Findmypast adds largest collection of US marriages!

Paula Stuart-Warren  findmypast.com, Vital records  Leave a comment

The news release was received today from Findmypast.com

“We’re excited to announce the release of the largest online collection of US marriages in history, which when complete will include over 100 million records covering 360 years.

60 per cent of these records have never been published online before offering you the chance to discover your US ancestors at such a pivotal moment in their lives. And, from today you can start by searching over 33 million records, giving you the chance to grow your family tree even more.”

I did some checking for the less common surnames in my extended family. I found nothing for Hanley in Minnesota so those have not been added. I found on Slaker marriage I didn’t have. For the Copping name there were no entries. The lack of these is easily explained and it means I will have to keep checking!

“This collection contains all the United States marriage records that are currently on Findmypast. The records date from the 17th century to the 20th century. Records will continue to be added to this collection as they are obtained. There are both images and transcripts in this collection; however, some records only provide a transcript. Various marriage record types are included: applications, licenses, certificates, intentions to marry, registers, bonds, and affidavits. Based on the type of record and where it was created, the amount of available information will vary.”

p.s. The initial batch of 33 million records is free until February 15th.

 

Ancestry.com and RootsMagic: a new pairing

Paula Stuart-Warren  Ancestry.com, RootsMagic  Leave a comment

This was received today from the team at RootsMagic. I am slowly transitioning from The Master Genealogist to RootsMagic. I am a big advocate of RootsMagic because of the attention given to its users. It’s up to the user as to whether to use the synchronization when it is ready. The press release:

Recently, the genealogy world was rocked with the news that Ancestry would be parting with their “Family Tree Maker” (FTM) genealogy software. Thousands of FTM users have since made the switch to RootsMagic. But the question everyone has been asking has been, “Will any other software be able to search and synchronize with Ancestry the same way that Family Tree Maker does?”

Today, we finally have an answer to that question- “Yes!” We’re pleased to announce that we have partnered with Ancestry to bring these features to RootsMagic in the near future.

What does this mean for you?

  1. Search – RootsMagic will be the first and currently only software besides FTM to search Ancestry’s extensive collections of historical records from around the world and let you download those records into your own file.
  2. Sync – RootsMagic will be the first and currently only software besides FTM to let you share data between your RootsMagic files on your computer with your personal Ancestry online trees. You’ll also be able to download people, events, and even pictures from Ancestry onto your computer through RootsMagic.
  3. Import – RootsMagic will be able to directly import your Family Tree Maker files, without having to go through an intermediate GEDCOM file, giving you the cleanest, most complete transfer of your data. RootsMagic will also be able to download your online trees from Ancestry.

Yes, this is big news and we’re sure you have many questions about it: (more…)

Findmypast posts new records. The Copping names are drawing me.

Paula Stuart-Warren  Copping, findmypast.com  2 Comments

Each Friday, Findmypast releases new or updated records. One of this week’s entries is the “Greater London Burial Index: Locate the final resting place of your Middlesex ancestors.” I immediately checked this for one of my surnames, Copping. Great, there are 33 entries. That’s exciting. It’s also dreadful as I have genealogy work deadlines but maybe next week I can explore those entries. I. Am. Tempted.

You may be more interested in the added material for Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Check out the Findmypast blog for details on these and the burial database.

 

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh registration is getting closer!

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences/Institutes, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, GRIP  Leave a comment

The next institute for me is the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). GRIP is held at LaRoche College in northern Pittsburgh. Sunday evening is check-in and classes run from Monday through noon on Friday each of the two weeks that courses are offered.  This institute has a dorm, classrooms, and cafeteria just steps away from each other. PLUS free parking if you drive. Driving means bringing more things to be comfortable in the dorm and to do some sightseeing and research before and after the institute week.

June 26-July 1, 2016
Registration for the June 26, 2016, courses begins in less than four weeks on February 10 at noon EST. The six courses for that week will be available at that time through the Countdown Timer page which will automatically go to the registration system at the appointed hour–no need to hit refresh! This is for the June courses only as the July 17 courses will have registration open three weeks later.
July 17-22, 2016
Then on March 2, registration opens for the July 17th week of GRIP with another six courses. That’s the week I will be coordinating and teaching the Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper.

Click on that title for details and the class lineup. Debbie Mieszala, CG, and Josh Taylor, MA, MLS will once again be instructors. In May each registrant for my course will receive an email with more information, some packing tips, and details on submitting one of your “research issues” for possible class discussion and research suggestions. Many research problems have been solved via these class discussions.

Between now and the registration dates,  think about which courses you are interested in taking and ask your friends which they might be interested in. “Summer camp for genealogists” is always more fun with friends whether you come with people you know or meet new friends during the week! Staying in the dorm is fun and that is where you will find me. Don’t forget it is a dorm and not a five star hotel!

Ancestry Academy courses: expert info on timelines, pensions, Native Americans, and more

Paula Stuart-Warren  African American, Ancestry.com, Native American  Leave a comment

The number of course offerings at Ancestry Academy continues to grow.  The categories and how many courses in each are listed below.

  • Ancestry Products (14) Includes many areas of what Ancestry has to offer.
  • Records (14) Includes early censuses, military pension applications, and the 1940 census!
  • Methodology and Skills (8) Includes timelines obituaries, and resources in public libraries.
  • Localities and Ethnic Research (6) Includes African-American, French-Canadian, and my course “Native American Ancestry? Steps to Learn More.”
  • Coming Soon (8) These are in the final editing stages. One in this series that I filmed is “The Lure of the Train Whistle: Researching Railroad Workers.” It is accompanied by an extensive handout.

Each course can be viewed whenever you have time.  Need to stop for a bit? Do that and return to where you left off. Most courses have a great handout and a self-test at the end. The lineup of instructors includes knowledgeable people from the U. S. and Canada. View all the courses offered by clicking here.

The cost? Some are free. For others you can view as many as you wish in one month for just $11.99. Click here for other pricing plans.

Genealogy Press Releases from my inbox

Paula Stuart-Warren  Uncategorized  Leave a comment

While I was in Salt Lake City the last two weeks, I accomplished significant client research and taught intermediate genealogy for a week at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Now I am catching up on emails and press releases that arrived during that time.  The following are excerpts from those.

 

RootsMagic eBook Now Available

“We’ve had a lot of requests for an electronic version of our RootsMagic book, and it’s finally here.  The regular price of the RootsMagic PDF eBook will be $14.95, but for a limited time we are going to offer it at an introductory price of $4.95.”

To order the RootsMagic PDF eBook, visit: http://rootsmagic.com/Store/RootsMagic-Book/

and select the “PDF E-Book (Download Only)” option.  You’ll receive an email with the information to download the book.  I did the download and it is simple to do. This book is helpful for those new to RootsMagic and also for those  already familiar with RM.

 

Preserve the Pensions reaches milestone
The $2 million dollar mark has been surpassed in 2015 with the support of fantastic donors in the fundraising efforts to digitize the 7.2 million pension images for the 180,000 pensioners of the War of 1812. In the Federation of Genealogical Societies, Preserve the Pensions project, images for the pensioners from A-M are already on Fold3.com and are free to everyone. We can’t be complacent though. We need to continue raising the funds to complete the project. Ancestry.com generously matches the donations. Read more details on the FGS Voice blog.

 

Findmypast is having a free weekend!
Findmypast Announces Free Weekend 22-25 January 2016 with free access to billions of historical records and newspapers from all over the world.  Billions of records available to everyone to search for free! Local subscribers granted World access, and World subscribers enjoy 3 days added to their subscription. From 7am EST on Friday, January 22nd to 7am on Monday, January 25th EST absolutely everyone will have access to Findmypast’s comprehensive collections of historical records and innovative research tools, but not including the 1939 Register and UK electoral rolls) and almost 13 million newspaper pages available for the whole world to view at no cost, without a subscription. Full details are here.

2016 Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree News!

Paula Stuart-Warren  Uncategorized  Leave a comment

Here’s a fantastic press release. I am honored to be one of the speakers.

January 1, 2016 – Burbank, CA – The Southern California Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the 47th Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. The conference will be held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, Burbank, California, Friday through Sunday, June 3-5, 2016.

Registration is now open and available on the Jamboree website at http://genealogyjamboree.com/.

Jamboree 2016 offers an exceptional educational opportunity for family historians and genealogists of all experience levels. The theme for Jamboree 2016 is “Giving to the Future by Preserving the Past.” We welcome all attendees who are interested genealogy and preserving the past for future generations. Our heritage focus is on German, Eastern European and African-American research. Topics covered include research methods, analysis and problem solving, organization techniques, family history writing, the use of technology, and more.

Jamboree 2016 will feature:

  • Over 55 national, regional and local speakers
  • JamboFREE sessions Friday morning including Beginning Genealogy, Librarians’ Boot Camp, Why and How to Become a Professional Genealogist, Using Social Media for Genealogy, and Genealogy & DNA Roundtables
  • Five specialty workshops (separate fee required)
  • Free exhibit hall throughout the weekend
  • Research tours Thursday and Friday
  • Special activities each day
  • One-on-one research assistance provided by members of the Southern California Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists and other APG members

Back by popular demand, SCGS will hold its fourth Genetic Genealogy Conference, “The Future of the Past: Genetic Genealogy 2016,” on Thursday, June 2, 2016, also at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. This conference provides the opportunity to hear from some of the top leaders in the field of genetic genealogy, with topics suitable for all levels of experience with using DNA for genealogical research. Six intensive workshops will also be offered during this event that will provide an opportunity for in-depth study of genealogical research techniques of interest to a variety of experience levels (additional fee required). The Genetic Genealogy Conference is separate from Jamboree, and separate registration fees apply.

Early Bird registration ends April 23, 2016. Special pricing for 2016 offers a discount to those who register for both Jamboree and “The Future of the Past: Genetic Genealogy 2016” as well as discounts for SCGS members for each event.

Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations! The Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel room reservations are now open. Room rates range from $165 to $185 per night. To make your reservations online, visit http://www.tinyurl.com/jambo2016Hotel/, or call directly at 800.736.9712. Be sure to mention the group “SCGS Conference” when making your reservation to get the Jamboree rate and to guarantee your room.

The best way to keep in touch with Jamboree and the Genetic Genealogy conference is to subscribe to the Jamboree blog, http://www.genealogyjamboree.blogspot.com/, either through RSS feed or by updates sent directly to your email. Information on Jamboree activities and schedule details will be updated regularly on the Jamboree website http://www.genealogyjamboree.com/.

Identifying Past Minnesota Photographers

Paula Stuart-Warren  Photographers, Uncategorized  Leave a comment

Hidden in that old trunk is a photo with a name on the frame showing a Minnesota photographer. Now you have to figure out more about the photographer and where the photo may have been taken.  The Minnesota Historical Society has several resources to help you on this search. Click here for that info.

Before using those resources, you might want to check out the online Directory of Minnesota Photographers.  This directory allows searches by the name of the photographer and also the names of galleries and studios. Use your browsers search or find button to search by a place name on the galleries and studios page.

This is an example of a search result when searching by a photographer’s name:

photographer by name

 

This is an example of a search by studio name. photography studio

 

Gen-Fed: Genealogical Institute on Federal Records

Paula Stuart-Warren  Conferences/Institutes, National Archives  1 Comment

The following paragraphs are from a press release yesterday. I attended this institute a bunch of years ago and strongly recommend it.

Researchers entrance on Pennsylvania Ave.“The Board of Trustees of the National Institute on Genealogical Research has announced that the institute’s name was changed to the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed) on December 22, 2015. The institute, held annually at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1960 as a three-week general course on genealogy. In 1987, it narrowed its focus to federal records.

The institute was incorporated in 1989 as a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Trustees are representatives of the American Society of Genealogists, Association of Professional Genealogists, Board for Certification of Genealogists, Federation of Genealogical Societies, National Genealogical Society, and the institute’s alumni association. The National Archives, a non-voting member, provides strong support.

“Given the growth in genealogical education, it made sense to choose a name that clearly identifies the institute’s mission,” said Malissa Ruffner, JD, CG, director. “A new website, www.gen-fed.org, offers a closer look at the program, which is scheduled for July 11–15, 2016.  You can also follow the institute on Facebook and Twitter (@GenFedInstitute).”

Diane Dimkoff, coordinator of research customer support at the National Archives, stated, “We are pleased that the institute’s new name reflects the significance of federal records and look forward to continuing our traditional collaboration.”

Gen-Fed is for experienced genealogists, and for archivists, historians and librarians interested in using federal records for genealogical research. It is designed to instill a methodological framework and foster creative thinking about relevant records. Online registration for the 2016 session will be held in late February.”