Personal Genealogy Day

Yesterday I spent the whole afternoon working on my RootsMagic database and watching football. It was swell. I haven't tended my own family tree in a while, so it was good to get back to it.

I'm still working on improving citations that are already in the tree. It's a slow process, but I'm about 80% done. The results will be customized source templates and a more organized source list overall.

Two years ago (give or take) I started building this database from scratch. The only rule was that each fact had to have a source citation attached to it.

Today this tree has over 500 people in it, and all their gloriously sourced facts. It's growing slowly but surely. It feels good to have no gaps, no holes nor a to-do list of people and facts that need documentation.

Last night, I also played around with my private Ancestry "working" tree. I found some obituaries for distant Menou cousins in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. These obituaries weren't there before, so the moral of this story is to always keep looking.

What's in store for the coming week? Well, I'm remodeling my web site. I need to work on a special project. I'm also going to get that blogging e-book out because I'm sick of waiting for Google to re-brand Blogger.

That's it for now. Go forth and make your ancestors proud.

Fun with Search Terms

It's time for another round of "Fun with Search Terms!" People type certain words or phrases into search engines. If the combination is right, my blog turns up in the search results. Sometimes the searches are funny. Sometimes I can provide more information to users, if only they'd comment on my blog. Either way, I enjoy the process. Please note that these searches are anonymous so I don't know who is stumbling on my blog. I just comment in the hope that they find it again.

Now on with the show. Actual search phrases are in bold.


amy tombstone 2011
Spoooooky premonition for a Halloween weekend. Does someone want me dead? Maybe this offering will appease the spirits:

book review presentation zen
Ask and you shall receive.


Where does the surname Barecke come from?
That's what I'd like to know! I can tell you that my third-great grandfather, Maximilian Baerecke (1827-1904) was born in Eisenach, Saxony, Germany. I would love to compare Baerecke notes with others.

Iowa census includes parents names
That would be the 1925 census. It's such a wonderful record set that I wrote a tribute to it.

I need to tell you that i need the genealogy to set up for it is that ok ! with you
Huh?

boring DAR meetings
Are you looking to attend a boring meeting? I haven't heard about any local chapter meetings of the Daughters of the American Revolution being "boring" so I really can't help you there. Sorry.

I need some information about messing the genealogy.
Whatever you do, do not mess the genealogy. I repeat, do not mess the genealogy. Thank you. The Management.


That's all, folks. Thanks for playing!

New FGS Member Benefits for Genealogy Societies

It's not my intention to be all about press releases, but I thought this news was worth sharing.

FGS announces two new member benefits: website and newsletter reviews

Folks, there are some b-a-d bad genealogy society web sites out there. I'm not talking about the little stuff like colors and layout. I mean there are websites that say they were last updated in 2004. There are websites that don't have any information on upcoming events. My very favorite unfortunate web site is the one that says they have monthly meetings, but does not give an address for them.

If you belong to a genealogical society that is a member of FGS, do your group a favor and ask an officer to have your group's website and newsletter evaluated. It's a FREE chance to get some helpful advice from some friends in genealogy.

1000memories New Shoebox App

Memory-Sharing Platform Launches First Mobile Tool
For Sharing Photo Collections From The Past

SAN FRANCISCO, October 27, 2011 — Memory-sharing platform 1000memories.com today announced the launch of the Shoebox scanning app for iPhone, the first mobile tool designed for digitizing, organizing and sharing collections of photos from the past.

The app gives individuals, families and organizations the ability to scan and instantly share large collections of photos and documents that have previously been difficult to digitize - the photos traditionally neglected in shoeboxes, old family albums or archived analog collections.

“Large photo collections from our past have never been digitized or shared because it’s been too difficult and time-consuming. With the introduction of the Shoebox app, we’re putting multiple hand-held scanners in households and organizations, for free,” says 1000memories co-founder Rudy Adler. “We've created a tool that allows people to upload and share old photos in a fraction of the time needed for traditional photo scanning, which will dramatically change the rate at which these collections are being shared.”

Shoebox can auto-detect the edges of a photo and then quickly crop and straighten accordingly. Users can then add information typically written on the back of old photos - such as dates, names, and locations - before uploading to the 1000memories.com, where it can be organized, shared and discovered by friends and family.

1000memories hopes to help users get their older collections of photos online and in order while their friends, families and communities still remember the stories and people behind them. “The captions, dates and tags are just as important as the photos themselves - it’s imperative that we get as many of these photo collections online as possible while we can still access the stories behind them,” says Adler.

The launch of Shoebox comes on the heels of the release of the iPhone 4S, and will take advantage of its significant upgrades in mobile camera technology, including an 8.0 MP sensor for high-resolution mobile scans, as well as an improved f2.4 lens, for quality lower-light scans. The app will remain compatible with all previous iPhone models, including the iPhone 4, 3G, and 3GS, as well as the iPad.

“The popularity of the iPhone camera has proven that people want something that’s quick, accessible, and easy to share,” says Adler. “For us, that’s what providing a social mobile scanner is about - making it as easy as possible for people to get their photo collections digitized and shared with the people they care about.”

Backed by Y-Combinator and Greylock Partners, 1000memories is a hybrid of today’s family history and photo-sharing sites, with a focus helping individuals, families and organizations record, discover and preserve the photos of the past - and all of the stories that come with them. For more information, visit 1000memories.com/shoebox.

About 1000memories

1000memories is the best way to organize, share and discover the old photos and memories of your family and friends. Founded in 2010 in San Francisco, California, 1000memories helps bring the albums, scrapbooks, and photo-filled shoeboxes of our lives out of the closet and into an online, shareable space where they can be remembered and celebrated, together in one place. For more information, visit 1000memories.com.

The Genealogist's Guide to Researching Tax Records

The Genealogist’s Guide to Researching Tax Records* gives readers “the techniques to locate, read and understand the valuable information in annual tax records.” Authors Carol Cooke Darrow, CG and Susan Winchester, Ph.D., CPA bring their expertise to this book that explores the research value in historical American tax records.

The book is divided into nine chapters and starts with the steps to understanding the tax process and the documents created by it. Chapters three through nine describe a different type of tax, such as poll, land or federal taxes.

Each chapter shows practical examples of research situations created by tax records then provides the steps to solve the genealogical problem. For example, when several taxed individuals have the same name, the authors guide readers through the steps to determine which taxpayer is your research subject. You can use tax records to determine approximate age, family relationships, property (including slaves), and more.

The individual chapters contain a tax-related quote at the beginning and a set of footnotes at the end. Also included in The Genealogist’s Guide to Researching Tax Records are several appendixes, a small glossary and a bibliography of selected tax records.

Though the authors write extensively on the different taxes once collected in various states, such information is not reflected in the index. If you want to look at the types of taxes in Massachusetts as they are mentioned in the book, you must read through the entire book because “Massachusetts” is not a keyword in the index.

The Genealogist’s Guide to Researching Tax Records is a good primer for understanding the genealogical value and depth of historical American tax records. You’ll have to do the hunting yourself, as it does not contain research guidance for individual states. However, readers will walk away with a good foundation and education in an often overlooked set of records that can be an information goldmine.

The Genealogist's Guide to Researching Tax Records

ISBN 978-0-7884-4298-8

Published by Heritage Books

*both links are affiliate links

"Genealogists for Families" Project (Press Release)

[FYI...here's a chance to do some good. A small donation goes a long way. --Amy]

'Genealogists for Families' Project

'Genealogists for Families' Project


Working Together to Help Families in Need

Genealogists worldwide are working as a team to help families and small businesses in low income areas. Our motto is, We care about families (past, present and future). Through Kiva, a nonprofit organization, we make $25 loans that enable borrowers to expand their businesses, support their families and raise themselves out of poverty. When the $25 is repaid, the lender can choose to withdraw the money or make another loan.

Everyone is welcome on the team - genealogists, their family and friends, and anyone else who believes that our small loans can make a big difference to those who are less fortunate.


About the 'Genealogists for Families' Project:


Judy explains the inspiration for the project, which began on 27 September 2011:

'For as long as I can remember, my father set aside a small sum of money that he would periodically lend to a hard-working person in need of short-term help. We called it his 'Do Good Money'. Dad passed away last year at the age of ninety, and I want to continue the tradition in his memory.'


What Team Members Say:


Pamela: 'It would be lovely if this team could grow to include genealogists from around the world and to become a family tradition for all of our families.'

Carole: 'I have been lending money to small family businesses all over the world since 2008. The money has always been paid back, and I then lend it to someone else, although I have the option of getting the money back.'

Joan: 'We have so much, and I consider this one small way to help others less fortunate. Several of my friends have been providing loans through this organization and have had positive experiences. It was fun finding the individuals I wanted to sponsor.'

Helen: 'My family and I have loaned through Kiva for a while. The projects make a major difference to an individual, particularly women, which then makes an ongoing difference to the family, the village, and it spreads from there.'


What You Can Do:

1. Join the 'Genealogists for Families' team.


2. Make a loan. If you do not have a spare $25 yet, join now and when you do make a loan it will be automatically linked to the team's efforts.


3. Publicise your Web site, blog or online family tree by entering its address in 'My Website' on your Kiva Lender Page.

Join the 'Genealogists for Families' project and be part of the growing team of individuals who make a difference by helping families now and in the future.

Busy Weekend Leading to Busy Week

My life has been so busy lately. I need to get back to regular blogging. After several weeks of non-stop genealogy for other people, I really need to give my own ancestors some attention. 

Saturday, I went to the October meeting for the Chaparral Genealogical Society. Robert Schaadt gave a presentation called "Standing on Sacred Ground" about the Battle of San Jacinto. The talk started as a history lesson, but became a genealogy discussion as some of the attendees shared their own ancestors' experiences with the event. 

Sunday, I worked on a proposal for a potential client. Part of the project requires the use of some online genealogy tools. Let me just say that it's difficult to make recommendations regarding someone else's family history. What if the company fizzles out? Changes directions? No easy task, my friends.

All of a sudden Monday showed up. I made phone calls, answered emails, answered phone calls, worked on the proposal, wrote emails, did laundry, found an old shirt my can use for his Halloween costume, did more laundry, updated another client on a project, and played mom taxi. All of a sudden, it's dinner time!

Do you see how fast time is going? I need some personal genealogy time. I'll have to get that on the calendar.

What about you? Have you made time for your own ancestors lately?

We Have a RootsTech Winner!

A few posts ago, I held a drawing for a free registration to the 2012 RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun.

I am pleased to announce that Kay from Florida is the winner. Like a true genealogist, she's thrilled to leave the Sunshine State for a Utah vacation in February.

I must also say a very special thank you to FamilySearch and the team behind RootsTech for making this free conference registration available for me to give away on this blog.

Won't you please join me at RootsTech? Early bird registration runs through November 30.

Still on the fence? Check out my reasons for not attending RootsTech.

Now that the issue is settled, I will see you there.

The Volunteer Perspective

Recently, I stumbled on request for volunteers for a particular genealogy group. Once upon a time, I offered to volunteer for this group and never heard from anyone in that capacity ever again.

That got me thinking...

I see lots of requests for volunteers. Some are sincere. Some are generic. Some are desperate. Some are exasperated--like it's a member's obligation to serve.

I first started volunteering in a public library when my son was a baby. One afternoon a week, I escaped from home and processed incoming books. It was busy work that didn't involve a baby. It was nice. The library branch manager loved me. The library staff not so much. I often overhead their disdain for volunteers. They said volunteers didn't do what they were told. They were flaky. I was there every week and did my job, but it didn't change their opinion. Why would anyone want to volunteer for that?

Once when I joined a genealogy society, I indicated an interest in volunteering by checking the "Yes I want to volunteer" box my initial application. I never heard from anyone on that matter ever again.

Twice I have offered to help groups kick up their online presence with social media tools and blogs. Both times the offers weren't enthusiastically received. 

The next time I offered to volunteer for a genealogy group, I did so in person (at a conference) with an officer of the society. We had a great talk. Then I never heard from anyone ever again. 

This should get you thinking...

Are you having a hard time recruiting volunteers for your genealogy group/club/association/society? Ask yourself these questions:

Have you determined all the different volunteer opportunities within your group? "We need volunteers" won't cut it. What tasks are out there? Describe them. What do they entail? How many hours? On-site or at home? Any other benefits or perks?

Do you have these opportunities clearly featured on your web site, blog, and newsletter? If you don't put the call out on all your available channels, you're missing out on a massive untapped pool of talent. Don't forget to ask for help at meetings, too.

When someone does indicate an interest in volunteering, do you have a process or chain of command for replying to the person in a timely manner? Are all your officers aware of the process and on board with it? If a volunteer wants to serve in a specific area such as conference planning, make sure the conference planning chairperson is aware of the volunteer. 

Do you show appreciation for your volunteers? Regularly? Sincere thank-yous go a long way. So do cards, small token gifts, and recognition in newsletters and meetings.

Have you asked people to volunteer? I don't mean as a generic request at the bottom of your newsletter. I mean have you approached Betty, complimented her outgoing personality, and then asked if she'd be a newcomer greeter for meetings?

Does your group foster a volunteer-friendly environment? Nobody likes dictatorships, infighting, disorganization or preschool sandbox tantrums. If your nominating committee has trouble finding warm bodies for the ballot, maybe it's because nobody wants to deal with your group's brand of drama.

The need for genealogy society volunteers is greater than the effort put forth to get said volunteers. That's my opinion. You can take it or leave it. I just find it both frustrating and amusing that some of the very groups for which I offered to serve--and never heard from--are now asking for volunteers.

By the way, I now have two wonderful volunteer gigs in my life. Both groups had officers who reached out to me at the 2011 FGS conference and I said yes to their requests. 

All they had to do was ask.

Battle Copy Machine, Part Deux

Yesterday I went to the Clayton Library to do some work on a special project. I needed some copies of pages from books, which meant I had to go to the copy room.

The first-floor copy room and I have a history, as described in When Good Copiers Go Bad.

Since that post, Newman was sent packing and a new copier is in its place:

Think all my problems are over? Think again. This copier--which I call Damien--is set to automatically copy everything with 11x17 paper. You have to remember to change it to 8x11. As you can see from the rolled paper underneath, I forgot to change the setting. In fact, it happened three times.

Later on, I went back in the copy room and Damien malfunctioned. I tried to move to the copier to the left, but the copy card machine was not on. I waited for a man to finish using the copy machine to the right and got my stuff done.

Then I went into the copy room one last time. Damien was still not working. The copier to the left still wasn't taking copy cards. To the right, a sweet little lady was pulling nickels out of a coin bag--one at a time--in preparation of copying from a stack of books.

Not good.

So I did the walk of shame to the reference librarian explaining that 2 of the 3 copiers were wonky. He fixed Damien so I could copy. Then he looked at the left copier...which was mysteriously ON and working fine. Took my copy card and everything, making me look like a moron.

I made one last copy, and Damien rolled out another 11x17 piece of paper. That room is possessed, I tell you. Use at your own peril.

I bet that lady and her bag of nickles is still in there making copies.

Win a FREE Registration to RootsTech!

Great news! Humongous news. Fabulous news. What's the news?

I'm giving away one complimentary registration to RootsTech. That's right! One of you lucky readers is getting in to one of the best conferences for free!

In past giveaways, I've always held random drawings. This contest is no different, but I'm going to make you work for it.

RootsTech Scavenger Hunt!

Step 1: Go to the official RootsTech website.

Step 2: Answer these questions:

• Which organization is hosting the RootsTech conference?
• What is the name of the convention center where RootsTech is being held?
• Name two of the 2012 sponsors of RootsTech.

Step 3: Email your answers to [redacted. Contest over]. Put RootsTech in the subject line so I open it right away.

Step 4: Wait for me to randomly draw an entry from the pool of correct answers.

This contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, October 23, 2011. On October 24, I will select one entry at random and make that person's Monday a whole lot better. Good luck everyone!


[Special thanks to the kind folks behind RootsTech for providing the free registration for giveaway on my blog. I am an Official Blogger for RootsTech and this was one of my perks. See Disclosures for more. 
--Amy]

Association of Professional Genealogists Pre-RootsTech Management Conference

The Association of Professional Genealogists is having a Professional Management Conference in Salt Lake City on February 1, 2012. It occurs after the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (January 23-27) and before RootsTech (February 2-4). Here is the lowdown:

Morning session (single track):
Developing Advanced Research Plans While Staying on Track in a Modern World
Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA

Afternoon sessions (multi-track):
Understanding U.S. Native American Research
Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

Media Planning: Using Traditional vs. Digital Media to Build Your Client Base
Teresa Koch-Bostic and Melissa A. Johnson

Are You Really Earning a Living; Or Just Funding Your Hobby?
Kory L. Meyerink, AG

Virtual Presentations for Professional Genealogists
Thomas MacEntee

There's an App for That: Professional Edition
Laura G. Prescott

Generating Business by Collaborating with Other Professions
Diane L. Giannini, CG

APG members: $150 by December 31, 2011, $175 after December 31, 2011
Non APG: $175 anytime

Visit the APG website for more details.

Grrr Google

I'm starting to get a little annoyed with Google. I had my little e-book on genealogy blogging ready to go. All I had to do was hit "publish" and make it available to the masses. A few weeks before the launch date, Google said they were changing the names of Blogger and Picasa to something else and would be doing so in about six weeks. Since I mention Blogger quite a lot in a book about blogs, I decided to wait, see what the new name would be, then update my own book so it would be current.

Six weeks have come and gone.

Still no new name for Blogger.

Still holding a book draft in my computer.

But you know how the world turns, right? If I hit publish today, Google will announce the new name of Blogger tomorrow.

So I wait.

And do more genealogy research to pass the time.

Cover Girl of the California Nugget

Word on the street is that the latest issue of the California Nugget will soon be on its way to my mailbox. This makes me very happy because I was a contributor to this issue. In fact, that's my work on the cover!

I wrote about my experience at the 2011 RootsTech conference. Hopefully the article entices some California Genealogical Society members to join me in 2012.

I am a distance member in the California Genealogical Society & Library. I don't have a single northern California ancestor, and I will probably never get to go to a meeting in person. However I feel the group is a perfect example of how a genealogy society should be run and so I support its efforts through my membership. They in turn have made me feel like an active and productive member by giving me writing opportunities and more.

Of course, living in Texas, I have to wait for the Pony Express to bring the latest Nugget to my door. Don't worry mom, when I'm done, I'll give you my copy for your Coffee Table of Fame.