tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78495065991166652352024-03-21T16:05:37.635-05:00The We Tree Genealogy BlogIf you think family history is boring, then you're doing it wrong.Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.comBlogger1183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-73628442288840884352015-02-13T11:56:00.000-06:002015-02-13T11:57:52.335-06:00RootsTech and FGS2015 Opening Day<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday was the official opening day for the RootsTech and FGS2015 co-conferences. Yes, there are two conferences being held at the same time. </div>
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I was lucky enough to be invited to tour the exhibit hall before it opened. I noticed right away that vendor areas are significantly larger than last year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhO4QWf0vq-HyG5rk2MlQ9LnNWl8BU9-r5Dbgbf_xHNsMZaPp9ar0REdveF8WG5cPX09FnK2vC4sjASrkbAPlIcg0IUZ3Q7IbcToyzlBMz8oC_MbVBA8Z1pcA2H6yZTlydekW36ySl9ed/s1600/IMG_20150212_073109_751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhO4QWf0vq-HyG5rk2MlQ9LnNWl8BU9-r5Dbgbf_xHNsMZaPp9ar0REdveF8WG5cPX09FnK2vC4sjASrkbAPlIcg0IUZ3Q7IbcToyzlBMz8oC_MbVBA8Z1pcA2H6yZTlydekW36ySl9ed/s1600/IMG_20150212_073109_751.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's even a playground. They have Centipede. I checked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU3H56jY90Y3ddlI9BjrDXEBNZ9V-Hkklap15Rra227RzHjHNV0hcotSIEvuTMXkrQZjeuKjLUubwgk1X2-iXBmVH2L_O6JuC_NpJeul5402beqHstpAm36AevO6c0pyhQmQQbeUVrkSo/s1600/IMG_20150212_074941_776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU3H56jY90Y3ddlI9BjrDXEBNZ9V-Hkklap15Rra227RzHjHNV0hcotSIEvuTMXkrQZjeuKjLUubwgk1X2-iXBmVH2L_O6JuC_NpJeul5402beqHstpAm36AevO6c0pyhQmQQbeUVrkSo/s1600/IMG_20150212_074941_776.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Demo Theater is always my favorite place. This year it is larger with more couches!<br />
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After the hall tour, I got to go backstage. Here's a behind the scenes view:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T7Bf88z-SPC0aEuu8NHQKfqnrxu49g-7dPglLtBXCHLJAQdW7zLGdqVio5257zCtTc1TmuFjY088xhk8NJj-frlC87y8unpIFUl9GJCCivqbTCv7K2bFMG2HOtA8GwCw9qZytuHNoYsn/s1600/IMG_20150212_080302_172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T7Bf88z-SPC0aEuu8NHQKfqnrxu49g-7dPglLtBXCHLJAQdW7zLGdqVio5257zCtTc1TmuFjY088xhk8NJj-frlC87y8unpIFUl9GJCCivqbTCv7K2bFMG2HOtA8GwCw9qZytuHNoYsn/s1600/IMG_20150212_080302_172.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everyone loved keynote speaker Tan Le. She spoke from the heart and left not a dry eye in the house.<br />
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I had a very productive lunch with a friend. We are kicking around marketable ideas and planning world domination.<br />
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In the afternoon, I went to Judy Russell's class on federal records. It was exactly what I needed, as my felonious great-grandfather has done federal time. She clearly explained the court system and where I *should* be able to locate these records. As always, Russell was knowledgeable and funny.<br />
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I debated being anti-social for dinner, but then put the word out on Twitter. Within minutes I had a dinner date and great conversation at a local pub. Genealogical serendipity at its finest.Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-70900925564223222362015-02-11T21:45:00.002-06:002015-02-11T21:45:38.585-06:00FamilySearch 2015 RootsTech Media Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending a media dinner hosted by <a href="http://familysearch.org/" target="_blank">FamilySearch</a> on the eve of the opening of <a href="http://rootstech.org/" target="_blank">RootsTech</a> 2015.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6IQTeG1jEDd3wJ5ps0uSVyxYw3rnxJ_L3J0GXSLd1_ZK0yW3aLbZbaFxPBx8ZAZA7fOUCO4Ld2HlGD1sJpcOJqh_8A5xImRvewzJcNuEFY7znRYkNBjLem1evNyALq5GAHU5FW69JwhZ/s1600/IMG_20150211_204141_569-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6IQTeG1jEDd3wJ5ps0uSVyxYw3rnxJ_L3J0GXSLd1_ZK0yW3aLbZbaFxPBx8ZAZA7fOUCO4Ld2HlGD1sJpcOJqh_8A5xImRvewzJcNuEFY7znRYkNBjLem1evNyALq5GAHU5FW69JwhZ/s1600/IMG_20150211_204141_569-1.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is always one of my favorite conference events because FamilySearch tells us the latest developments in their organization, and they do so in style:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtqvLpwrHkHMKAQEOGmcRFg3fn-e2pepg2rdU1MTX5gM9oxPymMOGLf_vCc112zhEMzwI97Ur3-2sIG4Nn_ChmLyEogXQZjGEV4-NXUtKCBf7MedH_RGqVIi-4ZcHjoDkXcvT_xFpWi3I/s1600/IMG_20150211_184743_546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtqvLpwrHkHMKAQEOGmcRFg3fn-e2pepg2rdU1MTX5gM9oxPymMOGLf_vCc112zhEMzwI97Ur3-2sIG4Nn_ChmLyEogXQZjGEV4-NXUtKCBf7MedH_RGqVIi-4ZcHjoDkXcvT_xFpWi3I/s1600/IMG_20150211_184743_546.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shipley Munson talked about the major points of RootsTech. He said there was a "conservative" estimate of 20,000 unique attendees, but if everyone shows up it will be closer to 30,000. People are coming from 49 states (no West Virginians in the house) and 35 countries, There will also be 200,000 viewers from around the world. <br />
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FamilySearch previewed several moving videos that will be presented during the conference. When one presentation ended, we found that we were part of it. We are the storytellers... and so are you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0zPMzbB76p1RZztGje8HHz13Yrf9qkc9vchbWCVXYMMm2y6YRif-So7aq-KAJyP6o8JoyeaS8dczc1em1niQINhJpr_WxP01dBSzPPgMyreOBkeOuQwIWbAzvWS6DxPrTyN-iwr0kXlD/s1600/IMG_20150211_190139_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0zPMzbB76p1RZztGje8HHz13Yrf9qkc9vchbWCVXYMMm2y6YRif-So7aq-KAJyP6o8JoyeaS8dczc1em1niQINhJpr_WxP01dBSzPPgMyreOBkeOuQwIWbAzvWS6DxPrTyN-iwr0kXlD/s1600/IMG_20150211_190139_013.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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New (or reinvented) this year is the Innovator Showdown, giving developers a chance to present their tech tools for a chance at a cash award. There are $25,000 in prizes, expanded sponsorship, and 51 entries whittled down to four finalists. The winner will be crowned during the conference. The whole competition has a Shark Tank feel to it. <br />
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One of the bigger takeaways from this event was the mention of the FamilySearch app gallery. You can see it at <a href="http://familysearch.org/apps" target="_blank">FamilySearch.org/apps</a>.<br />
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The theme of this conference is "Who Inspires You?" I love this thought, because everyone can answer the question. It's not just for the crazy genealogists. We are all doing family history, most of us just don't realize it. FamilySearch is out to change that.<br />
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Thanks again to FamilySearch for including me in their media dinner. Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-45663899702125979762015-02-10T15:00:00.003-06:002015-02-11T21:45:51.504-06:00Touring the FamilySearch Family Discovery Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I had the pleasure of attending a VIP tour of the <a href="http://familysearch.org/" target="_blank">FamilySearch</a> <strong>Family Discovery Center</strong>, that's set for a February 11, 2015 grand opening. </div>
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The Family Discovery Center is in the FamilySearch corner of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City. It is ready to welcome visitors, but it is also acting as a model for possible off-site future centers around the world. </div>
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The target audience is youth ages 12-18, with the hope that they will then attract their families as well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY2m_VuLnThjv7SpmgAyForGRjdtSCmrX1M0x4zln9ZsgJ6GgRB8192sVM4poKTF6L0oWH8MfbdE6Df96CdfKugeTIigFkwAFJezv2LDRNwrb_6KG0eGICB2BhFPDx8aqEL4Cq1uOSE68/s1600/IMG_20150210_102413_546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY2m_VuLnThjv7SpmgAyForGRjdtSCmrX1M0x4zln9ZsgJ6GgRB8192sVM4poKTF6L0oWH8MfbdE6Df96CdfKugeTIigFkwAFJezv2LDRNwrb_6KG0eGICB2BhFPDx8aqEL4Cq1uOSE68/s1600/IMG_20150210_102413_546.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Family Discovery Center is organized into kiosks with different interactive family history activities. Visitors are given individual iPads to use during the tour. Those with FamilySearch accounts are asked to log in using their names and passwords. The result is a custom experience based on your family tree.</div>
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Here is where I learned about the meaning of my name. My maiden name is unique, so there wasn't any information (yet).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs1vyGIkYAg6haoD_sosgaSW2taJrXks1w5RUEQhneiiOTk5LgiZbm4EP7e5fi0GHh2fhD3imsvAhj1oLxy0HL1bscnQu12axKJnuaRyazXVrq0FNYxndYait-UjNwdNV647idPoYgFMs/s1600/IMG_20150210_100925_575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs1vyGIkYAg6haoD_sosgaSW2taJrXks1w5RUEQhneiiOTk5LgiZbm4EP7e5fi0GHh2fhD3imsvAhj1oLxy0HL1bscnQu12axKJnuaRyazXVrq0FNYxndYait-UjNwdNV647idPoYgFMs/s1600/IMG_20150210_100925_575.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many of the stations have futuristic looks to them, because that's what kids these days want and expect. Several stations had interactive touch screens, including this station that felt like time travel and taught about different eras in our ancestors' lives.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqUBEg5wfn50nSAGsbef3bNWWgSzw51yoscYf4jo2KZecWq3ismqyKN9RT65Lz8sKu9npCYv4XO-NeQ06kI5Tb9fYvZZD7eg4K5YJu1ykVNiLv0rlCwr4oTJ26SPaWYpFFwqDQaVUvxBv/s1600/IMG_20150210_101346_665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqUBEg5wfn50nSAGsbef3bNWWgSzw51yoscYf4jo2KZecWq3ismqyKN9RT65Lz8sKu9npCYv4XO-NeQ06kI5Tb9fYvZZD7eg4K5YJu1ykVNiLv0rlCwr4oTJ26SPaWYpFFwqDQaVUvxBv/s1600/IMG_20150210_101346_665.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below this world map display, you can see where I've docked my iPad. I don't have a large family tree at FamilySearch (yet) so I didn't get to fully participate in this station. Once the iPad is docked, information from your tree and ancestors' locations will come up on the map. You can use the touchscreen to zoom in or out and see the migration paths and birthplaces of ancestors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IT_U9R7ZLQUzRT3cosL6enQx_h4n2PYX9hc5N9otmG4LuaAtILMj4k9YpBpDtstiGsM8PGcUm_FvXWNdhtR94yFyQVjpm5icwn3_CGm0Jk9_FC0_-VcrkmufWk4nNhoWtFkftcdlRGbw/s1600/IMG_20150210_101246_550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IT_U9R7ZLQUzRT3cosL6enQx_h4n2PYX9hc5N9otmG4LuaAtILMj4k9YpBpDtstiGsM8PGcUm_FvXWNdhtR94yFyQVjpm5icwn3_CGm0Jk9_FC0_-VcrkmufWk4nNhoWtFkftcdlRGbw/s1600/IMG_20150210_101246_550.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's even a station to record your own history. There are question prompts on the screen and a camera that records you telling your stories. At the end of the tour, visitors receive a recording from this station as well as photos and information from the others.<br />
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Station 5 has a Wii-style experience where you wave your hand to choose and take photos in various styles of dress. Here I am being a Chickasaw Princess:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM0DriCSPV5OaAeYvoswcgsqYLJwtV0Hwn_o8AA2DXIk4MCSPBTOgshWHjwiAnavY9jA1t1u2sgCf1V0cO1ODmFuJ8bLu5WQzCh3Dnx6lMrg79P1P-c9IUCa6PsjXa9WLvRGBDg2mckrs/s1600/PictureMyStory_c0f4a7c3-cdad-4c84-a9ad-b07617e0a3a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM0DriCSPV5OaAeYvoswcgsqYLJwtV0Hwn_o8AA2DXIk4MCSPBTOgshWHjwiAnavY9jA1t1u2sgCf1V0cO1ODmFuJ8bLu5WQzCh3Dnx6lMrg79P1P-c9IUCa6PsjXa9WLvRGBDg2mckrs/s1600/PictureMyStory_c0f4a7c3-cdad-4c84-a9ad-b07617e0a3a4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Special thanks to FamilySearch for thinking I was a VI enough P for their VIP tour. See <a href="http://familysearch.org/discoverycenter" target="_blank">FamilySearch.org/discoverycenter</a> for more information on this innovative endeavor to get families interested in their own histories.Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-72350015304329564762015-02-07T10:01:00.000-06:002015-02-07T10:01:31.565-06:00Removing the Dust Covers and Getting Ready for RootsTech / FGS2015Hi there! Remember me?<br />
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So much has happened since we last spoke. It's been a rough few months on the home front. My husband unexpectedly walked out the door and then I was diagnosed with Graves disease.<br />
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This is not dirty laundry; it is family history. We don't always get to choose how the story goes.<br />
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So you see...I do have a pretty good excuse for not blogging.<br />
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But now it is time to blog again. I got my writing voice back. Just in time, too. RootsTech and FGS2015 are just around the corner. I'll be there with bells on and I want to experience it all.<br />
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Onward....<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-83786618334289679622014-09-04T10:30:00.000-05:002015-02-03T09:33:06.853-06:00October Genealogy Classes in Richmond, Texas<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from? Are you curious about their military service or daily lives? Begin your family-history research at Fort Bend County Libraries' Local History and Genealogy Department at <a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/branches/gm.html" target="_blank">George Memorial Library</a>, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Library staff will present two programs in October to help the beginning family-history researcher pursue their genealogy search.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The class "<b>Family-History Research: World War I Records,</b>" will take place on Tuesday, <b>October 14</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> beginning at 10:00 a.m.,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> in the library's Computer Lab. Staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department will show family researchers how to trace family history using World War I military records such as draft-registration cards, service records, and pension-application files. Find out how and where to obtain copies of compiled service records and pensions for U.S. soldiers. Learn about the library's microfilm collection of indexes to World War I, other holdings in the Genealogy and Local History Department, and online resources such as Ancestry.com, Family Search, and Fold3.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In the class "<b>Build Your Family Tree Online,</b>" learn how to create a family-tree website using the free resources on TribalPages.com. The class will take place on <b>October 15</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> beginning at 10:00 a.m.,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> in the Computer Lab. Those attending the class will need an email account to set up an account on this resource, on which one can add names, upload photographs, create an interactive chart, capture family stories, and invite other family members to contribute information.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library's website (</span><a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.fortbend.lib.tx.us</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">), click on "Calendar," select "George Memorial," and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library's Local History and Genealogy Department at </span>281-341-2608<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, or by visiting the department at the library.</span></span>Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-40946108072967322942014-09-03T09:39:00.000-05:002014-09-03T09:39:00.036-05:00Genealogy Program in Sugar Land, Texas, October 15<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>Hey there, local genealogy friends. I received this press release from Fort Bend County Libraries regarding a local free program. Spread the word with your genealogy society colleagues. --A</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Internet has made more resources available to people researching their family roots than ever before. Fort Bend County Libraries' <a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/branches/fc.html" target="_blank">First Colony Branch Library</a> will show how to access the library's online resources in a program on "Genealogy Resources @ Your Library," on Wednesday, October 15</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> beginning at 7:00 p.m.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> in the Conference Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Staff from the library's Adult Services department will demonstrate how to access online tools and databases for genealogical research in this program for beginner family-history researchers. The databases are available through the Fort Bend County Libraries' website,</span><a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.fortbend.lib.tx.us</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. Most of them can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection, and there is one that must be accessed from within the library. Some of the resources require a subscription when accessed directly, but are free when accessed through the library's website. Those attending the program will also receive tips on how to conduct online searches in an efficient manner for the best results.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library's website, click on "Calendar," select "First Colony Branch Library," and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at </span><a href="tel:281-238-2800" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" value="+12812382800">281-238-2800</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, or by visiting the library.</span></span>Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-70912221259848975602014-08-27T08:30:00.000-05:002014-08-27T08:30:00.024-05:00Register for FGS2015 and get a RootsTech pass for $39!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guys, guys, GUYS! I'm still at FGS2014, but I received this press release about FGS2015. Registration is open! But it gets better. Register for FGS2015 and get a pass to RootsTech for only $39! Both conferences will be going at the same time. This price for an add-on RootsTech pass is a steal. Take advantage of it! Will I see you there? -Amy</span></i></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB">Connect.Explore.Refresh — A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565615" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 27, 2014</span></span> – Austin, TX</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) opened registration today for their 2015 conference scheduled for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565616" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">February 11–14</span></span> in Salt Lake City, Utah. This highly anticipated genealogy event puts the FGS and RootsTech conferences under one roof at the Salt Palace Convention Center (SPCC).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Registration opened with a <b>special early bird price of $139 for a full FGS conference registration</b>. That pricing is available through<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565617" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">September 12, 2014</span></span>. Attend only FGS or add-on a <b>full RootsTech pass for an additional $39</b>. Register now at <a href="http://fgsconference.org/2015" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>http://FGSconference.org/<wbr></wbr>2015</b></a>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">FGS President, D. Joshua Taylor, shared "FGS 2015 will undoubtedly be part of the largest family history event in North America. We are delighted to partner with RootsTech to bring the best of tradition and innovation to the family history community."</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">Conference Highlights</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">Conference Sessions:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> The program features lectures for genealogists of all experience levels. Attendees will learn from a variety of tracks including Tried and True Methods, The Most Useful Records Hidden in Plain Sight, Compiling Singular Records into Lively Stories, A Retro Look at Organizing and Planning, and Modern Access to Vintage Resources. <b>See the full program and list of speakers at </b><a href="http://fgsconference.org/2015" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>http://FGSconference.org/<wbr></wbr>2015</b></a><b>.</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">General Sessions:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565618" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span>, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565619" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span>, and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565620" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> mornings will kick off with a joint general session for all FGS and RootsTech attendees. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">Expo Hall:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Both conferences will share an expo hall covering more than 120,000 square feet, which will offer at least 240 booth spaces and a Demo Theater featuring special vendor presentations.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">Research Opportunity: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">The<b> </b>Family History Library is the reason that Salt Lake City is the dream destination of genealogists everywhere. The library is a located in walking distance of the Salt Palace Convention Center and the four conference hotels. <b> </b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">Focus on Societies:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Sessions on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565621" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, February 11, 2015</span></span> will give society leaders and volunteers ideas and tools to help societies promote themselves, increase membership, and develop sources of revenue.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB">Librarians’ Day:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> On <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_319565622" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday, February 10, 2015</span></span>, ProQuest will sponsor a full pre-conference day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Visit the FGS conference website at <a href="http://fgsconference.org/2015" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://FGSconference.org/<wbr></wbr>2015</a> for additional details including links to the conference hotels. Watch for future announcements about general session speakers, special activities and more on the FGS Voice Blog at <a href="http://voice.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://voice.fgs.org/</a> and through FGS social media channels (links available on the conference website). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">See you in Salt Lake City in February. </span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit <a href="http://www.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.fgs.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Follow us on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FGSgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>FGSgenealogy</a>), Twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/FGSgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>FGSgenealogy</a>) and on our blog at (<a href="http://voice.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://voice.fgs.org</a>).</span></div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-66523277956311636842014-08-26T21:17:00.000-05:002014-08-26T21:17:00.284-05:00FamilySearch Media Dinner Recap for FGS2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the pleasure of attending the <a href="https://familysearch.org/" target="_blank">FamilySearch</a> media dinner on Tuesday evening. This is an event usually held at major genealogy conferences where they invite bloggers and other media types to learn about the latest news and developments with FamilySearch.<br />
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This evening was no exception. The event started with an update from Chief Genealogical Officer David Rencher. He spoke briefly about FamilySearch <a href="https://familysearch.org/tree/" target="_blank">Family Tree</a> and how they're trying to improve metrics. He gave an example of a person in Family Tree having multiple people linked as parents, and the steps being taken to omit that.<br />
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Next up Dan Call spoke about RootsTech 2014. He showed a video and gave the attendance numbers. I wasn't able to write them all down, but paid attendance was 5,250. That didn't include special events like kid's day, LDS training, etc.<br />
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Call then turned his attention to <a href="http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng" target="_blank">RootsTech 2015</a>, being held February 12-14, 2015. He did apologize for it being Valentine's Day, but I can't think of a better present than genealogy. Innovator Summit will be February 11. They must have got some mixed feedback from the last one because the 2015 version will be retooled. Another thing Call mentioned was more intermediate and advanced classes. I don't know what that entails. We'll have to wait and see when the schedule comes out.<br />
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Registration for <a href="http://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng" target="_blank">RootsTech</a> opens August 29. The early-bird price is $139, and I believe that price will be held for two weeks.<br />
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Remember, RootsTech will be running concurrently with the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference. I've been told that you will be able to register for FGS2015 and add a pass to RootsTech for $39. I do not know if the same is the case if you register for RootsTech and want a pass to FGS. This is all so new and I think everyone is a little confused.<br />
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Bryce Roper is the product manager for Family Tree. He talked about available apps. They are FamilySearch Tree and FamilySearch Memories. More information can be found at the FamilySearch <a href="https://familysearch.org/mobile/tree" target="_blank">Mobile App Landing Page</a>.<br />
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Did you know FamilySearch Family Tree has hints now? They're like that other site's shaky leaves, but it is a different symbol. In fact, Family Tree shows record hints, research suggestions and confirms data quality. (I think "data quality" means they point out when you have a mother whose death date is before a child was supposedly born.) My takeaway from this segment was that FamilySearch is trying to clean up trees and increase accuracy and growth.<br />
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Robert Kehrer was a brave soul who did a live presentation. He showed the different types of hints on FamilyTree and how to add sources, people. etc. Bloggers asked good questions about privacy regarding living people in the FamilyTree, ability for others to change information and copyright. FamilySearch is pretty confident that there isn't much fighting over family tree information. Seems like there is, but what do I know?<br />
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All in all it was a great event and I'm thrilled to be up to date with all that's going on with FamilySearch.<br />
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If you want to keep up with the latest FamilySearch news, <a href="https://familysearch.org/blog/en/" target="_blank">follow their blog</a>.<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-48120549091069703802014-08-26T16:42:00.001-05:002014-08-26T16:42:39.028-05:00Librarians' Day Re-Cap at FGS2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was<a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/program/librarians-day/" target="_blank"> Librarians' Day</a> at <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">FGS2014</a>, which is before Society Day, which is before the actual FGS conference.<br />
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The event was sponsored by <a href="http://www.proquest.com/" target="_blank">ProQuest</a>, which I must add because they gave us lunch among other things.<br />
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David Rencher, Chief Genealogist at FamilySearch, gave a presentation on the War of 1812 pension collection. See <a href="http://www.preservethepensions.org/" target="_blank">Preserve the Pensions</a> for the public effort to get funding to digitize and care for this collection. He shared some of the incredible things one can find in a pension file.<br />
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Three takeaways you must know about this presentation:<br />
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1. The <a href="http://go.fold3.com/1812pensions/" target="_blank">War of 1812 pension collection</a> is available for free at <a href="http://www.fold3.com/" target="_blank">Fold3</a>. Yes, Fold3 is a subscription database, but these items will be free.<br />
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2. You say you don't have any ancestors that served? War of 1812 pensions have lots of names and information about others who were related to or knew the pensioner. Take the time to examine the collection. You never know what you'll find.<br />
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3. These pension documents are falling apart. We need to help digitize them before it is too late. Donate to <a href="http://www.preservethepensions.org/" target="_blank">Preserve the Pensions</a> today.<br />
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Craig Scott of <a href="http://www.heritagebooks.com/" target="_blank">Heritage Books</a> discussed "Building a Core Genealogical Collection for our Library" in the next segment. Libraries often serve many different audiences. This session stressed the importance of having an acquisitions plan to ensure you have the genealogy collection your users want. Communication between departments was stressed, as well as sharing with city government the importance and dollars brought in by genealogy tourism.<br />
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Lunch was great. William "Bill" Forsyth gave some minor updates with regard to ProQuest. He said <a href="http://www.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/index" target="_blank">Heritage Quest</a> will be updated. After that he shared a case history from his own family and how he utilized military records for genealogy. It was a very interesting presentation.<br />
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The biggest takeaway you need to know from lunch is that <a href="http://www.criticalpast.com/" target="_blank">Critical Path</a> exists. Forsyth used it to see film of where his grandfather served in World War I.<br />
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Frank Faulkner of the <a href="http://www.mysapl.org/texana.aspx" target="_blank">San Antonio Public Library Texana and Genealogy Collection</a> was the after-lunch speaker. There are two takeaways you need to know from this session:<br />
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1. The word "genealogy" in the collection title often scares people away. Texana means anything having to do with Texas or its history.<br />
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2. This collection is HUGE. It covers all 50 states, so do not ignore it.<br />
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James Harkins of the <a href="http://www.glo.texas.gov/" target="_blank">Texas General Land Office</a> was the final speaker. He gave a brief history of the GLO, then a brief example of what they have. This is such a neat repository with so much historical information in Texas and even pre-statehood.<br />
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Takeaway from this session: check out their website. They have things online.<br />
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I ended up winning a prize! It's a very cool historical map.<br />
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All in all, I call Librarians' Day a success. Special thanks to Sue Kaufman, Queen Bee at <a href="http://www2.houstonlibrary.org/clayton/" target="_blank">Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research</a>, for planning it all.Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-32194518754316509602014-08-25T21:48:00.002-05:002014-08-25T21:48:47.908-05:00Greetings from San Antonio for #FGS2014Today I drove away from Houston and aimed my car toward San Antonio. My goal and intent was to be there for the Federation of Genealogical Societies <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">2014 Annual Conference</a>.<br />
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I timed my trip so I would arrive in Luling, Texas around lunch time. I went to City Market.<br />
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This was the quintessential Texas BBQ joint. You walk through the store to the smoke room where they cook the meat and order there. They give it to you on butcher paper.<br />
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I ordered brisket and sausage. There are no forks. The bread is for moppin'. Should you want sides, you will get a fork with those, but they are sold in the store, not the smoke room.<br />
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My Diet Coke invited me to share it with a Go-Getter. I did just drive to an unfamiliar town and eat new stuff. Then I was driving to San Antonio to be part of a big conference. It doesn't get and more go-getter than that.<br />
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After I arrived in San Antonio, I spent some time resting, then went to the mall. I ran into <a href="http://lfmccauley.com/blog/" target="_blank">Linda McCauley</a>, who then led me to <a href="http://rootsandrambles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marian Pierre-Louis</a>, <a href="http://paulastuartwarren.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paula Stuart Warren</a>, <a href="http://www.4yourfamilystory.com/" target="_blank">Caroline Pointer</a> and <a href="http://pk-pollyblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Polly Kimmitt</a>.<br />
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On our way back to dinner, we stopped by The Alamo. It sure is pretty at night.<br />
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This was a good day, even though it was a travel day.<br />
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Tomorrow is <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/program/librarians-day/" target="_blank">Librarians' Day</a>. I am very excited.<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-36914390604039856542014-08-19T11:24:00.001-05:002014-08-19T11:24:49.760-05:00MyCanvas Finds a New Home in Alexander’sMyCanvas users will be happy to know that the service that is on Ancestry.com's <a href="http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2014/06/04/ancestry-com-focuses-on-core-offerings/" target="_blank">chopping block</a> has found a new home at Alexander's.<br />
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Find out more at the <a href="http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2014/08/19/mycanvas-is-sticking-around/" target="_blank">Ancestry.com blog</a>.<br />
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I'm glad Ancestry.com was able to ensure the service continued. I haven't used MyCanvas yet,* but I know many people who have. I've heard good things about MyCanvas in the past and hope to use it in the future.<br />
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*I'm still in the process of gathering enough ancestral information and photos to fill a book. Plus, my family is small and not in love with genealogy so I'm still figuring out my audience. In time....Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-29079282725399755452014-08-18T13:27:00.000-05:002014-08-18T13:27:04.453-05:00Online Registration for FGS 2014 Ends August 19!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2014 FGS CONFERENCE ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067013" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">AUGUST 19</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Gone to Texas” – A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>August 15, 2014 – Austin, TX</i></b>. Online registration for the 2014 Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Conference, scheduled <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067014" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">27-30 August 2014</span></span> in San Antonio, Texas, ends <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067015" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday, August 19</span></span>. Register at <a href="http://www.fgsconference.org/registration" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.fgsconference.org/<wbr></wbr>registration</a>. This year’s conference theme is “Gone to Texas,” and the local hosts are the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society (SAGHS) and the Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS).</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.333332061767578px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pre-registering for the conference gives you access to some great benefits. Those who have already registered for the conference still have time to purchase tickets to the conference "extras."</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.333332061767578px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only attendees who preregister for the conference can:</span></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Access the conference syllabus online prior to the conference.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Guarantee a spot in the "extra" conference events (on-site tickets may be available to events if they have not sold out):</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
Add on </div>
13 luncheons over the 4 conference days.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
Register for </div>
10</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">workshops over 3 days.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> <div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
(</div>
</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Workshops are filling up quickly but there are still a few spaces remaining.<div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
)</div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067016" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday</span></span> Night at the Institute of Texan Cultures on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067017" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 27</span></span><div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
th</div>
, hosted by the the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society and the Texas State Genealogical Society.</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067018" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> evening's "Night in Old San Antonio" at La Villita is sold out.</span></div>
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</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also purchase extra tickets (except for workshops) for your non-genealogy spouses or friends who traveled with you to the conference.<br /><br />Visit <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/registration/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">https://www.fgsconference.org/<wbr></wbr>registration/</span></a> to register or add "extras" today. We hope to see you in San Antonio, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1535067019" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 27-30</span></span>.<br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Learn More and Stay Connected</span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.666666030883789px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like FGS at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FGSgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>FGSgenealogy</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.666666030883789px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow FGS on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/fgsgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>fgsgenealogy</a> and hashtag #FGS2014.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.666666030883789px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit San Antonio at <a href="http://visitsanantonio.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://visitsanantonio.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, <i>FGS FORUM </i>magazine (filled with articles for the family history community), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit <a href="http://www.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.fgs.org</a>.</span></div>
Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-23671593205206625782014-08-14T16:37:00.000-05:002014-08-18T13:28:36.833-05:00Do's and Don'ts for FGS 2014It's almost time for the <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">2014 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference</a>! This time it's in my neck of the woods, and I'm excited to have all these genealogy folks come to Texas. If this is your first trip to San Antonio, here are some tips to make your trip memorable:<br />
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<b>DO</b> try new things. Attend a class in something about which you know nothing, play with the databases in the vendor hall, make friends in the chairs around you while we're all waiting for sessions to start.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b> bring your horse or cowboy hat. Downtown San Antonio is a very busy place. Take all your visions of ranches and prairies out of your head and replace them with buses and tall buildings. Leave your boots at home too, unless they're super comfortable and worthy of long walks through the convention center.<br />
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<b>DO</b> take advantage of local food and drink. When it comes to after-hours conference entertainment, San Antonio is one of the better FGS settings in recent memory. There are so many choices! Here is a list of <a href="http://visitsanantonio.com/VisitSanAntonio/media/vsa-media/maps/SACVB_Dining_2012.pdf" target="_blank">nearby restaurants and bars</a>.<br />
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<b>DON'T</b> spend all your time in the convention center. I realize genealogy is the reason we're all coming to San Antonio, but take some time to explore the city surrounding the conference. Check out these <a href="http://visitsanantonio.com/Maps-of-San-Antonio" target="_blank">downtown San Antonio</a> maps for ideas.<br />
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<b>DO</b> realize <a href="http://www.thealamo.org/" target="_blank">The Alamo</a> is only a short walk from the convention center.This conference offers you a great chance to see it (and realize how small it is). There's even an early-morning <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/blog/2014/08/fun-walk-for-the-preserve-the-pensions-war-of-1812/" target="_blank">Fun Walk</a> supporting the <a href="http://www.preservethepensions.org/" target="_blank">Preserve the Pensions</a> cause. Why not sign up?<br />
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<b>DON'T</b> ask where the basement is at The Alamo:<br />
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<b>DO</b> come find me at the conference. I love making new genealogy friends!<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-20198534826744407642014-07-22T20:07:00.000-05:002014-07-22T20:20:12.538-05:00Long time, no blogI'm here! I promise.<br />
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The good news is that I've been so busy that blogging took a back seat. I went on vacation:<br />
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Isn't that pretty? What you don't know is 1. I'm moving there once the nest is empty and 2. I took this photo while my car was stuck in the sand. Prince Charming with silver teeth driving an Escalade helped set me free.<br />
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Recently, I've been hired on several genealogy projects large and small. I just finished some research that I think is going to be used for a book. I didn't ask. I was given a specific task so I delivered without questions. It was a fun project.<br />
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My most recent project has me attempting to connect a one adult to another, a child to a parent. It's quite complicated as key records are missing and people sort of vanish. This is right up my alley, as I'm becoming an expert in dealing with my own difficult ancestors.<br />
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I've also started working more on my family tree. It's pretty boring but necessary stuff. Lots of adding census records and city directories to my RootsMagic database. I need to get all these online discoveries in the database so I can start getting back into the deep research. I want to go on some road trips! But before I do that I need my facts in a row. I started alphabetically with the first person in my database, and now I'm up to <a href="http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/minister/CloydE.htm" target="_blank">Ezekiel Cloyd</a>.<br />
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Another reason I've been gone is that I'm deep cleaning the house. I call it Hurricane Amy. I need to get rid of stuff, donate stuff, and fix stuff. I was not kidding about moving to that beach in the photo, people. I have 2 years to get this house lookin' purdy.<br />
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Blogging should get more frequent as I make a priority to get it in my schedule.<br />
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<a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">FGS 2014</a> in San Antonio is coming up in August, so you'll get some conference posts from me there. Who is going? Will I see you there?<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-90741770267403984462014-07-02T16:51:00.000-05:002014-07-02T16:51:00.068-05:00See you in San Antonio!Good news! I get to go to the Federation of Genealogical Societies <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">2014 conference</a> in San Antonio!<div>
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Even though I only live 3 hours away, it wasn't a done deal. I have a husband who works out of state and a child without a driver's license. Someone had to play taxi that week. My husband will be working from home so I can make this trip.</div>
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I signed up for <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/program/librarians-day/" target="_blank">Librarians' Day</a> and I'm really looking forward to it. I really want to stay current on collection development, especially for genealogy resources. </div>
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I did not sign up for any ticketed lunches. I realize that's the figurative bread and butter for many genealogy groups, but I think I'll use lunch time to explore the city. I also didn't sign up for the big ticketed events. I know, I'm sorry. It's just that I'm not a big fan of....people. There, now you know.</div>
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There are many conference sessions that look so good to me:</div>
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<b>"Have You Really Done the Dawes?" by Linda Woodward Geiger</b></div>
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Well, I thought so....but maybe not? My Chickasaw ancestors are all up in those records, but maybe I don't know what I don't know.</div>
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<b>"Davy Crockett: Following the Trail From Limestone to Texas" by J. Mark Lowe</b></div>
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This session discusses Southern families who migrated to the Republic of Texas. I have those. I love hearing Mark speak. Win/win.</div>
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<b>"Finding Your Ancestors in the Republic of Texas" by Teri E. Flack</b></div>
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I have a few documents for my Bourlands in the Republic of Texas. I want more. Hopefully this session shows me how to get more.</div>
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Ugh, there are so many good sessions. Some at the same time of others. This will be a difficult choice.</div>
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Since I am attending Librarians' Day, I'll arrive in San Antonio Monday afternoon. Anyone else getting there that early?</div>
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San Antonio is a wonderful setting for a conference. Walking distance to the Alamo (it's small!), Riverwalk and numerous restaurants. The convention center is nice, too. You'll like it.</div>
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Will I see you there?</div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-26533544675006826272014-07-02T15:35:00.000-05:002014-07-02T15:35:00.322-05:00Researching Public Records Class, July 24 in Missouri City, Texas<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">LEARN HOW TO RESEARCH PUBLIC RECORDS AT SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY PROGRAM</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Whether researching property for purchase or tracing family histories, one can find many public records online that are available to the public, free of charge. Fort Bend County Libraries' Sienna Branch Library will present the program, "Public Records at Your Fingertips," on July 24</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, beginning at 10:00 a.m.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Learn how to search online for public records such as property records, court records, property-tax records, and much more, with minimal effort.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library's website (</span><a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.fortbend.lib.tx.us</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">), click on "Calendar," select "Sienna Branch," and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at </span>281-238-2952<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, or by visiting the library.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-50137045220865460452014-07-01T15:33:00.000-05:002014-06-11T19:56:40.729-05:00July 2014 Genealogy Classes in Fort Bend County, Texas<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">LIBRARY'S FAMILY-HISTORY CLASSES </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HELP RESEARCHERS DISCOVER PAST</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from? Are you curious about their military service or medical history? Begin your family-history research at Fort Bend County Libraries' Local History and Genealogy Department at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Library staff will present two programs in July to help the family-history researcher begin their genealogy search.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On Tuesday, July 22,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> learn how to use U.S. Census Records for family-history research. Library staff will demonstrate how to trace family history by using census records from 1790 to 1940, which may contain such information as family members' names, birthplace of parents, professions, military service, and other details that were significant during different periods. Learn how and where to search for these records using databases and microfilm. Special census records such as the 1890 Veteran Census, Slave, Mortality, and Indian schedules will also be discussed. This class will begin at 10:00 a.m.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, in the Computer Lab.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Researching African-American family histories may present special challenges for the genealogical researcher. An introductory program, "African-American Genealogy 101," will take place on Saturday, July 26</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, beginning at 10:00 a.m.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, in the Computer Lab. Those attending will receive a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning family-history researcher, with special focus on tools to help individuals who are researching African-American family histories. Learn about online resources, such as the Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest USA databases, items that are available on microfilm, and print resources.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library's website (</span><a href="http://www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.fortbend.lib.tx.us</a>)<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, click on "Calendar,"<span style="font-family: inherit;"> select "George Memorial," and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library's Lo</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">cal History and Genealogy Department at </span>281-341-2608<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, or by visiting the department at the library.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-67787740487019035362014-06-18T02:30:00.000-05:002014-06-18T02:30:02.511-05:00100Today would have been my paternal grandfather's 100th birthday.<br />
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He was born in Oklahoma City on June 18, 1914.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpH5JP0T09xWhIJKhttpqJHEKnekrOyf6GRleOc6okbWFfPGzSIRDWZsjKWVLaW6SsFjBzskPGtvDBatmnucT1hYa34J5URR2vz_L0ST35eIHHnn1Rp6O0Lxs52SkbasxOCceS0sDpiwB/s1600/381+Grandpa+Jack+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpH5JP0T09xWhIJKhttpqJHEKnekrOyf6GRleOc6okbWFfPGzSIRDWZsjKWVLaW6SsFjBzskPGtvDBatmnucT1hYa34J5URR2vz_L0ST35eIHHnn1Rp6O0Lxs52SkbasxOCceS0sDpiwB/s1600/381+Grandpa+Jack+.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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Jack was an only child. He grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where his father was a lawyer for an oil company. His father must have traveled a lot for his job, because I have several photos of my grandpa as a child posing in front of courthouses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLaZvx8kROndDoEzewo2U5Fkv3wQbW6IaWZmE8KQ5aPBs9tQOqbZ3sGVJQF7Iwuc4BNnE_IAm8jhmpHRt70fSlwfK8g0ooEX2PHDP15PXtx9aJ7NczJNOQvpViBF3vTuTcxxT2vHoLWYz/s1600/387+Grandpa+Jack+and+his+mother+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLaZvx8kROndDoEzewo2U5Fkv3wQbW6IaWZmE8KQ5aPBs9tQOqbZ3sGVJQF7Iwuc4BNnE_IAm8jhmpHRt70fSlwfK8g0ooEX2PHDP15PXtx9aJ7NczJNOQvpViBF3vTuTcxxT2vHoLWYz/s1600/387+Grandpa+Jack+and+his+mother+.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
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<i>Jack and his mother in front of a courthouse.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROYJeoWrFJLtlWFAA9tZiAZNQ7TniPeLFd6c4OfqZKokDj-jAcoo8JCQts2aNc6QGas_VQjwP22f6h-EY-pJgyvI_ZyowEy27s5Dj7dhBkFPrXJzrns5ujC4g3KmAOskPxcgUjIwUC-WJ/s1600/364+Grandpa+Jack+and+his+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROYJeoWrFJLtlWFAA9tZiAZNQ7TniPeLFd6c4OfqZKokDj-jAcoo8JCQts2aNc6QGas_VQjwP22f6h-EY-pJgyvI_ZyowEy27s5Dj7dhBkFPrXJzrns5ujC4g3KmAOskPxcgUjIwUC-WJ/s1600/364+Grandpa+Jack+and+his+dad.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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<i>Jack and his father in front of a courthouse.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfjL7C5zWUyrcjpi3r_dUPqUa7UGMU9oCn97GVB8Yxu4p0R686dx9u7J-9I7Q7b2cASW2mG9HrDAAdJf71aMRkKCNaQqaRHnWC8e1SQp0jlTmr0vdtXxpgbW6Sug-_NKD9JkGYPhrJvN0/s1600/388+Grandpa+Jack,his+Mom,Violet+and+her+mother+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfjL7C5zWUyrcjpi3r_dUPqUa7UGMU9oCn97GVB8Yxu4p0R686dx9u7J-9I7Q7b2cASW2mG9HrDAAdJf71aMRkKCNaQqaRHnWC8e1SQp0jlTmr0vdtXxpgbW6Sug-_NKD9JkGYPhrJvN0/s1600/388+Grandpa+Jack,his+Mom,Violet+and+her+mother+.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div>
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<i>Jack, his mother (r), aunt (l) and grandmother (top) at a courthouse.</i></div>
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By the photos in my possession, it appears my grandpa had a good childhood.</div>
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He played sports...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWylTOBrVqk27h6JvDa6-Lcl77gL9QoklFYtwyj86rsXCw9a8FOeNqgospcQElNsKX89XNFhRVrzubF-fqF00SmGD4Wq2H86Emfz5JDw0b50u1irYMujxrEFhEcqlNAZJw0Vqbyxy7IXEP/s1600/307+Grandpa+Jack+Far+Rt.+YMCA+Tumbling+1924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWylTOBrVqk27h6JvDa6-Lcl77gL9QoklFYtwyj86rsXCw9a8FOeNqgospcQElNsKX89XNFhRVrzubF-fqF00SmGD4Wq2H86Emfz5JDw0b50u1irYMujxrEFhEcqlNAZJw0Vqbyxy7IXEP/s1600/307+Grandpa+Jack+Far+Rt.+YMCA+Tumbling+1924.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Shorty on the right. YMCA Tumbling 1924</i></div>
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...and went to camp.</div>
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<i>Bottom right</i></div>
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This is a photo of my grandpa in 1932. He went from Oklahoma to Los Angeles with his mom to visit his aunt and grandmother. The Olympics were going on in Los Angeles then and my grandpa told me how he found his way into the Coliseum to watch them. This photo came from that summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2-Xid_FZy7F11rr5OfXnUg4yL7dgsRNDhq29sJTEe_9MjuorCwQD9h5EsCRE35vJvGftulhmpUcHTFO5qBvq1AW4AIPVa7Wp3d2_rdPVIu8fttBCMl1mfW5l15T6NjrXbhqBSduG2QcS/s1600/489+Uncle+Jack+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2-Xid_FZy7F11rr5OfXnUg4yL7dgsRNDhq29sJTEe_9MjuorCwQD9h5EsCRE35vJvGftulhmpUcHTFO5qBvq1AW4AIPVa7Wp3d2_rdPVIu8fttBCMl1mfW5l15T6NjrXbhqBSduG2QcS/s1600/489+Uncle+Jack+.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Los Angeles, 1932</i></div>
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As the Depression set in, Jack's parents' took a financial hit. I don't know if that played a factor in the early deaths of both of his parents. Jack lost his mother when he was 21 and lost his father when he was 23. Since he was an only child, he was pretty much alone. He had a grandmother and aunt in California, and another aunt elsewhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYazpIiyWlQ_BTFxY8th419D48ReaPYcTk2oVKkGlytuBtuPoz3t0isNmNV_nFp58zP0-iruZL8yzn_q8d8K08hcaRvtmBgLBVmUyiBxt0tDJ8rW7WeLQPbqIQcIkJXrhEQJLqWuEoK1x/s1600/311+Grandpa+Jack+in+Stillwater+OK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYazpIiyWlQ_BTFxY8th419D48ReaPYcTk2oVKkGlytuBtuPoz3t0isNmNV_nFp58zP0-iruZL8yzn_q8d8K08hcaRvtmBgLBVmUyiBxt0tDJ8rW7WeLQPbqIQcIkJXrhEQJLqWuEoK1x/s1600/311+Grandpa+Jack+in+Stillwater+OK.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) in Stillwater</i></div>
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My grandparents got married in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1937. My grandma's family was also affected by the Depression. I think this may have been the motivation for them to move to Los Angeles, which they did shortly after marriage.</div>
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Jack and family built a house on 117th street in Los Angeles. The neighborhood is a little rough now, but back then it was filled with new families.</div>
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My grandpa owned and operated South Vermont Feed and Seed in the area surrounding the University of Southern California. At some point he left the store in preparation for World War II, but he was never drafted.</div>
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Now a man without a feed store, he moved the family to Pomona where he spent time as a chicken rancher and a realtor.</div>
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People who know my grandpa remember him at the proprietor of the Western Home & Auto in Rubidoux, California. He worked there until he retired and handed the store over to his sons. Some of my earliest memories are of that store. </div>
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My grandpa died May 28, 2001 while eating a bowl of blackberries he'd just picked out of his garden. After the initial shock, I decided that's the best way to go. We should all die that quickly, eating something we love. </div>
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Jack never talked about his parents. There is suspicion that his mother committed suicide (she died on Christmas Eve). His dad remarried 3 months later. I started researching them after he died. I wonder if he would have approved of my research abilities and uncovering some of the mystery of his parents. I doubt it, but I have no regrets.</div>
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So happy birthday, grandpa. I hope there are plenty of fresh blackberries where you are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKKiYm-nRcbTZ8WQbXlxxR9aG5F4AhCTubvc1paqc8jkQ7IZNZre5t2NWU2ij1fZjChctN1aP-y4qeRTIowaaxjCWQ4plxV44ht8yx7gpsczfaXmnssnuKAP9_Ca9hyphenhyphenBLmBxNCWI1O7B8/s1600/SCAN1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKKiYm-nRcbTZ8WQbXlxxR9aG5F4AhCTubvc1paqc8jkQ7IZNZre5t2NWU2ij1fZjChctN1aP-y4qeRTIowaaxjCWQ4plxV44ht8yx7gpsczfaXmnssnuKAP9_Ca9hyphenhyphenBLmBxNCWI1O7B8/s1600/SCAN1832.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>My dad, my son and my grandpa. Mother's Day 2001.</i></div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-21393152569176959072014-06-08T13:33:00.001-05:002014-06-08T13:33:41.313-05:00Hotel Reservations Now Open for FGS2015 and RootsTechBelow is a press release regarding the availability of hotel rooms for <a href="http://fgsconference.org/2015/" target="_blank">FGS 2015</a> and <a href="https://rootstech.org/?lang=eng" target="_blank">RootsTech 2015</a>.<br />
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In case you haven't heard, both of these conferences are being held concurrently in Salt Lake City in February 2015.<br />
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I have no idea how this 2-conference thing is going to go. Do we need to register for both conferences? Will they be in different parts of the convention center? So many questions...<br />
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If you're planning on attending FGS2015 and/or RootsTech, you probably shouldn't wait for answers before reserving your hotel room. These will be well-attended conferences and the hotel rooms will be reserved quickly.<br />
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Are you planning to attend? Will I see you there? I can't answer questions about either conference, but I may be able to answer questions about the hotels. All are within walking distance to the convention center and Family History Library.<br />
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Anyway, here's the press release:<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOTEL RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR 2015 FGS and RootsTech Conferences</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book Your Room Today</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four Salt Lake City hotels are now taking reservations for the <span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)</span></a></span> and RootsTech conferences, which will be held <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1371198327" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">February 11–14, 2015</span></span> at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, and Hilton Salt Lake City Center will offer reduced rates to attendees of both conferences. Each hotel is conveniently located near the Salt Palace Convention Center.<b>Conference rates will be honored for reservation dates <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1371198328" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">February 7 – 19, 2015</span></span>. Reservations must be made by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1371198329" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 13, 2015</span></span> to receive the conference rates.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rooms will be in high demand. Reserve yours now through the FGS conference website at <span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/2015/lodging/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.fgsconference.org/<wbr></wbr>2015/lodging</span></a></span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Registration for both conferences will open in late August 2014.</b> For additional information about the FGS conference <span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null"><span lang="EN-US">visit www.FGSconference.org/2015</span></a></span>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, <i>FGS Forum</i>magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit <span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.fgs.org</span></a></span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow us on Facebook (<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/FGSgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>FGSgenealogy</span></a></span>), Twitter (<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/FGSgenealogy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>FGSgenealogy</span></a></span>) and on our blog at (<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://voice.fgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://voice.fgs.org</span></a></span>).</span></div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-44318952045423484802014-06-02T18:42:00.003-05:002014-06-02T18:42:53.637-05:00RootsTech 2015 Content Committee Now Accepting Presentation Proposals<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 575px;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">The RootsTech Content Committee is calling for dynamic presentations for RootsTech 2015 that inform and educate both those seeking to begin and those continuing to discover their family story through technology. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">The <a href="http://click.familysearch.ldschurch.org/?qs=9894cc70e1179f81606d23389a23828605ee03bfb1e0dbe77c65663b62adbbf0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="presentation portal">presentation portal</a> on RootsTech.org will be open from <b>June 2 to June 27, 2014</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Presentations will be accepted for both RootsTech and Innovator Summit. </span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>RootsTech</b> is a three day family history conference offering over two hundred classes for beginners, avid hobbyists and experienced researchers.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Innovator Summit</b> starts with a pre-RootsTech event on<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1488715722" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, February 11</span></span>, and is a unique opportunity for software developers, entrepreneurs and technology business leaders to explore and influence technology solutions in the family history industry. Classes will continue throughout the RootsTech conference.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">In 2015, RootsTech and The Federation of Genealogical Societies are teaming up to offer two great conferences in one venue. Speakers interested in presenting at FGS can visit their <a href="http://click.familysearch.ldschurch.org/?qs=eeadfd6eaa0c30c218a1a8374bc6ac3348ef9e1bf2dd4af2f58088639b11c09e" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="website">website</a> for more information about the FGS National Conference and their call for presentations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Presentations submissions are requested for all family history and technology skill levels in the following categories:</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff3300; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>RootsTech</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Finding and Organizing:</b> search tactics, resources, specialized tools, methodologies, solutions, metadata, apps and software </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Preserving Your Work And Legacy:</b> family trees, digital migration, audio and video solutions </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Sharing:</b> social media, tools for collaboration, wikis, crowd sourcing, community building, blogs</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Stories and Photos:</b> storytelling and interviewing, capturing stories, preserving stories, enhancing stories with photos, photo restoration, movies and presentations, photo editing, oral histories</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Tools:</b> technology introductions, gadgets, genetic research, DNA, breaking down barriers, </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>General:</b> family history topics in general including geographic research, time-period research, inspirations, market trends, research trends, adjacent industries, record types. (Please note, there is still an expectation in this category that technology is a part of the presented topic.)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Family Traditions And Lifestyle:</b> cultural arts, handicrafts, food, influential historical events, everyday living standards, social customs, pastimes, artifacts. (Please note there is still an expectation in this category that this knowledge assists the learner in family history and that technology is a part of the presented topic.) </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #ff3300;">RootsTech Innovator Summit</span></b></span><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Developer:</b> standards and API's, mobile app development, social applications, record imaging and visualizations, apps for youth, software and tools that enable the work of family history.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Business: </b>funding and investment, startups- success stories and tips, opportunities and market trends, networking and partnerships, insights and entertainment </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">For more information, <a href="http://click.familysearch.ldschurch.org/?qs=eeadfd6eaa0c30c215b340618a7efc1e35e04aaaa6dfc1560ee3ad68f55d2a3d" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="download">download</a> the complete Call for Presentations document. It includes presentation and evaluation criteria, the submission timeline, and process details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Questions regarding the RootsTech 2015 call for presentations can be emailed to the Content Committee at <a href="mailto:info@rootstech.org?subject=2015+Call+for+Presentations" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="info@rootstech.org">info@rootstech.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">Do you know someone who would be a great presenter for RootsTech 2015? Please share this message with them. </span></div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-39389547491835640742014-05-28T19:24:00.000-05:002014-05-28T19:24:01.391-05:0050 Ways to Index Your Ancestors or Why You Can't Find Them in the CensusThe simplest surnames are sometimes the hardest to find.<br />
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I learned this as I was working on my MENOU collateral lines. My great-great grandmother was Emelie Menou. Her brother was Jules Menou. They, their siblings and parents came to Louisiana from France in the 1880s. They lived in what is now Iota in Acadia Parish.<br />
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Today I did some research on Jules Menou and his family. It wasn't hard stuff. I just wanted to get their census enumerations into my RootsMagic database.<br />
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I did a quick and dirty census search for Jules Menou at Ancestry.com and no results were returned. I did the same search by limiting the record pool to just those in Iota, Acadia, Louisiana. Zero hits.<br />
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Well I<i> knew</i> they were in Iota, so it was time for a page-by-page search of the 1920 census. Luckily for me, there are only 16 images in the set for Iota.<br />
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I found the Jules Menou family on image 5, but they were indexed as MERSON.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXCvh_nORjbx6u1-eI2rXLlkuTBSTAUwgSiT42QOcXXAuPo0KzIHTAjsPNrQkPLPpJ0akSg2CheXFAtPV5ejgAeC1vJMEWODS1S5mIyN1T9eJnhvuwS0iXpKIoX4hjMBURkFwascQmUWo/s1600/Jules+Menou+1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXCvh_nORjbx6u1-eI2rXLlkuTBSTAUwgSiT42QOcXXAuPo0KzIHTAjsPNrQkPLPpJ0akSg2CheXFAtPV5ejgAeC1vJMEWODS1S5mIyN1T9eJnhvuwS0iXpKIoX4hjMBURkFwascQmUWo/s1600/Jules+Menou+1920.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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Does that look like MERSON to you? I can see MENON. That's a common transcription error, but Merson? Look at the small "r" in Marcelle. Look at the closed "s" in Rosa. These are different than what the indexer thought he/she saw in the surname. I don't know, these are the things I notice when I'm indexing.<br />
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Anyway, I decided to do a page-by-page search of the 1900-1940 censuses for the Jules Menou family. I found them in Iota in each census, their name incorrectly indexed in every single one.<br />
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1900 - Manow<br />
1910 - Manne<br />
1920 - Merson<br />
1930 - Menon<br />
1940 - Menoce<br />
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Then I got curious. How was the Jules Menou crew indexed at FamilySearch?<br />
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1900 - Menow<br />
1910 - Manne<br />
1920 - Menon<br />
1930 - Menon<br />
1940 - Mansee<br />
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Now to be fair, MENON is a common misspelling for MENOU, so it's one I always search. A cursive "u" often looks like a cursive "n." The same can be said for mixing up "u" and "w" in MENOW. Some of the others though, I just don't see it.<br />
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This isn't a complaint about indexing. It's more of a pause for thought if you can't find someone in a census.<br />
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Search page-by-page if you can. Lucky for me, the Iota section was tiny so it was an easy task on Ancestry.com. Some census districts make this difficult. I feel your pain as I've done this task in Los Angeles.<br />
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Search for the family using the most unusual name in the group. At FamilySearch, it's not easy to browse page-by-page like I did at Ancestry. Instead, I searched for everyone named Jules in Iota, Acadia, Louisiana who was also born in France. My man Jules was always in the first few names.<br />
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Look at the neighbors. If you find a family in one census but not another and you're sure they're there, search for the neighbors' names and see if you can find them that way.<br />
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Thanks for listening. I just wanted to point out the large differences in indexing the same name. If you can't find someone in a census, maybe they're just hiding in plain sight.<br />
<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-6910600111991056332014-05-07T08:10:00.001-05:002014-05-07T08:10:33.990-05:00Bad Machines and Unfair Genealogy: A Library VisitYesterday was another long day at the <a href="http://www2.houstonlibrary.org/clayton/" target="_blank">Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research</a>. I still have the same client-issued task: find all I can about a guy named Henry within the parameters of a specified deadline.<br />
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I've had some success in the microfilm section. Mainly in the 18th century order books. My previous library visits were spent looking at microfilm frame by frame. There are a ton of machines that read film, and two machines that capture film. Etiquette says that you use a reader first to search so you don't hog the image capturing machines. When I found a "hit" I'd write it down so I could capture an image of the record at a later date.<br />
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Yesterday was that date. I got to the library a minute after opening and marched right up to the second floor. I was a lady on a mission. I had a list of films with page numbers and I was going to use the microfilm reader that took pictures and put them on my flash drive.<br />
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The machine had other plans.<br />
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It didn't recognize my flash drive. When it did, I could only scan one image, then it wouldn't recognize it again. I had to take the flash drive out when I was preparing to capture an image then put it back in and wait for the machine to recognize it. Cumbersome, but not a big deal. This was a quirk I discovered on my own. I wonder how many patrons just gave up?<br />
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Also, I could only capture one page at a time, each an individual file. It would be nice to gather multi-page records as a single file. This machine said NO, though the instructions implied otherwise. After many failed attempts, I just saved a page at a time, each its own file. Cue sad trombone.<br />
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This machine also gave a generic name to each file. I prefer to change the file names asap so I don't forget where the images came from. This machine again said NO. Now I have a bunch of files labeled scan01, scan02, etc. and I have to figure out which is which.<br />
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The whole process of scanning and capturing an image was long, and I had to do it over and over again. The silver lining is that I've finally mastered all of this machine's quirks. It did not defeat me.<br />
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The good news is that this machine is on borrowed time. The library staff are currently shopping for new machines. Yay!<br />
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When I was done with the bad machine, I browsed the surname books. I am really envious of those that have their own books of genealogical information for their given names. There is no Lenertz surname book. No Baerecke. No Menou. No Joszt. These are my surnames. They have no books.<br />
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You know who does have books? These people:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5MZZQzOl62wz0wWNaZWZjkFv1V3zpVLpq4yx1CqlT8BsrO30p32oljRJhhY4tuQRXxaeKZxuiAQiD38-Q_-RPXxaagL107qZciU4f710dpXqYlV3ariMvJcQRD5zxlbgWrO-bDYdgrrZ/s1600/IMG_20140506_130912_398-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5MZZQzOl62wz0wWNaZWZjkFv1V3zpVLpq4yx1CqlT8BsrO30p32oljRJhhY4tuQRXxaeKZxuiAQiD38-Q_-RPXxaagL107qZciU4f710dpXqYlV3ariMvJcQRD5zxlbgWrO-bDYdgrrZ/s1600/IMG_20140506_130912_398-1.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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You should know that the only surname I don't research is the one I married. Why? Because everyone else has already done so. Look at all the surname books they have!<br />
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Genealogy is not fair, and microfilm machines are mean. These are the lessons I learned at the library.<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-60990683795589343562014-05-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-02T06:00:07.551-05:00May 2014 Events at Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research<div align="center" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hispanic Heritage Day</span></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025931" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17, 2014</span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hispanic Heritage Day marks a partnership with Clayton Library and the Hispanic Genealogical Society (website located at </span></strong><a href="http://www.hispanicgs.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">http://www.hispanicgs.org/</span> </strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">) for an all-day workshop featuring topics associated with Hispanic genealogical research. Register for any or all of the sessions listed below.</span></strong></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How Do You Get Started in Genealogical Research?</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025933" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17, 2014 10:15AM-11:00AM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Are you interested in researching your family but are not sure where to begin? Topics to be covered include organizing your known information. Inexpensive resources to try and more advanced resources will also be summarized. Participants who have started their research will be encouraged to share their experiences in order to help guide others. Reservations required, please call <a href="tel:832-393-2600" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18323932600">832-393-2600</a>. Adults/Teens.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tracing your Hispanic Heritage with Genealogy</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025935" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17th, 2014 11:15AM-12:00PM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Presentation will outline use of various resources such as genealogical websites, family interviews, civil and Church records, census records, and more helpful information to assist you in tracing your Hispanic heritage. Reservations required, please call <a href="tel:832-393-2600" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18323932600">832-393-2600</a>. Adults/Teens.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Immigration Records with Focus on the Texas/Mexico Border</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025937" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17, 2014 12:35PM-1:15PM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What type of information is found in immigrat</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">ion documents? We will explore records to reveal some valuable research clues. Documents include place of birth, description of person, destination, etc. Many of these clues will solve mysteries, some of which you didn't know existed</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Reservations required, please call <a href="tel:832-393-2600" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18323932600">832-393-2600</a>. Adults/Teens.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How to Break Down Your Brick Walls</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025939" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17, 2014 1:30PM-2:30PM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Have you been researching your family only to hit a brick wall that you have not been able to break down? We will present different ways to break down these brick walls. Tips and techniques with examples from members’ own trees will be the entire focus of this presentation. Reservations required, please call <a href="tel:832-393-2600" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18323932600">832-393-2600</a>. Adults/Teens.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Other Events in May:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Quick Start your Genealogy!</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025941" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 3, 2014 1:00PM-3:00PM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Overview of genealogical research tools:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025943" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1:00-1:30PM</span></span> HPL Catalog</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025944" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1:40-2:20PM</span></span> Ancestry Library Edition; FamilySearch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025945" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">2:30-3:00PM</span></span> Ordering microprint from Salt Lake City</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reservations required, please call <a href="tel:832-393-2600" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+18323932600">832-393-2600</a>. Adults/Teens.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Clayton Library Friends General Meeting</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025946" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 10, 2014 10:15AM-12:00PM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sue Kaufman, Clayton Library Manager, will present her annual “State of the Library” report. Registration starts at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025948" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:15AM</span></span> in the Carriage House and the meeting will begin at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025949" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:30AM</span></span>.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Library Orientation <em></em></span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1979025950" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, May 17, 2014 10:30AM-11:45AM</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library. Adults/Teens.<strong style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"></strong></span></div>
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Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-70701674487868377482014-05-01T15:47:00.000-05:002014-05-01T15:47:27.626-05:00My Day at the Clayton Genealogy LibraryI'm knee deep in a difficult project for a fabulous client. The task is pretty much to find all I can about a guy named Henry in 1700's Virginia, and do so on a pre-determined deadline. I've been going to the <a href="http://www2.houstonlibrary.org/clayton/" target="_blank">Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research</a> lately in an attempt to poach all I can from their extensive collection.<br />
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Today was another Clayton day. I'm going through the microfilms right now. This was what I saw on the first film I put on the machine this morning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHOlIiXDwpVDpKd-a-e1RboY-rtlhesTJV7RkIBTDaGxA_lDc91_3j2KCLd_hcnZCC0v_1oTdt6Ac9UfKtm9MUtGbzBl7aVwV6vLqTSkP-hvoizYSYrZGdNvq47bKdEhHFpQvYFkWl9ye/s1600/Bmj9Et0CcAAFO6g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHOlIiXDwpVDpKd-a-e1RboY-rtlhesTJV7RkIBTDaGxA_lDc91_3j2KCLd_hcnZCC0v_1oTdt6Ac9UfKtm9MUtGbzBl7aVwV6vLqTSkP-hvoizYSYrZGdNvq47bKdEhHFpQvYFkWl9ye/s1600/Bmj9Et0CcAAFO6g.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yeah.<br />
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Luckily the records got a little bit clearer later on.<br />
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I did find Henry's baptism date and place. Then I found some records that I believe belong to Henry's father, Henry Sr. The problem is that I don't know which Henry paid a fine for not attending church.<br />
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Much, much more time is needed at the Clayton Library. I sense several more trips in my immediate future.<br />
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I know I haven't been blogging much lately. Henry and his crew are the reason why. I'm here. I'm just researching genealogy for someone else instead of writing about it for me.<br />
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<br />Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849506599116665235.post-49049507284525917082014-04-21T16:18:00.001-05:002014-04-21T16:20:28.597-05:00RootsTech 2015 Content Committee Issues a Call for Presentations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4p3UEy-w-LGzfQU6Qvn3E5SbLDb7kMh4rPPvE3iRnfb4PZuW17avVzq43-OAi8Kf3G22pjAeKJWnsWoLauTD4ewM66iTE5R744dDNjmAPHF9rTt8ObyYpkN8RVhlhnz7QLR_WuJ9kn0e/s1600/RootsTech+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4p3UEy-w-LGzfQU6Qvn3E5SbLDb7kMh4rPPvE3iRnfb4PZuW17avVzq43-OAi8Kf3G22pjAeKJWnsWoLauTD4ewM66iTE5R744dDNjmAPHF9rTt8ObyYpkN8RVhlhnz7QLR_WuJ9kn0e/s1600/RootsTech+2015.JPG" height="40" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The RootsTech Content Committee is calling for dynamic presentations for RootsTech 2015 that inform and educate both those seeking to begin and those continuing to discover their family story through technology. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Presentation submissions will be accepted <b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1851995869" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 2</span></span> to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1851995870" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 27, 2014</span></span></b>, through the Call for Presentations portal on RootsTech.org.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Presentations will be accepted for both RootsTech and Innovator Summit. </span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>RootsTech</b> is a three day family history conference offering over two hundred classes for beginners, avid hobbyists and experienced researchers.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Innovator Summit</b> starts with a pre-RootsTech event on<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1851995871" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, February 11</span></span>, and is a unique opportunity for software developers, entrepreneurs and technology business leaders to explore and influence technology solutions in the family history industry. Classes will continue throughout the RootsTech conference.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 2015, RootsTech and The Federation of Genealogical Societies are teaming up to offer two great conferences in one venue. Speakers interested in presenting at FGS can visit their <a href="http://click.familysearch.ldschurch.org/?qs=104c36772518f7ec12e38317d50c0180e63a4dd2b13e61aa77e37be01b99e405" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="website">website</a> for more information about the FGS National Conference and their call for presentations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Youth Header" border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgNMu2gxbRKZKPRk35iDTGglSHFF1byo3ggSPQKX_bhgshyphenhyphenJrNvWWPJtoPPsTvzt4I09ibHUB3DEVomV-uDYgAMWEWuWOiCIcIXeq_S0JRkFq0ws3mdyntFYjnmt0zZ3O3a6SLz65nHiffyPk0JR4AqNBfbKMpBuhyphenhyphen6xRlFN7mzyMfkYhLhPcPdf0UavtY-yBTksV4J2ly-94hdMf_SF_snOXekNfn8qQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 10px 0px 0px; min-height: 258px; width: 575px;" title="Youth Header" width="575" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Presentations submissions are requested for all family history and technology skill levels in the following categories:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff3300; font-family: inherit;"><b>RootsTech</b></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Finding and Organizing:</b> search tactics, resources, specialized tools, methodologies, solutions, metadata, apps and software </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Preserving Your Work And Legacy:</b> family trees, digital migration, audio and video solutions </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sharing:</b> social media, tools for collaboration, wikis, crowd sourcing, community building, blogs</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Stories and Photos:</b> storytelling and interviewing, capturing stories, preserving stories, enhancing stories with photos, photo restoration, movies and presentations, photo editing, oral histories</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tools:</b> technology introductions, gadgets, genetic research, DNA, breaking down barriers, </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>General:</b> family history topics in general including geographic research, time-period research, inspirations, market trends, research trends, adjacent industries, record types. (Please note, there is still an expectation in this category that technology is a part of the presented topic.)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Family Traditions And Lifestyle:</b> cultural arts, handicrafts, food, influential historical events, everyday living standards, social customs, pastimes, artifacts. (Please note there is still an expectation in this category that this knowledge assists the learner in family history and that technology is a part of the presented topic.) </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="color: #ff3300;">RootsTech Innovator Summit</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Developer:</b> standards and API's, mobile app development, social applications, record imaging and visualizations, apps for youth, software and tools that enable the work of family history.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Business: </b>funding and investment, startups- success stories and tips, opportunities and market trends, networking and partnerships, insights and entertainment </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information, <a href="http://click.familysearch.ldschurch.org/?qs=104c36772518f7ec3436b84f54cb4870e03acc2605453809a8ad34e020938aaa" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="download">download</a> the complete Call for Presentations document. It includes presentation and evaluation criteria, the submission timeline, and process details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Questions regarding the RootsTech 2015 call for presentations can be emailed to the Content Committee at <a href="mailto:info@rootstech.org?subject=2015+Call+for+Presentations" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="info@rootstech.org">info@rootstech.org</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you know someone who would be a great presenter for RootsTech 2015? Please share this with them. </span></div>
Amy Coffin, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612044786240692282noreply@blogger.com0