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

Coming Events:

Tuesday: January 21, 2020

Family Tree Maker Users SIG Meeting

1:00 PM in the Patriot Room at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center
Topic: "All About Reports & Charts and How to Share Them" + Your Questions Answered

Wednesday: January 22, 2020

Brick Wall SIG Meeting

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

Wednesday: January 22, 2020

General Monthly Meeting

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

Topic: “Cause of Death: Dissecting Coroner’s Records for Genealogical Research” by Lisa A, Alzo, M.F.A
Wednesday: January 22, 2020

Afternoon Workshop

1:30 PM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center

Topic: ““Overcoming Brickwalls in Eastern European Research” by Lisa A, Alzo, M.F.A

Seating Limited to 100:  Register to attend in person HERE...

Register to attend online HERE...

Gen News and Announcements:

Genetic SIG Survey

VGS
On January 10th, the VGS sent out an email request asking members to complete a survey about the future of The VGS Genetic Genealogy Special Interest Group (SIG).  We have had a tremendous response from our members.  Thank you!  If you haven't already taken the survey and you are a VGS member, please take the survey now.
Survey link...

Register for Our Annual Seminar:

VGS

From the responses from the above mentioned survey, we can easily see that DNA is a very popular subject and members are requesting more information on the topic. However, response to our annual seminar is a little behind in registrations and DNA is the topic.  Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., one of the best in the business, is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and he is our guest speaker. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA to explore their ancestry. Our Annual Seminar will be held on February 19, 2020 at the Savannah Center.

Download the information and registration packet HERE:

New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of 6 January 2020

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch.org added new, free, historical records this week from American Samoa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, England, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Sierra Leone, South Africa and the United States, including GA, HI, LA, MI, MS, NC, SC, TN and MO. Featured this week are over 2 million records from Ecuadorian Catholic church records (1565-2011) and over 600,000 records from Ireland Poverty Relief Funds (1810-1887)."
Search now...

New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of 13 January 2020

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch.org added new, free, historical records this week from American Samoa, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, England, France, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, and the United States of America. Over 2 million records added from France's Loire-Atlantique Civil Registration, (1792-1960)."
Search now...

8 Genealogy Podcasts That Will Make You a Better Researcher:

Family History Daily
"If you’re among the 49% of Americans who have never listened to a podcast, there’s never been a better time to start - especially if you love learning about family history research. In this article we’ve gathered together a list of eight incredible genealogy podcasts we love."
Continue reading...

DNA Inherited from Grandparents and Great-Grandparents:

DNAeXplained
"Philip Gammon, our statistician friend has been working with crossover simulations again in order to tell us what we might expect relative to how much DNA we actually inherit from grandparents and great-grandparents."
Continue reading...

Technology:

What’s New in Windows 10’s 20H1 Update, Arriving Spring 2020 

How-To Geek
"Microsoft is already working on Windows 10’s 20H1 update. Expected sometime around May 2020, this is Windows 10 version 2004. It’s much bigger than Windows 10’s November 2019 update but still feels like a collection of useful improvements."
Continue reading...

Education:

The Origin and Meaning of Scottish Surnames:

Ancestral Findings
"Do you have a Scottish surname, or is there one in your family tree? Then, you will want to know about their origin and meanings, as this will tell you a lot about your ancient Scottish ancestors. Here is what you need to know…"
Listen now... 8.13 minutes

Webinars:

Creative Hypothesis Development for Complex Genealogy Problems:

Legacy Family Tree
"This topic introduces a methodology for creating multiple hypotheses in genealogical situations that are not easily solved...like the brick walls we all have! Creative thinking is discussed, as well as methods for capturing multiple hypotheses and then prioritizing them. Several types of hypotheses development will be covered. Finally, we will review cover how to refute or support each hypothesis. A case study is used throughout the discussion to highlight how the methodology is best utilized."
Tuesday, January 21, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Jan M. Joyce, CG, CGL
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

New Tools and Ideas in Research:

Legacy Family Tree
"The field of genealogy is constantly changing and evolving.  Each day new techniques, resources, and tools are developed to assist in the quest for one’s ancestors. Learn technological developments (including gadgets and gizmos), newly discovered resources for genealogical research and more."
Wednesday, January 22, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: D. Joshua Taylor
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

VGS News & Events: 27 May 2018 through 2 June 2018

VGS member Donna Koeppel,
preparing to scan a new Florida Pioneer Project document.

Coming Events:

No scheduled meetings this week!

The Family Tree Maker SIG Meeting on June 11th has been cancelled.

Wednesday, June 27

VGS General Monthly Meeting  (Monthly Meeting)

9:30 am to 12:00 pm

Savannah Regional Recreation Center

Presentation: "Filling Our Family Tree without Breaking the Bank"

A live webinar with Katherine R. Willson"

If you are not attending the meeting at the Savannah Center, you can view the webinar, online, from where ever you are located with an internet connection. You will need to register to attend...

Register HERE

Note the time change...

Gen News and Announcements:

Congratulations!

At the May General Meeting, a drawing was held from those who registered to receive a scholarship to attend the 2018 Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conference. The Conference will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana in August. Each winner will receive $400.00 towards their expenses. The winners are: Michael Dailey, David Schillingburg, Gary Horton, Wayne Bryan and Stephen Kelly. There were also 5 alternates selected in the event that any of the winners are unable to attend. They are; David Dunlop, Terri Earhart, Rita Thompson, John Garrabrant, and Barbara Kelly.
Congratulations to all the winners.

VGS Member Survey Announced:

The VGS
Most of the National Genealogy Conferences are quite a distance from The Villages, but what if one could be held in Orlando?
To answer this question, we need your input. Please complete a short, 3 question, survey in order to get your feedback.  We need everyone to complete this survey. It will only take a few seconds to complete, so please do it right now by clicking HERE...

Wedding Traditions Fit for Royalty:

Ancestry
"We can credit the royal family for establishing some of the most common wedding traditions known to brides throughout the world, like white wedding dresses. We asked the Ancestry research team to uncover other traditions."
Continue reading...

Starting WWII Research: Tips from Jennifer Holik

Amy Johnson Crow
"World War II research can be challenging, even for people who have been doing genealogy research for some time. Here are some tips you can use to get started researching a US serviceman (or woman) from WWII."
Continue reading...

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of May 21, 2018

FamilySearch
"Find your German ancestors on FamilySearch with 2 million new Baden, Germany Catholic Church records. You can also check out the new genealogical records added this week from Argentina, Benin, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, England, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Ukraine, United States (Iowa, Louisiana, and Rhode Island) and Venezuela."
Search now...

How DNA Is 'Changing Everything' About Genealogy:

Desert News
"Although DNA testing for genealogy research first became available around 13 years ago, Julie Johnson, a genealogy specialist from the Brigham City area, said that it is just in the past few years that people have really become open to the idea of using DNA tests."
Continue reading...

Which DNA Testing Website Is Right For You?

Desert News
"The two DNA testing services with the largest databases are AncestryDNA and 23andMe. I did both. The process is super easy. Just buy the kit, register on the website, spit into a tube and mail it off. You'll then receive an email when your results are ready."
Continue reading...

Technology:

What is GDPR?

OUCH! Newsletter
"You may have heard of a new law called GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation. This law was developed by the European Union and takes effect 25 May 2018. It applies to any organization that handles the personal information of any resident in the European Union (EU), regardless of where in the world that organization is located. GDPR requires organizations to maintain the privacy and security of any EU resident’s personal information. To ensure compliance with GDPR, some key principles need to be understood and implemented."
Continue reading...

Top Tips to Securely Using Social Media:

OUCH! Newsletter
"Social media sites, such as Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, are amazing resources, allowing you to meet, interact, and share with people around the world. However, with all this power comes risks--not just for you, but your family, friends, and employer. In this newsletter, we cover the key steps to making the most of social media securely and safely."
Continue reading...

Education:

DNA: The Future of Unlocking Your True Family History

Ancestral Findings
"Are you interested in building a highly accurate family tree? Have you considered getting your DNA tested? If not, you really should. There are so many places to have it done, and each has its unique benefits. On today's episode of the Ancestral Findings Podcast, I'll show you why DNA is your key to breaking down brick walls and confirming relationships."
Listen now... 9.05 minutes

Webinars:

The Palatine Immigrants: Tracing and Locating 18th Century German Immigrants Online

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Discover how to track your Palatine ancestors who traveled from Germany to the colonies in the 1700s, using techniques that will assist you in determining their place of origin. Use migration patterns of their family and friends to help you in your research. Learn more about online sources of original records for this area that you can research from home."
Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Luana Darby, MLIS, AG
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

VGS Latest News and Tips: 21 July 2017

Gen News:

About our blog... 3rd & final posting

The editor
Dear readers,

Our blog has posted over 800 days of information for our membership since it was first created in January, 2015. During that time, we have slowly gained readers from our membership and anyone else that may follow our blog. However, with a membership of over 1100 members the percentage of members who have subscribed to receive the blog via email remains in the low teen's and readers from our website is minimal. It's time to ask "Is it worthwhile for The VGS to continue a daily blog?"
I would like your feedback through a very short survey that you can complete in less than a minute.
Thank you to the 57 people who completed the survey from requests from the past two days. If you haven't already taken the survey, please take the survey right now, and thank you for your response. This will be your final opportunity to take this two question survey.
Take the survey HERE...

3 New Ways to Use Hashtags for Genealogy:

The Genealogy Reporter
"What’s a hashtag used for and how can it help me with genealogy? That’s a question I am often asked when giving my social media presentation. That silly little pound sign (#) really does mean something. Here are three new ways to use hashtags for genealogy and family history you must try!"
Continue reading...

Keep Calm AncestryDNA Changes Aren’t The End Of The World:

Shop the Hound
"You may have read Ann Swayne’s blog post regarding the upcoming changes to roles of users of the AncestryDNA site. To read the blog click HERE.
There’s no need to panic it may make setting up an account for an elderly person have a few more steps but it doesn’t have to change the access you have.
Let’s go through what the blog states (read carefully);"
Continue reading...

RELEASE OF FTM 2017

FTM 2017 - July 18 LATEST & FINAL UPDATE
ALL FTM 2017 EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT
"The ramp up has gone a bit faster than expected and all notification emails have now gone out. If you didn’t get yours yet, you can get an online version of the email by clicking here. The sync systems are now working exactly as designed and the sync weather forecast is for clear skies ahead for as far as we can see. Co-pilots from are starting to check in from their first flights. And it's clear from their reports that FTM 2017 has come in for a safe landing, and that our unexpected saga has had a happy ending after all."
Continue reading...

Tech:

How to Upload Your Music Collection to Amazon Music (So You Can Play It from the Echo):

How-to-Geek
"Although there’s something to be said for the convenience of streaming music services, there’s also something to be said for enjoying music from your personal collection, especially if it involves rare or obscure stuff not found on the streaming services. If you want to be able to access your personal music library online—for example, if you want to play it through the Amazon Echo—you can upload all your songs to Amazon Music for access anywhere."
Continue reading...

How to Change Google Assistant to Typing Instead of Voice By Default:

How-to-Geek
"Google Assistant is designed to be a conversational voice assistant, but sometimes it’s not socially acceptable to talk to your phone. If you’d rather type your requests to Assistant, you can make that the default instead."
Continue reading...

Education:

Research Basics: A Short Introduction to Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors...

Ancestral Findings
"Do you have a Revolutionary War ancestor? Are you not sure, but want to find out? Knowing you have one or more Revolutionary War ancestors on your family tree is not only a source of pride… your family helped make this country free… it can also get you into Daughters of the American Revolution or Sons of the American Revolution, both of which are very prestigious lineage societies."
Listen now...  6.48 minutes

VGS Latest News and Tips: 20 July 2017

Gen News:

About our blog... 2nd posting

The editor
Dear readers,

Our blog has posted over 800 days of information for our membership since it was first created in January, 2015. During that time, we have slowly gained readers from our membership and anyone else that may follow our blog. However, with a membership of over 1100 members the percentage of members who have subscribed to receive the blog via email remains in the low teen's and readers from our website is minimal. It's time to ask "Is it worthwhile for The VGS to continue a daily blog?"
I would like your feedback through a very short survey that you can complete in less than a minute.
Thank you to the 40 people who completed the survey from yesterday's request. If you haven't already taken the survey, please take the survey right now, and thank you for your response.
Take the survey HERE...

Denied Access to a Vital Record? Try the Newspaper!

Legacy Tree Genealogists
"Strict privacy laws, designed to protect both the living and the dead from having their identities stolen, can create some serious problems for a genealogist. Some states permit the acquisition of birth, marriage, or death records when the individuals named in those records have been dead for 50 years, or 100 years after the event was recorded. Other states allow only immediate family members
to have access to birth, marriage, or death records. When you need the information contained in a vital record but are denied access to that record, what can you do?"
Continue reading...

Thank You for Teaching Me to Index:

FamilySearch
"In one form or another, thousands of indexers shared their gratitude for the help of valued friends and leaders as they began indexing. While many tools and tutorials teach how to index, nothing compares to the guidance of a patient friend."
Continue reading...

MyHeritageDNA Sale:

We’re happy to announce a huge DNA sale, starting now through July 24. For a limited time, you can get the MyHeritage DNA test at the specially discounted price of $69.

The MyHeritage DNA test finds DNA Matches – people who are related to you, whom you may not have known before. You will also enjoy our new and improved Ethnicity Estimate, which provides you with a percentage-based estimate of your ethnic origins covering 42 ethnic regions, more than any other major DNA company and many of which are available only on MyHeritage. The Ethnicity Estimate is presented in an original and engaging format (see example here), making it not only interesting but also fun to watch and share.

Learn more...

Tech:

Should I Buy the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus?

How-to-Geek
"The iPhone 7 is available in two sizes: the regular 4.7” screen iPhone 7, and the 5.5” screen iPhone 7 Plus. Both phones are available with 32GB, 128GB or 256GB of storage in Jet Black, Black, Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, and Red. Let’s take a look at how each phone differs and consider which one is the right fit for you."
Continue reading...

The Best Streaming Music Services for Any Type of Listener:

How-to-Geek
"Back in the days of the iPod, the future of digital music looked like a more convenient, a la carte version of the past: customers could buy single tracks for relatively little money, but the paradigm was still about owning music that you then managed yourself. With the advent of smartphones and always-on connections, the streaming service reigns supreme. Now you can pay a monthly fee (or listen to advertising) for an all-you-can-eat selection of millions of songs."
Continue reading...

Education:

Genealogy Basics: Birth Record Research Advice for Beginners:

Ancestral Findings
"Are you ready to learn how to obtain birth records for your ancestors? Here's how to find these important vital records that document your ancestors' lives."
Listen now... 5.32 minutes

Webinar Reminder:

The DAR Library: Resources for Genealogists

Presenter: Darryn Lickliter, Director, DAR Library
Today: 20 July 2017 at 8 p.m. Eastern
This will be an overview of the Library's (and Society's) genealogical holdings, including the Genealogical Research System. There will be discussion on the GRS's evolution and how this might impact its use as a genealogical source. This webinar is part of APG’s series on research in Washington, DC.

About the Presenter: Darryn Lickliter, a native of Indiana, has been an active genealogical researcher for over 35 years. He studied German and Spanish at Indiana University and later completed his master’s degree at Drexel University in Library Science. He began working for the DAR as a genealogist in 1999 and has worked on several digitization projects over the years. In 2012, Darryn became the Director of the Office of the Registrar General and in March 2016 he took on the additional responsibility of Library Director.

Registration required: Register HERE... 

Another Webinar Reminder:

FSGS
Today: 20 Jul 2017 at 8:00 p.m.
Connie Lenzen, CGSM" "Strategies for Adoption Research and Finding Other Missing Persons"
• Webinar Abstract: Adoption touches many families. The search to reunite birth parents and birth children utilizes all research strategies. These same strategies are used to find relatives who have come up missing.
• Presenter: Connie is a full-time professional genealogist, author, and teacher. She is the author of the Oregon Guide to Genealogical Resources and a contributing author to national and local genealogical publications. She lectures at local, state, regional, and national conferences.
• Website: www.lenzenresearch.com
• Register HERE...

Editor's Comment: Two great webinars going on at the same time... I know it's hard to pick one but we have no control on when other agencies schedule their events.

VGS Latest News and Tips: 19 July 2017

Gen News:

About our blog...

The editor
Dear readers,

Our blog has posted over 800 days of information for our membership since it was first created in January, 2015. During that time, we have slowly gained readers from our membership and anyone else that may follow our blog. However, with a membership of over 1100 members the percentage of members who have subscribed to receive the blog via email remains in the low teen's and readers from our website is minimal. It's time to ask "Is it worthwhile for The VGS to continue a daily blog?"
I would like your feedback through a very short survey that you can complete in less than a minute.
Please take this survey now, and thank you for your response.

Take the survey HERE...

10 Great Resources for Jewish Genealogy:

Rootstech
Part 3 of a 3 part series...
"Internet search engines return thousands of sources when you search for “Jewish genealogy,” and finding what you really need can be difficult. The following 10 resources can help point you in the right direction:"
Continue reading...

Google Books: An Untapped Genealogy Resource:

Legacy Tree Genealogists
"If you’ve done any work on your family history, chances are at some point you’ve tried using a Google search to see if it would come up with information you didn’t already have. However, there is a lot more to researching your ancestors on Google than just typing in their name. One very useful resource is Google Books, and if you haven’t tried using it, you should!"
Continue reading...

Tech:

Why Some Scenes In Your Favorite Action Movies Look Jerky:

How-to-Geek
"If you’ve watched recent action movies, you may have noticed a slightly disorienting jerkiness to the video. No, it’s not because of shaky cam and excessive jump cuts. Many modern (and some older) movies have an effect called “strobing” that makes action scenes look less fluid than the others. Today, we’re going to explain why this happens."
Continue reading...

How to Record a Video of Your iPhone or iPad’s Screen:

How-to-Geek
"Apple offers an official way to record your iPhone or iPad’s screen if you have a Mac. If you just have a Windows PC, there are third-party apps that will allow you to record anything on your screen."
Continue reading...

Education:

Lineage Societies: How to Join Them (and Why You Should):

Ancestral Findings
"At some point in your genealogical journey, you will probably want to join a lineage society. Here's why lineage societies are great to join, and how to join them."
Listen now... 7.43 minutes

Webinar Reminder:

The Firelands, The Connecticut Western Reserve, and the Ohio Territory:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"The northeastern lands of Ohio are aptly named “The Firelands”, and “The Western Reserve”. How did they come to be called that? And, what connection do they have to the northeastern states?"
Today, July 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG
Learn more or Register for this webinar...