Summer Homework

This list of ideas for spare time between March and November was posted last year. It never hurts to repeat useful suggestions.


1. Review your research
        In other words, read through your notes and sources. Something new may come to mind.

2. Update census worksheets
        Use those worksheets to keep track of future research goals.

3. Interview a family member
        Don't wait until it's too late, as many of us have done.

4. Start a "to-do" list
       You never know when you may have a chance to visit a library or archive. Your lists can be focused on one particular facility.             

5. Write about your ancestors
         Have your joined "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks?" It's not too late to start.

6. Analyze and organize old photos
         Visit www.phototree.com for helpful comparisons

7. Continue to use FamilySearch
         Work on the tree and research new record sources.

8. Use a library
         Look for the genealogy or local history section.

9. Play with Google
        Use the suggestions from the March 19 presentation.

Searching the Blog

Had anyone realized that you can use the search bar at the upper left to look for previous posts on the blog? 

Last week Nancy was showing me a surname site for the British Isles, and I remembered that I had written about that website not too long ago. I checked with Mike at computer club and he pointed out that search bar. If you put "Named" in that field, the post about the site appears. And if you use "Surname maps" several other posts on the same subject will be listed.

That's a very useful tool!

March 12 Workshop

The mini topic this week focused on the Internet Archive, a huge website containing books, movies, software and links to other websites. State and local libraries would be of most interest to genealogists, with access to city directories, law volumes, county histories and family histories.

We looked at some examples from various sources: Scottish directories and family histories, "Reclaim the Records" from New York, and county histories from Wisconsin.

Visit www.archive.org to explore this website. Be sure to use the "texts" selection for best results.

DAR Fundraiser

This DAR fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 23. You can either bring an item for appraisal for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Or attend to enjoy the day for $5!

March 5 Genealogy Club

"Stepping Back in Time" was the title of Patricia Steele's story of her search for her ancestors. We heard about her Spanish ancestors who traveled to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations and eventually migrated to California. Patricia's visits to her ancestral villages in Spain resulted in a book about her grandmother called "The Girl Immigrant."

Patricia also brought several scrapbooks that she created for different family lines. It was a pleasure to hear about her research and travels. Thanks, Patricia!

I am suggesting that any members who are interested in the Fillable Family Tree that Patricia demonstrated Google that term. You will find her example as well as many other choices.

Ontario Ancestors

The Ontario Genealogical Society announces that it is re-branding itself as Ontario Ancestors, with a new logo which will be rolled out throughout the Society and its publications and on-line presence in the coming months. The goal of the re-branding is to better reach the family history user community throughout Canada, the United States and the world. The name Ontario Ancestors provides a more immediately recognizable name to the family history community.

March Webinars - Legacy

Here is the list of webinars that will be presented during March by Legacy. Visit www.familytreewebinars.com to read more about each topic or to register to watch in real time. Remember: all webinars are free for the initial presentation and for the week following.

Tuesday, March 5 - "Polled! Finding Your Ancestors in New South Wales Colonial Muster and Census Returns" by Carol Baxter.  Intermediate


Wednesday, March 6 - "A Guide to Third Party Tools for DNA Testing" by Michelle Leonard.  Intermediate


Wednesday, March 13 - "Reclaim the Records: Using Freedom of Information Laws for Genealogy" by Brooke Ganz.  Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced


Tuesday, March 19 - "The Five-story Fall: Correlating Indirect and Direct Evidence to Extend the Pedigree" by Debra S. Mieszala.  Intermediate


Wednesday, March 20 - "One African-American Family's Story of Migration From the South: A Boarding House in Detroit" by J. Mark Lowe.  Beginner, Intermediate


Friday, March 22 - "A Terrible Malady: Disease and Epidemics in New England" by Lori Lyn Price.  Intermediate


Wednesday, March 27 - "No Purchase Necessary: Free Genealogy Tools for Your iPad/iPhone" by Devin Ashby.  Beginner

Palm Creek Computer Club

Maureen and Annie were featured speakers at the Palm Creek Computer Club this past week. The topic was "Searching For My Roots Using a Computer." The presentation was divided into three parts: Networking/Social Media, Online Learning and Online Research.

Maureen talked about aspects of genealogy on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. She also suggested making contact with members of a local genealogy group or society.

Annie's suggestions for learning how to do genealogy included joining the Palm Creek Genealogy Club, using the WiKi on FamilySearch, finding webinars or blogs, accessing Cyndi's List, and using Google searches for genealogy.

FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindAGrave and USGenWeb were the websites suggested for searching for records.

You can find the presentation at the following link: http://www.palmcreekcomputer.club/Current-Lessons/Week-15/week-15.html