VGS News & E vents:15 September through 21 September, 2019

Coming Events:

Tuesday: September 17, 2019

Family Tree Maker Users SIG Meeting

1:00 PM in the Patriot Room at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center
Topic: "Your Latest Questions Answered..."

Wednesday: September 18, 2019

Brick Wall SIG Meeting

8:30 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center

Wednesday: September 18, 2019

General Monthly Meeting

10:00 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center

Topic: "Introduction to DNA" Blaine Bettinger
If you plan on attending the annual seminar in February, it is highly recommended that you attend this meeting or watch the post meeting presentation video.

Thursday: September 19, 2019

New England Genealogy SIG Meeting

Noon in the New Smyrna Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Friday: September 20, 2019

Scandinavian Genealogy SIG Meeting

10:00 AM in the Clearwater Room Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Gen News and Announcements:

A Message from Monique Meeks, The Villages Daily Sun

"I am currently working on a project for the Daily Sun called How We’re Connected. As part of the project, I’ve been tasked with finding two Villagers who were born in the same place (preferably city, but county could work as well) on the same date. We’re hoping to be able to give side-by-side stories of their lives (moves, marriages, military service, etc) and how they came to live in The Villages, back together once more. If your club knows of any members who share a birthday, that information would be quite helpful in helping me reach my goal. If not, I’d like to speak with a member further regarding how I may best go about locating this “needle in a haystack” of sorts so that, through research if needed, I may find the two Villagers I am looking for. Thank you so much!

monique.meeks@thevillagesmedia.com

352-753-1119 ext. 5387

Our 20th Annual Seminar Registrations Begins Monday

Registration for our 20th Annual Seminar begins on Monday, September 16th for members of The VGS. Residents of The Villages, FL can register as of December 16, 2019.  Our guest speaker will be Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D, J.D.  More information along with a registration form are available.

Download the Registration Packet Here...

Coming Soon: Seventh Annual Virtual Genealogy Fair - October 23, 2019

NARA
"Every year, the National Archives hosts a free, virtual Genealogy Fair via live webcast on YouTube. The sessions offer family history research tools on Federal records for all skill levels. Join thousands of family historians participating during the live event. No reservations are needed."
Learn more...

New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of 4 September 2019

FamilySearch

"FamilySearch added over 3 million Native American census rolls from 1885-1940. This week also contains free, historical records from Colombia, Croatia, El Salvador, Hungary, Mexico, Switzerland and the United States, including Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah."

Search now...

3 Websites To Help Start Your Mexican Family History Research:

Legacy Family Tree
"Have Mexican roots? My sons’ Mexican ancestors came to the United States in the early 20th century so while there are some familiar sources I can use to add information to that family history such as US naturalization's and census records, I also need to extend my research across the border after just a few generations. "
Continue reading...

Hungary’s Secret: New Study by MyHeritage Reveals that Hungary Has the World’s Second Largest Percentage of Population with Jewish Ancestry:

MyHeritage
"A new study that we’ve conducted in conjunction with expert statistician and demographer Dr. Daniel Staetsky has uncovered that there are surprising numbers of people descended from Jewish ancestors in Hungary — far higher than previously estimated by demographers."
Continue reading...

10 Places to Find the Free Genealogy Printables You Need

Family History Daily
"Looking for free printables to aid in your genealogy research? The right chart, form, template or worksheet can do wonders for any family historian hoping to get organized or trying to break down a frustrating brick wall. Here are 10 places you'll find them for free."
Continue reading...

Technology:

How to Protect Your Smarthome from Attack:

How-To Geek
"Every new device you introduce into your smarthome is another device that can be attacked. You can secure your smarthome with simple steps like locking down your router and taking proper care of the gadgets in your smarthome."
Continue reading...

Education:

What is a Genealogy Wiki?

Ancestral Findings
"Are you familiar with wikis? Have you ever used one for your genealogy research? If not, you should. They are excellent genealogical research tools.  Join me today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast as we look at what a wiki is, why you should be using them, and how they can benefit you as a genealogist."
Listen now... 7.37 minutes

Webinars:

Civil Law Concepts and Genealogy

Legacy Family Tree
"(Live webinar only - no recording will be available.) Civil law - as opposed to common law - is a legal system that governs private relationships and interactions in most non-English speaking countries. Rooted in principles derived from ancient Roman law, it is the legal system that governs an estimated 60% of the world’s populations, including most European countries. Consequently, researchers tracing ancestral lines outside the United States frequently encounter records created in a civil law tradition. Proper interpretation of those records requires understanding the underlying civil law principles. In the United States only the state of Louisiana is today ruled by civil law, a legacy of the state’s unique colonial history under France and Spain. Colonial records created under civil law are also among the colonial records of California, parts of the Mississippi Valley, the Gulf Coast, and the American southwest. This presentation discusses major legal concepts that affect records and research in civil law societies."
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Claire Bettag, CG
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Research Latin America Genealogical Resources on the Internet

Legacy Family Tree
"This webinar will refer to many genealogical and general resources, computer databases, cemeteries, immigration, and citizenship records available in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Caribbean. Daniel will provide a brief overview of government records available online, how to access them or get in touch with organizations, schools, clubs, cemeteries, newspapers, genealogical societies, and more."
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Daniel Horowitz
Learn more or Register for this webinar...