To contact us Click HERE
On Saturday, I went to the July meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society. My pal Caroline Pointer was there, too. We were well behaved. I promise.
The business part of the meeting was pretty short. It was announced that the group has 97 members. There was some good news concerning the relocation of the society library and possibly the meetings, too. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to share, since it's not technically public, but the news was very encouraging. Stay tuned for more details.
Celeste Graves was our speaker. Her talk was called "Magnolia Memories" in reference to Magnolia, Texas. I don't think Ms. Celeste would mind me telling you that she's 93 years old, though she looks much younger than that. She brought along a presentation full of photos and she added information from her own memory for each one.
This was one of the better talks of the year. It was so nice to hear about the local history from someone who has lived in the area for over 90 years. She named all the buildings in the photos and told stories of some of the people, too. Good stuff.
After the meeting was over, a party of 16 headed over to a local Mexican restaurant for a meal and conversation. We talked about genealogy and the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.
The next meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society is Saturday, August 25 at 10am, on the 2nd floor of Amegy Bank (use the elevator), 28201 Business 249 in Tomball, Texas. I don't remember the name of the speaker but he will be talking about the history of the Texas flag. Let me know if you're going and I'll save you a seat.
14 Ağustos 2012 Salı
FGS2012 Brainstorming Sessions
To contact us Click HERE
This is the first in what might be several posts I write about the upcoming 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama, August 29-September 1, 2012.
FGS just announced the upcoming brainstorming sessions on their blog. These classes all happen on Society Day, which is Wednesday, August 29. All the sessions on that day focus on society issues such as membership, publicity, fundraising, etc.
Last year's brainstorming sessions were such a hit that they're back for another round. I love this style of session because the audience is the teacher. We all come together as a group and pool our collective wisdom. What works for your society? How can I fix this in my society? It's like having many experts for any given question.
Here's the lineup for the August 29 brainstorming sessions:
11:00AM
Programs and Education
Facilitators: Sue Tolbert and Cindy Foreman
Websites and Social Media
Facilitators: Linda Woodward Geiger and Bruce Buzbee
2:00PM
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Facilitators: Paula Stuart-Warren and Pat Oxley
3:30PM
21st Century Marketing
Facilitators: Thomas MacEntee and Amy Coffin (no, really)
Modern Publication Options
Facilitators: Lisa Alzo and Polly Kimmitt
5:00PM
State and Umbrella Society Issues
Facilitators: Billie Stone Fogarty and Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Doesn't that sound great? I'm a little bummed that I'll miss Modern Publication Options, but that's ok. I can't wait to help facilitate a discussion on 21st century marketing for genealogy societies. Bring your questions and ideas and we'll have a good (and productive) time.
FGS just announced the upcoming brainstorming sessions on their blog. These classes all happen on Society Day, which is Wednesday, August 29. All the sessions on that day focus on society issues such as membership, publicity, fundraising, etc.
Last year's brainstorming sessions were such a hit that they're back for another round. I love this style of session because the audience is the teacher. We all come together as a group and pool our collective wisdom. What works for your society? How can I fix this in my society? It's like having many experts for any given question.
Here's the lineup for the August 29 brainstorming sessions:
11:00AM
Programs and Education
Facilitators: Sue Tolbert and Cindy Foreman
Websites and Social Media
Facilitators: Linda Woodward Geiger and Bruce Buzbee
2:00PM
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Facilitators: Paula Stuart-Warren and Pat Oxley
3:30PM
21st Century Marketing
Facilitators: Thomas MacEntee and Amy Coffin (no, really)
Modern Publication Options
Facilitators: Lisa Alzo and Polly Kimmitt
5:00PM
State and Umbrella Society Issues
Facilitators: Billie Stone Fogarty and Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Doesn't that sound great? I'm a little bummed that I'll miss Modern Publication Options, but that's ok. I can't wait to help facilitate a discussion on 21st century marketing for genealogy societies. Bring your questions and ideas and we'll have a good (and productive) time.
Houston Genealogy and History Events, August 2012
To contact us Click HERE
August is here and things are starting to heat up in the Bayou City, both literally and figuratively. Time to step inside for some air conditioning and genealogy fun. Here are some of the activities and events going on in the Houston region this month:
Mondays in August (6, 13, 20, 27)
Genealogy Lunchbox
Katy Branch Library
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work.
Saturday, August 11
Clayton Library Friends General Meeting
10:15AM-12:00PM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Sue Kaufman, Clayton Library Manager, will present her annual “State of the Library” report. Registration starts at 10:15AM in the Carriage House and the meeting will begin at 10:30AM.
Faces, Places and Spaces
Julia Ideson Building
2:00 PM
550 McKinney
Houston, TX
Joel Draut, Senior Digital Technician of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center will discuss the glass plate negative collection and images featured in the Faces, Places and Spaces exhibition.
Wednesday, August 15
Meador Branch Library - Create a Website with Weebly3:00PM-5:00PM709 West MontgomeryWillis, TX 77378Learn how to use Weebly to make your own website.
Saturday, August 18
Clayton Library Friends All Day Seminar
Featuring J. Mark Lowe
10:00AM-4:00PM
St. Luke’s Methodist Church
3471 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
Mr. Lowe resides in Tennessee and researches primarily in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He will be discussing the following topics, not necessarily presented in this order:
Cold Mountain: A case study of a Tarheel soldier in the Civil War
Discover the real records of William P. Inman, the subject of the controversial book and movie, who lived and died in North Carolina.
Confederate Yankees in the Southland
A number of Union blue soldiers maintained close ties to the Confederacy. Many crossed the line to change uniforms. Learn about your border ancestor and finding their uniform of choice or no uniform at all.
My Ancestor, the farmer: Shaping a profile for your rural ancestor
Farming is a proud and honorable occupation. Develop a rich profile of your farming ancestor and community using available resources.
Whiskey, brandy, and southern migration
Understanding why our ancestors were searching for limestone-filtered flowing springs and abundant fruit and grain would help tighten their travel routes and destinations. Learn basic distillation process as well.Registration required.
Clayton Library Orientation
10:30AM-11:45AM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.
Saturday, August 25
Chaparral Genealogical Society General Meeting
10:00AM-12:00PM
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Ongoing
Ticket to RideRosenberg Library2300 Sealy Ave (3rd floor)Galveston, TXRide into Galveston's past through this eclectic display of ephemera from the Rosenberg Library's Galveston and Texas History Center.
Down the Road
November 1-3Texas State Genealogical Society Annual ConferenceFt. Worth, Texas
Do you have a SE Texas area genealogy meeting or historical program that you'd like to promote? Contact me for inclusion in this blog.
Mondays in August (6, 13, 20, 27)
Genealogy Lunchbox
Katy Branch Library
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work.
Saturday, August 11
Clayton Library Friends General Meeting
10:15AM-12:00PM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Sue Kaufman, Clayton Library Manager, will present her annual “State of the Library” report. Registration starts at 10:15AM in the Carriage House and the meeting will begin at 10:30AM.
Faces, Places and Spaces
Julia Ideson Building
2:00 PM
550 McKinney
Houston, TX
Joel Draut, Senior Digital Technician of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center will discuss the glass plate negative collection and images featured in the Faces, Places and Spaces exhibition.
Wednesday, August 15
Meador Branch Library - Create a Website with Weebly3:00PM-5:00PM709 West MontgomeryWillis, TX 77378Learn how to use Weebly to make your own website.
Saturday, August 18
Clayton Library Friends All Day Seminar
Featuring J. Mark Lowe
10:00AM-4:00PM
St. Luke’s Methodist Church
3471 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
Mr. Lowe resides in Tennessee and researches primarily in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. He will be discussing the following topics, not necessarily presented in this order:
Cold Mountain: A case study of a Tarheel soldier in the Civil War
Discover the real records of William P. Inman, the subject of the controversial book and movie, who lived and died in North Carolina.
Confederate Yankees in the Southland
A number of Union blue soldiers maintained close ties to the Confederacy. Many crossed the line to change uniforms. Learn about your border ancestor and finding their uniform of choice or no uniform at all.
My Ancestor, the farmer: Shaping a profile for your rural ancestor
Farming is a proud and honorable occupation. Develop a rich profile of your farming ancestor and community using available resources.
Whiskey, brandy, and southern migration
Understanding why our ancestors were searching for limestone-filtered flowing springs and abundant fruit and grain would help tighten their travel routes and destinations. Learn basic distillation process as well.Registration required.
Clayton Library Orientation
10:30AM-11:45AM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.
Saturday, August 25
Chaparral Genealogical Society General Meeting
10:00AM-12:00PM
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Ongoing
Ticket to RideRosenberg Library2300 Sealy Ave (3rd floor)Galveston, TXRide into Galveston's past through this eclectic display of ephemera from the Rosenberg Library's Galveston and Texas History Center.
Down the Road
November 1-3Texas State Genealogical Society Annual ConferenceFt. Worth, Texas
Do you have a SE Texas area genealogy meeting or historical program that you'd like to promote? Contact me for inclusion in this blog.
Beginning Genealogy Advice
To contact us Click HERE
Genealogy is fun and it gives us a greater sense of purpose and meaning. If you've just started your family history journey, then congratulations! You're in for a wild and rewarding ride. Our ancestors weren't as boring as we thought they were.
Beginning genealogists often get started because they have a question about their family or they want to prove a tale that's been passed down for generations. All genealogists starting out have eager expectations and common reactions. Genealogy can be a wild ride. Here's some beginner's advice for the trip:
You're probably not related to that famous person.
About half of the research issues, cases and queries I receive come with the belief that a person's family tree includes a connection to a famous historical figure. I've yet to find a famous ancestor for anyone. Maybe you will, but you should lower your expectations. Even if you don't have a branch of notoriety, chances are that your "regular" ancestors have some fascinating stories of their own. Go forth and find them.
Great-great grandma probably wasn't an Indian princess.
Many people claim to have Native American blood in their veins, even the tiniest bit because of stories passed down by grandma about that one unknown ancestor who was in that one tribe. Without some sort of documentation or specific details, it is very hard to make a connection to Native American heritage. If you're confident and want to give it a go, research backwards starting with you, using traditional genealogy resources. This will help you when you reach the point in your ancestral timeline to search Native American resources. Oh and if you are doing this so you can join a tribe and reap financial benefit, it doesn't work that way.
Slow your roll. Do more sideways research.
It is very tempting to collect names and move back in your family tree generation after generation. However, if you do it that way, you're going to get stuck at some point. Take the time to do more "sideways" research instead of moving back in time immediately. Even if you know the birth/marriage/death dates and parents of great-grandpa, study the other records of his life. Censuses, city directories, church records, news articles, etc. all tell a bigger story and they may provide clues to questions down the line. Search all your ancestors' siblings, too. Sometimes the person you're looking for was living in another person's house. Also, be sure to research the spinster aunts. They might be alone, but their records often hold good clues. Don't hurry through genealogy. Enjoy the ride. You'll be glad you did.
All houses have dark closets.
Family history research is very rewarding, but it has it's dark spots, too. Be prepared to discover not-so-pleasant facts about your ancestors. They were human just like we are. Also know that all families have these secrets...even the horrible, unspeakable events. You don't have to publicly broadcast what you discover and record, but you don't have to be ashamed of it either. It's history, plain and simple.
Talk to the old people. Do it now.
The elders in your family have the knowledge, experiences and information you need to search your family history. Do not wait until Christmas to gather information. Call up family members and chat. It may take several calls to get the memory gears going, but trust me they will get going. Ask multiple people the same questions and you'll get more perspectives and details about your ancestors. Bring photos to family gatherings to refresh memories. Don't forget to label those photos because it's very easy to forget names.
I cannot stress how important it is to talk to the old people. Every genealogist has the "if I only asked sooner" regret. This is your chance to avoid that while you spend time with your relatives and build your family tree.
Hopefully this reality check doesn't deter you. Famous ancestor or not, your family tree holds exciting stories of triumph, tragedy, courage and the occasional criminal. Do genealogy for your ancestors, but also do it for yourself. The stories you discover will shape your sense of self and give roots to your life's purpose. Plus you might have a horse thief or bootlegger in the tree and wouldn't that make a good story?
Beginning genealogists often get started because they have a question about their family or they want to prove a tale that's been passed down for generations. All genealogists starting out have eager expectations and common reactions. Genealogy can be a wild ride. Here's some beginner's advice for the trip:
You're probably not related to that famous person.
About half of the research issues, cases and queries I receive come with the belief that a person's family tree includes a connection to a famous historical figure. I've yet to find a famous ancestor for anyone. Maybe you will, but you should lower your expectations. Even if you don't have a branch of notoriety, chances are that your "regular" ancestors have some fascinating stories of their own. Go forth and find them.
Great-great grandma probably wasn't an Indian princess.
Many people claim to have Native American blood in their veins, even the tiniest bit because of stories passed down by grandma about that one unknown ancestor who was in that one tribe. Without some sort of documentation or specific details, it is very hard to make a connection to Native American heritage. If you're confident and want to give it a go, research backwards starting with you, using traditional genealogy resources. This will help you when you reach the point in your ancestral timeline to search Native American resources. Oh and if you are doing this so you can join a tribe and reap financial benefit, it doesn't work that way.
Slow your roll. Do more sideways research.
It is very tempting to collect names and move back in your family tree generation after generation. However, if you do it that way, you're going to get stuck at some point. Take the time to do more "sideways" research instead of moving back in time immediately. Even if you know the birth/marriage/death dates and parents of great-grandpa, study the other records of his life. Censuses, city directories, church records, news articles, etc. all tell a bigger story and they may provide clues to questions down the line. Search all your ancestors' siblings, too. Sometimes the person you're looking for was living in another person's house. Also, be sure to research the spinster aunts. They might be alone, but their records often hold good clues. Don't hurry through genealogy. Enjoy the ride. You'll be glad you did.
All houses have dark closets.
Family history research is very rewarding, but it has it's dark spots, too. Be prepared to discover not-so-pleasant facts about your ancestors. They were human just like we are. Also know that all families have these secrets...even the horrible, unspeakable events. You don't have to publicly broadcast what you discover and record, but you don't have to be ashamed of it either. It's history, plain and simple.
Talk to the old people. Do it now.
The elders in your family have the knowledge, experiences and information you need to search your family history. Do not wait until Christmas to gather information. Call up family members and chat. It may take several calls to get the memory gears going, but trust me they will get going. Ask multiple people the same questions and you'll get more perspectives and details about your ancestors. Bring photos to family gatherings to refresh memories. Don't forget to label those photos because it's very easy to forget names.
I cannot stress how important it is to talk to the old people. Every genealogist has the "if I only asked sooner" regret. This is your chance to avoid that while you spend time with your relatives and build your family tree.
Hopefully this reality check doesn't deter you. Famous ancestor or not, your family tree holds exciting stories of triumph, tragedy, courage and the occasional criminal. Do genealogy for your ancestors, but also do it for yourself. The stories you discover will shape your sense of self and give roots to your life's purpose. Plus you might have a horse thief or bootlegger in the tree and wouldn't that make a good story?
1000!
To contact us Click HERE
This is my 1000th blog post! Cue the music! Drop the confetti! Is this where someone hands me a big check?
No? Ok. It just felt like after writing 999 blog posts, I should observe this milestone.
Let's take a look back.
Very First Blog Post
Here is my very first blog post. I kept it simple. I tell new genealogy bloggers to do the same. There's no need to write a complex essay as your introduction into blogging. Just say hi.
Posts With Most Views
Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog: 52 Ideas, 52 Weeks. I'm not surprised by this. The post is optimized nicely in search engines and it's consistently a top traffic-getter week to week. Hopefully it helps people get started on their blogs, too.
Rejected Genealogy Conference Proposals. Based on the emails and phone calls I got (including one Very Important Genealogist who swore me to secrecy), many of you feel this satire isn't too far from the truth. Two Very Important Genealogists urged me to submit this as an actual conference session, but I don't know if it would play as well in front of a live audience.
If Genealogists Ran Hollywood. Sometimes I like to imagine what life would be like if genealogy was more mainstream.
Posts With Most Comments
A Comment on Comments. Turns out a lot of you have comments about blog comments.
If Genealogists Ran Hollywood. Lots of laughs...or you guys are just really polite.
Genealogy Videos: Family History in 3 Minutes. Fun to make videos, even more rewarding to help others learn to do the same.
Author Favorites
Looking for Sgt. Jones Part 1 and Part 2. Once you read these posts, you'll understand why they are memorable to me.
Call Me Ahab. A post about the thrill of the genealogical hunt and victory when you finally capture your white whale.
Edna Ferber, White Hats and My Family Tree. An example of a possible brush with literary fame.
Oklahoma Road Trip (parts 1-8). A chronicle of a memorable road trip in search of my roots.
Holiday of Horrors! Proof I'm not playing with a full deck. And judging by the comments, many of you aren't either.
1000 Thank Yous
I started writing this blog for myself, but along the way people started reading it. Some of those people commented. Many of those commenters became real-life friends I've met at conferences and out in the real world. To those pals I say "thank you for being a friend." Also, I'm sorry I put that Golden Girls song in your head.
To this day, I'm still surprised people read my blog. Thank you to each and every one of you: the regular readers, RSS subscribers, email receivers, and even the ones that visit once and never come back. I appreciate each and every comment. I also need to thank those that visit every single day and never leave a comment. Didn't think I'd notice, did ya? You're special, too. Drop me a line and introduce yourself. We're all genealogy friends here.
State of the Blog
So what's the plan for the next 1000 posts? The second verse is the same as the first: a little bit of everything. This is my genealogy coffee table. Now pull up a chair and let's chat some more about family trees...
No? Ok. It just felt like after writing 999 blog posts, I should observe this milestone.
Let's take a look back.
Very First Blog Post
Here is my very first blog post. I kept it simple. I tell new genealogy bloggers to do the same. There's no need to write a complex essay as your introduction into blogging. Just say hi.
Posts With Most Views
Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog: 52 Ideas, 52 Weeks. I'm not surprised by this. The post is optimized nicely in search engines and it's consistently a top traffic-getter week to week. Hopefully it helps people get started on their blogs, too.
Rejected Genealogy Conference Proposals. Based on the emails and phone calls I got (including one Very Important Genealogist who swore me to secrecy), many of you feel this satire isn't too far from the truth. Two Very Important Genealogists urged me to submit this as an actual conference session, but I don't know if it would play as well in front of a live audience.
If Genealogists Ran Hollywood. Sometimes I like to imagine what life would be like if genealogy was more mainstream.
Posts With Most Comments
A Comment on Comments. Turns out a lot of you have comments about blog comments.
If Genealogists Ran Hollywood. Lots of laughs...or you guys are just really polite.
Genealogy Videos: Family History in 3 Minutes. Fun to make videos, even more rewarding to help others learn to do the same.
Author Favorites
Looking for Sgt. Jones Part 1 and Part 2. Once you read these posts, you'll understand why they are memorable to me.
Call Me Ahab. A post about the thrill of the genealogical hunt and victory when you finally capture your white whale.
Edna Ferber, White Hats and My Family Tree. An example of a possible brush with literary fame.
Oklahoma Road Trip (parts 1-8). A chronicle of a memorable road trip in search of my roots.
Holiday of Horrors! Proof I'm not playing with a full deck. And judging by the comments, many of you aren't either.
1000 Thank Yous
I started writing this blog for myself, but along the way people started reading it. Some of those people commented. Many of those commenters became real-life friends I've met at conferences and out in the real world. To those pals I say "thank you for being a friend." Also, I'm sorry I put that Golden Girls song in your head.
To this day, I'm still surprised people read my blog. Thank you to each and every one of you: the regular readers, RSS subscribers, email receivers, and even the ones that visit once and never come back. I appreciate each and every comment. I also need to thank those that visit every single day and never leave a comment. Didn't think I'd notice, did ya? You're special, too. Drop me a line and introduce yourself. We're all genealogy friends here.
State of the Blog
So what's the plan for the next 1000 posts? The second verse is the same as the first: a little bit of everything. This is my genealogy coffee table. Now pull up a chair and let's chat some more about family trees...
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