Showing posts with label webinar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label webinar. Show all posts

Saturday, September 5, 2020

VGS News & Events: September 6 through September 12, 2020

For the foreseeable future, The Villages Genealogical Society will continue to conduct virtual monthly general meetings using our GoToWebinar facilities and they will be recorded. Special Interest Groups may use our GoToWebinar facilities if they are available. All SIG's also have access to Zoom Video Communications for their meetings.  The most accurate list of up coming meetings can be found on our website under "Coming Events."

Zoom access information will not be posted on our website for security reasons. Contact the SIG coordinator directly for Zoom meeting access information. Contact information can be found on their SIG web page.

Coming Events:
Monday, September 7
Italian Genealogy SIG Meeting
1:00 pm
Online Zoom Meeting
Mary Frances Gerace, Coordinator
Contact the coordinator, through their SIG web page, for the link to this meeting. 

Monday, September 7
RootsMagic Special Interest Group Meeting
2:30 pm
Online Zoom Meeting
Val Harris & George Zitterell Co-Coordinators
Leading the discussion:  Ken Macomber "Using Narrative Reports in RootsMagic  7"
To attend, contact Val Harris (vharriskokomo66@yahoo.com) and request the Zoom Meeting log-on instructions.

Tuesday, September 8
Preserving Family History SIG Meeting
Online Webinar
Nancy Schultz and Sharol Lewin, Coordinators
Topic: "Get Organized to Write Your Family Story" Guest Speaker: Annette Burke Lyttle

Wednesday, September 9
New to Genealogy SIG Meeting
2:30 pm
Online Zoom Meeting
Carol LaSalle, Coordinator
For Members with less than 2 years of genealogy experience.
Contact the coordinator, through their SIG web page, for the link to this meeting.  

Thursday, September 10
German Genealogy SIG Meeting  (German SIG)
9:30 am
Zoom Meeting
Dianne Fedderson & Steven Buhrow, coordinators
Contact the coordinator, through their SIG web page, for the link to this meeting. 

Friday, September 11
Genetic Genealogy SIG Meeting
10:00 am
Zoom Meeting
Sherry Bean and Diann LaRosa, coordinators
Topic: "DNA Painter"
Contact the coordinator, through their SIG web page, for the link to this meeting. 

Saturday, September 12
African American SIG Monthly Meeting
Online Zoom Meeting
Carol LaSalle, Coordinator
Contact the coordinator, through their SIG web page, for the link to this meeting. 

Gen News and Announcements:

Finding Your Ancestors in United States Church Records:

FamilySearch
"If you’re hitting a brick wall with your United States ancestors, consider looking for them in church or synagogue records. Many people affiliated with a religious institution, even if they didn’t attend regularly. Churches often recorded the names of members and those who were married or eulogized by the clergy or who participated in church rites."

FamilySearch Announces RootsTech Connect 2021: A Free Global Virtual Event

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch is thrilled to announce that the RootsTech 2021 conference previously planned for February 3–6, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, will now be held on February 25–27, 2021, as a free, virtual event online. RootsTech Connect 2021 will enable attendees to participate from around the world and will feature inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of classes in multiple languages, and a virtual marketplace. Reserve your place today at RootsTech.org."

Our Commitment to Preserving the Memory of the Holocaust:

Ancestry
"As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, fewer than 400,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive, and by 2030, there could be fewer than 100,000. We are at a critical time, where the impact and memory of the Holocaust is in danger of being lost."

Ancestry and the Longest Segment:

Kitty Cooper
"Ancestry now shows the longest segment on a DNA match’s profile page which could be very useful to help decide which matches to pursue and which ones to ignore."

When is a Brick Wall not a Brick Wall?

Genealogy's Star
 "In this post, I am going to try to identify the type of situations that cannot be classified as "brick walls" for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, there is no consistent and universally accepted definition for what is and what is not a brick wall."

How to Store Print Photographs So They Last for Generations:

Wirecutter
"In the age of boundless digital photograph storage, it can feel a bit old fashioned to worry about maintaining a print photograph collection. But experts we spoke with from the Smithsonian Institution Archives and National Geographic agree: A print photograph can serve as a crucial backup to your digital collection and act as a way to interact with history, both for this generation and for those to come."

Technology:

What’s New in Chrome 85, Available Now:

How-to Geek
"Chrome 85 arrived on the stable channel Aug. 25, 2020. The latest version of Chrome promises to speed up page loads on your computer and take advantage of more RAM on Android phones."

Education:

Quick Genealogy Tip: Genealogical Proof Standard

"In this quick genealogy tip I discuss the Genealogical Proof Standard, a system to measure the plausibility of a genealogical conclusion. Another way to see it is the standard to judge proof of a genealogical conclusion."
Listen now... 6.16 minutes

Webinars:

New Historical Records Available on MyHeritage:

Legacy Family Tree
"MyHeritage is constantly adding new historical records to SuperSearch™. Learn about the latest additions to the collection and the value they can add to your family history research."
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Dana Drutman

Cyndi's List in Practice:

Legacy Family Tree
"Sometimes overwhelming to beginners and sometimes underused by veterans, Cyndi's List is a research tool that is robust with resources helpful in everyone's research. Using specific examples for beginners, as well as more advanced researchers, we will explore the site and point out how to make the most of the categories and the links found within."
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter: Cyndi Ingle

Saturday, October 6, 2018

VGS News & Events: 7 October 2018 through 13 October 2018

Coming Events:
Monday: October 8, 2018
Family Tree Maker Users SIG Meeting
1:00 PM in the Patriot Room at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center
Topic: "The A,B,C's of Adding a New Person to Your Tree" How to add a new person, entering dates and locations, entering facts to this new person and how to source the facts that you have entered. Once your information is entered, what can be found in different reports the software can produce and what you can do with those reports.
Tuesday: October 9, 2018
Preserving Family History SIG Meeting
2:30 PM in the Destin Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center
Topic: “Gathering Data in a Spreadsheet”, presented by Tom Sodeman
Wednesday: October 10, 2018
Irish Genealogy SIG Meeting
10:00 AM in the Osceola Room at the Chula Vista Recreation Center
Wednesday: October 11, 2018
New to Genealogy SIG Meeting
2:30 PM in the Neptune Beach Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center
Thursday: October 12, 2018
German Genealogy SIG Meeting
9:30 AM in the Reliance Room at the Late Miona Recreation Center
Topic: "Preserving Family History: Getting Past Data" - presented by Thomas Sodeman
Friday: October 13, 2018
Genetic Genealogy SIG Meeting
10:00 AM in the Rhett Butler Room at the Savannah Center
Topic: "DNA Show & Tell"

Gen News and 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 Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of September 24, 2018

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch expands its free online archives this week with almost 4 million new searchable names from England and Wales, taken from the National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957. New indexed records are also available from Argentina, Australia, Colombia, France, Lesotho, Liberia, and the United States (Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia)."
Search now...

The Leeds Method

DNAeXplained
"This is the first in a series of two articles. This article explains the Leeds Method and how I created a Leeds Spreadsheet in preparation for utilizing the results in DNAPainter. I stumbled around a bit, but I think I’ve found a nice happy medium and you can benefit from my false starts by not having to stumble around in the dark yourself. Of course, I’m telling you about the pitfalls I discovered."
Continue reading...

DNAPainter: Painting Leeds Method Matches

DNAeXplained
"This is the second in a series of two articles. This article explains the Leeds Method (see above) and how I could use a painting technique to paint additional segments of my chromosomes.
Continue reading...

Ancestry vs MyHeritage vs Findmypast: What’s the Difference and Which One is Best?

Family History Daily
"Although we love free genealogy sites here at Family History Daily, and have spent a large amount of time curating collections of no-cost resources for you, we also love and use paid genealogy subscription sites every day. These sites often offer unique collections of records, powerful tools, and a lot of convenience."
Continue reading...

Finding Mexican Roots: Tips from Colleen Greene

Amy Johnson Crow
"Doing Mexican genealogy has its own set of challenges (even beyond the language barrier). Colleen Greene, a noted Mexican genealogy expert, shares her tips for finding your ancestor's hometown and major record groups you'll want to use. She also explains the structure of Hispanic surnames."
Continue reading...

Technology:

Windows 10’s October 2018 Update is Out Now: The Best Features and How to Get It:

How-to-Geek
"Microsoft released Windows 10’s October 2018 Update on October 2, 2018. Your PC may not automatically install this update for a few weeks, but you can download it now to get the latest features immediately."
Continue reading...

Education:

Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Records:

Ancestral Findings
"Marriage records are one of the top three most basic record types in genealogy, along with Death and Birth records. If you haven’t used marriage records in your research yet, you should, and it’s time to start."
Listen now...  8.58 minutes

Webinars:

On the Go: Using Your Mobile Device for Genealogy

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"In this webinar, you will learn how to use your mobile device to expand your family history research. From recording your family's story to sharing your discoveries, your mobile device has a wealth of tools that allow you to continue your research wherever you are."
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: MyHeritage Webinars
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

In Search of My Brother's Mother - An Adoption Story

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"I always knew my brother was adopted. It wasn't a big deal within our little family.. So when our Mother passed, and the adoption files were uncovered after more than 50 years in the back of a closet, I couldn't have imagined the journey we'd embark on. Pull up a chair. I'll tell you the story....genealogy research and all."
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Beth Foulk
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Strategies for Using FamilySearch

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"As one of the go-to resources for research Family Search is an amazing site that few take the time to explore. Learn how to get more information from this website through search techniques, wiki resources, and more."
Friday, October 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Shannon Combs-Bennett
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

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


Saturday, June 23, 2018

VGS News & Events: 24 June 2018 through 30 June 2018

L-R: Pat Harchar & Peg Williams working on the Florida Pioneer Project
Learn more about the project HERE...
Coming Events:
Tuesday: January 23, 2018
Midwest SIG Meeting:
2:00 PM in the Clearwater Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center
Wednesday: September 27, 2018
Brick Wall SIG Meeting
8:30 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center
Wednesday: September 27, 2018
General Monthly Meeting
9:30 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center (Note Time Change)
Presentation: "Filling Our Family Tree without Breaking the Bank"
A live webinar with Katherine R. Willson"
If you are unable to the meeting, you can view the webinar online .
You need to register to attend online...
The webinar will also be placed on our website for 90 days following the live presentation. You do not need to register if attending in person.

Gen News and Announcements:

Pioneer Scanning Project Update:

Pat Rand: Project Coordinator
Thanks to all of you who have continued to volunteer over the summer. There are so many who want to help that we still haven't been able to get everyone scheduled. It appears that we are probably over the half-way mark, as we are finished with the H-Ls and are working on M.

It's now 2 months into the project and we have done:517 applications this month, for a total of 1,05022,099 pages scanned, for a total of 37,500 (and remember, it is really DOUBLE that as each application is scanned twice).

The following volunteers have helped this month: Pat Adams, Bob Boerst, Mary Frances Gerace, Nancy Goodpasture, Barb Gunther, Pat Harchar, Cindy Hineman, Peg Hoskins, Bar Kelly, Scrib Kelly, Donna Koeppel, Carol Mrak, Al Paul, Mary Todd, Marge Watkins, Ruth Wible, and Bruce and Peg Williams.

We really appreciate all the help, and besides, it's been a lot of fun getting to know some of our members.

15 Ways to Solve Your Family History Mystery Once and for All:

Family History Daily
"This article is an excerpt from our online genealogy research course, The Genealogy Journey. The lesson here is part of an in-depth section on breaking down genealogical brick walls – which includes an additional 8 step, highly detailed strategy for solving even the toughest family mysteries."
Continue reading...

Summer Genealogy Inspiration:

The Occasional Genealogist
"Does summer have you avoiding or missing out on genealogy? It might be the weather or maybe it's your summer schedule. No matter the reason, summer can either be a great time to accomplish some genealogy or a genealogical waste-land (that you often don't even understand)."
Continue reading...

Courthouse Research Tips For Genealogists:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"Got a research trip coming up soon? These courthouse research tips for genealogists from The Archive Lady, Melissa Barker, will help you get organized before you hit the road. That way, you’ll be prepared to use your time well at your ancestor’s courthouse–to explore all those original records that may reveal your family history."
Continue reading...

Weigh In On DNA Standards:

The Legal Genealogist
"The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) has made it clear that it intends to more fully incorporate genetic evidence into Genealogy Standards. A committee tasked with reviewing the issue has proposed new and amended standards, and the Board is inviting public comment on the proposals."
Continue reading...

Finding Records From the War to End All Wars: Thinking “Outside-The-Box”

Genealogists.com
"This article highlights some “thinking-outside-the-box” records (a vital component of successful genealogical research!) at these sites."
Continue reading...

The FREE DNA Tool You Need to Know: Gedmatch

The Occasional Genealogist
"Are you interested in genetic genealogy? That’s genealogy using DNA testing. There is a great free tool you need to make sure you’re using."
Continue reading...

Family Legends: Fact or Fiction

The Sunburned Penguin
"We all have them. Family stories told by our grandparents about their grandparents. Tales of heroism, derring-do or just black sheep. As genealogists, we want to investigate these stories to determine how much of the story is actually true. Let’s look at four family legend case studies!"
Continue reading...

Technology:

Apple Claims iOS 12 Will Speed Up Old Devices:

How-to-Geek
"Updates often slow down your iPhone, but Apple says this update will speed your phone up. iOS 12 will speed up everything from your app launches to your keyboard and camera."
Continue reading...

Siri is Getting Custom Voice Actions in iOS 12:

How-to-Geek
"Siri is about to get a lot more powerful. Custom voice commands for any app will allow you to say “Hey Siri, I lost my keys” to instantly launch an app that will help you find them."
Continue reading...

Education:

Irish Immigration Wave: The Emerald Isle Comes to America:

Ancestral Findings
"Millions of Irish immigrants came to America in the mid-19th century to escape the horrors of the potato famine. Here, they faced new struggles. Learn more now."
Listen now...  5.16 minutes

Webinars:

Lightroom or Photoshop? What should I use for my photo editing?

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Many people just don't understand what tools they have available to them when it comes to editing photos. Within Adobe's Creative Suite, there are two programs designed specifically with photographers in mind: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. At first glance, these two programs might appear redundant, as they're both made with the goal of editing photographs of all kinds. But the truth is,  each program is designed with a different purpose in mind, and each offers a distinct post-production photography workflow. My webinar will breakdown why you should choose one over the other and why both of them are important to know and use."
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Jared Hodges
Learn more or Register for this webinar...


Saturday, June 9, 2018

VGS News & Events: 10 June 2018 through 16 June 2018

A big crowd at our May general meeting...
Coming Events:
Monday: June 11, 2018
Family Tree Maker Users SIG Meeting 
This Meeting Has Been Cancelled! Next meeting in July...
Tuesday: June 12, 2018
Preserving Family History SIG Meeting
This Meeting Has Been Cancelled as well as the July & August meetings.
Thursday: June 14, 2018
German Genealogy SIG Meeting
9:30 AM in the Reliance Room at the Late Miona Recreation Center
Saturday: June 16, 2018
Kinseekers Genealogical Society Workshops
Leesburg Public Library: Room A

Presenter: Kelli Bergheimer, MEd, MSM, PhD Candidate
10:15 a.m. "How to Clean the Mess On Your Desk"
1:15 p.m. "Understanding Your DNA Health Reports"
2:30 p.m. "Hands-On With GedMatch"
Seating is Limited - Pre-Registration is Recommended
Register at: contactus@kinseekers.org

Gen News and Announcements:

The Golden State Killer:

The Genealogy Gems Podcast (FREE) Episode #217
"In this special episode, spend a thought-provoking hour with Lisa as she explores the Golden State Killer case and the investigators' use of genetic genealogy websites. Get ready for a deep dive into the questions we face, the reality of the current DNA environment, and what it all means for you."
More info and/or listen now...  about 50 minutes

New Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of June 4, 2018

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch added over 700,000 New York naturalization records and one million more hiearchstorical records and images from Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, and New Jersey. The BillionGraves Index has added over 600,000 indexed records and images to their database. Find your Italian ancestors from Naples with nearly 85,000 new records, and Jewish Records from Hungary. Other countries represented are Australia, Denmark, Honduras, India, Liberia, Peru, Portugal, and Sweden."
Research these new free record snow...

Passport Applications For Genealogy: A Birth Mom’s Life:

Lisa Louise Cook
"Using passport applications in genealogy can lead to family history discoveries! See how this intrepid researcher tracked down passport applications that weren’t online. And then see what he learned about the life of a birth mother after she gave up her child in the 1920s."
Continue reading...

Discover 21,772,716 Images, Texts, Videos, & Sounds From Across The United States:

DPLA
"DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format."
Discover now...

5 Things to Know About Where Your Ancestor Lived:

Amy Johnson Crow
"There's an aspect of our ancestors' lives that we need to pay attention to: Where they lived. Location plays a crucial role in everything from what crops they could plant to who they could legally marry."
Continue reading...

New Records On Ancestry.Com, Familysearch And Findmypast:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"Search millions of new records on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch & Findmypast, three of the Genealogy Giants. Find your family history in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Sweden, the U.S., Wales and in PERSI, the Periodical Source Index."
Continue reading...

Beginning German Genealogy: Defining “German”

Lisa Louise Cooke
"Beginning German genealogy research starts with a key question: “What does ‘German’ really mean?” A Legacy Tree Genealogists expert responds with a story about ancestors whose German identity in the U.S. census seemed to keep changing—and why that was so."
Continue reading...

Technology:

Facebook Is Tracking Your Phone’s Location, Here’s How to Review Your History:

How-to-Geek
"Facebook’s mobile apps track your location constantly, unless you disable that feature. You can see this tracking for yourself, too."
Continue reading...

Education:

What Stories Are Your Ancestors’ Headstones Telling You?

Ancestral Findings
"Headstones are so much more than just permanent places to record a person’s name, birth, and death date. They are little windows into the lives of those ancestors. Join me today on this episode of the Ancestral Findings Podcast and I’ll show you how to read headstones that tell a story."
Listen now...  8.05 minutes

Webinars:

Easily Read Old Style American Handwriting:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Genealogical researchers love old records, family bibles, baptismal certificates, and census pages. Transcribing a will or a deed can be a daunting task, especially when the writing instruments are pre-1800. Cursive handwriting from the 1600's up to the 1900's is often a challenge. Knowing a few tips to decipher names, a word that doesn't make sense, or a troublesome abbreviation makes reading  old documents a lot easier."
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sharon Monson
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Saturday, May 26, 2018

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...
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...

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Florida State Genealogical Society Webinar

May FSGS Poolside Chat: 

So you’ve done all this research – now what? How do you figure out what you have and what to look for next? Learn how timelines enable you to organize your information, evaluate your evidence, analyze research results for accuracy, and identify next research steps.
 
Thursday, May 17, 2018
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET

 
You must pre-register to attend:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4924344630713480961
There is no fee to attend. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


The guest speaker is our very own Vice-President Annette Burke Lyttle.
Annette owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speakers Guild, as well as a number of national, state, and local societies. 

Saturday, January 20, 2018

VGS News & Events: 21 January 2018 through 27 January 2018

FTM Workshop 17 Jan 2018
Coming Events:
Monday: January 22, 2018
Technology SIG Meeting:
10:00 AM in the Destin Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center
Topic: "Using Filters in your Genealogy Software"
Tuesday: January 23, 2018
Midwest SIG Meeting:
2:00 PM in the Clearwater Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center
Presentation by Dona Black Weber on free resources for Midwestern Research.
Wednesday: January 24, 2018
Brick Wall SIG Meeting
8:30 AM at the Savannah Recreation Center
Wednesday: January 24, 2018
General Monthly Meeting
10:00 AM at the Savannah Recreation Center
Topic: Maureen Taylor - "Dating and Identifying Old Photographs"
Wednesday: January 24, 2018
Afternoon Workshop
1:30 PM at the Savannah Recreation Center
Topic: Maureen Taylor - "Discovering Genealogical Clues in 19th-Century Photographs"
We have a full room - No Seats Available

Gen News and Announcements:

DNA Do-Over: Downloading and Uploading Your DNA Test Data:

Abundant Genealogy
"So you’ve taken a DNA test from one of the major DNA testing companies that offer services for genealogy and family history research. What should you do once you receive your results? Here’s how to set up an action plan for downloading your DNA test data and then selecting another platform to which you can upload that same data:"
Continue reading...

Dick Eastman Genealogy Newsletter is Twenty-Two Years Old!

EOGN.com
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever dream that 22 years would be so interesting, so much fun, and so rewarding. The very first edition of Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter was sent on January 15, 1996."
Continue reading...

The Health 202: NIH Wants 1 Million Americans To Contribute To New Pool Of Gene Data:

The Washington Post
"Starting this spring, Americans across the country will be invited to contribute to a massive new pool of genomic information being assembled by the government, a project that represents the most ambitious effort yet to capitalize on the promising new frontier of gene-based medicine."
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Search 10 Million Free Newspaper Pages for Your Ancestors:

FamilyHistoryDaily
"Old newspapers are one of the most valuable resources available to family history researchers. Not only can they provide some of the critical basic data we need to grow our trees  – such as birth, marriage and death dates – they are one of the few resources that can help us expand our understanding of our ancestors’ personal stories as well."
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FamilySearch 2017 Genealogy Highlights:

FamilySearch
"FamilySearch online visitors made millions of personal family discoveries in 2017. The nonprofit family history giant published hundreds of millions of free historical records online in 2017 and experienced significant growth in its mobile app customer base. It's all part of FamilySearch's purpose to help individuals discover more about themselves by learning more about their ancestry roots. These are just some of the impressive highlights from FamilySearch's 2017 year in review."
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Understanding Genealogy Sources: Why “Provenance” Matters:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"In the art world, knowing the provenance of a piece is crucial to understanding its value. Provenance looks at an object’s origins, history, and ownership. These can shed light on whether the piece is authentic. In other words, it tells us whether it truly was created by the attributed artist in the stated timeframe. It also provides insight into the value of the item.
The principle of provenance is true for genealogical sources, too."
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Discover Your Mayflower Ancestors:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"In anticipation of the 2020 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage, the New England Historic Genealogical Society (aka AmericanAncestors.org) has launched a new website, Mayflower 2020."
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Understanding DNA Ethnicity Estimates:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"DNA ethnicity estimates are fun conversation-starters. But the “pie charts” become more meaningful genealogically when you can assign timelines to the places your ancestors were from. Here’s an update to our ongoing conversation about what DNA ethnicity results really mean."
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Technology:

Password Managers Compared: LastPass vs KeePass vs Dashlane vs 1Password:

How-to-Geek
"There are dozens of password managers out there, but no two are created alike. We’ve rounded up the most popular options and broken down their features so you can pick the right one for you."
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Amazon Echo vs. Google Home: Which One Should You Buy?

How-to-Geek
"Both the Amazon Echo and Google Home have earned their place at the top of the smarthome hierachy, but which one should you buy?"
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Education:

How to Use Cluster Research to Find Those Hidden Ancestors:

Ancestral Findings
"Have you heard of the cluster technique? If not, you should know it is a powerful method for breaking through genealogical brick walls. Join me today as I give you the details."
Listen now...  8.01 minutes

Webinars:

Finding Jamestown Ancestors:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Explore numerous sources that can further genealogical research to help individuals identify a qualifying ancestor in order to join the Jamestown Society. In addition to sources, KC touches on planning your research, sources to help you find sources, and common research pitfalls in genealogical research and how to avoid them."
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: KC Reid
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

Saturday, September 23, 2017

VGS News & Events: 24 September 2017 - 30 September 2017

Coming Events:
Monday: September 25, 2017
Technology SIG Meeting:
10:00 AM in the Hearth Room at the Colony Recreation Center
Topic: “Managing Your Computer Files: Making Sense of the Chaos.”
Note the meeting location change for this meeting only.
Wednesday: September 27, 2017
Brick Wall SIG Meeting
8:30 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center
Wednesday: September 27, 2017
General Monthly Meeting
10:00 AM in the Atlanta Room in the Savannah Center
Topic: “Googling Your Family: Using the Whole Google Website” by Ann Staley CGSM, CGLSM

Gen News & Announcements:

New Online! English Genealogy Records and More:

Lisa Louise Cooke
"English genealogy records abound in this week’s roundup of new family history records online. Find England BMD, parish records, newspapers, and more. Also: an important addition to the British Newspaper Archive’s Irish newspaper collection,  over 1,000 years of Chinese documents and records, German vital records, parish records for Italy and Sweden, and new US collections for VA, OH and NY."
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September Is Save Your Photo Month:

Hound on the Hunt
"Did you know that September is; save your photo month? Well, it’s been designated that but actually any month you decide to save photos I think is the right one. I’m a firm believer that you need to keep those photos safe. As we see so many natural disasters around us right now it makes you realize that you need to be proactive about scanning those photos and storing them; not just on your computer but in the cloud."
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Are In-person Genealogy Events Dead?

Amy Johnson Crow
"There are rumblings on social media about the possible end of in-person genealogy events like conferences and seminars. With all of the blogs, webinars, and email newsletters out there, are in-person genealogy events dead?"
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How to Use Ancestry’s Hints Without Going Crazy:

Amy Johnson Crow
"Many genealogists have a love/hate relationship with Ancestry's hints. Those little shaky leaves can yield great clues, but like leaves in the fall, it can feel overwhelming when they start piling up. Here's how to manage those hints."
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Mining the 1880 Census Mother Lode: Insanity and Idiocy:

Ancestor Cloud
"Family Search refers to the 1880 census as the “mother lode of questions pertaining to physical condition, criminal status, and poverty.”  Why is that?"
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Pedigree Collapse: Are We All Cousins?

Ancestor Cloud
"Have you ever thought about how many ancestors one person could possibly have?
Mathematically speaking, taking one’s family tree out thirty generations would result in about a BILLION ancestors."
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4 Things To Do When Using a Genealogy Database:

Amy Johnson Crow
"Each genealogy database that we use is slightly different. (Some of them are really different!) That means that they can act differently, which can have an impact on the results we're getting. Whether you're looking at the latest databases on Ancestry or FamilySearch or exploring a new-to-you collection, here are 4 things you should do when using a genealogy database."
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Tech:

What the Equifax Breach Means to You:

Ask Leo
"On September 7th, the U.S. credit reporting company Equifax announced they had suffered a massive data breach some months earlier.
Equifax's handling of that breach has since been termed a “dumpster fire” by noted journalist Brian Krebs. Their instructions, website, and tools to help you determine if you've been impacted have been nothing short of a total mess. The term I'd use instead of dumpster fire isn't appropriate for a family publication.
All indications are that if you've ever had a credit report, your information is likely part of this mess. Even if you're not sure, it's best to assume it.
So. What now?
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More information from the Federal Trade Commission...

Education:

Ways to Be Constantly Improving Your Genealogy Research:

Ancestral Findings
"Do you want to become a better genealogist? You can! Join me on the GenealogyGold Podcast and I’ll give you three ways you can be constantly improving your genealogical skills."
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Upcoming Webinars:

Quick Guide to Texas Research:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"An introductory look at the records and repositories for getting started in Texas Research."
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Deena Coutant
Learn more or Register for this webinar...


Saturday, September 16, 2017

VGS News & Events: 17 September 2017 through 23 September 2017

Coming Events:
Wednesday: September 20, 2017
Mid-Atlantic States SIG Meeting
This meeting has been cancelled.
Wednesday: September 20, 2017
Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 a.m. Pinellas Library
Thursday: September 21, 2017
New England Genealogy SIG Meeting
Noon in the New Smyrna Room at the Sea Breeze Recreation Center

Gen News & Announcements:

21st Annual Central Florida Family History Conference:

You’re invited to the 21st Annual Central Florida Family History Conference on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 from 9am – 4:00pm. We are one of the largest family history conferences on the East Coast of the United States! This regional event brings world-class speakers from all over the country to help you find your family’s history! Our Keynote Speaker this year features Crista Cowan, Corporate Genealogist at Ancestry.com!!
Location: Again this year we are proudly holding the conference at OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL at 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32835.
Admission: The admission fee is $35.00 per person and includes the conference notebook.
More Information...
Register Online...
Editor's Note: This is always a great conference. I do not have any bus information at this time.

Contacting DNA Matches: Get More Responses with these Pro Tips:

AncestryDNA
"Discovering unknown relatives is one of the most exciting parts of receiving AncestryDNA test results. Among these newly found relatives are longtime Ancestry subscribers with robust family trees. They may be able to help break down the brick walls in your research, and you may be able to do the same for them. Of course, with this gold mine of information comes the potential for frustration."
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How to Conduct Successful Google Searches:

AncestorCloud
"One of the largest and most sophisticated databases for genealogists is Google:  yes, the ubiquitous, much loved and much vilified repository for all information about everything in the world, is actually one of the best genealogical resources."
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Using the Social Security Death Index:

AncestorCloud
"The US Social Security Death Index (or SSDI) is an old favorite among family history researchers, and if you haven’t heard about this record collection I’m going to explain what it is and how it is useful in your family history research."
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Genealogy in Ireland:  Part 1 – Getting Started

Genealogists.com
"Are you considering exploring your Irish roots for the first time, or want to investigate your family history further but are unsure where to start?
Irish genealogy has somewhat of a reputation for being a disappointing and frustrating pastime for amateur family historians. Stories of people hitting the dreaded brick wall, and that all the records were lost in the 1922 Four Courts fire in Dublin. Indeed many records, but not all, were lost. Some of the lost records include the original returns of the 1831 census and pre 1858 wills (although the indexes are still available). The 1861 to 1891 census returns were destroyed by Government Order."
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Click here to read the other posts in this series on Genealogy in Ireland:

Preserve Your Legacy: 9 Tips for Interviewing Relatives

FamilySearch
"We just never know how much longer our relatives will be able to share precious memories of their past and their ancestors. It is so important to take advantage of every opportunity to listen to and record our loved ones so their posterity can remember them.
Here are nine tips to make recording interviews an enjoyable activity for you and your family."
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New! New York Death Index, 1880-1956:

Ancestry
"If you’re researching in New York State, we have some good news for you. Ancestry has just launched a collection of New York State death indexes covering 1880 to 1956. The collection includes more than 5 million names of people who died in New York State. "
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Introducing the DNA Match Review Page:

MyHeritage
"If you’ve taken a MyHeritage DNA test or uploaded your DNA data to MyHeritage, then you will have received a list of your DNA Matches. The list shows people whose DNA matches yours, the percentage of DNA you share, and your possible relationship. DNA results can imply several possible relationships between you and a DNA Match, such as 3rd – 4th cousin, but now you’d like to understand how you are related to the match. Where do you go from here?"
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Tech:

Old Photo, New Life: A Practical Guide to Scanning Old Photos:

Artifact Uprising
"Maybe you are like me and your old family photos live a little bit of everywhere. Some photos take home in shoeboxes tucked away in a nearby closet. Others live in dusty albums and in countless zip codes: your baby photos are split between the home where you grew up and a token few reside in your nightstand; your teenage years are caught up in a half-finished scrapbook; and the photo from your grandparent's wedding day has always been in dispute amongst your siblings. Sound familiar?"
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How to Lock the iPad With a Passcode or Password:

Lifewire
"Are you concerned about security with your iPad? You can lock your iPad by adding a 4-digit passcode, a 6-digit passcode or an alpha-numeric password. Once a passcode is enabled, you will be prompted for it any time you use it. You can also choose whether or not to have access to Notifications or Siri while the iPad is locked."
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Education:

European Censuses:

Ancestral Findings
"Do you have ancestors who lived in Europe and you want to find out more about them? Join me on today’s episode, as we consider researching European censuses."
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Upcoming Webinars:

When Does Newfound Evidence Overturn a Proved Conclusion?

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Even thorough research can miss relevant sources. What are the options when useful information or DNA test results appear after a researcher establishes a conclusion?"
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.
Presenter: Tom Jones, Ph.D, CG, CGL
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

WolframAlpha for Genealogists:

Legacy Family Tree Webinars
"Wolfram Alpha provides solutions to questions such as “How am I related to my great-grandmother’s niece” or “What was the time of the sunrise on April 1, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois?” Learn how this unique site can expand your genealogy and family history research."
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Thomas MacEntee
Learn more or Register for this webinar...

FREE DNA WEBINAR! Reveal Your Unique Story through DNA and Family:

Lisa Louise Cook
History will be broadcast LIVE from New York City on Saturday, September 23rd, 11:00 am Eastern. Join Lisa Louise Cooke of Genealogy Gems and DNA expert Diahan Southard along with Beth Forrester of Animoto in this 90-minute webinar.  Here’s what you’ll learn:

  1. Your DNA Guide will dispel the myth that there’s just on DNA test. There are more options, and possible outcomes, than you might think! Diahan will walk you through the choices.
  2. Creative ideas for filling in the gaps in your family’s story. Lisa will who you online tools for you that go well beyond names and dates. Then we’ll expand your story in unexpected ways by finding DNA connections.
  3. Share the story you’ve uncovered through awesome video. Lisa & Beth will show you how easy it is to tell your story like a pro!

Click HERE to register - via Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems