Using Land Patents to Stimulate Teen Interest in Genealogy

Diana Elder writing on her Webpage Family Locket, gives us an article that does double duty: it gives us a strategy to interest teens in genealogy research, and it explains how to use the Bureau of Land Management website to track down land patents which may have been issued to our ancestors.

A land patent is the legal paper that transfers land ownership from the government to a private individual, and the BLM has millions of them digitized and searchable on their website. And, by the way, PGS has subscribed to a site called HistoryGeo.com that gives us a clever user interface to find patented plots of land and then connect directly with the BLM site.

Either way, land research is not only essential if you have landowners in your line, but also, with the resources mentioned above, fun.

If you need more understanding of property research, patents, deeds, and such, watch for our class on US Basic Property Research to come up on our class list.

Check out Diana's article at:
Hooking Teens on Research with Land Patents – Family Locket:

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Washington State Newspapers Online

Over fifty newspapers are available on this site. You can search the entire collection, selected newspapers, or browse by selected newspaper.

Check it out at:  https://newspapers.sos.wa.gov/
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PGS Events for the Week of 28 January to 3 February 2018

Monday, 29-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--RootsMagic-3, This is the third of a a five-session series. The intent is to take the student from the basics of initial entry of family information to the more detailed topics of incorporating images in your family history, citing sources, and generating various reports. The class will be most effective if all sessions are attended in order. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 30-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--Family Tree Maker 2017 Basics--Part 4 of 5 parts. A detailed explanation and demonstration of the many features of this most popular genealogy database program. Hahn, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 31-Jan-2018 at 10:00 AM--Google Earth Tours – Google Earth tours can be a fun way to share your genealogical research with relatives. This class will show you the basics of how to create, save, and share a tour that can visually illustrate the life and travels of your ancestors using the Google Earth free program. Fortin, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 1-Feb-2018 at 10:30 AM--DEATH RECORDS—This class will focus on finding records to establish the death date of your deceased kinfolk. We will describe and demonstrate how and where to find many types of records and resources that will enable you to determine death dates. In addition to the commonly used records such as death certificates, tombstones, obituaries, death indexes, etc., you will discover some that you may not have considered. Bryan, Local History Room, Largo Library.       

Saturday, 3-Feb-2018 at 10:00 AM--Family Tree Maker User Group--Questions & Answers and Demonstration of how to use the Family Tree Maker genealogical database software. Hosmer-Bryan, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Freedmen’s Bureau Records Available Online

As stated on the website, "the Freedmen’s Bureau Project was created as a set of partnerships between FamilySearch International and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), and the California African American Museum." The Freedmen's Bureau records have long been seen as a key to African American research.  

Simply click on the "Search Records" box on the landing page to get started.

Juneteenth: Discover Your Roots Using Freedmen’s Bureau Records — FamilySearch.org:

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Aurora, Illioins Public Library Genealogy Resources

The Aurora Public Library is in northeastern Illinois, in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago. It provides us a selection of genealogy indexes that may be of interest to you. You can page through the indexes or search for an entry by name. The collections are a genealogy index, cemetery index, marriage index, and obituary index.

Simply click the appropriate box on the landing page to get to the index you are interested in.

Aurora Public Library » Genealogy and Local History Resources:

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Lee County Genealogical Society Features Linda Ryan at 15 February Meeting

PGS February Program Features Terry Fortner

Terry Fortner, granddaughter of "YESTERYEAR I LIVED IN PARADISE" author Myrtle Scharrer Betz, presents the history of her family connection with Caladesi Island. The talk will be accompanied by vintage photos of the homestead and family members. Terry will share about efforts to reconnect with family in Switzerland.

Come and learn about some local history as well as explore research strategies that apply regardless of where your ancestors are from. 

We will also use this opportunity to take a moment and thank the many volunteers who contribute so much to the objectives of our society.

The program will be preceded at 10am with a computers in genealogy Q&A session.

The event is free and open to the public.

Explore The Genealogy FAN Club to Find a Research Break-thru

A FAN club stands for Family, Associates, and Neighbors. Lisa Louise Cook in her Blog, Genealogy Gems,  gives us an article explaining how to use FAN Club research to possibly get past those pesky brick walls.

Check it out at:
The Genealogy FAN Club Principle Overcomes Genealogy Brick Walls:

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PGS Events for the Week of 21-27 January 2018

Monday, 22-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--RootsMagic-2, This class explores the use of this popular genealogy software program. This is the second of five classes, each 1 ½ hours long, held for five consecutive weeks. The intent is to take the student from the basics of initial entry of family information to the more detailed topics of incorporating images in your family history, citing sources, and generating various reports. The class will be most effective if all sessions are attended in order. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 23-Jan-2018 at 11:30 AM--DNA Testing for genealogy—What you can and cannot do with DNA testing relating to your family history—an introduction. Manning, Jenkins A, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 23-Jan-2018 at 1:00 PM--DNA Interest Group--Share your DNA knowledge and discuss your results with others interested in making DNA Connections.  This is a group for DNA novices to learn together. Manning, Jenkins A, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 23-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--Family Tree Maker 2017 Basics--Session 3 of 5 sessions. A detailed explanation and demonstration of the many features of this most popular genealogy database program. Hahn, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 24-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--IMMIGRATION AND PASSENGER LISTS -- This class recounts the history of immigration and passenger lists from the 1700's to the 1900's. It shows what information the documents provide and where those documents can be found. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Saturday, 27-Jan-2018 at 10:00 AM--RootsMagic User Group--Questions and answers and demonstrations of how to use the RootsMagic genealogy database software program. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

North Carolina Troop Return Records

This collection is comprised of Troop Returns from the State Archives of North Carolina Military Collection. Troop Returns (1747-1893) include lists, returns, records of prisoners, and records of draftees. The majority of this collection is related to the Revolutionary War.

You both search or browse the collection.

Check it out at:  North Carolina Digital Collections:

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PGS Annual Seminar on 24 February 2018

The Annual Pinellas Genealogy Society Seminar, co-sponsored by the Largo Public Library, is scheduled for 24 February 2018 at the Largo Public Library from 8 am to 4 pm. The library is located at 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL.

This all-day event features Judy Russell (JD, CG®, CGL℠), The Legal Genealogist, as the primary speaker, as well as two breakout speakers, George G. Morgan and Drew Smith, “The Genealogy Guys.” Judy's four presentations are titled (1) “That First Trip to the Courthouse,” (2) “No Vitals? No Problem --Building a Family Through Circumstantial Evidence,” (3) “Where There Is--or Isn't a Will,” and (4) “DNA and the Golden Rule.” Judy is a nationally known speaker, author, educator, and genealogy blogger.

The topics of the breakout sessions will be: (1) “Principles of Effective Evidence Analysis” by George G. Morgan, and (2) “Organizing Your DNA Testing” by Drew Smith. George and Drew are also highly regarded authors and speakers. They are also renowned for their “Genealogy Guys” podcast.

In addition to the speakers, this event boasts a continental breakfast, box lunch, raffles, door prizes, book sale, and plenty of time to network with other researchers and guest organizations. The registration fee is $40 for PGS members and $45 for non-members. After 15 February, the cost is $50, so register early.

We at PGS are proud of this annual, day-long event; and proud of the lineup of speakers and topics we have scheduled. There is something for everybody—novice researcher or experienced. Join us.

For detailed information about the seminar, see http://www.flpgs.org/NMbrs/seminar/2018/Sem18.aspx . A link to a registration form is at the top and bottom of that page. In Addition, a direct link to a registration form is http://www.flpgs.org/NMbrs/seminar/2018/SeminarRegForm2018.pdf or one can be requested at  pgsfla@yahoo.com .

Florida State Genealogical Society Announces 2018 Webinar Schedule

FSGS 2018 POOLSIDE CHAT WEBINAR SERIES SCHEDULE

We are very excited to announce the lineup for our 2018 Poolside Chat Webinar Series. The registration links are provided for each webinar, so do not hesitate to register today.

18 Jan 2018 – Mary Kircher Roddy
Read ‘Em or Weep: Promise and Pitfalls in Newspaper OCR

• Webinar Abstract: Learn where to find free and pay newspaper sites online. Understand how to put OCR mistakes to work for you to increase search results. See a method to make sure you do thorough searching in every newspaper every time.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3928250867622537473

15 Feb 2018 – Wevonneda Minis
Enslaved Blacks in White Church Records: An Overlooked Resource

• Webinar Abstract: Slaves often attended their owners’ churches. Learn to use records of those churches for details about a slave’s parents, owners, attendance, dismissal, sale and more.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6113747931129782273

15 Mar 2018 – Diahan Southard
Genetic Genealogy: Advanced

• Webinar Abstract: Have you mastered the basics of autosomal DNA testing? There are several advanced tools that can help you glean more information from your DNA test.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5174221842265005569

19 Apr 2018 – Rich Venezia
Naturalization Know-How: The Laws and Records of U.S. Citizenship

• Webinar Abstract: Many records were created when immigrant ancestors became American citizens. Learn what they are and how to find them.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1722626144257627137

17 May 2018 – Annette Burke Lyttle
A Path to Your Next Research Steps: Using Timelines to Organize, Analyze and Evaluate Evidence

• Webinar Abstract: So you’ve done all this research – now what? How do you figure out what you have and what to look for next? Learn how timelines enable you to organize your information, evaluate your evidence, analyze research results for accuracy, and identify next research steps.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4924344630713480961

21 Jun 2018 – Diane L. Richard
Freedmen’s Bureau Records – Invaluable to ALL Southern Research!

• Webinar Abstract: We overlook records that we think pertain to only one group of people. The Freedmen’s Bureau records cover more than freed slaves – they include ex-soldiers, impoverished widows, small children, and destitute parents. They include ration, school, court, marriage, military, and more records, along with incredibly personal correspondence regarding loved ones.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2315885235210294785

19 Jul 2018 – Diahan Southard
Organizing Your GENETIC Genealogy

• Webinar Abstract: Most individuals have hundreds of genetic cousins. Come learn a few methods you can start using today to help you organize your genetic genealogy research.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3941526371016695041

16 Aug 2018 – Margo Fariss Brewer
Sharecropping or Tenant Farming? The System and Its Records

• Webinar Abstract: Was your ancestor a farmer without land? Maybe he was a sharecropper or tenant farmer. Learn how this system worked and where the records are.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5255796808953191681

20 Sep 2018 – Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG
But, It’s All On The Internet!

• Webinar Abstract: The internet is a wonderful tool for researching our ancestors. But, it should not replace some of the tried-and-true methods for discovering our ancestors.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4229832613470786049

18 Oct 2018 – Gina Philibert-Ortega
The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records

• Webinar Abstract: Everyone knows about vital records, right? This presentation looks at the history of vital records in the United States, variations of those records, and alternatives.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3265963337167037185

15 Nov 2018 – Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Medical Genealogy: A Primer of Diseases That Killed Our Ancestors and the Epidemics They Lived Through

• Webinar Abstract: So many researchers hunt for the death certificates of their ancestors but rarely read or understand the cause of death. Disease and death were commonplace occurrences in our ancestors’ lives, and knowing what afflicted them and their communities can help you understand the lives they lived.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4075685482998855683

20 Dec 2018 – Melissa Barker
Disaster Planning for the Genealogist: Safeguarding Your Genealogical Records

• Webinar Abstract: Natural disasters and man-made disasters happen all the time. Are your genealogical records stored and archived in such a way that they will survive through a disaster? Learn from an archivist how to come up with your own disaster plan and safeguard your genealogical records from destruction.
• Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5587740470586221059

NEHGS Research Tours and Programs

The New England Historic Genealogical Society offers a variety of tours and programs you may be interested in. Follow the link below to see a selection taking place in 2018.

Research Tours & Programs – AmericanAncestors.org:

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PGS Events for the Week of 14-20 January 2018

Monday--LIBRARY CLOSED for Martin Luther King day; no classes

Tuesday, 16-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--Family Tree Maker 2017 Basics--Part 2, Hahn, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 18-Jan-2018 at 1:00 PM--Irish Genealogy Interest Group--a discussion group regarding techniques to find your Irish ancestry. Padgett, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Friday, 19-Jan-2018 at 10:30 AM--German Genealogy Interest Group--a discussion group regarding techniques to find your German ancestry. Dietz, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Saturday, 20-Jan-2018 at 10:00 AM--Computers in Genealogy--Question and answer session on the use of computers in genealogy research and record keeping. Bryan, Jenkins B, Largo Library.

Saturday, 20 Jan 2018 at 11:00 AM—Program Meeting—Finding Your Female Ancestors presented by Donna Moughty, Jenkins B, Largo Library.

Saturday, 20-Jan-2018 at 12:30 PM--Workshop tour of the Genealogy Center showing the many genealogical research resources there. Summers, Genealogy Center, Largo Library.

Eastern Cherokee Applications for Native American Research on Fold3

Here is another site of interest to those who have Native American Ancestry. It, like the previous post, is courtesy Lisa Louise Cooke. This article deals with Eastern Cherokee Applications, where tribe members were asked to prove they were members at the time of various treaties or descended from its members. This database shows the information submitted by applicants. The purpose of the "proof" was to become eligible for funds due under the treaties of 1835, 1836, and 1845.

Lisa goes into some detail on how find the information using Fold3. Remember, Fold3 is free if you access it at the Largo Public Library.

Check it out at:
Eastern Cherokee Applications for Native American Research:

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Guion Miller Roll for Native American Research Explained

If you have Native American ancestry, this article by Lisa Louise Cooke (our 2017 featured seminar speaker) may be of interest to you. She explains the purpose of the Guion Miller Roll, and shows how to get to it using the Fold3 database (accessible for free from the Largo Public Library, and also available in book format in the Library Genealogy Center).

Check it out at:
Guion Miller Roll for Native American Research:

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PGS Meeting on 17 Feb. 2018 Features Terry Fortner -- Free and Open to the Public

Terry Fortner, granddaughter of "YESTERYEAR I LIVED IN PARADISE" author Myrtle Scharrer Betz, presents the history of her family connection with Caladesi Island. The talk will be accompanied by vintage photos of the homestead and family members. Terry will share about efforts to reconnect with family in Switzerland.

Come and learn about some local history as well as explore research strategies that apply regardless of where your ancestors are from. 

We will also use this opportunity to take a moment and thank the many volunteers who contribute so much to the objectives of our society.

The program will be preceded at 10am with a computers in genealogy Q&A session.

The event is free and open to the public.

PGS Events for the Week of 7-13 January 2018

Monday, 8-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--RootsMagic-1. This class explores the use of this popular genealogy software program. It consists of five classes, each 1 ½ hours long, held for five consecutive weeks. It’s intent is to take the student from the basics of initial entry of family information to the more detailed topics of incorporating images in your family history, citing sources, and generating various reports. The class will be most effective if all sessions are attended in order. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 9-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--Family Tree Maker 2017 Basics--Part 1. A detailed explanation and demonstration of the many features of this most popular genealogy database program. Hahn, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 10-Jan-2018 at 6:00 PM--Familysearch.org—the class will demonstrate how to search the vast databases available on this rapidly-expanding site made available from the LDS (Mormon) genealogy collection. Bryan, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 11-Jan-2018 at 10:00 AM--Newspapers Online in Genealogy—This class will explore the genealogy data to be found in newspapers (obituaries, weddings, human interest stories, etc.) and show where to find the online repositories and how to use them. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

West Pasco Genealogy Society Seminar to be held on 17 January

The West Pasco County Genealogy Society meets at the CARES / RAO MUSUNURU, M.D. ENRICHMENT CENTER, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway in Hudson, FL.

Their January 2018 seminar and meeting will be held there on January 17, 2018 from Noon to 3 pm.The seminar topic is “Getting Familiar with Digital Programs and Apps that Assist in Ancestry Research.” Attendees will learn about various computer programs: geo-browsers, digital information gathering programs, and virtual notebook apps such as Google Earth, One Note and Evernote. We’ll see how they can be used effectively in performing ancestry research. It is recommended that attendees bring a laptop computer or iPad on which to learn and practice. The event is open to the public. Cost of the seminar is $5.00.

Please register for the January seminar by telephone: 727-271-0770 or email: debbehagner@yahoo.com. Any questions regarding the Society location or the seminar content may also be directed to Society president Debbe Hagner.

North Carolina City Directories Online

The Digital NC site gives us a raft of North Carolina City Directories. The landing page gives you a list of cities included in the project, and clicking on a city name reveals a list of directories in date order. Click on the title or cover image to see the directory in its viewer where you can browse, print, or download.

North Carolina City Directories · DigitalNC:

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NEHGS Free Access to Databases from 3 to 10 January 2018

This comes from the New England Historical Genealogical Society "American Ancestors" Blog:

"To assist family historians of all levels with ambitious New Year’s resolutions, American Ancestors and New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) are granting FREE access to more than 1.4 billion searchable names. For a limited time only—from Wednesday, January 3, 2018, through Wednesday, January 10, 2018—anyone can access the many research databases within the award-winning website of NEHGS by registering as a FREE Guest Member at AmericanAncestors.org/Free-Billion. "

PGS Annual Seminar on 24 February 2018 at Largo Library

The Annual Pinellas Genealogy Society Seminar, co-sponsored by the Largo Public Library, is scheduled for 24 February 2018 at the Largo Public Library from 8 am to 4 pm. The library is located at 120 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL.

This all-day event features Judy Russell (JD, CG®, CGL℠), The Legal Genealogist, as the primary speaker, as well as two breakout speakers, George G. Morgan and Drew Smith, “The Genealogy Guys.” Judy's four presentations are titled (1) “That First Trip to the Courthouse,” (2) “No Vitals? No Problem --Building a Family Through Circumstantial Evidence,” (3) “Where There Is--or Isn't a Will,” and (4) “DNA and the Golden Rule.” Judy is a nationally known speaker, author, educator, and genealogy blogger.

The topics of the breakout sessions will be: (1) “Principles of Effective Evidence Analysis” by George G. Morgan, and (2) “Organizing Your DNA Testing” by Drew Smith. George and Drew are also highly regarded authors and speakers. They are also renowned for their “Genealogy Guys” podcast.

In addition to the speakers, this event boasts a continental breakfast, box lunch, raffles, door prizes, book sale, and plenty of time to network with other researchers and guest organizations. The registration fee is $40 for PGS members and $45 for non-members. After 15 February, the cost is $50, so register early.

We at PGS are proud of this annual, day-long event; and proud of the lineup of speakers and topics we have scheduled. There is something for everybody—novice researcher or experienced. Join us.

For detailed information about the seminar, see http://www.flpgs.org/NMbrs/seminar/2018/Sem18.aspx . A link to a registration form is at the top and bottom of that page. In Addition, a direct link to a registration form is http://www.flpgs.org/NMbrs/seminar/2018/SeminarRegForm2018.pdf or one can be requested at  pgsfla@yahoo.com .

The Basics of Testing DNA for Family History

In her Blog "Genealogy Gems," Lisa Louise Cooke gives us a basic understanding of the various tests one can use to promote family history research. She includes some videos, and some helpful links.

Remember, PGS has a monthly DNA basics class you may find helpful, as well as a monthly DNA discussion group. The class is at 11:30 am each fourth Tuesday, followed at 12:00 pm by the discussion group.

See Lisa's article at:  How to Test DNA for Family History:

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