May 28 Legacy Webinar

Linda Woodward Geiger is presenting this week's webinar--suggested for intermediate researchers. Tax lists may help you solve a brick wall problem, as your ancestor's name can appear on tax lists between census years. Register or find more information at www.familytreewebinars.com.


Here's the description of the topic:


Using Tax Lists to Solve Genealogical Problems

"Benjamin Franklin is said to have stated, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.” Taxation can take (and has taken) many forms. The mission of this presentation is to discuss some of they ways in which our ancestors were taxed, the records that were created, and where we might find those records. Additionally you’ll learn how those tax records may help you solve some of your genealogical questions."

Free Military Records

According to this week's online Family Tree Magazine newsletter, several subscription sites are offering free access to certain military records over the Memorial Day weekend. The details are from this newsletter, so check the specific sites to be sure of dates and which records are included.


Ancestry is offering select military records through May 26, although you will have to sign up for a "free account."


U. S. military records are free on My Heritage through May 28.


World War II military records are free on Fold3 through May 31.


Good luck searching if you have the time this weekend!

Upcoming Conferences

Columbus, Ohio - June 25-28, 2014

Those with ancestors from the Palatine area of Germany would find the Palatines to America National Conference of interest. Roger Minert, a well-known specialist in German research, will be one of the featured speakers. For additional information: www.palam.org.


San Antonio, Texas - August 27-30, 2014

The Federation of Genealogical Societies will hold its annual conference in San Antonio with the theme "Gone to Texas." Anyone planning to be in that area at the end of August could take part in four days of education and networking. For all details, visit http://www.fgsconference.org.


Ottawa, Ontario - September 19-21, 2014

The 20th annual British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa will present seminars, workshops and lecturers featuring English family history, immigration from Great Britain, including home children, and genetic genealogy. For more information see www.bifhsgo.ca.

Legacy Webinar - May 21

Ugo Perego will be talking about DNA this week. The webinar is rated as most appropriate for intermediate and adavanced researchers. As usual, the web address for registering is www.familytreewebinars.com. Below is the description of the presentation.


I Had My DNA Tested - Now What?

"Hundreds of thousands of genetic profiles for family history and ancestral purposes have been generated by private laboratories, universities, and the National Geographic’s Genographic Project during the past fifteen years. However, many individuals that had their DNA tested were somewhat disappointed, as the information provided by many laboratories is often difficult to understand. What do all these numbers and letters means? What can they tell about my past? As Ann Tuner and Megan Smolenyak stated in their book, Trace Your Roots with DNA, “test results for just one person are like the sound of one hand clapping.” The great paradox in genetic genealogy is the fact that in order to understand your own DNA, you need to know something about the DNA of everyone else!


Thankfully, a number of online databases are providing large quantities of searchable data in an effort to provide the missing hand. Knowing which resources are available and how to properly use them is key to understanding our personalize genetic genealogy and getting the most out of our own genetic profile."

Mesa FHC Newsletter: Obituaries

This month's Mesa Family History Center's newsletter concentrates on obituaries. Below is their description of the contents.



"This month's topic is Obituaries and our newsletter is full of information about  why obituaries are such a valuable tool in family history research as well as hints on how to use them and where to find them.  Also included is information on how you can help with the obituary indexing efforts at FamilySearch.  Our Tech Tip explains the latest in sourcing on FamilySearch Family Tree; it's called the Quick Attach Source Linker."


www.mesafsl.org if you'd like to read the newsletter or subscribe.

Ancestry Subscriptions

Jerry Linderman contacted Dick recently regarding a good deal for Ancestry subscriptions.

Here's his email message:


"I just got done renewing my Ancestry Membership. There was a
notice in the AARP Bulletin that up to 30% discounts were available. You
have to call the 800 number to get the discount since it is not available
over the web site. My subscription was due on May 18. When they verified
that my AARP number was valid, I got renewed until Dec 6, 2014 for $104
and then it will renew until June 6, 2015 for another $104 so I am
getting the World Explorer membership for $208 instead of the regular
renewal of $299. If any of the Genealogy Club members have a current AARP
membership they can call 1-800-514-4645 to get a discount rate. The
amount of the discount varies depending on the subscription."


Thanks for letting us know about this, Jerry. When our subscription needs renewing next April (!) we will join you!

Legacy's May 14 Webinar

Maureen Taylor, an expert on identifying photographs, will be presenting this week's webinar. It is suggested for both beginner and intermediate researchers. A short description of the webinar follows.  More information at www.familytreewebinars.com.



Photo Apps for Android, iPhones or iPads

               

"Whether you carry a smart phone or a tablet there are great apps out there to help you snap and edit pictures. Digital organization for all those photos is included. This covers taking contemporary family history photos to documenting a relative's collection."