Good Genes Genealogy Services

Tag: Genealogy

  • How a Teenager’s 1940 Death Helped Solve a Genealogy Puzzle

    How a Teenager’s 1940 Death Helped Solve a Genealogy Puzzle

    The Fire, the Cemetery, and the Family Connection

    While seeking to confirm the identity of a pro bono client’s father, I unexpectedly discovered another way to verify whether a family lineage was accurate. The confirmation came through the grave records of the client’s 15-year-old aunt, who tragically perished in an early morning dormitory fire in south Georgia in 1940.

    What followed was another reminder of the twists, turns, and emotional complexity that often accompany African Diaspora genealogy research.

    The client and his brother shared the same name as their biological father, who was not married to their mother. The client knew his father’s name, the year of his death, and the alleged location of his burial site. As with most African Diaspora genealogy projects, I began with the traditional route — reviewing the race/ethnic references, names, approximate birth records, death records, and family connections tied to the client’s parents.

    Initially, the research moved forward steadily. However, after adding several generations to the family tree, the records suddenly stopped. I had reached a familiar genealogical roadblock.

    To work my way out of the blockage, I stepped back and carefully reviewed the foundational details again: The race/ethnic references, names of the client’s parents, their birth dates, death dates, locations, and associated relatives. Yet the challenge remained. The father’s name was common enough that thousands of similarly named men appeared throughout records across the United States. I needed another method to determine whether the individual I was tracing truly belonged to this family line.

    The Curiosity Detour That Changed the Entire Family Search

    I began reviewing every Ancestry.com hint connected to the father’s extended family — parents, siblings, grandparents, collateral relatives, locations, etc.  During what I now call a “curiosity detour,” I opened the death certificate of the client’s young aunt.

    At first glance, the document confirmed the expected information: Race, parents’ names, approximate ages, and location. But experienced genealogists know that some of the most important clues often hide in the less-obvious details. I mentally noted the funeral home operator and, more importantly, the cemetery listed as her place of burial.

    That detail stayed with me.

    Follow your intuition

    Next, I searched Newspapers.com for reports of fires involving young women in Georgia during 1940. Initially, I believed she may have been connected to a substantial dormitory fire involving a male residence hall in what is now considered the metro Atlanta area. Yet nothing in those reports clearly linked the young girl to the tragedy described on her death certificate.

    So I kept searching.

    After hours of research, I paused — one of those quiet moments genealogists understand well — and simply reflected on the question: What really happened here to link this ancestor to my family research?

    Then I found it.

    An article describing the tragic circumstances surrounding her death confirmed the details listed on the death certificate. My curiosity detour had suddenly become a breakthrough.

    But the real discovery came afterward.

    The Cemetery Clue That Confirmed a Family Lineage

    Because I remembered the cemetery listed on the death certificate, I began searching for that same burial location among other possible family members. There it was again — the identical cemetery name appearing across generations of relatives. Thankfully, many members of the family had lived and died in a small Georgia town, making the burial connections easier to trace.

    The cemetery itself was attached to a small rural church.

    That single repeated detail gave me a new level of confidence. The cemetery became the anchor point connecting multiple generations of the family together. Suddenly, the puzzle pieces aligned with greater clarity, allowing me to move more confidently through the family structure and verify that the individuals I was tracing were indeed connected to my client’s lineage.

    Almost there

    Only one major question remained: Locating the final burial place of the client’s father in order to construct a fuller timeline of his life. Family accounts suggested he may have been buried nearly a thousand miles away, while other evidence pointed back to the small church cemetery tied to generations of relatives.

    But such unresolved questions are familiar territory in African Diaspora genealogy research.

    There is almost always another mystery waiting behind the next document, another contradiction buried within oral history, another unexpected clue hiding in plain sight. That is both the challenge and the beauty of this work.

    Sometimes the answers we seek are not found in the records we intended to search — but in the records we almost overlooked. Keep searching African Diaspora researchers.

     

  • Discovering Family Treasures: Insights into the 1930s Through My Paternal Grandparents’ Journeys

    Discovering Family Treasures: Insights into the 1930s Through My Paternal Grandparents’ Journeys

    Paternal grandmother Daisy Shanks Wead was the president of the bridge club in 1934

    Historical newspapers remain one of my favorite starting points when I am curious about what life was like for my ancestors. While perusing the newspapers.com, I found a series of articles about my paternal grandmother and grandfather. My grandmother was a co-organizer of a bridge club in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 1930s. Who knew? Surely, not my Dad, Rodney Wead, who is the oldest son to Daisy and Samuel Luster Wead. My Dad is also a bridge player as was his father who also started a bridge group in Omaha.

    I did not know that both grandparents were ardent bridge players. It helps to further add texture and shape their lives within our memories of them during the Jim Crow era of racial discrimination in the United States, even in the Midwestern areas.

    Yet, I remain appreciative of newspapers for serving a vital role in preserving the scattered facts of our collective family’s histories. For African Diasporan and Indigenous Americans, newspapers were essential in extending facts that often were jumbled or omitted.

    ‘Read all about it’

    Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique features of historical newspapers.

    1. The authenticity of the content: These are not just random pictures or generic stories. These are real, untampered artifacts from my family history. This adds a personal touch and a deeper level of connection with the readers.
    2. A slice of life: Through these photographs and even letters that I discovered, I got a slice of life from the 1930s – a time when the world was on the brink of a major change. The post captures the simplicity and the small joys of everyday life in a way that is both mesmerizing and eye-opening.
    3. Lessons and values: Beyond the nostalgia and the historical value, the short articles featuring my grandmother, grandfather and their friends, delves into the lessons and values that my grandparents passed down to me. From generosity to resilience to gratitude to love for family, these are timeless principles that still hold relevance in our lives today.

    Grandma and Grandpa’s hands

     

    The articles featured in this post and other similar reports on the ladies’ and gentlemen’s bridge games are more than the short articles reveal.  It’s about the journeys of two African Americans gaining their form of notoriety received from having their names in the newspapers. Those were the days when newspapers were the “gospel” and rarely were there good features in the mainstream media about the pleasant lives of African Americans. These articles, however, were in a time limited African American owned newspaper, the Omaha Guide.

    I paused and imagined being in my grandparents’ space and watching them win their respective bridge game.  I was fortunate to see my grandfather play bridge and I can still hear the laughter and slapping of cards on the table as they enjoyed snacks and drinks. I transported to a different time and place in thinking about their fun times. I could feel the emotions, the joy in their hosting duties with their respective bridge club.

    I urge you to reconnect with your own family history and discover the untold stories and memories that lie dormant. It’s an opportunity to honor our roots and the people who came before us, who have contributed to making us who we are today. So join me on this journey to 1934, and let’s uncover the “Precious Finds” together. My Dad was born in 1935 and the newspaper clippings about my grandmother’s bridge games came to a screeching halt to make room for the article listing the birth of a son to his parents. 

  • Hillside Sankofa Virtual Genealogy Workshop December 2024 v

    Namaskar!

    We are mindful of the many activities that are taking place this glorious month. As such, please check out my in-person replacement: A short video to wrap up our year in ancestral research.

    Note that there is an approximate 2-minute pause in the video (8:55 – 11:15″) and that is your opportunity to plan your next genealogy goals for 2025.

    Expect a regular stream of Zoom and other virtual educational workshops.

    Thank you for support Good Genes Genealogy Services!

  • “Unlock Your Family’s Past: Top Questions to ask your African American family members

    “Unlock Your Family’s Past: Top Questions to ask your African American family members

    Questions Answers SignageLet’s begin in the beginning

    It’s difficult to gather information about our complex histories involving African Diaspora families. Besides the scattered data that we collect from government and private records, asking questions of our relatives — especially the elderly ones — has been proven to be useful in legacy recording.

    Here are my top “ice breaker” recommended questions for family genealogists:

    • What is your best childhood memory(ies?)
    • What do you recall about your parents or grandparents?
    • What family traditions did you have growing up?
    • What do you about our family veterans, particularly those in segregated units?
    • What do you remember about church, spiritual practices, and how we kept the faith in our family?
    • Do you know any stories about how our ancestors came to this country or even the region you grew up in?
    • What do you remember about family gatherings or reunions?
    • Please share actual family heirlooms, keepsakes, and any photos with stories we may not have seen before now. 

     

  • Discovering Your Family’s Roots: Mastering the Art of Interviewing Relatives for Family Ancestry Stories

    Discovering Your Family’s Roots: Mastering the Art of Interviewing Relatives for Family Ancestry Stories

    Uncle Ernest Wilks
    Army Vet and Maternal Great Uncle Ernest Wilks (second right) and his band in Hawaii

    Gotta love the family stories!

    I’ve interviewed CEOs, community activists, a future U.S. Supreme Court justice, and lots of individuals who were skeptical of media members. It’s an art and a science to prepare for such sessions with individuals who are new acquaintances willing to share parts of their life stories to public audiences.

    Yet, no academic and OJT prepared me for asking personal questions of relatives to learn more about our family.

    “How did you and grandpa meet?” “What was it like to grow up in the Delta of Arkansas and witness the bloody riots in the early 1900s?” “Who are you named for?” “Did you really beat up a woman who knew your husband?” “Why didn’t you ever learn to drive?” “How did you celebrate Christmas when you were a child?”

    Maternal great-grandmother Edna Wilks Robinson
    Maternal great-grandmother Edna Robinson

    Those are just a small sample of questions that I posed to my various family members. Their answers helped to connect the dots for me as I sought to uncover my family’s history. Like other African American families, our stories are mostly spotty and tough to easily put together. That’s why getting as much information from your relatives is imperative to completing your legacy findings.

    The art of the interviews

    The holidays and other special days are great times to listen to the conversations among family members. That’s the first tip: listen to what is being said and not said among your family member.

    Next, build upon the unanswered questions and ask questions. You may not get the answers you are seeking, yet you will get information, great stories, and usually surprises. Be as prepared as you able to be to receive unexpected surprise information. It helps if you can capture an audio recording. Some relatives, especially the older ones, are not as adverse to taped recordings as I once believed. They are actually the best ones to interview about family stories. Remember that great interviews are complimented by photographs. Take a lot of pictures that feature faces.

    Remember to be patient and expect to complete interviews over a span of time. It could be two days or even two years to gather the information you are seeking from family members.

    Pro tips

    • Prepare Thoughtful Questions
      Try to avoid the obvious awkward questions for starters.  Prepare open-ended questions to encourage storytelling. Ask about childhood memories, family traditions, and historical events they witnessed.
    • Find a Comfortable Setting
      Family stories often flow best in a relaxed environment.
    • You have to be a Great, Active Listener
      While you may have specific topics you want to cover, allow the conversation to naturally flow. Try to avoid interrupting unless necessary.
    • How to Handle Sensitive Topics
      Be mindful of how difficult, even painful that family experiences could be for your loved one. Acknowledge their feelings, respect their boundaries, and take a break.

    Preserving cultural and emotional history

    No matter what happens as you gather family stories, remember that you are recording precious history that perhaps no one will gather. You are preserving and documenting these stories, and thereby help your future generations.

    Contact me before or after you interview your relatives. Between my lived experiences and pro tips, I am here to help @weadwriteawayandgenealogy@gmail.com.

     

     

  • “Unlocking Your Roots: Mastering Ancestry and Genealogy Searches for a Strong Sense of Belonging”

    I belong to several ancestry and genealogy research groups, chats, organizations, and regularly participate in training sessions. This aids in my development as a genealogist specializing in African Diasporan family searches.

    One of my favorite organizations is the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., especially the metro Atlanta chapter. Here’s a sample of the great connections you are provided by AAHGS when you join the organization:

     

     

    21 JUL 2024(pictorial generated by AI)

     

    These events are provided as a courtesy to our AAHGS Metro Atlanta members but are not the responsibility of our chapter.

     

    Timelines for Genealogy, Dottie Baugh

    Mon Jul 22nd

    Presented by Charlotte County Genealogical Society
    10:30am ET

    All classes are free and open to the public. For a Zoom link, send an email to President@ccgsi.org

    For details see www.ccgsi.org

     

    The Homestead Act, with Ranger, Amber Kirkendall, Homestead National Historic Park

    Mon Jul 22nd

    Presented by Heritage Seekers Genealogy Club
    7:30pm ET

    Ranger, Amber Kirkendall, Homestead National Historic Park

    This is a Zoom virtual meeting. To get a link to attend, you must:
    – be a paid member, or
    – subscribe to our email list at https://heritageseekersar.com/subscribe/ or
    – follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/heritageseekersar.club

    Zoom link available closer to the event – See the website!

    For details see heritageseekersar.com/

     

    Pins & Needles: Adding Social Media to Your Genealogy Repertoire

    Mon Jul 22nd

    Presented by Plainfield Area Public Library
    8:00pm ET

    Many of us have used Facebook to find distant cousins and former high school friends. Join us for a fun session on using sites like Pinterest, Flickr, Instagram and more to locate, identify and share ancestors.

    This is a virtual program. Login information will be sent when you register for the program

    For details see plainfieldpubliclibrary.librarymarket.com/event/virtual-pins-needles-adding-social-media-your-genealogy-repertoire-65597

     

    Researching LGBTQ Genealogy, with Stewart Traiman

    Mon Jul 22nd

    Presented by Denver Public Library
    8:00pm ET

    Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer folk have always been a part of our history and family stories. Our trees’ confirmed bachelor or spinster aunt may not have been single. Perhaps they did have partners but there is no legal documentation or family acknowledgment. This class will explore census, newspapers, obituaries, military records, photographs, phone books, and archives for clues on our ancestor’s sexuality. We will also explore LGBTQ History and many individual stories giving context to the available records. Discovering our LGBTQ ancestors’ stories and inviting them back into our trees will enrich our entire family history.

    For details see www.denverlibrary.org/event/researching-lgbtq-genealogy

     

    Beginning Ancestry by Scott Jones

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
    2:00pm ET

    What and where?

    For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

     

    Using the FamilySearch Catalog by Clark Jenkins

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
    5:00pm ET

    Learn how to search the entire FamilySearch database using the Catalog. This will include searching indexed and unindexed records, book titles and authors, and keyword searches. Learn how to navigate through unindexed record collections to find digitized original records.

    For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

     

    What’s the Tea in Your Family Tree?

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library / West Boulevard Library
    6:00pm ET

    Unearth secrets, reveal truths, and explore the colorful stories hidden within your ancestral lineage.

    This is a HYBRID program, so you can attend in-person at West Boulevard Library or online via Zoom.

    *Registration Required* Registration begins the first day of the month.

    For details see cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/664e02e3e3e1ee30003fe2c7

     

    Genealogy for Beginners: Census records and obituaries

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Cincinnati Public Library / Pleasant Ridge
    6:30pm ET

    Census records and obituaries are the most popular and easiest to find genealogical records. Learn how to search for and use these records when digging into your family history.

    This event will be in person at the Pleasant Ridge Branch and also live streamed over Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared a few hours before the program starts.

    Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

    For details see cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/65d74df01e57af280037c162

     

    Finding and Using City Directories for Genealogy – Fourth Tuesday Genealogy Series

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by The Erie Society for Genealogical Research
    7:00pm ET

    Fourth Tuesday Genealogy Series: Session is repeated via Zoom at 7 p.m. For handouts and to register for the session go to: events.erielibrary.org/ and search for genealogy.

    23 Jul 2024: Finding and Using City Directories for Genealogy: Information which might be found in city and county directories. What you might be missing in these resources. Locating city directories. Hints for using city directories. Abbreviations. Other historical directories.

    For details see www.genealogyerie.org/p/Calendar/event/Finding-and-Using-City-Directories-for-Genealogy-387

     

    The Genealogist’s Google Search Methodology

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Louisville Genealogical Society
    1:00pm ET

    Presented by Lisa Louise Cooke

    It’s a new decade, so if you think you know how to Google, think again! Technology changes rapidly and keeping our search skills updated and sharp is key to search success. Come learn the latest Google Search Methodology for Genealogy. You’ll hear about the latest and best search innovations and learn the process that will dramatically improve your genealogical search results. These skills can be used with all associated Google tools.

    Free but REGISTRATION REQUIRED at www.kylgs.org

     

    Genealogy Quick Start TV – LIVE with Andre Kearns

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Genealogy Quick Start TV
    8:00pm ET

    Fact or Fiction: Which assumptions are you making about your family history? In “Getting Past Your Assumptions” provide a method for understanding the truth of family-lore. Then our special guest Andre Kearns will dive deeply into the assumptions we make with 1870 census in “Emancipating the Stories of Blended Families in the 1870 Census”

    JOIN Live from our YouTube Channel or Facebook Page, LIVE every other Tuesday @ 8:00 PM ET
    www.youtube.com/@GenealogyQuickStart/streams

    This is an interactive genealogy TV show, not a genealogy webinar. We invite you to chat, comment, and ask questions.

    For details see www.facebook.com/events/1011977810605274/

     

    Introduction to Genealogy

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Plano Public Library / Haggard Library
    8:00pm ET

    Learn the basics of common genealogical research tools and techniques.

    For details see plano-cep.bc.sirsidynix.net/event/introduction-to-genealogy-2/

     

    Latest Updates to the MyHeritage Mobile App, with Gilad Katz

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by Legacy Family Tree Webinars
    2:00pm ET

    More and more, people are preferring to use their mobile devices to access their favorite software and services — and genealogists shouldn’t be left behind. MyHeritage continues to improve the genealogy-on-the-go experience from the MyHeritage mobile app, making it easier than ever to manage your family tree and conduct research from the palm of your hand. In this session, Gilad Katz, Senior Product Manager at MyHeritage, will show you the latest developments in the mobile app.

    For details see familytreewebinars.com/webinar/latest-updates-to-the-myheritage-mobile-app/

     

    Stories Behind the Stars – World War II Heroes

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by the Cobb County Genealogical Society
    7:00pm ET

    CCGS Board member Loren Plisco volunteers with Stories Behind the Stars, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and writing the stories of over 421,000 Americans who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The stories will reside in memorials on Fold3 and will be linked to memorials on FindAGrave. This project is supported by Ancestry, Newspapers.com, Fold3, Together We Served, and other organizations. To date, hundreds of volunteers have written approximately 40,000 stories, with the ambitious goal to complete all of the stories by the end of 2025, which marks the anniversary of the end of World War II.

    Register online here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sduygrTMtE9a-Tw82s-BdPUeWY60wWyiO#/registration

    For details see cobbgagensoc.org/

     

    TOTS – Tech on Tuesdays You Can Never Have Too Many Backups — Backups, Data Preservation and Back Blaze

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by The Colorado Genealogy Society
    9:00pm ET

    For details see us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsf–urjotH9Hp3pmcJZvhz6Vh5Yvs2rKt

     

    Working with DNA Matches: Beginning to Sort Your Matches

    Tue Jul 23rd

    Presented by The Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library
    2:30pm ET

    In this introductory session, we will learn to work with your genetic cousin matches from an autosomal DNA test. We will learn how to determine your familial relationship to your DNA matches (beginning with known relatives) and begin to sort your matches into groups based on the connecting ancestors that you share. Presented by Sara Allen.

    For details see acpl.libnet.info/event/11055953

     

    Imaging by Clark Jenkins

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
    5:00pm ET

    How to look up images in FamilySearch?

    For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

     

    Writing Family Stories Within FamilySearch by Holly Jones

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Los Angeles FamilySearch Center
    2:00pm ET

    Writing your personal and family stories.

    For details see churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/95462341725?pwd=dmxZaWNGR1hpWVlCM1lYaHBENERLdz09#successlBSaWtyS0pwSDJxdz09%23success

     

    Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census, Part 1, with Sara Cochran

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Fountaindale Public Library
    12:00pm ET

    Sara Cochran, the Skeleton Whisperer, will help you strategize and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses.

    The loss of the 1890 Federal census is a source of great frustration for American Genealogists, but all hope is not lost! Sara Cochran, the Skeleton Whisperer, will help you strategize and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses. This is part one of a two-session series.

    This program is available in a Zoom webinar format. A link and handout will be sent a day before the event. A reminder will be sent an hour before the event.

    For details see communico.fountaindale.org/event/9545900

     

    Periodicals for Genealogy

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Midwest Genealogy Center at Mid-Continent Public Library
    7:30pm ET

    Learn how to search for and use periodicals at the Midwest Genealogy Center and other libraries, as another resource in your genealogy research. This is a beginner-level class. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes one hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Standard Time.

    For details see www.mymcpl.org/events/98202/periodicals-genealogy-hybrid

     

    From the Grassroots Roundtable: Preserving Places and Stories in the East Tennessee Black Community

    Presented by East Tennessee History Center
    12:00pm ET

    Please join our esteemed panelists as they consider their contributions to the preservation of spaces and stories in their home communities, whether through ensuring the Black community’s history and family connections are shared and/or buildings themselves are saved and reused. They will also share their dreams of next steps and share insights on conducting community projects.

    Pre-registration is required, both for in-person or for Zoom.

    For details see www.easttnhistory.org/event/advanced-genealogy/

     

    Preserving Family Memories: Audio Recordings

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Dallas Public Library
    3:00pm ET

    The sound of a loved one’s voice = irreplaceable family memories. Learn how to digitize and preserve your audio recordings stored on cassette tapes, microcassette tapes and LPs. Hear from one of Dallas Public Library’s A/V librarians on how to edit your audio, and share your precious family memories using the Heritage Lab located on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

    This Genealogy & History program is available both in-person at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 8th floor AND online via Zoom.

    Please register in advance.

    For details see dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/preserving-family-memories-audio-recordings-366192

     

    African American Research Workshop

    Wed Jul 24th

    Presented by Oakland Family History Library
    9:00 PM Eastern

    This is an ongoing, free, hands-on research workshop comprised of African Americans, also referred to as Black or Afro-American, or those who harmonize with Sub-Saharan Africa, with ancestry, citizenship, or residency in the United States. The workshop is an interactive exchange of research tools, methods and systems, and discussions necessary for progress at individual levels of family histories and genealogies impacted by the 16th Century removal of Africans to America as slaves.
    For a Zoom link to the virtual workshop, churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/j/98525123399?pwd=WFptb0RWSDk5UjdHVGhtNXl3NkZadz09#success

    For additional information E-Mail: pat4gene@gmail.com
    or go to
    www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Oakland_California_FamilySearch_Library/Learning_Center_Descriptions#African_American_Research_Workshop

     

    Preserving Family History

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by Lake County Public Library
    2:30pm ET

    Have you ever wondered how to take care of those old photographs, scrapbooks, and stories passed down from generation to generation? This session has got you covered. Join Jeremy Pekarek, Archivist at Indiana University Northwest, to learn more about best practices involving proper housing techniques, documentation, and digital materials.

    For details see www.lcplin.org/event/9176704

     

    25+ Free Genealogy Sites

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by St. Louis County Library
    7:30pm ET

    Explore how to access and use several free websites for your family history research.

    Registration opens June1, 2024. Registration required. Participants will receive Zoom information immediately after registering.

    For details see slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=96470

     

    Ancestry.com, a Premier Website, Online Class: Great tips for finding your families, and editing photos, and using Storymaker Studio

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by Riverton Utah FamilySearch Center
    9:00pm ET

    Presented by R. Ray

    Ancestry.com, the Premier Family History Website. Ancestry.com has partnered with FamilySearch to easily share family tree records and information. Over 60 billion records (~6 times as many as FamilySearch has) makes it easier to find your families. Over 10 billion of those records come from FamilySearch so, you will see those records too.

    To attend the online classes, you will need to register. It is recommended that you review the class handouts before attending the class by viewing them online or by printing them. Handouts available at www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Riverton_Utah_FamilySearch_Center/Online_Classes

    Register at churchofjesuschrist.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-muqDgpHdbGtkUcRX5VLxKL2IzeMAJK

    For details see www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Riverton_Utah_FamilySearch_Center/Online_Classes

     

    Facebook Workshop for Genealogists

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by Mount Vernon Genealogical Society
    1:00pm ET

    Instructor: Jo Pearson

    Unlock the power of Facebook for your genealogy research! Learn how to create and manage a genealogy-focused Facebook page or group, best practices for posting and sharing, and how to use Facebook events to organize virtual meetups or collaborative research sessions.

    TO REGISTER: Please send an email with your name and phone number, the class date and title, to Amy Breedlove at albreedlove@comcast.net
    Thank you.

    Once you’ve registered, a reminder email will be sent to you a few days ahead of the class with the zoom link and any handouts, etc.

    For details see www.mvgenealogy.org/

     

    How to Use Newspapers for Genealogy

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by Cuyahoga County Public Library
    7:00pm ET

    Tips and tricks on using newspapers in your genealogy research.

    A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program. Staff will be available for help with connecting to Zoom and technical issues beginning 15 minutes prior to the program. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join.

    For details see attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/10366070

     

    The Why, Where, When, What and How of Lineage and Hereditary Societies, with Christine Cohen

    Thu Jul 25th

    Presented by Marin County Genealogical Society
    10:00pm ET

    Why should you join a lineage society? How do you join a lineage society? What activities do they perform? What member benefits are available? Are DNA test results a membership option?

    The Genealogical Society General meetings are open to the public, with no admission fee. Feel free to drop in! Bring your friends as everyone is welcome. Come early and ask your burning genealogical questions of other members before the meeting.

    The public is welcome to attend all of our virtual meetings. Contact info@maringensoc.org for more information.

    Please register in advance.

    For details see www.maringensoc.org/event-5756426

     

    Genealogy in Teaching

    Fri Jul 26th

    Presented by CALS Central Arkansas Library System
    1:00pm ET

    Learn how to use genealogy databases and other resources to teach language arts, science, and math as well as social studies.

    This is a hybrid event; the in-person class will take place in Meeting Room B at the Fletcher Library. Virtual attendees will access the class via Zoom.

    If you wish to attend virtually, you must register to receive the Zoom link to join the class.

    Please email at digital@cals.org or call 1.501.320.5724 if you have any questions.

    For details see events.cals.org/event/10666775

     

     Military Records at TSLAC

    Fri Jul 26th

    Presented by Texas State Library and Archives Commission
    9:00am ET Find out how to locate Texas military service records at TSLAC.

    The Archives and Information Services Division offers a suite of research webinar recordings on-demand throughout the year. The start date listed here is the date the webinar will be first available.

    For details see www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/workshops

     

    8 Tips for Using AI as Your Genealogy Assistant

    Fri Jul 26th

    Presented by Bay Area Genealogical Society
    8:00pm ET

    Speaker: Dana Leeds. AI can help you complete many tasks faster than you can on your own. This makes it an incredible time-saver. It can also help you get more out of the records you find. But where do you start? And what can it help you with?

    This presentation will highlight eight areas where AI can be a patient and knowledgeable assistant, supporting you in both your genealogy research and daily tasks. In your genealogy work, AI can help you summarize information, extract and visualize data, write engaging family history narratives, convert handwritten documents into searchable text, and illustrate your family story. Additionally, AI can assist you with daily tasks such as tech troubleshooting, saving you valuable time. Join us and discover the various ways AI can help you be more efficient and effective in your pursuits!

    For details see www.txbayareagen.org/?page_id=5

     

    Genealogical Research & Writing: Are You a Saint, Sinner, or Bumfuzzled Soul?, with Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL (members only)

    Fri Jul 26th

    Presented by Legacy Family Tree Webinars
    (members only) (VIRTUAL)
    2:00pm ET

    As researchers, family historians, compilers, bloggers, or writers of other ilk, genealogists face legal and ethical perils they often do not anticipate. This crash course offers practical guidance to enhance your skills and keep you safe as you explore history, reconstruct lives, and “write up” your findings. While the issues are serious—from the legal issue of copyright to the ethical issue of plagiarism—the lessons are taught with a light heart and humor.

    For details see familytreewebinars.com/webinar/genealogical-research-writing-are-you-a-saint-sinner-or-bumfuzzled-soul/

     

    Reeling ‘Em in with Cousin Bait: 10 Ways to Connect with Family, with Cheri Hudson Passey

    Sat Jul 27th

    Presented by Polk County Genealogy Speaker Series
    10:00am ET

    Want to connect with those who may have information about your family? Learn 10 strategies to help you connect and collaborate with family members, including creating “Cousin Bait.”

    This is a hybrid virtual program. The presenter will appear virtually, but guests are invited to join us at the History Center to participate in the Zoom. For Zoom details, contact the Polk County History Center at (863) 534-4386 or ShannonGraham@polk-county.net.

    For details see www.polk-county.net/events/reeling-em-in-with-cousin-bait-10-ways-to-connect-with-family-genealogy-speaker-series/

     

    Discovering Your Ancestors – Series 1 with Janet Camarata

    Sat Jul 27th

    Presented by Puget Sound Genealogical Society
    1:30pm ET

    Genealogy is an enriching and rewarding way to discover our own families through their written records, photographs and artifacts. Tracing our ancestral roots expands our understanding of history and how they lived in earlier generations. The individual pieces of the family jigsaw puzzle consists of vital records, censuses, land records, immigration, naturalization, military records, church histories, taxes, court and courthouse records, DNA and much more. The tools and techniques used by genealogists today are extensive and include the Internet, specific genealogy programs and websites, i.e. Ancestry and FamilySearch. Learn in a computer environment the resources available online and off-line to investigate the various jigsaw puzzle pieces that document your ancestors’ lives.
    This class will focus on Strategic Searching, Sources & Citations, Cemetery Research.
    This will be a hybrid class with in person at the Sylvan Way Library and on Zoom. The Zoom link will be posted on our website an our Facebook page on July 26.

    For details see www.psgsociety.org

     

    How to Read Old Handwriting, with Lisa Lisson

    Sat Jul 27th

    Presented by Capital District Genealogical Society
    1:00pm ET

    Struggling to read those old historical documents? Gain invaluable insights and practical strategies for deciphering your ancestors’ records, allowing you to uncover hidden stories and connect with your heritage in ways you never thought possible. From understanding the evolution of handwriting styles to employing innovative techniques for enhancing legibility, this talk promises to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the rich tapestry of your family’s history. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your genealogical prowess and forge deeper connections with your roots!

    Non-members may register starting on the 16th of the month (space permitting). Non-Members must create a free CDGS account before they can register. You only need to create an account once, as you can login to that account to register for future presentations.

    For details see www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org/

     

    FamilySearch Overview – Everything You Don’t Know But Should

    Sat Jul 27th

    Presented by San Mateo County Genealogical Society
    1:30pm ET

    FamilySearch has done a lot of improvements and changes over the past few years. Did you know you can get free consultations from them now? Do you know where to look for the latest catalog information? Have checked out the maps of what cemeteries your relatives are in? Come listen to an overview of what FamilySearch has changed lately and how you can use it to make sure you get the most out of FamilySearch. You can learn about the community groups and guided research all now available on FamilySearch. Join Pamela Brigham for this presentation on FamilySearch.

    Please register in advance

    For details see www.smcgs.org/

     

    Join the International Genealogical Community with Year-Round RootsTech, with James Tanner

    Sun Jul 28th

    Presented by BYU Library / Family History Sunday Classes
    5:30pm ET

    The BYU Family History Library presents virtual Sunday classes for anyone interested in family history! Classes are free and everyone is welcome.

    No registration required. Click the link “Join Live Class” at the URL below, where you’ll also find the upcoming class calendar, as well as their library of previously recorded virtual classes. All free!

    The Zoom link for Sunday Classes at the scheduled time is
    https://byu.zoom.us/j/97185943513?pwd=IgbedZiLURYMxnPxlkWolxQNK6iEGd.1

    For details see https://familyhistory.lib.byu.edu/learning/webinars

     

    —

    “Discovering Our Ancestors, Our History and Ourselves-TOGETHER”

     

    Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.
    Metro- Atlanta Chapter

    www.aahgsatl.org

  • Genealogy Group Think: It works

    Genealogy Group Think: It works

    Initiating a genealogy group is an awesome endeavor. On Sunday, March 10, 2024, it happened at my home church, Hillside International Truth Center.
    I expected about 25 persons; we more than doubled that number. We had a common interest: To explore and gain ground in learning our collective and individual family histories. The majority of Atlanta’s Hillside International Truth Center’s congregants are African American. That’s why the forming of our monthly in-person gatherings to share and learn more about how to effectively locate our ancestral loved ones, is vitally important since African Diaspora family history researchers experience the greatest hurdles in obtaining our honest histories.
    Here’s what we accomplished in our first meeting:

    1. We gathered for the divine purpose of briefly sharing our stories, new information, exchanging research tips for newbies to seasoned researchers.
    2. We learned more about the genealogy journey from one of our members, Valerie Tolliver, whose story was told in an informative video segment, as part of a recently released documentary, “Roots Revealed.”
    3. We were blessed and encouraged by our Presiding Bishop and Pastor Dr. Jack L. Bomar, who also experienced breakthroughs in his family history.
      Bishop Jack Bomar shares his family's history and spreads the love
      Bishop Jack (white suit) greets fellow family ancestry and genealogy researchers

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    4. We established that our hourlong+ meetings will be held every second Sunday (except for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day) from noon – 1 p.m. Our meeting location is the King Chapel, named in honored of the church’s founding minister, leader, and historic ancestor, Dr. Barbara Lewis King.
    5. We will set our future agenda, share online resources, encourage knowledge sharing, provide deep support for our newest researchers, collaborate with each other on our established projects, and  celebrate successes, especially when “brick walls” are broken through.
    6. We will learn more about joining relevant genealogical societies and related groups, visit historical sites, and invite our local library genealogy leaders to assist us.

    In all, we will share more insight on how to access online learning, and also provide a supportive and exhuberant genealogy group that will aid us in sharing our family histories.
    Stay tuned: The best is yet to come.
    Thank you.

  • Barking up the tree: How to create a “real” family tree

    One of my facebook genealogy page colleagues gifted her children with their individual family trees. Now that the winter holidays are over, this idea is perfect for 2022 family reunions.

    A real tree for families

    My colleague said the most often asked question is where to purchase the tree stand? She offered this bestchoiceporducts site.

    Here is the back of one of the branches for you to consider how to list your ancestors.

    This example by Sheila Bousson is a great capture of an ancestor.

    How to make this happen for your family? Be creative by using this example as your foundation of an idea that brings new meaning to our genealogy phrase, “family tree.”

    Happy New Year!

  • Happy New Year! #2022

    Happy New Year! #2022

    Thank you for spending our first year in business with Good Genes Genealogy Services LLC.