fans, for your support and enthusiasm over the last six years
In January 2007, Footnote.com
(Fold3’s predecessor) launched with an initial 4 million images. Many
of the Fold3 Team members have been around since those early days,
watching the titles roll and the images multiply at an increasingly
steady pace, assuring that our visitors can access an impressive range
of original military records online.
The first sets of documents on the site proved very popular and continue to be some of Fold3’s biggest hits today. They include:
- Revolutionary War Pensions
- Civil War and Later Veterans Pension Index
- Missing Air Crew Reports
- Brady Civil War Photos
Since those early days, Fold3 has added many more popular titles, including:
- Civil War "Widows' Pensions"
- Civil War Service Records: Union, Confederate, USCT
- War of 1812 Service Records and Pension Files
- WWII "Old Man's Draft" Registration Cards
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- View the most recent list of new and updated titles
Here we are, one hundred million images
strong, looking eagerly toward the next hundred million. At the pace our
team is digitizing and scanning, it will certainly happen sooner than
we think. You can catch up on all of Fold3’s significant achievements on
our Blog.
10 October 2012
Family History Month tips from findmypast.com
This press release shares some great tips and links to more.
Happy Family History Month from findmypast.com! To celebrate our favorite month of the year, findmypast.com has compiled the following advanced search tips to help your readers
uncover their storied pasts and keep growing their family trees.
Expert tips from genealogist D. Joshua Taylor include:
·
Re-Examine your findings
- Sometimes the answer to
a question is waiting in records you have already discovered. Take time
to analyze your findings and give everything another look.
·
Locate the Original Record
- In some cases you might
be looking at a transcription or abstract made from an original record.
While every effort is made to ensure transcriptions are accurate, it is
essential to examine a copy of the original record.
·
Search collateral lines -
Focusing your search on an ancestor’s siblings often yields additional records that benefit your research.
·
Participate in a DNA Study
- The science of DNA analysis
can have great benefits for genealogists. Many individuals participate
in DNA surname studies which combine genealogical research and DNA
results to prove relationships between individuals and potential origins
of particular surnames or groups.
·
Search for printed resources -
There
are thousands of records not yet available online that include
important information for family history research. Printed resources
include printed genealogies,
local histories, record transcriptions and abstracts, and other
materials. Search for these materials in libraries and other
repositories through WorldCat to locate sources close to your own home.
Findmypast.com has also created a dedicated landing page
findmypast.com/family-history-
03 October 2012
U.S. National Archives fees increase
The National Archives issued a press release last month that I somehow missed. As of October 1, 2012 there are many increases and a few decreases in costs for copies in-person and by request.
Self-service paper to paper copies will be .25 in all NARA facilities. Microfilm to paper is up by .10 to .60 each.
Copies of passenger arrival records have decreased from $25 gto $20.
A Civil War pension record has gone up by $5 to $80 and after 100 pages the cost is .70 per page.
The full fee schedule can be viewed here.
Self-service paper to paper copies will be .25 in all NARA facilities. Microfilm to paper is up by .10 to .60 each.
Copies of passenger arrival records have decreased from $25 gto $20.
A Civil War pension record has gone up by $5 to $80 and after 100 pages the cost is .70 per page.
The full fee schedule can be viewed here.
25 September 2012
15 September 2012
Sepotember 29th Writing Workshop, Houston, Texas
Two weeks from today I will be in Houston, Texas as a guest of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. I will be presenting a day-long writing workshop on Saturday, September 29th.
Writing Your Family History: An Interactive Day
10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Lunch is on your own.
A Baker’s Dozen
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Anyone can write! Learn ways to get your family history in print without a lot of strain! A “Baker’s Dozen” of ways to get started and ideas to get your greater family involved will be shared. You may find that you are already doing some of these but hadn’t realized you were actually getting family history into print! We’ll cover focus points, themes, photos, incorporating general history, and editing. Come prepared to write and take home a new outlook on getting YOUR family history written.
Writing Exercises
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon will consist of writing exercises, individually and in small groups. Attendees are requested to bring a personal laptop if available. There will also be some actual writing, so please bring lined paper and pens and pencils of different colors.
This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited to 45 people. You MUST call Clayton Library at 832-393-2600 to register. Click here for more event info at the Clayton Library.
Writing Your Family History: An Interactive Day
10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Lunch is on your own.
A Baker’s Dozen
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Anyone can write! Learn ways to get your family history in print without a lot of strain! A “Baker’s Dozen” of ways to get started and ideas to get your greater family involved will be shared. You may find that you are already doing some of these but hadn’t realized you were actually getting family history into print! We’ll cover focus points, themes, photos, incorporating general history, and editing. Come prepared to write and take home a new outlook on getting YOUR family history written.
Writing Exercises
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon will consist of writing exercises, individually and in small groups. Attendees are requested to bring a personal laptop if available. There will also be some actual writing, so please bring lined paper and pens and pencils of different colors.
This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited to 45 people. You MUST call Clayton Library at 832-393-2600 to register. Click here for more event info at the Clayton Library.
11 September 2012
9/11 Memories
Back in 2007 I wrote a long blog post about my memories from 9/11. It was a Tuesday, just like today. I can still see that flag hanging in the convention center and it still gives me the chills. It was a wonderful group of genealogists at the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in the Quad Cities. A special bond was formed.
21 August 2012
Minnesota Genealogical Society Northstar Conference Savings Deadine
August 31st is the last day to register for the 5th Annual MGS North Star Conference at the discounted prices. It's two days of genealogy education and networking on Friday and Saturday, October 5 & 6. I hope to see you there.
The main speaker is D. Joshua Taylor. Josh is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Previous speaking engagements include RootsTech, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conferences, the National Genealogical Society Annual Conference, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. He has been a featured genealogist on NBC's Who Do You Think You Are? and is the Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies, where he chairs the Conference Planning and Long-Range Planning Committees. He has published articles in American Ancestors, UGA Crossroads, FGS Forum, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and New England Ancestors, and was a columnist for Digital Genealogist.
Special Discounts for Young Adults (under age 26)
(Friday-only and Saturday-only registrations also available)
Members of the Association of Professional Genealogists Northland Chapter will be on hand to help answer your genealogy questions.
Visit www.mngs.org to register and to see more details. The conference takes place at the Colonial Church of Edina.
The main speaker is D. Joshua Taylor. Josh is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Previous speaking engagements include RootsTech, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conferences, the National Genealogical Society Annual Conference, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. He has been a featured genealogist on NBC's Who Do You Think You Are? and is the Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies, where he chairs the Conference Planning and Long-Range Planning Committees. He has published articles in American Ancestors, UGA Crossroads, FGS Forum, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and New England Ancestors, and was a columnist for Digital Genealogist.
Event
Highlights
Friday
- - Plenary Session by D. Joshua Taylor
- 10 Breakout Sessions
- 5th Annual MGS Awards Banquet
- Ask the Genealogist: Q&A
- Special Seminar (Separate Registration Required)
Saturday
-
- 2 Plenary Sessions by D. Joshua Taylor
- 10 More Breakout Sessions
- Vendor Exhibit Hall, Door Prizes, Silent Auction
Special Discounts for Young Adults (under age 26)
(Friday-only and Saturday-only registrations also available)
Members of the Association of Professional Genealogists Northland Chapter will be on hand to help answer your genealogy questions.
Visit www.mngs.org to register and to see more details. The conference takes place at the Colonial Church of Edina.
15 August 2012
New DAR chapter for NE area of Twin Cities
From the Minnesota Historical Society's Local History News of 15 August 2012 comes the news of a new DAR chapter forming. If you haven't explored the DAR website, visit it now: www.dar.org
New DAR ChapterDaughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is forming a new chapter in the northeast metro area of the Twin Cities. Founded in 1890, the DAR is a volunteer women's service organization. If you have an ancestor who supported the cause for American independence, come to an informational meeting on Saturday August 25, 2012, Ramsey County Library - Shoreview, 2-4 p.m. Contact DeeDee Edlund for more information
New DAR ChapterDaughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is forming a new chapter in the northeast metro area of the Twin Cities. Founded in 1890, the DAR is a volunteer women's service organization. If you have an ancestor who supported the cause for American independence, come to an informational meeting on Saturday August 25, 2012, Ramsey County Library - Shoreview, 2-4 p.m. Contact DeeDee Edlund for more information
03 August 2012
The 1940 Census Community Project is FINISHED
We did it!
The word just received from the 1940 US Census Community Project is just that! It's a really good feeling to have been part of those 160,000 volunteers.
"Today just before 2:00 p.m. (MDT), the very last batch of the 1940 US Census was arbitrated and submitted for publication. The indexing portion of the 1940 US Census Community Project is officially done!
Just look at what we accomplished:
Visit www.archives.com, www.familysearch.org, or www.findmypast.com for the results of this community effort. Hurray for us. These will be free searches!
A big community celebration will be held on Friday, August 31st in Birmingham, Alabama at the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. Click here for details.
The word just received from the 1940 US Census Community Project is just that! It's a really good feeling to have been part of those 160,000 volunteers.
"Today just before 2:00 p.m. (MDT), the very last batch of the 1940 US Census was arbitrated and submitted for publication. The indexing portion of the 1940 US Census Community Project is officially done!
Just look at what we accomplished:
- The project was supposed to take at least six months, yet it was completed in just 124 days—two full months ahead of schedule!
- An "army" of more than 160,000 volunteers participated. Plainly stated, there is nothing in the annals of the genealogical community that can compare with this achievement.
- Because of the familiarity of the volunteers with the names and places contained in the records, the resulting index is thought to be among the most accurate of any census ever published.
- Tens of millions of people will benefit for generations. That's quite a legacy!
Visit www.archives.com, www.familysearch.org, or www.findmypast.com for the results of this community effort. Hurray for us. These will be free searches!
A big community celebration will be held on Friday, August 31st in Birmingham, Alabama at the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. Click here for details.
30 July 2012
National Archives puts more workshops online
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2012
National Archives Puts More Popular Records Workshops Online
More “Know Your Records” videos now available on National Archives’ YouTube Channel
Washington,
DC… The National Archives has launched new online videos of its most
popular genealogy “how to” workshops. These videos cover “hot topics” in
genealogical research such as Civil War records, online resources and
databases, and more. These workshops led by National Archives experts
are available on the National Archives YouTube channel at http://tinyurl.com/NARAGenie.
The National Archives–produced Know Your Records
video shorts cover the creation, scope, content, and use of National
Archives records for genealogical research. “We are happy to make more
of our most popular genealogy lectures available online. We welcome
researcher feedback and will continue to make more workshops available
online for free for viewing by anyone, anywhere, at any time,” said
Diane Dimkoff, Director of Customer Services.
For the first time, researchers and staff voted for their favorite topics—and the National Archives listened:
National
Archives electronic records expert Dan Law discusses using electronic
records for genealogy research and shows how to access such records
using the National Archives Access to Archival Databases (AAD) online
search engine.
National
Archives genealogy expert John Deeben explores War Department death
records created during and after the Civil War. These records show how
the government documented personal circumstances of soldiers’ deaths on
the battlefield, in military hospitals, and in prisons.
Let No Man Put Asunder: Freedmen’s Bureau Marriage Records (1:12:09) http://tinyurl.com/
National
Archives archivist Reginald Washington explores marriage records from
the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (the Freedmen's
Bureau). The Freedmen’s Bureau provided assistance to tens of thousands
of former slaves and impoverished whites in the Southern states and the
District of Columbia. These records from 1865 through 1872 constitute
the richest and most extensive documentary source for investigating the
African American experience in the post–Civil War and Reconstruction
eras.
Over
2.8 million men (and a few hundred women) served in the Union and
Confederate armies during the Civil War. National Archives genealogy
expert John Deeben demonstrates how to research and use Civil War Army
service records.
Exodus to Kansas: The 1880 Senate Investigation of the Beginnings of the African American Migration from the South (1:05:26) http://tinyurl.com/Exoduster
National Archives archivist Damani
Davis examines Federal records relating to the “Kansas Exodus” (the
so-called “Exoduster” movement), which was the first instance of
voluntary, mass migration among African Americans. This mass exodus
generated considerable attention throughout the nation and resulted in a
major 1880 Senate investigation. For more information, see http://www.archives.gov/
Ancestry.com
has digitized selected National Archives microfilm publications and
original records and made them available on their web sites for a fee. Lead Family Historian for Ancestry.com Anastasia Harman discusses these records and their use for genealogy research. Access
to Ancestry.com and Fold3 (formerly Footnote.com) is available free of
charge in all National Archives Research Rooms, including those in our
regional archives and Presidential Libraries. For a list of National
Archives records available online through Ancestry.com and other
digitization partners, see http://www.archives.gov/
Background on “Know Your Records” programs
The
National Archives holds the permanently valuable records of the Federal
Government. These include records of interest to genealogists, such as
pension files, ship passenger lists, census and Freedmen’s Bureau
materials. The “Know Your Records Program” offers opportunities for
staff, volunteers, and researchers to learn about these records through
lectures, ongoing genealogy programs, workshops, symposia, the annual genealogy fair, an online genealogy tutorial, reference reports for genealogical research, and editions of Researcher News for Washington, DC, area researchers.
05 July 2012
Great Northern and Northern Pacific railway record inventories now online
The Minnesota Historical Society just announced:
"Online finding aids just launched
For the first time ever, inventories of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railway companies are available online. With more than 16,000 boxes of archival records, these two collections fill more than 15% of the total space in the stacks and have been a draw for railroad buffs, historians and genealogists for decades.Online finding aids allow for more convenient browsing, faster searching and the discovery of related materials that may have been overlooked before."
For the first time ever, inventories of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railway companies are available online. With more than 16,000 boxes of archival records, these two collections fill more than 15% of the total space in the stacks and have been a draw for railroad buffs, historians and genealogists for decades.Online finding aids allow for more convenient browsing, faster searching and the discovery of related materials that may have been overlooked before."
These inventories are extensive and well worth reading. They cover so many more states than Minnesota. The personnel, accident, land, and other records are fabulous. For more info on this exciting news click here.
Minnesota 1940 census index now available!
The index for the Minnesota 1940 census has gone live at www.findmypast.com! My plans for the day are now changed. I am guessing it will be at www.familysearch.org pretty soon. These indexes and images are FREE.
This index was created by volunteers from all over the world. Many volunteers from the Minnesota Genealogical Society participated and we were lead by Kathy Lund. More states need to be indexed. Check them out and sign up to help at FamilySearch.
This index was created by volunteers from all over the world. Many volunteers from the Minnesota Genealogical Society participated and we were lead by Kathy Lund. More states need to be indexed. Check them out and sign up to help at FamilySearch.
04 July 2012
War of 1812 Preserve the Pensions Project update
You may have read previous posts I did about this exciting project. I just checked the FREE images on the Fold3 website www.fold3.com/title_761/war_of_1812_pension_files/ and there are now 253,498 images on there. I think July 4th is a great day to honor this project. I have donated twice and will donate again in August at the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 2012 conference in Birmingham and to the Illinois State Genealogical Society of which I am a member (see below). We are getting closer to the D section of the alphabet so I can check for some of my brother-in-law's Dubois family. Then let's get moving faster so I can check my late father-in-law's Hatfields, Johnsons, and Warrens.
I am a member of the FGS Board of Directors and we recently learned of two major things which have greatly impacted this project.
I am a member of the FGS Board of Directors and we recently learned of two major things which have greatly impacted this project.
On Monday, June 18th (the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812), the Illinois Genealogical Society (ISGS) issued the ISGS $10,000 War of 1812 Pension Match Challenge. ISGS will MATCH any donation up to the first $10,000 that is made before December 31, 2012. This means:
Then on June 25th, the Federation of Genealogical Societies announced another major gift for the project. The FGS press release on that said:
- If you donate $10, ISGS will match your donation with another $10
- If you give $100, ISGS will also give $100 to the project
- In addition, Ancestry.com will also match the overall amount donated by individuals and ISGS, which means that the $10,000 raised plus the $10,000 in matching donations will become:
- $40,000!
- Your $10 donation to help digitize these files actually becomes $40!
Then on June 25th, the Federation of Genealogical Societies announced another major gift for the project. The FGS press release on that said:
“The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the donation of a generous gift in the amount of $135,000 from the estate of the late Jon Stedman in memory of his mother, Ardath Stedman. The donation to the Preserve the Pensions – War of 1812 Pension Digitization Fund will be used to help preserve and digitize War of 1812 Pension records.
Hollace Hervey, executrix of the estate, indicated that Jon Stedman was "always interested in preservation and bringing information to the front" so genealogists could more easily use it. Besides caring passionately for facilitating genealogists doing good research, Stedman had a deep love and affection for his mother who was a genealogist in her own right. The Preserve the Pensions project is just such a preservation and access endeavor, and FGS is honored in receiving this generous donation.
The $135,000 donation is a significant lead gift to the Preserve the Pensions project as FGS ramps up its fundraising efforts (to raise $3.7M) during the bicentennial of the War of 1812 which started on June 18, 2012. Members of the genealogy and family history communities as well as the general public are invited to learn more about this important record preservation project by visiting the Preserve the Pensions website at www.fgs.org/1812 and assist with honoring our nation’s heritage by preserving the records of our past.”
Hollace Hervey, executrix of the estate, indicated that Jon Stedman was "always interested in preservation and bringing information to the front" so genealogists could more easily use it. Besides caring passionately for facilitating genealogists doing good research, Stedman had a deep love and affection for his mother who was a genealogist in her own right. The Preserve the Pensions project is just such a preservation and access endeavor, and FGS is honored in receiving this generous donation.
The $135,000 donation is a significant lead gift to the Preserve the Pensions project as FGS ramps up its fundraising efforts (to raise $3.7M) during the bicentennial of the War of 1812 which started on June 18, 2012. Members of the genealogy and family history communities as well as the general public are invited to learn more about this important record preservation project by visiting the Preserve the Pensions website at www.fgs.org/1812 and assist with honoring our nation’s heritage by preserving the records of our past.”
28 June 2012
FGS genealogy conference discount deadline is Sunday.
The 2012 edition of the Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference is just two months away. It is taking place in Birmingham, Alabama. Last year it was in Springfield, Illinois. The first bullet below is the biggest reminder. Please let your genealogy friends know about this discount deadline.
- If you register between now and the end of Sunday, July 1st you will be registering at the price that reflects the $50.00 discount for the conference. On Monday, that price goes up. The cost for the luncheons, special events, and workshops do not increase. Take care of all this right here.
- Don't forget to register for luncheons because other options for lunchtime are quite limited near the Convention Complex and hotel.
- As always, the workshops are filling quickly. Get your registration in for those now so you won't be disappointed. Click here and scroll down to the Workshop category.
- The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel has run out of king rooms but there are still some rooms left with two double beds.
- Speaking of that hotel, it is conveniently connected to the Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex by a covered skyway. It's also easy to cross at street level.
- In case you haven't seen it mentioned before, each registrant receives a large number of door prize tickets. There are some super-sized door prizes!
- For more conference updates, visit www.fgsconferenceblog.org
July 2nd Indexing Extravaganza
This press release was sent by FamilySearch. I will be participating. Will you? Just think what we genealogists can do if we band together. I have been one of the many who are helping to index the 1940 census and I really enjoy it. I often do it in the evening and find it relaxing. Visit https://familysearch.org/ and click on "Indexing" at the top of the screen to get started. The fill-in indexing forms are easily understood.
Will July 2, 2012, Be Our First "5 Million Record" Day?
July 2, 2012, is going to be an amazing day! We can feel it! It could be the first day that we achieve "5 Million Name" fame. That's right. July 2nd might be the day that we index and arbitrate 5 million names (or records) in just 24 hours! No other name transcription project that we know of has ever come close.
Together, we've achieved unbelievable success in the past three months. Our highest day for indexing & arbitrating combined—for the last three months and in the history of indexing—was April 30th. On that day, we reached 4.9 million records submitted. Amazing! We nearly made 5 million with just our everyday effort!
To make sure we reach the goal of 5 million records, we'll need help from every indexer and arbitrator out there. Everyone will need to submit an extra batch or two (or more!) during the day. Remember, though, that our "day" starts at 00:00 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC/GMT), which means 6pm MDT (Utah time), on Sunday, July 1st. Check the Facebook event page for your local start time.
Now, don't think that we're focusing completely on quantity and forgetting about quality. Next week, to prepare, we'll provide ways to improve the quality of your work and suggestions for how to get ready for the big day.
Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about the opportunity to be a part of this history-making event. We may not have another chance like this for years, so plan now to get involved. We need you and everyone else out there to reach this goal!
Look for more details next week. For now, let's keep on indexing (and arbitrating)!
Will July 2, 2012, Be Our First "5 Million Record" Day?
July 2, 2012, is going to be an amazing day! We can feel it! It could be the first day that we achieve "5 Million Name" fame. That's right. July 2nd might be the day that we index and arbitrate 5 million names (or records) in just 24 hours! No other name transcription project that we know of has ever come close.
Together, we've achieved unbelievable success in the past three months. Our highest day for indexing & arbitrating combined—for the last three months and in the history of indexing—was April 30th. On that day, we reached 4.9 million records submitted. Amazing! We nearly made 5 million with just our everyday effort!
To make sure we reach the goal of 5 million records, we'll need help from every indexer and arbitrator out there. Everyone will need to submit an extra batch or two (or more!) during the day. Remember, though, that our "day" starts at 00:00 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC/GMT), which means 6pm MDT (Utah time), on Sunday, July 1st. Check the Facebook event page for your local start time.
Now, don't think that we're focusing completely on quantity and forgetting about quality. Next week, to prepare, we'll provide ways to improve the quality of your work and suggestions for how to get ready for the big day.
Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about the opportunity to be a part of this history-making event. We may not have another chance like this for years, so plan now to get involved. We need you and everyone else out there to reach this goal!
Look for more details next week. For now, let's keep on indexing (and arbitrating)!
13 June 2012
Picture board time of year
Yes, it's that time of year. Are you putting together a set of photos to display at a graduation open house, wedding shower, or wedding? Maybe you are doing it in a slide show format. Whichever way, it's time to also make sure those pictures are labeled. Even better, write up a few words that tell the story of the photo and the people in it. Where was it taken? How are the people related? What was the occasion?
You can purchase a special pencil to use in writing on the back of photos. I am not a preservation expert, but there are many websites with this info. A historical society gift shop, good camera store, or one place with scrapbooking supplies may have the correct kind of pencil. You may also find that you need to take better care of your photos
whether they are printed or still on your computer (or camera!). One helpful website for supply and caretaking info is the Northeast Document Conservation Center. http://www.nedcc.org/resources/family.php.
I am putting together some picture boards for my oldest granddaughter's graduation party this weekend. I have done the same thing for other graduations, weddings, showers, and funerals. I wish I had typed a short little story to place beneath some of those pictures. This time I am adding some stories. These will mean a lot to me, Kaylene, and to her Dad who is my son. It will also help the guests to know more about her. Something tells me that she may not remember exactly where certain pictures were taken when she was a toddler!
You can purchase a special pencil to use in writing on the back of photos. I am not a preservation expert, but there are many websites with this info. A historical society gift shop, good camera store, or one place with scrapbooking supplies may have the correct kind of pencil. You may also find that you need to take better care of your photos
whether they are printed or still on your computer (or camera!). One helpful website for supply and caretaking info is the Northeast Document Conservation Center. http://www.nedcc.org/resources/family.php. I am putting together some picture boards for my oldest granddaughter's graduation party this weekend. I have done the same thing for other graduations, weddings, showers, and funerals. I wish I had typed a short little story to place beneath some of those pictures. This time I am adding some stories. These will mean a lot to me, Kaylene, and to her Dad who is my son. It will also help the guests to know more about her. Something tells me that she may not remember exactly where certain pictures were taken when she was a toddler!
11 June 2012
Free talk on 1940 census and genealogy in St. Paul
A repeat performance by popular demand! Want to learn more about tracing your family history? I will once again present a free talk about genealogy in general and the 1940 census (with lots of updates) along with Mary Jo Webster from the St. Paul Pioneer Press. This is a lecture sponsored by the Pioneer Press and the St. Paul Public Library.
Mary Jo will talk about her first-ever experience in researching the free, online 1940 U.S. census and finding a neat capsule of her own family history. I will add more about the 1940 census, other censuses, and share tips on researching your family history via materials that are online and some that aren't. There are many free resources for starting to research your family history.
Wednesday, June 20th, 6:30 p.m.
Highland Park Branch of the St. Paul Public Library
1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul (Between Fairview and Cleveland.)
It's a free class! You don't even need to register and there will be free genealogy handouts complete with a lot of information on searching and websites.
Click here to see directions to the Highland Park Library: http://bit.ly/KxPIBg
Click here to see the library calendar http://bit.ly/MqfIPO
Mary Jo will talk about her first-ever experience in researching the free, online 1940 U.S. census and finding a neat capsule of her own family history. I will add more about the 1940 census, other censuses, and share tips on researching your family history via materials that are online and some that aren't. There are many free resources for starting to research your family history.
Wednesday, June 20th, 6:30 p.m.
Highland Park Branch of the St. Paul Public Library
1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul (Between Fairview and Cleveland.)
It's a free class! You don't even need to register and there will be free genealogy handouts complete with a lot of information on searching and websites.
Click here to see directions to the Highland Park Library: http://bit.ly/KxPIBg
Click here to see the library calendar http://bit.ly/MqfIPO
07 June 2012
75 million names already indexed in the 1940 census
And it's all been done by volunteers like you and me. The 1940 Census Community Project shows that "More than Half of the 1940 U.S. Census Records Indexed in Just Two Months Thanks to Thousands of Volunteers Across the U.S."
I just received a press release from FamilySearch that says "Thanks to the efforts of more than 125,000 volunteers, more than 75 million names from the 1940 U.S. census have been indexed with 18 state records already available to the public on all Project partner websites, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Archives.com, FamilySearch.org and findmypast.com. The records will also be made available in more than 7,000 public libraries nationwide in the coming months by ProQuest. The national service project, the first and largest of its kind, aims to establish a comprehensive searchable database and make the 1940 U.S. census records available for free."
Let's not stop. Keep up that indexing. My home state of Minnesota is about to be finished so I am now working on Wisconsin. When that is done I will choose another state. If you aren't indexing, join us. Just visit FamilySearch.org and click on the 1940 census project logo in the upper right hand corner. It's easy, it's fun, and oh do you feel good after you submit each batch. I have indexed about 5,000 names but that's a drop in the bucket compared to some of the loyal indexers.
Wouldn't it be cool to have it all indexed by the Fourth of July as we celebrate our country's birthday? Plus this is showing the record keepers, legislatures, librarians, archivists, and others that we are a powerful group. I suspect that some of those folks are also volunteer indexers for this project.
Those 18 searchable states already on those sites mentioned above are:
I just received a press release from FamilySearch that says "Thanks to the efforts of more than 125,000 volunteers, more than 75 million names from the 1940 U.S. census have been indexed with 18 state records already available to the public on all Project partner websites, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Archives.com, FamilySearch.org and findmypast.com. The records will also be made available in more than 7,000 public libraries nationwide in the coming months by ProQuest. The national service project, the first and largest of its kind, aims to establish a comprehensive searchable database and make the 1940 U.S. census records available for free."
Let's not stop. Keep up that indexing. My home state of Minnesota is about to be finished so I am now working on Wisconsin. When that is done I will choose another state. If you aren't indexing, join us. Just visit FamilySearch.org and click on the 1940 census project logo in the upper right hand corner. It's easy, it's fun, and oh do you feel good after you submit each batch. I have indexed about 5,000 names but that's a drop in the bucket compared to some of the loyal indexers.
Wouldn't it be cool to have it all indexed by the Fourth of July as we celebrate our country's birthday? Plus this is showing the record keepers, legislatures, librarians, archivists, and others that we are a powerful group. I suspect that some of those folks are also volunteer indexers for this project.
Those 18 searchable states already on those sites mentioned above are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wyoming
06 June 2012
Minnesota activities for those who crave history
My email today brought me the Local History News from the Minnesota Historical Society. I want to attend just about every event that was listed in it.
The spotlighted project in this issue is that of the Richfield Historical Society. Richfield is in Hennepin County and is a first-ring suburb located adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The funds the RHS received from the MHS' Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants Program have been used to "To make publicly accessible a collection of 7,500 photographs of Richfield housing, 1955-1957."
Read the full newsletter with the extensive list of historical events in the state click here.
The spotlighted project in this issue is that of the Richfield Historical Society. Richfield is in Hennepin County and is a first-ring suburb located adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The funds the RHS received from the MHS' Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants Program have been used to "To make publicly accessible a collection of 7,500 photographs of Richfield housing, 1955-1957."
Read the full newsletter with the extensive list of historical events in the state click here.
31 May 2012
Mankato, MInnesota Family History Conference
In
partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the Blue
Earth County Historical Society, the Minnesota Genealogical Society presents this year's greater
Minnesota genealogy conference June 22 and 23. Friday
kicks off with an evening social and program at Blue Earth County
Historical Society. Saturday's full-day conference at the university, "South Central Minnesota in the 1860s," is headlined by Stephen Osman's presentation, "Minnesota's Two Civil Wars."
A total of 16 breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics are being offered.
For details: http://www.mngs.org/
30 May 2012
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Registration Opens June 2!
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Registration Opens June 2! That's this Saturday!
One June 2, 2012, at 9:00 AM (Mountain Daylight Time) (11 Eastern, 10 Central, and 8 Pacific) the mad dash to register for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy will begin. There are eleven great courses to choose from in this Utah Genealogical Society (UGA) institute. Register at www.slig.ugagenealogy.org It's the perfect way to spend quality genealogy time next January 14-18 near the greatest genealogy library in the world.
At at this genealogy institute you choose one topic track and you get 25 hours of in-depth instruction and networking on that topic. Click here to see the full list of tracks and click on each title to see details on each. [I am coordinating and teaching in Course I, American Records & Research, and teaching in Courses 2 & 6.]
Tuition:
Many of the tracks fill quickly so you'll want to register right out of the gate. Early bird registration ends October 31, Tuition rates are as follows, note that there is a $65 additional cost for Problem Solving:
UGA Member with Early Bird discount - $350
Non-UGA Member with Early Bird discount - $400
UGA Member after October 31, 2012 - $400
Non-UGA Member after October 31, 2012 - $450
If you are a UGA member, check your log-in information in the website now. The webmaster will not be able to field log-in problems on June 2. If you are not a UGA member, join now! Membership is only $35, so you'll save yourself $15. If you cannot log-in on registration day please register as a non-member and then email info@ugagenealogy.org requesting a new invoice with the correct total.
Evening Sessions, etc.:
UGA is building a new registration system which will allow you to edit your order at any time. It's not quite ready, so until it is they will only be opening registration for the main tracks. Please note that later you can register for evening sessions, meal plans, parking passes, and more as soon as their new system is ready. SLIG registrants will receive an update via email.
Dining Options:
Each year UGA receives suggestions from the students regarding dining options. They heard you! Each morning registered students will be entitled to a complimentary continental breakfast at the Radisson hotel. This breakfast will include pastries and fruit, coffee, tea, juice, and water, and will be offered in the main Wasatch hallway on the second floor. There will also be two lunch plans for interested students. Watch for details later.
One June 2, 2012, at 9:00 AM (Mountain Daylight Time) (11 Eastern, 10 Central, and 8 Pacific) the mad dash to register for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy will begin. There are eleven great courses to choose from in this Utah Genealogical Society (UGA) institute. Register at www.slig.ugagenealogy.org It's the perfect way to spend quality genealogy time next January 14-18 near the greatest genealogy library in the world.
At at this genealogy institute you choose one topic track and you get 25 hours of in-depth instruction and networking on that topic. Click here to see the full list of tracks and click on each title to see details on each. [I am coordinating and teaching in Course I, American Records & Research, and teaching in Courses 2 & 6.]
Tuition:
Many of the tracks fill quickly so you'll want to register right out of the gate. Early bird registration ends October 31, Tuition rates are as follows, note that there is a $65 additional cost for Problem Solving:
UGA Member with Early Bird discount - $350
Non-UGA Member with Early Bird discount - $400
UGA Member after October 31, 2012 - $400
Non-UGA Member after October 31, 2012 - $450
If you are a UGA member, check your log-in information in the website now. The webmaster will not be able to field log-in problems on June 2. If you are not a UGA member, join now! Membership is only $35, so you'll save yourself $15. If you cannot log-in on registration day please register as a non-member and then email info@ugagenealogy.org requesting a new invoice with the correct total.
Evening Sessions, etc.:
UGA is building a new registration system which will allow you to edit your order at any time. It's not quite ready, so until it is they will only be opening registration for the main tracks. Please note that later you can register for evening sessions, meal plans, parking passes, and more as soon as their new system is ready. SLIG registrants will receive an update via email.
Dining Options:
Each year UGA receives suggestions from the students regarding dining options. They heard you! Each morning registered students will be entitled to a complimentary continental breakfast at the Radisson hotel. This breakfast will include pastries and fruit, coffee, tea, juice, and water, and will be offered in the main Wasatch hallway on the second floor. There will also be two lunch plans for interested students. Watch for details later.
28 May 2012
Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen
My family has been pretty lucky as far as returning family members who served in the United States military. My Dad, Father-In-Law, and my ex-husband all returned as did those in previous generations. My father did have some service related health issues but nothing too severe. As I watched TV today showing President Obama and others at the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, I shed some tears. Taps, the Star Spangled Banner, other music, and the bagpipes do it to me every time. I was also thinking about all the families who have lost family members while in service to this country and continue to suffer today.
In the last couple weeks I happened to drive by two houses that brought to mind two such veterans. I drove by the house on Randolph Avenue in St. Paul where my late uncle's mother and brother lived. I visited them many times since my grandmother lived 1/2 block away. Gerald Joseph Mueller died during the Korean war years. He was married to my Mom's sister, Jeanine Hanley. His remains have never been found. I don't remember him but always knew about him and I used to visit his grandparents in Buckman, Minnesota. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1017305
The next house was on Munster Avenue, also in St. Paul where Tom Kingston lived. I went to grade school with Tom and will always remember his red hair. Tom was killed in Viet Nam in January of 1968. I still remember receiving the letter from a friend back home and the feeling of shock. I was living in California at the time near a Naval Air Station were my husband served. He did not go to Viet Nam, but served on Adak in the Aleutian Islands. I imagine we will remember Tom fondly this October when we have our 8th grade reunion. I have visited the wall in Washington, DC and did cry as I touched Tom's name.
I am grateful to these two men who lost their lives while fighting to keep us free. But I wish no one had to fight in any war.
In the last couple weeks I happened to drive by two houses that brought to mind two such veterans. I drove by the house on Randolph Avenue in St. Paul where my late uncle's mother and brother lived. I visited them many times since my grandmother lived 1/2 block away. Gerald Joseph Mueller died during the Korean war years. He was married to my Mom's sister, Jeanine Hanley. His remains have never been found. I don't remember him but always knew about him and I used to visit his grandparents in Buckman, Minnesota. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1017305
The next house was on Munster Avenue, also in St. Paul where Tom Kingston lived. I went to grade school with Tom and will always remember his red hair. Tom was killed in Viet Nam in January of 1968. I still remember receiving the letter from a friend back home and the feeling of shock. I was living in California at the time near a Naval Air Station were my husband served. He did not go to Viet Nam, but served on Adak in the Aleutian Islands. I imagine we will remember Tom fondly this October when we have our 8th grade reunion. I have visited the wall in Washington, DC and did cry as I touched Tom's name.
I am grateful to these two men who lost their lives while fighting to keep us free. But I wish no one had to fight in any war.
22 May 2012
Austin, Minnesota couple married in cemetery
I love this story in yesterday's St. Paul Pioneer Press. A couple in Austin in Southern Minnesota were married this past Saturday near their parents' graves in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery so their parents could be at the wedding. Their engagement began in the cemetery after the couple reconnected via Facebook.
Click here for the full story and a picture.
Click here for the full story and a picture.
18 May 2012
Tracing your family history with the 1940 census and other tools
Join me and Mary Jo Webster from the St. Paul Pioneer Press at the St. Paul Public Library, Highland Park branch, for a free class next week. Mary Jo is a reporter and computer-assisted reporting editor for my hometown newspaper.
Mary Jo will talk about her first-ever experience in researching the free, online 1940 U.S. census and finding a neat capsule of her own family history. I will add more about the 1940 census, other censuses, and share tips on researching your family history via materials that are online and some that aren't. There are many free resources for starting to research your family history.
It's a free class on Wednesday, May 23d at 6:30 p.m.
Click here to see directions to the Highland Park Library: http://bit.ly/KxPIBg
Click here to see the library calendar http://bit.ly/MqfIPO
Mary Jo will talk about her first-ever experience in researching the free, online 1940 U.S. census and finding a neat capsule of her own family history. I will add more about the 1940 census, other censuses, and share tips on researching your family history via materials that are online and some that aren't. There are many free resources for starting to research your family history.
It's a free class on Wednesday, May 23d at 6:30 p.m.
Click here to see directions to the Highland Park Library: http://bit.ly/KxPIBg
Click here to see the library calendar http://bit.ly/MqfIPO
13 May 2012
GRIP early bird tuition deadline
Where has this year gone already! I just noticed that the early bird deadline for the 2012 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) is at the end of this month. Are we really at the half-way mark of May? There are limited open spots in three of the courses. You will be delighted no matter which course you take.
You save $20.00 if you register before June 1, 2012. GRIP takes place this coming July 22-27. Check out all the details at www.gripitt.org.
Early bird tuition for the one-week course includes daytime and optional evening sessions, all syllabus notebook materials, social activities, snacks, and a polo shirt. The cost is $380 paid by June 1, 2012 and $400 thereafter. The website also details info on dorm rentals.
You save $20.00 if you register before June 1, 2012. GRIP takes place this coming July 22-27. Check out all the details at www.gripitt.org.
Early bird tuition for the one-week course includes daytime and optional evening sessions, all syllabus notebook materials, social activities, snacks, and a polo shirt. The cost is $380 paid by June 1, 2012 and $400 thereafter. The website also details info on dorm rentals.
09 May 2012
Have a genealogy question? Are you at the NGS Conference in Cinci?
Stop by the findmypast.com booth in the Exhibit Hall to get your burning genealogy questions addressed. Three top family history experts will be in the booth to assist you in your family history quest. The cost? FREE. The consultants are:
Wednesday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Thursday: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG
Friday: D. Joshua Taylor, MLS
Saturday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Wednesday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Thursday: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG
Friday: D. Joshua Taylor, MLS
Saturday: Debra Mieszala, CG
06 May 2012
Sultana Disaster Records online for FREE
I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and also to be a contributor the the Stern-NARA Gift Fund and the Preserve the Pensions Project. Have you donated? Our donations are vital to making records available for all of us. This is last week's FGS Press Release about these records. Thank you to Fold3 too!
FGS STERN NARA FUND HELPS MAKE SULTANA DISASTER RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE GENEALOGY COMMUNITY
Free Access Provided by Fold3May 4, 2012– Austin, TX: The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is proud to announce its recent participation in making the Sultana Disaster records available to genealogists and family history researchers. When the boiler exploded aboard the steamer Sultana on April 27, 1865, more than 1,700 people lost their lives. The records include lists of survivors, along with their military service information, as well as information on those who perished.
Through a grant from the Malcolm H. Stern-NARA Gift Fund, FGS has helped to bring this important Civil War record set to the Fold3 website. The fund is a nationally supported program to finance preservation and imaging of valuable research materials now preserved in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C.
In addition, FGS and NARA, with the help of the genealogical community, have begun an exciting project to digitize the War of 1812 pension files. There are 7.2 million pages in 180,000 pension files that have never been available in any other form before. The Preserve the Pensions Project is in progress to digitize and make every page of these information-rich files available as part of a bicentennial commemoration of this historic conflict. Learn more about this important preservation and digitization project at the Preserve the Pensions page (http://www.fgs.org/1812/) and get involved by making a donation today.
Here is the recent announcement from Fold3 about the Sultana Disaster database and the specific information to be found within the records:
When
the boiler exploded aboard the steamer Sultana on April 27, 1865, more
than 1,700 people lost their lives. Most of those aboard were recently
released Union prisoners from Confederate prisons in Cahaba, Alabama,
and Andersonville, Georgia. They were en route from Camp Fiske in
Mississippi to Camp Chase, Ohio, but the explosion occurred only a few
hours into the journey.
In addition to the faulty boiler, the ship was also grossly overburdened with 2,200 passengers on a vessel built to carry 376.
Records
relating to the Sultana Disaster, April 1865, are now available on
Fold3. They include lists of the former prisoners who survived the
disaster, with military service information and brief comments on their
injuries. There are also lists of those who perished, yet not of the
civilian survivors or those who died.
The
enormity of the disaster led quickly to investigations. By January
1866, a court-martial was convened to charge Captain Frederick Speed,
the man who volunteered to coordinate the transfer of prisoners, with
“neglect of duty to the prejudice of good order and military
discipline.” There are 647 documents in the court-martial case with
testimonies, witness accounts, and statements by the defense and
prosecution. After "nearly six long weary months" the trial came to a
close. Capt. Speed was the only person charged in the incident. He was
found guilty, yet the charges were later dismissed by Judge Advocate
General Joseph Holt.
The Sultana Disaster records can be accessed on the Fold3 website at http://www.fold3.com/title_
Librarian from the Library of Congress to speak in Northfield, Minnesota
I wish I could attend this presentation down in Northfield, Minnesota at Carleton College. Hopefully some of my blog readers will attend. If you feel like sharing about this event, I'd be happy to publish it on this blog and give you full credit.
"Mark Dimunation, Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, will give a talk on digitizing library materials. His presentation, entitled “Living with the Real Thing: From the Original to the Digital,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thurs., May 10 in the Carleton College Boliou Hall, Room 141. This event is free and open to the public."
Dimunation is a graduate of Carleton's St. Olaf College. Read more about him and the presentation in Carleton News. http://apps.carleton.edu/news/news/?story_id=841544
"Mark Dimunation, Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, will give a talk on digitizing library materials. His presentation, entitled “Living with the Real Thing: From the Original to the Digital,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thurs., May 10 in the Carleton College Boliou Hall, Room 141. This event is free and open to the public."
Dimunation is a graduate of Carleton's St. Olaf College. Read more about him and the presentation in Carleton News. http://apps.carleton.edu/news/news/?story_id=841544
05 May 2012
Free expert advice at findmypast.com booth at NGS Cincinnati
findmypast.com is hosting an "Expert of the Day at its Exhibit Hall booth at the National Genealogical Society Conference in Cincinnati this coming week. (May 9-12)
Ask questions and receive expert advice from some of the nation’s leading genealogists. No appointment necessary! Visit one on one with the Expert of the Day for free at the findmypast.com booth.
Wednesday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Thursday: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA
Friday: D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Saturday: Debra Mieszala, CG
About the Experts:
Debra Mieszala specializes in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest. She does genealogical research for the military to help locate family members of service members missing in past wars. A national-level lecturer and author, she has taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and other events. Debbie al so holds a certificate in paralegal studies.
Paula Stuart-Warren has been conducting research since the early 1980s and works full time in the areas of genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. A board-certified genealogist since 1988, Paula is a firm believer in continuing education in genealogy and frequently participates in national and local conferences. Among her many activities, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies.
D. Joshua Taylor is the Business Development Manager – North America for brightsolid online publishing, the creators of findmypast.com, and a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Active in the genealogical community, Joshua is the current Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and has been a featured genealogist on NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?
Ask questions and receive expert advice from some of the nation’s leading genealogists. No appointment necessary! Visit one on one with the Expert of the Day for free at the findmypast.com booth.
Wednesday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Thursday: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA
Friday: D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Saturday: Debra Mieszala, CG
About the Experts:
Debra Mieszala specializes in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest. She does genealogical research for the military to help locate family members of service members missing in past wars. A national-level lecturer and author, she has taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and other events. Debbie al so holds a certificate in paralegal studies.
Paula Stuart-Warren has been conducting research since the early 1980s and works full time in the areas of genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. A board-certified genealogist since 1988, Paula is a firm believer in continuing education in genealogy and frequently participates in national and local conferences. Among her many activities, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies.
D. Joshua Taylor is the Business Development Manager – North America for brightsolid online publishing, the creators of findmypast.com, and a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Active in the genealogical community, Joshua is the current Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and has been a featured genealogist on NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?
30 April 2012
Minnesota 1940 census is 19% indexed
That is amazing news. In less than a month since the 1940 census was made public, volunteers have indexed 19% of the 1940 U.S. census for Minnesota. I love indexing my home state. I recognize many names or can easily figure out what the enumerator wrote in most cases. I love seeing the multi-generation families all living in the same house. Yesterday I indexed four batches.
I do have to use other databases and indexes to help figure out the given or surname for some of the entries. Those names have to be indexed as the census enumerator wrote them. For Minnesota and other place names, the spelling is to be corrected to the proper spelling. One helpful Minnesota place name guide is Minnesota Place Names: A Geographical Encyclopedia (3d ed) which is also online in expanded and searchable format at http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham/index.cfm
A bit of bad news, there is still 81% of the 1940 census for Minnesota to be indexed. It takes many people to accomplish 100%. On average, how many batches (pages) are you indexing in a week? My work and other volunteering schedules have kept me from doing as many as I want to do. But, I am averaging a dozen batches a week. Promise me you will try indexing at least a couple batches in the five days. Then tell me you were able to stop with just two!
A friend in Arizona sent me an email to tell me that since her home state of Indiana is all indexed and Arizona, her state of residence, is also indexed, she is now indexing in states that mean something to her genealogy friends. I love that she is helping to index Minnesota!
To sign up visit www.familysearch.org and click on the 1940 census image. That will take you to a page where you can quickly sign up. You may also indicate that you are doing this under the auspices of the Minnesota Genealogical Society or any other group.
I do have to use other databases and indexes to help figure out the given or surname for some of the entries. Those names have to be indexed as the census enumerator wrote them. For Minnesota and other place names, the spelling is to be corrected to the proper spelling. One helpful Minnesota place name guide is Minnesota Place Names: A Geographical Encyclopedia (3d ed) which is also online in expanded and searchable format at http://mnplaces.mnhs.org/upham/index.cfm
A bit of bad news, there is still 81% of the 1940 census for Minnesota to be indexed. It takes many people to accomplish 100%. On average, how many batches (pages) are you indexing in a week? My work and other volunteering schedules have kept me from doing as many as I want to do. But, I am averaging a dozen batches a week. Promise me you will try indexing at least a couple batches in the five days. Then tell me you were able to stop with just two!
A friend in Arizona sent me an email to tell me that since her home state of Indiana is all indexed and Arizona, her state of residence, is also indexed, she is now indexing in states that mean something to her genealogy friends. I love that she is helping to index Minnesota!
To sign up visit www.familysearch.org and click on the 1940 census image. That will take you to a page where you can quickly sign up. You may also indicate that you are doing this under the auspices of the Minnesota Genealogical Society or any other group.
26 April 2012
"Ask a Genealogist" this Saturday
The Association of Professional Genealogists Northland Chapter is sponsoring a “Ask a Genealogist” panel session this Saturday, April 28th at Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. IGH is a suburb of St. Paul.
This session will be held from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. and is open to all conference registrants. Each registrant will receive Ask a Genealogist forms in their registration packet. APG Northland Chapter members David Suddarth, Joanne Sher, and Sandy Thalmann will be there to answer your family history questions.
The session is part of the Central & Eastern European Genealogy Conference being held Friday evening and all day Saturday. For more information on the event check the Minnesota Genealogical Society website at www.mngs.org.
The conference features three sessions by John Philip Colletta, Ph.D. plus 15 breakout sessions in 5 ethnic tracks.
For more information on the Northland Chapter please visit our page on the Association of Professional Genealogists website: http://www.apgen.org/chapters/northland/index.html
This session will be held from 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. and is open to all conference registrants. Each registrant will receive Ask a Genealogist forms in their registration packet. APG Northland Chapter members David Suddarth, Joanne Sher, and Sandy Thalmann will be there to answer your family history questions.
The session is part of the Central & Eastern European Genealogy Conference being held Friday evening and all day Saturday. For more information on the event check the Minnesota Genealogical Society website at www.mngs.org.
The conference features three sessions by John Philip Colletta, Ph.D. plus 15 breakout sessions in 5 ethnic tracks.
For more information on the Northland Chapter please visit our page on the Association of Professional Genealogists website: http://www.apgen.org/chapters/northland/index.html
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