VGS Latest News & Tips: 24 November 2016

Happy Thanksgiving

History of Thanksgiving:

History Vault
"In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November."
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Turkey and All the Trimmings:

Ancestry
"This article originally appeared in Ancestry Magazine, November-December 2007.
Since Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Americans have enjoyed Thanksgiving celebrations on the last Thursday of November. That is until 1939. Because of the Great Depression, retailers and businesses pressured President Franklin D. Roosevelt to move Thanksgiving up one week, thus extending the holiday shopping season and, hopefully, increasing sales. FDR complied and, surprisingly, was met with intense opposition.
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Thanksgiving:

History
"Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family. While today’s Thanksgiving celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together around the table—albeit with some updates to pilgrim’s menu."
40 short video's...
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Gift Ideas for the Genealogist:

The Willards
"Every family has at least one person interested in genealogy – whether it is your spouse, an old aunt, or a sibling. Like most, however, this individual probably has enough “stuff” so buying for him or her for the holidays presents a unique problem. Well, here are a few recommendations that might make the task a little easier."
Members can download a copy from our website: Members Only>Secure Downloads>The Willards

How to Save Money on Smarthome Products:

How-to-Geek
"Smarthome products aren’t cheap, and completely outfitting your house with these devices can be an expensive endeavor. However, here are some things you can keep in mind if you’re looking to save some cash when you go to upgrade to a smart thermostat, smart lights, and more."
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Do These 12 Things First When You Get a New iPhone:

Lifewire
"When you get a new iPhone—especially if it's your first iPhone—there are literally hundreds (maybe even thousands) of things to learn how to do. But you need to start somewhere, and that somewhere ought to be the basics."
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This Day In History: 24 November

1859: Charles Darwin publishes The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. The first printing of 1,250 copies sells out in a single day.
1902: The first Congress of Professional Photographers convenes in Paris.
1963: Jack Ruby fatally shoots the accused assassin of President John Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, in the garage of the Dallas Police Department.
1784 Birthday: Zachary Taylor, general during the Mexican War, 12th President of the United States.

State Timelines:

Even though it is hard to tell what made people move or disappear, these are just a few possibilities.
Kentucky:
1818: Western part of the state annexed
1819: Panic of 1819 ruined many banks
1824: Tornadoes destroy many towns