An Idea to Involve Kids in Family History

How do you involve little kids in family history? Age old question, I know. Here is one thing that we did that was so fun! We wrote and illustrated a Book of Melick Stories. As you can see in the pictures, the illustrations are done by young kids (ages 5 and 7) at the time. We had a blast!

1. We thought of funny/cute/silly/ stories.
2. The kids did their best drawings to illustrate the stories.
3. We printed them and sent them to family members.

Easy as that! We didn't do it in one fell swoop! I think that we took about a month to put it together. Remember the attention spans of your kids. It won't be fun if you hurry the process. Best of all, our family members got to know our family a little better because we didn't live by any of them. Try something like this! My kids (now ages 23 and 26) still gush about how fun this activity was! Don't forget to make an archival copy for your family and kids!

Since we are LDS, we patterned after the Book of Mormon. You could do anything that fits your family!

This was our family reasoning!

The following pages are some examples! They are bits and pieces pulled randomly. It will get your started and you can expand from there!

In Case You Were Wondering...

A great introduction to FamilySearch and the granite vault. Enjoy!

Utah County Readers

Here are the Family History classes at BYU for this coming Sunday, August 26, 2012. If you have the opportunity to attend any of them, they will be well worth your time!

Something New to Index!

Immigrants at Ellis Island

Since the 1940 U.S. Census is now indexed and the hoopla has died down a little, it's time to focus on a new goal. Enter the next big thing...Naturalization and Immigration Records. Since the United States is a melting pot from many nations, most of us probably have immigrant ancestors! I'm excited to work on this project. Maybe I will find those elusive Lithuanians that I have been looking for! Maybe I won't, but at least I know that I will be helping someone else find their family. If you want to get involved or at least learn more about the project, click here. Maybe you will end up indexing the very people that you are trying to find! Happy Indexing!

Slovakian Records Added to FamilySearch

The Slovakian online record collection at FamilySearch is now over 5 million! If you have ancestors from that area or other former eastern bloc countries (like I do!) don't just think that you can't do family history. Many, many records are coming from those areas. So, no more excuses! Since records are being indexed so fast for so many different areas, be sure and check each week to see what has been added. You may be surprised at what you find! By the way, if you would like to help index these great records, go here for more information.

The 1940 Census Indexing is Complete!

Look...it's my dad!

This is so cool to see my dad in the context of a son with his parents! What a treasure the 1940 Census is! If you haven't yet found your ancestors on the 1940 Census, give it a shot at FamilySearch.org or Ancestry.com. The 1940 Census opened up a whole new world for lots of us. It's like we can touch our ancestors! For more information on the 1940 Census, check out this article published in the Daily Herald a few days ago.

Indexing Update on the 1940 Census

Did you know that the 1940 U.S. Census on FamilySearch.org is 92.47% indexed? Below is the list of the states that are not 100% done yet.

Maryland 83%                    South Carolina 58%
Massachusetts 63%            North Carolina 78%
Wisconsin 95%                   Georgia 85%
Michigan 61%                    New Jersey 41%
Tennessee 74%                  Connecticut 92?
Ohio 90%


If you would like to help with the indexing (there are many, many records to index besides the 1940 Census), click here for more information!

Dennis Brimhall (Managing Director of Family History Department) Speaking in Orem, Utah

Dennis Brimhall (Managing Director, Family History Department) will be speaking Tuesday, July 10th (tomorrow) at 7:00 pm at the Family History Training Center in Orem, Utah. The topic is "The Doctrines of Family History Work." If you are interested, the address is 1075 South Geneva Road, Orem. This building is a double stake center. The meeting will be in the east chapel. Enter through the northeast corner of the building. All are invited for this fabulous evening of instruction!
. 

BYU's Annual Family History and Genealogy Conference

It's that time again! Plan on attending the Family History and Genealogy Conference at BYU, July 31-Aug 3, 2012. For more information, click here!

What's Happening with the IGI?

The July 5, 2012 entry on The Ancestry Insider blog offers up insight into the International Genealogical Index records that are so important to genealogists. There has been quite a bit of hoopla concerning how FamilySearch.org has indexed these records in their new system. If you want the straight up talk about it, listen to this webinar. If you want the shorthand version from The Ancestry Insider, click on the link. Either way, it should help clear up IGI confusion (at least for now)!

Adult Family History Challenges

The web is an interesting place! With a little sleuthing about a topic, it is amazing what you can find. I am grateful for those creative souls that can add beauty to a concept! Case in point...I have been posting ideas for all family members to use to get involved in family history. FamilySearch has all of these ideas (that I have been posting) in their Wiki, but it is just a list! I am so grateful that someone used their creative talents to create this. Thanks to the family history consultants who took an idea and ran with it. I hope that in the future I can become more creative. I'm kind of a left brain, accountant type! The world needs all types!

Are Your Teens Already Bored With Summer?

With the advent of technology, family history has branched in many different directions! Since our kids were born digital, give them the opportunity to help you out! This link will give you ideas for your teens to work on family history this summer. Who knows? They may even become family history addicts! Wouldn't that be awesome?

P.S. If the above list wasn't enough, try here. Scroll down to the LDS Young Men and LDS Young Women Activities! Also, google family history activities and you will be well rewarded!

Are You An Arbitrator for the 1940 Census?

Arbitration is very important in getting the quality of the indexing right on the 1940 Census. Please don't take offense, but these "10 Commandments" from FamilySearch will help you be the best arbitrator that you can! Thanks for all of your hard work! It benefits us all!

Is This Really the Reason We Don't Have Family Reunions?

Family reunions... Catch the not-so-subtle body language when you mention them! Click here to see one of the reasons that we don't organize or attend family reunions. If this is the case with your family, what can you do to change it? Just food for thought!

New Offerings from FamilySearch

Millions of Historic Records Added for Belgium, China, Philippines, and the U.S.

More Completed State Indexes Now Searchable Online for the 1940 US Census
FamilySearch published new, free records online for Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, England, Georgia, Indonesia, Italy, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. The 1940 US Census Community Project continues to progress quickly. Online volunteers have now indexed 80 million names out of the historic 1940 census. Follow the progress online or search the 20 completed states at FamilySearch.org/1940census.  BillionGraves also contributed about a million indexed records. Search these diverse collections and 2.8 billion other records for free at FamilySearch.org.
Searchable historic records on FamilySearch.org are made available by thousands of online volunteers from around the world who transcribe (index) information from digital copies of handwritten records to make them easily searchable online. More online volunteers are needed (particularly those who can read foreign languages) to keep pace with the amount of digital images being published online at FamilySearch.org. Learn more about how to personally help provide free access to the world’s historic genealogical records online as a volunteer indexer at FamilySearch.org.

Collection	Indexed Records	Digital Images	Comments
Austria, Seigniorial Records, 1537-1888	0	349,963	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Austria, Vienna, Jewish Registers of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1784-1911	0	206,316	New browsable image collection.
Belgium, Antwerp, Police Immigration, 1840-1930	0	1,339,442	New browsable image collection.
BillionGraves Index	980,915	980,915	Affiliate provided new indexed records and browsable images. Â
Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1825	74,323	1,202	Added indexed records and browsable images to existing collection.
Canada, New Brunswick Provincial Returns of Marriages and Late Registrations, 1920-1950	0	119,291	New browsable image collection.
Canada, New Brunswick Provincial Returns of Marriages, 1887-1919	0	141,775	New browsable image collection.
Canada, Nova Scotia, Halifax County, Deed Indexes, 1749-1958	0	23,008	New browsable image collection.
Canada, Saskatchewan Provincial Records, 1879-1987	0	75,276	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Chile, Santiago, Cementerio General, 1821-2011	0	84,542	Added browsable images to existing collection.
China, Collection of Genealogies, 1500-1900	0	1,588,606	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Czech Republic, Censuses, 1843-1921	0	52,767	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Czech Republic, Land Records, 1450-1889	0	123,966	Added browsable images to existing collection.
England, Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, Parish Registers, 1603-1910	0	983	Added browsable images to existing collection.
England, Northumberland, Miscellaneous Records, 1705-2005	0	65,881	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Georgia, Headright and Bounty Land Records, 1783-1909	0	36,799	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Indonesia, Jawa Tengah, Purwodadi Citizenship Records, 1960-2012	0	46,170	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Indonesia, Jawa Tengah, Wonosobo, Naturalization Records, 1927-2011	0	37,311	New browsable image collection.
Italy, Bologna, Bologna, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941	0	49,009	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Genova, Chiavari, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941	0	27,223	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Messina, Patti, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1823-1941	0	26,259	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Napoli, Serrara Fontana, Civil Registration (Comune), 1809-1929	4,242	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
Italy, Pescara, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1866-1942	0	104,831	New browsable image collection.
Italy, Salerno, Padula, Civil Registration (Comune), 1809-1940	0	4,375	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Teramo, Teramo, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1940	0	5,813	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Treviso, Treviso, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1871-1941	0	134,878	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church Records, 1679-1969	21,878	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
Peru, Catholic Church Records, 1603-1992	0	24,703	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Philippines, Civil Registration (Local), 1888-1981	0	6,356,654	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Philippines, Civil Registration (National), 1945-1981	0	101,177	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600-1950	0	31,074	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Portugal, Braga, Catholic Church Records, 1530-1911	0	21,549	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Portugal, Porto, Catholic Church Records, 1535-1949	0	47,334	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Russia Tver Poll Tax Census (Revision lists), 1744-1874	0	873,732	New browsable image collection.
Scotland Census, 1841	2,629,006	0	New indexed collection
Spain, Province of Barcelona, Municipal Records, 1583-1902	0	112,580	New browsable image collection.
Spain, Province of Sevilla, Municipal Records, 1903-1918	0	158,340	New browsable image collection.
Spain, Province of Tarragona, Municipal Records, 1430-1916	0	56,475	New browsable image collection.
Spain, Records of Widows and Orphans of Spanish Officials, 1860-1960	0	5,146	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Spain, Valencia, Miscellaneous Records, 1251-1950	0	265,333	Added browsable images to existing collection.
Sweden, Uppsala Church Records, 1308-1901; index 1613-1860	16,217	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
U.S.,  Illinois, Probate Records, 1819-1970	0	69,935	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  Maine, State Archive Collections, 1790-1966	0	47,107	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1840-2004	0	89,204	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787-1938	0	74,400	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899-1924	0	29,852	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  Ohio, Crawford County Obituaries, 1860-2004	0	101,198	New browsable image collection.
U.S.,  Ohio, Jefferson County Court Records, 1797-1940	0	38,814	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  Ohio, Probate Records, 1790-1967	0	3,796,974	New browsable image collection.
U.S.,  Ohio, Stark County Court Records, 1809-1917	0	118,518	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S.,  Texas, County Tax Rolls, 1846-1910	1,200,141	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
U.S., California, Great Registers, 1866-1910	2,325,643	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
U.S., District of Columbia, Birth Returns, 1874-1897	0	90,550	New browsable image collection.
U.S., Texas, Deaths, 1977-1986	0	69,454	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., California, San Mateo County Records, 1856-1967	0	43,465	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Idaho, Cassia County Records, 1879-1989	0	46,360	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Iowa, Fayette County Probate Records, 1851-1927	0	86,849	New browsable image collection.
U.S., Missouri, Jackson County Voter Registration Records, 1928-1956	0	16,434	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Montana, Yellowstone County Records, 1881-2012	0	37,718	New browsable image collection.
U.S., North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1968	86	689,079	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Membership Applications, 1892-2010	0	25,788	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Texas, Deaths, 1977-1986	0	32,220	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Utah, State Archives Records, 1848-2001	0	159,181	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008	0	26,908	Added browsable images to existing collection.
U.S., Washington, County Probate Records, 1853-1929	0	20,031	Added browsable images to existing collection.
United States Census, 1930 (New Jersey Part B)	46,148	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
United States Census, 1940 (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming)	9,853,018	0	Added indexed records to existing collection.
United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files	404,753	404,753	 Affiliate provided indexed records and browsable images to existing collection

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,600 family history centers in 132 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Additional Family History Ideas for Children, Ages 3-11

Melick Family Bingo

There are lots of ideas out there to help get children, ages 3-11 involved in family history. Here are a few more ideas that I found. Click here and scroll down to Appendix A and Appendix B. Great Sunday afternoon, Monday evening, or anytime activities to involve children! The above bingo card could use pictures for those who can't yet read. There are free bingo card generators all over the internet. I used this site to generate the above bingo card. There are other game generators on the site too!

What is FamilySearch?

Every Friday I am able to serve as a church service missionary at the BYU Family History Library. At times, we have patrons come in who are curious about family history. Many patrons are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This gives us an opportunity to share why family history is so important and why the church go to great lengths to gather records. Sometimes, I share this video with patrons. It explains FamilySearch, the genealogy and family history arm of the church. I thought that it would be good to share here. I hope that it will answer some of your questions!

Family History Activities for Children, Ages 3-11

When someone says the words "genealogy" or "family history," is this what you think of?

Interesting for grownups, but not too inspiring for children!

There are family history activities that can be done with children. In the next few days, I will point you to some ideas. These ideas will give you ideas of your own that you can try with your children and then pass on to others. That is the beauty of sharing! These ideas are from FamilySearch. They should get you started. Remember that anything will work with this age group as long as it is short and fun! Click here to check them out!

This teddy bear chart would look cute on a little one's wall. That's a start in family history!

This is available as a free download from http://www.kidsturncentral.com/clipart/genbears/teddygentree1let.gif

Kid's love to remember things about themselves! How about a scrapbook of their school pictures? Wouldn't these pictures make a cute collection?

Rayanne, Kindergarten

Rayanne, 1st Grade

Rayanne, 2nd Grade

Rayanne, 3rd Grade

What better fun to have with your kids during the summer?

June Class Calendar for Riverton FamilySearch Library

Dennis Brimhall to Speak at Riverton FamilySearch Library

Dennis Brimhall

Join us 
Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

The Doctrines of Family History Work

A Discussion with Dennis Brimhall, Managing Director, Family History Department

Elder Dennis C. Brimhall was named a member of the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 2009.

Elder Brimhall received a bachelor of science degree in Zoology from Brigham Young University in 1972.  He later received an MBA from Northwestern University.  He began his career in 1974 working as an Associate Administrator at the University of Utah Medical Center and later as Chief Operating Officer at the Medical Center at the University of California San Francisco and then as Chief Executive Officer at the University of Colorado Hospital.  Currently he is managing director of the Family History   Department for the Church.

Elder Brimhall has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary to Auckland, New Zealand, elders quorum president, stake mission president, high councilor, stake president, and mission president.

For more details, see our website: www.familysearch.org/fhc/riverton

Are You Missing WDYTYA?

Brigham Young University
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Are you having "Who Do You Think You Are" withdrawls? Did you know that there are other shows out there about genealogy and family history? For instance, BYU has a show called The Generations Project that you can watch online at any time from anywhere! If you haven't seen it, check it out here!

While you are checking out The Generations Project, cruise through and look at all that BYU TV has to offer. It's amazing! (Nope, no compensation or ties to either The Generations Project or BYU TV)

UVTAGG Meeting

UVTAGG Meeting on Saturday 09 Jun 2012

When: Saturday 9 June 2012, 9 am-noon

Where: LDS "Red Chapel"

4050 North Timpview Drive (650 E), Provo

For more info: uvtagg.org

Don and Diane Snow

Main Presentation:

YOUR PERSONAL GENEALOGY 
LIBRARY:  FAMILY HISTORY BOOKS 
ONLINE 

Don & Diane Snow

The Snows will show information about family history books online,

 how to find them, what formats they are in, and how to use them.  

They will show various organizations that are scanning and posting 

FH books such as the Family History Library, Google, Internet Archive, 

and others.  There are already thousands of FH books online and most

 are free to download. 

Following the main presentation will be the class period and, as always,

 there will be something about family history and technology for everyone

 at any level of expertise.  The teachers and classes presently scheduled

 for this meeting are:  

(1)  FamilySearch Family Tree, Merlin Kitchen

(2)   Question & Answer, Don and Diane Snow  

(3)  Video of a past presentation or class - Your Choice 

(4)  Personal Help, Don Engstrom and Finn Hansen 

(5)  MAC Projects Discussed and Reviewed, Ron Snowden  

(6)  RootsMagic, Sue Maxwell

(7)  Legacy, Dean Bennett

(8)  Ancestral Quest (teacher to be announced).

  

All are welcome!                   

First Cousins, Twice Removed!

Wilkes-Barre Sunday Independent, Wilkes-Barre, PA, August 16, 1936, p. 32

This week I discovered pictures of William and Anthony Shukwietis, who are my first cousins, twice removed. William owned a funeral home in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania. This article was announcing that Anthony was joining his brother in the business. It is fun to have these pictures and also hear a little about Anthony's personality as a "young man with an excellent reputation for character and integrity." I also didn't know that I had any relatives that were "substantial and influential citizens!" Have you ever taken the time to read old newspapers? They are fascinating and so different from the generic newspapers of today. I found this resource of newspapers while I was cruising through genealogy blogs that I regularly check. I thought I knew about the online newspapers for Pennsylvania! If you have Pennsylvania relatives, definitely check out this online archive! You never know what you are going to find. Definitely time for a happy dance!

I'm Still in the Memorial Day Mood!

I am still in the Memorial Day Mood. This video about Julia Ward Howe and her writing the Battle Hymn of the Republic is inspiring. This is why we do family history... the family connections! Enjoy!

Thanks to a Couple of Veteran's In My Life!

Raymond John Brunski
Photo: Personal collection of Rayanne Brunski Melick

I'm a little late with the Memorial Day tribute, but I want to thank them anyway! Thanks Dad, for your service in the United States Air Force. May you rest in peace with the other veterans surrounding you! 

Raymond John Brunski
Photo: Personal collection of Rayanne Brunski Melick

Thanks Charles, for your service in the United States Navy. Because of your efforts, and the efforts of countless others, we live in the land of the free. 

Charles Melick
Photo: Personal collection of Rayanne Brunski Melick

Genealogy and DNA

Chemist reading DNA sequencing
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Public Domain

DNA seems to be the next frontier in genealogy and family history research. Ancestry.com is right in the thick of it! A couple of days ago, the Daily Herald newspaper published an article about how Ancestry.com is furthering genealogical research with DNA testing. Read the article here to find out how you can use DNA to enhance your family tree!

Misconceptions about Family History

LDS meetinghouse in Warsaw, Poland
Photo Credit: Public Domain

One of the misconceptions about family history and genealogy is that everything is "online." A corollary to that misconception is that "since it is all online, there is no need for a local LDS Family History Center, particularly if you live smack dab in the middle of genealogy heaven...Utah. Well, did you know that you can go to your local family history center (they are all over the world) and have access to some of the best subscription websites! They are available for you and you don't have to pay a penny to use them! In our family history center, the two most popular sites are Ancestry.com and Fold3.com. We all know that Ancestry.com has some of the most exciting record collections in the world, and Fold3.com has an outstanding collection of military records. Family History Center patrons also have access to:

•19th Century British Library Newspaper Digital Archives
•Access Newspaper Archive
•Alexander Street Press - The American Civil War: Research Database, Letters and Diaries, Images, Photographs, Posters and Ephemera
•Ancestry.com
•ArkivDigital Online
•Find My Past-British genealogy
•Fold3.com (Previously known as Footnote.com)
•The Genealogist
•Godfrey Memorial Library
•Heritage Quest Online
•Historic Map Works Library Edition
•Paper Trail
•World Vital Records

If some of these sites are new to you and you don't have a clue what they contain, click on this link for a full description of each site. If you don't know where your local LDS Family History Center is, click here for help in finding it!
By the way, family history information is NOT all "online!" The online resources are just the tip of the iceberg. :)

Do You Have LDS (Mormon) Pioneers in Your Pedigree?



 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

 Do you have LDS pioneers in your pedigree? Would you like to learn more about the LDS pioneers and their stories. Here is a great place to start! Brigham Young University's Family History Library has lots of info on these LDS pioneers. Who knows? You may be like me. Look what I found!

Amelia Evans Camp Davis
My 2nd great-grandmother
Member of the Willie Handcart Company

Pretty cool, huh! Now you give it a try. You never know what you will find!

Need Genealogy Education???



Photo Credit: Public domain
I chose this pedigree because my daughter-in-law is a huge Harry Potter fan! Maybe now she will become interested in family history! :)

Below is the schedule for webinars through August 2012 at LegacyFamilyTree. I love these webinars (no, I'm not paid to say this and I don't have any affiliation with the company except as a fan!) because I can sit at home in my jammies and soak it all in! The nice thing about these webinars is that they are usually posted for free for ten days so that you can catch them even if you miss the original date!
Register for free at:
www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/webinars.asp

May 2012

 Researching Your Pennsylvania Ancestors by Lisa Alzo. 5/2

 Researching Your New York Ancestors by Thomas MacEntee. 5/30

June 2012

 Researching Your German Ancestors by Kory Meyerink. 6/6.

 Putting Flesh on the Bones by Ron Arons. 6/13

 Marriages and Anniversaries: mining newspapers by Tom Kemp. 6/20

 Staying Safe Using Social Media by Thomas MacEntee. 6/22

 Digital Images: scanning, digitizing, editing, and preserving your photos by Geoff Rasmussen. 6/27

July 2012

 The Quest for your English Ancestors by Claire Brisson-Banks. 7/11

 Plan Your Way to Research Success by Marian Pierre-Louis. 7/18

 The Genealogy Cloud: Which Online Storage Program is Right For You? by Thomas MacEntee. 7/27

August 2012

 Neglected History by Megan Smolenyak. 8/1

 Wikis for Genealogists by Thomas MacEntee. 8/8

 The 5 C’s for Success in Genealogy Today with Barbara Renick. 8/22

 Building a Family from Circumstantial Evidence by Judy Russell. 8/29

Some Interesting Tidbits from FamilySearch

 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

The Ancestry Insider was at the National Genealogical Society Conference in Cincinnatti, Ohio this week and he has provided us with some tidbits from FamilySearch. Click on this link and check out the May 8th post.

Press Release for UVTAGG Meeting on 12 May 2012


UTAH VALLEY TECHNOLOGY AND GENEALOGY GROUP MEETING (UVTAGG)

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group - UVTAGG (formerly the Utah Valley PAF Users Group - UVPAFUG) will be on Saturday, 12 May 2012, from 9 am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo.  Information about the Group, main presentations, classes, and class notes are available on their website http://uvtagg.org and the press releases are at http://blog.uvtagg.org .

In place of a main presentation for this meeting we will watch the Provo Tabernacle Temple Groundbreaking ceremony which will start at 9 am and will be broadcast to the building from downtown Provo.  Speakers will include Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the LDS Church's Quorum of the 12 Apostles and Past President of Brigham Young University.  The Church's press release about the Groundbreaking is at http://www.lds.org/church/events/church-announces-groundbreaking-for-provo-city-center-temple?lang=eng .

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, UVTAGG will have its opening exercises and then divide for classes.  As always, there will be something about family history and technology for everyone at any level of expertise.  The teachers and classes presently scheduled for this meeting are:  (1)  Are There Germans In Your Past?  Internet Resources to Assist You, by Laurie Castillo;  (2)  Evernote and Freeware Transcription Helps for Documents and Audio, by Don and Diane Snow;  (3)  Personalized Help, by Don Engstrom;  (4)  Video of last month's main presentation: Finding Your Family in the 1940 US Census, by Stephen Ehat;  (5)  Everything MAC for Genealogy, by Ron Snowden;  (6)  Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay;  (7)  Legacy, by Dean Bennett; and  (8)  RootsMagic, by Diana Olsen.
                         
All meetings of the Group are open to the public whether members of the Group or not. The Group has the goal of helping individuals use technology to further their family history and there are usually 100-125 attending the monthly meetings on the second Saturdays. The officers are Gerhard Ruf, President; Laurie Castillo, 1st VP; Don Snow, 2nd VP; Liz Kennington, Newsletter Editor; Renee Zamora, Secretary; Kay Baker, Gerry Eliason, Don Engstrom, and Rayanne Melick working with finances and membership; and Bruce Merrill and Marie Andersen working with the DVD Library. Several of these will be there to answer questions, help with membership, distribute the current issue of the monthly newsletter TAGGology, and check out DVDs of past presentations and classes to members of the group.  Information about the Group, presentations, classes, and class notes can be found at the websites mentioned above.  For further information contact President Gerhard Ruf at pres@uvtagg.org (801-225-6106) or 1st VP Laurie Castillo at laurie@everythingisrelative.net, or 2nd VP Don Snow at snowd@math.byu.edu.

Facebook for Genealogy?

Photo Credit:wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons

Facebook has moved into first place in the social media arena. Did you know that you can create Facebook pages for your ancestors? Yep, put them out there and they will come (sooner or later)! Making connections just gets easier and easier! For a really great article that explains some ins and outs of using Facebook for family history, click here.

"You Marry the Whole Family!"

Photo Credit:  thegoldguys.blogspot.com/   

We have all heard the adage of "When you get married, you marry the whole family!" Most of us (me included) heard this and said "Yeah, whatever!" Thirty years into marriage and this has definitely been confirmed to me! You DO marry the whole family! By default, this connection also extends to family history work and the way you can approach your research!

This week I have had the opportunity to work on family history with some really great people. I just love the "Sherlock Holmes" aspect of family history! As I was talking to one particular patron, we started talking about the lack of records for some of her ancestors. It is true that males had more records created for them. An additional struggle is the whole maiden/married name thing that happens with women. Women tend to get lost a lot easier than the men do. One way to work around the lack of female documentation or lack of documentation for any one person is to work in the family cluster. By that I mean to work on the whole family, not just your direct line. The opportunities for finding the information that you are seeking really opens up when you are looking at documents for 5-10 people or more instead of documentation for one. My general approach is to start with my direct descendant and then broaden from there. It also really helps narrow your search if there is an unusual name in the family (ex. Rubella, no joke!)

So, when you are stuck on your direct line ancestor, don't forget to branch out and include the siblings and parents in your searches. Casting a wide net will really be helpful in furthering your family history along!