Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Support Cyndi’s List

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Cyndi’s List (www.cyndislist.com) has been fighting an  intellectual property. This site is always the first one I mention in my popular talk, “Five Favorite Free Genealogy Sites” (which, by the way, I am presenting in Foley, AL this Saturday). Cyndi has been working tirelessly on this site for over a decade and a half, and it is her livelihood. For someone to swoop in, take all her hard work and post it elsewhere for profit is beyond the pale.

Cyndi posted this on Facebook:

People are still asking how they can help me. I can’t tell you how overwhelmed I am with the generosity and kindness being shown to me. It means the world to me. There are several ways you can help:

1. Tell others about Cyndi’s List: http://www.CyndisList.com/

2. Submit new links that I don’t yet have: http://www.CyndisList.com/submit/

3. Report broken links: http://www.CyndisList.com/faqs/#part3

4. Donations are very welcome to help me pay attorney’s fees and also to defer the cost of the upgrade: http://www.CyndisList.com/donate/

5. Share Cyndi’s List online with others:
https://www.facebook.com/CyndisList

http://twitter.com/CyndisList

https://plus.google.com/107399342052902753109/posts

6. Shop online and Cyndi’s List earns commissions:
http://www.cyndislist.com/shop/

THANK YOU!!

So that is what I want my readers to do today. Strike a blow for intellectual property rights! Post about Cyndi’s List on your blog/feed/web page. Find a new link for Cyndi to add. Do all the other things she listed. Let’s help Cyndi fight this!

The 1940 US Census Community Project — Volunteer Today!

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

1940 U.S. CENSUS COMMUNITY PROJECT ANNOUNCES CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO CREATE FREE, SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF 1940 U.S. CENSUS RECORDSMost Informative Record of American Life prior to U.S. WWII Involvement Has Potential to Unlock New Insights into the Past, Discovery of Unknown Family Connections

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2012) – The 1940 U.S. Census Community Project—a joint initiative between the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Archives.com, FamilySearch.org, findmypast.com, and other leading genealogy organizations—announced today a national service project to create a free, high quality, searchable database of the 1940 U.S. census records. Through the indexing efforts of online volunteers across the U.S., records from the 1940 census that were closed by law for 72 years will be easier to find. These census records capture countless untold stories of those who lived through the Great Depression—great men and women who have been called “the greatest generation.”

With the support of NARA, the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project is leading the digital transformation effort to create an index entirely by online volunteers. Fueled by the joy of discovering fascinating surprises from their own family history, volunteer indexers are excited to join many thousands of Americans in an online community effort to make the historic 1940 U.S. census readily searchable for others.

“Many of us living today know someone in the 1940 U.S. census, but we may not know much more than their name or the town in which they lived,” said David S. Ferriero, archivist of the United States. “The 1940 census will unlock some of these mysteries for us. We are delighted to join with the U.S. Census Community Project to produce an index which will make this census much more user-friendly.”

When complete, the index and images will also be available online for free through the sponsoring organizations’ websites. Those interested in lending a hand can learn more and sign up to be an official 1940 U.S. census volunteer indexer at the 1940 census website (the1940census.com). The project aims to make available to the public a fully functional, free, and searchable record database by the end of 2012.

“Many parallels exist between life in 1940 and 2012: international conflict, the political intrigue of an election year, and efforts to rebuild a flagging economy,” said Dan Lynch, spokesperson for 1940 U.S. Census Community Project. “Our goal is that through the work of online volunteers across the nation, a fully digitized and searchable database of the 1940 census records can help strengthen connections between Americans, their families, and an important time in our collective history while bringing renewed understanding of the resolute courage past generations had in restoring America.”

The 1940 U.S. Federal Census is the largest, most comprehensive, and most recent record set available featuring the names of people living in the U.S. at the time. In fact, the census contains more than one million pages and features a depth of detail that paints a more complete portrait than was previously available of the 132 million people living in the U.S. during the Great Depression. From this new vantage point, we can learn about the life and times of our people living 72 years ago. Several new census questions appeared for the first time in 1940, including:

· Where people lived five years prior to the census
· Highest educational level achieved
· Detailed income and occupation

Perhaps more so than at any other time in American history, these individuals taught us lessons in hardship and survival. The Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the subsequent New Deal programs have left an indelible footprint on American history. In addition, many of these men and women listed in the 1940 census went on to support the fight or actually fought in World War II. Helping index the census, for many, is a way of giving something back to this great generation and rightfully preserving their place in our nation’s history.

###

About the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project
The 1940 U.S. Census Community Project is a web-based, national service project with the goal ofcreating as soon as possible a free, high quality online index linked to the complete set of census images. The index will allow the public to easily search every person found in the census and view digital images of the original census pages. The collection will be available online for free to the general public at 1940census.archives.gov, Archives.com, FamilySearch.org,and findmypast.com, the respective website sponsors of the community project. Archives.com and findmypast.com will make substantial financial contributions to make the 1940 U.S. census online name index possible and will work with the nonprofit organization FamilySearch to bring additional new historic records collections online—making even more highly valued family history resources available to the entire genealogical community.

Press Release from Fold3: Special Black History Month Access

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

This is a press release from Fold3:

Celebrate Black History Month with Free Access to Black History Records

In 1976, President Ford designated February as Black History Month to highlight the achievements of African Americans in U.S. history. He encouraged the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

In honor of Black History Month, we invite you to enjoy free* access to Fold3′s Black History Collection. This collection includes many enlightening historical records documenting African American achievements since the earliest days of our nation. Of particular interest are those from the Civil War era as we continue to observe the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

As soon as black soldiers were recruited to serve the Union in 1863, records were generated to document their service including Compiled Service Records for the U.S. Colored Troops and, ultimately, pension files. The pension file index cards, like this one for Joel Bedenbaugh, include a soldier’s rank, company, and regiment within the U.S.C. Infantry, his pension numbers, and sometimes a death date, 24 August 1913, in this case. Private Bedenbaugh’s 16-page service record also includes his enlistment record from when he joined up in Dayton, Ohio, in 1864.

Southern Claims Commission files are petitions by southerners who lost property to Union troops during the Civil War, including many blacks, like William and Louisa Ferguson. Though freeborn, Louisa was not only the wife of a slave, but also the daughter of George Washington’s carpenter, also a slave. Their claim for compensation of $150 for the loss of a horse was denied, but Louisa’s tales of Union and Confederate troops in the vicinity includes her encounters with the rebels and her service to the Union hospital nearby. A transcription of her file is here.

Explore these and thousands of other records documenting the history of African Americans in the U.S., from before the Civil War to the War in Vietnam. Join us as we recognize Black History Month and provide free* access to the Black History Collection on Fold3.

*  Free Access ends February 29, 2012 at Midnight

Press Release: Attend some of RootsTech Free Online!

Monday, January 30th, 2012

RootsTech Conference Will Broadcast Select Sessions Free Online

SALT LAKE CITY—RootsTech, a leading family history and technology conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2-4, 2012, announced today that fourteen of its popular sessions will be broadcasted live and complimentary over the Internet. The live broadcasts will give those unable to attend worldwide a sample of this year’s conference content. Interested viewers can watch the live presentations at RootsTech.org. The second-year conference has attracted over 3,000 registered attendees.

The free online sessions include the keynote speakers and a sampling of technology and family history presentations. Following are the fourteen broadcasted sessions and speakers. All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST):

Thursday, February 2

8:30-10:00 am, Inventing the Future, as a Community (Keynote Address) by Jay L. Verkler

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Do I Trust the Cloud? by D. Joshua Taylor

1:45-2:45 pm, Effective Database Search Tactics by Kory Meyerink

3:00-4:00 pm, Twitter – It’s Not Just “What I Had for Breakfast” Anymore by Thomas MacEntee

4:15-5:15 pm, Eleven Layers of Online Searches by Barbara Renick

Friday, February 3

8:30-9:30 am, Exabyte Social Clouds and Other Monstrosities (Keynote Address) by Josh Coates

9:45-10:45 am, Publish Your Genealogy Online by Laura G. Prescott

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Optimize Your Site for Search Engines by Robert Gardner

1:45-2:45 pm, Genealogists “Go Mobile” by Sandra Crowly

3:00-4:00 pm, Google’s Toolbar and Genealogy by Dave Barney

Saturday, February 4

8:30-9:30 am, Making the Most of Technology to Further the Family History Industry (Keynote Address) by Tim Sullivan and Ancestry.com Panel

9:45-10:45 am Genealogy Podcasts and Blogs 101 by Lisa Louise Cooke

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Future of FamilySearch Family Tree by Ron Tanner

1:45-2:45 pm, Privacy in a Collaborative Environment by Noah Tatuk

For more information:
Jim Ericson,
RootsTech Marketing,
jericson@familysearch.org,
801-592-2520
Paul Nauta,
RootsTech Media Relations,
nautapg@familysearch.org,
801-240-6498

Come hear me speak at the Navarre Library January 31!

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Using genealogy, history and online resources, Elizabeth Crowe will paint a lively picture of Colonel Guy Wyman, the founder of Navarre, at 5:30 p.m. January 31, 2012, at the library. It’s a story of murder, mayhem, madness and many wives. There’s never a dull moment in the story of Wyman and his family.

 

Libbi Crowe, a Navarre resident, is the author of Genealogy Online, now in its 9th printing. Crowe’s father really was a rocket scientist and she has been involved with computers since the early days. Her family got involved in genealogy after discovering an old Bible with family records going back to 1812.

 

The program is part of the free Lore, Legends and Learning series at the Library sponsored by the Friends of the Navarre Library. The program is held on the last Tuesday of each month, presenting a variety of topics to the public. Reservations are not required..

 

Visit our website:  http://www.friendsofnavarrelibrary.org/ for the most current information.

For NGS members: videos to check out

Friday, September 16th, 2011

Thomas H. Shawker, MD, is a frequent lecturer on the subjects of DNA and family health history. He is the author of the NGS publication, Unlocking Your Genetic History: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Family’s Medical and Genetic Heritage.

This brief conversation provides an introduction to how DNA analysis can support genealogical research as well as some basic guidelines for studying your family health history.

Log in at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org, click on the Members Only tab, and then click on NGS Videos in the sidebar menu.

Film by Kate Geis and Allen Moore.

Review: Quicksheet for Genealogical Problem Analysis

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Just in time to help, I received a review copy of Quicksheet: Genealogical Problem Analysis- A Strategic Plan- Evidence! Style by Elizabeth Shown Mills.

QuickSheet for Problem Solving

So I am going to start pursuing Reason Powell using her 10-step solution to genealogical problems. The QuickSheet is the outgrowth of a lifetime of professional experience, the 10 steps provide a systematic basis for problem solving unique to genealogy.  In addition to the 10 steps, this  QuickSheet contains a “Life Stages Worksheet”–a form to be filled in covering most life events from birth to death through six specific stages of life. This single-page form allows for a systematic listing of records  to review at a glance. You can copy this form and write on that copy, or use grease pencil and write on the laminated sheet itself, rubbing it clean as you find better data. The problem analysis QuickSheet is a laminated two-sided sheet designed, like its companions, for heavy use, in libraries, at your desk, and so on.

Here’s hoping!

Google+ Impressions

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
So I’ve been trying Google+ ever since my son Matthew sent me the invitation July 8 and I’m ready to give a few thoughts about it on my blog.
1. The “circles” feature is much like “groups” in Facebook, but easier to use. The list of your circles (e. g. Family, Friends, Acquaintances, etc.) is always on the left, so filtering the “stream” is much easier. Creating circles is also much, much easier than creating groups in Facebook. Instead of pawing through each and every friend, you just drag and drop, or when someone adds you, you can put them in a circle with one click.
2. With the installation of StartGoogle+, a Google Chrome browser plug in specifically designed to help make the process of transitioning from Facebook to Google+ as smooth as possible, the new social network is is easy to use. You can also track Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ all at once with this plug in. The StartGoogle+ instructions also say that if you use it to log into Twitter and Facebook using the plugin,  your Google+ posts will appear on the two others.  I have not yet gotten that feature to work, but I’m sure that is operator error.
3. It can be useful for genealogy if you create a circle just for your genealogy buds, and post your genealogy  queries to that circle only.
4. I am in love with the “Hangout” feature. I just had a really fun hangout with +Russ Worthington about Google+, the video features, EfM, printing genealogies, and more! I want to use that with my kids, siblings, cousins, etc!
5. Posting your pictures, especially your profile pictures, from Picasa on your desktop to Google+ is not as easy and intuitive as it should be. I expect they will tweak that in future.
6. Like Twitter, someone can follow you but you don’t have to follow them (see their posts) back. In Facebook, it must be mutual.
7.  With all of that said, Google+ still does not feel quite so friendly as Facebook. The interface is clean and open, but not “cozy.”  Once I get more used to it, perhaps that will change.
I shall keep experimenting with this new tool and put some observations on a later blog.

Press Release from FamilySearch July 11

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

1930 US Census Project Concludes

Volunteers Consider Options for Next Projects

The 1930 U.S. Census indexing project will be completed this month. This enhanced index will be a great benefit to online patrons. We will now start many new U.S. projects for volunteers to consider. We are working toward building a nationwide marriage index. There are several already underway, and many new marriage projects are coming. We also started a Civil War era initiative recently that will include record collections expanding before and after the Civil War that will help researchers identify their Civil War era ancestors. We’re also adding some fun emigration projects (passenger lists, naturalization records).

See the lists below for the newest additions and status of other projects and invite friends, family, and colleagues to help out on projects of interest. Of course completed projects will be searchable for free at FamilySearch.org.

New Projects Added

(See the chart below for a complete list and current status of all indexing projects.)

Recently Completed Projects

(Note: Recently completed projects have been removed from the available online indexing batches and will now go through a final completion check process. They will be published at familysearch.org in the near future.)

  • Argentina, Cordoba, Rio Segundo—Registros Parroquiales, 1888–1926
  • Argentina, Santa Fe—Registros Parroquiales, 1634–1926 [Parte A]
  • Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Imigração Cartões, 1900–1965 [Parte A]
  • Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Imigração Cartões, 1900–1965 [Parte B]
  • Chile, Concepción—Registros Civiles, 1885–1903 [Parte 2B]
  • España, Avila, Barroman—Registros Parroquiales, 1550–1930
  • Jamaica—Church of England Parish Baptisms, 1664–1880
  • Mexico, Veracruz—1930 Federal Censo
  • Norway—1875 Federal Census [Part B]
  • Polska, Diecezja Lublin—Księgi Metrykalne, 1902–1945
  • Sverige, Uppsala—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 1]
  • Sverige, Örebro—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 1]
  • U.K., Yorkshire—Parish Registers, 1845–1930
  • U.S.—Index to War of 1812 Pension Application Files, 1812–1905
  • U.S., Arizona—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., California—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Hawaii—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Idaho—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Illinois—1865 State Census
  • U.S., Indiana—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Indiana, Floyd County—Marriages, 1811–1959
  • U.S., Iowa—County Births, 1880–1935 [Part A]
  • U.S., Iowa—County Marriages, 1838–1992 [Part A]
  • U.S., Michigan—1894 State Census
  • U.S., Missouri—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., New Hampshire—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., New Jersey—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., New Mexico—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., New York—1930 Federal Census [Part B]
  • U.S., North Carolina—County Marriages, 1762–1959 [Part B]
  • U.S., Ohio—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Oklahoma—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Oregon—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Pennsylvania—1930 Federal Census [Part A]
  • U.S., Pennsylvania—1930 Federal Census [Part B]
  • U.S., Tennessee—County Marriages, 1790–1950 [Part D]
  • U.S., Utah—1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., Vermont—Vital Records, 1760–1954 [Part C]
  • U.S., Virginia, Winchester—Evening Star Obituaries, 1899–1909
  • U.S., Washington—1930 Federal Census

Current FamilySearch Indexing Projects, Record Language, and Percent Completion

Argentina, Balvanera—Registros Parroquiales, 1833–1934 [Parte C](Argentina, Balvanera—Church Records, 1833–1934 [Part B]) Spanish 66%
Argentina, Córdoba, Bell Ville—Registros Parroquiales, 1759–1946(Argentina, Cordoba, Bell Ville—Parish Registers, 1759–1946) Spanish (New)
Brasil—Registro Civil, 1852–1914 [Parte 2A](Brazil—Civil Registration, 1852–1914 [Part 2A]) Portuguese 9%
Brasil, Florianópolis—Registros da Igreja, 1751–1954 [Parte A](Brazil, Florianópolis—Church Records, 1751–1954 [Part A]) Portuguese 23%
Brasil, Pernambuco, Recife—Registro Civil, 1900–1920(Brazil, Pernambuco, Recife—Civil Registration, 1900–1920) Portuguese 5%
Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Cartões de Imigração, 1900–1965 [Part C](Brazil, Rio de Janeiro—Immigration Cards, 1900–1965 [Part C]) Portuguese (New)
Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Cartões de Imigração, 1900–1965 [Parte D](Brazil, Rio de Janeiro—Immigration Cards, 1900–1965 [Part D]) Portuguese (New)
Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Matrimonios, 1900–1910 [Piloto](Brazil, Rio de Janeiro—Marriages, 1900–1910) Portuguese 66%
Canada—Passenger Lists, 1881–1922 English 8%
Canada, Bas-Canada—Recensement de 1831(Canada, Lower Canada—1831 Census) French 43%
Canada, Ontario—Births, 1869–1912 [Part B] English (New)
Canada, Ontario—Marriages, 1869–1927 [Part B] English 23%
Chile—Registros Civiles, 1885–1900(Chile—Civil Registration, 1885–1900) Spanish 91%
Chile, Concepción—Registros Civiles, 1885–1920 [Parte 3](Chile, Concepción—Civil Registration, 1885–1920 [Part 3]) Spanish (New)
Colombia, Bucaramanga—Registros Parroquiales, 1649–1959(Colombia, Bucaramanga—Church Records, 1649–1959) Spanish 19%
Deutschland, Baden-Württemberg, Emmendingen—Kirchenbücher, 1810–1869(Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Emmendingen—Church Books, 1810–1869) German (New)
Deutschland, Brandenburg, Posen—Kirchenbücher, 1794–1874(Germany, Brandenburg, Posen—Church Books, 1794–1874) German (New)
Deutschland, Mecklenburg, Schwerin—1867 Volkszählung(Germany, Mecklenburg, Schwerin—1867 Census) German (New)
El Salvador—Registros Civiles, 1835–1910(El Salvador—Civil Registration, 1835–1910) Spanish 67%
El Salvador—Registros Civiles, 1836-1910 [Parte B](El Salvador—Civil Registration, 1836–1910 [Part B]) Spanish 12%
España, Andalucía—Registros Civiles, 1837–1870(Spain, Andalucia—Civil Registration, 1837–1870) Spanish 33%
España, Lugo—Registros Parroquiales, 1530–1930 [Parte 1](Spain, Lugo—Parish Registers, 1530–1930 [Part 1]) Spanish 47%
España, Málaga—Nacimientos, 1841–1870(Spain, Malaga—Births, 1841–1870) Spanish 13%
Estonia—Lutheran Church Books, 1603–1940 [Part B] German (New)
France, Cherbourg—Registres Paroissiaux, 1802–1907(France, Cherbourg—Parish Registers, 1802–1907) French 70%
France, Coutances—Registres Paroissiaux, 1802–1907 [Part 2](France, Coutances—Parish Registers, 1802–1907 [Part 2]) French (New)
France, Protestant Church Records [Part 2A] French 11%
Guatemala—Registros Civiles, 1800–1900 [Parte B](Guatemala—Civil Registration, 1800–1900 [Part B]) Spanish (New)
Guatemala, Guatemala—Registros Civiles, 1800–1900(Guatemala, Guatemala—Civil Registration, 1800–1900) Spanish 46%
Guatemala, Guatemala—Registros Civiles, 1877–1900(Guatemala, Guatemala—Civil Registration, 1877–1900) Spanish 58%
Honduras, Tegucigalpa—Registros Parroquiales, 1684–1930(Honduras, Tegucigalpa—Parish Registers, 1684–1930) Spanish (New)
Ireland—Tithe Applotment Books, 1824–1840 English 40%
Italia, Mantova—Registri Civili, 1806-1815(Italy, Mantova—Civil Registration, 1806–1815) Italian (New)
Italia, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Atti di Morte, 1889–1924 [Part 2](Italy, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Death Records, 1809–1885 [Part 2]) Italian (New)
Italia, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Atti di Nascita, 1809–1885 [Part 1](Italy, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Birth Records, 1809–1885 [Part 1]) Italian (New)
Italia, Provincia di Vicenza—Registri Parrocchiali, 1597–1937(Italy, Vicenza Province—Parish Registers, 1597–1937) Italian 71%
Italia, Torino, Torre Pellice—Atti di sepoltura, 1692–1969(Italy, Torina, Torre Pellice—Burial records, 1692–1969) Italian (New)
Italy, Trento—Baptisms, 1784–1924 [Part 2A] Italian 91%
Magyarország, Szabolcs—polgári anyakönyvi adatok, 1895–1978 [1. Rész](Hungary, Szabolcs—Civil Registration, 1895–1978 [Part 1]) Hungarian 67%
Mexico, Aguascalientes – Nacimientos 1860-1921(Mexico, Aguascalientes—Birth Records, 1860–1921) Spanish (New)
Mexico, D.F.—Bautismos, 1536–1900 [Parte A](Mexico, D.F.—Church Baptisms, 1536–1900 [Part A]) Spanish 17%
Mexico, Tlaxcala—Nacimientos, 1867–1925(Mexico, Tlaxcala—Births, 1867–1925) Spanish 19%
New Zealand—Passenger Lists, 1871–1915 [Part 2A] English 21%
Nicaragua, Masaya—Registros Civiles, 1879–1984(Nicaragua, Masaya—Civil Registration, 1879–1984) Spanish 18%
Norge —Tinglysningskort, 1640–1903(Norway—Probate Index Cards, 1640–1903) Norwegian 5%
Perú—Registros Civiles Nacimientos, 1860–1978 [Parte A](Perú—Civil Birth Registrations, 1860–1978 [Parte A]) Spanish 38%
Philippines, Lingayen-Dagupanâ—Registros Parroquiales, 1615–1982 [Part 2](Philippines, Lingayen-Dagupanâ—Parish Registers, 1615–1982 [Part 2]) Spanish (New)
Polska, Księgi Metrykalne—Diecezja Radom, 1654–1946 [Część 1](Poland, Radom Diocese—Church Books, 1654–1946 [Part 1]) Polish 58%
Portugal, Setúbal—Registros da Igreja, 1581–1910(Portugal, Setúbal—Church Records, 1581–1910) Portuguese 33%
República Dominicana—Nacimientos Civiles, 1828–1906(Dominican Republic—Civil Births, 1828–1906) Spanish 3%
Russland, Sankt Petersburg—Kirchenbuchduplikat, 1833–1885(Russia, Saint Petersburg—Parish Register Duplicates, 1833–1885) German 57%
South Africa, Cape Province—Church Records, 1660–1970 Afrikaans, Dutch, English 84%
Sverige, Södermanland—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 2](Sweden, Sodermanland—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]) Swedish (New)
Sverige, Uppsala—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 2](Sweden, Uppsala—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]) Swedish (New)
Sverige, Örebro—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 2](Sweden, Örebro—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]) Swedish (New)
U.K., Dorset—Church of England Parish Records, 1538–1910 [Part A] English 85%
U.K., Essex—Parish Registers, 1538–1900 [Part A] English 24%
U.K., Warwickshire—Parish Registers, 1538–1900 [Part 2 Adv] English,Old English 85%
Uruguay—Registros Civiles (Nacimientos), 1879–1930(Uruguay—Civil Registration (Births), 1879–1930) Spanish 39%
U.S., Alabama—County Marriages, 1809–1950 [Part B] English (New)
U.S., Alaska—1930 Federal Census English (New)
U.S., American Samoa and Guam—1930 Federal Census English (New)
U.S., Arkansas—WWII Draft Registration, 1942 English 78%
U.S., California—WWII Draft Registration, 1942 English 20%
U.S., Florida—County Marriages, 1830–1957 [Part A] English 49%
US, Illinois—Northern District Naturalization Index Cards, 1840–1950 English (New)
U.S., Indiana, Fountain County—Marriages, 1811–1959 English (New)
U.S., Indiana, Fulton County—Marriages 1811–1959 English (New)
U.S., Iowa—County Marriages, 1838–1992 [Part B] English (New)
U.S., Maine—Vital Records, 1892–1907 [Part A] English 42%
U.S., Michigan—County Marriages, 1820–1956 [Part A] English 22%
U.S., Montana—1930 Federal Census English 92%
U.S., Nevada—1930 Federal Census English (New)
U.S., New Jersey—County Marriages, 1682–1956 [Part 1] English 84%
U.S., New York—Marriage Licenses, 1908–1938 [Part A] English 93%
U.S., New York—Marriages, 1908–1935 [Part A] English 83%
U.S., North Carolina—County Marriages, 1762–1959 [Part C] English (New)
U.S., North Carolina—Freedmen Letters, 1862–1870 English 66%
U.S., North Dakota—1930 Federal Census English 82%
U.S., Ohio, Franklin County—Marriage Records, 1929–1951 English (New)
U.S., Oklahoma—Land Allotment Records, 1899–1907 [Part B] English 86%
U.S., Oregon—County Marriages, 1851–1975 [Part A] English (New)
U.S., Pennsylvania—WWII Draft Registration Cards, 1942 English 44%
U.S., Puerto Rico—1910 Censo Federal(U.S., Puerto Rico—1910 Federal Census) Spanish 89%
U.S., Puerto Rico—Nacimientos Civiles, 1836–1930 [Parte B](U.S., Puerto Rico—Civil Births, 1836–1930 [Part B]) Spanish 18%
U.S., Tennessee—County Marriages, 1790–1950 [Part B] English 78%
U.S., Texas—Birth Records 1903–1934 [Part E] English 11%
U.S., Virgin Islands—1930 Federal Census English (New)
U.S.—Registers of Enlistment in the U.S. Army, 1798–1913 English (New)
Venezuela—Nacimientos Civiles, 1873–1909(Venezuela—Civil Births, 1873–1909) Spanish 13%
Venezuela, Mérida—Registros Parroquiales, 1654–1992 [Parte 2](Venezuela, Merida—Parish Registers, 1654–1992 [Part 2]) Spanish 74%
Česká Republika (Tschechien), Litoměřice—Matriky, 1552–1905 [část 1B](Czech Republic, Litomerice—Church Records, 1552–1905 [Part 1B] German 41%
Česká Republika (Tschechien), Litoměřice—Matriky, 1552–1905 [část 1C](Czech Republic, Litomerice—Church Records, 1552–1905 [Part 1C] German (New)
Österreich, Oberösterreich, Steyr—Kirchenbücher, 1601–1906(Austria, Upper Austria, Steyr—Church Books, 1601–1906) German (New)
Österreich, Wiener Meldezettel, 1890–1925(Austria, Vienna—Population Cards, 1890–1925) German 61%
Россия, Самара—Метрические книги церкви, 1869–1917 [часть 2](Russia, Samara—Church Books, 1869–1917 [Part 2]) Russian 43%
Украина, Киев—Метрические книги русской православной церкви, 1843–1845 [Часть C](Ukraine, Kyiv—Orthodox Consistory Church Book Duplicates, 1843–1845 [Part C]) Russian 61%

Current FamilySearch Partner Projects, Record Language, and Percent Completion

België—Burgerlijke Stand, 1851–1900 [Deel 3A](Belgium—Civil Registration, 1851–1900 [Part 3A]) Dutch, Flemish 45%
Belgique—Registres Civile, 1851–1900 [Partie A](Belgium—Civil Registration, 1851–1900 [Part A]) French 94%
Belgique—Registres Civile, 1851–1900 [Partie C](Belgium—Civil Registrations, 1851–1900 [Part C] French 21%
Brasil, Minas Gerais—Church Records, 1706-1952 Portuguese 1%
Canada, Ontario, Toronto—Trust Cemeteries, 1826–1935 English 44%
Deutschland, Westfalen, Minden—Volkszählung, 1880–1900(Germany, Westphalia, Minden—City Censuses, 1880–1900) German 20%
España, Avila, Bernuy-Zapardiel—Registros Parroquiales, 1530–1935(Spain, Avila, Bernuy-Zapardiel—Parish Registers, 1530–1935) Spanish 73%
España, Malaga—Registros Civiles, 1846–1870(Spain, Malaga—Civil Registration, 1846–1870) Spanish 54%
España, Sevilla—Nacimientos Civiles, 1844–1874(Spain, Sevilla—Civil Births, 1844–1874) Spanish (New)
France, Quimper et Leon, Brest, Notre Dame des Carmes—Registres Paroissiaux, 1771– 1909(France, Quimper et Leon, Brest, Notre Dame des Carmes—Parish Registers, 1771–1909) French (New)
Hungary—Jewish Vital Registers Hungarian, German, and more 1%
Italie, Turin, Torre Pellice—Registres paroissiaux 1692–1969 [Partie1A](Italy, Turin, Torre Pellice—Parish Registers, 1692–1969 [Part 1A]) French (New)
Norway—1875 Federal Census [Part C] Norwegian 54%
Polska, Diecezja Lublin—Księgi Metrykalne, 1864–1948 [Część 2](Poland, Diocese of Lublin—Church Books, 1864–1948 [Część 2]) Polish (New)
U.K., Norfolk—Parish Registers, 1538–1900 English 89%
U.S., California—1852 State Census English 78%
U.S., California—County Marriages, 1850–1952 [Part C] English 35%
U.S., Colorado—1885 State Census English 31%
U.S., Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh—City Deaths, 1870–1905 English 88%
U.S., Texas—County Tax Rolls, 1837–1910 [Part A] English 7%
U.S., West Virginia—Naturalization Records, 1814–1991 English (New)

About FamilySearch

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 has 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.

Press Release–National Archives to Host Conference on Media Access to Government Information April 12

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Press Release
March 7, 2011
National Archives to Host Conference on Media Access to Government Information April 12

Washington, DC…The National Archives and Records Administration and Duke University’s DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy will host the Media Access to Government Information Conference (MAGIC) on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with a networking reception from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on the National Mall. Please use the Special Events Entrance, Constitution Ave. and 7th St., NW.

This conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required (e-mail MAGIC@nara.gov). A continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.

Journalists, bloggers and others who write about public affairs will gain insights and learn strategies for improving access to government records. Experts from within the Federal government and from the private sector will provide roadmaps to the often frustrating and challenging task of tracking down government information.

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero will welcome the participants. Government officials, reporters, scholars and NGO leaders who will participate in the discussions include: Gary Bass, Founder and Executive Director, OMB Watch; Sarah Cohen, Knight Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy, Duke University; William Kammer, Chief, FOIA Division, U.S. Department of Defense, and Vice President, American Society of Access Professionals; Miriam Nisbet, Director, Office of Government Information Services, National Archives; Derek Willis, Web developer, New York Times; Jennifer LaFleur, Director of Computer-Assisted Reporting, ProPublica; Mark Horvit, Executive Director, Investigative Reporters and Editors; and Charles Lewis, Executive Editor, Investigative Reporting Workshop.

The conference will address the following issues:

* Improving access to federal government records;
* Analyzing technical challenges faced by journalists in making sense of government documents;
* Exploring hurdles to gaining access to state and local records;
* Identifying actions that the private sector can take to help journalists access and analyze government records.

More information about the conference is at  http://www.archives.gov/ncast/news/events/magic.html

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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