VGS News & Events: February 21 through February 27, 2021

There's still time to register!

The Villages Genealogical Society's Annual Seminar

Click HERE for more details & to register.

Upcoming SIG Meetings

Monday, Feb. 22
FamilyTree Maker / Technology SIG
Zoom Meeting:  10:00 - 11:50 am
Coordinator: Gene Clark

Tuesday, Feb. 23
Midwest SIG
Zoom Meeting:  2:00 - 3:50 pm
Topic:  "Quakers in the Midwest"
Speaker:  Annette Burke Lyttle
Coordinators: Dona Black & Laurie Sarauer

News & Announcements

ancestry.com

AncestryDNA® Announces Updated Communities for Members with Ties to Germanic Europe and US Regions of New England, Mid-Atlantic and the Midwest

As the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, Ancestry® is continuously developing new ways for you to learn about yourself through DNA and empowering you to unlock more discoveries about your family history. One way Ancestry applies advanced technology and evolving DNA science is by updating communities, which can connect …  continue reading

archives.com

Archives.com newest record collections include:  Arizona, Death Records, 1887-1960; Ohio, Births and Christenings Index, 1774-1973; North Carolina, Death Certificates, 1909-1976; Cook County, Illinois, Birth Certificates Index, 1871-1922; Massachusetts, Marriage Index, 1901-1955 and 1966-1970. Click HERE.

The International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) has announced that registration for their upcoming Conference is now open. This will be a virtual conference held July 14-24, 2021. Early-bird pricing is available through March 31. For more information, and to register, click HERE.

Webinars

familytreewebinars.com

Bringing Your Family Photos to Life on MyHeritage

Tuesday, Feb. 23 @ 2:00 p.m. (EST)   Presenter:  Karen Dotan

In the past year, MyHeritage's photo tools have taken the genealogy world by storm. In this webinar, Product Manager Keren Dotan will share the latest enhancements to MyHeritage In Color™ and show you some of the new ways to bring that "wow" effect to your cherished family photos.

Polish Genealogy Online – Portals and Databases

Wednesday, Feb. 24 @ 2:00 p.m. (EST)   Presenter:  Kinga Urbanska

The main aim of the presentation is not just showing you the Polish genealogy databases, but also insight on how to look for Polish ancestors. Step by step we will check the most useful websites in the context of Polish political and social history.

These are free webinars but do require registration. For more details and to register, click HERE.

Education

ancestralfindings.com

A Look at the 1840 Federal Census

The 1840 US federal census, and all of the ones previous to it, only included the names of the heads of households, not the name of every person in the household (as the 1850 and later censuses have done). Because of this, some genealogical researchers, especially beginners, tend to ignore this and earlier censuses, as they believe they will not be of much use to them. However, despite its exclusion of names from everyone but the head of households, the 1840 US federal census provides some unique and … continue reading

thefamilyheart.com

10 Awesome Websites with Maps for Genealogy Research

In family history research, sometimes it’s all about location, location, location! And that’s where maps come in. Continue . . .

VGS News & Events: July 19 through July 25, 2020

Practice Social-Distancing

Due to Covid-19, no Rec Center meetings until further notice. Some SIG's are having virtual meetings. Be on the lookout for emails announcing the meetings and how to connect to them.  That list is very fluid. Check the "Coming Events" section of the website as event news becomes available.

All remaining regular Monthly Meetings for 2020 will be virtual meetings.

Coming Events:

Tuesday, July 21

Family Tree Maker Users SIG Webinar 

1:00 pm

Live Online Webinar

John DeAngelo, Co-Coordinator

Presentation: "Media and the Media Workspace in Family Tree Maker"

Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3949531935895010574

Wednesday, July 22

July VGS Virtual General Monthly Meeting

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Online Webinar

Topic: "Lets Talk Genealogy"  -  3 Presentations by VGS members...

Obituaries 2.0 – Telling the Rest of the Story, Nancy Flanigan Schultz
Understanding DNA Results, Dan Spear
20^th Century Immigration Case Study: Grandpa, What Were You Thinking?, Pat Adams

Please register for VGS General Meeting - Panel Presentations at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5821039265501628176

Gen News and Announcements:

Ancestry.com for Free? 7 Ways to Research With No Subscription

Family Tree
"Is there a way to use Ancestry.com for free, without buying a subscription? There is. If you have two weeks to devote to genealogy research, sign up for a free 14-day trial. (But don’t forget to go in and cancel your subscription, otherwise your card will show an automatic charge.)
But even before that, use these seven different techniques to glean as much as you can for free—not only from Ancestry.com but also its sister site, Fold3.com..."
Continue reading...

10 Easy Tips for Using Ancestry.com

Family Tree
"When you first delve into Ancestry.com, the world’s largest subscription collection of genealogy databases, it can be a bit mind-boggling. After all, Ancestry.com encompasses some 31,000 collections with more than 20 billion historical records."
Continue reading...

Ancestry to Remove DNA Matches Soon – Preservation Strategies with Detailed Instructions:

DNAeXplained
"Ancestry has announced that they are going to remove smaller matches from their customer’s DNA match list around the first of August. I was not on this conference call myself. However, it’s a small community and others have reported consistent information.
Continue reading...

The 2020 FGS Family History Conference is Going Virtual:

FGS
"You won’t want to miss the final FGS Conference virtual-style! We have a variety of learning sessions to meet every genealogist’s needs. We have so many topics—including DNA, Ethnicity & Nationality, Methodology & Skill-building and so much more! And of course, we have your favorite speakers that you love learning from!"
Learn more...

The Unexpected Detail in Divorce Records Might Surprise You:

Family History Daily

"As much as we would all like to think our ancestors lived in marital bliss, as you build your family tree, you will likely find the need to dig for a divorce record or two. Many are surprised to find that divorces were relatively common in certain locations around the world – including the United States – and began being recorded earlier than expected."
Continue reading...

Improvements to 23andMe’s G6PD Deficiency Report:

23andMe
"This week, 23andMe updated its G6PD Deficiency Genetic Health Risk Report.* The update includes testing for an additional variant linked to G6PD  deficiency, a condition that can lead to episodes of anemia."
Continue reading...

NHGRI Researchers Generate Complete Human X Chromosome Sequence:

NHGRI
"Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have produced the first end-to-end DNA sequence of a human chromosome. The results, published in the journal Nature, show that generating a precise, base-by-base sequence of a human chromosome is now possible, and will enable researchers to produce a complete sequence of the human genome."
Continue reading...

Technology:

How iOS 14 Is About to Transform Your iPhone’s Home Screen:

How-to Geek
"The iPhone Home screen hasn’t changed since Steve Jobs first showed it off in 2007. Come fall 2020, iOS 14 will drastically shake things up with a few features that will be familiar to anyone who used an Android device in the last few years."
Continue reading...

Education:

3 Overlooked Clues in Genealogical Documents:

Ancestral Findings
"You want to take your research farther, but seem to be stuck at a brick wall on the line you're working on. It's a frustrating fact of genealogy that nearly any genealogist will encounter at some point, and probably more than once. When you get to the point where you don't know where else to look for clues, you may be tempted to give up on that line, but don't do it just yet."
Listen now...   4.01 minutes

Webinars:

Elusive Immigrant: The Search for Dora Lühr

Legacy Family Tree
"See the Genealogical Proof Standard applied to research on both sides of the Atlantic to prove the identity of an immigrant not found where she is supposed to be and whose name is anything but certain."
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Warren Bittner, CG
Learn more or Register for this event...

50 More Websites Every Genealogist Should Know:

Legacy Family Tree

"We are so lucky to live at a time when we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. Previously Gena explored 50 websites you should know so now it’s time for 50 more! And these aren’t just the same old, same old websites. Let’s take our research around the world and explore more websites that are vital for the family historian."

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Presenter: Gena Philibert-Ortega

Learn more or Register for this event...

VGS News & Events: 26 May through 31 May 2019

Coming Events:

Monday: May 27, 2019

Technology SIG Meeting:

Cancelled - Memorial Day

Tuesday: May 28, 2019

Midwest SIG Meeting:

2:00 PM in the Clearwater Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Gen News and Announcements:

News: I hope you have enjoyed this blog...After 910 blog posts, that I hope you found interesting, it is time for me to handover the duties to someone else.  Our Social Media Director, Diann LaRosa, will be taking over the duties as of June 1st. I'm sure she will continue to provide information that will assist members with their research and provide them with additional education opportunities. Best of luck Diann.

News: Your AncestryDNA® ethnicity estimate will update on May 30 

AncestryDNA
"Your DNA doesn’t change, but the science behind it does. Using our latest research, Ancestry updates your ethnicity estimate regularly to keep your results as precise as possible.
You can see your updated ethnicity estimate by visiting your DNA Story. If you wish to keep a copy of your previous ethnicity estimate, it will be available to download for a limited time.

News: Congratulations to Ric Burton for winning our May Cool Cash Contest.

Researcher Releases Facial Recognition Software To Identify Civil War Soldiers

Virginia Tech
"Through the software platform, called Photo Sleuth, Luther seeks to uncover the mysteries of the nearly 4 million photographs of Civil War-era images that may exist in the historical record."
Continue reading...

New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of May 13, 2019

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch added new, free, historical records this week from Australia, France, Spain, and the United States, including Illinois, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Obituaries from American Society of Germans from Russia, Utah, and Washington."
Search now...

New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of May 20, 2019

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch added new, free, historical records this week from Argentina, Ukraine, and the United States, including Arizona, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Search these new records and images by clicking on the collection links below, or go to FamilySearch to search over 8 billion free names and record images."
Search now...

Technology:

How to Turn Syncing On or Off in Chrome:

How-to-Geek
"Google Chrome lets you sync up your Google account to your browser across any device. When enabled, bookmarks, history, passwords, extensions, and themes—among many other settings—sync from your Google account, creating a seamless experience no matter where you are."
Continue reading...

Live Stream Southern California Genealogical Society's Jamboree 2019

SCGS
Thanks to the generous underwriting by Ancestry, all 12 live streamed presentations are once again free to all subscribers.
Can't watch it Live?
Watch at your convenience through July 31, 2019.
You must register online to view.
·     SCGS Membership not required to subscribe to Live Streaming - but always welcome! Why not become an SCGS member? Individual membership is only $40. Become a member NOW!
·     Syllabus materials are included for all the classes
Register now...

Education:

Unusual Sources for Finding Old Family Photos:

Ancestral Findings
"Are you looking for photos of your ancestors and not having much luck? Today,  I’ll give you four effective alternative sources you can use to find old photographs."
Listen now...  8.17 minutes

Webinars:

New Developments From MyHeritage DNA:

Legacy Family Tree
"Genetics has a profound influence on our lives, impacting behavior, personal characteristics, culture, and more. Gain new insights into the value of DNA testing with MyHeritage and the many ways it can be used to improve the human experience."
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: MyHeritage Webinars
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Tools for Translating and Transcribing Genealogy Records:

Legacy Family Tree
"Documents – old and new – are a requisite resource for genealogy research. Learn the latest tools and programs available to translate foreign language documents as well as transcribe documents in order to extract needed information."
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Thomas MacEntee
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

VGS News & Events: 2 December 2018 through 8 December 2018

Attendees at the November 2018 General Meeting
There were another 55 watching from home...

Recent Meeting Comments... Let us know what you think...

Thank you Annette. I enjoyed the webinar from home, where I took copious notes. I am about to begin writing family stories and the idea of a timeline that includes current events was especially appropriate.

The presentation was super. It is such a good idea to have the webinars for those of us who can't be there in person.

The Presentations & Handouts are on our Website under "Members Only" menu item "Webinars and Meetings"

Coming Events:

Monday: December 3, 2018
Jewish Genealogy SIG Meeting:
10:00 AM in the MacArthur Room at the Eisenhower Recreation Center

Topic: "The Immigrant Experience", Phyllis Kramer, IAJGS

Monday: December 3, 2018
Roots Magic SIG Meeting:
2:30 PM in the New Smyrna Room at the Recreation Center

Tuesday: December 4, 2018

Adoption & Mystery KIN SIG Meeting

9:00 AM at the Lake Miona Recreation Center

Wednesday: December 5, 2018

French Canadian Genealogy SIG Meeting:

9:00 AM in the Julio Iglesias Room at the La Hacienda Recreation Center

Thursday: December 6, 2018

Eastern European Genealogy SIG Meeting:

1:00 PM in the Daytona Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Friday: December 7, 2018

British SIG Meeting:

9:30 AM in the Courageous Room at the Lake Miona Recreation Center

Coming Soon:

Friday, February 22, 2019 Our 19th Annual All-Day Seminar 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Savannah Regional Recreation Center Our guest speaker will be David E. Rencher, AG,CG,FIGRS,FUGA "David Rencher is FamilySearch International's chief genealogical officer. In his downtown office overlooking the meticulous flower gardens of the Mormon Church’s corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rencher has lost none of the passion for family history that started his career nearly four decades ago as a young Irish research reference consultant at the Family History Library just a block away. He is a diehard advocate for the family researcher, and avid proponent for the continual development of tools and tech advancements that raise the tide of quality genealogical research skills employed by the growing wave of family history beginners worldwide." familysearch profile Please note the date, day and place changes for this year's seminar. Download: Seminar Packet

Gen News and Announcements:

The VGS Library...

Do you know about the VGS member library? Many members do not. This is a section in "Members Only" where you can find a list of, currently, 109 books that are available from other VGS members. These books are available for loan or onsite viewing depending on the arrangements made with the book owner.  To see a list of books, log into "Members Only" > menu option "Library Books"

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of November 19, 2018:

Family Search
"FamilySearch added an astounding 79.5 million indexed Lutheran records from Germany, and almost 1 million more from the Ireland 1901 Census.  Other countries include Benin, Costa Rica, Portugal, South Africa, and the United States (Michigan, Georgia, and Montana)."
Search now...

Online Genealogy Records Can Disappear: Simple Ways to Protect Your Research:

Family History Daily
"These days, millions of people have family trees online, with facts and sources gathered from the many online databases that are available. But, be aware, some of these sources could just disappear. No warning, just gone - because online record collections are not guaranteed to stay online, or publicly accessible, forever."
Continue reading...

Fun New Features at Ancestry DNA:

Kitty Cooper
"I really like a number of the features that have come out recently at Ancestry. My favorite is that the total amount of DNA shared with each DNA relative is now shown on the match list page in centimorgans (cMs). This means that you no longer have to click through to the match page to find that number. Those total cMs are needed in order to look up the possible relationships at the DNApainter calculator."
Continue reading...

These Two Simple Tricks Will Help You Figure Out Cousin Relationships Without a Chart:

Family History Daily
"Cousinship, or the relationship two cousins have to one another, is one of the most confusing concepts in genealogy and genetic genealogy. For those new to family history research, the task of deciphering these relationships can be downright daunting. What is a 5th cousin? How about a 3rd cousin once removed?"
Continue reading...

How Not to Bore People With Genealogy:

Amy Johnson Crow
"It's natural to talk genealogy at family gatherings. But if you don't want to bore your relatives who aren't as into genealogy as you are, you have to go into it with a strategy. Here are some ways to NOT bore people with your genealogy."
Continue reading...

5 Overlooked Things on FamilySearch:

Amy Johnson Crow
"FamilySearch has billions of records for us to use in our genealogy. But there are 5 often-overlooked sections of the website that can be beneficial to our research."
Continue reading...

Technology:

The Essential Ebook Converter Guide:

Dan Price
"When it comes to ebooks there are more than a dozen common file types. And each of these has different strengths and is compatible with different ereaders. Which is why you might find yourself in need of an ebook converter.
In this article, we’ll explain everything there is to know about converting ebooks."
Continue reading...

Education:

How to Use Book Databases to Further Your Family History:

Ancestral Findings...
"There are several book databases online that can help you further your family history research by hooking you up with rare books with mentions of your family in them. Today, I’ll give you the how to find and use these informative databases."
Listen now... 5.00 minutes

Webinars:

Ins and Outs of Indexes: Keys to Unlocking County and State Records:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Indexes for county records are the key to finding deeds, probates and more. As FamilySearch digitizes more and more records, it's crucial to be familiar with different indexing systems and how to use them. The same skills are necessary for onsite courthouse and archive research."
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Mary Kircher Roddy
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Legacy 9 Unlocked (part 9): Adding an Entry from an Online Database

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"In this class, “Adding an Entry from an Online Database,” you’ll learn the six steps of adding information from any online database to Legacy. You’ll also learn about the Find A Grave tool."
Friday, December 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Geoff Rasmussen
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Monday: December 10, 2018

VGS Live Webinar:

7:00 PM Online
Topic: "Fraternal Organizations: The Original Social Network"
Presented by: Dannell "Danni" Altman-Newell
Register to attend HERE...

VGS News & Events: 18 November 2018 through 24 November 2018

Coming Events:

Monday, November 19 Your Personal Genealogical Education Plan  (Live Webinar) 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Online Webinar Presented By: Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL Presentation Description:  Genealogists who avail themselves of education are more successful in their research goals, but they face realities of time and budget constraints and can be confused by the many choices available. Webinar attendees will receive help to assess their goals and levels of abilities to find which opportunities are best for them. Be prepared to write answers to the questions posed which will result in a personal education plan that can be put into action. Scholarship information and tips for economical education are also discussed. Please register for the webinar at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3608042302114471426 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Elissa has given us permission to record the webinar and make it and her handout available to members only for 90 days after the broadcast.

VGS General Monthly Meeting  (Workshop) 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Savannah Regional Recreation Center Our guest speaker will be Margo Fariss Brewer You must register to attend... Afternoon session: “A Family Narrative Your Family Will Want to Read”  Registration is now open for all members. Register HERE to attend in person... Presenter Bio:  Margo Fariss Brewer is an active lecturer, consultant, instructor and the co-leader of genealogy trips to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and Allen County Public Library which she finds strengthens her research and teaching skills. Her genealogy courses include beginning through advanced methodology, writing your family history narrative so it will be read, a genealogy computer lab and DNA testing for genealogy; her courses are offered through Duke University's OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) where she has been on the faculty since 2004. Her lecture specialties include methodology, writing an enjoyable family history narrative with historical context, historical occupations, and military and land records; she focuses on records within the United States. Margo is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild (president), National Genealogical Society (2016 Conference vice-chair), Virginia Genealogical Society and several other local and state genealogical societies. Can't be there in person... You can attend on your computer, tablet, or smart phone no matter where you are. You must register in advance to attend remotely. You be able to hear the presentation and see the speaker's slides. Please register for this afternoon workshop at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1894936116497198850

Friday, February 22, 2019 Our 19th Annual All-Day Seminar 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Savannah Regional Recreation Center Our guest speaker will be David E. Rencher, AG,CG,FIGRS,FUGA "David Rencher is FamilySearch International's chief genealogical officer. In his downtown office overlooking the meticulous flower gardens of the Mormon Church’s corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rencher has lost none of the passion for family history that started his career nearly four decades ago as a young Irish research reference consultant at the Family History Library just a block away. He is a diehard advocate for the family researcher, and avid proponent for the continual development of tools and tech advancements that raise the tide of quality genealogical research skills employed by the growing wave of family history beginners worldwide." familysearch profile Please note the date, day and place changes for this seminar. Download: Seminar Packet

Gen News and Announcements:

4 Things You Should Definitely Do With Your DNA Results (and 3 You Shouldn’t)

Family History Daily
"The period after you get your DNA test results may not seem like the right time to start thinking about privacy settings, but many people don’t consider what information will be available to others, and how to protect it, until this time."
Continue reading...

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of November 12, 2018:

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch added 3.5 million records from the 1901 Ireland Census, and 1.4 million naturalization records from New York. Other countries include Honduras, Peru, and the United States (Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas).
Research these free new records and images by clicking on the collection links below, or go to FamilySearch to search over 8 billion free names and record images."
Continue reading...

Researching the Genetics of Human Lifespan:

AncestryDNA
"Three years ago, we announced a collaboration with Calico, a research and development company focused on the biology of longevity. Today, our first joint research paper was published in GENETICS, a journal of the Genetics Society of America."
Continue reading...

Tag it! Introducing the National Archives Facebook Chatbot:

Ancestry
"What do you get when you have an bold strategic goal to have one million records enhanced by citizen archivists in the National Archives Catalog and an idea to try something new on a social site? You create a Facebook Messenger Chatbot, of course!"
Continue reading...

How To Quickly Find Free Genealogy Records Through the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA):

Family History Daily
"Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was an online research site that allowed you to easily search for records about your ancestors from repositories across the USA? One that linked to actual records that you could view online?
Wouldn’t it be even more wonderful if that site was completely free for anyone to use?
Continue reading...

Dallas Public Library Teams with FamilySearch to Digitize Genealogy Collections:

FamilySearch
"The Dallas Public Library is working with FamilySearch International, the largest genealogical organization in the world, to digitize the library’s extensive family history book collection. The initiative will expand free online patron access worldwide to the library’s historical records digitized. Search FamilySearch's Historical Book Collections."
Continue reading...

10 Things You Should Know About Every Ancestor in Your Tree:

Family History Daily
"When you first set out to research your family history, you probably started with a basic tree – online or off. And the information required to complete such a tree (or chart) is pretty straightforward; you simply fill in your ancestors’ names, birth dates and places, marriage details, and death information…then you go on to the next generation.
And, in truth, this is as far as many people ever go with their trees. They gather the most basic details and move on, trying to add as many names as they can.
Continue reading...

Technology:

How to Wirelessly Transfer Photos from Your Camera to Your Computer:

How-to-Geek

"If you’re a prolific shutterbug, you know what a hassle it is to constantly pull the SD card from your camera, plug it into your computer, and transfer the files to get to the snapshots you just took. Here’s how to add Wi-Fi based photo transfer to your digital camera."
Continue reading...

Education:

You Have Your DNA Results. Now What? - Gedmatch

Family History Fanatics
"Now that you have your genetic tests complete, what do you do next? Compare your DNA results to tests of AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and others using GedMatch.com. This video will walk you step-by-step through the process of exporting your results from your testing company to GEDMATCH.com."
Watch now...  10.15 minutes

Webinars:

Every Day Life of Our Ancestors:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Our ancestors led lives, just like us - only different. Using our life as an example, how can we parallel it to theirs? They ate and drank, married and had families, dressed, had trades and occupations, practiced a religion, dabbled in the arts and sciences, participated in politics and economics, etc. This lecture will examine the various aspects of life and provide resources to discover the historical context and personal details of our ancestors' lives."
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Ann Staley, CG, CGL
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

VGS News & Events: 14 October 2018 through 20 October 2018

Coming Events:
Monday: October 15, 2018
Mobile Device Apps for the Family Historian:  Learn More...
Register here...
A Monday Evening Event

Wednesday: October 17, 2018

Mid-Atlantic States SIG Meeting

9:30 AM in the Defender Room at the Lake Miona Recreation Center

Thursday: October 18, 2018

New England Genealogy SIG Meeting

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

Friday: October 19, 2018

Scandinavian Genealogy SIG Meeting

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

Gen News and Announcements:

DNA: Can siblings have different ethnicity estimates?

MyHeritage
"It comes as no surprise that when two siblings are DNA tested, their results will usually be similar. What is surprising to many people, though, is how two siblings (not twins) with exactly the same parents and ancestors can receive different ethnicity results. After all, identical ancestors should give identical ethnicity estimates, right?
Well, it’s not that simple."
Continue reading...

What You Will and Will Not Learn by Taking a DNA Test for Ancestry:

Family History Daily
"As more and more people choose to test their DNA in an attempt to better understand their family’s past, a lot of questions are popping up about what a genetic test can and can not tell you about your ancestry.
In this article we’ll go over some things you will learn by testing yourself, or your family members, and some things you won’t be able to uncover unless you combine your results with traditional genealogy research."
Continue reading...

New US Navy Records and More!

Lacey Cooke
"U.S. Naval correspondence letters top the list this week of new genealogy collections available online. Fold3 has two brand new collections of fascinating letters that could be a wonderful resource for anyone searching for their ancestors serving in the Navy. Also this week are two new Denmark Census Records collections and more new German vital records for you to explore. "
Continue reading...

Why Should You Consider Testing Older Relatives Before Exploring Your Own Genetic Genealogy? 

The In-Depth Genealogist
"Why should you consider testing older relatives before exploring your own genetic genealogy? The answer lies in genetic inheritance patterns. There are four types of genetic inheritance patterns which genetic genealogists apply to family history research: mtDNA, Y-DNA, X-DNA and autosomal DNA."
Continue reading...

Half or full… Yes, DNA can usually tell the difference

The Legal Genealogist
"It’s one of the most common questions people have about DNA testing. Just this past week two different people wrote in to The Legal Genealogist with some variation on the theme.
Can a basic genealogical DNA test tell the difference between half-siblings and full siblings?"
Continue reading...

Technology:

Microsoft Pulls the Windows 10 October 2018 Update for Deleting Files:

How-to-Geek
"Bug in Windows 10’s Latest Update Might Be Deleting Files, Back Up Your Data Now.
Over on Microsoft’s support site, they’ve updated with a note saying they are pausing the update while they look into the issue more—and they say very clearly that if you have already downloaded the update, you should not install it for now."
Continue reading...

Microsoft Explains Why Windows 10’s October 2018 Update Was Deleting People’s Files

How-to-Geek
"Microsoft halted the Windows 10 October 2018 Update because it was deleting some people’s files. Now, Microsoft has fixed the problem and explained what happened."
Continue reading...

Education:

The Do’s and Don’ts of Genealogy Research:

Ancestral Findings
"Whether you are new to genealogy or a veteran, your work can only benefit from a refresher in these basic genealogy do’s and don’ts. Today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast I’ll share the things you need to know to make your work shine."
Listen now...  7.57 minutes

Webinars:

Monday, October 15

Mobile Device Apps for the Family Historian  (VGS Live Webinar)

7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Online Webinar

Presented By: Jane Gwynn Haldeman

Presentation Description: The Star Trek generation has grown up and the future is now. Learn about smart phone and other mobile applications that you hold in your hand that will help you with your genealogy data collection. Carry your searchable family tree everywhere with you in your pocket.

Presenters Bio:  Jane G. Haldeman is a Chicago-area based professional genealogist and owner of It’s Relative, www.itsrelative.net, with more than 25 years of research experience. She lectures on a wide range of topics both locally and nationally.  She is the Co-Chair for the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2019 Conference and was their 2016 Conference Registration Chair. She is a former president of both the Illinois State Genealogical Society and Fox Valley Genealogical Society in Naperville, Illinois, and the author of A Genealogist’s Guide to Springfield, Illinois. Jane may be reached info@itsrelative.net and genealogy@mindsafire.com.

Please register for the webinar at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8025421526168660483

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Jane has given us permission to record her presentation. After the live broadcast, it will be available in the Members Only section of the VGS website for 90 days.

Using Emigrant Guides for Genealogical Research:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Have you ever wondered why your ancestor decided to emigrate, how they got there, or how they knew where to go? The answers to these questions could have come from an emigrant guide. Emigrant guides contain instructions and advice for those interested or planning to emigrate. They are useful for gaining insight into the whys and hows of an ancestor's preparation, journey, and settlement in a new  land."
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Julie P. Miller, CG, CGL
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Ho to California! The Draw of the Gold Rush

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Few events in America have had the impact of the California Gold Rush and the desire to have a better life; an event that lasted seven short years. The Gold Rush swelled the population of California by the hundreds of thousands. And, it was all for the little flecks of gold that shone so brightly. People rushed in from all over the world. Did it beckon your ancestors, too?"
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG
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Past Conflict Repatriation: The Role of Genealogists and...

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Learn about the repatriation program and the techniques genealogists use to locate family members and DNA reference samples for missing service members from past conflicts. Presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogy."
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Jeanne Bloom, CG
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Deeper Analysis: Techniques for Successful Problem Solving

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"The Genealogical Proof Standard states that analysis and correlation of data is necessary before we can say something is proven, but what techniques are best? Many people collect information but don't know how to manipulate it for evidence analysis. Spreadsheets, timelines, maps, charts and tables are a few of the techniques that will be discussed to pull out evidence needed to answer research questions."
Presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 12:30 a.m.
Presenter: Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL
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John Jacob Kramer: Case Study of Mistaken Identity among Revolutionary War Soldiers

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Men of the same name is a constant challenge for every serious researcher. In the case of recognized Revolutionary patriot John Jacob Kramer, we discover how this one man's identity was actually compiled from three separate and distinct men. We will review military records, family lore, congressional papers, and more to unravel the tangle of mistaken identity passed down through the generations."
Presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL
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Using Indirect and Negative Evidence to Prove Unrecorded Events:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Information hidden below the surface or totally absent helps researchers reconstruct events, identities, and relationships that no record specifies. Such hidden information is indirect or negative evidence. This session discusses the qualities of both kinds of evidence, which are easily misunderstood. It also describes uses of indirect and negative evidence, and it gives examples of applying  those uses to solving genealogical problems."
Presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 4:15 p.m.
Presenter: Tom Jones, PhD, CG, CGL
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The Discriminating Genealogist: Telling Good Evidence from Bad

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"The “best evidence” rule in law requires the presentation in court of an original rather than a copy, and a copy won’t even be admitted if the original is available. In genealogy, our rules require us to do the same: to discriminate, choose in favor of, prefer certain types of evidence to others, certain bits of information to others, certain sources to others. So... just how do we do that?
Presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Presenter: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
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VGS News & Events: 30 September 2018 through 6 October 2018

Reminders:

Monday: October 1, 2018
Jewish Genealogy SIG Meeting:
10:00 AM in the MacArthur Room at the Eisenhower Recreation Center
Topic: "Jewish Given Names and Surnames"  Phil Goldsmith

Monday: October 1, 2018
Roots Magic SIG Meeting:
2:30 PM in the New Smyrna Room at the Recreation Center

Tuesday: October 2, 2018

Adoption & Mystery KIN SIG Meeting

9:00 AM at the Lake Miona Recreation Center

Tuesday: October 2, 2018

Italian Genealogy SIG Meeting

1:00 PM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center
Topics: How did the Ancestry DNA change your findings?  Libraries, On Line Sites and of course Brick Walls

Wednesday: October 3, 2018

French Canadian Genealogy SIG Meeting:

9:00 AM in the Julio Iglesias Room at the La Hacienda Recreation Center
Topic: “The Immigration of Our Early Ancestors to New France” by Geri Schembari

Thursday: October 4, 2018

Eastern European Genealogy SIG Meeting:

1:00 PM in the Daytona Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Friday: October 5, 2018

British SIG Meeting:

9:30 AM in the Courageous Room at the Lake Miona Recreation Center

Did you miss the September General Monthly Meeting or the September Evening Webinar?  You can hear the meeting and watch the presentation on our website.  Log-in under "Members Only"  Once you have logged in you will get a list of menu options, select "Webinar & Meetings"  The handout(s) are also there...

Gen News & Announcements:

22nd Annual Florida Family History Conference

You’re invited to the 22nd Annual Florida Family History Conference on Saturday, November 10th, 2018 from 9am – 4:00pm. We are one of the largest family history conferences on the East Coast of the United States! This east coast event brings world-class speakers from all over the country to help you find your family’s history! Our goal is to bring you the latest news on where to find information on your ancestors as well as big, new changes to Internet research sites.

Location: We are proudly holding the conference again at OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL at 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32835.

Our Keynote Speaker again this year features Crista Cowan, Corporate Genealogist at Ancestry.com!!
Learn more including how to register, cost and bus info...

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of September 10, 2018

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch expands its free online archives this week with over 1 million indexed records from England and Wales from the National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957. New additions also include content from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, England, France, Liberia, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the United States, including information from the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Border Crossings from Canada to the United States and World War I Americana Expeditionary Forces Deaths, 1917-1919. New records are also available from the Billion Graves Index."
Search now...

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of September 17, 2018

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch expands its free online archives this week with over 1.7 million indexed immigrants and passenger lists records from Australia. New additions also include content from Colombia, England, France, Italy, Peru, Sweden, Wales, and the United States (California, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, and border crossings from Canada to United States)."
Search now...

Finally, Ancestry’s New Ethnicity Estimates:

Kitty Cooper
"We all got an email from Ancestry announcing new ethnicity reports for everyone. Adding five times the reference populations plus a better algorithm that can often indicate the modern countries. This time I really do have the new ancestry composition estimates!"
Continue reading...

Figuring Out An Ancestor’s Actual Birth Year:

Kitty Cooper
"Records that include your ancestor’s birth year are not necessarily accurate. Most records before the modern computerized era have self-reported ages, from censuses to marriage records, so often show incorrect information."
Continue reading...

Ancestry.com’s “Location Traps” Are Causing Researchers to Miss Important Records:

Family History Daily
"While just about all of us have used Ancestry.com at some point, very few have really uncovered everything they can from Ancestry's massive databases. With so many records and resources it is incredibly easy for vital records to get buried. You might be surprised by how many brick walls are broken down and "missing" records located by utilizing a new set of advanced tips and search tricks."
Continue reading...

Why Searching for Your Ancestors by Full Name Can Sometimes Be the Worst Way to Find Them:

Family History Daily
"As any experienced genealogist will tell you, names seldom play by the rules. Our ancestors’ monikers were often misspelled, shortened, abbreviated, confused, changed and even left out of records completely."
Continue reading...

2 Updates to MyHeritage DNA Upload You Need to Know:

Genealogy Gems
"We’re happy to announce another industry first from MyHeritage! We now support the upload of 23andMe v5 and Living DNA data files, in addition to supporting data uploads from all major DNA testing services, including Ancestry, 23andMe (prior to V5) and Family Tree DNA (Family Finder)."
Continue reading...

Tech:

Google Maps is Renaming Entire Neighborhoods:

How-to-Geek
"Google is a powerful company, but did you know it can rename entire areas of a city, seemingly accidentally?
Jack Nicas, writing for the New York Times, outlines several instances this has happened. Here’s one:"
Continue reading...

Education:

The Do’s and Don’ts of Genealogy Research:

Ancestral Findings
"Whether you are new to genealogy or a veteran, your work can only benefit from a refresher in these basic genealogy do’s and don’ts. Today on the Ancestral Findings Podcast I’ll share the things you need to know to make your work shine."
Listen now... 7.57 minutes

Webinar(s):

Remote Research in the Databases of the Daughters of the American Revolution Genealogical Research System:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has been collecting genealogical information since 1890 to support both the application process for membership and to honor the service of Patriots. The Society operates a marvelous library in Washington, DC. Over the last few years they have scanned and provided public access to extensive online resources."
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Rick Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Legacy 9 Unlocked (part 7): Adding Email Correspondence

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"In this series, Legacy’s Geoff Rasmussen will guide you through the step-by-steps of properly adding genealogy documents, citations, and digital media to your Legacy Family Tree 9 software. Each class is based on a different chapter in his popular book, Legacy 9 Unlocked: Techniques, Tips and Step-By-Steps for Using Legacy Family Tree to Record Your Genealogy. Watch them in order if you want to  follow the mystery or jump around to capture the instructions."
Friday, October 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Geoff Rasmussen
Learn more or Register for this webinar...