March 27 DIRT Meeting

Our focus for this meeting was FamilySearch Deep Dive session II.  The handout for the FamilySearch: click here

FamilySearch crib sheet: Click here

Before we got to the main topic we covered:

Digital Afterlife, keeping track of your digital information - excel spreadsheet: Click here
Research log excel spreadsheet: Click here
Genealogy Checklist: Click here

During the Family Tree Maker session (3:30-4:30) we covered these topics:
Family Tree Maker Media: Click here
Family Tree Maker Web Search Ancestry and FamilySearch: Click here

Getting the Most out of FamilySearch Part I

Before we got into the main topic, there was a demonstration of using the flat bed scanner for slides.  Next we shared the AncestryDNA Thrulines new view and discussed its use in genealogy.  We had an additional discussion of 52 Questions and asked if anyone else wanted to be included.  If you want to get the 1 question a month, then send a note to Lynn Baker (bakerlynnd@gmail.com) to be added to the list.
Referenced guides:
Genealogy Checklist: Click here
Research log example: Click here

As we went through how to do FamilySearch Name level searches, everyone had an opportunity to use the search methodology on their own computer to make discovers while learning new ways to get citations and use some of the often overlooked capabilities in FamilySearch.
FamilySearch top overview of screens: Click here
FamilySearch Part I/II handout: Click here

In the extended session (3:30-4:30) we focused on Family Tree Maker, how to use the features for inputting your family tree: Peope - Tree/Person View crib sheet: Click here
Here is an additional set of instructions for adding Media to your Family Tree Maker: Click here

Today's focus was on Scanning Photos and Documents.  Before we got into the main topic, we discussed:

1) Our own 52 Stories project.  LDS has created 52 questions to be asked one a week for a year. These questions could be send to parents, Aunts/Uncles or done yourself.  You get the question and take 10-15 minutes a week to answer it and store it.  After 52 weeks of questions you have a wonderful repository of information to make a great story.  If you are interested in receiving these notes, contact Lynn Baker at bakerlynnd@gmail.com.

2) RootsTech 2019 started today.  There is an excellent iphone, android or ipad app for RootsTech 2019 that will tell you all about the activities. It even gives you access to the handouts "for free".  Also, you can go to RootsTech.org and see the schedule of 4 live streaming events a day that you can observe "for free".  After RootsTech is completed they will post a number of the sessions on line for us to access - I will let you know when that happens.  You can join the learning fun over the next few days "for free".

Our main topic of Scanning Photos and Documents included a demonstration of using the flatbed scanner and the offer for any DIRT member to borrow the scanner to do their own scanning at home without purchasing a scanner.  The key to scanning is being aware of the "scanning resolution" to preserve, save and share.  Here are the handouts:

a. Scanning Photos and Documents handout: Click here
b. Computer terminology: Click here
c. 31 Web sites to find Old Family Photos: Click here

For using your iphone to scan documents (pdf) while doing research, I use the app: Tiny Scanner.  Here are some others: Scannable and iscanner.

For March, our afternoon session will be extended from 1:30-3:30 and extra hour.  During the 3:30-4:30 period we will focus on Family Tree Maker, FamilySearch, AncestryDNA and questions to help with the beginners doing research.

Our session on Wednesday (Feb 13) went very well.  We talked about some tips on using FamilySearch.org fan charts and then focused on:

1) Organizing your digital genealogy
       - handout: click here
       - Some of the slides that were requested: Click here
2) Discussed how to draw a Genetic (DNA) pedigree chart and use it to determine who should you get tested to help with your genealogy: Click here
3) Feb/Mar Genealogy Calendar: Click here

We had a good group of 18 people at today's meeting.  We went over some of the basics of doing Genealogical Research, got a chance to meet the new members and discussed some tips about Ancestry.com, AncestryDNA, and FamilySearch.  See below some of the handouts:

- Welcome handout: click here
- Research log sample: click here
- 6 Generation pedigree chart: click here
- Family Group Sheet: click here
- February 2019 Genealogy Calendar: click here

Great "Genealogy Fair 2019" event.

The turnout was fantastic.  We had 66 people attend and over 50% were new.  I hope some decide to join our club.

For a copy of the presentation used at the Fair, click here

We had many guests at the Fair including representatives from: Family History Center; South Carolina Room - Charleston County Public Library;  Charleston Chapter South Carolina Genealogy Society; Daughters of the American Revolution, Jamestowne Society. 

Our crossword puzzle was difficult, the definitions of the words will be posted in a future posting.

There was high energy, enthusiasm and interest in our great hobby.

I want to thank those members of DIRT that made this happen by their terrific efforts: Bonnie Bohme, Mirian Chamberlain, Henrietta White, Ivy Blake, Brenda Larsen, Bob Silkett, Lynn Maney McIntosh, Martha Reed Baysden, Deborah Getter, and others.

I look forward to our new year 2019, we have started with a great event!!

Reminder, we have the "Genealogy Fair 2019" Find your Past, Preserve your Family History on Wednesday, January 9th from 1:30-3:30 PM at the Live Oak Hall, Lakehouse.

Come out and meet other members and welcome potential new members of our Digging Into Roots Together Genealogy club.

Guest Speakers will be from: (1) South Carolina Room - Charleston County Public Library, (2) Charleston Chapter South Carolina Genealogy Society, (3) Family History Center, (4) Daughtrers of the American Revolution Lineage Society, and (5) Johnstowne Society.