Kicking Off the IGGP Conference 2025

Today, I’m heading to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the “Celebrate Your German-Speaking Ancestors” conference, hosted by the Palatines to America German Genealogy Society. This will be my first time attending this biennial event.

First, I want to say thank you to the organizers of this conference. It hasn’t been easy for them. Some members of the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) board and a few scheduled speakers decided not to travel to the United States due to current travel advisories from Germany.

Additionally, the original conference venue, the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, announced that its renovations and construction won’t be finished in time. Because of this, 15 attendees were offered the option to move their reservations to a nearby Sheraton.

I chose not to be one of them. The Sheraton is two miles away, and I often need a midday break. Plus, I signed up for evening events and didn’t want to deal with traveling back and forth. I’ve missed out in the past by not staying at the main conference hotel, and this time I wanted the full experience.

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the IGGP conference for the first time. I’ve attended FGS and NGS conferences before and always enjoyed them. I love learning new things, exploring the vendor booths, and diving into all things genealogy for three days straight.

Today is a travel day for me. I’ll arrive in Columbus early in the afternoon. On the schedule today is a German Village Bus Tour and a casual get-together for IGGP partners. Tonigth I’ll be able to attend the Welcome Reception. Tomorrow, the sessions begin, with four options to choose from during each time slot.

Check back soon for updates on all the wonderful things I’m experiencing!

Family Search Full-Text Search for Unindexed Records

FamilySearch "Full-Text Search" from FamilySearch Labs was introduced at RootsTech 2024. This feature uses artificial intelligence to search the millions of FamilySearch records that are not indexed. A video and more information can be found here.

Full-text search is easy to access—I even bookmarked it on my desktop for quick use.

How to Use Full-Text Search

1. Go to FamilySearch Labs.
2. Scroll down to "Expand your search with Full Text" and click on "Go To Experiment" (or it may say "Try Me"), as shown above.
3. Enter your search parameters and begin searching.

I experimented with different search methods. Using keywords alone was not very effective, but searching by name yielded better results. The most successful approach was searching by name and place together.

I’ve spent hours exploring this tool. My download folder quickly filled with images, which I finally organized. Now, I need to add them to my genealogy software, Roots Magic.

Some Records I Found

• Timothy Corcoran's Pullman Company records
• Frank H. Glover's funeral record
• Early 1700s Connecticut records
• Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad records (1927–1930)
• And more!

Future Research Plans

I still need to explore additional records I found, including:

• Lighthouse records
• Deeds
• Kalamazoo Court dockets
• Manistee (MI) mortgages and land records
• Other Michigan county records
• Then, I’ll head to Vermont!

About RootsTech

RootsTech is an annual genealogy conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year, it takes place March 6–8, 2025, with a free virtual option. It’s a great opportunity to discover new tools and innovations from FamilySearch.

For more information and to register, visit RootsTech 2025. Past RootsTech sessions are also available online if you missed any. I will be viewing virtually. Will I "see" you there?

Michael Strauss to Speak at MGC Fall Family History Seminar

First, I cannot say enough good things about genealogist, Michael Strauss. Michael coordinated the "Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records" at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in July 2022.

I attended this course, virtually, and was impressed by Michael's depth of knowledge. He had COVID while teaching the course and still did an amazing job. Michael's strength is in Federal Records and Military Records. The syllabus is one I continue to go back to repeatedly, including this past week.

Michigan is fortunate to have Michael Strauss as their speaker at the Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC) Fall Family History Seminar. Attendees can meet Michael in person in Lansing or attend virtually. The seminar will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing MI.

Michael is employed as a Research Manager and Senior Genealogist for Ancestry ProGenealogists. He is a native of Pennsylvania and a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He is a published author and national genealogical lecturer, instructor, and faculty member at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR), where he coordinates the military history courses. Michael has been involved in Civil War and Mexican American War reenacting for more than twenty-five years.

 Michael Strauss’s presentations will be:

·       Introduction to Military Genealogy Research will focus on a large number of records, strategies, and techniques to find your military ancestors from the colonial era through the Vietnam War.

·       A House Divided: Research in the Civil War will examine records most used by genealogists and historians, including service records, draft records, pensions, and records to trace the movement of your ancestor’s military unit for both sides.

·       Roosevelt’s Tree Army: Researching in the Civilian Conservation Corps will explore CCC genealogical resources between 1933-1942, including Office Personnel Files, discharge certificates, accident reports, camp and district reports, photographs, and motion pictures.

·       All in a Day’s Work: Occupational Genealogical Research will focus on the methodology to research your ancestor’s work history, tapping into records of employment and discussing old occupations no longer in use.

Two additional session options are available. One presented by Kris Rzepczynski of the Archives of Michigan and one by Matt Pacer of the Library of Michigan. More information is on the registration form.

Registration for the November 4th, 9 am to 4 pm seminar is available at mimgc.org. Register now and take advantage of early bird pricing.

 Registration Options include:

• You may attend in person or via Zoom.
• Early Bird (until October 26 at 11:59 pm.) Cost $50. Regular registration cost is $60.
• Optional box lunch from Grand Traverse Pie Company cost $15 (order due no later than Oct 26)
• Downloadable syllabus is included with each registration and emailed prior to the event. An optional printed syllabus is available for an additional $7.50. The print option is only available to on-site attendees and must be ordered when registering. The deadline for the print order is October 26.
• Class selections are not locked in, you may attend either session when two are scheduled.

Other things you can do if you attend in person are visit the Archives of Michigan and the Library of Michigan, they are open 10-4 on Saturdays AND there is Free Parking! Network with other genealogists. Attend the free library and archives lock in which will be held for seminar attendees. If you would like to attend the Friday, Nov 3rd, 5pm-10pm Lock-In at the Archives and Library, you will receive a link to register in the confirmation email that is sent following receipt of this registration form.

Whether you attend in person or via Zoom, you will get quality genealogical education from Michael Strauss. I hope to see you there. 

 

Summer Surgery and GRIP Courses

Photo taken by Brenda Leyndyke

I hope my readers are enjoying their summer. Here in Michigan, we have had some hot weather, but not like temperatures in other parts of the world. July seemed to just fly by. You may have noticed I did not post during July. The number one reason was because I had knee replacement surgery on June 15th and spent the next six weeks recovering from it. Once four weeks had passed, I was able to do more and that led to catching up on things around the house and doing at home physical therapy. You combine this with family visitors, GRIP, and summer life and it leads to zero postings.

Speaking of GRIP, the Genealogical Research Institute in Pittsburgh, I was able to take two courses this summer. The first one was Law School for Genealogists with Judy Russell as course coordinator. Rich Sayre and Marion Smith joined her. I am thoroughly versed in the laws that impact my genealogical research. This class started four days after my knee replacement surgery. It might not have been the best scheduling on my part, but I did persevere. I only used Tylenol for pain during this time, so I was clear headed. 

This course was well organized and flowed from one session to another. I learned about state and federal courts, estate law, military law, immigration law, family law, and more. The classes on Century of Lawmaking; The Serial Set, American State Papers, and Territorial Papers; and The Serial Set et al Illustrated were some of my favorites. Rick Sayre really knows his stuff and I learned a lot about these records. Now, I just need to dig deeper into all the topics presented. I will be writing more about how I put all this information to effective use in my own research.

A new class was offered this year at GRIP. It was Guide to Treasures in Federal Records with Michael Strauss as course coordinator. Additional instructors were Annette Burke Lyttle, Cara Jones, and Rich Venezia. Poor Michael was recovering from COVID, and he did an exceptional job. This course was packed with information. I am still processing everything that was taught. I have quite a reading list I am working through as well. 

Of course, much of the information was on using NARA, but other little known federal records resources were provided as well. I took the class because my local genealogical society, Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, takes a weeklong bus trip to Washington, D.C. each fall. Each day a bus will drop off and pick up at NARA, DAR library, and Library of Congress. If I didn't need my other knee replaced, I would have signed up for it this year. Fingers crossed for next year.

Michael's course covered Federal Census Records, Government Documents, Federal Tax Records, Military Service Records, Draft and Selective Service, Military Pensions, Reconstructive Era, Federal Land Laws, Public Domain, Bounty Land, Bankruptcy, New Deal, Patent Office records, Copyright and Trademarks, U.S. Postal Records, and Immigration and Naturalization laws and records. It was four and a half days filled with great instructors and presentations.

I suggested Michael have another course on federal records. There are so many things at NARA to dig into, I am sure it would be enough for another class.

Now, the question on everyone's mind, "How many books did you buy?" I did buy a few books. In addition to my other readings, I have books to read! Some of these titles are dated, but the general information in them made we want to add them to my library.

1. The Archives A Guide to the National Archives Field Branches.
2. Military Records at the National Archives
3. Our Documents: 100 Milestone Documents at the National Archives (this one was for my husband who is supportive of my obsession hobby.)
4. The Beginner's Guide to Using Tax Records
5. Center: A Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Capital
6. The Northwest Ordinance 1787 A Bicentennial Handbook.
7. Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury
8. Understanding Revolutionary War and Invalid Pension Ledgers 1818-1872 and the Pension Payment Vouchers They Represent

One other book that I ordered was The Law of the Hills: A Judicial History of Vermont. Judy Russell's class impressed upon me the importance of knowing the law at the time of our ancestor's lives. My ancestors settled in Vermont pre-statehood. If you know anything about Vermont during this time you know there were land disputes with New Hampshire and New York. I am hoping this book will help me understand this period. I ordered it from the Vermont Historical Society and I like to help historical and genealogical societies by purchasing from them.

I cannot say enough about the value of attending an institute course. I have attended GRIP for three years now and they were all virtual. Next year, GRIP will be one week virtual and one week in person. There are other institutes to attend. I wrote about those in another post. 

I did learn about another institute and I don't know how I hadn't heard of it before. It is the Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (GEN-FED). I think I would like to explore this further.

What genealogically related things have you done this summer? I hope you have found joy in what you did. I know I have.

Best Deal in Genealogy: Family History Library Classes & Webinars

If you are like me you want to make the best use of your genealogy budget.  There are so many things genealogists can spend money on: books, records, research trips, conferences, online subscriptions, society dues, magazines, printer ink, gadgets, DNA testing, office supplies and more.  The list can go on and on.

Last week, I found the best bargain in genealogy.  The Western European Family History Conference that FamilySearch live streamed for FREE!  Yes, free.  It was five days of national conference quality presentations.

Each day of the week focused on an area of Western Europe.  The following areas were covered: Germany, France, The Low Countries, The Netherlands, and Switzerland.  The research I do for my husband and I involved all of these countries except Belgium and Luxembourg, which were included in the Low Countries.

There were 25 classes in all.  I cleared my schedule, except for Friday, and was able to watch 18 of the 25 live streams.  Three of the classes I passed on as I wasn't doing research in those areas at this time; another three I missed because I run errands for my parents on Friday.

It would be impossible to pick which classes were the best, they were all top notch with top notch presenters and handouts.  Presenters included Mindy Jacox, Coreen Barrett-Valentine, Jilline Maynes, F. Warren Bittner, Brandon L. Baird, Heidi G. Sugden, Baerbel K. Johnson, Fritz Juengling, Daniel R. Jones, and Sonja Nishimoto.

The classes I watched are in italics:

     Germany

• Finding German Places of Origin
• Spelling Variations in German Given and Place Names
• Meyer's Gazetter Now Online, Indexed and Fully Searchable
• German Church Records and Beyond: Deepen Your Research Using a Variety of Town Reocrds
• Elusive Immigrant:  Methods of Proving Identity

     France

• Finding Your French Ancestors Online, Part 1 Family Search and Ancestry
• Finding Your French Ancestors Online, Part 2 France GenWeb
• Finding Your French Ancestors Online, Part 3, Geneanet
• Out of the Ashes of Paris
• Research in Alsace-Lorraine

     The Low Countries

• Latin for Researchers
• Calendar Changes in France, Germany, Switzerland and the Low Countries
• Gazetteers and Maps for Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands
• Beginning Research in Luxembourg
• Beginning Research in Belgium

     The Netherlands

• Names in Belgium and the Netherlands
• WieWasWie, Past the Index:  What to Do Next
• Dutch Provincial and City Research
• Dutch Research Before 1811
• Finding Your Family in the Amazing Online Amsterdam City Archives

     Switzerland

• Beginning Swiss Research
• Swiss Maps and Gazetteers
• Swiss Archives Online Records
• Swiss Census Records
• Swiss Chorgericht (Court) Records

I don't know where I have been the last two years because this is the first time I heard about these classes.  The Family History Library Classes and Webinars at the FamilySearch Wiki is the place to go to find out more information about what FamilySearch offers.

This wiki page shows you class schedules for on site classes at the Family History Library.  Some of the classes are live streamed, as well.  Upcoming webinars can be found here and past webinars, with handouts.

The past webinars section includes an area about past research seminars and conferences.  The 2016 tract was European, Nordic, and Roots Tech en Espanol.  The 2017 tract was British Isles and Roots Tech en Espanol.  Some of the past sessions may be watched from this area.  I plan to go back and watch the British Isles one. Other areas include Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.

The only drawback to this is that I wanted to stay up all night using all the great information that was presented.  I was able to do a little research and found some amazing records about my husband and my ancestors.  I found or learned:

• About German vowels and consonants and how to search with spelling variations for my German families.
• Kirk's great, great grandfather, Quirin Schmitt, birth record and civil registration records in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace-Lorraine.  This information included Quirin's parents, including mother's maiden name.  A great find!
• I found the huwelijksbijlagen for Kirk's Dutch 2x and 3x great grandparents.  I was up until midnight searching these gems of Dutch records and have many more names to find.  What is a huwelijksbijlagen, you ask?  These records are marriage supplements and contain the papers that a dutch couple had to present before marriage.  They are a gold mine.  They are in Dutch, but that is a small inconvenience for the awesome genealogical information they contain.
• I found so many resources for my Swiss ancestors, I may need a month to use the resources and I only attended two of the five sessions!  The Swiss court records are fascinating and I may just order the ones I need for the Canton Bern to see if my Anabaptist ancestors are mentioned. Swiss court records are available on DVD by town for Canton Bern.

This was only a small sampling of what I got out of the conference.  In addition, I have a list of resources to check the next time I go to Allen County Public Library.  I have a list of other wiki's to check out and I have a huge list of online resources to save to my bookmarks.  

This conference was just the break I needed from real life that has been a little busy lately.  I am excited about researching again AND it even got me to start blogging after a few months break.

If you are looking for a great deal in genealogy, look no further than the Family History Library classes and webinars.  You won't regret it.

Are You a Gatherer, Grower or a Genealogist?

I do a lot of thinking when I am working in my gardens.  One day I was thinking that gardening is like genealogy.  You grow and gather when gardening.  You grow and gather in family history.  

I started researching my ancestors with very little knowledge of what I was doing.  I would jump from one web page to another and just grab all the information on my family that I could.  I didn't save where I got the information from.  I didn't evaluate the information, I just gathered it!

I wasn't happy researching this way.  I would look at my research and think, "Now, where did I get this from?"  It led to a lot of frustration and confusion because I could not go back and find the information I had gathered so carelessly.  Was this Jonathan, Sr. or Jonathan, Jr.?  Who knew?

I decided a do over was needed.  I decided I needed to get serious about my research and do a good job with it.  If I was going to spend hours and hours of researching I wanted to be proud of my work. I researched genealogy software and decided on Roots Magic.  I checked how-to books out of the library, I read online how-to articles, I attended workshops, I joined my local genealogical society and I started watching webinars.  I started growing as a researcher.

The more knowledge I gained the more I grew as a researcher.  I learned about how to conduct solid research, how to analyze sources, information and evidence.  I learned about the Genealogical Proof Standard, I even printed a "Does It Meet the GPS?" card and placed it on my desk.  I started a blog! I learned a lot about genealogy.

There has been discussion in the past about who can call themselves a genealogist and I don't want to get into that controversy, but Merriam-Webster defines a genealogist as a person who traces or studies the descent of persons or families.  I believe this definition should be taken a step further and add "using sound research practices." 

I am proud to say I am a genealogist.  I didn't become one overnight.  It has taken years to get to the point I am at.  I am no longer a gatherer.  I save the record and the source for everything! No more wondering where I got that document.  I have grown as a researcher over the past ten years.  Does that mean that I no longer continue to grow.  No, but now I am growing as a genealogist.

I still read books and articles, attend workshops, and watch webinars.  I am still a member of my local society and three others.  I am President of my local society.  I have taken the knowledge I have obtained and have spoken to societies.  I am on the board of the Michigan Genealogical Council.  I am continuing to grow, the difference is that I am doing it as a genealogist. How about you?  What type of family history researcher are you?

October is Family History Month!

The United States celebrates Family History Month in October every year.  It is a wonderful time of the year; summer activities have waned and Fall leads to being able to spend more time inside. Many libraries and societies are participating in Family History Month by offering classes, webinars, events, and more to explore.  It is a time to celebrate our roots.

I plan to celebrate and take advantage of some of the online Family History events and refocus my attention on family history.  Two great Family History Month events are below.  Do you have a favorite Family History Month event?  Please share in the comment section.

1.  Heritage Quest is offering two webinars:  Introduction to Heritage Quest and Heritage Quest-Beyond the Basics.  The following information is courtesy of Library of Michigan.

Introduction to HeritageQuest 

Did you know that HeritageQuest Online is now powered by Ancestry.com? Join us for this course which will cover tips for using HeritageQuest for family history projects, new search pages for the U.S. Federal Census records from 1790-1940, more than 28,000 family and local history books, Revolutionary War and Freedman's Bank collections, and the U.S Serial Set of action of the U.S Congress.  

HeritageQuest: Beyond the Basics

Join a ProQuest Training & Consulting Partner to learn specific search strategies for many of the major collections in HeritageQuest, especially the Census, the Books, the Revolutionary War records and the Freedman’s Bank Records. This 60-minute session is packed with information about each of these collections and tips for searching them. Other collections will be explored if time allows.

2.  National Archives and Records Adminstration (NARA) will be offering their National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair, October 20 and 21st.  The following is from the National Archives Event page on their website.

October 20 & 21, starting daily at 10 a.m. EDT
Online at www.archives.gov/calendar/genealogy-fair

National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair
Participate in our biggest genealogy event of the year! During the two days of live Internet broadcasting, learn and ask questions about Federal records as resources for family history research. Speakers include genealogy experts from National Archives facilities across the nation. From beginner to expert, discover new tips and tricks—we have sessions for all skill levels. After the event, recorded sessions and handouts will remain online. Learn more at www.archives.gov/calendar/genealogy-fair.

Summertime Genealogy in Michigan

My big genealogical adventure this summer was traveling to Florida to my son's wedding, which was a great trip, but one that I didn't do any research on.  I haven't had time to do any research trips.  I did have the opportunity to attend a seminar, the Abrams Seminar, held in Lansing Michigan in July.

The Abrams Foundation Family History Seminar, hosted by the Archives of Michigan and Michigan Genealogical Council, featuring Michael Lacopo was great.  One of the greatest things was that I only had to travel 50 miles to go to it.

Day 1 started out with Michigan Genealogical Council board and delegate meetings. The July Board meeting was my first official meeting as a member of the board!  I wanted to serve on the board to give back to the genealogical community that has given so much to me in terms of resources, education, and more.

I had time between the delegate meeting and the start of the Seminar and I took advantage of that time by having lunch and then sitting outside on the second floor of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, next to the big tree. It was a great place to get focused on genealogy.

The Seminar kicked off with a choice of tours:  Digitization Tour or Archives of Michigan Tour.  I chose to go on the Digitization Tour.  This tour was offered for the first time at the seminar and it was very informative.  Attendees got to go on a behind the scenes tour of the digitization process at the Archives.

Two afternoon sessions were offered with six options for seminar attendees.  I like to choose my sessions by what will further the research that I am conducting at the time.  I chose Researching Your Family History at the Archives of Michigan with Kris Rzepczynski for two reasons.  One, I have done limited research in the Archives and figured this would motivate me to do more.  Two, I felt I could share my knowledge at my local society meetings.  Kris did an excellent job of explaining the resources available at the Archives.  Some of my readers may remember a few years ago when the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection was moved from the Library of Michigan to the Archives of Michigan.  Most of the Abrams Collection can be found in the open stacks in the Archives Reading Room.

My second choice was a little harder decision to make.  I could easily have gone to any one of the three.  I chose "Chasing Your Elusive Ancestor" on the Internet by Karen Krugman.  I have a few elusive ancestors and thought I could benefit from Karen's talk.  This was my first time hearing Karen speak and she is a character. Her presentations are filled with great advice and humor.  Have you met Mr. Brown Eyes?  Karen went over Search Engines, Types of Searches, Websites, Tips for Searching and more.  

The first day ended with a Lock In at the Archives of Michigan for those who preregistered for it.  I was one of the lucky ones who got a spot, but about three days before the lock in, I decided that I couldn't get my research together enough to make the best use of the time at the Archives. I only had one day between coming back from the wedding and going to Lansing.  I emailed the Archives and released my spot to someone on the waiting list.

Saturday morning I was up early and on my way to Lansing.  Michael Lacopo was first up and I didn't want to miss his talk.  "Deconstructing Your Family Tree: Reevaluating the "Evidence"" was the topic for the session.  Michael provided lots of questions for thought when doing your research, encouraged becoming familiar with the Genealogical Proof Standard, and expressed how important it is to develop an understanding of social history.  Many examples from his own research were given.
Is it Genealogical? was the take home question for me.

Next up was "What's New at Seeking Michigan" by Jessica Harden from the Archives of Michigan.  I attended this session to hear what Jessica had to say because my local society, Calhoun County Genealogical Society, is hosting Jessica at one of our programs in the Spring.  Jessica walked attendees through the best way to search at SeekingMichigan.org, now Michiganology,which I found helpful having gotten frustrated a couple of times there!  Her advice was to start at the advanced search feature on the home page, and only search one database at a time.  The available databases are found in list form on the right side of the advanced search page. I did learn something new and that was when you are searching Death records, you can click on the column heading to sort the results.  Jessica provided other tips for searching military records, census records, Detroit News Index, and more.  Overall, a great refresher for me.

Lunch was included in the price of the seminar and was catered by Grand Traverse Pie Company, no pie but a delicious sandwich, chips and cookie.

The afternoon session started with Michael Lacopo speaking on "More Than the Census"- Our Families Did Exist Between Those Ten Year Intervals!  I find Michael such a great speaker that I found myself listening more than taking notes.  The syllabus was provided via a Dropbox link before the seminar and I was able to use my tablet to take notes right on the syllabus.  I only highlighted one thing and it was "construct a timeline for every ancestor" "Make it a point to know where the person was a ALL times." Great advice.

My last session of the day was Ceil Wendt Jensen's "Immigration Agents".  I have wondered for some time if my great grandfather was recruited from Germany to come to Manistee county for the timber industry.  Ceil's presentation was packed with information and resources to further my education on this topic.  One screen shot that Ceil showed was the places that the Immigration agent recruited people from in the German partition of Posen.  I don't know where my great grandfather was born, but I know where his sister was baptized and that village was on the list.

I am not going to go into any more detail as I have used Ceil's resources this past week and found a little more out about the Immigration agents and plan a blog post about it.

The Archives of Michigan did a great job with the Abrams Foundation Family History Seminar.  I enjoyed going to a more laid back seminar and getting to know more of my Michigan genealogy friends.

The day ended with a few of the Michigan Genealogical Council board members going to dinner with Michael Lacopo, Kris Rzepcyznsk, and his guest.  We went to a great restaurant in Lansing, Capitol Prime Steak and Seafood.  It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful event.

Thank you Kris R. and your staff at Archives of Michigan, my fellow MGC board members and Micahel Lacopo for offering this great resource in my home state.  The Abrams Foundation Family History Seminar is offered in July each year.  Check it out at Seeking Michigan.org and plan to visit Pure Michigan and the seminar.

Latest NEHGS Poll Shows I Have Too Many Books

The Weekly Genealogist Survey

Last week's survey asked the approximate number of books in your personal genealogical library. 4,131 people answered the survey. The results are: 12%, 0-10   16%, 11-25    13%, 26-50    6%, 51-75    4%, 76-100    3%, 101-150    2%, 151-200    2%, 201-250    3%, 251-1,000    1%, Over 1,000

Source: The Weekly Genealogist, Vol. 17, No. 47, Whole #714, November 19, 2014

Each week, New England Historic Genealogical Society, NEHGS, has a survey in their The Weekly Genealogist newsletter.  The results above were published on November 19, 2014.  I am in the 51-75 category or 6% of the 4131 respondents.  I love books and keep a wish list of books I would like to get as gifts.  

I wrote about my genealogy library and how I keep my costs under control in February.  I am still practicing those cost savings today.  It has been harder as I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that many genealogy companies have been having sales on books.  I have had a hard time controlling myself.  I have been adding to my wish list instead of buying them for myself.

The companies that I received email notices about sales are: 

• Family Roots Publishing
• New England Historic Genealogical Society
• Family Tree Magazine

Part of my genealogy library

I have been asked if I read all of the books I have. Yes, I do! I keep the ones I haven't read on a separate bookshelf and after I read it I put it on my genealogy bookshelf.  Currently, I have two books to read and one book to finish.  When it comes time to conduct research, I will pick a book to use depending on my area of research.  For example, when I am doing German research I will have four or five books on my desk. One might be a general research help book, one a map book, another has a list of online resources, a German dictionary and so on.

This year's wish list includes the following:

1. History and Antiquities of Every Town in Massachusetts by John Warner Barber
2. Genealogy Toolkit: Getting Started on Your Family History at the National Archives
3. Our Daily Bread: German Village Life, 1500-1850 by Teva J. Scheer
4. Elements of Genealogical Analysis by Robert Charles Anderson
5. Amish and Amish Mennonite Genealogies by Hugh F. Gingerich and Rachel W. Kreider
6. The Planters of the Commonwealth by Charles Edward Banks (on order a gift from my parents)

I don't know if Santa will bring me any of my wish list or not.  Santa may think it isn't a very good gift, but it is.  I pour over the NEHGS gift catalog like I use to poor over the Sears Christmas catalog! I read every entry and circle ones I would like to have.

If you are curious about what books I have in My Library check the pages at the top of the blog.  I have recently updated it.

James Beidler's Presentation at Fall Family History Event

Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC) and The Archives of Michigan holds a Fall Family History Event every year and for one reason or another I have not been able to attend.  Last Saturday, November 1st, I finally went and what an excellent educational opportunity it was.  James M. Beidler presented four sessions on the topics of Germany and Pennsylvania Research, two areas that are important to my research.

The morning started at The Forum in the Michigan Historical Center with a Welcome by Thomas Koselka, President of MGC.  Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan Archivist followed with a few newsworthy announcements:

1. The Archives of Michigan is the recipient of the Detroit News archives, including their index cards.  The index cards are available on Michiganology. 
2. The Archives of Michigan has been working over the past year on making naturalization records available online as well.  The index will be made available to Family Search and the actual images will be at Michiganology. 
3. Currently, Seeking Michigan has images of Death Certificates from 1897-1920.  It was announced a while ago that more certificates, 1921-1952, would be available at Seeking Michigan. Genealogists kept hearing they would be available soon.  There have been a couple of glitches getting those records online.  Saturday, we heard they would be online soon!  They are coming. Michigan imposes a 75 year restriction on access to death records and when the next group is released it will be for years 1921-1938, 1939 if not released until January.

James M. Beidler was introduced and started his first presentation, Contrasting German Migrations: 18th vs. 19th Century Waves.  James took participants through the scale, geography, motivations, religion and economic class of the immigrants arriving in these two distinct periods of German immigration.

The second session was on Pennsylvania Church Records, which are very desirable records for research of Germans who came to America.  Overview of the denominations (Lutheran, Reformed, and Moravians), types of records available, where the records are kept, general tips, and resources were provided. 

During lunch I took advantage of a tour of the Archives of Michigan.  Kris Rzepczynski led the tour, which included a behind the scenes look of the Archives. I hadn't been to the Archives since the Abrams Collection was relocated to the Archives.  I thought the Archives seemed more user friendly than the last time I visited.  

The tour was followed by eating lunch and a visit to the Michigan Historical Center's store. James Beidler's books were available for sale, but I already had both of those, so I bought "Among the Enemy" a Michigan civil war soldier's journal.  I even picked up a Christmas gift for someone special.

Exploring Pennsylvania's State Archives and State Library was the topic of the next presentation. Details were provided on visiting the archives and library and the marquee resources available.

The fall history event ended the day with a session Success Story: Finding a European Village of Origin.  Using a case study of Johannes Dinius, James showed how piecing together all the research pieces can lead to a hometown of your immigrant ancestor.

Throughout the day, Beidler, showed records and maps to enhance the presentations.  He wove stories and humor throughout the day to make the sessions enjoyable.  If you are looking for a great genealogical educational opportunity put the Fall Family History Event on your calendar.

I Heart Books-Especially When They Are Free

Newly acquired free books for my library.

Many readers are going electronic with their books, but I am holding out.  I still love the feel and smell of a book.  I like holding it in my hand and perusing the pages.  I like looking at them in my library and at my public library.  I am a book geek you could say.  I collect cookbooks and now I am amassing a nice genealogy library.

I don't buy a book just to have one, whether it is a cookbook or a genealogy one.  I am picky.  Cookbooks have to enhance what I already have, be one from a respected chef, or have a family community connection.

I am selective with my genealogy book purchases, too. The genealogy books I add to my library are ones I would use over and over again.  They have to be directly related to my research or to further my genealogical education.  I have general research help books, specific country guides, genealogical dictionaries, New England resources, and more.  Typically, I don't buy family genealogies.  I have one in my library.  If you want to see the titles I have in my library, check out the My Library tab at the top of this page.

You can imagine my excitement at the last Calhoun County (MI) Genealogical Society when a fellow member brought five boxes of books for members to take if they wanted them.  All Free!!!  As Vice President, I was reluctant to be the first one to take some, but then someone said it was one of the perks of being an officer. (There are other perks?) The donor didn't want to take any home and was worried no one would want them.  I saw seven that I would use, and have used at the library many times.  Someone said, take them.  That was all I needed.  I picked up an empty box and put my seven in it.  Six of the seven are related to New England genealogy and one was a Pennsylvania reference book.  All books I am grateful to have in my library, now.

The books I chose were: 

• The Genealogical Dictionary of New England (4 Volumes) by James Savage:  I have used this book on ancestry, at the library and have copied many pages from it.  It will be nice to have as I discover new ancestors from New England.
• Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire by Noyes, Libby, and Davis.  This is another book I have looked at the library for.  So far, I don't have Maine ancestry, but I do have New Hampshire ties.
• The Pioneers of Maine and New Hampshire by Charles Henry Pope.  I have the Pioneers of Massachusetts by the same author and use it a lot. I hadn't used this book before, but thought it would be a nice companion piece to the Massachusetts book.
• Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1790.  My maternal grandmother's side of the family immigrated to Pennsylvania in the early 1700's.  I picked this book up to look for family members.  I found many and will need to take some time to go over it thoroughly.

The donor worried for nothing as members were more than happy to take these books off her hands.  The books were from a friend's father, who had passed.  No one in the family wanted them.  Our members did. Other books she brought were for resources from southern states.  Every book was taken by the end of our meeting.  I guess I am not the only one who likes books.

I know these books are available at libraries, on ancestry.com, and other places online, but as I said I like books and I couldn't beat the price-free.

If you want to read more about my genealogy library I wrote a post "My Genealogy Library and How I Built it Economically."

Book Review: Digging Deeper: Using Essential Pre-1850 Records

Legacy Family Tree and Karen Clifford presented an excellent webinar in February of last year titled, Pre 1850 U.S. Research Methodologies.  It was at that time that I added Ms. Clifford's book, Digging Deeper: Using Essential Pre-1850 Records to my wish list.  I got her book for Christmas this past year.  I finished reading it this past weekend and found it to be an excellent genealogy resource.

Karen Clifford is an Accredited Genealogist and President and CEO at Genealogy Research Associates. She has presented webinars and written college textbooks and guidebooks. Her years of research is evident in this book.  She uses numerous research examples and guides the reader through sound genealogical research principles

Karen Clifford's website, Genealogy Research Associates, states the book is an "intermediate genealogy guidebook".  352 pages in 15 detailed chapters are filled with tips and techniques, photo's, stories, research examples, forms, review questions and answers, and helpful readings.  Online and print resources are included.  Ms. Clifford includes less common sources to look for, also. The book's chapter's are:

• Working with Pre-1850 Census Records
• Ancestral Paleography: The Handwriting of Your Ancestors
• Census Substitutes – Tax Records
• Surname Locality Approach
• Probate Records
• Intestate Records and Preserving Probate Clues
• More Research Strategies
• Locating and Working with Historical Newspapers
• Genealogical and Historical Periodicals
• Land Grants and Foreign Ownership
• Land Records of the Original Colonies
• Land Records of the United States
• Military Pre-Service Records
• Military Benefit Records'
• Cemetery Records

The brick walls that I have fall in this period of research.  The time when only the head of the household is enumerated in the census.  Digging Deeper provides the reader with alternatives to census research.  The reader will learn how to use census, tax, probate, land, military and cemetery records.  You will learn how to glean information from newspapers and periodicals.  Helpful tips on reading handwriting is included in chapter two.  In depth detail about land and military records will help many researches.

If you are looking for a good reference book for your use, I recommend Digging Deeper.  I tagged numerous tips as I was reading it, and look forward to going back over those tagged spots.

My Genealogy Library and How I Built It Economically

Reading genealogy related materials has been an important part of my growth as a family historian.  I love to read!  I am the type that when I take on a new challenge, such as genealogy, I research what I need to do before I start.

I read online articles and visited the local history section of my public library.  Many of the books at the library were unavailable for checkout.  It wasn't long before I wanted to build my own library.  There were a few books that I would go back to again and again at the library.  Those are the ones I started adding initially.  I don't remember what the first book I bought was, but I would guess it was either Red Book or The Source.  I know both are available online at ancestry, but I wanted my own hard copy of it.

As I became more proficient in beginning genealogy research, I was encountering a few problems-brick walls, anyone?  It was then that I looked for resources that would further my education on what was challenging me in my research.  This is when I added The Family Tree Problems Solver books and Courthouse Research for the Family Historian.

Next, I found I was doing a lot of New England Research.  I added general New England books to my library.  When it was time to 'jump the pond' and look for my European ancestors I found I was doing a lot of German Research.  I took a four hour German Research workshop at the FGS conference, in 2011, and was given a lot of German resources to check out.  Again, I found myself at the library and at Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne.  I reviewed the recommended resources.  I made a list of the ones I thought would be useful and added them to my library as I could.

FGS Conference in Fort Wayne came along in 2013 and I was once again wanting to add to my library.  I attended a Scottish research class, given by Paul Milner, he humbly recommended his book "A Genealogist's Guide to Scottish Ancestors", but he said it was out of print.  I, immediately, got online to see if I could find a used copy of it and did for about $3!

I have stayed away from published genealogies for a variety of reasons, but early in my research I found a Glover Memorials and Genealogies book.  I had to order it, it is my maiden name.  It has been interesting to read through it.  I use it for guidance, but always look for a credible source before adding it to my Roots Magic software.  As with any source, some of the information is accurate and some is not.

I don't use my books everyday, but it is nice knowing when I am up late at night researching, I can go to my bookcase and look up questions I might have.

Buying books can be an expensive habit, but  I have found ways to build a library without mortgaging our house.  Here are a few tips I have used to save money.

• Ask for books as gifts-Make a wish list and give it those who buy gifts for you regularly.  I would never spend $50 on a book myself, but my mother would as a Christmas gift. 
• Used Book Stores-I don't have a good used book store in my hometown, but if I go somewhere that does, I make sure to check it out.  I have found good deals here.  
• Thrift Stores-I enjoy checking out my local thrift stores for books.  You never know what you might find.  I found a used copy of  "Genealogical Proof Standards" for 50 cents.  I couldn't turn that deal down.
• Online buying-Check out places like half.com, amazon.com, or barnes and noble.com.  The out of print Scottish Ancestor book was found at Barnes and Noble.com.  I have added quite a few used books that I purchased at half.com.  Half.com has new and used books at discount prices. Half.com descriptions of condition are pretty accurate.  They will say if it is a used library edition.  My "Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy" was a discarded library book in excellent condition. It has the call number sticker and library address stamp on it. I think I paid $7.00 for it.
• Look for sales-I regularly check sites such as Family Roots Publishing or Genealogical Publishing Co. to see what books they have on sale.
• Visit library sales-Our public library has a sale every year and I try to go to it to see what they have to offer.  I haven't found very many genealogy books at our library, but my daughter and I went to the Newberry Library's sale in Chicago and I found a few.  I found "In Search of Your German Roots" and Finding Italian Roots".  They had quite a few genealogy and local history books there.  The prices were very reasonable too. 

Are you more interested in online books than hard copies of them?  If so, be sure to read this excellent article on ten online resources, many of them free.  I find that if I keep going back to a book over and over again for information then it is time to add that book to my library.  I use online book resources for printed town or county histories and other historical books about an area my ancestor lived in.  

No matter how you get your information, online or hard copy, it is important to include reading in your genealogical development.  If you would like to see what is in my library, check the My Library tab at the top of the page.

GOBSMACKED? NEHGS HAS E BOOKS TO BORROW!

I am so excited about Webinar Wednesday today that I have to write about it immediately!  First, it has only been a few days that I knew about New England Historic Genealogical Society webinars.  I signed up as soon as I saw they were offering online education in this format.

Today's topic was Getting the Most From NEHGS ... from Home.  Presenter Jean Mcguire, Library Director, did an excellent job showcasing all that americanancestors.org has to offer, especially to the 85 percent of attendees that do not live in the Boston area.  I took three pages of notes.

Ms. Mcquire explained the difference between guest users and NEHGS members and what each group can access.  You do not need to be a NEHGS member to participate in the webinars and you do not need to be a member to use the website.  Guest users have access to 15 databases on the website.  In addition, every month they can access another 4-5, which change monthly.  Guests can view the free databases, search the catalog, shop at the online store, download history charts and forms, submit a question to "ask a Genealogist", use the online learning center, and more.  That is a lot of information for free.

The remainder of the webinar was explaining how members may use the features of American Ancestors including.

• Databases:  lots and lots of databases accessible from the database area, the one with the green leaf clip art.  Did you know on each database page there are search tips to help you with that database?
• External Databases:  19th Century U.S. Newspapers, Early American Newspapers 1690-1876, Marquis Biographies, and American Jewish Historical Society.
• Journals/Magazines:  to numerous to mention, but found under the "Publication" tab on the home page.
• Online Library Catalog is accessed by clicking on the "Library" tab at the top of the home page.  
• Search allows you to search for resources.  Advanced search is available as well.  
• Digital editions search is if you just want to find digital resources that are available for you to view.
• E books is why I am gobsmacked!  I had no idea they offered e books for checkout.  You have to have a free open library account to borrow e books, but that is easy enough to sign up for at Open Library.  (Library of Michigan participates with Open Library too.)  There is a borrow e book link.  Books are available for two weeks and only one person at a time may borrow.
• Research Services are available.
• Ask a Genealogist:  Submit a reference question and the staff will try to answer it.
• Schedule a Consultation:  Consultations with an expert in your area of research are available to help you at home via telephone or in person at the library.  Consultations can be from 30 minutes to two hours, you decide.  
• Hire Research Service:  NEHGS researchers are available to do the research for you using the sources in the library.  
• Help and Support:  The website offers help and support for users.  There is a video tutorial on how to use the website, if interested.

The webinar ended with a question and answer period.  NEHGS hit it out of the ball park with this webinar.  I am looking forward to the next one, "Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing Your Family History".  If you haven't checked the NEHGS webinars out you are missing a great opportunity to expand your genealogical learning.  Run, don't walk, to your computer and sign up for their webinars-you won't be disappointed.

Workshop Wednesday: Beyond the Basics-Church Records

Church records can be a great help in your genealogical journey.  The only church records I have used are those that are on the family search website.  Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana recently held a two day workshop:  Beyond the Basics.  It was an excellent workshop that I was glad I attended. 

Steven W. Myers M.L.S presented the session on church records.  Steve stated, "research is incomplete if you haven't checked church records."  He talked about the importance of these underutilized and valuable records. 

The types of church records kept include baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmation and communion.  Other church business related records may be found also, ie. meeting minutes, membership, financial, etc. 

Before you can identify church records you need to determine your ancestor's church affiliation.  Are your ancestors buried in a church cemetery?  Do you have a memorial card?  Check their obituary.   Does their marriage certificate list a minister?  These are all ideas of how to identify church affiliation.

Lastly, the workshop reminded us of etiquette when using church records.  If you are going to a specific church, it is a good idea to make an appointment, be courteous and make a donation.

What tips do you have for using church records?

Workshop Wednesday: Beyond the Basics-Military Records

Another Beyond the Basics Workshop topic offered by Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana was on Military Records.  Of all the topics offered during the two day workshop, this was the one I had the most experience with.  But, that doesn't mean I didn't learn a lot. 

Steven W. Myers M.L.S presented this session of the workshop.  I came home with 15 pages of sources compiled by Steven.  He covered everything from research on the internet to general references to references specific to individual conflicts back to colonial wars in the United States.

Some of the other topics covered included the types of records available, such as, registers, unit histories, journals, diaries, official records, lineage societies and blogs!  One thing that stuck with me was when Steven said, if there is one type of record available for one war, chances are it is available for another.  I have researched my civil war ancestor, Samuel S. Glover, Jr. and now plan to research a couple of War of 1812 ancestors, Daniel Fenn and Moses Poor.   

When I first started military research I found the research outline for U.S. Military Records at family search.org helpful.  What military records do you have experience with?

Workshop Wednesday: Land Records

With the recent addition of new daily blogging themes at Geneabloggers, I decided to make my own Wednesday theme, Workshop Wednesday.  I thought I would share information about workshops I have attended.  The challenge is to provide information without giving away the presenter's hard work.  So, I thought I would share how I am using the information provided in my own research.

I recently attended a Beyond the Basics workshop at Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  One of the workshops was Land Records and Tax Lists, presented by Margery Graham, C.G.  I have very little experience with land records.  I have looked at land records at Bureau of Land Management website and found a deed index for Ontario County, New York, 1789-1845 online.  My gggg grandfather's, Alexander Glover, land transfers can be found at this website.

A basic introduction to land records was presented and it took me back to my Michigan History classes when we learned townships and the 36 sections of land.  Land record terms and examples were given and discussed. 

The most important part of the workshop, for me, was the handout on "Using Land and Deed Records to Solve Your Pedigree Problems", by Myra Vanderpool Gormley.  One of my unproven relationships is that of Huldah Rowley's parentage.  Everywhere I look on the internet it states that Hopkins Rowley is her father.  But, not one of the records is sourced.  A cousin, Carol, is working on this, also.  Carol, is trying to find proof that will satisfy the D.A.R.  So, I am hoping (and praying) that if I look into land records I may be able to find a clue that will help us.

In 1792, Hopkins Rowley owned land in Shoreham, Addison, Vermont.  He was still living in Shoreham, Vermont at the time of his death, 1 September 1831.  Family History Library has the microfilm for Land Records 1789-1880 for Shoreham, Vermont, after emailing Carol she told me she has already ordered the Index.

The Gormley article states, "This research requires time, patience and hard work; but the rewards are great."  I don't mind hard work, but patience isn't my strong suit.  Myra Vanderpool Gormley also says, "Land records are probably the most valuable genealogical sources available."  What do you think?

Workshop Wednesday: Beyond the Basics at Allen County Public Library

This past weekend I spent two days in Fort Wayne, Indiana attending a "Beyond the Basics" two day mini-course, given through the Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library.  Margery Graham, C.G. and Steven W. Myers, M.L.S. presented an excellent workshop on these topics:  Problem Solving:  Breaking through Brick Walls in Your Research; Probate Records;  Land Records and Tax Lists;  Military Records;  Church Records;  and Tracing Your Ancestors Across the Atlantic. 

Once I saw their post at Genealogy Center blog, I didn't hesitate to sign up for it.  It was my first time attending a program at Allen County Public Library and I wasn't disappointed.  I had some experience with a couple of topics and none in others.  Here is my experience:

Brick Walls, of course, who doesn't need help with those! 
Probate Records, just started getting into
Land Records, very limited use
Military Records, have used a little
Church Records, never used them,YET! 
Tracing your Ancestors, was hoping for new tips and tricks there. 

Steven Myers started day one with a short presentation on the elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard.  I thought this was an excellent reminder and I could have spent more time learning about that.  I thought it set the tone for a professional workshop.

I came home with a binder full of resources for each section, but more importantly I liked the way the presenters encouraged attendees to think differently about your research.  The workshop didn't just give sources to check, it addressed how to look and think about things.  They provided strategies and clues to help with this.  For example, Steve talked about not narrowing your thinking, to use thought processes, if one type of military record is available for one war then it may be available for another.

The one brick wall suggestion I plan to use is to create a timeline.  This helps to identify gaps that you can make goals from.  I plan to make my first timeline of ancestor Daniel Fenn this week.  Hopefully, the tips I learned in the first session will help me to plan my next steps in research.

If you ever get a chance to attend an Allen County Library Genealogy Center program I would recommend it; it was great.