Historically, hats have represented one's occupation, one's hobby, or one's passion. I wear the Family History Hat because I am passionate about genealogy.
My Fave Sites for Genealogy and Family HIstory
Saturday, February 16, 2019
2019 NW Florida Family History Fair
Access this web link for information about the Family History Fair "Topics, Teachers, and Schedule"; location of the classrooms are included in most cases, but there will be folks who can assist you with finding the right classroom.
Family HIstory Fair Stuff 2019
Here is a LINK for registering for the Family History Fair, 2019.
I obtained a "flier" for the NWF Family History Fair at my local Family History Center today. The schedule for that resource is Thursdays 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Saturdays is 10a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Many "snowbirds" have been visiting the FHC, but will be leaving soon!
Not sure if the Family History Fair has up to the most up-to-date info at their Facebook Page, but will check it out and get back to you.
I'm also posting some information that I received from the fellow who is in charge of organizing the event (March 9th, 2019)!
I obtained a "flier" for the NWF Family History Fair at my local Family History Center today. The schedule for that resource is Thursdays 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Saturdays is 10a.m.-1:00 p.m.
![]() | |
| We Love our Snowbirds! Safe Travel to all! |
Not sure if the Family History Fair has up to the most up-to-date info at their Facebook Page, but will check it out and get back to you.
I'm also posting some information that I received from the fellow who is in charge of organizing the event (March 9th, 2019)!
Friday, February 15, 2019
Video Archive at Roots Tech Site: I'm watching one, now!
An excellent choice: tell me what you think!
Are we using our brains to preserve our own personal genealogical archives?!!
Watch this presentation and see if you get a clue about that challenge...what happens to our "stuff", our research, after we're gone!
The Link is Here.
Are we using our brains to preserve our own personal genealogical archives?!!
Watch this presentation and see if you get a clue about that challenge...what happens to our "stuff", our research, after we're gone!
The Link is Here.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Spotlighting History in the United States
https://dp.la/exhibitions/civilian-conservation-corps/nature-conservation-recreation
Enter the halls of historical events; was your ancestor a member of the CCC? Did all of the men return home when their job was done?
As I compared the names of those who were serving in Niceville, Okaloosa County, Florida with the surnames familiar to me (via my genealogical searches), I noticed that several local family names jived with the several names of men who were in the Civilian Conservation Corps!
I'm fortunate to live in Okaloosa County, Florida at a time when one individual in particular has gathered the information and posted it online. Check it out! http://boggyflorida.com/Niceville/CCC.html
Useful to me in locating historical information was the "Digital Public Library".
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Homework for Family Historians
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Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
|
Not that I assigned you anything, but I thought I might have inspired you to try out ArchiveGrid!
I put in my zip code and the closest "hit" that I got was Pensacola. It was the University of West Florida site. One of the items that caught my eye (after I entered a search for "Covey" was a packet named,
Covey family of Vermont genealogical research notes, 1945. So via the UWF, I am getting access to this info by virtue of an internet hook-up, I assume, from the New York Public Library. This is what the packet contains: 1945 letter from Deuel Richardson with information on the Joseph Covey family and photostat of partial list of Joseph Covey's male descendants. I know that none of us are likely to be related, but is the kind of information you might be looking for on one of your own family members?
Let's bring up the UWF page and put in a search that might be relevant to this area. I found this entry: Tapes, typescripts -- This collection is an oral history interview of Lola Lee Daniels Bruington of Pensacola, Florida, by Sandra F. Whitehead, with tapes and typed transcripts. Mrs. Bruington discusses area cemeteries, especially that of St. Michaels, the red light district, bootlegging, her work as an educator and nurse at Camp Dix, Bellevue Hospital, and at Vassar, her childhood and life in Pensacola, and her father's work at Blount, Blount and Carter...
Now, you try it. Go to ArchiveGrid and enter a location in which you might hope to find something relevant to your family history. Meanwhile, I'm going to take a look at another website mentioned in yesterday's post: "What Was There".
Don't forget: I would like to know what your favorite genealogy (or of genealogical interest) link. E-mail me at margaretdotharris@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Sneak Peek of My Presentation at the Family HIstory Fair
I have a history of getting off topic when I teach classes or do presentations, so I thought that just in case I do that at the upcoming Family History Fair, I will share some sneak peeks with you via this blog.
First, before I lose my train of thought (I am getting aged!), I have to thank the editor of the newsletter for our Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County. Thanks, Ed Crosby for the article, "23 Non-Genealogy Websites That Genealogists Really Should Use", [from Family Live Magazine].
This article can also be found at https://www.familytreemagazine.com/premium/nongenealogy-websites/.
Anyway, for my presentation I hope to discuss some of these websites, plus a few more that I've run across over the years. Do you have a favorite website? Please e-mail me your favorite websites for finding ancestors!
First, before I lose my train of thought (I am getting aged!), I have to thank the editor of the newsletter for our Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County. Thanks, Ed Crosby for the article, "23 Non-Genealogy Websites That Genealogists Really Should Use", [from Family Live Magazine].
This article can also be found at https://www.familytreemagazine.com/premium/nongenealogy-websites/.
Anyway, for my presentation I hope to discuss some of these websites, plus a few more that I've run across over the years. Do you have a favorite website? Please e-mail me your favorite websites for finding ancestors!
Thursday, February 07, 2019
Attend a Family History Fair in the month of March!
Attention, Genealogists!!
The Northwest Florida Family History Fair is upcoming! If you want to know the details, please access this Link! (facebook link)
The Northwest Florida Family History Fair is upcoming! If you want to know the details, please access this Link! (facebook link)
Sunday, December 09, 2018
2019 Northwest Florida Family History Fair
Baby, it's cold outside! But Almost Spring is coming on March 9th, 2019! If you are digging some genealogical excitement, please plan on attending the FAMILY HISTORY FAIR AT the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 339 Lake Drive NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
- FREE, EVERYONE WELCOME
- GAIN NEW SKILLS AND HELPFUL INFORMATION
- KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
Thursday, May 17, 2018
YouTube Goodies
YouTube, are you watching it?!! It is invaluable for genealogists. Here are some that caught my eye for their nonsensical approach. (We need reminders!)
- https://youtu.be/iNAXGgtlLBY
8 Reasons You Can't Find Squat About Your Ancestors Online
What are some youtube things that you have watched that you found interesting, edifying, helpful---in your genealogy? Send those links!Where can you find recommendations for youtube videos for genealogy? Read a blog! In this case: Geneal-Musings
Friday, May 04, 2018
Slightly revised version for 2nd Edition of Genealogy Newsletter
Anyone with this link should be able to see this newsletter. Let me know if it "ain't" so!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nRmWbO_W4nxNV6_hSEcVT-BgDUszKwGIrLzrtBWLBdg/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nRmWbO_W4nxNV6_hSEcVT-BgDUszKwGIrLzrtBWLBdg/edit?usp=sharing
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
Family History Center in Fort Walton Beach
The Family History Center is located at 339 Lake Drive, just off Memorial Pkwy.,
It is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Here are the hours: Thursdays 10a.m.-4p.m.; Saturdays 10a.m.-1p.m.
Contact: George Legge, Director at 850-678-8430
OR Margaret Harris (Staff) at 850-533-6710.
There are other Family History Centers in the Panhandle (Florida). Niceville, Sandestin area, DeFuniak Springs, Pensacola, etc. Look for them on the Location Map.
Introduction and Information on Family History Centers
It is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Here are the hours: Thursdays 10a.m.-4p.m.; Saturdays 10a.m.-1p.m.
Contact: George Legge, Director at 850-678-8430
OR Margaret Harris (Staff) at 850-533-6710.
There are other Family History Centers in the Panhandle (Florida). Niceville, Sandestin area, DeFuniak Springs, Pensacola, etc. Look for them on the Location Map.
Introduction and Information on Family History Centers
Friday, April 27, 2018
Squeezing an Obituary of all Pertinent Information
Finding a relative's obituary in the newspaper can be a bitter-sweet experience.
Even if you never knew this person, personally, you can feel empathy for the deceased and his or her survivors. As genealogists, we know, though, that reading the obituary can often bring understanding as to how the family tree fits together.
What are the major points we should look for? Everyone's story is worth telling; what clues in the obituary can help us to know this person better? What indicators will help us to unravel family history mysteries?
I have tried in the past to create a template of questions or facts that will help us to lift from the obituary the relevant information. You may want to create your own template.
You may want to remember that the obituary was most likely prepared by family members who were in mourning or composed quickly on account of time constraints. Any information that is presented should be verified by a second or third source.
Even if you never knew this person, personally, you can feel empathy for the deceased and his or her survivors. As genealogists, we know, though, that reading the obituary can often bring understanding as to how the family tree fits together.
What are the major points we should look for? Everyone's story is worth telling; what clues in the obituary can help us to know this person better? What indicators will help us to unravel family history mysteries?
I have tried in the past to create a template of questions or facts that will help us to lift from the obituary the relevant information. You may want to create your own template.
You may want to remember that the obituary was most likely prepared by family members who were in mourning or composed quickly on account of time constraints. Any information that is presented should be verified by a second or third source.
Friday, April 20, 2018
Help from Genealogy's Star Blog
I've touted, before, the interesting and advancing articles at this website. To get the full benefit, one must follow the topic from blog post to blog post, as James Tanner unrolls and expands his point. In this case, his point is that there is a wealth of online information about, not just our family tree folks, but also the folks who were related to the lineal ancestors.
I look forward to following this series of articles. "In Depth" genealogy is indeed an exploration of the familial relationships as well as the family tree structure. The information we gain will only serve to strengthen our roots!
I look forward to following this series of articles. "In Depth" genealogy is indeed an exploration of the familial relationships as well as the family tree structure. The information we gain will only serve to strengthen our roots!
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Monday, April 09, 2018
Without it, we wouldn't have such pretty flowers in May! Mid-month (almost) and April Showers (goodies)
- Found at USGenWeb: Census Templates
- Recipe for Georgia Peaches Sweet Cobbler
- Best Peaches in Alabama
- What does Genealogy have to do with creating a Wordle? Create one and send it along to margaret.harris at gmail.com and I will feature it in a coming newsletter! And if you do create one, what will you do with it? What should you do with it?
- bits and pieces of info may be found online if you just Google: here's one I located: http://data.genealogytoday.com/search/Southern_Tier_Masonic_Relief_Association_1882-1883_Assessments.html (be sure to click on the left hand nav bar, "Records", etc.)
- Where is a great genealogy conference coming up this summer? BYU, that's where!
- In depth, always, extended discussions of genealogical interest and education: Genealogy's Star
- Have you seen this?!!
- Finding timelines for your city of birth (or of your ancestors' births) might be interesting. Check this out: http://hattiesburgmemory.org/wiki/Years
- Your suggestion for another website that will work as an excuse to stay in out of the rain:?
Thursday, April 05, 2018
Addendum to previous post on Sharing with Your Family your family history treasures
I am attaching a copy, here, for the Notes on the Webinar, previously posted with a link. Rough though it is, you will want some of these links.
Webinar
Notes Lisa Louise Cook
Projects
You can Share with Your Non-Genealogist Family
1.
Your Goal: two concepts (I’m the only one that can pass along my
genealogy).
a.
Grandchildren are nevertoo young.. They are never too young to
pass it on.
Things
that matter most, we build on these ideas. They are never too early.
8 years old! Shoebox. Start looking at our kids/grandkids.
Exposing them to genealogy. Its an investment.
2.
Visit to Family History Center—etc. Pics on the wall. We hold
this dear. Catch their interests. Stories, Sharing. Not an instant
payoff. Get them interested in family history...not genealogy.
Varying
degrees of interest. Skip generation?
The
passer-on-ers.
Shift
our focus: Talk their language. 3-D Movie glasses. Give them New
glasses with which to see the information.
I
am here to inspire you to inspire them.
Turning
our junk into projects that will capture their interest.
Newspaper,
mugs, table, etc. Tell BRIEF story. Make your home a showcase.
Decooupage plates. Needlepoint. Photo editing. Do Something!
Decoupage
Plate. ModPodge—make copies of photos. Clear plates. Seal it.
Vehicles for telling your story. Black and White Photos.
Family
History Christmas Wreath: Holidays are busy times. What really
matters. Telling a story. Craft pieces of wood...buttons from old
clothing can be a frame. An earring. Trinkets and buttons are
tucked onto wreath. Bows made out of scraps of material. We are
tying to instill interest.. Sepia colored frames. Black and white
or sepia tone. Adobe photoshop. Restoring old photo. (Genealogy
Gems)...little pieces of jewelry. Buttons, earrings, jewelry. Get
them to buy in! Step by step instructions at Genealogy Gems.
Subscribe to YouTube Channel. Youtube.com/GenealogyGems. Projects.
Family
History Wall Display. Corner cabinet. Old Dresser. Table cloth.
Section of fence. Jars, canning. Baking. Pic of grandma and her,
plus grandparents. Ribbons, etc. Relics. E-bay.
Bale
of cotton. E-bay. Match cover. Search e-bay. Matchbooks.
Shadowboxes. Label pics. Real objects from that place and that
time. Search names and places. Sell on E-bay?
Hands
on quilt. Madden family from Illinois Hands quilt. Branches of
family involved. A Genealogy Gem. Someone else’s “trash”
could be your treasure.
I
hope I live long enough and well enough to do some of this stuff.
Jan in my class will enjoy some of these ideas. Wrappers on
chocolate bar with old photo (copy). “Sweet Memories”. On
backside: ingredients would be family motto or whatever. “Gifts
are Family, Attention. Record when you give the candy bar label .
Make stockings out of old material. Make copy of quilt at Kinko’s.
Cake
decorating, using silhouettes. Theme cakes for fiftieh birthday.
Crushed oreos. Tractor cake. Instagram.com/gnealogygems or
pitnerest.com/lisaluise
Digital
Diversions. Face Book. Blog? To reach millenials===why is this
relevant. Shape Collage and makes it any shape. Shape Collage app.
Photo
Apps (Retype)
Its
about the journey and the people.
Familytreewebinars
store
Video—Animoto
app. Mobile app videos
Download
at HD qualities.
Make
a video. Line up photos and maps. Dropbox folder. Put images in
dropbox and app will combine. Www.GenealogyGems.com/animoto
We
can still have videos. To convey stories. Use little short videos
for gifts. How to engage millenials. Click, drag, and drop.
Google
Earth Pro “Family History Tour”
Google
Earth Pro software is free! Tell the story. (doesn’t have to be
the entire story). Use street view. Make it interactive. Time
Travel. Online multi media Family History Tour. Google Earth has
pics of old map.
Share
genealogy research and creative ways and ensures that it will be
valued and preserved.
You
find your passion and your way to share. How to Save Your Research
from Destruction (Episode #4 Podcast)
$9.95
month webinar
FamilyTreeWebinars.com
Georgia
Ancestors Wed. April 11
Premium
eLearning 1 year membership: Code Legacysave20
$49.95
Get
proficient with your smart phones! Make videos.
$29.95:
printed book elearning companion guide book by Lisa Louise Cooke
Projects
that will captivate the Non-Genealogists in Your Life: Sharing the
Joy
joy10
=code for free something!
Creator
Studio Free Music
for
videos
Get
You Tube Channel!
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
Lisa Louise Cooke "Genealogy Gems"
![]() | |||||
| My granddaughter, Kaylee, is getting first hand knowledge about "babysitting" her new brother. Or should I say, she is getting experience in "lapsitting"!? |
From time to time, I do subscribe on a monthly basis. I never follow one of these webinars, but that I get re-excited about family history. I always learn something! I can't always write my notes fast enough, but perhaps you will get something out of them, anyway. If you can't open the PDF format, let me know and I will send you a word document.
Today's webinar featured one of my favorite people in all of the genealogy community. Lisa Louise Cooke!
Here is a link to those Notes I took during the Webinar: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18FeQ9N0YMDRj_-VHkBRtWvwqZYWM8D-L/view
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
A little newsletter for genealogists in Northwest Florida or other areas.
If the links do not open, please search on Google the items below. I will check this as soon as I post this and try to do some editing so that will not happen often.
The goal of this twice monthly communication is to bring to your attention the most important updates that you need to know, with links to further information, and to reduce the amount of updates via one-off emails.
FEATURED
- Family History News, Events, Education and Motivation info and links
ACTIONS NEEDED
- Support your local genealogical society.
- Visit your local Family History Center
- Plan vacations to correlate with your family history locations.
KNOWLEDGE BASE HIGHLIGHTS
Popular new pages:
- page 1: The New York Times
- page 2: The Wall Street Journal
NEWS & NOTEWORTHY RESOURCES
TOP PRODUCT UPDATES
Check out FindMyPast.com. They recently posted a Guide Finding Your Female Ancestors. They also have the largest collection of Irish newspapers, anywhere!
What was released recently and what's coming up:
Feature 2: Search Irish Church Records, Here
Coming Soon
Feature 1:
Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County, Florida offers a presentation,
Saturday, 24 March, 10:30 a.m. (No fee) - Location is The Fort Walton
Beach Public Library
March’s Speaker for the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County is Dr. Thomas Sajwaj
Presenting: “Ethics in Genealogy: Case Studies”
Dr.
Sajwaj is a popular GSOC guest speaker always giving us a new
perspective on our research and it's possible impact on others. For more information, please contact Val Moreland at 850 582 8202 or check out the GSOC Facebook Group.
..
Feature 2: Family History Night: Friday, Mar 23, 2018, 6-8 pm;
Fort Walton Beach L.D.S. Church 339 Lake Drive. The program will
feature a Presentation by the Price couple; following that presentation,
one-on-one help is available for those in attendance. Questions?
Contact Margaret Harris if you have questions. (850-533-6710)
Feature 3:
GSOC SIG Meeting, Fort Walton Beach, Florida Public Library-Open to any
genealogy enthusiasts who have "Brick Walls" in their research or who
have specific difficulties in their research. Saturday, 4/7/2018 at
10:30 a.m. You don't have to belong to the genealogy society to
participate in this meeting. It's also FREE!
Ongoing Programs
UPCOMING Genealogy EVENTS
We support and encourage any events that will assist or promote Family History.
Date/Time
|
Upcoming Event
|
Location + Additional Details
|
March 23rd, 2018/
6 p.m.-8p.m.
|
Family History Nite
|
339
Lake Drive, Fort Walton Beach (off Memorial Pkwy. at LDS Church. All
are welcome; No fee. Personal one-on-one Help and Presentation by the
Price's.
|
March 24th 2018/10:30a.m.
|
Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County, Florida
|
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
All are welcome! No admission fee to Meeting.
|
Saturday 7th April, 2018/10:30a.m.
|
GSOC Special Interest Group
|
Fort Walton Beach Public Library - All are invited. No Fee. Bring your genealogy questions! Contact
Cindy Barber2@gmail.com
|
14th April 2018/4p.m.-5:30p.m.
|
Organization of NWFL
GENETIC GENEALOGY SOCIETY
|
Niceville L.D.S. Meetinghouse
Contact MarcStrickland5@gmail.com
|
Saturday, March 03, 2018
Presentation Slides Shareable Link
Just click and enjoy.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cmV8DPfFdphMpqwcNjwLEAtWJNKUKUaKZl_eg2lpzt4/edit?usp=sharing
Just click and enjoy.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cmV8DPfFdphMpqwcNjwLEAtWJNKUKUaKZl_eg2lpzt4/edit?usp=sharing
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