Heredis 2014 for Windows | Heredis

Heredis 2014 for Windows | Heredis

I can't recommend this new software for genealogy, primarily because I just learned of it, today.  However, there is a trial version and therefore, you and I both can look it over and decide if it's something we could make use of.

I am happy with my current software program (RootsMagic) and I know a lot of folks use FamilyTree Maker.  But even a simple, dated program like Personal Ancestral File* has options and gadgets that I never took the time to learn.  Heredis 2014 looks as though it was created to complement the online genealogist in a big way.  

Time doesn't allow for a full discussion today of all the various programs/software that are available as tools for the family historian, but I'm looking forward to the future when I can add some of those discussions.

*Read this about Personal Ancestral File being discontinued.  As long as you don't need product updates or offical support, you can continue to use PAF on your computer.  It is a great basic program without a lot of bells and whistles.  For people who want bells and whistles, Internet interaction with their software, look elsewhere.  Or for those wanting to access the FamilySearch Family Tree, RootsMagic is the way to go, (my opinion).  Now, according to Dick Eastman, PAF is no longer available for download from FamilySearch, but I noticed on a Google Search I did that there are a couple of places you can download the program.  As always, practice caution when downloading from an unknown source. 

Happiness Thanksgiving

What makes you happy? 

I was writing down what I was thankful for and it occurred to me that some of the things that I am grateful for are not what you'd think. 

For many years, I was glad to be the one working in the kitchen, preparing the turkey and dressing with all the trimmings.  It made me feel close to my mother and I have to admit that I was a little proud to have learned the skills that allowed me to feed my family good food.  I didn't feel stuck; when and if the kids started to drop in, I knew they'd come in and help out one way or the other.  But still, it was work; it took a special effort.  Sometimes, I find that work is therapeutic for what ails 'ya.

I don't have the large house these days; most of my children live elsewhere--as in another hemisphere.  I spend a lot of time online, playing word games and doing genealogy.  This is my second Thanksgiving without my husband.  The turkey is smaller and I don't know if I will have all the trimmings.  But I know one thing: I couldn't cook in my small kitchen until the floor was clean. 

So, I left my recliner and swept and mopped as well as I could with a bad back.  Afterwards, I felt happy.  I was happy that I could do something to help myself and if it was done somewhat imperfectly, it gives me something to work on, tomorrow.

Genealogy Charts

Genealogy Charts

Misbach is a favorite source of mine for Charts. Why, in this digital age do I even care about Charts and Forms?

• I like to use them as worksheets.
• If my software program doesn't provide blank forms or a particular form I'm looking for, then I have options with downloads and printables online.
• They make nice gifts for members of our family at Christmas and Birthdays or for kinfolks who aren't computer literate, yet.

Someone asked me recently about a bowtie chart.  At this site, I finally got the clearest understanding of what a Bowtie Chart is! 

Bowtie Chart 

This is very similar to the Fan chart, but each side is spread out for visual effect. It clearly separates maternal and paternal ancestral lines. There are fields that allow you to link from one chart to another. Size is 8.5" x 11".

It is November, and I 
am thankful for
being able to learn
new stuff!

Genealogy's Star: Update on Who Owns the Genealogy Companies

Genealogy's Star: Update on Who Owns the Genealogy Companies

I think this article interesting, but does it really matter who owns what?  I suppose it is interesting and even justifiable if you have a deeply embedded business sense when it comes to corporations.  What does matter is intent, content, and reliability. 

I have other blogs...

Want to chill in an easy chair and explore some of the different types of blogs that I have created?  Sure you do!

Beehive Buzz is an all-purpose, any topic, kind of web site, a place to go when I just feel the urge to vent or share.

Gathering the Givens: I try to post at this blog, anything and everything I come across for my Grandpa Givens' ancestry.  We are planning a reunion for 2014 and since it's been ten years since the last one, I'm looking forward to touching bases with everyone.

Ancestry of Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr. is devoted to my adoptive father's line; I know the most about this family, I think as my dad mentored my entry into the genealogy world when he turned fifty years old or so-----that's when he became interested in following the footsteps of his mom and his sister, Aunt Bea, who had already gathered lots of relative info.  [Pun intended]!

I also have a WordPress blog, "GenQuest Diary", where I can post genealogy journeys and discoveries.  Since WordPress is different than "Blogger", a Google generated brand, it's interesting to play around with it and stretch my brain by trying different things.

I encourage beginning genealogists to create family newsletters with the help of tools like online blogs.  Your kin can keep up with your research results and share their present day family history in the making.  For more information about creating a blog, I recommend this comprehensive article at FamilySearch.

Steve Robinson - Ancestry Author: Featured in Family Tree magazine

Steve Robinson - Ancestry Author: Featured in Family Tree magazine

I've read these books and was engaged and entertained.  Maybe you would like to try one--the protagonist is, of course, a genealogist!  

Advice on How to Research Family History, Part 1 - NYTimes.com

Advice on How to Research Family History, Part 1 - NYTimes.com

Questions and Answers: Read it now.  A commonsensical approach to ancestor hunting by a highly respected historical writer and genealogy researcher (see column at Eastman's Blog), Elizabeth Shown Mills makes you feel like you can afford to take your time and do this thing right.  In fact, her answers inspire bravery and confidence.  It's simply a matter of applying tried and true principles.

GeneaWebinars

GeneaWebinars

Ever wondered where to find good webinars for family history?  This site was recommended to me and now, I'm able to check the calendar for webinars scheduled when I'm available!

If you're clueless (everyone is at some point), check the nav bar for "How it Works".  Be sure to check out the "Blog Archive" to the left of the main article, too.    

Free GenealogyBank Ebook Download - Family Tree Magazine

Free GenealogyBank Ebook Download - Family Tree Magazine

Found this offer on Facebook this morning!

How Other Countries Arrange Name Order Video

How Other Countries Arrange Name Order Video

This little video from about.com gives a little insight into how names are arranged in other countries.  I love the genealogist's use of the whiteboard in demonstrating what he is talking about.  

Even if you don't want to subscribe right now to Ancestry.com, or you've been there, done that and want to try something else, certain databases at Ancestry are available for free any time all the time.

Not least of the free benefits at Ancestry is the opportunity you have to work on your family tree--or get started with a family tree.  You can add photos and stories, correct or make additions, etc.  Check this page out and sign up for the "Getting Started with Ancestry" Guide--It's free!

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

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

Lesson: Don't become so infatuated with the gigantic database sites that you forget to check out the latest updates to Online Indexes.  Joe Beine is adept at providing this information.  It's a Treat for Genealogists at Halloween!

List of Counties | TNGenWeb Project, Inc.

List of Counties | TNGenWeb Project, Inc.

I haven't discussed the USGenWeb web site this session at CLL, but there are some excellent resources, there.  Because each and state county varies as to who submits what and which volunteer "sponsors" or manages the site, you get a varying amount and quality of information.  This particular feature at USGenWeb is an excellent source for county information in Tennessee.

U.S. immigration landmark Ellis Island to reopen, a year after Sandy | Reuters

U.S. immigration landmark Ellis Island to reopen, a year after Sandy | Reuters

I guess I'm a little slow; I'm just now discovering that Ellis Island was closed because of Hurricane Sandy (or was it a Tropical Storm?); I think I need to get updated on things...find out what's going on...read the small print instead of just the headlines.

A good skill for genealogists to acquire, reading the small print, that is.  Glad to hear that recovery in that area is going forward.

Free Help at Genealogy.com

File Under: Census Forms and Charts  

This type of form is called a Census Record Abstract. 


The Learning Center at  Genealogy.com is very helpful.  For example, there are printable forms and charts.  The 1880 U.S. Federal Census, this particular form, gives us a guideline about the questions that were asked by the enumerator.  In 1880, not only do you get to see where the head of the household was born, but there is data for where his father and mother were born, also.  In addition, the occupation is listed! 

These types of forms can be downloaded from other web sites and your local Family History Center should have some on hand, as well.

The Ripple Effect of People’s Lives

The Ripple Effect of People’s Lives

Read the Ancestry Blog.  This article is packed full of information that you can use to write your story.

Family ChartMasters Main Page

Family ChartMasters Main Page

Two left thumbs?  Not a creative bone in your body?  Let ChartMasters do the job.  Jus' sayin'...Christmas is around the corner and you can give an original gift with your research forming the core concept.

 

DC Thomson Family History and FamilySearch.org to Make Billions of Records Available for People to Search | FamilySearch.org

DC Thomson Family History and FamilySearch.org to Make Billions of Records Available for People to Search | FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch partners with DC Thomson in order to continue expanding the number of ways in which they can share records of genealogical value with the people who need them. 

In my humble opinion, It's not about pumping up the corporations so they can make money; it's about circling the wagons so that no opportunity will be missed in your genealogical search.  Various companies attract their own following, beef up their own technology; could they serve their customer base better by offering more records?  You bethca! FamilySearch just wants you to have them, too! 

Amazon.com: geneaguides

Amazon.com: geneaguides

Well known genealogist speaker, writer, blogger, etc., Thomas MacEntee offers genealogy guide books.  These are just the kindle ones!  So reasonable, too.

LegacyFamilyTree is offering PDF books, as well.  There are three.  Check it out.

Mocavo: How We Make Money

Mocavo: How We Make Money

I haven't invested a lot of time or effort in researching at this Web Site; primarily, I didn't know a lot about it.  This page (the link above), does clear up some of my questions.  But, I still wonder--how is Mocavo better than Ancestry.com and/or FamilySearch?

Like everything else on the Internet, I will have to set aside some time to play with it to find out.  I can also search online for some reviews.  Let me know if you've invested some time with this service and how you like it. 

Like anything new on the Internet, you're asking yourself, "Is it really free?" or "Is it really free, forever?"  Be sure to read the comments, below, on the articles that Dick Eastman posted, especially the one most recently about Mocavo Introduces Free Forever .

Two things I do like so far in my research of Mocavo:  1)  Learning Center and 2) Mocavo Blog

 ________________________More About Mocavo______________________

• Top Ten Review
• Dick Eastman articles on Mocavo, or some of them at least.
• http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2011/03/mocavocom-launches-as-worlds-largest-free-genealogy-search-engine.html
• http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2013/02/mocavo-and-freebmd-announce-partnership-search-300-million-english-and-welsh-bmd-records-with-mocavo-1.html
• Mocavo introduces Free Forever
• http://rightstartups.com/colorados-mocavo-genealogical-search-engine-cheapskates-me345/
• http://pandodaily.com/2012/08/08/mocavo-connects-the-hidden-dots-for-genealogists/

Other items containing info at Mocavo:

1. Randy Seaver (respected Genealogy Blogger) 
2. Kathleen Cooper
3. UpFront with NGS
4. Peter's Family History Notes