“Longtime volunteer leaves $25,000 to Newfields Public Library”

Paula Stuart-Warren  Libraries  Leave a comment

That is the headline from an article that tells how Barbara Bechtold Byrne (Bobbie) willed that $25,000 to the library in Newfields, New Hampshire. As the article on the Seacoastonline.com states:

“The library was also a place where Byrne could delve into the books and historical records dedicated to two of her favorite topics — Revolutionary history and genealogies.

‘Her goal was to promote this area — the history and genealogy of the town — going back to Colonial days,” Chris said. “She wanted to make sure we kept that history from the very early days alive.’ “

Read the full story here. What a wonderful legacy in this time when so many libraries, archives, and historical societies are struggling to preserve history with diminishing town, county and state funding.

Don’t let it get away

Paula Stuart-Warren  Research  Leave a comment

You just received an email with an attachment. That attachment is a copy of your great grandparents marriage certificate. Maybe tomorrow you will find an online obituary that has some neat family details.

As you look at the item your mind fills with ideas on research possibilities that flow from the details on the record. Maybe you have 3 questions based on what you just read. The dryer buzzes and you are off to hang up those permanent press shirts. Then off to the hardware store or to choir rehearsal. By the next time you have the time to look at those documents again, those first research ideas or questions to ask may not pop back into your mind. You remember that you had a wonderful idea on what to look for but it just won’t come back into your thoughts.

Put it in writing
We have all been at that place and hopefully learned a lesson. Immediately jot down the ideas and questions that pop into your mind. Those first impressions are important. That’s why I have paper and pencils/pens in many places in my home. It’s much easier to write down my first thoughts. In some ways, this is the beginning of your research plan.

This can also be the start of a list of questions to ask Aunt Mary the next time the two of you have a cup of coffee and talk about the family.

Don’t lose these notes — keep them with the document or in a folder or computer file with your other “to do” items.

These may be the best impressions
Often those ideas that first appear are among the best ones. Get them down in writing, but don’t let that be the end of your analyzing and planning process.

Reservations now open for StoryCorps at the FGS Conference!

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences/Institutes, Federation of Genealogical Societies, StoryCorps  Leave a comment

StoryCorps is coming to the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference: Make your reservation today!

StoryCorps, an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening, is coming to 2009 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 2-4.

By recording the stories of our lives with the people we care about, we experience our history, hopes, and humanity. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to take home and share, and is archived for generations to come at the Library of Congress. Millions listen to our award-winning broadcasts on public radio and the Internet. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we really are as Americans.

To learn more about StoryCorps visit their website. <www.storycorps.org>

Visit the FGS Conference Blog www.fgsconferenceblog.org for full details on making a reservation.

One important reminder — Wednesday, August 26th is the last day to register online for the conference. You may still register at the door beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1st. Visit FGS’ website at www.fgs.org to register.

Tombstone Tuesday — only because of a kind student

Paula Stuart-Warren  Cemetery, Family, Slaker  Leave a comment


Back in the 1990s I was teaching a class at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. That was pre-PowerPoint days! I don’t remember what the class topic was but it included an overhead of a letter from a cemetery I had contacted in the 1980s.

It was from Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. A lady in the class, Shirley, said that this cemetery was right by her house. As the years have passed, Shirley and her cohorts from Montana have become special friends of mine.

Fast forward to 2002 when the Federation of Genealogical Societies was to have its conference in Ontario, California. Shirley gave me an offer I could not resist — when I arrived there she would drive me to the cemetery to visit the graves and take pictures. The graves are of a great granduncle Frederick Slaker and his family. Frederick is a brother of my great great grandmother Emma Slaker Stuart. The other sibling was Louis Slaker. The are Germans who settled in Wisconsin. Fred and Lou and their families ended up in the Los Angeles area.

More than just drive me to the cemetery, Shirley went there ahead of time, got a map, and scouted out the area where the graves are located. All this because I taught a class.

What is a genealogical consultation?

Paula Stuart-Warren  Consultations, Professional Genealogists, Research  Leave a comment

I have received some questions in regard to my appearance on TV last week. A couple people want to know what a genealogical consultation is and how does it help someone working on their family tree.

That’s an easy one to answer. It’s as simple as hiring a professional genealogist to sit down and give you what ends up being a private class based on your own family. If you are new to genealogy, a consultation can help you get started. If you have been doing some work, the consultation helps you learn about more sources, where they are found, what else you need to know, and many other things. It’s a time to ask all sorts of questions and get some answers that are directed specifically to your own research. These consultations can take place in someone’s home, at a library or a restaurant.

Some consultations can be done as working sessions at a genealogy library or courthouse. No matter the place, it is reasonable to expect to pay for 2-3 hours minimum for an in-person consultation where you bring all your material with you and you take notes. If you desire a written report that will increase the time. If your consultation consists of you sending the professional consultant your materials, that person doing a thorough review and analysis of what you have, and preparing a report reviewing what you have done and what is suggested for the next steps, be prepared for several more hours of time. It takes almost as much time to prepare the report as it does to analyze the materials.

Who do you hire?

  • Someone who has been researching family history for quite a while.
  • Someone who knows about online resources
  • Someone who knows about all the other important resources found in courthouses, archives, libraries, churches, and historical societies
  • Someone who can review what you already have or have found and help you tailor a reasearch plan — sort of a “to do” list for genealogy shopping.
  • Someone who knows how to evaluate sources for their importance and accuracy
  • Someone who continues their education in genealogy and history and hasn’t been stagnant in the field.
  • Someone who can look at the broader picture — in other words who knows enough to help you get your ancestors out of the town, county and state you have them in.
  • If you need help only in research in another country, that person needs to have a working familiarity with resources particular to that place.
  • The consultant may be someone with access to a variety of databases that you don’t have.
  • The consultant may know of some obscure indexes, guidebooks, databases or even another professional that may be just what you need for part of your family history work.
  • The professional may be a whiz at things electronic and can help set up your databases, software, and other options.

A consultation usually ends up saving you a lot of money down the road since you will now be better prepared for the continuing research process. And before you ask, yes, I am a genealogical consultant for hire. My area of expertise is the U.S. and Canada. It’s one of the most fascinating aspects of my business.

A County Fair, A Pony, Babies, and a Wedding

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences, Family, Federation of Genealogical Societies  Leave a comment

I knew I had this picture somewhere. Organizing my bookshelves helped to find it. The 78th Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is “Ride ‘Em Cowboy – Share Your Pony Pictures.” This event is sponsored by Jasia of the Creative Gene blog.

I don’t always have the opportunity to participate in the various themes, special postings, carnivals, and other wonderful Geneablogger events but this one came at the perfect time. I will be participating in-person at a large event involving Geneabloggers at the FGS Conference in Little Rock in a few weeks.

Way back in 1958 my Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Bill took me to the Ramsey County Fair. Imagine what happened to my ten year old ego when the St. Paul Sunday Pioneer Press published a picture of me! Apparently I even had to circle my own picture so I would recognize myself.

My aunt and uncle are at the very back of the picture. Bill is holding their oldest son, Rick, and Jeanie is obviously very pregnant. In fact, that baby, my cousin Maureen, was born on August 11th. I am so glad I found this picture today as Jeanie and Bill’s youngest daughter, Patti, is getting married tomorrow. I know my Aunt Jeanie would be so proud and is looking down at Patti and smiling.

August 26th deadline for FGS Genealogy Conference

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences, Federation of Genealogical Societies  Leave a comment

It has been almost a year since we began telling people about the 2009 edition of the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in Little Rock. The local host, the Arkansas Genealogical Society, is waiting for us. The Statehouse Convention Center is a beautiful place. Now it is less than 3 weeks till the conference begins on September 2d.

Four days of learning about genealogy, how to use the records, where to find the records, new online databases and digitized images, an Exhibit Hall full of things to browse, buy, subscribe, and join. Whew! The presenters at the scheduled sessions are among the top genealogists, librarians, and archivists. As always happens with FGS Conferences, the registrants are coming from all over the U.S. and some from Canada. If you are a beginner, this conference is the place for you. If you are already well into family history research, this conference will serve your needs, too. If you are at a point where you have already used all the “usual” resources, this conference even has sessions for you.

  • Online registration ends August 26th!
  • August 26th is the last day to add luncheons, the banquet and the Night at the Ballpark.
  • August 26th is the last day to register online for the APG PMC which is geared toward professional genealogists.
  • Yes, you may still register at the door. See you there.

Appearance on Twin Cities Live

Paula Stuart-Warren  TV shows  Leave a comment

I did my bit on TV yesterday. The staff at Twin Cities Live was great. I took my almost 16 year old granddaughter with me. The male host of the show, John Hanson, took her to meet the afternoon drive on-air personalities, Moon & Staci, from KS95 radio station. Talk about a neat experience for a teen. I told her she owes me for life.

I jump at chances to share the wonderful experience of researching family history. If you are interested in seeing me in action in various places around the U.S. check the links in the right hand column for my upcoming appearances.

If you have any interest in seeing the segment, it is at: http://twincitieslive.com/article/stories/s1080536.shtml?cat=10698. The is supposed to be a link to an 11 page handout about genealogy that includes many live links. You can read this directly by clicking here.

National Archives Launches Blog

Paula Stuart-Warren  Blogs, National Archives  Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2009

NATIONAL ARCHIVES LAUNCHES NARATIONS BLOG
New blog to focus on online public access to records of the U.S. National Archives

Washington, DC . . . On Wednesday, August 12, the National Archives launched the NARAtions blog to begin a discussion with researchers on the future of online public access at the National Archives. The public is invited and encouraged to share opinions on ways to enhance the online researcher experience and to increase access to archival materials.

This online community will continue to be a work in progress as we develop new features and content. Questions will be posted to invite discussion, and the blog welcomes feedback and suggestions for new questions to raise. The blog will also inform researchers about newly available online records descriptions and digitized archival materials.

We would like to hear from you! What sort of things would you find valuable from NARAtions?

* Should we allow the public to tag descriptions in our online catalog? Why or why not?

* What groups of photographs should we post on Flickr next, and why?

* Do you have a favorite NARA photograph or document? Is it already available in our catalog or on our website?

The URL is http://blogs.archives.gov/online-public-access/. Please visit often and share this web address with others.