Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy discount deadline is looming

Paula Stuart-Warren  Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Utah Genealogical Association  Leave a comment

It’s October and a great time to celebrate both Family History Month and American Archives Month.

October means I am busy preparing syllabus material for the 2013 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. The Institute will be held January 14-18, 2013 in Salt Lake City with a welcome social and check-in on Sunday, January 13th. Do join us for that social so you can pick up your course syllabus. SLIG will be held at the Radisson Hotel which is in walking distance of the Family History Library.  

I coordinate and instruct in Course I:  American Research and Records: Focus on Localities and am also an instructor in courses 2 and 6. Course 1 has 22 registrants and room for more.

October 31 is the last day to register for the 2013 edition of SLIG with a savings of $50.00. You may still register after that date. For the full course lineup, list of evening classes, names of coordinators and instructors and more details: http://www.ugagenealogy.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=27

You can read more about me and what I will be teaching at SLIG in these UGA blog posts:

http://ugagenealogy.blogspot.com/search/label/Paula%20Stuart-Warren

Fold3.com now has 100,000,000 images!

Paula Stuart-Warren  Federation of Genealogical Societies, fold3.com, Preserve the Pensions, War of 1812  Leave a comment
This recent press release from Fold3.com is reason to celebrate! Fold3 now has more than one hundred million images on the website. I know I have found some wonderful information on the website. It is a subscription website and well worth the cost. Fold3.com is also where the War of 1812 Pension Records are being housed for FREE. To keep them that way, please donate to the Federation of Genealogical Societies Preserve the Pensions Project. We’ve already raised enough funds to have almost 400,000 images on Fold3 from these original documents housed at the National Archives. Last month, almost 40,00 new images were added thanks to the donations of dedicated genealogists, historians, and others. Have you donated? You may send in a check or use your credit card at  http://www.fgs.org/cstm_PreserveThePensions.php.
This is the release:
Earlier this month, we reached a major milestone when the counter on the Fold3 home page spun to and exceeded 100,000,000 record images. Our digital partners—the National Archives (NARA), Allen County Public Library, FamilySearch, and others—helped Fold3 attain this significant event. We thank them and you, our members and fans, for your support and enthusiasm over the last six years
In January 2007, Footnote.com (Fold3’s predecessor) launched with an initial 4 million images. Many of the Fold3 Team members have been around since those early days, watching the titles roll and the images multiply at an increasingly steady pace, assuring that our visitors can access an impressive range of original military records online.
The first sets of documents on the site proved very popular and continue to be some of Fold3’s biggest hits today. They include:
Since those early days, Fold3 has added many more popular titles, including:
Here we are, one hundred million images strong, looking eagerly toward the next hundred million. At the pace our team is digitizing and scanning, it will certainly happen sooner than we think. You can catch up on all of Fold3’s significant achievements on our Blog.

Family History Month tips from findmypast.com

Paula Stuart-Warren  Family History Month, findmypast.com  1 Comment

This press release shares some great tips and links to more.
 

Happy Family History Month from findmypast.com! To celebrate our favorite month of the year, findmypast.com has compiled the following advanced search tips to help your readers uncover their storied pasts and keep growing their family trees. 
Expert tips from genealogist D. Joshua Taylor include:
·         Re-Examine your findings – Sometimes the answer to a question is waiting in records you have already discovered. Take time to analyze your findings and give everything another look.
·         Locate the Original Record – In some cases you might be looking at a transcription or abstract made from an original record. While every effort is made to ensure transcriptions are accurate, it is essential to examine a copy of the original record.
·         Search collateral lines – Focusing your search on an ancestor’s siblings often yields additional records that benefit your research.
·         Participate in a DNA Study – The science of DNA analysis can have great benefits for genealogists. Many individuals participate in DNA surname studies which combine genealogical research and DNA results to prove relationships between individuals and potential origins of particular surnames or groups.
·         Search for printed resources – There are thousands of records not yet available online that include important information for family history research. Printed resources include printed genealogies, local histories, record transcriptions and abstracts, and other materials. Search for these materials in libraries and other repositories through WorldCat to locate sources close to your own home.
Findmypast.com has also created a dedicated landing page findmypast.com/family-history-month with a downloadable family tree and downloadable family history questionnaire. Throughout the month Findmypast.com will be sharing daily tips on Facebook for genealogists and family historians. Facebook fans also have access to Facebook badges denoting their ancestry.

U.S. National Archives fees increase

Paula Stuart-Warren  Civil War, National Archives  Leave a comment

The National Archives issued a press release last month that I somehow missed. As of October 1, 2012 there are many increases and a few decreases in costs for copies in-person and by request.

Self-service paper to paper copies will be .25 in all NARA facilities. Microfilm to paper is up  by .10 to .60 each.

Copies of passenger arrival records have decreased from $25 gto $20.

A Civil War pension record has gone up by $5 to $80 and after 100 pages the cost is .70 per page.

The full fee schedule can be viewed here.

MGS 2 day family history conference in Minnesota

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences, findmypast.com, Minnesota Genealogical Society, Northland Chapter APG, Who Do You Think You Are?  Leave a comment
If you have an interest in family history, you shouldn’t miss the 2012 Minnesota Genealogical Society North Star Conference on October 5 & 6. It’s being held in Edina, Minnesota, a Minneapolis suburb. 
The headline speaker is D. Joshua Taylor and additional sessions will be presented by 12 other speakers. Add vendors, door prizes, silent auction, free parking, and free wi-fi and it’s an event you should not miss. You may have seen Josh on episodes of Who Do You Think Your Are? as he helped Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Judd, and Rob Lowe with their family history. He is Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies
The Northland Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists will have a great presence at the conference. The Chapter will have a table in the vendor area and host a Q&A panel on Friday, October 5th, at 5:30 p.m. Both will be great places to get your family history questions addressed, find a professional genealogist to assist you in your search or consult with you, and meet some great chapter members. 
For more info on the conference and registration please visit www.mngs.org. You’ll also find details about Josh Taylor and the other speakers.
I’ll see you there on both days and at the Friday evening banquet. I am currently President of the Northland Chapter of APG and am presenting two sessions at the conference.

Sepotember 29th Writing Workshop, Houston, Texas

Paula Stuart-Warren  Lectures  Leave a comment

Two weeks from today I will be in Houston, Texas as a guest of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. I will be presenting a day-long writing workshop on Saturday, September 29th.

Writing Your Family History: An Interactive Day
10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lunch is on your own.

A Baker’s Dozen
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Anyone can write! Learn ways to get your family history in print without a lot of strain!  A “Baker’s Dozen” of ways to get started and ideas to get your greater family involved will be shared.  You may find that you are already doing some of these but hadn’t realized you were actually getting family history into print!  We’ll cover focus points, themes, photos, incorporating general history, and editing.  Come prepared to write and take home a new outlook on getting YOUR family history written.

Writing Exercises
2:00  p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon will consist of writing exercises, individually and in small groups.  Attendees are requested to bring a personal laptop if available.  There will also be some actual writing, so please bring lined paper and pens and pencils of different colors. 

This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited to 45 people.  You MUST call Clayton Library at 832-393-2600 to register. Click here for more event info at the Clayton Library.

9/11 Memories

Paula Stuart-Warren  9/11, Federation of Genealogical Societies, FGS, Quad Cities  Leave a comment

Back in 2007 I wrote a long blog post about my memories from 9/11. It was a Tuesday, just like today. I can still see that flag hanging in the convention center and it still gives me the chills. It was a wonderful group of genealogists at the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in the Quad Cities. A special bond was formed.

 http://paulastuartwarren.blogspot.com/2007/09/911-remembered.html

Minnesota Genealogical Society Northstar Conference Savings Deadine

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences/Institutes, Minnesota Genealogical Society  Leave a comment

August 31st is the last day to register for the 5th Annual MGS North Star Conference at the discounted prices. It’s two days of genealogy education and networking on Friday and Saturday, October 5 & 6. I hope to see you there.

The main speaker is D. Joshua Taylor. Josh is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Previous speaking engagements include RootsTech, the Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conferences, the National Genealogical Society Annual Conference, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. He has been a featured genealogist on NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? and is the Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies, where he chairs the Conference Planning and Long-Range Planning Committees. He has published articles in American Ancestors, UGA Crossroads, FGS Forum, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, and New England Ancestors, and was a columnist for Digital Genealogist.

Event Highlights

Friday –

  • Plenary Session by D. Joshua Taylor
  • 10 Breakout Sessions
  • 5th Annual MGS Awards Banquet
  • Ask the Genealogist: Q&A
  • Special Seminar (Separate Registration Required)
Saturday –
  • 2 Plenary Sessions by D. Joshua Taylor
  • 10 More Breakout Sessions
  • Vendor Exhibit Hall, Door Prizes, Silent Auction

Friday + Saturday $75 – Early Bird Special thru August 31st
Special Discounts for Young Adults (under age 26)
(Friday-only and Saturday-only registrations also available)

Members of the Association of Professional Genealogists Northland Chapter will be on hand to help answer your genealogy questions.

Visit www.mngs.org to register and to see more details. The conference takes place at the Colonial Church of Edina.

New DAR chapter for NE area of Twin Cities

Paula Stuart-Warren  Daughters of the American Revolution  Leave a comment

From the Minnesota Historical Society’s Local History News of 15 August 2012 comes the news of a new DAR chapter forming. If you haven’t explored the DAR website, visit it now: www.dar.org

New DAR ChapterDaughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is forming a new chapter in the northeast metro area of the Twin Cities. Founded in 1890, the DAR is a volunteer women’s service organization. If you have an ancestor who supported the cause for American independence, come to an informational meeting on Saturday August 25, 2012, Ramsey County Library – Shoreview, 2-4 p.m. Contact DeeDee Edlund for more information

The 1940 Census Community Project is FINISHED

Paula Stuart-Warren  archives.com, census, FamilySearch, Federation of Genealogical Societies, findmypast.com  Leave a comment

We did it!

The word just received from the 1940 US Census Community Project is just that! It’s a really good feeling to have been part of those 160,000 volunteers.

“Today just before 2:00 p.m. (MDT), the very last batch of the 1940 US Census was arbitrated and submitted for publication. The indexing portion of the 1940 US Census Community Project is officially done!

Just look at what we accomplished:

  • The project was supposed to take at least six months, yet it was completed in just 124 days—two full months ahead of schedule!

  •  An “army” of more than 160,000 volunteers participated. Plainly stated, there is nothing in the annals of the genealogical community that can compare with this achievement.

  • Because of the familiarity of the volunteers with the names and places contained in the records, the resulting index is thought to be among the most accurate of any census ever published.

  •  Tens of millions of people will benefit for generations. That’s quite a legacy!

It will take a few more weeks to complete the quality audit of the remaining states and publish them online for searching; however, the majority of the 1940 US Census records are already searchable online at the sites of the consortium members. Meanwhile, we hope the feelings you have at this moment of accomplishment are satisfying and will motivate you to continue giving. Families are being united across the generations with every name you index or arbitrate.”

Visit www.archives.com, www.familysearch.org, or www.findmypast.com for the results of this community effort. Hurray for us. These will be free searches!

A big community celebration will be held on Friday, August 31st in Birmingham, Alabama at the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. Click here for details.