A Lot to Be Thankful For: 15 Million New Indexed Genealogical Records

Digital images and indexes include 34 collections from 13 countries

 The collection of indexes and images available on FamilySearch’s beta website continues to grow by leaps and bounds, with the addition of 34 collections of genealogical records. These records include 15 million indexed records and 2.5 million images. The bounty of information covers 13 different countries around the world: Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Brazil, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Jamaica, Canada, and the United States. Search these records now at Beta.FamilySearch.org.

 See the chart below for the complete list of newly added or updated collections.

Project	Digital Images	Indexed Records	Comments
Belgium Marriages, 1563-1890	0	58,674	Index only.
Belgium, Antwerp Police Immigration Index, 1840-1930	5,417	343,930	New records and images. This is an index of immigration dossiers compiled by the Antwerp police force between 1840 and 1930. Presently, the immigration dossiers are only available on microfilm, so this publication allows us to reference these dossiers.
Brazil, Church Records, 1814-1930	93,787	0	New images for Ribeirao Preto, Bauru, Rio Preto, Santo Andre, Novo Hamburgo, Passo Fundo
Canada, Ontario Births, 1869-1912	54,121	164,139	New images and records
Chile, Concepcion, Civil Registration, 1885-1903	19,389	70,450	New images and records
Colombia, Diocese of Cúcuta Parish Registers, 1762-1996	465,172	0	New images added to existing collection
France Births and Baptisms, 1546-1896	0	6,779,071	Index only
Germany, Bremen Passenger Departure Lists, 1904-1914	44,465	44,315	New images and records
Guatemala, Guatemala City, Sagrario Parish Baptisms, 1898-1920	7,748	0	New images added to existing collection
Honduras, Tegucigalpa – Baptisms, 1895-1931	3,790	26,521	New images and records
Jamaica, Church of England Parish Register Transcripts, 1664-1880	37,199	0	New images added to existing collection
Jamaica, Civil Births 1878-1899	247,593	260,500	New images and records
Mexico Census, 1930	2,302	1,165,649	New images and records added to existing collection (Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas)
Spain, Avila–Catholic Church Records, 1500-1930	26,298	0	New images added to existing collection
Spain, Catastro de Ensenada, 1749-1756	375,988	0	New images added to existing collection
U.S., Arizona, Service Records of Confederate Soldiers of the Civil War, 1861-1863	0	1,173	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Arkansas County Marriages, 1837-1957	0	94,181	New records added to existing collection
U.S., Georgia –Death Records, 1928-1930	123,416	0	New images added to existing collection
U.S., Index to Naturalizations of World War I Soldiers, 1918	0	18,324	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Louisiana, Eastern District Naturalization Petitions, 1838-1861	0	1,450	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Maryland, Naturalization Indexes, 1797-1951	0	85,222	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Maryland, Naturalization Petitions, 1906-1931	0	45,165	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Massachusetts Naturalization Index, 1906-1966	0	388,086	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Minnesota, State Census, 1865	3,396	246,591	New images and records
U.S., Mormon Battalion Pension Applications, 1846-1923	0	26,830	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., New York State Census, 1905	0	3,601,920	New records for the following counties:  Albany, Bronx, Broome, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, New York, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, Warren and Yates. This release completes this collection.
U.S., New York, Eastern District Naturalization Petitions, 1865-1957	0	675,035	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., New York, Western District, Naturalization Index, 1907-1966	0	89,554	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Oklahoma, Applications for Enrollment of the Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes, 1898-1914	0	882,272	Index only. Data courtesy of Footnote.com
U.S., Rhode Island, State Census, 1885	10,844	321,999	New images and records
U.S., Rhode Island, State Census, 1905	954,549	474,152	New images and records. This census was taken on a two-sided form where only one person appears on each form.
U.S., South Dakota State Census, 1945	0	546,305	New records added to existing collection
U.S., Tennessee County Marriages, 1790-1950	0	14,098	New records added to existing collection
U.S., Utah, Territorial Case Files of the U.S., District Courts, 1870-1896	0	39,040	Data courtesy of Footnote.com

Changes in the Family History Library Catalog-Old vs New

You know how I hate to reinvent the wheel so I am going to point you in the right direction today.

Recently, FamilySearch announced a new version of the Family History Library Catalog. This is one more piece of the puzzle in creating a self-contained FamilySearch website, instead of having all the various parts and pieces spread around several websites. The old version of the FHL Catalog is still available to search online even though the new one has now been published. Keep in mind that the new FamilySearch website is still evolving and considered a beta version.

If you are like me, you want someone to show you the differences between the two rather than having to do the comparison yourself. So here's where I want to redirect you to the Ancestry Insider's article about the current differences between the two versions of the catalog -- the great, the good, and the not quite so good. Enjoy!

Ancestry.com Creates Strategic Alliance With National Geographic Digital Media

New Features Bring Further Discovery of Family History Online

PROVO, Utah, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Ancestry.com is pleased to announce it has created a strategic alliance with National Geographic Digital Media to help individuals make new discoveries in their family history. As part of the relationship, NationalGeographic.com will host a family history experience online, developed by Ancestry.com, which enables visitors to learn more about researching their genealogy and provides specific tools for them to search their ancestral roots located on the Genographic Project website.

“We are always looking for unique ways to connect with people interested in their family history and have forged a great alliance with NationalGeographic.com,” said John Pereira, Vice President of Business Development, at Ancestry.com. “With our development of this new experience on the Genographic Project website, we believe we can help individuals understand how exciting family history can be as they find further success in discovering their own family history.”

The new feature is an add-on to National Geographic’s existing Genographic Project Web portal that helps chart the migration history of the human species using DNA analysis. This additional online experience offers the ability to start an online family tree, tips on how to get started with researching family history and links to important historical record collections that are searchable on Ancestry.com.

For anyone interested in learning more about their ancestors, or to experience the family history tools offered by Ancestry.com and National Geographic, visit The Genographic Project.  

RootsTech 2011 - $99 Early Bird Registration

I received the following information from our friends at FamilySearch:

Don’t Miss the $99 Early Bird Registration for RootsTech 2011 in Salt Lake City!

·         A new family history and technology conference to define the future of genealogy

·         $99 early bird registration (Before January 8, 2011)

·         Walking distance from the Family History Library

·         February 10-12, 2011

·         Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

You have never seen anything quite like this—the first annual RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be in a league of its own. From the Community Zone and participant-driven unconferencing discussions to the RootsTech Playground, this conference is going to be ground-breaking and unique.  Think major technology creators (Microsoft, Dell, FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, and brightsolid) and technology users (genealogists and family history buffs) coming together in a fun, collaborative environment for three days to learn new, technology-based skills and define the future of family history through technology!

“When the users and creators of technology come together, innovation occurs,” said Jay Verkler, president and CEO of FamilySearch. “RootsTech 2011 will accelerate that innovation through panels, discussion groups, and interactive demonstrations.”

Millions of genealogists use technology daily to help them in their ancestral pursuits. Be one of the thousands of RootsTech 2011 attendees to:

ü  See firsthand how new and emerging technologies can improve and simplify your activities

ü  Help influence the future of genealogy

ü  Learn and share new ways to adapt technologies to genealogy

ü  Engage in emerging technology demonstrations

ü  Test innovative new products and services

ü  Help leading-edge technology providers better understand your needs and how to satisfy them

There will be sessions of interest to novice, intermediate, and advanced users of technology. The intended skill level for each session is noted in the RootsTech 2011 Conference program.

The sessions will include:

• Interactive presentations
• Sneak peek demonstrations of upcoming new products and services
• Panel discussions
• Hands-on workshops
• Leading-edge research paper presentations
• Common interest gatherings
• Unconferencing discussions (last minute, on-the-fly sessions requested by attendees)

Go to RootsTech.org to see the full list of topics and sessions.

Register now at RootsTech.org:

·         $99 through January 7, 2011

·         $150 beginning January 8, 2011

“Technology is driving a revolution in family history,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of Ancestry.com. “We see RootsTech 2011 as a great chance to explore with genealogists how technology can help them even more in the future.”

RootsTech is sponsored by Microsoft, Dell, FamilySearch, Brigham Young University, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, brightsolid, Ancestry.com, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and the National Genealogical Society.

Free Access to Ancestry.com's Military Records Nov. 11-14

It's FREE Access Weekend at Ancestry.com! 
In honor of Veterans Day, we remember the sacrifices made by our military every day. Find the heroes in your family tree and check out the historical records collection at Ancestry FREE for the next four days! Hurray or the weekend will be gone.

New Features Added to FamilySearch Beta

More new features were released today for FamilySearch Beta. The update includes lots of fine-tuning under the hood and bug fixes. It also includes some new features and enhancements for the Library Catalog, Historical Record Search, and the introduction of a new Give Back section of the site.

Search Improvements include an indicator in the search results to let you know that from this point on the search results may not be of help.

Library Catalog Improvements help narrow your results for either place names or by subject search.

Give Back Page lists some of the main ways you can help by sharing your time, skills, and knowledge.

To see the more information about the updates, click here.

FamilySearch's Chief Genealogical Officer to Speak at Riverton Library

 Public Invited to Free Seminar November 20

RIVERTON, UTAH — David E. Rencher, the Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch, will be the keynote speaker at a free seminar on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at the Riverton FamilySearch Library. The monthly seminar also includes eight classes and runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Keynote speaker David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA, will be addressing the topic “What’s New at FamilySearch.” Rencher is employed by the Family History Department in Salt Lake City as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he was accredited in Ireland research in 1981. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a B.A. in Family and Local History. He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Samford University Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a past president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the Utah Genealogical Association.

Following the keynote presentation, there will be two blocks of four classes that will cover topics of interest to both beginning and advanced family historians.

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

·         25 Key Features of the FamilySearch Wiki – Fran Jensen

·         The Quest for Your English Ancestors – Claire Brisson-Banks

·         New FamilySearch in the Trenches – Thoughts about Best Practices – Laurie Castillo

·         How to Begin Your Family History Journey – Ann Marie Bridges

The classes available from 11:00 a.m. to noon are:

·         Legacy Family Tree: New FamilySearch Made Easy – Leonard Plaizier

·         Inspire and Involve Your Family With Family History Christmas Gifts – Janet Hovorka

·         Using the USGenWeb Site – Jerry Castillo

·         Using Timelines as a Family History Research Tool – Sherwood Bridges

No registration is required for this free seminar. The library will also be open until 5:00 p.m. that day for patrons desiring to do individual family history research. For more information, please visit www.familysearch.org/fhc/riverton.

The Saturday Seminars will be held on the third Saturday of each month. 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.

Come Join Me at UVPAFUG Meeting and Training Classes!

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 Nov 2010, from 9 am to noon in the LDS "Red Chapel", 4050 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo. 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/ .

The main presentation for this meeting will be by Travis Mecham on INTRODUCTION TO WAYPOINTING. Waypointing is a process used to group document images together according to locality, record type, and year range in preparation for online publication. The Waypointing process creates a browse structure allowing users to focus their search on a single place and time. Waypointing is, in essence, a digital microfilm reader, allowing patrons of FamilySearch access to many images that they would otherwise have to access at a Family History Library on microfilm. This presentation will explain why this process was developed, as well as demonstrate how the Waypointing tool functions.

Travis Mecham was born and raised in Cache Valley, Utah and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in History from Utah State University in 2006. He received his Master's Degree in History in 2009, also from Utah State University. Currently an employee for FamilySearch in Salt Lake City, he now coordinates volunteer efforts for the Digital Browse Team, which oversees the use of the Waypointing tool.

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. Using Google Effectively, by Sue Maxwell
2. Publish Instead of GEDCOM, by Merlin Kitchen
3. Q&A: Waypointing, by Travis Mecham
4. Video of last month's main presentation Preserving Your Family History Records Digitally, by Gary Wright
5. Personalized Help, by Finn Hansen & Claudia Benson
6. Ancestral Quest, by Gaylon Findlay
7. Legacy, by Dean Bennett
8. RootsMagic, by Diana Olsen & Renee Zamora

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.