Basic Forms - Family Tree Magazine

Basic Forms - Family Tree Magazine

Do these people want you to subscribe to their magazine?  You bet.  And it's a great subscription to get.  What you might not think about it that even some subscription web sites (like Ancestry.com, etc.) have free stuff.  Here, at Family Tree Magazine, you can print out free charts.

To find other sites where you can print out charts or learn what forms might be helpful, check Cyndi's List  or the FamilySearch Wiki.  

Famous Family Trees - Celebrity Trees & Famous Folk

Famous Family Trees - Celebrity Trees; Famous Folk

Advantages of being related to a celebrity or famous person:

• Their genealogy has already been researched.
• They might have the financial resources to travel to the homeland (and send you pictures)!
• It might get your children finally interested in genealogy.

If your relative has been a United States President, he may have his own library.  Can you think of other reasons you might relish the thought of being kin to a famous person?

The Ancestry Insider seeks to clear up confusion...

The Ancestry Insider 

This is a blog that I read frequently for a better understanding of two primary genealogy websites that I depend on: Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.

I gather from this that some folks are concerned about alliances that have occurred, several very recently between these two organizations.  I think that the message I'm getting from the blog is that this:

• Good things happen when the big guys partner with each other on preservation projects, especially digitization of records.  More records accessible to more people is good, right?
• FamilySearch doesn't show any sign of closing free access of the historical records featured on the site.  Is that assumption on my part correct?
• If I could afford it, I would take advantage of the best that each genealogy website has to offer; since I do have budget, I continue to search for record sites that offer free or low cost access.  I use FamilySearch both at home and at the Family History Center, so that I can utilize the premium web sites that are offered at that location.  I depend greatly on Ancestry.com's United States collection (also available at the Family History Censter) and occasionally, I activate my "at home" subscription to Ancestry, also.
• I have more than enough to do with the sources available just between those two sites and hope for state and local governments to continue to try and make their collections more available through digitization projects, on the Internet,

What's Happening in NWFL and thereabouts...Updated

Happy New Year!

 Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida: Did you know that the museum is a member of Panhandle Historic Preservation Alliance?  
Check out the historic alliances in Okaloosa County, and/or other Panhandle counties.  Road trip, anyone?  In addition, the calendar of activities and events for the Alliance is posted at THIS PAGE.

The Heritage Museum's Valparaiso archives are available to research by appointment.   And one last word about this amazing institution: it is the building where the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County gathers the second Saturday of every month!

Want to know what is happeninng in the rest of Florida?  Check out the Florida State Genealogical Society site; I'm excited because their annual conference will be held in Gainesville, FL, this year! 
The three-day conference will be held at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida on 28 - 30 March 2014.

I can't contain my excitement about another event that is just a little bit further afield than Gainesville:    The NGS 2014 Family History Conference will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. Mark your calendars for 7–10 May 2014.

The Salt Palace Convention Center

Feb. 6-8th, 2014:  If you really want to get out of Dodge (no one gets this phrase, anymore, unless they are "older"), there is the RootsTech event in Salt Lake City.  I know at least two people from our local area who are attending this year--I'm impressed!  A serious 21st Century family historian aspires to events like this one.  Many of the lectures, presentations, etc.  will be available to the general public at some point.   

West Florida Genealogical Society January Program:  This will happen on January 4, 2014!  The program will feature Charlene Grafton; her topic is "What's In Your Genes?"--"Human Disease Traits.

Charlene is a survivor of Stevens Johnson Syndrome caused by a severe reaction to Septra DS in 2009; she is also the author of What's In Your Genes: Human Threads Linking Genetics and Genealogy.  She is a participant in the Personal Genome Project with Dr. George Church at Harvard. 

Bay County Genealogical Society sponsors Dick Eastman at their Spring Seminar!  This will be an event you won't want to miss.  Richard "Dick" Eastman is an internationally known lecturer and author of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.  Did you know that the BCGS received an award in 2012 recognizing their efforts at preservation of local records?  It's a well deserved award, too! (March 22nd, 2014).

The Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County January Program: The January 11, 2014 meeting will feature a presentation by Hank Klein entitled Publishing and Enjoying Your Genealogy Work. Mr. Klein has completed three books on his and his wife's ancestors, and is working on the fourth. Several of his articles have been published in the GSOC Newsletter and his interesting presentations to the Society are highly regarded.

January 10th, 2014 Registration Date for Center for Lifelong Learning, 
Fort Walton Beach: I have LINKED TO the registration schedule here for you, so that you can mark your calendars, now, for the Winter/Spring Session which begins shortly.  You will need to look, also, at the Course Listings of all the classes that are offered, this session.  There are three genealogy related classes and other classes that might be of interest to a family historian, heritage lover, or anyone!  My friends, Hilma and Tom teach the ABC's of Genealogy; my friend, Marc teaches the FamilySearch Family Tree, and I will do Beyond Basic Genealogy. *

*More about Beyond Basic Genealogy in my next blog!

Gloria Ex Amore Patriae

Gloria Ex Amore Patriae

Do you have Danish royalty in your ancestry?  What type of traditional clothing/costumes did your fore fathers and mothers wear?

In Virginia, protests arise as a forlorn cemetery is dug up to make way for high school football - The Washington Post

In Virginia, protests arise as a forlorn cemetery is dug up to make way for high school football - The Washington Post

I've heard that football is King in the South; is this story an example of that?  Dick Eastman's Blog caught my interest this morning and so I went on to read the original story.  Why was my interest piqued?

Not long ago,  I uncovered in my ancestral search, many surnames that go back to Virginia roots.  I had thought that all the graves in all the cemteries were mostly mapped, located, and identified.  I think that I don't think; I'm living in a type of genealogy Disney World, in the magic kingdom, but I don't have to stay there.

Read, people, read.  Learn, discover, explores, and question.  We have (I have) to learn to use my 'noggin; in family history, in life!

Site Map for FamilySearch — FamilySearch.org

Site Map for FamilySearch — FamilySearch.org

Bravo, Ancestry Insider, for keeping me in the know!

Finally, at the bottom of every page (in tiny print, but nevertheless "there"), a way to find what you need and what you want at FamilySearch, in terms of navigating the site.  I had previously been using Google Search and been very happy with the results from there in getting to where I wanted to go in FamilySearch!  Is the site map complete?  Does it have everything in it you need to know?  I suggest saying "thank you", "good job", and then if you have suggestions, use the FeedBack "knob" or otherwise contact FamilySearch!

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.