Dec 12 - DIRT Holiday party and "What is new in AncestryDNA"

Thanks to all the folks who came to our Holiday party.  We had fun talking, eating, drinking and learning about "What is new in AncestryDNA".  Everyone brought some food and I provided the libations.  Great questions and fantastic interaction in the room.

Please remember we have the January 9, 2019 Genealogy Fair at the Live Oak Room, Lakehouse.  Come and enjoy the Fair, bring a friend and fellow genealogist.  Spread the word.

Nov 28: DIRT Meeting - focus on Google Searches

We had a great discussion about the Big 4 Ancestry Databases, as well as the Use of Google for Genealogy.  We refreshed everyone on the Part I: Google 1) Basic Searches, 2) Advanced Searches, and 3) Google Alerts.  We then went into new areas for Google Part II: 1) Translate, 2) Scholar, 3) Patents and 4) Google Drive.

The presentation can be obtained: Click here
The handouts can be seen here: Click here

To look at this information on our blog: Click here

Please remember we have the Christmas party and AncestryDNA on December 12th - see you there.  Come join us for wine, snacks and great companionship.

Nov 14 Meeting
 Great meeting with 5 new members joining our genealogy club.  We focused on
(1) Ancestry updates
(2) Individual questions
(3) Use of Google for Genealogy - for the handout click here, the presentation will be posted after Part 2 on November 28th.
We hope you all can join us on November 28th to review lessons for Part 1 and then extend into Google Translation, Scholar, Books and more.

Oct 24 Meeting:

We discussed some of the sessions that were held at the Family Discovery Day 2018, held on Oct 13 at the LDS Church.
Some of the cool apps and programs for FamilySearch are listed below - try them!!!  However, you need to have a family tree that connects back for 4 generations or more in FamilySearch for these to work.

FamilySearch Discovery experience (facial recognition): Click here
Show were your ancestors are from - Grandma's Pie: Click here
A world map with ancestors - Click here
        (you need to have your own location in your profile)
Family tree fan chart: Click here
Family tree with pictures: Click here
Easy navigation of tree with virtual pedigree: Click here
Find relationship to a friend: Click here
Another site is for your history lines (not FamilySearch): Click here

Here are the handouts for those sessions that had handouts:
Family Discovery Day 2018 Sessions: Click here
Interpreting your AncestryDNA results: Click here
Immigration Paths for Ancestors from Europe: Click here
Using State Asylum Records: Click here
Tracing African-American Ancestors: Click here
IAAM Family History Center: Click here
Relatives around me: Click here
FamilySearch hints and tips: Click here
Filling out DAR Application: Click here
FamilySearch navigation: Click here
Upload GEDCOM file to FamilySearch: Click here
Adding Photos to FamilySearch: Click here

Sep 26th meeting: Catching up and "How to Interview a living relative"

We had a great chance to catch up after the summertime fun.  There were some great proposals on what sessions should be presented in the Fall DIRT meetings.  Then we started with our topic of "How to Interview a living relative".  The presentation can be accessed using this link: Click here.

Additional resources can be accessed by clicking on the links below:
1) How to interview tips: Click here
2) Genealogy Facts questionnaire: Click here
3) Interview questions outline - to be edited for your interview: Click here
4) What to bring list: Click here
I also have interview questions for each decade: depression, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s if you send me a request.

Sep 5 & 19th, 2018 Meeting:

We focused upon how to merge Family Tree information from FamilySearch.org into Family Tree Maker and how to get source documents from FamilySearch into Family Tree Maker.  The process of downloading documents/images onto the computer, then copying them into Family Tree Maker and linking with the respective family members.  Each participant practiced several times.  We will review this at the next evening meeting and cover Ancestry.com and web searches.  For a copy of the presentation, click here (however most of the session was online, real time demonstration).

Block your calendar: October 13, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Take advantage of this one day Genealogy seminar "Family Discovery Day" to be hosted by the Family History Center.

Where: Family History Center, 1519 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

I will send more information later on how to register for this event.

Jul 13 DIRT Meeting - Interpreting AncestryDNA results.

We had a good review of the "Interpreting AncestryDNA results material" and answered questions during this session.  For materials, use links below:

- Interpreting AncestryDNA results presentation: click here
- Interpreting AncestryDNA handout: click here

June 27 Meeting focused on Migration. 

The presentation: click here
The handout: click here

May 9 DIRT Meeting

We had a great time with everyone using their computers to use USGS maps on Google Earth Pro and then overlaying their own images (jpg file) of a map/chart/plat onto Google Earth Pro.  It was an interesting new way to be able to find where our ancestors lived. 

For a copy of the presentation: Click here, and the handout: Click here.

We heard some great success stories of members using Worldcat to find a book, then ordering it through Inter library loan and also using Facebook groups to reach out to others, (example given was the use of the Irish DNA registry).  Lets keep sharing and having fun.

Denise Doyon brought to my attention a new "Virtual Genealogical Society" which just started.  They do not have any content yet, however they do have a full list of programs becoming available starting in June 2018.  It is a minimum dues of $20 for 1 year.  Their website is: http://virtualgensoc.com/.
I have joined and will let you know how it goes.

May 2, 2018 Meeting

Great participation and hands-on using Family Tree Maker.  During this session we focused on three areas of Family Tree Maker:

(1) Creating Custom Reports
(2) Using Filters for indexing and reports
(3) Media

During the session everyone used their own computers and FTM to create a custom fact and then to use the Filtering feature of FTM to customize their index view. 

The power of using FTM is awesome and most of us are not aware of all the features available to us after we have inputted our data, merged data from Ancestry or FamilySearch, or copied someone else's family tree chart.  No matter how the data was entered, FTM has many ways in which you can now use it for (1) Location based research, (3) Event based research or (3) Descendant research.

April 25 Meeting

We had a great time with Google Earth Pro today, learning how to use it for genealogy.  Participants loaded Google Earth Pro in class, accessing over 300 Rumsey Historical Maps.  Then they all downloaded the Newberry US Atlas County Boundary map collection to be able to see how the US States and Counties have changed from 1623 to 2000 in order to see for themselves where these boundary lines were when it was part of their own family heritage research.  There will be a continuation of this session on May 9th to Review how to bring in your own images (jpg) files into Google Earth as overlays for historical time lines.  Finally we reviewed the Family Tree Maker  (FTM) sessions that will be offered for everyone to learn the power of FTM, to filter and get the additional power out of this genealogy software program.

The handout for the Creating Google Earth Map Collection: Click here

April 18 Meeting

It was a fun evening of learning about Family Tree Maker.  Before we got into that subject, everyone was shown how to use Snipping Tool on their PCs - this tool helps capture selected portions of you computer screen into a jpg or clipboard file.  Tonight on FTM we did (1) an overview of the Tree and Person page on FTM, (2) How to backup FTM, and (3) how to use color coding on the new FTM.  Lot of great discussions.  A list of the other modules on FTM that will be discussed can be found on the April 18 DIRT Agenda document: Click here

Come join us to learn about all the great filter, media and use of FTM.

April 11 Meeting

We focused on two countries for our Research Project.  A summary of information and key websites is included: For England: Click here, For Germany: Click here.  Each participant was also given at the meeting a set of digital webinars and documents (10-20) to help with their research into each of these countries when they want to go deeper into their research.  Each group continued to discuss their findings.

We then covered some "Tips" to help improve our computer and genealogy skills
Using Family Tree Maker to create a special report focused on a specific place: Click here
Forwarding your gmail from one account to another: Click here
How to Share your AncestryDNA results with someone else: Click here
Organizing your Favorite websites: Click here

April 4 Meeting

We reviewed the use of research logs and what members had found.  Then we reviewed a number of "free online genealogy resources", each member taking the time to use their computers to explore some of the sites and discover with everyone else what they had found.  Very hands-on session.

- Free Genealogy Resources list: Click here

March 28 DIRT Meeting

We discussed tips on using Google free e-books, Windows PC snipping tool and creating your own pedigree custom chart to introduce you manuscript, click here to access the instructions for this effort.

We started the Country Research Project, focusing on England and Germany.  The suggestion is to look at "The Family History Guide", click on www.thefhguide.com.

1) Research Plan (Intermediate)
2) Routine Records Research Checklist
3) Records Coverage Table
4) Genealogist Checklist 21Feb18

March 21: Beginners meeting

We had a good review of the efforts so far on using a research log and the steps to achieving a good foundation.  Some of the notes from the video are posted: click here.

The tip of the week was on using Google books to get free e-books and how to easily find your information.  See link above for information.

March 14 DIRT Meeting

Our focus was on Immigration, click here for the  handout, which includes some useful weblinks.  During the session each of the members used their own computers to explore some of the sources such as National Archives, Ellis Island and Online Passenger Lists.  We then explored the power of using The Family History Guide (click here) to find State and Country resources, with each member exploring the website and asking questions.

March 7, 2018 DIRT Meeting for beginners

We discussed what people discovered with Family Tree Maker and using the hints from FamilySearch.  Great discussion about sources and merging files.

Our main focus was on "The Family History Guide", CLICK HERE, this is a great organization of sources for all sorts of research materials.  Each participant used their own computers to do FamilySearch education, investigate country level resources and then dive into the State level resources.  Everyone found new sources of information and places to do further investigation.  It was a lot to digest, so we will do some further discussion and use of this website.

February 28 Meeting:

I want to thank Brenda Larsen for the excellent presentation/discussion that she lead on "Lineage Societies" and the use of the "DAR Database" for doing research.  Please see links below for additional websites on the subject.  Then we had a brief overview of "Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors".  This short overview covered the time periods of the war and what/where documents can be found to help with your genealogical research.  We reviewed the three types of records (1) Compiled Service Records, (2) Pensions and (3) Bounty Land Records.

Weblinks recommended during presentations

·         DAR Databases: Click here

·         SAR Patriot Index: Click here

·         Revolutionary Service Records: Click here

·         Fold3: Click here

·         Hereditary Societies with Functional Websites: Click here

·         Southern Campaigns Revolutionary War Pension & Statement Rosters: Click here

·         Seabrook history: Click here

·         Ellis Island: Click here

·         U.S. National Archive: Click here

·         Library of Virginia: Click here

·         Ancestry.com

·         FamilySearch.org

·         Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution: Clickhere

·         RootsWeb’s WorldConnect Project

Denise Doyon submitted this link to 5 free sites: Click here
This includes (1) FamilySearch, (2) Digital Public Library of America, (3) The Library of Congress - Chronicling America Historic American Newspapers, (4) Digital State Archives and (5) Google Books.

February 21st Meeting

During this meeting we discussed in detail how to download images and documents from FamilySearch.org to the personal computer.  How to best use the FamilySearch hints in Family Tree Maker as well as some of the primary entry process in Family Tree Maker.  All the attendees used their own computers to find their own information and experiment with how to do the discussed processes.  Then there was the discussion of how to organize the digital genealogy, the use of Worldcat / Interlibrary loan to get historical books. and finally the master genealogy checklist.  Use the following links to get to the key information:

Organizing your Digital Genealogy handout: click here
Genealogy checklist: click here
Homework: click here
Worldcat.org: click here

February 14: Happy Valentine's Day

Our main focus for this meeting was on:

(1) Death Certificates and what can be learned from them, each participant had great insight on what to look for and how to identify discrepancies.  One recommended website was USGENWEB.ORG: Click here

(2) States Research Project - each group from last meeting reported on what they found when researching vital records in a specific state or county

(3) Quick demo with Family Tree Maker on how to print out charts, descendants lists and making a book

(4) The research log (link) mentioned in the February 7th meeting has been updated.

Great discussion.

February 7th Meeting- Beginners Part II

Another great session with 15 attendees.  We started the meeting by discussing the Pedigree chart / Family Group Sheet homework.  It was great to hear the new discoveries of information and gaps.  It was stressed to Start with Yourself, create a good foundation with source documents and then work slowly backward in time?  How many of you have your own parents birth, marriage and death (if appropriate) certificates?  What about those Aunts and Uncles?

As you begin to use search databases, interviews, and other means to get information - you should (must) use a research log to keep track of not only the path to finding new information, but also those deadends so you do not repeat that same search in the future.

Here are some example Research logs - use one per person to research

pdf document for printing out log: Click here
MS Excel spreadsheet with tabs for each name to research: Click here

A demonstration of Family Tree Maker was given.  It is important to start your tree and grow it.  You can use an online "internet" tree like FamilySearch.org or Ancestry.com or others (which you may do anyway for searching of other trees).  You may also want to have a genealogy software program on your computer for disconnected work and having more control over your tree and the ability to publish information for others.  Here is a short video on why you may want to use Family Tree Maker: Click here.   Decide if you want to purchase this software and download this to your computer: Click here

Next was the use of FamilySearch.org (free tree building and database for searching).  Everyone then created an account in FamilySearch and looked up some family members to experience using FamilySearch.org for searching records and the worldwide family tree.

TIP: Once you have a FamilySearch.org account and have connected your tree, whenever you are in someone else's "person" view, near the top of the page below the person's name, you can select the 

and if you are related to the person, it will show the family tree relationship, this is great when finding people from your DNA searches to find relationships.  Try it - have some fun finding cousins.

Homework:

1. Use the research log for at least two of your ancestor searches
2. Use FamilySearch.org to research at least two of your ancestors (grand parents) and find new information
3. Decide if you want to purchase the Family Tree Maker software or continue with just paper

Have fun, see you next time.

January 24 Meeting

There was terrific interaction and questions at today’s session with 16 attendees.  We covered three main topics with the handouts and links available below.  Our next session will be Wednesday night, February 7^th, 7:00-9:00 PM for those beginning their genealogy journey (everyone is welcome).

1)      We did a refresh of Interpreting your AncestryDNA with focus on using the DNA Matches for cousin fishing.  To get the handout: Click here

2)      Death Certificates, what to look for and how to interpret the information,

        a.       HOMEWORK: to get the sample Death Certificate: click here

                    What information can you get from this death certificate and 

                     where would you look for more information - bring your 

                     observations and recommendations to the next afternoon meeting.

        b.      to access the International Classification of Diseases: click here

        c.       to get the Genealogy Records Checklist: clickhere

        d.      to get the spreadsheet genealogy checklist: click here

3)      Research Project : STATES

        a.       HOMEWORK: Each member of your group should be researching

               one vital record in that state

        b.      to access the FamilySearch Wiki for the homework, click here

4)      Fun Ellis Island 360: click here

       a.       Civil War: A letter from the trenches 360: Click here

       b.      Battle Road: The American Revolution 360: Click here

Quick links:

a.    For obtaining phone numbers for free use: zabasearch.com

b.    New innovations for "FamilySearch.org" in 2018: Click here

January 17 Genealogy 101 Session

We had a great turnout of 15 people to this session, many new members looking for how to get started and current members helping out.  This was a session on "how to get started and how to focus on "Yourself" first", then move backward along your ancestors lines (making sure to go up the father and mother side of the family).  Our next session on February 7th will review the homework assignments and then begin to use FamilySearch.org to look up some of our heritage.  The homework was to start a pedigree chart and then do several family group sheets.

Here are the handouts and a video for refresh:

1) Homework page: Click here
2) Pedigree Chart: Click here
3) Family Group Worksheet: Click here
4) Search Sources checklist: Click here
5) Relationship Chart: Click here
6) Genealogy 101 Video: Click here

Here are some useful websites to look at before our next meeting:

1) FamilySearch.org : click here
2) Family Tree Maker (genealogy software for your computer - $): click here

January 18, 2018:

New resource announcements:

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter - click here
  - Article about the Journal of Genealogy and Family History

Index of Old Occupation (United Kingdom and Ireland Occupations 1891) - click here
  - Thank you Linda Juchatz for this reference

January 10th, 2018 First meeting of the year

We had a great "2018 Genealogy Fair" today at the Lake House.  We are sorry that some of you could not attend.  We did have 31 attendees to the Fair (not including our guests), with 18 being brand new potential members.  It was great to see these new and enthusiastic "genealogists" with great questions.  It was also fantastic to have 13 DIRT current members in attendance to share their own experiences and meet new people.

I want to thank Denise Doyon and Linda Mecchi for their tremendous help in setting up and running the Genealogy Fair.  I also want to thank Denise and Linda for all they have done for DIRT to start it in 2013 and help it grow to what it is today.  They have passed the Leadership role to Lynn Baker, who will try very hard to keep up the forward progress.

We had guests: Marianne Crawley (South Carolina Room - Charleston County Public Library) and Delsa & Dave Biorn from the LDS Family History Center to share what is available to you and also have tables to talk to attendees about what is available.

Lynn presented "Who is DIRT", "Where to get Free Genealogical Research" and a Map project for everyone to show where their relatives are located.  Linda Mecchi did a Genealogy Crossword puzzle for a prize of "free DIRT membership for a year".  We had a lot of fun and got to meet many new "potential genealogists".

Here are the handouts:
Who is DIRT brochure: Click Here

Where to get Free Genealogical Research: Click Here

We are into the new year of 2018, please look at the upcoming events.  The evening sessions will be more focused on helping those that are new to Genealogy to get started.

See you all soon.