Granite Genealogy

African-American and Swedish Research Series Classes at Family History Library in February

2012-01-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Genealogists and family history enthusiasts looking for help with African-American research will be interested in African-American classes held at the Family History Library in February. A free African-American Research Series will be held on Saturday, February 11 at the Family History Library. The classes will include:

9:00 a.m. “Four Key Resources for Research”

10:15 a.m. “Genealogical Proof Standard for Solving Research Problems”

11:30 a.m. “Southern Plantation Records”

For those looking for help with Swedishresearch a free Swedish Research Series will be held on Saturday, February 25at the Family History Library. The classes will include:

9:00 a.m. “Swedish Military Records and Strategies -Army”

10:00 a.m. “Swedish Military Records and Strategies -Navy”

11:00 a.m. “Reconnecting with Living Relatives in Sweden”

To view the class schedule online, go to www.familysearch.org. Classes will be held in the Main Floor classroom of the Family History Library. The library is located west of Temple Square on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtown Salt Lake City. On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and is located behind the Church History Museum. To register for these free classes, send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 1-801-240-4950.

All Your Rootstech Tips and Tricks

2012-01-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so getting ready for Rootstech and so are many of you. I've been busy trying to keep track of everyone's ideas, suggestions and insights into getting the absolute most out of the Rootstech experience. And there are so many wonderful fellow bloggers out there who are posting like crazy. It's a flurry of activity. So I'm going to try to create an index here of what I'm finding in this week or so leading up to Opening Day at Rootstech.

Last Minute Deal and Why You Should be at Rootstech:
Rootstech - Should You Go? (Mormon Life Hacker)

Rootstech Website:
Rootstech
Rootstech Conference Guide - pdf file

Mobile App:
Mobile App (GenealogyInsider-Jan 25)
Rootstech App Available for Download (GeneaMusings-Randy Seaver-Jan 24)
Rootstech App: A Wonderful Resource for Attendees (SCGS Jamboree-Jan 25)
Rootstech App Is Available (For Your Family Story-Caroline Pointer-Jan 24)

Prepping for the Conference:
Prepare Before Attending (Granite Genealogy-SueMaxwell)
What is Your Rootstech Strategy (Geneabloggers-Randy Seaver)
Wallflowers Guide to Rootstech (The We Tree Blog-Amy Coffin)
11 Tips for Attending Rootstech (GenBlog-Julie Cahill Tarr)
Preparing for Rootstech (Elyse's Genealogy Blog-Elyse Doerflinger)
Road Trip to Rootstech (The Armchair Genealogist-Lynn Palermo)
Syllabi Before You Go (Behold Genealogy-Louis Kessler)

Getting Around Salt Lake:
Quick Insider's Guide (The Chart Chick-Janet Hovorka, who, by the way is the President of UGA here in Utah.)
Salt Lake Travel and Tourism - Updated Daily

Visiting the Family History Library:
The Insiders Guide to the Family History Library and SLC (The Ginger Jewish Genealogist-Benai Feldstein)
Research at the Family History Library (About.com Genealogy - Kimberly Powell)
Tips For Visiting The Family History Library (FamilySearch)
Complete Overview of the Family History Library (FamilySearch)

Newspaper Articles:
Rootstech Conference (Deseret News-Jan 25)
Genealogy 'Idol' Quest Takes Place (Litchfield County Times-Jan 18)

Sponsorship Info:
brightsolid Sponsors Rootstech (EOGN-Jan 24)
brightsolid: A Main Partner of Rootstech 2012 (Dear Myrtle-Jan 24)
brightsolid Sponsors Rootstech 2012 (Press Dispensary-Jan 24)
APG a sponsor of Rootstech

Presenters - Featured
Steve Morse - creator of the "One-Step" website
Dallan Quass - developer behind WeRelate

Interviews:
Janet Hovorka of The Chart Chick by Amy Coffin at The We Tree Blog

Live Streaming:
Sessions You Can Watch From Home (GenealogyInsider-Jan 25)
Rootstech: Live-Streaming Sessions (The Armchair Genealogist-Lynn Palermo)
Rootstech to Stream Live Sessions (Adventures in Genealogy Education-Angela McGhie-Jan 26)
Rootstech 2012 Live Streaming Schedule (Roger's Ramblings-Roger Moffat)

Unconferencing:
Rootstech Unconferencing Schedule
Genealogical Society Webmasters - Rootstech 2012 Unconference
fhiso-Build a Better Gedcom

Genealogy Idol:
Rootstech Genealogy Idol-Your Vote Counts!
Genealogy Idol Competition

Vendor Posts about Rootstech:
Geni.com
GeneTree
MyHeritage
Stories To Tell (An interview by Amy Coffin at We Tree)

Other Blog Posts:
Four Genealogists Compete for Top Honors at Rootstech (GenealogyInsider-Diane Haddad)
Be Sure You Check the Right Schedule to Avoid Disappointment (Deb's Delvings-Debbie Parker Wayne)
Let's Get Happy and Bump at Rootstech (For Your Family Story-Caroline Pointer)
Who Will Be The Next Genealogy Idol? (Elyse's Genealogy Blog-Elyse Doerflinger)
I'll Be At Rootstech (Behold Genealogy - Louis Kessler)

Post Conference Webinars:
DearMyrtle's Rootstech 2012 Review

If I have missed some of the better ones from this last week or so or new ones get posted and I miss them, please let me know.

2012-01-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

RootsTech 2012 will be here in a matter of days and many of you are in the process of packing and trying to get a handle on what to do, so, it's time to pull out my previous article to help you prepare for this and other great events!

Prepare Before Attending a Genealogy Conference

It’s that time of year – genealogy conferences are springing up all over. I remember the very first time I attended a conference and felt like I was the only person in the world who did not know what was going on! I had not done a very good job of preparing myself for the experience. What I have learned over time is that there are some simple steps you can take to make your experience a great one. It doesn’t matter whether this is your first conference or 20^th conference, whether it’s a big conference or a little one, whether it’s about genealogy or any other subject, planning ahead will make a difference in how much value you get and how enjoyable the experience is for you.

First, decide what conference is best suited to your particular needs and skill levels.

There are many different genealogy conferences throughout the year that you can choose to attend, but pick according to you current skills level and interests. In other words, don’t pick a conference or a track that teaches how to become an accredited genealogist before you’ve learned how to get started. Most all conferences have classes that are fairly generic, others geared towards beginners, intermediates or advanced genealogists and family historians. There are very small local half day workshops all the way to week-long national conferences and each of them can be a wise choice.

Review flyers or other media prepared for a conference. Look online for reviews of prior year’s workshops. Check out the presenters and audit reviews from other presentations they have given. Some presenters are easier to learn from than others and, as your experience grows you will identify with certain ones and find yourself a follower of their classes.

Finally, pick your conference and register as early as possible and when you arrive, check in at registration as early as possible to minimize your time in line.

Select which sessions or classes you want to attend.

Once you are registered for your conference of choice, download the schedule and review the workshop requirements. Many classes are geared to all level of skills and a few will require a prerequisite level of knowledge. A few will require a separate registration for the class because it has room only for a limited number of people. Try to stick to classes that fit your level of comfort and skill.

Make notes on the schedule and on the presenters. Determine which classes you most want to attend but, always choose a backup or two for any given time slot. Sometimes classes fill up quickly and there is no room left for you, requiring you to find another class to slip into. Or, maybe you attend a class for the first 3 minutes and determine that this just isn’t the class for you. With a backup class you can quickly slip into the room.

Don’t overlook a subject just because it’s something you know nothing about or it covers a locale that you have no interest in – you will learn new methodologies and tips in every class you attend.

Larger conferences now provide registered attendees access to syllabus material weeks before the conference begins. Take the time to review the presenter’s handouts. You can usually read through them and determine whether you will be overwhelmed with the class or find it too boring. Unless you are paying extra for a paper syllabus, plan on printing out the syllabus pages for the classes you plan to attend. You can then make notes during class using these handouts. You will usually have a CD copy of the syllabus provided to you at registration.

Prepare yourself before attending the conference.

Get yourself ready to go starting with planning your trip. If this is a local conference, determine what you need to take with you each day and how you are going to get there. Are you driving? If so, you need to plan your parking in advance. On-site parking may be much more expensive than a smaller lot a block away. Taking public transportation may be less of a hassle than parking. Plan your strategy. Review the time of day you would need to be on the roads, the part of town where the conference is held and be prepared for the unexpected.

If you are flying to the conference then create a travel list of things to pack. Plan and prepare your flight plan, transportation to and from the airport, and don’t forget your list of meds, insurance cards, cell phones and any other items you may need. Don’t forget that extra carry on bag to get your conference materials home. If you have gathered too many, check with the hotel and have your extra’s shipped home. It may be cheaper than paying for that extra baggage on the plane.

Plan your attire. Workshops are not a formal affair so dress accordingly. Usually these conferences are quite casual and require very comfy clothing and good walking shoes. You will cover a lot of ground during each day. The last thing you want to do is end the day with blisters on both feet and still need to walk to your car or your room. Conference center rooms are often drafty or way too warm. Don’t dress for the outside, dress for a variety of temps inside. Bring a jacket or sweater and dress in layers. If you have a problem with sweaty feet, bring an extra pair of socks to change midday. You want to be very comfortable.

Take a bag with you. If you don’t like to carry things or you get a headache from carrying a bag then get one on rollers. The more things you pick up during the day the heavier that bag becomes. (Larger conferences give you a carry bag at registration with a conference program, papers, and miscellaneous “stuff”. I stuff the whole thing in my roller bag. Besides, roller bags make a great footrest!) Here is a list of items that you may find beneficial to carry with you.

· Address labels or business cards. You can label items you pick up (even your conference booklet) or purchase and, exchange info with other attendees and vendors. You will make friends throughout the conference that you meet in classes or over lunch that you want to contact with later.

· Pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, a clipboard or folder.

· Take a digital camera. You can take pictures of some presentation pages if allowed by the presenter. You might want to remember something specific about a vendor. Or, you might want to take pictures of friends or presenters you meet.

· You may be one of those people who love to take notes on your PC or you want your genealogy files with you. You can take your PC, handheld, tablet, or smartphone, but don’t expect to plug it in to an electrical socket from every room. It may not be available. Consider others when you bring these tools. Turn off the sound and beeps.

· Take snacks and a water bottle with you in your bag. There are food vendors at most large conferences but nothing may be available at others. If you are in classes for several hours before a lunch break you will appreciate a snack and you may not be able to find a drinking fountain between each class.

Take tissues and any meds you may need throughout the day.

Remember, you can even roll up the jacket or sweater and stuff it in your bag when you don’t need it.

The workshops finally begin!

Be prompt. Don’t show up one minute before or ten minutes after a class starts and expect to get the best seat in the room. Don’t come in late and walk in front of a projector or stumble over everyone’s feet trying to get to the center of a room. Be early for the class whenever possible. Classes will start on time because they are on a tight schedule.

Take notes. Use your paper syllabus, your printed handouts, tablet, phone or a notepad. At the end of a class or while you are waiting for the next class to begin, summarize your key points and reread them.

Make the most of lectures and workshops. If you take the time before hand to prepare any questions you may have you will get better answers from those questions you ask. There is no such thing as a dumb question, so don’t be afraid to ask. However, classes need to be geared to generalizations, not your specific ancestor. So don’t waste other attendees time by asking the presenter a question geared to a specific circumstance or person. Most presenters will give an email address, or are available in the vendor area to ask specific questions later.

Make connections everywhere you go. Network, talk to people, introduce yourself. Establish research interests. Exchange those address stickers or business cards.

Prepare for the VENDOR experience! Find the vendor map in your conference packet or locate it online before you go. Then plan your attack! Mark on your map the vendors you are most interesting in visiting. Make those your first priority. That way you can spend quality time with those vendors and visit the others as time permits.

Maintain a conference log. List friends, contacts, vendors, speakers to suggest to a group you belong to, and important points from lectures. Chart your progress and new skills you have acquired. Make notes for your future research. At the end of conference make sure your notes are understandable.

Participate in special events whenever you can. These provide extra opportunities to ask questions, network, and learn more.

The conference is over!

If you can spend an extra day before or after a conference make sure to familiarize yourself with local research facilities, local points of interest and good places to eat. Enjoy the opportunity of visiting a new area of the country.

When you get home remember to review your notes, file important materials away and contact those new genealogy friends! Take a rest and then you’ll be ready to start planning your next conference!

Enjoy!

FamilySearch Record Updates

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

More new FREE records have been added to FamilySearch over the last month or so and are listed below. Hopefully you are finding these updates and links helpful in finding more information about your ancestors. Some of them take a little extra work on our parts because the databases have not yet been indexed, however, having access from the comfort of your cozy home is much easier than waiting for microfilm to come and then having to sit and scroll through it at a local Family History Center or Library.

FamilySearch can really use many more people to help index these valuable records and they NEED YOU! You can volunteer by registering at the FamilySearch Indexing Site.

Remember that some of these files are updates, some are browsable images and some are indexed.

Canada, Saskatchewan Judicial District Court Records, 1891-1954
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900
Canada, Saskatchewan Provincial Records, 1879-1987
Estonia, Church Books, 1835-1940
Jamaica Church of England Parish Register Transcripts, 1664-1880
Mexico, Campeche, Civil Registration, 1860-1926
Mexico, Chihuahua, Civil Registration, 1861-1997
Mexico, Guerrero, Civil Registration, 1833-1996
Mexico, Hidalgo, Civil Registration, 1861-1967
Mexico, Michoacán, Civil Registration, 1859-1940
Mexico, Nuevo León, Civil Registration, 1859-1962
Mexico, Oaxaca, Civil Registration, 1861-2002
Mexico, Puebla, Civil Registration, 1861-1930
Mexico, Tamaulipas, Civil Registration, 1800-2002
Mexico, Veracruz, Civil Registration, 1821-1949
Mexico, Yucatán, Civil Registration. 1860-1926
Russia Tver Church Books, 1722-1918
South Korean Genealogies, 1500-2009
Sweden, Örebro Church Records, 1641-1860
United States:
  Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950
  California, San Mateo County Records, 1856-1967
  Georgia Headright and Bounty Land Records, 1783-1909
  Illinois, Cook County, Maywood, Maywood Herald Obituary Card Index, 1885-2002
  Illinois, Probate Records, 1819-1970
  Louisiana, Orleans Parish Second District Judicial Court Case Files, 1846-1880
  Maine, Aroostook County, Probate Records, 1837-2007
  Maine, State Archive Collections, 1790-1966
  Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Probate Estate Files, 1686-1881
  New Hampshire, Hillsborough County, Manchester, Cemetery Records, 1800-2007
  New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787-1938
  New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899-1921
  North Carolina, County Records, 1833-1970
  Ohio, Stark County Coroner's Records, 1890-2002
  Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Membership Applications, 1892-2010
  Texas, Gonzalez de la Garza Genealogy Collection
  Vermont, Vital Records, 1760-1954
  Washington State County Land Records, 1852-1935
  Washington State County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950
  Washington State County Records, 1885-1950
  Wisconsin, Fond du Lac Public Library Records, 1848-1980

New images have been added to the following databases unless otherwise noted:
Australia, Queensland Cemetery Records, 1802-1990
Australia, Tasmania, Miscellaneous Records, 1829-1961
Austria, Seigniorial Records, 1537-1888
Bolivia, Catholic Church Records, 1566-1996
Brazil Civil Registration, 1870-2009

Canada, Ontario Births, 1869-1912 (Index records)
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900
Canada, Saskatchewan, Judicial District Court Records, 1891-1954
Canada, Saskatchewan, Probate Estate Files, 1887-1931
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900
Chile, Santiago, Cementerio General, 1821-2010
China, Collection of Genealogies, 1500-1900
Colombia, Catholic Church Records, 1600-2008
Costa Rica, Civil Registration, 1860-1975
Czech Republic, Censuses, 1843-1921
Czech Republic, Church Books, 1552-1935
Czech Republic, Land Records, 1450-1850
Czech Republic, Třeboň, Nobility Seignorial records, 1664-1698

Dominican Republic Civil Registration, 1801-2006
El Salvador, Civil Registration Records, 1836-1910
England and Wales Census, 1871
England, Norfolk Parish Registers, 1538-1900 (Index records and images)
Estonia, Church Books 1835-194
Germany Marriages, 1558-1929 (Index records)
Germany, Bavaria, Dinkelsbühl Miscellaneous City Records, 1804-1946
Germany, Württemberg, Albstadt, Miscellaneous City Records, 1705-1850
Guatemala, Catholic Church Records, 1581-1977

Hungary Catholic Church Records, 1636-1895 (Index records)
Hungary Reformed Church Christenings, 1624-1895 (Index records)
Hungary, Civil Registration, 1895-1980
Italy, Bologna, Bologna, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941
Italy, Catania, Caltagirone, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1941
Italy, Catania, Catania, Civil Registration (Comune), 1820-1905
Italy, Cuneo, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1795-1915
Italy, Genova, Chiavari, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941
Italy, Napoli, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1865
Italy, Pistoia, Pistoia, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929
Italy, Ravenna, Ravenna, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929
Italy, Trieste, Trieste, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1924-1939

Jamaica, Civil Birth Registration
Korea, Collection of Genealogies, 1500-2009
Mexico, Morelos, Civil Registration, 1861-1920
Micronesia, Pohnpei, Land Records, 1971-2007
Nicaragua, Diocese of Managua, Catholic Church Records, 1740-2008
Norway Census, 1875 (Index records)

Peru, Civil Registration, 1874-1996
Philippines, Civil Registration (National), 1945-1980
Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600-1950
Portugal, Aveiro, Catholic Church Records, 1550-1911
Portugal, Aveiro, Passport Registers, 1882-1965
Portugal, Aveiro, Testaments, 1900-1936
Portugal, Braga, Catholic Church Records, 1530-1911
Portugal, Bragança, Catholic Church Records, 1541-1985
Portugal, Coimbra, Catholic Church Records, 1459-1911
Portugal, Coimbra, Passport Registers and Application Files, 1835-1938
Portugal, Diocese of Lamego, Catholic Church Records, 1532-1911
Portugal, Diocese of Vila Real, Catholic Church Records, 1575-1975
Portugal, Faro, Catholic Church Records, 1587-1880
Portugal, Guarda, Catholic Church Records, 1459-1911
Portugal, Leiria, Catholic Church Records, 1534-1911
Portugal, Leiria, Passport Registers, 1861-1901
Portugal, Porto, Catholic Church Records, 1535-1949
Portugal, Porto, Catholic Church Records, 1582-1908
Portugal, Setúbal, Catholic Church Records, 1555-1911
Portugal, Viana do Castelo, Catholic Church Records, 1537-1909
Portugal, Vila Real, Catholic Church Records, 1533-1941

South Africa, Orange Free State, Estate Files, 1951-2004
South Africa, Reformed Church Records, 1856-1988
Spain, Cádiz, Testaments, 1550-1920
Spain, Consular Records of Emigrants, 1808-1960
Spain, Consular Records of Emigrants, 1808-1960
Spain, Municipal Records
Sweden, Älvsborg Church Records, 1642-1897; index 1681-1860
Sweden, Blekinge Church Records, 1612-1916; index 1646-1860
Sweden, Gävleborg Church Records, 1616-1908; index 1671-1860
Sweden, Göteborg och Bohus Church Records, 1577-1932; index 1659-1860
Sweden, Gotland Church Records, 1582-1940; index 1655-1860
Sweden, Halland Church Records, 1615-1904; index 1615-1860
Sweden, Jämtland Church Records, 1582-1928; index 1642-1860
Sweden, Jönköping Church Records, 1581-1935; index 1633-1860
Sweden, Kalmar Church Records, 1577-1907; index 1625-1860
Sweden, Örebro Church Records, 1613-1918; index 1635-1860
Sweden, Skaraborg Church Records, 1612-1921; index 1625-1860

United States:

Alabama State Census, 1855 (Index records)
Alabama State Census, 1866 (Index records)
Alabama, County Estate Records, 1800-1996
Alabama, Sumter County Circuit Court Files, 1840-1950

California, Marriage Index, 1960-1985 (Index records)
California, San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records, 1835-1931
California, San Francisco County Records, 1824-1997
California, San Mateo County Records, 1856-1967
Connecticut, Death Index, 1949-2001 (Index records)

Delaware, Vital Records, 1680-1962
District of Columbia Marriages, 1811-1950 (Index records and images)
Florida Marriages, 1830-1993 (Index and images)
Florida, Tampa, Passenger Lists, 1898-1945
Georgia Headright and Bounty Land Records, 1783-1909
Idaho, Cassia County Records, 1879-1960
Idaho, Cassia County Records, 1879-1960
Idaho, Minidoka County Records, 1913-1961
Illinois, Probate Records, 1819-1970
Indiana, Death Index, 1882-1920 (Index records)
Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959 (Jay and Hamilton counties) (Index records)

Kentucky, Confederate Pension Applications, 1912-1950
Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954 (Index records and images)
Louisiana, Orleans Parish Vital Records, 1910, 1960
Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957 (Index records and images)
Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1948-1959

Maine, State Archive Collections, 1790-1966
Maine, Washington County Courthouse Records, 1785-1950
Maryland, Garrett County Probate Estate and Guardianship Files, 1920-1940
Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1983 Added Baltimore and Somerset counties
Massachusetts, Boston Passenger Lists, 1891-1943
Massachusetts, Death Index, 1970-2003 (Index records)
Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Probate Estate Files, 1686-1881
Massachusetts, State Vital Records, 1841-1920
Michigan, Death Index, 1971-1996 (Index records)
Minnesota, Birth Index, 1935-2002 (Index records)
Minnesota, Clay County, School Census Records, 1909-1962
Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2002 (Index records)
Mississippi Confederate Records, 1889-1942
Mississippi Confederate Veterans and Widows Pension Applications, 1900-1974
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Mississippi, Tippah County Family Histories
Montana, Cascade County Records, 1888-1945
Montana, Cascade County Records, 1888-1955
Montana, Death Index, 1860-2007 (Index records)

New Jersey, Middlesex County Probate Records, 1830-1921
New York State Census, 1875 (Index records)
New York, County Marriages, 1908-1935 (Index records and images)
New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787-1938
New York, Probate Records, 1629-1971
New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899-1921
North Carolina Civil Action Court Papers, 1712-1970
North Carolina, Birth Index, 1800-2000   (Index records)
North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979  (Index records and images)
North Carolina, County Records, 1833-1970
North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1917
North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files, 1800-1909

Oklahoma County Marriages, 1891-1959  (Index records and images)
Oregon, Columbia County Records, 1854-1958
Oregon, County Marriages, 1851-1975  (Index records and images)
Oregon, Death Index, 1903-1998 (Index records)
Pennsylvania County Marriages, 1885-1950   (Index records and images)
Pennsylvania, Eastern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1795-1931

Texas Birth Certificates, 1903-1934  (Index records and images)
Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997 (Index records)
Texas Deaths, 1890-1976
Texas Deaths, 1977-1986
Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977 (Index records)
Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Membership Applications, 1892-2010
Vermont, Bennington County, Manchester District Estate Files, 1779-1935
Vermont, Franklin County Probate Records, 1796 to 1921
Virginia, Historical Society Papers, 1607-2007

Washington, County Records, 1856-2009
Wisconsin, Birth Index, 1820-1907 (Index records)
Wisconsin, Death Index, 1959-1997 (Index records)
Wisconsin, Probate Estate Files, 1848-1935
Wisconsin, Shawano and Oconto Counties, Indexes-Records, 1850-2007

United States, Applications for Headstones for Military Veterans, 1925-1941
United States, General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
United States, Index to Service Records, War with Spain, 1898
United States, New England Naturalization Index, 1791-1906 (Index records)
United States, Records of Headstones of Deceased Union Veterans, 1879-1903 (Index)
Wales, Probate Abstracts, 1544-1858

RootsTech Schedules Are Posted - Come Join The Fun!

2012-01-15T11:40:00.002-07:00

What will you be doing 17 days from now? Unless you will be in attendance at the RootsTech 2012 Family History and Technology Conference you will probably be pretty jealous of everyone that is!

Last February was the first annual RootsTech Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah and sponsored by FamilySearch. Of all the conferences, I've ever attended this was by far the best and most exciting. This year will be no exception. There will be plenty of classes available for genealogists, both beginning and experienced; as well as, workshops for developers. The Session Schedule has been posted to the RootsTech site so you can plan ahead. Don't waste your time during the Keynote addresses each day trying to decide what workshops to attend - plan that out right now for the best experience.

Here is a sampling of classes and workshops available for beginning users and genealogists:

* Learn about the various online paid databases and decide To Pay or Not to Pay.

* Unscramble those messy relationship problems on new FamilySearch.

* Too many internet sites? Want to know which are the best and most popular?

* Learn to effectively use those paid websites (free at FH Centers and Libraries).

* Using Blogs as your online research log.

For those who have acquired the basics and want to learn more you will find additional classes and workshops, such as:

* Understanding just what "the Cloud" is and how it works.

* Using Google Earth to tell your family's story.

* Understanding and effectively using DNA in your research.

* Building and maintaining Blogs and Websites.

* Publishing your history as an E-book, online or printed.

* Geo-caching, Web Analytics, and going Mobile.

Those are just a few of the many presentations and workshops available for users. To see the complete list for users, click here for the User Schedule.

If you are a developer see the complete Developer Schedule.

The Week-At-A Glance will help guide you through the all the activities planned for this terrific RootsTech Conference! There is still time to register and join us!

Salt Lake City, Utah

Riverton FamilySearch Library to Host an Event on January 21st from 9:00 A.M. to Noon

2012-01-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

RIVERTON,UTAH¾Ever wish that your enthusiasm for family history research was contagiousand you could get priesthood leaders and others excited about the potential offamily history and temple work? If so, you will not want to miss ShipleyMunson’s keynote address at the Riverton Saturday Seminar on January 21. In hisaddress, “Getting Priesthood Leaders Psyched,” he will share ideas intended tomotivate and inspire leaders and others to do family history.

Shipley Munson servesas the director of the marketing division of FamilySearch. In this role, he helpspeople get excited about their family histories and works to establish theFamilySearch brand in the minds of the general public. Munson came toFamilySearch after a 25-year career in marketing where he advised suchcompanies as Frito-Lay, McDonalds’s, Gillette, Apple, Delta Airlines, andFidelity Investments. He speaks seven languages and has two degrees fromHarvard University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Followingthe 9:00 a.m. keynote presentation, there will be two blocks of four classes eachthat will cover topics of interest to both beginning and advanced familyhistory enthusiasts.

Classesto be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. are:

· “Records Say the Darndest Things”-The Ancestry Insider

“Pennsylvania Research: An Overview”-Tim Bingaman
“Navigating the Globe with Google”-Devin Ashby
“Introduction to Italian Indexing”-Brad Jensen

Theclasses available from 11:00 a.m. to noon are:

· “Tips, Tools, and Freebies, Part 1”-Ron Ray

“Learning to Read the Scandinavian Gothic Script”-Anka Macgee
“FamilySearch Wiki: Our #1 Tool”-Pat Jensen
“Features Beyond PAF 5 in Ancestral Quest”-Gaylon Findlay

Registration is not requiredfor this free seminar. The Riverton FamilySearch Library is located in the LDS Riverton Office Building at 3740Market Center Drive.

Free Access to WWII Records at Ancestry!

2011-12-02T13:45:00.001-07:00

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, which marked the United States entrance into World War II, Ancestry.com has provided free public access to the WWII military records! Take advantage of this great opportunity until midnight ET on 7 December 2011.

One in five Americans is a direct descendant of a WWII veteran! By the end of the war, nearly 16 million Americans had served in the U.S. Armed Forces - more than a quarter in the U.S. Navy.

Some of the most significant collections include:

* World War II Navy Muster Rolls (1939-1949)
* National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery) Database
* U.S. WWII Young Men’s Draft Cards

Simple Kindness Grants Small Miracle

2011-11-29T13:58:00.001-07:00

Have I ever told you how much I love old newspapers? Well, they put life to a name and a date. Newspapers often make the person come to life! And I love having my ancestors "come to life".

Frank

I've been researching my great-uncle Frank's life and struggled with the fact that he committed suicide at the tender age of 21 in 1897. Distraught over the loss of the love of his life, Lena, three months earlier, he said his goodbye's to family and friends and shot himself to death. A distraught mother lost her first-born child, having already lost three more babies shortly after birth. Frank never had the opportunity to marry Lena, nor raise a family of his own with her. My heart has ached for them both.

Lena

I had been able to piece together much of Lena's family but found it difficult to prove relationships. Different sources listed different parents names. I had two potential sets of parents for her. And her name had two middle initials or names. I discovered that Lena's mother died when she was only a little over a year old, so I figured that someone else must have helped to raise her.

I had searched all the available issues of newspapers online that I could find but none told me about Lena's father nor could I find anything explaining the multiple names for both Lena and her father. Then, just a few days ago I received an email from an angel, Laura. She had sent me a newspaper page from 1892 with a small article explaining how Lena's father had legally changed his name because he was not raised by his parents, but rather an aunt and uncle. He was always being asked why his name was different from his "parents", was embarrassed, and wanted his name changed to match theirs. I had missed this article!

After a few exchanges of emails, I found that my angel, Laura, was not even related to this family. She apparently was researching someone else and just happened to run across the article. She went online to FamilySearch, found that I had entered information about the family and sent the article to me! How special is that! Laura had taken that extra step, a few extra minutes, and found me! She could have just as easily skipped it and moved on -- but she didn't! She touched my heart!

So to you, Laura, may all your research prove fruitful! And, may all your miracles come to pass!

Ancestry.com Updates Apps for iPhone, iPad, Touch

2011-11-29T11:21:00.001-07:00

Ancestry Brings Family History Alive With New Features

PROVO, UTAH (November 29, 2011)– Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, today announced the availability of a new, upgraded version of its Ancestry.com Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with features designed to enable more rewarding discoveries as users build, update and share their family trees. The Ancestry.com mobile app, which to-date has been downloaded more than 1.7 million times, is now available for free from the Apple App Store.

This upgrade adds three new features to Ancestry.com’s existing family history app:

Ø “In-app purchasing,” which allows non-Ancestry.com subscribers to view, then buy fascinating historical records about their ancestors – such as World War I draft cards, Census records, birth/death certificates, and school yearbook photos, from among billions of historical documents in the Ancestry.com database

Ø A “Shaky Leaf” hinting feature that employs predictive analytics to suggest possible new connections between a user’s family tree and undiscovered documents in the world’s largest family history database

Ø A new merge feature, which automatically identifies and extracts information about family members from historical records so users can quickly and easily update their family tree

“Our goal with the new Ancestry.com mobile app is to enable more people to discover their family history through our billions of historic records, and allow them to share their findings easily with others,” said Eric Shoup, Senior Vice President of Product at Ancestry.com. “Our ‘Shaky Leaf’ hinting feature has resulted in tens of millions of successful family history discoveries online and it’s now accessible to our growing mobile user base.”

For users new to Ancestry.com, the latest iOS app provides an easy way to get started by giving access to relevant historical documents on the site without a subscription. For existing Ancestry.com members, the new app gives them the ability to grow their tree using Ancestry.com records and share them with others while on-the-go.

The Ancestry.com mobile app offers many of the most popular features available in the online version of Ancestry.com’s industry-leading family history website, including the ability to add and edit family information, view and share documents and photos, take and attach photos and create and navigate multi-generational family trees.

To get started,download the free Ancestry.com mobile app to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and either register for a new, or log in to an existing Ancestry.com account and choose a family tree. Ancestry.com subscribers can download family history records in the app free of charge. Non-subscribers pay a special introductory price starting at $0.99 for each record purchased through the Mobile app’s “in-app purchase” feature.

RootsMagic Releases New Version 5!!

2011-11-27T19:36:00.001-07:00

NEW features! ..Research logs, Timeline View, Media Enhancements, CountyCheck, Database Tools, Source Enhancements, and more!

RootsMagic has announced the release of RootsMagic 5! Some of the most requested features have been added making RootsMagic better than ever -- a timeline view showing a person's events as well as those of their immediate family members, a research manager which lets you create and track unlimited research logs, the ability to filter the people view, as well as enhancements to multimedia, sources, to-do lists, and much more. There's a little something for everyone.

You can see screen shots and more detail about what's new here. and a webinar is scheduled Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM MST

Archives.com Partners with Family Tree DNA

2011-11-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011 -- Archives.com, a website devoted to making family history simple and affordable, announces another exciting way users can explore their family heritage. Archives has partnered with Family Tree DNA, the world leader in genetic genealogy, to enable users to purchase DNA tests through its website for the first time. These are being offered at up to 30 percent off the regular price for a limited time. Archives recognizes that DNA testing plays a critical role in family history research, and is glad to offer a simple, convenient way for users to get started with genetic genealogy.

If you want to read the entire press release, click here.
If you want to take advantage of the special 30% off deal on DNA testing, click here!

I've had a good deal of personal experience using Family Tree DNA and Archives.com! I really like both of them. I have done three different surname DNA tests (well, I did have to get the guys to take the tests!). One of them conclusively proved that the research was going down the WRONG line. Now I just have to jump from Tennessee to North Carolina in the late 1700s. The other two I am still struggling with, but I'm sure, will payoff one of these days. One is on a very common surname of Williams and comes out of Georgia during the Civil War era. I get lots of hits in the lower marker counts but haven't yet been able to tie in to one of the higher marker groups. My third surname test is extremely uncommon in the United States, so I'm patiently (haha) waiting for someone in England to also submit to a study. There just may not be any other descendants.

I originally received a free membership trial to Archives.com and have grown to really appreciate it! I'm having a great deal of luck finding records for living cousins, and, I have found a lot of marriage and divorce records that have answered many a question in my research. They have vital records, newspapers, living people/public records. obituaries and much more. You may want to consider giving them a try to help you get past some of those brick walls!

RootsTech Registration - We have a Winner!

2011-11-21T16:42:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone that submitted an entry in my contest for the FREE registration to RootsTech! Congratulations to the winner, Warren Curtis! For those of you that didn't win --- blame it on my husband! :-) I made him draw the winning name.

Remember that the Early Bird Registration rates are only good until November 30! Registration will go from $129 to $189 the following day, so take advantage of it! You won't want to miss out on this great conference! There were about 3,000 people in attendance at the first conference last February, both genealogists and techies! It's an amazing way of bringing the two groups together to learn from each other.

If you are ever planning on attending a genealogy conference, pick this one! You won't be sorry. To read more about RootsTech and what it is all about, click on RootsTech.

Archives.com Partners with the National Archives to Unveil the 1940 Census

2011-11-17T08:37:00.001-07:00

1940 is Coming!

We are exactly 136 days away from the unveiling of the 1940 U.S. Federal Census! This is such an exciting time for genealogists and for anyone who is interested in their family's history!

Today, Archives.com, has announced a partnership with the National Archives to provide free digital access to the 1940 Federal Population Census beginning on April 2, 2012 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Daylight Time) on a new website created in collaboration between Archives.com and the National Archives. In close collaboration with the National Archives, Archives.com will build this new website for researchers to browse, view, and download images from the 1940 Census, the most important collection of newly released U.S. genealogy records in a decade.

The new 1940 collection will consist of 3.8 million images that the National Archives scanned from over four thousand rolls of microfilm. Public access to the images will not require payment or registration, and will be available to any person with internet access. The name and web address of the website will be announced at a later date.

To learn more about Archives.com and the National Archives bringing the 1940 Census online, please visit www.archives.com/1940census. The National Archives also has published a number of helpful resources available to researchers on their website, which can help you to prepare to most effectively search the 1940 Census on April 2nd. As the project progresses, updates and additional information will be posted at www.archives.com/blog. Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #1940Census.

Keep an eye on the countdown to the release of the 1940 census right here on my blog! -->>

FamilySearch News! Brimhall Replaces Verkler

2011-11-15T18:04:00.001-07:00

FamilySearch Announces New CEO

15 November 2011

Brimhall

Verkler

SALT LAKE CITY— FamilySearch International announced today a change in its chief executive officer. Effective January 2, 2012, Dennis C. Brimhall will succeed Jay L. Verkler as CEO of FamilySearch. Mr. Verkler will continue in a consulting capacity for a few months to ensure a smooth transition.

It is the business culture and practice of FamilySearch, as an organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to regularly rotate its senior leaders. This pattern assures the forward momentum of its core programs.

Over the past decade under Mr. Verkler’s leadership, FamilySearch has shifted its vast stores of genealogical records and resources to a digital, worldwide, internet-based focus. FamilySearch has developed partnerships with many genealogy and technology industry organizations, helping form a broad and deep industry community including companies, societies, and archives.

FamilySearch has helped make the world’s historic records easier to access online, publishing over 2.4 billion names in historic records at familysearch.org, including 870 collections from over 50 countries indexed by over 250,000 volunteers. During this period, FamilySearch has also created an unprecedented, free global service organization that engages over 70,000 volunteers who provide needed local and online support to research patrons and the genealogical community. FamilySearch has pioneered genealogical search, record linkage, imaging, crowd-sourcing, and digital preservation technologies.

“It has been a career highlight for me to work in such a significant and meaningful effort,” said Jay L. Verkler regarding his time at FamilySearch’s helm. “I have had the privilege to work with countless great individuals, organizations, and companies, all striving to provide the best of user experiences.”

Mr. Brimhall comes to FamilySearch with a deep background in management. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He recently served for 17 years as president and CEO of the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver from 1988 until 2005. Since then Mr. Brimhall has held positions of increasing responsibility in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I am very excited to help lead the work of FamilySearch, to continue the great things that have been done and move forward in new directions as appropriate,” said Brimhall. “FamilySearch provides services to millions of people worldwide. We really need to understand our customers’ needs and satisfy them. Our focus will be to ensure that FamilySearch’s customer experiences are really first rate.”

FamilySearch looks forward to further strengthening its commitment to the global genealogical community, to publishing and digitizing the world’s records, and encouraging all people to discover, preserve, and share their family histories.

About FamilySearch

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer–driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessor organizations have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,600 family history centers in 132 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Everyone's Going to RootsTech But You?

2011-11-15T16:32:00.001-07:00

Win a FREE complimentary registration to RootsTech 2012!

I'll be at RootsTech in February but will you? I was there last February and I'm so excited for it again! RootsTech just isn't your normal genealogy conference -- so what is it and why would YOU want to go?

You tell me why you want to go to RootsTech and you could win a FREE registration to attend!

Here is what you need to do --

1. Go to the RootsTech website and review the conference material and then post a comment on my blog telling me why you want to attend RootsTech in 2012 and be as specific as you can! That's all there is to it. You have until midnight MST on Sunday, November 20th to do this. Tell all your friends by sending them the link to the blog or share on Facebook or Google+. If you have any questions my contact information is located in the upper right of the blog.

2. Wait until Monday morning and I will randomly select a winner and announce it on the blog! I will then get the information to you to claim your registration. Please only submit an entry if you can make it to RootsTech. This contest is for registration only.

[NOTE: I am an official RootsTech Blogger and this registration is being provided by the kind people behind RootsTech.]

Good Luck!

FamilySearch Records Updates

2011-11-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

Here are the latest updates to FamilySearch Records. Some of the databases are browsable only, while others are indexed. New records are being made available so quickly and yet FamilySearch Indexing is in much need of more indexers. Remember to log in when you get to FamilySearch for access to the most records.

Australia, Tasmania, Miscellaneous Records, 1829–1961
Austria, Carinthia, Military Personnel Records, 1846–1897
Austria, Seigniorial Records, 1537-1888
Belgium Civil Registration, 1795-1920
Chile, Santiago, Cementerio General, 1821–2006
Czech Republic, Land Records 1450-1850
Dominican Republic, Catholic Church Records, 1590–1955
El Salvador, Catholic Church Records, 1655–1977
England, Cornwall Parish Registers, 1538–2010
England, Lancashire, Oldham Cemetery Registers, 1797–2004
England, Northumberland, Miscellaneous Records, 1705–1950
Germany, Württemberg, Schwäbisch Hall, Probate Records, 1833–1905
Guam, Land Records, 1898–1964
Isle of Man, Parish Registers, 1598–1950
Italy, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia, Civil Registration (Comune), 1809–1936
Italy, Potenza, Lagonegro, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866–1910
Japan, Clan Genealogies, 1700–1900
Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Civil Registration, 1859-2000
Norway Census, 1875
Paraguay, Catholic Church Records, 1754–1981
Peru, Civil Registration, 1874-1978
Philippines, Civil Registration, 1945-1980
Slovakia, Church and Synagogue Books, 1592–1910
Spain, Catastro of Ensenada, 1749-1756
Spain, Consular Records of Emigrants, 1808–1960
Spain, Valencia, Miscellaneous Records, 1251-1950
Venezuela, Civil Registration
Wales, West Glamorgan, Electoral Registers, 1839–1925

United States Records
Arkansas, Sebastian County Births and Deaths, 1877-1963
California, County Marriages, 1850–1952
California, San Mateo County, Colma, Italian Cemetery Records, 1899-2011
California, State Census, 1852
Florida, Confederate Veterans and Widows Pension Applications, 1885-1955
Idaho, Clark County Records, 1884-1998
Illinois, Macon County, Decatur Public Library Collections, 1879–2007
Iowa, County Births, 1880–1935
Oregon, Columbia County Records, 1854-1958
Texas Birth Certificates, 1903–1934
Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio Cemetery Records, 1893–2007
Texas Deaths, 1977–1986
Texas, Matagorda County, School Census Records, 1923–1946
Utah, Probate Records, 1851-1961

17 Miracles author T.C. Christensen to speak at Riverton FamilySearch Library!

2011-11-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

17 Miracles in Retrospect

T. C. Christensen will be showing clips from the movie and talking about what insights he has gained from being involved with it.

T. C. Christensen is the writer, the director, and the director of photography for the movie 17 Miracles, the story of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies, their struggles, and the miracles they received as they crossed the plains.

He has made several films about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Among these are Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and Emma Smith: My Story. He also made A Giant Among Men on the life of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Other LDS films include Testaments and The Work and the Glory.

T. C. has been involved in many feature films including Rigoletto and Forever Strong as well as IMAX films including Lewis and Clark for National Geographic and Roving Mars for Disney. His short films include The Touch of the Master’s Hand, The Pump, Only a Stonecutter, and The John Tanner Story.

Riverton FamilySearch Library
13400 South and Bangerter
(Four-Story Building East of Home Depot)
Free Saturday Seminar – November 19, 2011

9:00 a.m. to Noon

UVTAGG Meeting Tomorrow

2011-11-11T17:02:00.001-07:00

I know this is very late notice but the regular Saturday meeting and training classes for the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group is scheduled for Saturday, November 12.

Claire Brisson-Banks will be speaking on THE PERFECT SOCIAL MEDIA: FAMILY HISTORY & GENEALOGY. Claire will discuss how family history really helps you find and connect with your extended family. She has created a nice approach to accomplishing this and the outline is linked on her website https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/User:BrissonBanksCV .

The classes following the main speaker are as follows:
1. Fold3 - Access to Government Records, by Marilyn Thomsen
2. MAC: OSX-7 (Lion), Using iPhoto, and Reunion Q&A, by Ron Snowden;
3. Keeping Your PC Healthy, by Jerry Castillo;
4. Personalized Help, by Don Engstrom & Finn Hansen;
5. Using Technology to Involve Youth in Family History, by Claire Brisson-Banks;
6. Video from last month's main presentation: Dead Men Do Tell Tales, by Loretta Evans;
7. Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay;
8. Legacy 7.5, by Joel Graham; and
9. RootsMagic 4, by Sue Maxwell.

As usual the class is held from 9am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. Website: http://uvtagg.org

RootsTech - Special Rate for Family History Consultants

2011-10-23T15:38:00.001-06:00

... if you register for the conference by November 30!

If you didn't attend the 2011 RootsTech Family History and Technology Conference in downtown Salt Lake City you missed out on a great opportunity! It was a fantastic conference, and unlike any other.

RootsTech recently announced the second annual RootsTech conference, sponsored by FamilySearch. It will be held February 2-4, 2012, at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Now don't get the idea that you have to be a consultant to attend as there will be something for everyone. Genealogists from around the world will be in attendance to learn new technology-based approaches to their research.

Researchers with a strong interest in technology will have the opportunity to test new products or solutions and provide feedback for technology creators.

The conference will also feature an exciting blend of speakers, workshops, and demonstrations. The speakers include D. Joshua Taylor, Lisa Louise Cook, Stephen P. Morse, Dan Lynch, Geoff Rasmussen, and others, as well as many experts from FamilySearch.

If you are a consultant you should have received an email from FamilySearch providing you with the details on how to receive your special discount to attend. Don't waste any time. Register now!

Don't miss out on this fantastic conference!

American Indian and German Research Classes

2011-10-23T15:09:00.000-06:00

The Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City offers free Research Series, classes and workshops for the public. The following classes are scheduled for 5 November 2011.

American Indian Workshop - Runs from 10 to 11:00 am

German Research Series - Begins at 9:00 am and continues throughout the day until 4:20pm. There will be a break for lunch mid-day.

NOTE: The German Research Series requires registration. To register, send e-mail to FHLClassReg@ldschurch.org or call 801-240-4950.

Happy Anniversary! Free Ancestry.com Databases for 15-Days

2011-10-01T11:46:00.002-06:00

To celebrate Ancestry.com's 15-Year Anniversary, one database each day for the next 15 days will be made available for FREE access to everyone! Each of those collections will then remain open for the balance of the 15 days.

Give them a try by clicking here: Ancestry Anniversary

Saturday Seminar at Riverton FamilySearch Library

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Come join me! I will be teaching two classes, both have to do with search techniques and are so useful in your genealogy research. See you there!

Riverton FamilySearch Library
13400 South and Bangerter
(Four-Story Building East of Home Depot)
Free Saturday Seminar – October 15, 2011

9:00 a.m. to Noon

The library offers a free seminar every third Saturday of the month. An opening session is held at 9:00 a.m. featuring a keynote address. Following this session attendees are offered four choices of presentations at both 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. - Keynote Address - "FamilySearch Scanning - The Story of Opening the Granite Mountain Records Vault" - Randy Bryson

10:00 a.m. - “Making Google Work for You" - Sue Maxwell
10:00 a.m. - "Where the Pros Search: Many Free Wonderful Genealogy Sites Exist. Search from Your Home. Search for that Missing Link" - Ron Ray
10:00 a.m. - "Researching Your Scottish Ancestry" - Raymon Naisbitt
10:00 a.m. - "Introduction to Legacy 7.5 Tree Maker and Legacy Family Search" - Carl Holland

11:00 a.m. - “Strategies for Searching - Using ancestry.com" - Sue Maxwell
11:00 a.m. - “New England Research" - Marilyn Markham
11:00 a.m. - "Bits and Pieces: How to Write Your Personal History" - Rose Ann Fisher
11:00 a.m. - "Temple Submission Policies" - Ray Garrison

FamilySearch.org Feature Changes Added Sept 2011

2011-09-30T11:00:00.000-06:00

For a long time FamilySearch was making changes to thewebsite once a quarter or four times a year. That was a challenge to keep upwith. But things are changing faster and faster. Now changes are being releasedon more of an “as needed” basis, requiring all of us to have a bit morepatience and flexibility.

Here is a recap of the most recent changes.

1. TheFeedback Tab was removed. This was originallya part of the beta test and is no longer needed on each page. You can stillsend feedback from a link on the Home page or from inside the Help Center.

2. A NewViewer for Images. The Flash viewer was eliminated because it will not workon most mobile devices. With the new viewer the Print button prints exactlywhat is displayed on the screen. So make sure you have the image centered theway you want it before printing. You can click and drag the image around.

3. A New Layout for Search Results. Thenew format takes out much of the wasted “white space” on the page. You can seemore results on one page and extra fields of data are displayed.

4. Notes that were part of the originalPedigree Research File submissions are displayed on the results screen.

5. Theold Ancestral File Numbers that werepreviously removed from FamilySearch have now been added back so you can find aspecific person you have a number for.

Ancestry.com Expands U.S. School Yearbook Collection

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Collection Will Include More than 150 Million Records of Relatives' School Days

PROVO, UTAH – August 24, 2011 – Ancestry.com, the world’s largest onlinefamily history resource, today announced a massive expansion of the world’s most extensive searchable collection of U.S. schoolyearbooks online. The company has added nearly 25,000 new yearbooks to the collection, which now totals over 35,000 and carries 155 million records encompassing the years 1884 to 2009. TheU.S. Yearbook Collection includes close to seven million images from thousands of U.S. high schools, junior highs, academies, colleges and universities.

The U.S. Yearbook Collection provides candid photos and insight into a relative’s appearance and extracurricular activities during their formative school years. The information and images contained in the collection also reveal insightful historical and cultural trends about fashion, style, politics, sports and social beliefs over the past 125 years of U.S. history. With the addition of the new records, family historians can more easily find what their current family members and ancestors looked like as youngsters and discover the types of activities in which they were involved. This collection can help tell a more complete story by offering rich details and providing context about the time their family members were in school.

"Our school years are often some of the most memorable times of our lives,”said Josh Hanna, Ancestry.com Executive Vice President. “With the additions we’ve made to our U.S. School Yearbook collection, millions of Americans can experience their family members’ school years vicariously through the photos and records contained in this important collection. The details they include are often difficult to find, and while you’re searching, you might just find a famous classmate.”

For anyone interested in discovering their ancestors in the online yearbook collection, visithttp://www.ancestry.com/yearbooks to search the full collection.

Ancestry.com Releases the 1930 Mexico National Census to Open Gateway for Hispanic Family History Research

2011-09-30T07:03:00.000-06:00

From our friends at Ancestry.com:

Access is Free to Public for Most Comprehensive Mexican Census Published Online

PROVO, UTAH – (September 16, 2011) – Ancestry.com, the world’s largest onlinefamily history resource, today announced a significant addition to its growing collection of online Mexican and Hispanic historical records. With nearly 13 million records, the newly available 1930 Mexico National Census (El Quinto Censo General de Población y Vivienda 1930, México) is the most comprehensive historical Mexican census available online[1]. It is estimated that this census counted approximately 90 percent of the population, therefore for nearly 30 million Americans who can trace their families to Mexico, it provides a valuable gateway to begin researching Mexican family history, especially if family, vital or religious records are lost.

Mexico’s first formally recognized federal or national census was taken in 1895. Starting in 1900, censuses were taken every 10 years, making the 1930 Mexico Census the fifth official government census, or formally the Fifth General Census of Housing and Population. This particular census is significant in Mexican history as federal officials sought to make it a vehicle for national unity. A successful campaign urging citizens to take part as a civic duty resulted in an extremely high participation rate - the primary reason why the 1930 Mexican Census is considered the best Mexican census conducted in the 20th century.

Edward James Olmos, Academy Award nominated actor and noted philanthropist, is working with Ancestry.com to trace his family’s Mexican history using information found in the 1930 Mexico National Census.

“Like so many Latinos, I’m proud of my heritage and want to preserve that legacy for future generations,” said Olmos. “With resources like the 1930 Mexico National Census, families can now trace their ancestors to Mexico and gain a greater understanding of where they came from.”

The 1930 Mexico National Census provides a wide spectrum of details about individuals and families and can offer valuable insight into their lives. In addition to demographic data such as name, age, gender, birthplace, address and marital status, the census form also recorded nationality, religion, occupation, real estate holdings, literacy and any physical or mental defects. The millions of records in the collection reveal some interesting statistics about life in Mexico in 1930:

· The most common given female name was Maria and the most common given male name Juan.

· The three most common surnames were Hernandez, Garcia and Martinez.

· Nearly 18% of the population were recorded as Soltero [single], 11% were Casado por lo Civil y la Iglesia [civil and church marriage], 10% were Casado por la Iglesia [church marriage] and 8% were Union Libre [free union—living together without marriage].

· The four most populous Mexican states were Puebla, Veracruz, Jalisco and Oaxaca.

· Famous Mexicans found in the collection include Maria Félix (1914–2002), who was among the best-known Mexican actresses and Carmello Torres Fregoso (Bernardo del Carmen Fregoso Cázares; 1927-2003), a renowned bullfighter who later became a successful businessman.

“As the United States is home to the second largest Mexican community in the world, Mexican-Americans comprise 10 percent of the total U.S. population therefore it is fitting that the world’s largest online family history resource now has an expansive collection to serve this important demographic,” said Josh Hanna, Ancestry.com Executive Vice President.

While the 1930 Mexico Census is the newest and largest collection of Mexican records on Ancestry.com, there are a number of other collections that may be helpful when conducting Mexican family history research, includingBorder Crossings: From Mexico to U.S., 1895-1957; Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, Mexico, Selected Parish Records, 1751-1880; and the Spanish-American Family History Guide.

To start researching the 1930 Mexico Census for free, please visitwww.ancestry.com/Mexico

Family History Library to Hold Free Research Series Seminars

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

SALT LAKE CITY — OnSaturday, October 8, 2011, the Family History Library is offering an all-day seminaron U.S. Immigration Research. The topicsinclude: “U.S. Immigration, 1820-1954,”“U.S. Naturalization Records,” and “Canadian Border Crossing Records.” Classes will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To view the classschedule online, go to www.familysearch.org. Classes will be held in the MainFloor classroom of the Family History Library. The library is located to the west of TempleSquare on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtownSalt Lake City. On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and islocated behind the Church History Museum. To register for these freeclasses, send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 801-240-4950.

Family History Library to Hold Free Hispanic ResearchSeries

SALT LAKE CITY — OnSaturday, October 15, 2011, the Family History Library is offering an all-day seminaron Hispanic Research. The topicsinclude: “Fundamentos Basicos Para LaHistoria Familiar,” “Registros Parroquiales,” “Registros Diocesanos,” “FamilySearch.org,”and “Nuevo Family Search.” Classes willrun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

To view the classschedule online, go to www.familysearch.org. Classes will be held in the Auditoriumon the first lower level of the Church History Museum. The museum is located to the west of TempleSquare on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtownSalt Lake City. On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and islocated behind the Church History Museum. To register for these freeclasses, send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 801-240-4950.

Family History Library to Hold Free Wales ResearchPeculiarities Workshop

SALT LAKE CITY — OnSaturday, October 22, 2011, the Family History Library is offering an all-day seminaron Wales Research Peculiarities. The topicsinclude: “Names, Geographical andPersonal,” “Records and Research Strategies,” and “Practice Time.” Classes will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To view the classschedule online, go to www.familysearch.org. Classes will be held in the B2classroom on the second lower level of the Family History Library. The library is located to the west of TempleSquare on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtownSalt Lake City. On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and is locatedbehind the Church History Museum. To register for these free classes,send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 801-240-4950.

RootsTech 2012 - It's Coming Again! Take Advantage of Early Bird Registration.

2011-09-30T05:48:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited and looking forward to

RootsTech 2012 - February 2 - 4, 2012!

Did you miss the first RootsTech event earlier this year? It was a fantastic learning experience for over 3,000 attendees and full of fun activities for everyone, so don't miss out this time! I have attended many genealogy conferences over the years and you just can't beat this one for content, excitement, and cost. Besides, you will be right by the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City and you will can do all that deep searching you have wanted to do.

I had many LOCAL genealogy friends right here along the Wasatch Front in Utah that didn't attend. When I asked them "why" the number one response was that they figured it world be "over their heads" and they just didn't know enough. Well, that is EXACTLY WHY YOU DO WANT TO ATTEND. There are classes and activities available for everyone -- even if you are just a beginner working on your own family history or you are a programming techie! Don't hesitate. Register now while the Early Registration is open.

Early Bird Registration is under way for $129 and will continue until November 30, 2011.

I'm also really exciting as I have been asked to be an official RootsTech Blogger again! A little hint to self --"Don't donate blood the day before the event!". Yes, I did that last year and became very anemic and struggled trying to get my posts out. So this year, I'm taking my vitamins and staying away from the blood donation sites!

This is the one conference you don't want to miss!

Work on your research right inside the conference.

Take a break and enjoy some time with other attendees.

Take advantage of all the learning opportunities!

Personal Historian 2 Released by RootsMagic, Inc.

2011-09-29T15:18:00.000-06:00

You probably all know that I am really a fan of RootsMagic Genealogy Software and have been since it began. I also really like their Personal Historian Software that helps you to write your own personal story OR write a personal history for anyone -- ancestors, family members, friends, etc. Finally, RootsMagic, Inc. has released a new updated version of Personal Historian and I'm so excited to get going on it! Here is the official press release with all the detail! It's so fun and easy!

Personal Historian 2 Software Released
Latest Version of Personal and Family History Writing Software Now Available to the Public
SPRINGVILLE, Utah. — September 28, 2011 — RootsMagic, Inc. today announced the official release of Personal Historian 2, the latest version of the ground-breaking computer software which helps you write the story of your life and of other individuals. Personal Historian breaks this seemingly monumental task into small, manageable pieces and then reconstructs it into a complete, publishable document. With the release comes a free “Essentials” version of the software as well as a discount offer for new users and previous owners of the software.

Bring Life to Your Life Stories

“Many people want to write a personal history about themselves or family members but get lost or overwhelmed,” said Michael Booth, vice-president and lead developer of the software. “It’s very gratifying to hear people tell us that they are finally able to write their life stories thanks to Personal Historian.”

Personal Historian creates an interactive timeline of a person’s life to keep the stories organized, give context to life events, and to allow users to write stories in any order they wish. When ready, Personal Historian will compile the stories into a finished book complete with table of contents, chapters, pictures, indexes, and more. The book may then be printed at home, edited in a word processor, published professionally, or shared with friends and family.

New Features

“The new features in Personal Historian 2 have been worth the wait,” said Bruce Buzbee, president. “While we’ve added many new and powerful features, we’ve worked hard to make the software even easier to use than before.”

Personal Historian 2 boasts an impressive list of over 40 features including streamlined step-by-step wizards; expanded timelines and memory trigger questions; easy filtering and searching of stories; management of categories, people, and places; improved outlining and writing analysis; wrapping of text around pictures; fonts and text styles; and more-powerful publishing and output options.

Free “Personal Historian Essentials”

RootsMagic is also releasing a new, free edition of Personal Historian named, “Personal Historian Essentials”. Personal Historian Essentials contains many core features from the Personal Historian software and the two products are fully-compatible with one another. “We wanted to give everyone a risk-free option,” said Booth. “Personal Historian Essentials is perfect for someone who wants to start writing a personal history but doesn’t know where to begin.” Personal Historian Essentials is available for download at http ://www .personalhistorian .com.

Discount Offer

To celebrate it’s release, RootsMagic, Inc. is pleased to offer a special introductory offer for Personal Historian 2. Through October 31, 2011, Personal Historian 2 is available for a special introductory price of only $19.95, saving $10 off of the regular price. The discount is available only on the Personal Historian website at http ://www .personalhistorian .com or by calling 1-800-766-8762.

About RootsMagic, Inc.
For over 20 years, RootsMagic, Inc. has been creating computer software with a special purpose- to unite families. One of our earliest products- the popular “Family Origins” software, introduced thousands of people to the joy and excitement of family history.

That tradition continues today with “RootsMagic”, our award-winning genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history fun and easy. “Personal Historian” will help you easily write and preserve your life stories. “Family Reunion Organizer” takes the headaches out of planning those important get-togethers. And “Family Atlas” creates beautiful and educational geographic maps of your family history.

For more information, visit www .rootsmagic .com.
Source: RootsMagic, Inc.

Ancestry.com Releases Family Tree Maker 2012 with TreeSync™, Allowing Family Tree Updates from Anywhere via the Cloud

2011-09-29T14:41:00.000-06:00

From our friends at Ancestry.com:

Update of the No. 1 Selling Family History Software Makes Researching & Sharing Family History More Rewarding Than Ever

PROVO, Utah (Sept. 29, 2011)– Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, today announced the release of Family Tree Maker® 2012, an improved and expanded version of the world’s No. 1 selling family history software. Now with its new TreeSync™ capabilities, Family Tree Maker 2012 enables family history enthusiasts to sync their desktop family trees and their trees online at Ancestry.com unlike any other desktop software available on the market.

“We have a long-term vision to make family history simple and more accessible to the masses,” said Eric Shoup, Senior Vice President of Product for Ancestry.com. “Now with the combination of Ancestry.com, the Ancestry mobile app and the new Family Tree Maker, users can work on their family tree anywhere, anytime.”

Family Tree Maker 2012 introduces TreeSync, which enables family historians to sync their online tree at Ancestry.com and their desktop family trees, including photos and other historical records they have attached. This enables Family Tree Maker users to bring their desktop tree online to share with invited guests and continue their research from wherever they are.

The new software comes with a free membership or free trial to Ancestry.com that gives users access to billions of historical records, and millions of memory-making historical photos, stories and family trees. Membership with Ancestry.com connects Family Tree Maker 2012 users to the largest family history community in the world, and helps users find other members who might be researching the same ancestors so they can compare notes and discover more together.

Other improvements in Family Tree Maker 2012 include:

· An easier-than-ever user interface to get users started right away

· Upgraded help content and video tutorials

· Improved content-generation and editing options to create engaging “Smart Stories” about family history and family members

· The ability to combine families into one harmonized tree, bringing step-families and adoptees into the main family tree

· Simple generation labels and text boxes to make family trees more interesting and informative

Expert users of earlier Family Tree Maker releases will find new power-user tools in Family Tree Maker 2012, including:

· Upgraded personalization capabilities enabling users to add their own images, adding narrative text and displaying explanatory generation labels to charts

· Index report of every individual in a family tree with birth, marriage and death dates

· Chart the line of descendancy between an ancestor and any descendant in your family tree

Pricing and availability

Family Tree Maker 2012 for PC is starting at $39.99 and is now available to purchase online athttp://www.familytreemaker.com and at Best Buy, Office Depot, Amazon.com and other select retailers. Family Tree Maker for Mac is also available, and will include the TreeSync capability in the upcoming version slated to be released by the end of 2011.

UTAH VALLEY TECHNOLOGY AND GENEALOGY GROUP MEETING (UVTAGG)

2011-09-29T13:00:00.000-06:00

FamilySearch Records Updates

2011-09-29T11:43:00.000-06:00

I’m a bit behind on my posts because I’ve been out enjoyingthe beauty of this earth! Now it’s time to get back on track. I amconsolidating the FamilySearch records updates for the last month. So find oneof these collections that fits your needs and GET TO WORK! Enjoy!

Some of these collections are browsable only, some have beenindexed, others updated. Eventually they will all be indexed and imaged as faras FamilySearch is contractually able.

Austria, Seigniorial Records, 1537–1888

Australia, Tasmania, Miscellaneous Records, 1800–2000

Belgium, Oost–Vlaanderen, Parish Registers, 1588–1799

Brazil, Catholic Church Records, 1835–1966

Brazil, Immigration Cards, 1900–1965

Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800–1900

Canada, Saskatchewan Judicial District Court Records,1891–1942

Canada, Saskatchewan Provincial Records, 1879–1987

Chile, Civil Registration, 1885-1903

Chinese Genealogies, 1500–1900

Colombia, Catholic Church Records, 1600–2008

Cote d'Ivoire, Census, 1975

Czech Republic Church Books, 1552-1935

Czech Republic, Censuses 1843–1921

Czech Republic, Třeboň, Nobility Seignorial records,1664-1698

Dominican Republic Civil Registration, 1801–2006

England, Essex Parish Registers, 1538–1900

England, Northumberland, Miscellaneous Records

England, Warwickshire Parish Registers, 1538–1900

Ecuador, Catholic Church Records, 1565–1996

Estonia, Church Books 1835-1940

Estonia, Petseri County, Surname Register Cards 1921-1923

Guatemala Civil Registration, 1877–1934

Honduras, Church Records, 1633-1978

Hungary Catholic Church Records, 1636–1895

Hungary Civil Registration, 1895–1980

Italy, Catholic Church Records

Italy, Civil Registration, 1806–1940

MEXICO

Mexico, Chiapas, Civil Registration, 1861–1990

Mexico, Chihuahua, Civil Registration, 1861–1997

Mexico, Coahuila, Civil Registration, 1861–1998

Mexico, Colima, Civil Registration, 1860–1997

Mexico, Durango, Civil Registration, 1861–1995

Mexico, Guanajuato, Catholic Church Records, 1576–1984

Mexico, Jalisco, Catholic Church Records, 1590–1995

Mexico, Jalisco, Civil Registration, 1832–2000

Mexico, México Estado, Civil Registration, 1861–1941

Mexico, Michoacán, Civil Registration, 1859–1940

Mexico, Nayarit, Civil Registration, 1868–2001

Mexico, Nuevo León, Civil Registration, 1859–1962

Mexico, Oaxaca, Catholic Church Records

Mexico, Puebla, Civil Registration, 1861-1930

Mexico, Querétaro, Catholic Church Records

Mexico, Querétaro, Civil Registration, 1864–2005

Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Catholic Church Records,1586–1970

Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Civil Registration

Mexico, Sonora, Civil Registration, 1861–1995

Mexico, Veracruz, Catholic Church Records

Mexico, Zacatecas, Civil Registration, 1860–2000

New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878–1960

Nicaragua, Civil Registration

Nova Scotia, Queens County, Notes of Thomas BrentonSmith, 1700–1950

Peru, Catholic Church Records1687-1992

Peru, Civil Registration, 1874–1978

Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600–1950

Russia Tver Church Books, 1722–1918

South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Registers, 1660–1970

South Africa, Orange Free State, Estate Files, 1951-2004

Spain, Cádiz, Testaments, 1550–1920

Spain, Diocese of Albacete, Catholic Church Records,1504-1979

Spain, Diocese of Avila, Catholic Church Records,1502-1975

Spain, Municipal Records, 1837–1903

Sweden, Örebro Church Records, 1641–1860

Switzerland, Church Records, 1277–1992

U.S. RECORDCOLLECTIONS

U.S. Applications for Headstones for MilitaryVeterans,1925–1941

U.S. Index to Passenger Arrivals, Atlantic and GulfPorts, 1820–1874

U.S. National Homes For Disabled Volunteer Soldiers,1866–1938

U.S. Records of Confederate Prisoners of War, 1861–1865

U.S. Social Security Death Index, 1875-2010

U.S. War of 1812 Index to Pension Application Files

U.S., War of 1812 Index to Service Records, 1812–1815

U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942

U.S., Alabama Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., Alabama Civil War Records of Union Soldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Arkansas Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Arkansas Civil War Records of Union Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., California, San Francisco Passenger Lists,1893–1953

U.S., California, San Mateo County Records, 1856–1967

U.S., Delaware Civil War Records of Union Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., Florida Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Florida Civil War Records of Union Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., Georgia Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Georgia Civil War Records of Union Soldiers1861–1865

U.S., Idaho, Cassia County Records, 1879–1960

U.S., Idaho, Teton County Records, 1900–1988

U.S., Illinois, Northern District Naturalization Index,1840–1950

U.S., Illinois, Probate Records, 1819–1970

U.S., Illinois State Census, 1865

U.S., Indiana, Marriages, 1811–1959

U.S., Kansas, County Marriages, 1855–1911

U.S., Kentucky, Probate Records, 1792–1977

U.S., Kentucky Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861 –1865

U.S., Kentucky Civil War Records of Union Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., Louisiana Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, compiled1940–1945

U.S., Louisiana, New Orleans Passenger Lists, 1820–1945

U.S., Louisiana, Orleans Parish Second District JudicialCourt Case Files, 1846–1880

U.S., Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards,compiled 1948–1959

U.S., Maine, Aroostook County Deed Books, 1865–1900

U.S., Maine, State Archive Collections, 1636–1964

U.S., Maine, Washington County Courthouse Records,1785-1950

U.S., Maryland Civil War Service Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Maryland, Probate Estate and Guardianship Files,1796–1940

U.S., Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1792–1983

U.S., Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Probate EstateFiles, 1686–1881

U.S., Michigan, Detroit Manifests of Arrivals at the Portof Detroit, 1906–1954

U.S., Minnesota, County Birth Records, 1863–1983

U.S., Mississippi Civil War Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Mississippi State Archives, Various Records,1820–1951

U.S., Missouri Civil War Records of Confederate Soldiers,1861–1865

U.S., Montana, Cascade County Records, 1888–1945

U.S., New York, County Marriages, 1908–1935

U.S., New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787–1938

U.S., New York, New York City, Saint Peter's LutheranChurch Records, 1862–1955

U.S., New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists,1925–1942

U.S., New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787–1938

U.S., New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899–1921

U.S., New York State Census, 1865

U.S., North Carolina Civil War Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., North Carolina, Civil War Confederate Soldiers andWidows Pension Applications, 1885–1953

U.S., North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762–1979

U.S., North Carolina, County Records, 1833–1970

U.S., North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663–1917

U.S., North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files,1800–1909

U.S., Ohio, Cuyahoga County Probate Files, 1813–1900

U.S., Ohio, Stark County Coroner's Records, 1890–2002

U.S., Oregon, Baker County Records, 1862–1950

U.S., Oregon, Benton County Records, 1856–1984

U.S., Oregon, County Marriages, 1851–1975

U.S., Oregon, Polk County Records, 1857–1972

U.S., Oregon, Yamhill County Records, 1857–1963

U.S., Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Passenger Lists,1883–1945

U.S., Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh City Deaths, 1870–1905

U.S., Tennessee Civil War Records of ConfederateSoldiers, 1861–1865

U.S., Tennessee County Marriages, 1790–1950

U.S., Texas, Gonzalez de la Garza Genealogy Collection

U.S., Utah, Davis County Records, 1869-1953

U.S., Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908–1949

U.S., Vermont, Town Records, 1850–2005

U.S., Vermont, Vital Records, 1760–1954

U.S., Virgin Islands, Church Records, 1849–1950

U.S., Virginia, Winchester, Evening Star Obituaries,1899–1909

U.S., Washington State, Army National Guard Records,1880–1947

U.S., Washington State County Records, 1885–1950

U.S., Washington State, Army National Guard Records,1880–1947

U.S., Washington, Seattle, Passenger Lists, 1890–1957

U.S., Wisconsin, Probate Estate Files, 1848-1935

Family History Library to Hold Free Lecture on “The Cornish”

2011-09-06T20:52:00.001-06:00

SALT LAKE CITY — On Friday,September 9, 2011, the Family History Library is offering a free lecture with guestspeaker, Philip Hosken, from England. Philip was the former editor and publisher of the Cornish World magazine. Thelecture is titled, “The Cornish: ACeltic Nation Found Throughout the World.” Philip will review the history and culture of the Cornish people and howtheir mining industry and inventiveness shaped their existence and eventuallydrove them to all corners of the Earth. Lecture will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

To view the classschedule online, go to www.familysearch.org. Lecture will be held in the B2classroom on the second lower level of the Family History Library. The library is located to the west of TempleSquare on West Temple between North Temple and South Temple Streets in downtownSalt Lake City. On Saturdays, parking is free to library patrons and islocated behind the Church History Museum. To register for these freeclasses, send an email to FHLClassReg@familysearch.org or call 801-240-4950.

Free Access to Immigration and Naturalization Records on Ancestry.com Until 5 September!

2011-09-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

Ancestry.com has opened up their immigration and naturalization records for free access for the next 5 days! Take advantage of this opportunity to do a little extra research from the comfort of your home.

During this time, all visitors to Ancestry.com will be able to search for free the indices and images of new and updated U.S. immigration records as well as selected international immigration records from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Mexico. Millions of Americans can trace their family history to other countries, and these collections provide valuable information about the travels and journeys that brought them to America or other countries around the world.

Ancestry.com’s extensive collection of immigration, naturalization and travel records offer an important resource for discovering and celebrating family history. As part of this promotion, the company is adding to its collection of U.S. and international records for tracing relatives from their homeland to other countries around the world. These records include ships passenger and crew lists, declarations of intent, petitions for naturalization, witness affidavits, border crossings, certificates and other records generated by the naturalization process, which is the act and procedure of becoming a new citizen of a country. Because the process has changed significantly over time and varies from country to country, different records are available from a wide variety of state, federal and international sources.

To start researching the immigration and naturalization records for free, please visit www.ancestry.com/immigration.

Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group Meeting (UVTAGG) - Come Join Me!

2011-08-31T20:21:00.000-06:00

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group - UVTAGG (Formerly the Utah Valley PAF Users Group - UVPAFUG) will be on Saturday, 10 Sep 2011, from 9 am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. Information about the Group, main presentations, classes, and class notes are available on their website http://uvtagg.org and the press releases are at http://blog.uvpafug.org/ . With the organization's name change the latter URL will also be changed eventually.

The main presentation for this meeting will be by Dr. Ugo A. Perego on THE POWER OF DNA IN UNLOCKING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS. This presentation will provide a general overview on how genetic testing can be of great assistance to family historians to trace, verify, expand, and link genealogical records and pedigrees. Particularly, we will cover the paternally-inherited Y chromosome and the maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA with the purposes of showing how these two markers can play a powerful role in the search for our ancestors.

Ugo A. Perego, PhD, is the Director of Operations and a Senior Researcher and Senior Genealogist at the non-profit Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation ( http://www.smgf.org/ ) and a Scientific Consultant for GeneTree ( http://www.genetree.com/ ), both located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ugo earned a BS and an MS in Health Sciences at Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah) and a PhD in Human Genetics at the University of Pavia, Italy. In his nearly eleven years with SMGF, Ugo has supervised the worldwide collection of more than 110,000 DNA samples and corresponding genealogical records and contributed numerous lectures and publications on DNA and its applications to population genetics, genealogy, and history. He came to the UVTAGG meeting (Then it was the UVPAFUG.) more than 10 years ago when the Sorenson Foundation collected DNA samples and pedigree charts from our members. Some of his recent publications include “The Book of Mormon and the Origin of Native Americans from a Maternally Inherited DNA Standpoint” (in No Weapon Shall Prosper, 2011); “Joseph Smith: The Question of Polygamous Offspring and DNA Analysis” (in The Persistence of Polygamy, 2010); “Expanding the Concept of Family History through DNA” (in Family Chronicle, 2010); “Mitochondrial DNA: A Female Perspective in Recent Human Origin and Evolution” (in Origins as a Paradigm in the Sciences and in the Humanities, 2010). He is married to the former Jenna McAllister and they are the parents of three boys and a girl.

Following the main presentation there will be several classes about family history and technology with something for everyone at any level of expertise. The teachers and classes presently scheduled for this meeting are as follows:
(1) Three Wikis: FamilySearch, Ancestry.com and Wikipedia, by Marilyn Thomsen;
(2) MAC: Q & A, by Ron Snowden;
(3) More Best Practices - Surviving in the Trenches, by Laurie Castillo;
(4) Personalized Help, including information for new Family History Consultants, by Don Engstrom and Finn Hansen;
(5) Q&A: The Power of DNA in Unlocking Family Relationships, by Ugo A. Perego;
(6) Video of last month's main presentation: New Family Search Best Practices, by Laurie Castillo;
(7) RootsMagic 4, by Sue Maxwell;
(8) Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay;
(9) Legacy 7.5, by Dean Bennett; and
(10) Family Insight, by Andrea Schnakenburg.

All meetings of the Group are open to the public whether members of the Group or not. The Group has the goal of helping individuals use technology to further their family history and there are usually 100-125 attending the monthly meetings on the second Saturdays.

YES, You Can Still Search by the IGI Batch Number!

2011-08-25T10:59:00.000-06:00

Remember when? Will it? Does it? I continue to see posts and hear discussions about not being about to search by the old IGI batch numbers. Here is a prime example of how FEEDBACK really pays off! You provided feedback to FamilySearch and FamilySearch listened and acted.

So the answer is very simply, YES, you can search FamilySearch by using the International Genealogical Index (IGI) batch numbers.

You know how I feel about reinventing the wheel so I won't. Just click here and learn how to do it in the current version of FamilySearch.

And, if you want to see the listing of British Isle and North American IGI batch numbers, click here.

Search Feature Changes in Upcoming FamilySearch Releases

2011-08-25T10:32:00.002-06:00

I've had the opportunity over the last few weeks to hear several of FamilySearch spokespersons talk about feature changes in future releases to FamilySearch. Jim Ericson, of FamilySearch has recently posted about these changes and I highly suggest you read up on them so you won't be surprised when it happens.

Some of the users of the Record Search Pilot site were concerned about all the "white space" that was being wasted on each results page making it difficult to quickly find the results you were interested in. So FS will change the layout to rows and columns to speed that process.

Significant improvements to the search functionality are also planned. We will be able to search using multiple event and relationships; search across multiple collections; and refine the search using specific filters and matching criteria.

And to top if off, the number of records available will double to 2.1 billion records -- of which all will remain free to users. Remember that some records will continue to have contractual restrictions to images and/or content so you must log in to gain the most benefit.

You can read all of the detail here.

Footnote.com Becomes Fold3 - Becomes WHAT?

2011-08-18T18:36:00.000-06:00

Okay, I wish I had the time to really get into this today, but I've been busy trying to update all my PowerPoint screens for a presentation TOMORROW on Footnote.com -- uh -- I mean Fold3! What the heck is Fold3, you ask?

Well, today Footnote.com and Ancestry (it's owner, as of this past year) announced that Footnote.com was changing its name and refocusing their primary direction to U.S. Military Records. According to the press release "The Fold3 name is derived from the third fold in a traditional military flag folding ceremony which "is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world."

What about all their other collections and the use/interaction with Ancestry.com? Their press release also states, "Many family historians and genealogists may use Ancestry.com to find an ancestor who served in the military and then use Fold3 to discover the details of their service." So what they are saying is that you still have to subscribe to both sets of records. If you want detail on any military records then you have to subscribe to Fold3. So does that mean that all of Ancestry's military IMAGES will be moved to Fold3? I don't know the answer to that, we'll just have to wait and see.

On a brighter note, I have spent the day using the site in great depth in an attempt to update my presentation so I tried to recreate just about everything. And it was relatively easy to do. Right now there are very few changes on the site with the exception of the layout. Most all functionality is still there. Since I have a few screen images from the old site I can share a few examples here.

The old site has multiple ways to search for records. Those features are the same in the new site layout, just in a little different location.

Keyword / Name Search:

Historical Era / War-Other Search:

I have more examples and will try to post more in a few days when the conference is over. Just remember that CHANGE is inevitable -- and it's the only thing that is truly a guarantee in this life! So continue to have fun in your research!

1940 U.S. Census to be Free on Ancestry.com

2011-08-17T14:23:00.001-06:00

Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, today announced that both the images and indexes to the 1940 U.S. Federal Census will be made free to search, browse, and explore in the United States when this important collection commences streaming onto the website in mid-April 2012.

When complete, more than 3.8 million original document images containing 130 million plus records will be available to search by more than 45 fields, including name, gender, race, street address, county and state. It will be Ancestry.com’s most comprehensively indexed set of historical records to date.

Ancestry.com is committing to make the 1940 Census free from release through to the end of 2013, and by doing so hopes to help more people get started exploring their family history. As this census will be the most recent to be made publicly available, it represents the best chance for those new to family history to make that all-important first discovery.

Click here to see the complete announcement. Also, watch the countdown clock in the upper right corner -->>

FamilySearch Updates to Collections for Genealogy Research

2011-08-16T19:41:00.001-06:00

Here are links to the latest additions and updates to collections at FamilySearch. Some are browsable images added to existing collections and some are indexed and/or new collections.

16 Aug 2011
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800–1900
Italy, Civil Registration, 1806–1940
Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600–1950
Spain, Cádiz, Testaments, 1550–1920
U.S., Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1940–1945
U.S., North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663–1917
U.S., Washington State, Army National Guard Records, 1880–1947

10 Aug 2011
Austria, Upper Austria, Linz Citizen Rolls, 1658–1937
Brazil, Catholic Church Records,1835–1966
Canada, New Brunswick, County Deed Registry Books, 1780–1941
Hungary Civil Registration, 1895–1980
Mexico, Distrito Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1886–1933
Panama, Catholic Church Records, 1707–1973
U.S., Louisiana, Orleans Parish Second District Judicial Court Case Files, 1846–1880
U.S., Maine, State Archive Collections,1636–1964
U.S., Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Probate Estate Files, 1686–1881
U.S., New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899–1921
U.S., North Carolina, County Records, 1833–1970
U.S., North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files, 1800–1909

FamilySearch Announces Updated YouTube Channel

2011-08-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

August 2011

SALT LAKE CITY— FamilySearch has unveiled a newly updated YouTube channel giving viewers an informative, fun and fascinating look at several different aspects of genealogy through a growing number of videos in five playlists.

High-quality videos are available for the rookie genealogist and the seasoned veteran alike. The Genealogy in 5 Minutes playlistdemonstrates how, in just a few minutes, individuals with little or no genealogy experience can make some headway on their family’s history.

The Woven Generations playlist features powerful, personal experiences from those who have found success or inspiration through family history work.

Additionally, FamilySearch sent camera crews to Virginia, Ohio, California, Indiana and other locations for a closer look at how FamilySearch works with societies and archives to provide access to more records online and to further mutual interests in family history. These videos can be found in the Societies and Archives playlist.

These videos and others are available at YouTube.com/FamilySearch and can be powerful tools in introducing the excitement of family history to a friend or family member. They will also enrich the life of a veteran genealogist.

# # # # #

Note from Sue: I use these and many other YouTube video's on a regular basis. Don't know how to do something and need a little extra help?...just search YouTube and you will often find your area of interest. Search YouTube here. And here is a link to search based on the term "genealogy"! Use a term like "census", or "cemeteries" or "familysearch indexing" and see what you get!

Riverton FamilySearch Library FREE Saturday Seminar-Aug 2011

2011-08-03T21:43:00.001-06:00

Saturday, August 20, 9:00 a.m. - noon

Riverton FamilySearch Library
13400 South and Bangerter
(Four-Story Building East of Home Depot)

9:00 a.m. - Keynote Address - "The Three Word Journal: Finding Your Purpose in Life" - Randal Wright

This presentation teaches you how to recall the meaningful experiences in your life by summarizing each into 3 well chosen words in approximately 10 seconds. These 3 words can later be expanded into a full journal entry that becomes part of your life history.

Randal A. Wright obtained a PhD in Family Studies from Brigham Young University. He has worked with the LDS Church Educational System for many years and also taught in the religion department at BYU. He is the author of several books including: The Three Word Journal; Achieving Your Life Mission; 25 Mistakes LDS Parents Make; Protecting Your Family in an X-rated World andThe Case for Chastity. He has been a frequent speaker at Education Week and Especially for Youth. He and his wife, Wendy, live in Austin, Texas and are the parents of five married children and have fourteen grandchildren.

10:00 a.m. - “New FamilySearch Advanced Issues, Part 1" - Cathy Anderegg
10:00 a.m. - "The Google Genealogist" - Devin Ashby
10:00 a.m. - "Pennsylvania Research, an Overview" - Tim Bingaman
10:00 a.m. - "You sNEWS You Lose - Using Newspapers in Research" - Bret Peterson

11:00 a.m. - “New FamilySearch Advanced Issues, Part 2" - Cathy Anderegg
11:00 a.m. - “Synchronizing PAF 5 Data with New FamilySearch using Ancestral Quest, the Program from which PAF 5 was Derived" - Paul Johnson
11:00 a.m. - "Research Strategies and Web Sites" - Diana Toland
11:00 a.m. - "FamilySearch and Billion Graves - Family History Sources Right at Your Feet" - Tim Cross

FamilySearch Records Update - 1.8 Million Records and Images Added

2011-08-03T20:13:00.000-06:00

Historic records from eight countries have been digitized and added to FamilySearch.org. In addition to 1.8 million new U.S. records, collections from seven other countries were added: Canada, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, and Poland. There are many gems for curious minds, such as the updates to the South Dakota 1945 State Census, New York court records, Indiana marriage records, or how about the service affidavits of Utahans who served in the militia during the Indian Wars from 1909-1917. Begin searching now at FamilySearch.org.

Collection
Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800–1900
Czech Republic Church Books, 1552–1935
France, Coutances Catholic Diocese, 1802–1907
Italy, Civil Registration, 1806–1940
Mexico, Jalisco, Catholic Church Records, 1599–1979
Mexico, Morelos, Catholic Church Records, 1598–1969
Mexico, Puebla, Catholic Church Records, 1545–1970
Mexico, Quintana Roo, Civil Registration, 1866–1902
Philippines, Lingayen-Dagupan Catholic Archdiocese Parish Registers, 1615–1982
Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600–1950
U.S.,California, Collections of the California Genealogical Society, 1700–1942
U.S.,California, San Mateo County Records, 1856–1967
U.S.,California, San Mateo County, Colma, Italian Cemetery Records, 1932–2011
U.S., Indiana, Marriages, 1811–1959
U.S.,Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1940–1945
U.S.,Louisiana, Orleans Parish Second District Judicial Court Case Files, 1846–1880
U.S.,Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1948–1959
U.S.,Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1792–1983
U.S.,Montana, Cascade County Records, 1888–1945
U.S.,New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787–1938
U.S.,New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899–1921
U.S.,North Carolina, County Records, 1833–1970
U.S.,North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files, 1800–1909
U.S.,Ohio, Montgomery County, Probate Estate Files, 1850–1900
U.S. Social Security Death Index, 1962–2011
U.S.,South Dakota State Census, 1945
U.S.,Texas, Gonzalez de la Garza Genealogy Collection, 1800–1999
U.S.,Utah, Indian War Service Affidavits, 1909–1917
U.S.,Utah, Salt Lake County Birth Records, 1890–1915
U.S.,Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908–1949
U.S.,Washington State County Records, 1885–1950
U.S.,Washington State, Army National Guard Records, 1880–1947
United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942

UVTAGG - 3 Hours of Classes on Saturday in Provo!

2011-08-03T19:56:00.000-06:00

UTAH VALLEY TECHNOLOGY AND GENEALOGY GROUP MEETING (UVTAGG)

FamilySearch Records Update-12 Million New Records

2011-07-20T15:03:00.000-06:00

FamilySearch Adds 12 Million New Records and Images This Week

The England and Mexico Collections Contain the Lion’s Share of the New Additions

The recent collection updates at FamilySearch.org are too diverse to summarize—seigniorial and notarial records, bishop’s transcripts and parish registers, citizen lists, court case files—you get the picture. The largest collection updates this week are from England and Mexico—eight million records and images between the two countries’ collections. Another 4 million records and images were added for Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Sweden, USA, and Wales. Search the records online now at FamilySearch.org. See the list below for more details.

The following collections have been added or updated to include records and/or browsable images.

Austria, Upper Austria Seigniorial Records, 1537-1888

Belgium Civil Registration, 1795-1920

Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900

England, Cheshire Bishop's Transcripts, 1598-1900

England, Cheshire Parish Registers, 1538-2000

England, Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire, Parish Registers, 1603-1910

Germany, Westfalen, Minden Citizen Lists, 1574-1902

Italy, Civil Registration, 1806-1940

Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church Records

Mexico, Guanajuato, Catholic Church Records, 1576-1984

Mexico, Querétaro, Catholic Church Records

Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Catholic Church Records, 1586-1970

Mexico, Veracruz, Catholic Church Records

South Africa, Methodist Parish Registers, 1822-1996

Sweden, Södermanland Church Records, 1640-1860

U.S., Arkansas, Draft Registration Cards, compiled 1948-1959

U.S., California, San Mateo County Records, 1856-1967

U.S., California, San Mateo County, Colma, Italian Cemetery Records

U.S., Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1948-1959

U.S., Maine, State Archive Collections

U.S., Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1792-1983

U.S., Michigan, State Census, 1894

U.S., Mississippi, Tippah County Marriages, 1858-1979

U.S., Montana, Rosebud County Records

U.S., New York, Orange County Probate Records, 1787-1938

U.S., North Carolina, State Supreme Court Case Files, 1800-1909

U.S., Texas County Tax Rolls, 1846-1910

U.S., Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Membership Applications, 1892-2010

U.S., Washington State, Army National Guard Records, 1880-1947

U.S., Wisconsin, Probate Estate Files, 1848-1933

Wales, Probate Abstracts, 1773-1780

FamilySearch Update: 1930 US Census Project Concludes - Volunteers Consider Options for Next Projects

2011-07-11T23:42:00.000-06:00

Updates from FamilySearch: "The 1930 U.S. Census indexing project will be completed this month! The final states of this enhanced index will be a great benefit to FamilySearch's online patrons. We will now start many new U.S. projects for volunteers to consider. We are workingtoward building a nationwide marriage index. There are several already underway, and many new marriage projects are coming. We also started a Civil War era initiative recently that will include record collections expanding before and after the Civil War that will help researchers identify their Civil War era ancestors. We’re also adding some fun emigration projects (passenger lists, naturalization records)."

The following will give you an idea as to what is happening at FamilySearch because of the Indexing projects. If you are finding any of the FamilySearch data helpful to you, your friends or family, please consider getting involved in Indexing! It can take you as little as 20-30 minutes to download and index a batch. Every batch contains more source material to help you locate and identify your ancestors. The more people who participate, the more records will be made available, faster! Also, if you index you will have access to some restricted projects that non-indexes cannot access.

New projects usually added to FamilySearch in the past 2 weeks to 30 days:

South and Central America

Argentina, Cordoba, Bell Ville—Parish Registers, 1759–1946

Brazil, Rio de Janeiro—Immigration Cards, 1900–1965 [Part C]

Brazil, Rio de Janeiro—Immigration Cards, 1900–1965 [Part D]

Chile, Concepción—Civil Registration, 1885–1920 [Part 3]

Guatemala—Civil Registration, 1800–1900 [Part B]

Honduras, Tegucigalpa—Parish Registers, 1684–1930

Mexico, Aguascalientes—Birth Records, 1860–1921

Europe

Austria, Upper Austria, Steyr—Church Books, 1601–1906

Czech Republic, Litomerice—Church Books, 1552–1905 [Part 1C]

Estonia—Lutheran Church Books, 1603–1940 [Part B]

France, Coutances—Parish Registers, 1802–1907 [Part 2]

France, Quimper et Leon, Brest, Notre Dame des Carmes—Parish Registers, 1771–1909

Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Emmendingen—Church Books, 1810–1869

Germany, Brandenburg, Posen—Church Books, 1794–1874

Germany, Mecklenburg, Schwerin—1867 Census

Italy, Mantova—Civil Registration, 1806–1815

Italy, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Birth Records, 1809–1885 [Part 1]

Italy, Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia—Death Records, 1809–1885 [Part 2]

Italy, Torina, Torre Pellice—Burial records, 1692–1969

Italy, Turin, Torre Pellice—Parish Registers, 1692–1969 [Part 1A]

Poland, Diocese of Lublin—Church Books, 1864–1948 [Część 2]

Spain, Sevilla—Civil Births, 1844–1874

Sweden, Sodermanland—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]

Sweden, Uppsala—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]

Sweden, Örebro—Church Records, to 1860 [Part 2]

Philippines

Philippines, Lingayen-Dagupanâ—Parish Registers, 1615–1982 [Part 2]

North America

Canada, Ontario—Births, 1869–1912 [Part B]

U.S., Alaska—1930 Federal Census

U.S., Alabama--County Marriages, 1809-1950 [Part B]

U.S., American Samoa and Guam—1930 Federal Census

U.S., Illinois—Northern District Naturalization Index Cards, 1840–1950

U.S., Indiana, Fountain County—Marriages, 1811–1959

U.S., Indiana, Fulton County—Marriages 1811–1959

U.S., Iowa—County Marriages, 1838–1992 [Part B]

U.S., Nevada—1930 Federal Census

U.S., North Carolina—County Marriages, 1762–1959 [Part C]

U.S., Ohio, Franklin County—Marriage Records, 1929–1951

U.S., Oregon—County Marriages, 1851–1975 [Part A]

U.S., Vermont—Vital Records, 1760–1954 [Part C]

U.S., Virgin Islands—1930 Federal Census

U.S., West Virginia—Naturalization Records, 1814–1991

U.S.—Registers of Enlistment in the U.S. Army, 1798–1913

Recently Completed Projects: These projects have been indexed, are going through their final check process, and will be published in the near future.

· Argentina, Cordoba, Rio Segundo—Registros Parroquiales, 1888–1926

· Argentina, Santa Fe—Registros Parroquiales, 1634–1926 [Parte A]

· Brasil, Rio de Janeiro—Imigração Cartões, 1900–1965 [Parte A&B]

· Chile, Concepción—Registros Civiles, 1885–1903 [Parte 2B]

· España, Avila, Barroman—Registros Parroquiales, 1550–1930

· Jamaica—Church of England Parish Baptisms, 1664–1880

· Mexico, Veracruz—1930 Federal Censo

· Norway—1875 Federal Census [Part B]

· Polska, Diecezja Lublin—Księgi Metrykalne, 1902–1945

· Sverige, Uppsala—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 1]

· Sverige, Örebro—Kyrkoböcker, till 1860 [Del 1]

· U.K., Yorkshire—Parish Registers, 1845–1930

U.S. Census Records

· U.S. 1930 Federal Census for 16 States States

· U.S., Illinois—1865 State Census

· U.S., Michigan—1894 State Census

U.S. Vital Records

· U.S., Indiana, Floyd County—Marriages, 1811–1959

· U.S., Iowa—County Births, 1880–1935 [Part A]

· U.S., Iowa—County Marriages, 1838–1992 [Part A]

· U.S., North Carolina—County Marriages, 1762–1959 [Part B]

· U.S., Tennessee—County Marriages, 1790–1950 [Part D]

· U.S., Vermont—Vital Records, 1760–1954 [Part C]

U.S. Military Records

· U.S.—Index to War of 1812 Pension Application Files, 1812–1905

U.S. Newspapers

· U.S., Virginia, Winchester—Evening Star Obituaries, 1899–1909

There are over 120 projects the are currently being indexed and are in various stages of completion.

Please consider helping to index by going to FamilySearch Indexing for more details.

Riverton FamilySearch Library Hosts an Event on July 16

2011-07-09T19:57:00.000-06:00

Free Seminar on Bringing the FamilySearch Community Together

Riverton FamilySearch Library
13400 South and Bangerter
(Four-Story Building East of Home Depot)
Free Saturday Seminar – July 16, 2011

9:00 a.m. to Noon

9:00 a.m.: Keynote Speaker: Don Anderson
“FamilySearch Community: Ways in which FamilySearch is Organizing Community Resources to Help Individuals Find Ancestors and Bring the Community Together”

Don Anderson is Senior Vice President for FamilySearch. In this role, he has the responsibility for the Patron Services organization, including the FamilySearch Family History Library as well as the Worldwide Support organization. Don’s responsibilities include providing help to those searching for ancestors using FamilySearch, the Family History Library, family history centers, the FamilySearch website, CD software, and other resources. Don’s organization provides services in more than 12 languages for more than 110 countries worldwide with an excess of 10 million patron interactions annually.

10:00 a.m. Choose one of the following four classes:
-- “Choosing and Using the Right Hardware and Software for Genealogy” by Barry Ewell
-- “Searching for Ancestors, Step-by-Step” by Sheri Lynn Lemon
-- “The Perfect Social Media: Family History & Genealogy” by Claire Brisson Banks
-- “Great Grandpa Was a Mormon: LDS and Utah Records” by Don and Diane Snow

11:00 a.m. Choose one of the following four classes:
-- “Choosing and Using the Right Hardware and Software for Genealogy” by Barry Ewell
-- “Hanging Pictures on Your Family Tree” by Scott Huskey
-- “Getting the Most out of the Family History Library Catalog” by Daniel Poffenberger
-- “Naturalization Records" by Patricia Jensen

Details on www.familysearch.org/fhc/riverton

FamilySearch Updates 55 Collections; adds 25 million new records

2011-07-07T17:58:00.001-06:00

Additions include Scandinavia, Eastern and Western Europe, Mexico, and Peru

The recent collection updates at FamilySearch.org reflect FamilySearch’s commitment to digitally convert and publish its microfilm collection online. The latest additions include 25 million new images of historic records for 16 countries. The new records were added for Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, U.S., and Wales. Of particular interest is the addition of over 8 million civil registration records for the Netherlands. Search the records online now at FamilySearch.org.

The following collections include new or additional records and/or images: (Click on the link to search the records.)

Collection

Belgium Civil Registration, 1795–1910

Brazil, Catholic Church Records 1835–1966

Canada, Ontario Births, 1869–1912

Canada, Quebec Notarial Records, 1800–1900

Canada, Saskatchewan Provincial Records 1908

Czech Republic Church Books, 1552–1935

Czech Republic, Land Records 1450–1850

Czech Republic, Třeboň, Nobility Seignorial records, 1664–1698

England, Bristol Parish Registers, 1538–1900

England, Cornwall Parish Registers, 1538–1900

England, Northumberland, Miscellaneous Records

Italy, Civil Registration, 1806–1940

Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church Records

Mexico, Guanajuato, Catholic Church Records, 1576–1984

Mexico, Michoacán, Catholic Church Records 1579–1992

Mexico, Oaxaca, Catholic Church Records

Mexico, Yucatan, Catholic Church Records 1543–1970

Netherlands, Civil Registration, 1792–1952

New Zealand, Probate Records

Peru, Catholic Church Records

Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600–1950

Slovakia Church Books, 1592–1910

South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records, 1690–2007

Spain, Cádiz, Passports, 1810–1866

Spain, Municipal Records

Switzerland, Vaud Terrier Records, 1234–1798

U.S., Arkansas, Draft Registration Cards, compiled 1948–1959

U.S., California, San Mateo County Records, 1856–1967

U.S., California, San Mateo County, Colma, Italian Cemetery Records

U.S., Idaho, Clark County Records

U.S., Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1940–1945

U.S., Louisiana, Second Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1948–1959

U.S., Maine, State Archive Collections

U.S., Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1792–1983

U.S., Massachusetts, Plymouth County, Probate Estate Files, 1686–1881

U.S., Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children, 1850–1892, 1908–1957

U.S., New York, Queens County Probate Records, 1899–1921

U.S., North Carolina, County Records, 1833–1970

U.S., North Carolina Probate Records, 1735–1970

U.S., Ohio, Montgomery County, Probate Estate Files, 1857–1900

U.S., Ohio, Stark County Court Records, 1809–1917

U.S., Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Passenger List Index Cards, 1883–1948

U.S., South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732–1964

U.S., Tennessee Probate Court Books, 1795–1927

U.S., Tennessee Probate Court Files, 1795–1927

U.S., Texas, Comanche County Records, 1858–1955

U.S., Texas, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Membership Applications, 1892–2010

U.S., Texas, Eagle Pass Arrival Manifests and Indexes, 1905–1954

U.S., Texas, Eastland County Records, 1868–1949

U.S., Texas, Gonzalez de la Garza Genealogy Collection

U.S., Utah, Davis County Records, 1869–1920

U.S., Washington State County Records, 1885–1950

U.S., Washington State, Army National Guard Records, 1880–1947

U.S., West Virginia Will Books, 1756–1971

Wales, Glamorgan Marriages, 1837–1922

UVTAGG Meeting and Training Classes - FREE

2011-06-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley Technology and Genealogy Group - UVTAGG (Formerly the Utah Valley PAF Users Group - UVPAFUG) will be on Saturday, 9 Jul 2011, from 9 am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. Information about the Group, main presentations, classes, and class notes are available on their website http://uvtagg.org and the press releases are at http://blog.uvpafug.org/ . With the organization's name change, these URL's will also be changed eventually.

The main presentation for this meeting will be by David E. Rencher on FAMILYSEARCH PRODUCTS AND FEATURES. FamilySearch continues to make a wide variety of products and services available to genealogists throughout the world. This presentation highlights the many uses of these new products from the view of the Chief Genealogical Officer at FamilySearch. David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA, is employed by the Family History Department in Salt Lake City as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is an Accredited GenealogistCM with ICAPGenSM in Ireland research and a Certified GenealogistSM with the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Samford University Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a BA in Family and Local History. He is a past-president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 1997-2000, a national genealogical society umbrella organization, a past-president of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) 1993-1995 and a Fellow of that organization. He is a fellow of the Irish Genealogical Research Society, London and is a vice-president of the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU). He is currently serving as the Chair of the joint Federation of Genealogical Societies and National Genealogical Society committee for Record Preservation and Access and serves as the Secretary for the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and as trustee for the Umpstead, Jr. and Elizabeth Jemima Philpott Rencher and the Winslow Farr, Sr. Family Organizations. There is further information about him online at http://www.apgen.org/directory/search_detail.html?mbr_id=176 .

Following the main presentation there will be several classes about family history and technology with something for everyone at any level of expertise. The teachers and classes presently scheduled for this meeting are as follows: (1) Research at BYU: the Other FHL - 5 Levels, 3 Wings, and Online Resources, by Laurie Castillo; (2) MAC: Cemeteries, OSX Tips, and Reunion Reports, by Ron Snowden; (3) Personalized Help, by Don Engstrom & Finn Hansen; (4) Q&A: FamilySearch Products and Features, by David E. Rencher; (5) Video of last month's main presentation: Finding and Analyzing Collections of Personal Letters - Erastus Snow, by Don and Diane Snow; (6) Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay; (7) Legacy 7.5, by Joel Graham; and (8) RootsMagic 4, by Bruce Buzbee.

All meetings of the Group are open to the public whether members of the Group or not. The Users Group has the goal of helping individuals use technology to further their family history and there are usually 100-125 attending the monthly meetings on the second Saturdays.

Come Celebrate the First Anniversary of the Riverton FamilySearch Library!

2011-06-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

The Riverton FamilySearch Library Hosts Open House on June 21

RIVERTON, UTAH—Looking for the perfect free summer family activity? Why not come and explore the branches of your family tree?

The Riverton FamilySearch Library will celebrate its first anniversary on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, by holding an Open House from 2:30–8:00 p.m. This is an event for the entire family, including family history activities for children, youth, and adults.

Presentations will begin every half hour:

*   Introduction to the FamilySearch Library and Computer Desktop
*   Introduction to Indexing
*   Introduction to the new FamilySearch
*   Introduction to Family History (Youth)

There will also be continuous video presentations:

*   The Granite Mountain Vault
*   Celebration of Family History

Perhaps you have hit a brick wall in your research. Experts will be on hand to give you some new research ideas. With approximately 30 million new records being added monthly to familysearch.org, there has never been a better time to find success.

The Riverton FamilySearch Library is located in the LDS Riverton Office Building at 3740 Market Center Drive. The facility is near the intersection of Bangerter Highway and 13400 South, just east of The Home Depot.