National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair: October 28, 29, and 30, 2014

National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair: October 28, 29, and 30, 2014:

I love YouTube, and watching the presentations at that venue will be technologically a breeze!  To access the list of classes/lectures, access this site.

What we can find with the help of Federal records will give our ancestry hunt a big boost.

A Thank You to my friend Val for passing this along.

Seriously, You Should Think About Going!

RootsTech Conference Salt Lake City Feb. 12-14th.  I encourage you to read through the list of classes (over 200).  You might do something like this only once in your lifetime, but you'll have the memories forever!

Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County October Program

We call it, casually, "G-Soc[k]"; it's the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County, (FL).  The Society is over 30 years old and has been faithfully providing monthly education programs for area genealogists all that time!  That takes dedication from the officers and committee chairs and over a period of time, the faces change, revolve, and disappear.

One such person was our friend, Florence "Flo" Lembeck.  She served as President of the Society in 1988 and again in 1992.  She was active in many ways in her community (Crestview) and in her County.  I have posted a link for her obituary, here, for those of you who knew or knew of Flo's contributions.  She was instrumental in  transcribing records and helping with the publications of the society, publications which preserve the records of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa County, and Walton County.

Flo was my mentor and a friend; she encouraged and inspired me.

October 11th Meeting (Second Saturdays, always), 2014:

Mr. Bert Blackmon will be the guest speaker for the October meeting at 10:00 am at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. His presentation will be "Researching Military Records" and will focus on the many kinds of records available for persons who served in the military and where to look for these records. 

Stumbling Books...Part 2

• If I have searched for an online publications (digital book, article, etc.) and haven't located the information for which I am looking; what's next?  Answer: Search the online catalogs of libraries, for their holdings.  Think university libraries, private libraries, regional libraries, periodical libraries, etc.  Look into library acquisitions and "collections".  Do the WorldCAT thing.

• If I take a research trip to Utah to visit the Family History Library, what do I do first and what choices do I make for maximizing my time? Answer: This answer is multi-faceted.  
• Before you ever leave home, and this goes for any repository that you are visiting, you want to become familiar with the holdings of that institution.  Much information is available online. 
• People are your best resource for some things.  At the FHL in SLC, there are "guides", classes, etc., for free.  Know which lectures/classes are being given the week that you are there.  Ask for a guide/volunteer/Family History Missionary, especially if you need translation help or research guidance.  Again, before you leave home, research the way the library is set up, when it's open, etc.
• Head for the book shelves, which are located, last I checked, in a separate building across the street.  You know already what is there because you've looked at the catalog.  Look for the things you need that are not available elsewhere, such as books and family histories that are under copyright.  
• Finally, check out this "TipList" for visiting the Library.  

  

  Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah

  
  

• If I visit a local or regional library, how do I locate a book that will be helpful to me in building my family tree?  Answer: Again, most, if not all libraries have an online catalog.  Categories you might check for family history:
• Some libraries have "history rooms", a genealogy shelf or two, or a whole genealogy department.  For example, look at the genealogy holdings of the Milton, Florida library, (Santa Rosa County Library System).  Another link that might be more helpful is the catalog link, perhaps.  The section at the Milton (main branch) that is devoted to genealogy has been grown by the donations and support of the Santa Rosa Genealogical Society.  That society's newsletter often lists new acquisitions.
• If you really want to wring out the sources in a specific location, expand your scope of search.  For example, in the case of Santa Rosa County, Florida, 



River Walk in Milton, Florida: 




 

 

 

 




• A Historical Society
• Their Gen-Web Project Site
• Linkpendium WebSite 
• Facebook Pages
• Newspapers, etc.

Here are some suggestions:

Most, if not all of the physical repositories that we might visit, employ a reference librarian (also called by other names--"adult librarian", etc.).  This person is put there to serve your needs.  If after consulting an online catalog, you cannot locate the source you are looking for, be sure to ask for help.  Get a map of the arrangement utilized in this particular library.  It is possible, and probable that that what you need may not be in the reference section, may not be catalogued according to the Dewey Decimal system.  If you do decide to ask the librarian for help, be as specific as you can in what you are needing.  Be polite and gracious, patient and appreciative.  For more info, Google "Ask a Librarian" and the state in which you are researching.

When looking for books online, please don't forget to search Google Books. 
Here is an example of what I found:  My search parameters were Loftin genealogy "North Carolina"; I clicked on the first "hit", North Carolina Historical and Genealogical Register.  There were twelve references in this digitized publication and I looked at every one.  What I saw was land transactions, lots of land transactions.  Still, I find names, dates, and places of direct lineal ancestry!  Better yet, I found the same for people who may have been related to Leonard Loftin, who may have been in his "cluster"; I recognize some of those surnames as some of those that I already, with which I am familiar.

If you can't find your ancestors in the 1700's and back further, you will have to search old books, online or in person!

Stumbling Books Part 1

Stumbling?  The inveterate reader and messy person leaves books stacked by the bed, on the floor by the recliner, tucked into already heavily laden bookcases.  It's okay to be messy as long as you are a genius, right?!  As long as you don't stumble, trip, or land on your head, put your books wherever you can.  Dick Eastman, popular blogger, is an advocate for scanning those books that are irreplaceable.

Are you stumbling to find sources for your favorite hobby, genealogy?  Are you able to find virtual sources online that have the beauty of being searchable with a keyboard, mouse, and a click?  Can you locate genealogical information (stored in a physical book) via the Internet? 

The modern solution to these and other challenges is: combine the power of digital with the power of physical repositories.  Get the best of both worlds, realizing that there is still so much published data not yet scanned, not yet digitized, and not yet available on the Internet, and the work of getting that done is still a mammoth project!

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How did we find the books we needed for genealogy before the Internet?  We used bibliographical guides and we used card catalogs, right?  On the Internet, we actually have "virtual" card catalogs.  They are found at Ancestry.com, a portal is provided at Cyndislist.com, at and a searchable option for books at FamilySearch.org.  There are webistes, now for most physical repositories whether large or small. 

Search the Library of Congress to see what has already been published about your family names (the wheel doesn't always need to be re-invented). 

Loveliest of all, perhaps, is WorldCat, a catalog that can find the book you are searching for, combined with the ability to tell you just where copies of the physical book reside in reference to your location.

The Family Stories That Bind Us — This Life - NYTimes.com

The Family Stories That Bind Us — This Life - NYTimes.com

Gathering places, like the dinner table, for example, can be a meeting place for stories, as well.  Not just the pleasant recollections but also the not so pleasant ones.  For example, in the last days of my mother's life, my sister and brother and I shared our remembrance of bad times and good.  Our thoughts always came back to how my mother had brought the family through those times, how she always seemed to be the glue that held us together.  She was a survivor and she dragged us with her, forward and upward.

Sometimes being a hero, being a brave soldier, and being the one who holds on is more about staying in the race rather than winning it.  As the holidays descend upon us, let us use those "gathering times" and "gathering places" to tell the stories, both good and bad.  They will make us stronger and chase the shadows away for our children and/or grandchildren.

Headstone Symbolism | Symbols on Headstones Demystified

Headstone Symbolism | Symbols on Headstones Demystified

Here, at this site, you will find items that were utilized as symbols that reflected the life and/or death of the individual and the mindset of those left behind.  The list is kind of lengthy or I would have printed it out.  Still, I think that it will be a propeller to drive you in your search of cemeteries.

Campfire stories may have sparked early societal learning - LA Times

Campfire stories may have sparked early societal learning - LA Times

You will find that this article has been picked up by a number of publications.  What theme do you see presented in the article?  How does it remind you of some personal experiences you may have had in the past?

Firelight Talk Of The Kalahari Bushmen Helped Human Culture And Thought - Science News - redOrbit

Firelight Talk Of The Kalahari Bushmen Helped Human Culture And Thought - Science News - redOrbit

How have campfires enriched your cultural traditions?  I remember that long ago (I am so old, now!), as I was growing up, bonfires on the beach were a well-established practice.  Now, they are illegal.  Extending the light of the day after a glorious sunset was bonding experience for teenagers, families, groups.  I also remember going to Girls' Camp in the LDS church.  Our campfire was the connection that drew us into a circle of hopes, fears, and love. 

Camp Fire

 

Now, can you think of other lights that gather and warm your heart, that promote the exercise of imagination and the pull of gathering?  A fireplace is still a good thing in the homes of those who live in Northwest Florida.  Our homes get cold in the winter, believe it or not; some tease that we are really in Southeast Alabama.  Our winter was extremely cold.

Whether you have a fire pit or a fireplace or only hold candles--tell the tales of your ancestors, tell your stories.  Reflect the light of those who went before and draw closer to family members and friends in the cold months ahead.

Want to learn about your genealogy? A Virginia man compiles area resources. - The Washington Post

Want to learn about your genealogy? A Virginia man compiles area resources. - The Washington Post

After reading this article, here are some key themes I latched onto:

•  The interaction between generations: A man helps his son with a homework assignment and discovers an avenue of interest for life.
• Where would we genealogists be without volunteers, without those who've gone beyond their own research to compile resources for a community and beyond?
• The "Virginia man", Harold McLendon, has affiliated with a local genealogical society.  He has become a valuable member of that society; the association has been good to him and he has reciprocated.  

Read the article and let me know what you get out of it.  Are there people like this in your community?  How does your commitment to genealogy enriched the life and research of others?

I Love Family History Research in the 21st Century

As I age, sometimes I get a little grumpy, but just so I'm really clear, I love doing family history research in this age of technological wonders!

I know that I complain sometimes and I'm impatient, occasionally, for everything on the Internet to be just like I want it, not in good time, but now!

However, when technology and technologically-savvy folks get together, there is absolutely nothing to do but get out of their way and let them perform their marvels.  I cannot say too much tonight (okay, it's early morning hours), about how satisfied and pleased I am with two of my favorite Web sites: Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. 

I'm as happy as a baby with an ice cream cone! 

Library Notes: Search your family history at library - Evening Sun

Library Notes: Search your family history at library - Evening Sun

What is your favorite library for family history research?  I enjoyed reading this article because libraries don't often get enough attention for the role that they can play in family history resources.  Do you think that library trips are a waste of time or that everything is online, nowadays?

While it's true that there are these amazing projects to digitize written records and books and so forth, the truth is that there are still a lot of "written" records, books and other publications that still in print, in the traditional sense.  Here are some good reasons, as brought out in the article, and from my own experience, to visit a library.

1. Libraries provide a dedicated area, (almost always), where you can spend an hour or more, working on your family history files.  Whether you have those files on your computer or in a notebook or whatever, sometime you just need a place and a time where you will not be disturbed, so that you can review and assess what you've already accumulated.
2. Libraries (the physical repository) have online catalogs.  You can visit this catalog from home and plan what sources might be interesting or helpful for your genealogy journey.  Learn how to utilize the search option by playing with it.  Try entering surnames, topics, places, etc.; follow suggestions listed at the library catalog website and read the description of the items you locate.  Is it a book, a digital file, microfilm or what?!
3.  Libraries have choices:  there is media of different types.  You can log onto their computers to access the Internet, but there are other options, too.  They often have access to "electronic" resources.  Some of these are subscription databases such as Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest.  Other databases may be for magazines, articles, and periodicals.  Don't neglect the video offerings, either.  Many are of an educational nature, such as historical or travel related.
4. The best resource in a library are the people who work or volunteer there.  A reference librarian or the head librarian has received training and knowledge on helping the public find what they are looking for.  They often know the history of the area, can help you find organizations like genealogical societies, and can point you where to go for what you're seeking.  Always be clear, concise, and specific in your requests.
5. Check to see if your library sponsors classes or seminars in genealogy and family history.  Do they  know local people who can help with your research?  What other repositories can they suggest?  Look for brochures and pamphlets on how to use the library, local museums, local historic features, etc. 
6. Does your library have a system for acquiring books that belong to other libraries?  

These are only a few of the many good reasons to visit a library in your home town, as you travel to other places, etc.  Below, you will find some links to other sites for this topic.
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WorldCat.org (OCLC)

Additional Infor:  LINK: Cyndislist.com (Category: Libraries)

What I'm doing this summer...

1.

Watching YouTube: ----------------------------------------->>>

2.  Playing games with my Family Tree at FamilySearch! The name of the game is "Relative Finder".  Granted you can't play until you upload your family tree and of course getting an account is FREE.

3.  Brushing up on Family Tree at FamilySearch. 

4.  Getting excited about my upcoming class at the Center-for-Lifelong-Learning. 

5.  Reviewing the Basics (so I can teach "Beyond Basic Genealogy")!

6.  Doing crosswords to keep my mind from degenerating.  You will find a sample on my website, today!

7.  Staying Cool:

YMCA: Oleans, NY

 

Ancestry Home Page

Ancestry Home Page 

• Valerie Bertinelli on WDYTYA? Wednesday, @8p.m. Central Time on TLC network)
•  New Records at Ancestry
• My Shoebox

 The above list  are "items of interest" that appeared on my homepage at Ancestry.com; today.    Occasionally, I'm in such a fever to search that I kind of rush past the news and announcements section. When I do take the take to review the page, however, I pick up information that is helpful and relevant to my ancestors.

For example, it is evident that some of the genealogy community enjoy and follow the series, Who Do You Think You Are?.  So, I appreciate the reminder that Wednesday is the night I want to tune in.  How does this help me in my genealogy?  For one thing, it reminds me that documentation is the by word of family history and that even for celebrities, there are some dark corners and closets that are uncovered, as well as records that record bravery and dedication.

 Are there newly acquired record collections at Ancestry that are especially relevant to my search objectives?  Is there a new feature that will become the tool I need to discover sources and data?  The Ancestry Home Page is the place to look for that.

My Shoebox: I love that Ancestry.com has provided a "file" for things I stumble on but can't immediately relate to an ancestor. My Shoebox is where I put stuff until connect the dotes, "cold cases" , if you will.  I need, on occasion, to review that file and see if I can bridge the gap between my discoveries and my family tree.

Genealogy in Northwest Florida: Societies

• Bay County, Florida GenGate: Getting Started.  

 This is the place to tap the amazing collection of databases gathered by the genealogy community in Bay County, Florida. 
If you want to know the news and events of the local genealogical society, link to this page .http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flbcgs/programs.html.

•  Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County

 The program for August will feature George and M. Legge, the Family History Center directors for the Fort Walton Beach Family History Center.  Open the GSOC web link for more information and to preview the web site central to the Family History Center's purpose, travel on over to the FamilySearch site.

• West Florida Genealogical Society 

  Topic: FamilySearch.org: What’s New and How to Use It Speaker: Elder Balling and Elder Blair, from the LDS Church
Presentation will include new records and features of Family Search; how to search, create a pedigree fan chart, share photos, build a family tree, chat with a live person for help, and use Puzilla to “find our cousins.” WFGS member Mrs. Lee Scott will also be available to answer any in-depth general questions.

FamilySearch.org is a free website with many genealogy records to access, and WFGS library volunteers have recently been trained to assist visitors in using its resources.

Note: this is the program originally scheduled for June, which we had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Members and guests are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be available at 9:45. Meeting begins at 10:00 A.M. Point of contact is Charlotte Schipman, 850-477-7166, email cschipman@mac.com

• Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County

This society has spent many hours in accumulating acquisitions for the Milton Library in the Genealogy Department.  They also hold their monthly meetings in the library on 3rd Saturdays at 10a.m.  For more information, contact one of the board members listed on page 2 of the PDF Document Link above..
 
 

Summer Explorations

• BillionGraves Q&A  I am not yet a part of the Billion Graves project; but I love what they are doing to ease my path in locating interments.  Due to the immense learning curve standing between me and GPS photograpy skills, I have been slow to get on board!  So what is BG and what are they doing that hasn't been done before?  This website offeres Frequently-Asked-Questions in the "Q and A" format so that we can all be in the know. 

What websites and resources do you use to find or locate your ancestor's graves?  Here are some of the ones I've utilized:

1. http://Interment.net
2. Family Search Catalog:  Microfilms, Books, locality resources, etc.
3. FamilySearch Search Your Ancestor!
4. Find-A-Grave
5. USGenWeb
6. Publications of genealogical societies which are housed in libraries: Check Library of Congress and WorldCat or the library catalogs of individual repositories.
7. Periodicals (See PERSI), available at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as at some other locations (Your local library may have Heritage Quest online).  Read more about Heritage Quest at Dick Eastman's Encyclopedia.
8. Newspaper Obituaries:  Wherever you can find digitized or archived newspapers and obituaries, is where you must go.  I would recommend you look at Cyndislist because this is a comprehensive category that may pop up in a number of places.

Other ideas?  

Local Programs in the Northwest Florida Genealogical Community

JULY

Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County

 

Our speaker for the July 12 GSOC meeting will be Amy Raley. Raley, who is the historian associate at the Local History and Genealogy branch of the Mobile Public Library, will speak on early immigration routes in the "old Southwest", and "The Federal Road." 

Is this the "old Federal Road of Alabama"?  Come and Find Out!

 

The Genealogical Society meets on second Saturdays of the month at the Vapariso Heritage Museum at 10 AM. Join us for dutch treat lunch after the meeting! See you there!!!!

Local Programs in Northwest Florida Genealogy Community

AUGUST

West Florida Genealogical Society     

Meeting Date: August 2, 2014
Place: West Florida Genealogy Library. 5740 N. 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL
850-494-7373
Time: 10:00 AM
Topic: FamilySearch.org: What’s New and How to Use It
Speaker: Elder Balling and Elder Blair, from the LDS Church

Presentation will include new records and features of Family Search; how to search, create a pedigree fan chart, share photos, build a family tree, chat with a live person for help, and use Puzilla to “find our cousins.” WFGS member Mrs. Lee Scott will also be available to answer any in-depth general questions.

FamilySearch.org is a free website with many genealogy records to access, and WFGS library volunteers have recently been trained to assist visitors in using its resources.

Note: this is the program originally scheduled for June, which we had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Members and guests are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be available at 9:45. Meeting begins at 10:00.

Online Tutorial

beginninggenealogy

Found this through FamilySearch.  The free course was developed at Allen County Public Library, in the Genealogy Center.  I hope that you will take a look at it, (we all need reminders, from time to time), and I hope you will pass it along to a friend, a grandchlld, a companion.

How Do I Begin To Document and File Family History? An Introduction

How Do I Begin To Document and File Family History?  An Introduction

If this is an introduction, then it is quite comprehensive.  It is a site rich in thought content.  No pretty pictures, no design candy, but chock full of theory, principle, and links.

Take some time to read (yes, I said R-E-A-D) and digest the information.  Perhaps, you could write your own thesis, using what you have learned in your genealogy experience as a basis for a discussion and sharing.

And do not get overwhelmed.  This is a lifelong pursuit you have begun.  You will move from one step to the next, progressing in your knowledge and skill, growing progressively, up the ladder of realization and accomplishment.