Archive for May, 2009

New on FamilySearch Indexing

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Eleven new indexing projects were added this week—most international (Argentina, Canada, and France). Five of the projects are birth, marriage, and death records for France. Please forward this update to any organizations or individuals that might be interested in helping create indexes to these or other FamilySearch indexing projects.

New indexing projects added this week are:

·         Argentina Censo 1869—Jujuy Salta Tucuman

·         Canada, British Columbia Births, 1854–1903

·         France, Paroisses de Cherbourg, 1802–1907

·         France, Paroisses de Saint-Lo, 1802–1907

·         France, Paroisses de Coutances, 1802–1907

·         France Registres Protestants, 1612–1906 [Part 1]

·         France Registres Protestants, 1612–1906 [Part 2]

·         Indiana, Blackford County Marriages 1811–1959

·         North Dakota—1920 U.S. Federal Census

·         Ohio Tax Records—3 of 4, Post 1825

·         South Carolina—1920 U.S. Federal Census

(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 in preparation for future publication.)

·         Argentina Censo 1869—Catamarca y La Rioja

·         Minnesota—1920 U.S. Federal Census

·         Minnesota Probate Court Wills 1849–1918

One way to make a living at genealogy. . .

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Okay, there’s more to being a professional genealogist than just helping someone join the DAR….

Assets International LLC Names Finberg As Genealogical Researcher
Southfield-based Assets International LLC has announced the hiring of Naomi Finberg as a Genealogical Researcher.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2009 – Southfield-based Assets International LLC (www.assets-international.com), an assets location company that reunites individuals and companies with non-real estate cash assets and a global leader in finding missing or unknown heirs, has announced the hiring of Naomi Finberg as a Genealogical Researcher.
Finberg joins Assets International with experience in analyzing biblical and other ancient Near East texts.  Using these skills, she has learned the intricacies of genealogy and probate law, thus helping her to locate legal beneficiaries and establish legal entitlement to heirs, many of whom are often unaware of their familial ties.
Assets International, a licensed private investigation agency, is an industry leader in locating assets and their rightful owners, as well as missing heirs, all over the world. Using proven investigative techniques combined with an individualized approach to customer service, Assets International has successfully recovered millions of dollars for corporations and individuals and located many missing and unknown heirs on behalf of families and estates.

So there’s one career opportunity. For me, another is, boy would that make a good novel series. Intrepid genealogist solves inheritance mysteries…..;D



DNA Genealogy PR: GeneTree and Sorensen

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

GeneTree and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Team Up to Offer Y-DNA Participants of SMGF Database a Greatly Reduced Price on Genetic Profile

Offer Extends to 50,000 Men Who Donated Y-DNA and Pedigree Information to Non-Profit Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation’s Database

Participants Receive Their Y-DNA Profile Through GeneTree Web Site With Its Powerful Family Tree-Building Tools Linked to World’s Most Comprehensive Genetic Genealogy Database

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GeneTree and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) today announced a special offer to the tens of thousands of men who donated their Y-DNA samples and pedigree information to the non-profit SMGF’s genetic genealogy database. At a deeply discounted price, participants now may access their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree and employ the site’s extensive tools, including the SMGF database, to search and connect with genetic relatives.

SMGF has been building the database—the world’s most diverse collection of genetic genealogy information—since 2000 through donation of DNA samples and four-generation genealogy questionnaires by people interested in helping the foundation succeed in its goal of connecting the human family through genetic genealogy. Until the launch of GeneTree in October 2007, SMGF did not have a way to provide participants with their genetic profiles in a meaningful form. Now for $49.50, or about one-third of the typical price, SMGF participants can receive their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree.

“We are delighted to be able to thank those who chose to help the SMGF database project,” said Matt Cupal, president and COO of GeneTree. “We think the easy-to-use and powerful genetic genealogy tools on GeneTree will help them get the most out of their DNA profiles and help them understand their own history within the larger human genetic story.”

Y-DNA is genetic material passed down exclusively from a father to sons. SMGF participants who submitted their mitochondrial DNA, passed down from a mother to each child, received a similar offer in March 2008, and may still unlock their mitochondrial DNA profile through GeneTree for $49.95.

“We believe this is the finest way we can express our appreciation to individuals who helped build the SMGF database into the foremost genetic genealogy collection of its type in the world,” said Dr. Scott Woodward, executive director of SMGF. “Collaboration with GeneTree allows us to provide contributors with their DNA profiles in a useful and confidential manner.”

Currently, the SMGF database contains more than 100,000 DNA samples and over 7.5 million corresponding genealogical records from participants in 170 nations throughout the world.

Instructions for obtaining SMGF DNA profiles for participation on GeneTree are available at www.genetree.com/dna/unlock_smgf. Approximately two weeks after receipt by GeneTree of the participant’s request, results will be available on the GeneTree Web site.

Beyond free basic membership, GeneTree offers 33-marker Y-DNA tests for $149 and 46-marker tests for $179. Enhanced maternal lineage mitochondrial DNA tests are $179.

About GeneTree

GeneTree (www.genetree.com) is mapping the world’s DNA using genetic genealogy. GeneTree’s Web site allows easy connection to genetic cousins, collaboration on family trees, and sharing of personal profiles and photos. GeneTree also provides the option for participants to integrate into their family history research their DNA profiles, through one of the world’s most respected DNA laboratories, for a scientific window into their ancestry and to find living relatives for whom no paper records exist. GeneTree users are linked to the world’s most extensive correlated genetic genealogy database.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF; www.smgf.org) is a non-profit research organization that has created the world’s largest repository of correlated genetic and genealogical information. The free, publicly available SMGF database currently contains information about more than 7 million ancestors through linked DNA samples and pedigree charts from more than 170 countries, or approximately 90 percent of the nations of the world. The foundation’s purpose is to foster a greater sense of identity, connection and belonging among all people by showing how closely we are connected as members of a single human family.

Press Release: IAJGS 2 – 7 August 2009

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The 29th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy Program has been updated. Tours and the Film Festival will soon be added. Although the lecture/workshop program is still subject to change, this is a very good representation of the final program, now available for downloading and printing in an alternate and more user friendly PDF format.

In addition to the 9 Breakfasts with Experts, the 9 SIG lunches, the 15 Computer Training Workshops being offered, the Welcome Dinner and the Banquet, we have recently added 2 Special Hands-On Workshops in our list of optional fee based programs.

* Preserving Documents and Photographs Workshop with Laura Hortz Stanton, Director of Preservation Services, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts and Kim Andrews,Preservation Services Officer, Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts. This workshop will take place on Friday, August 7, from 8:15 AM to 10:15 AM and costs $10.

* Tasting World Jewish Cuisines: Turkish, Syrian, and Ashkenazi-Italkeni Recipes with Sheilah Kaufman and Aliza Green, two accomplished cookbook authors. This workshop will take place on Friday, August 7, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and costs $20.

If you have already registered for the conference, you can easily add one or both of these exciting workshops by going to www.Philly2009.org and clicking on Registration Update. You will need the Login and Password that you received when you registered.  Select the “Optional Programs” to add any of the fee based options being offered.

If you have not already registered, please do so now and include those optional programs you want to attend.  Registration is very simple. Just go to www.Philly2009.org and click on the Registration button.

Participation in the Computer Training Workshops and the Special Hands-On Workshops is limited. So, don’t wait until it is too late to get a space.

We also want to bring to your attention a new registration option recently added:  individuals under the age of 21 may register for the entire conference for just $50. We hope you will encourage those you know who are under 21 to register and join us. This is a great opportunity to give your children, grandchildren or other young relatives a taste of the exciting adventures facing genealogists.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Philadelphia!

About the conference:
The 29th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia, August 2-7, 2009. Co-hosted by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Philadelphia (JGSGP) and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS). The conference is expected to draw more than 800 professional and amateur genealogists from around the world (including North America, Israel, Latin America, Eastern Europe, South Africa and Europe). The conference has well over a hundred lectures, workshops and computer classes for attendees to take advantage of extensive resources to help families discover their roots. The conference presents informative programs for both the beginner and experienced genealogists.
The distinguished French priest, author, and humanitarian, Father Patrick Desbois, will be the keynote speaker at the opening session. His speech will be, “The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest’s Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 million Jews,” which is also the title of his book.
For more information on the conference and to register, go to: www.philly2009.org.

About IAJGS:
The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) is an independent non-profit umbrella organization of more than 75 national and local Jewish genealogical societies around the world, formed in the late 1980′s to provide a common voice for issues of significance to its members, to advance our genealogical avocation, and to coordinate items such as the annual Jewish Genealogy Conference. For more information go to: www.iajgs.org

For more information please contact:
David Mink
267-318-7092
daminker@aol.com

Support your local library

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

I am so proud of my local library and so is the Florida Library Association!

The Santa Rosa County Library System was selected by the Florida Library Association as the 2009 Florida Library of the Year.  This award is presented to a Florida library that has demonstrated outstanding service to its community.  Key considerations are creativity and innovation in expansion and enhancement of service to all citizens and areas of the community and leadership in library development.  Since 2006 when the Santa Rosa County Library System became an independent operation, library visitors have significantly increase with a 70% increase in checkouts.  The Pace Library was opened and all libraries have undergone transformations in collections and space utilization.  The Gulf Breeze Library was renovated last summer and the Milton Library will be renovated this summer.  Youth program participation has significantly increased.  An outreach program providing library materials to area retirement and nursing care centers was launched.
Santa Rosa is a small county in population and ranks in the lower half of Florida for average income, yet has a respectable system. The library in Navarre is especially nice for one set in  an unincorporated area. Hats off to my local library!

FamilySearch adds 3.5 million new records

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Thirteen collections were added or updated on the FamilySearch Record Search pilot—over 3.5 million new records. International researchers will be excited to know that collections were added for Brazil, Czech Republic, and Italy.

In the United States, collections were added for Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

These collections can be searched for free at the FamilySearch.org Records Search pilot (click Search Records, and then click Record Search pilot).

Special thanks to the FamilySearch volunteers who helped create the 2 million indexed names published this week!

About FamilySearch

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. 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. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,500 family history centers in 70 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Important to read: Phishing on Facebook

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Please take the time to read these articles :

A lot of us are using Facebook to connect to other genealogists, some of whom we only know online….so remember,  never click links from friends, unless you are completely sure of the link’s target. (Hint: Hover the mouse cursor over the link, and look in the status bar below the window…see if it says what it’s supposed to!)

And if you suddenly see something that looks like Facebook, but doesn’t show Facebook in the address bar, RETYPE Facebook’s web address into your web browser’s address bar. NEVER type in your login information on a redirect page.


DNA Genealogy

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Matt’s on travel, but here’s a look at recent news stories involving DNA and genealogy:

Juaneno Dis-enrollment by the Rivera Group

Tulsa Native American Times - ‎4 hours ago‎

membership for Juanenos is a combination of several controversial definitions – blood quantum and genealogy, as well as the possibility of DNA.

Shiver me timbers — Blackbeard not an Englishman?

Winnipeg Free Press - ‎May 17, 2009‎

But Kevin P. Duffus said his review of archives and genealogical research indicates that Blackbeard was probably Edward Beard, son of a landowner in Bath in

MICHAEL E. PALMER’S ALMANAC: DNA research finally confirms ‘Roots

Tuscaloosa News (subscription) - ‎May 16, 2009‎

In 2007, Chris Haley, 46, accepted an invitation from professional genealogist Megan Smolenyak to submit a DNA sample for genealogical research.

Genealogy class May 30

Russellville Courier - ‎May 15, 2009‎

A genealogy class on using DNA testing in genealogy research, presented by Dr. Buford J. Suffridge, is scheduled from 11 am to noon May 30 at the Pope

How Brad Pitt And Barack Obama Are Related

Forbes - ‎May 14, 2009‎

Its allure, Sullivan says, is its vast database of global records that help the world’s millions of genealogy hobbyists connect to their pasts.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Receives the Ralph Lowell Award, Public

Earthtimes (press release) - ‎May 14, 2009‎

Professor Gates is the first filmmaker to employ genealogy and genetic science to provide an understanding of African American history.

Community calendar

News Sentinel - ‎May 13, 2009‎

♦CLIMBING YOUR DNA: GENETIC GENEALOGY: May 22-23, Allen County Public Library, Theater Lower Level 2, 900 Library Plaza. Registration required: 421-1225,

Ancestry.com Marks Milestone in User-Generated Family History Content

PR Newswire (press release) - ‎May 12, 2009‎

The Generations Network also includes myfamily.com, Genealogy.com, Rootsweb.ancestry.com, MyCanvas.com, dna.ancestry.com, Family Tree Maker and Ancestry

HealthNewsDigest.com

Direct-to-Consumer Genetics: Has a New Era of Healthcare Arrived?

HealthNewsDigest.com - ‎May 10, 2009‎

These tests use DNA analysis and web-based tools to provide insight into a person’s ancestry, genealogy and propensities to many traits and diseases.

Royal Gazette

Frances Furbert in native Bermuda dress for a previous Native

Royal Gazette - ‎May 8, 2009‎

They had already done some genealogy research back in Bermuda. “A man stopped to help them,” said Ms Murphy. “His name was David Weeden, the son of Everett

Read this month’s Prologue!

Friday, May 15th, 2009

 WASHINGTON, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In May, the National Archives at Kansas City will open a new location in downtown Kansas City, MO, in the revitalized Adams Express Building near historic Union Station, in the heart of the city’s growing cultural district. The new quarters and a special exhibit are described in the Spring 2009 issue of Prologue magazine, the official publication of the National Archives and Records Administration.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080925/DC35252LOGO)

The new facility will be dedicated Memorial Day weekend, May 22-23, 2009. Highlights will include an official dedication with remarks by Acting Archivist of the United States Adrienne Thomas, an open house and history/genealogy fair, and a speech by

Clifton Truman Daniel, former President

Harry S. Truman’s oldest grandson. Performances by the 312th Army band will precede and follow his remarks. Tours of the new facility and exhibits, It’s Big! and The Kansas-Nebraska Act, will be available, along with family activities. For more information see http://www.archives.gov/central-plains/kansas-city/dedication.
The new issue of Prologue highlights the relocation and opening of the National Archives at Kansas City. Prologue also celebrates the 125th anniversary of the birth of

Harry S. Truman with three articles written especially for the issue – including one by grandson

Clifton Truman Daniel describing Truman’s role as a grandfather to daughter Margaret’s four boys. This issue also explores Truman’s devotion to history and his views of historians, and his relationship with artist

Thomas Hart Benton, who created the famous mural in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. Special activities at the Truman Library are planned for May 8 and 9. For details, see http://www.trumanlibrary.org/images/May8_9events.pdf.
Copies of this issue of Prologue are for sale in the gift shops at the National Archives at Kansas City at 400 West Pershing Rd. in Kansas City, MO, and at the Truman Library at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence. For subscription information go to http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/order.

National Archives at Kansas City

One of 13 Regional Archives, the National Archives at Kansas City will hold Federal records from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, along with select material from Minnesota and the Dakotas. Among its holdings are original records of the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Attorneys, Bureau of Prisons, Steamboat Inspection Service, Bureau of Indians Affairs, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, National Parks Service, and microfilm publications of many of the nation’s most significant records.

Treasures of the National Archives at Kansas City include records relating to the milestone Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision, Wild West showman “Buffalo Bill” Cody, President

Ulysses S. Grant, and

Walt Disney which are among the 50,000 cubic feet of records in its holdings.
For more information about National Archives programs and exhibits, go to www.archives.gov.

GenealogyFreelancers.com

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 14 /PRNewswire/ — IRBO, Inc., parent company of GenealogyFreelancers.com, announced today that their groundbreaking service that connects experts in the field of ancestry to those seeking their family history has begun the final stage to their successful pilot program initiated in May of 2008. The announcement follows the company’s year-long quest for qualified international ancestry specialists and the launch of their pilot site in September 2008. The final phase has been based on the success of the program and the readiness of the site. “We’ve spent the last year networking with professionals who have a passion for genealogy and the qualifications that bring security to the seeker of their family history,” said Jack Irwin, co-founder of Genealogy Freelancers. “It’s been a monumental task, because we not only recruited through the US, but internationally as well. We have a huge pool of experts now and it’s growing daily. Everyone is really excited to move forward.”

The service provides a platform for professional genealogist freelancers and other family history experts to make offers on ancestry projects that are posted to the site in categories such as archive/genealogy research, document translations, village photography, calligraphy, and pedigrees, to name a few. “It’s a simple premise,” said Elaine Bostwick, spokesperson for the company. “The freelance specialist will be notified of any project in their particular specialty or location and then the seeker can choose which specialist they feel is best suited for the task.” Although the site was first launched as a pilot program for the specialist it is already catching on with the consumer. “The service is really unique and timely so we weren’t too surprised that we would get postings before our public launch, but it’s been wonderful to hear the excitement from our members,” added Ms. Bostwick. “It reaffirms that our idea is welcome and that it has a place in the genealogy community.”

The company stresses their commitment to customer service. Jack Irwin adds, “We are so proud of this service and prouder still that we’re the originators of the concept. There’s an obligation that comes with being the pioneer of any new business. If you believe in it and if you treat those that have faith in your service with equal respect then you’re on the right track; that’s why our customer service is and will remain top priority.”

Key Features

International memberships
Flexible project control for the Specialist
Multiple payment methods
Escrow option – providing security for the Customer and the Specialist
Fair and reasonable commission rates
Personalized customer service
Verification of members who have credentials and/or association
memberships
Mentor Program
In-house Affiliate Program

The founders of Genealogy Freelancers have a professional background in the field of genealogy and understand the needs of both the client and the professional. “We came together on this idea because we have an insight to both sides; we know what they need and we have their interests at heart.”