Family History Research

RESOURCES IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

and thereabouts...

Part 1

Valparaiso Community Library

459 Valparaiso Pkwy Valparaiso, FL 32580

(850) 729-5406

In the late 1970s the library expanded its modest collection to include genealogy research. Since that time the genealogy collection has grown to over 7,000 documents with hundreds of researches completing their family histories. 

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Bay County Library
Location:
Bay County Public Library 898 W. 11th St. Panama City, FL 32401

The Genealogy Collection of the Bay County Public Library contains over 3900 books and over 2000 rolls of microfilm. None of these materials circulate. The largest percentage of our collection deals with the Southeastern United States and also we have a good collection of materials on other states. We have family histories, research guides, and general genealogical references. We also have a nice collection of Genealogy periodicals.

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Libraries are not out of style!  They do have digital resources, and many groups are involved in digitizing projects, but we owe it to ourselves to see what has been collected and preserved in these repositories.  Besides, "Ask a Librarian", isn't just a logo; there truly are dedicated individuals who know their way around information.  They know not only what's in the library but just as importantly, what's out there in the community.

There is a couple of CRAZY, Wild, and Fun events I would like to mention, here, today.

• The Fort Walton will be hosting computer classes; this is a free option but you must register, first.  For more information, read this: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5hGXXywuV3aakR4aTFPaVdVeTQ/edit?usp=sharing 
  
• The West Florida Genealogical Society is sponsoring Megan Smolenyak at their November Conference.  Information and Registration Form can be found HERE. 

 

• Other events in the NWFL region or within a 3 hour drive include:
• Saturday, 19 October 2013
  9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Bay County Library Conference Room
  898 West 11 th Street
  Panama City, Florida 32401
  Presented by the
  Bay County Genealogical Society
• Alabama Genealogical Society Fall Seminar October 12, 2013. 
•  Not a three hour drive--five hours--but closer than usual and I am going!
  Friday, March 28, 2014 through Sunday, March 30, 2014
  FSGS Annual Conference  (March)
  Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32607
  Presented by Varied Speakers will be announced
  More INFO TO COME.

Getting Out the Door and on the Road!

When the spirit strikes--when you first get that yearning to go on a genealogy field trip, it's easy to forget that this type of research requires a little preparation and a bit of planning.  I tend to get a little over-excited and forget something, even if I've laid it out to bring along. 

An example of what I'm referring to is this idea that I have to go and visit the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).  I'm just sure that I can find out some information about my ancestors, there.  After all, I'm a Southerner, so surely the key to unlocking my family history lies in a visit to their hallowed halls of preserved records.  Right?

Before taking any journeys, consider these suggestions, first; otherwise, you'll end up wasting not only your own time but others' as well.  Don't be me.  I had to learn by experience some of these lessons and have never gotten back to that particular depository, where, if I had just brought the proper "equipment" or prepared myself properly, I could have accomplished some valuable family history work.

Being familiar with your family and what information you're missing begins with learning what you have and what you don't have in your database or notebook or family files.  Use the Pedigree Chart as a type of map, the lineage lines becoming your focus.  Bring Family Group Sheets to see which children belong to which parent, etc.  Alternatively, we hope that you will be allowed to bring your laptop into the research area and if you have your genealogy database handy, you'll be on top of your game--your genealogy game, that is. 

A surname list of those who live in the area (where you are researching) is also helpful. 

Plan to take along a few file folders for the various individuals for which you hope to find information.  Naturally, you will want to go to the web site and see if there is an index or catalog of the repository's contents.  Library web sites often have online catalogs, map collections, photographs, and other digital offerings.  Familiarize yourself as much as possible with the layout of the library or archives and is available at that location. 

A more complete "tool kit" for your genealogy road trip can be can be found at the website at the Connecticut State Library and in many other places on the Internet.

National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair: September 3 and 4, 2013

National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair: September 3 and 4, 2013

I would assume that you don't have to sit in front of your computer for the entire time during this presentation, but look over the "classes" and topics and choose the ones you are most interested in.  If work and home demands allow, of course, by all means, take in as much as you want of the free, virtual genealogy fair!  It comes with handouts!

BYU–Idaho Introduces a New Online Degree in Family History Research

BYU–Idaho Introduces a New Online Degree in Family History Research

Obtaining the skills that will help to make your family history research:  education and classes is the way to go for many genealogists.

BYUtv - Questions and Ancestors - Native American Genealogy

BYUtv - Questions and Ancestors - Native American Genealogy

I thought my family history friends would be excited about this episode of the series.  I've heard that in Southern ancestry, the chances of having "Indian" blood in your lineage are pretty good.  Now, on a personal level, after watching this show, I will try to find out if that is true.

Family Tree Software By Progeny Genealogy

Family Tree Software By Progeny Genealogy

I have used the Genelines Product and it looks as though the new, updated Chart Companion is going to be very useful, too.  I hope that as you look over some of these products, I would advise you to ask for a free trial or demo, if available, before you buy.

Mormon Parenting: Kids need to know ancestry, pioneers or not | Deseret News

Mormon Parenting: Kids need to know ancestry, pioneers or not | Deseret News

While the big family history conference is happening in Utah, at BYU, attendees who are non-Mormons are exposed to the church's attitude and influence toward family history.  "Turning the Hearts" of the children to the fathers and vice versa, is part of our religion.  The keynote speakers have shared LDS concepts that many genealogists feel already strongly about; it can be summed up in two words, "family counts".

Evidentia | Give a Voice to Your Sources

Evidentia | Give a Voice to Your Sources

I'm excited to start my 30 day trial on this software that I just found out about!  (Thanks, Pat Richley).  Evidence is where it's at, folks.  Proving your ancestry by gathering documentation, evaluating the documents and analyzing the findings is the only way to go.  I hope the learning curve begins at basic intelligence, as I sometimes get a little overwhelmed at the level of tech knowledgey that I'm expected to have on board.

PBS series to test claims of famous roots | The Columbus Dispatch

PBS series to test claims of famous roots | The Columbus Dispatch

I, for one, am glad that Dr. Gates is continuing his quest in support of genealogical proof!  I hope each of us are always "testing" our research.  

Who Do You Think You Are?: Kelly Clarkson

Who Do You Think You Are?: Kelly Clarkson

If you missed this last night, catch it online!  

Tracking Your Ancestor in the Census  

Grab Your Saddle and Go Track Those Ancestors!

I've experimented with several ways of tracking ancestors and/or ancestral families in the census. I even created a chart that would work for one person, though you could use it and just put in a family name (example: The John Witherspoon Givens Family). It provides such a wealth of information if you have the data from each census in which the individual appears.

Some of you are capable of creating spreadsheets for this purpose. Plus there are a few things on the Internet that give suggestions, also. And/or solutions.

However, you do this, it is absolutely something that you want to do, especially if you are having difficulties or brick walls. Of course, the result will be a "census timeline" and should be incorporated into a larger timeline of historical events or other types of timelines. Your census research can become a stroke of the brush as you create a portrait of your ancestors.

Consult these sites to gain a better understanding of census tracking, see and obtain tools for your project, and be motivated to create your own solution to the challenge of working with census sources.

• What is Magi Key and does it have a census tracker?
• You could use this!!
• FamilySearch Wiki is alive and well!
• Cluster and Census Go Together.
• (Related article) Family Tree Magazine
• http://www.censusmate.com/

Rare Bible rescued from trash provides missing family history | Deseret News

Rare Bible rescued from trash provides missing family history | Deseret News

I don't think that the Bible being in the trash was all that unusual!  That it was rescued--now, that's a celebration of someone with heroic qualities!

Do You Have Your Family Tree ONline?

Recently, I presented to the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County, a brief overview of what's involved so far as online family tree websites are concerned.  

The issue is, whether each of us have availed ourselves of this opportunity.  The presence of your family tree, online, is sure to catch the interest of those who may be researching the same family lines.  With that interest, it is entirely possible that you will discover the existence and whereabouts of extended family members, like cousins, for example.  These individuals can enrich your family history search with additional family photos, family stories, and of course, the proof we need to document our family's vital life events.  Identifying descendants of your ancestors is also the first step toward planning a family reunion.  

Here is the presentation, with many links embedded.  Hopefully, it will answer some of your concerns and address your questions.  If not, feel free to contact me.  There are several book publications on this topic, as well as all kinds of software and Internet help, available.  

Start with a Well-Documented Family Group Record | FamilySearch.org

Start with a Well-Documented Family Group Record | FamilySearch.org

I have to admit that I love family group sheets---finding them, using them to record stuff.  This article will be helpful for those of you are just starting out and for those who occasionally use a family group sheet for extracting information from an obituary or anything else (census, death, wills, whatever)!

Can someone's voice be monochromatic?  Get past the monotone of this tutorial/info video.  The information is golden.  Thanks, James Tanner for your teachings.

Finding and using the FamilySearch Wiki, step by step help.

Genealogy - Free 10 Generation Relationship Chart

Genealogy - Free 10 Generation Relationship Chart

Most of us can work out the first four generation relationships, but a chart like this might help you as you go farther down (or up) the line.  I also located two other (FREE) online tools:

• MyRelative.com
• Cousin Calculator

Additionally, one's chosen genealogy software or even online family tree has a feature for a relationship calculator.  All you have to do is put the info in!  I find this feature to be helpful in my Roots Magic program; it keeps me focused on the lineal aspect of the research I'm doing!

Record Preservation Missionary

Record Preservation Missionary

Did you ever wonder who to thank for the images and data made available for free at the website, FamilySearch?  This article will give you some insight as to who is behind a lot of the preservation efforts and how that work is accomplished.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that Family History work (and sometimes, it's more work than you planned on), brings family members closer together.  That is part of the reason that they throw their support behind the website, the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, and the FamilySearch Indexing Project. 

However, the goal of providing resources and data for free to both church members and the general public, would be impossible to achieve without the volunteer army of regular folks like you and me.  In fact, many non-member volunteers and outside organizations such as the Indiana Historical Society and other partners, are the people power that turn the wheels for this tremendous outreach.   Read more about this and community projects at the FamilySearch Blog.

Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah

Check out my other page in this blog: ANCESTORS OF TABITHA ELIZABETH RAY

The Ancestry Insider: From RootsTech: Ancestry.com Partnering with FamilySearch for Probates

The Ancestry Insider: From RootsTech: Ancestry.com Partnering with FamilySearch for Probates

It will be interesting to see how working together will work out.  I hope it goes well!