UVPAFUG-It's Time Again

UTAH VALLEY PAF USERS GROUP MEETING

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley PAF (Personal Ancestral File) Users Group will be on Saturday, 10 Apr 2010, from 9 am to noon at our usual location at the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. There is a map showing the location on the group's website http://uvpafug.org . The main presentation for this meeting will be by Timothy G. Cross on FAMILYSEARCH'S EXTENDED TREE.  His presentation will discuss current and future plans for FamilySearch's Tree.  How does the Tree fit into FamilySearch?  Is the Tree limited to just new.familysearch.org?  Are we going to be able to make this "common" tree work?  How are we supposed to source the Tree?  Is this just for genealogists or can everyone participate?  Brother Tim Cross has been a Product Manager for new FamilySearch for four years. Prior to working for the LDS Church, Tim worked in the computer industry for PriceWaterhouse; Booz, Allen, & Hamilton; and Novell. Tim is currently responsible for the Family Tree portion of new FamilySearch.

Following the main presentation there will be several classes taught concerning technology and family history. As usual, there will be something for everyone at all levels of expertise. The teachers and classes currently scheduled for this meeting are the following: (1)   FamilyInsight: NFS Sync and Ordinance Preparation, by Andrea Schnakenburg;  (2)  Using Google in Genealogy, by Duane Dudley;  (3)  Genealogy on Your MAC - Searching, Charting and Reporting, by Venita Parry;  (4)  Newspaper or Military Research, by Laurie Castillo;  (5)  Personal Help with PAF & NFS, by Don Engstrom, Finn Hansen, and Kathy and Max Hennie (new regular class);  (6)  Q&A: FamilySearch's Extended Tree, by Tim Cross;  (7)  Video of last month's main presentation: How to Effectively Conduct Family History Research, by Barry Ewell;  (8)  Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay;  (9)  Legacy 7, by Dean Bennett;  (10)  RootsMagic 4, by Bruce Buzbee. 

All meetings of the Users 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.

Required Updates for 3rd Party Genealogy Software

Legacy Family Tree has just released an update to version 7.4.0.25. This is their first release since January and fixes a number of known issues. They have also added some enhancements to their new FamilySearch interface. They added a change to the DNA field and added the latest temple codes. To see the details of fixes and changes go here.

Ancestral Quest - the last I heard AQ was working on an update to be compatible with the new FamilySearch updates that go into effect on Monday, March 29th. They may not make it by Monday but it shouldn't be too long. UPDATE: Use the current version until the new version of new FamilySearch is released, probably after midnight on the morning of March 29th. Then download the new update of AQ at
http://www.ancquest.com/Ver12-1fhcdl.htm


Family Insight - has an update available now that will make working with new FamilySearch on Monday seamless. Make sure you down load the latest update here.

If you are aware of any other update or changes, please let me know.

As a reminder, you can see the complete list of FamilySearch Certified software here.

RootsMagic 4 Releases Update with FamilySearch AutoMatch

More great news for those using RootsMagic 4 or RootsMagic Essentials software and, especially for those who interface directly with new FamilySearch.

A new update and enhancement has been released adding a new time-saving feature called AutoMatch. This feature "examines each person in your RootsMagic file, searches the FamilySearch database for the person, and after carefully comparing them, matches them to gether if they are the same; all without requiring user intervention." Now you can start AutoMatch before you head to bed or go out for the evening and when you come back most of your database should be matched!  This feature is included in both RootsMagic 4 and in RootsMagic Essentials, the free version.

In additon to the new AutoMatch feature, this update is required for RootsMagic to continue working with new FamilySearch, probably early next week. So please take a few minutes and update your version. If your news screen has been turned off, remember to click on HELP>Check for Updates.

To see a list of the new items and the "fixes" in this update click here.

Footnote.com Offers FREE Access to Census Records

Want to check out Footnote.com? Need to check out a few census images? Footnote.com has opened up access to their interactive U.S. Federal Census records for a limited time. Take a moment and utilize the tools available. Doing so will give you a little expertise in using all of Footnote.com at your local Family History Center.

Immigration Family History Expo in Salt Lake City

Just received this email from FamilySearch Support and it looks to be a great day learning more about immigration and its importance in your family history.

March 5, 2010                                                                                         Information and tips

                                                                                                             

Dear Family History Consultant:

We want to make you aware of a family history conference focused on immigration research occurring soon in Salt Lake City. You may find information at this conference beneficial in helping members find their ancestors.

The Immigration Family History Expo, hosted by Family History Expos, Inc., will be on Thursday, March 18, at the Historic Masonic Temple, 650 East South Temple Street in Salt Lake City. Registration begins at the door at 8 a.m., and the day’s sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. The fee for attending this one-day event is $45 and includes lunch.

The expo will feature outstanding speakers throughout the day. World Trade Center Utah president and CEO Lew Cramer will join the center’s executive vice president and COO, Elizabeth Goryunova, in an opening keynote address. Cramer and Goryunova will focus on the importance of migration, immigration, and emigration today and in the future. The event will culminate with author, producer, and director Lorie Conway’s in-depth look into the history of immigration to America. Her presentation will include a special screening of Forgotten Ellis Island: The Extraordinary Story of America’s Immigrant Hospital.

Other notable speakers include:

• Brigham Young University Professor Fred E. Woods. Woods has held a Richard L. Evans Chair of Religious Understanding since 2005. Woods has also been a visiting professor at several universities and has lectured at many academic institutions in the United States and internationally. Professor Woods is the author or co-author of seven books and many articles, including three dozen on the topic of Mormon immigration and emigration in the 19th century.

• Arlene Eakle, PhD, president and founder of The Genealogical Institute, Inc. Eakle is a consultant, lecturer, author, and researcher specializing in the geographic areas of New York, southern U.S., British Isles, Switzerland, and parts of Germany.

• Kory L. Meyerink, MLS, AG, FUGA, vice president of ProGenealogists, Inc. in Salt Lake City. Meyerink has worked with Ancestry and the Family History Library. He is past president of the Utah Genealogical Association and founder of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Meyerink is a nationally known speaker, editor of Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records, and adjunct faculty for BYU and San Jose State University.

• Holly T. Hansen, Family History Expos, Inc. founder and president is a lifelong resident of Croydon, Utah. She has been a family history educator for more than 15 years. Although she sponsors elaborate genealogical events, she also enjoys helping people one-on-one as they learn how to make technology work for them. An author, lecturer, and editor, Hansen devotes time every day to education.

Exhibitors will be at the event to offer hands-on demonstrations and techniques as well as technology to help researchers trace their roots.

Immigration Expo details and the class schedule are available online at: http://fhexpos.com/expos/

All questions should be directed to:
Family History Expos.com
PO Box 187
Morgan, Utah 84050
Email: Expo@FHExpos.com
Phone: 1-801-829-3295
Web: http://fhexpos.com

Sincerely,

FamilySearch                                                                                                      

support@familysearch.org                                                                                                                                              

U.S. and Canada: 1-866-406-1830                                                                                                                  

International: Go to http://contact.familysearch.org for more toll-free phone numbers

Consolidate All Your LDS Church Logins

Get ready to consolidate all your LDS Church logins!


This is actually really good news! The LDS Church is finally getting ready to make changes so that you only need ONE login name and password to get access to all the Church software systems.

You are already using this single username and password if you currently use your stake or ward website. FamilySearch is now using this single username and password for the Research Wiki. New FamilySearch and FamilySearch Indexing will begin using the single username and password in the near future. (Probably during the month of March, 2010.)


So if you haven't already done this, DO IT NOW rather than waiting for these family history applications to begin using it and you have to deal with the mad crunch. You can go to ldsaccount.lds.org and obtain what is called an LDS Account. You can also check to see if you already have an account or you can use the links on the page to remind you what your username and password is if you have forgotten them.

 Need to register for the other sites? Here's how: 

To register as a Consultant or Priesthood Leader overseeing Temple and Family History Work:  Go to lds.org > Serving in the Church > Family History > priesthood.familysearch.org or  consultant.familysearch.org OR just click on these links. You will need your Church membership number and your ward/branch unit number. Get that from your ward/branch clerk. You do want to register if you are a consultant or a Priesthood leader, and here is why:

If you are not registered as a consultant or a priesthood leader, you will see only one lesson (new FamilySearch lesson)--which is the lesson that all members see--when you go to new.familysearch.org > Help Center > Training and Resources Tab > e-learning courses. If you are registered as a consultant or priesthood leader, you have many more important lessons available to you under your "e-learning courses."

Under your "Training and Resources" tab, you will then have 12 more instructional items available. It is very important to be aware of this difference. Each of you go to your "Training and Resources" tab and see what is there. Then have your spouse or child (a regular member) go into their "Training and Resources" tab, so you can see the difference in what is available. Unregistered consultants and priesthood leaders are missing out.

 Registering everyone age 12 and older on new FamilySearch:
Go to new.familysearch.org . Click on Register for the new FamilySearch. Each member needs their own Church membership number and confirmation date.

Registering to do FamilySearch Indexing:
Suggested age: 14 to 114! Go to familysearchindexing.org  and follow the instructions. Get your kids involved! They can "play" on the PC and do something worthwhile!

UVPAFUG - Come Join Me

UTAH VALLEY PAF USERS GROUP MEETING The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley PAF (Personal Ancestral File) Users Group will be on Saturday, 13 Mar 2010, from 9 am to noon at our usual location at the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo.  There is a map showing the location on the group's website http://uvpafug.org . 

The main presentation for this meeting will be by Barry J. Ewell on HOW TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. If you are frustrated with searching the Internet and not being able to find information about your family, this talk may help. It will show you how to do better Google searches and find more information about your family from obscure websites to more popular databases and collections. Barry Ewell resides in Riverton, Utah and is a Senior Marketing Manager for IBM. He graduated from BYU in Communications in 1981 and is a writer and researcher with extensive genealogical experience in field research, oral and written histories, using the web, and computer and digital resources.  His genealogical research interests include Eastern U.S., United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, and Russia.  He is also the founder of http://mygenshare.com/ which will be launched soon and which will have lots of helpful genealogy resources and information.

 Following the main presentation there will be several classes taught concerning technology and family history. As usual, there will be something for everyone at all levels of expertise. The teachers and classes currently scheduled for this meeting are the following:
(1) Ralph Hansen on Decluttering Your Family History Closet; 
(2) Duane Dudley on Submitting Names to the Temple with New FamilySearch; 
(3) George Scott on Solving Problems in New FamilySearch; 
(4) Venita Parry on Genealogy on Your MAC; 
(5) Barry J. Ewell on Learn the Tech to Trace Your Roots; 
(6) Video of last month's main presentation by Art Johnson on Building Strong Relationships with Priesthood Leaders; 
(7) Gaylon Findlay on Ancestral Quest; 
(8) Joel Graham on Legacy 7; and 
(9) Bruce Buzbee on RootsMagic. 

All meetings of the Users 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.

It's the Stories That Make for Good History

Did you attend my workshop at Stake Women's Conference on Saturday? I talked about how to make your ancestors come alive! Don't fall into the trap of looking at these people in your database as just names, dates and places. More than likely this "name" is your favorite grandmother's favorite great-uncle. She knew him, she loved him; just as you loved your grandma. So find out more about him. 

Research, research, research! All those little bits and pieces of information that you find will build an outline of your ancestor's life. Look around for what other's have done and build from there.

I'll elaborate on this one of these days, but, in the meantime check out this article that was posted in the LDS Church News.
'It's the stories' that make for good history'

New Test System (Sandbox) for Use With New FamilySearch

This is great news and long-coming for Family History Consultants and FH Center Staff! This will be SO useful for teaching new FamilySearch to others. Received the following email from FamilySearch Support today!

Dear Family History Consultant:

We are excited to announce a great new resource for you to use as you teach others how to use the new FamilySearch. We have created a fully functional training version of new.familysearch.org that contains fictitious data designed specifically for training purposes. In this system, you will be able to:

·         Use practice exercises to teach others how to use the new.familysearch.org Web site.

·         Add, edit, and modify information without the worry of using real data.

·         Combine and separate records.

·         Practice submitting names for temple ordinances. Note: You can print a Family Ordinance Request, but do not take the request to the temple.

·         Use the Help Center to search for answers to questions, and find additional training helps, including access to the new FamilySearch E-learning Course.

·         Submit GEDCOMs that are limited to five names.

·         Use your account until it expires after six months.

·         Get a new account each time your old account expires.

The training system will:

·         Delete any data you have added after your account expires.

·         Refresh the account and return it to its original state so it can be used again.

·         Continue to be upgraded as the new FamilySearch system is enhanced.

Access to this new training system is available at: https://training.familysearch.org. Those with an LDS Account user name and password (Church members who have registered at https://ident.familysearch.org/cis-web) will be able to sign on using that user name and password.

This is the first version of the training system.  It provides the full functionality of new FamilySearch and has a basic set of exercises.  We will continue to enhance the exercises based on feedback from those using the system.  We hope this will prove to be a great new training resource for you while you teach classes about the new FamilySearch. The training system is available now.

Sincerely,

FamilySearch

Faces of America on PBS

Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr is a new PBS series that asks the questions: What made America? What makes us?

Mr Gates is a Harvard scholar who turns to the latest tools of genealogy and genetics to explore the family histories of 12 renowned Americans. It will broadcast through March 3rd on your local PBS station.

Online video replays of the episodes can be found here.

The Generations Project - Monday nights on BYUTV

Have you ever wondered why you’re such a great musician? Where you get your love of politics? Why you're so independent? The answer just might be found in the lives of your ancestors.

The Generations Project is a new reality series that helps those who have questions about their family history investigate their own identities by walking in the shoes of their ancestors. As they undertake these journeys, they often uncover the hidden identities in family pasts, and come to see that in many cases the best way to know who you are is to know who you came from.

Monday nights at 8pm MST on BYU Television. Watch the latest episode...

                

Who Do You Think You Are? coming March 5th to NBC

Ancestry.com and NBC bring you seven exciting stories that will inspire the world to discover theirs. Tune into NBC Fridays at 8/7c starting Friday, March 5th, 2010. A heartwarming journey through family history! Watch WDYTYA.




Episode 1 - Sarah Jessica Parker (online until 18 Sep 2010)
Episode 2 - Emmitt Smith 
Episode 3 - Lisa Kudrow
Episode 4 - Matthew Broderick 
Episode 5 - Brooke Shields
Episode 6 - Susan Sarandon
Episode 7 - Spike Lee

Update to the Family History Conferences

The last week of April four major family history conferences will all happen in one week in Salt Lake City as I described in the last post.  FREE CLASSES are being made available to help Family History Consultants and workers help members find their ancestors.

Of particular note for family history consultants are classes and a fireside on Tuesday, April 27. Simply bring the Free Consultant Training Pass coupon below for access to the consultant classes. There is also no cost for attending the fireside or any of the other events listed below.

If you want to attend the NGS conference classes, price and registration information can be found here. There is an early-bird discount until March 8, 2010. 

Over 200 classes will be presented by industry leaders and experts from the local and national genealogical community as well as staff from FamilySearch. Products and services from genealogy companies will be showcased in an exhibit hall. There you can also meet with specialists for free personal consultations on research questions or problems.

NGS Conference details and the class schedule are available online here.

The following free events and resources will be available for consultants in connection with this week of conferences:

Tuesday, April 27

·         Consultant Training Seminar at the Conference Center Little Theater. There are two times to choose from: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

·         Behind-the-scenes tour of the Family History Library (all day) 

·         Behind-the-scenes tour of the new Church History Library (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.)

·         Consultant Fireside at the Salt Lake Tabernacle at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Elder Allan F. Packer of the First Quorum of the Seventy, who is one of the Executive Directors of the Family History Department.

Wednesday, April 28

·         FamilySearch Open House at the FamilySearch Center in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Meet and greet product managers and designers for FamilySearch’s new programs and offerings.

Wednesday, April 28–Saturday, May 1

·         GenTech Hall, an exhibit displaying the latest technological innovations for family history in the same venue as NGS, is open and free to the public.

·         The NGS Conference Exhibit Hall is open to the public daily 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 

Thursday, April 29

·         “A Celebration of Family History” event in the Conference Center at 7:00 p.m. This evening will feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, along with wonderful guest speakers. Special reserved tickets for this event will be available for consultants. Instructions on how to request tickets will be e-mailed to you in the next few weeks.

Saturday, May 1

·         Genealogy Kids Camp, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Salt Palace conference venue.

Additionally:

·         Hours at the Family History Library have been extended until 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday during the conference. (Closed during the Thursday celebration.)

     

      See the details on the other conferences in the posting below.

·       

     This promises to be a full week of family history learning and activities that will be of benefit to family history consultants and enthusiasts. 

     See you there!

Salt Lake City Genealogy and Family History Conferences

A unique opportunity to participate in the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Conference is coming to Salt Lake City April 28 to May 1, 2010. The NGS conference has not been held in Salt Lake for more than 10 years and it could be that long before it returns.

Conferences are a fantastic way of enhancing your knowledge of genealogy and family history. And, if you are a family history consultant, director, or patron of a family history center you will want to attend at least the free activities being provided. However, everyone will benefit greatly from attending the workshops and you will meet many others just like you from beginner to professional.

This year is unique with four conferences being held together in the same week – all of them at the Salt Palace in downtown Salt Lake City.

1.                 BYU Conference on Computerized Family History and Genealogy features the latest technology tools and trends in genealogy. It will be held on Monday and Tuesday that week.

2.                 BYU Family History Technology Workshop explores current and emerging research in genealogy technology will be held on Wednesday.

3.                 FamilySearch Developers Conference holds special workshops and networking for software developers and will hold their classes on Tuesday.

4.                 NGS Family History Conference will be held Wednesday through Saturday and is the premier national conference for genealogists.  

Whether you are new to family history or an experienced genealogist, there is something for you at this year’s events. Take advantage of free on-on-one research consultations with accredited genealogists; extended hours at the Family History Library; dozens of workshops and presentations; and free access to over 250 genealogy and technology exhibitors.

Another unique experience will be free admission to an evening celebration of family history featuring special speakers and a concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

For more information on each of the events follow the links above.  There is a special $50 discount for those who want to attend the BYU Conference on Monday and Tuesday and also the NGS Conference on Wednesday through Saturday.

Direct links to the various pages:

NGS Conference highlights

NGS Conference Program

NGS Conference Speaker Profiles

 

Registration page for the NGS Conference IF attending BOTH conferences.

NGS Registration Brochure includes the registration form if attending ONLY this conference or you can register online

Registration page for the BYU Conference on Computerized Family History and Genealogy

Registration page for Family History Technology Workshop and the FHTW Class Schedule

Registration page for the FamilySearch Developers Conference

UVPAFUG -Come Join Me

Utah Valley PAF Users Group is definitely NOT for just PAF users. This is a great genealogy group that works to improve the skills of all family history enthusiasts and genealogists. The group meets the 2nd Saturday of every month in Provo, Utah and is open to the public. We have three hours of learning each month -- about one hour for the main speaker and 1 1/2 hours for breakout classes. Everything is free. You can choose to officially join the group which gives you some great added benefits, but it is not necessary to join. Please come join us!


Here is the information  about this months meeting and directions to the location.

The next regular, second-Saturday-of-the-month meeting of the Utah Valley PAF (Personal Ancestral File) Users Group will be on Saturday, 13 Feb 2010, from 9 am to noon AT OUR OLD LOCATION, THE LDS "RED CHAPEL", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. The "Red Chapel" remodeling is finished now. There is a map showing the location on the group's website http://uvpafug.org . The main presentation for this meeting will be by Arthur Johnson on BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PRIESTHOOD LEADERS AND FAMILY HISTORY WORKERS. The presentation centers around finding harmony in the administration of family history work through joyful service. The 2006 revised Handbook of Instructions serves as the basis for this presentation with helpful suggestions around propelling family history work forward in wards and branches of the church. Art Johnson is an Area Manager with the Family History Department and has responsibility for the global contact center. As such he coordinates the effort of over 1,000 missionaries serving worldwide across many languages. His experience with both priesthood leadership and in supporting members in various church callings associated with family history provides a unique perspective on family history work. Art has been working for the Church since 2005 after many years in the contact center industry. He and his wife have 4 children and reside in Utah County. In his spare time he enjoys running (preparing for a marathon in September 2010), reading, and following the Utah Jazz.

Following the main presentation there will be several classes taught concerning technology and family history. As usual, there will be something for everyone at all levels of expertise. The teachers and classes currently scheduled for this meeting are the following: (1) Duane Dudley on Submitting Names to the Temple with New FamilySearch; (2) George Scott on Getting to Know New FamilySearch (Class 4 of 4); (3) Venita Parry on Genealogy on Your MAC; (4) Art Johnson, Q&A on Building Strong Relationships; (5) Video of last month's main presentation by Janet Hovorka on Comparing Software Certified on New FamilySearch; (6) Gaylon Findlay on Ancestral Quest; (7) Dean Bennett on Legacy 7; and (8) Sue Maxwell on RootsMagic.

All meetings of the Users 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. The officers are Gerhard Ruf, President; Don Snow, Vice President; Beth Ann Wiseman, PAFology Editor; Kay Baker, Gerry Eliason, and Don Engstrom working with finances and membership; and Bruce Merrill, Lynne Shumway, and Marie Andersen, working with the DVD Library. Several of these will be there to help with membership, answer questions, distribute the current issue of the monthly newsletter PAFology, and check out DVD's of past presentations and classes to members of the group. We are sorry to have lost one of our stalwart co-workers, Brian Cooper, who died of cancer on 19 Jan 2010. Brian served as a Vice President for several years. Information about the Users Group, main presentations, classes, and class notes are available on the Group's website http://uvpafug.org and the press releases are at http://blog.uvpafug.org/. For further information contact President Gerhard Ruf at pres@uvpafug.org (801-225-6106) or Vice President Don Snow at snowd@math.byu.edu.

Don Snow, Vice President of Utah Valley PAF Users Group
Donald R. Snow, Math Faculty, Nauvoo University http://www.nauvoouniversity.com
Retired Professor of Mathematics, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
snowd@math.byu.edu