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GenieSpeak - Helpful Genealogy Research Hints
List of Topics- (Scroll down to find the details below the list.)
MEETING OF MINDS - Genealogy blogger and New England Historic Genealogical
Society computer expert Dick Eastman has created a free online reference service called the Encyclopedia of Genealogy at http://www.eogen.com. This searchable, user-maintained database features how-to articles contributed by genealogists like you on a wide array of family history topics. "It provides reference information about everything in genealogy except people," Eastman says. He'd eventually like to build the
site's articles to 5,000. Any registered user can edit an article in the database, or add an article using a tool called EditMe editor. Other site visitors instantly will see the edits and new pages. Eastman cautions that the articles you contribute can be reprinted anywhere. "If you want to retain copyright of your words," he says, "please do not post them on the Encyclopedia of Genealogy."
MITES, SILVERFISH & COCKROACHES... OR COOK YOUR BOOKS! By Frank Beacon
Hah! At first glance, the title “Lice, Silverfish & Cockroaches,” might cause my friends and associates to assume I’m about to expound on one of my favorite subjects – cemeteries and tombstones and the many creepy-crawlies that live there. But I’m really talking about old, musty books –another passion of mine – and the wonderful creatures that can inhabit them if you pull them from the cellar or ancient attic or find them at the flea market.
I’ve always just kept my “new” old books separated from my collection – a sort of quarantine similar to the one my wife does with houseplants before she introduces them into our little jungle. That has been about the only
way I can tell if the books are safe or going to germinate something unseemly and spread it into my meek and lowly – yet precious – library.
Recently, I was given a precious 30-year collection of American History
Illustrated. The entire collection seems in really great shape except I found tiny eggs at the bottom of one of the boxes. I read a tip from Jean Spiegelberg that recommends you “cook your books!” I know what you’re
thinking. We all know heat can cause serious damage to priceless old books and manuscripts, but this careful manipulation of microwave powers is supposed to be a proven method: 1. Remove any staples or metal from the books. 2. One at a time, place a book in a (clean) microwave. 3. Turn on “warm” for 60 seconds. 4. The rays will destroy any insects and their eggs, without harming the book. 5. Never eat from that microwave again. (Okay, well she didn’t say that, but I did). According to Spiegelberg, the Library of Congress also does this to remove contaminants of the insect variety from books. I should ask her if it happens to be their break room microwave. It made me curious enough to look at their website. I didn’t find information about the microwave (or
the break room, for that matter), but I loved the disclaimer the Library of Congress gives, which is that “the Library will not be responsible for damage to your collection should damage result from the use of these
procedures.” The glory of the age we live in. Everyone is eager to give advice, but no one is willing to take responsibility for it. Further Googling presented me with another alternative, which is to seal and freeze the offending, contaminated book. According to conservation information from the State Library of Tasmania, freezing in this manner will kill some insects. They also list simply doing what I do, which is to quarantine, determine what’s infested the book before further steps. When I have a book or two that I could really care less about (which rarely happens), I may try both ends of the extreme and see what I shall see. Perhaps I will even share the results of my experiment. Of course I will add a disclaimer to the end, that Frank Beacon will not be responsible for damage to your collection, should damage result from the use of these procedures!” Or maybe I’ll just ask for a microwave for Father’s Day. Just a thought, Frank Beacon (EVERTON NEWSLINE June 17, 2005)
EXPERT ADVICE: HARD COPY
Got copyright conundrums? Here's a quick-and-dirty way to tell whether that old diary or photo is covered. For more genealogist- friendly copyright advice, see the December 2004 Family Tree Magazine(Reprinted with permission from Family Tree Magazine Email Update, copyright 2004 F+W Publications Inc.) Due to complicated, changing laws, copyright duration depends on when a work was created and if it was published. Here are simplified guidelines (although exceptions apply). See http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/training/Hirtle_Public_Domain.htm for details: *Works published before Jan. 1, 1923, are in the public domain (meaning anyone can use, adapt or copy them freely). *Works published between 1923 and 1963 were protected for 28 years--but the copyright could be renewed for 47 years, then extended for another 20. If the copyright wasn't renewed, the workis in the public domain. About 85 percent of works published during this period aren't protected anymore. *If a work was published between 1964 and 1977, the copyright lasts a total of 95 years. *Any published or unpublished work created on or after Jan. 1, 1978, is protected for the life of the creator plus 70 years. *A work created before Jan. 1, 1978, and published between that date and Dec. 31, 2002, is protected for the life of the creator plus 70 years or until Dec. 31, 2047, whichever is greater. Confused? You can assume that anything published within the past 75 years is protected by copyright. --Sharon Debartolo Carmack, is a Family Tree Magazine contributing editor
Geographic Names Information System - "U.S. government's GNIS database contains information about almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the United States. The GNIS serves two purposes for genealogists. First, it gives precise locations of every village, mountain, river, airport, bay, beach, bridge, etc. in the United States. The information includes the exact latitude and longitude of each named feature. Next, it also is useful for finding locations mentioned in old documents. Perhaps the best news of all for genealogists: the GNIS also lists many cemeteries, although not all of them." - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter
1930 census.archives.gov - "This web site will help you begin your family history research in the 1930 census. It will tell you: (1)what questions were asked by the census (2) which States had name indexes prepared (3) how to search those States and the ones without name indexes (4)where to view, rent, or buy the microfilm containing the original records. Use the step-by-step instructions prepared by NARA census experts and the 1930 Census Microfilm Locator on this web site to begin your research. You also will find detailed search strategies as well as specific tips and hints throughout the site." - NARA
Genealogy Tips And Tricks -
An ever growing library of genealogy tips and tricks and a valuable resource of helpful hints that will make your genealogy research easier. These excellent tips have been provided by experienced genealogy webmasters who are willing to share their hard earned knowledge with fellow genealogists.
Reading Chicken-Scratch Writing on Documents -from Lydia Kearney of Mesa, Ariz.: "After waiting months for a copy of my great-grandmother's death certificate, I was disappointed when I opened it. It was a poor-quality photocopy of the original. The handwriting was illegible. I used a magnifying glass, stared at it for hours, showed it to every family member to see if anyone could make it out. We had no luck. I was afraid the information was useless. The next day, while calling in a refill on my prescriptions, I had a wonderful thought. Who reads chicken scratch handwriting better than a pharmacist? I grabbed the death certificate and ran down to the drug store. My instincts were right! He was able to read me every bit of the death certificate and I gained considerable information, especially the medical references. There are many people out there who can read chicken scratch, bad photocopies, medical terminology, foreign languages and old script. All you have to do is ask!" - from FamilyTree Magazine Update 10-25-01
Try the Genealogy Graphoanalysis Service! (handwriting analysis.) This site offers you the opportunity to get to know your ancestors in a way you never thought possible by including not only their names and dates in your family book, but the PERSONALITY of your ancestor as well. Check it out!
Join the growing numbers of genealogists who have made a commitment to professional standards and business practices. The Association of Professional Genealogists, APG, P.O. Box 40393, Denver, CO 80204-0393, provides guidance and a number of services for all genealogists supporting high standards in the field of genealogy. The APG Code of Ethics is a valuable reference for all genealogists - WWW: apgen.org/ethics/index.html. Many professional skill specialties are easily referenced in the APG member online directory including - Genealogists, Historians, Researchers, Librarians, Archivists,Writers, Editors, Consultants, Indexers, Instructors, Lecturers, Columnists, Booksellers, Publishers, Computer specialists and Geneticists. Learn more about APG services for professionals and their clients at: www.apgen.org.
PENNSYLVANIA RECORDS NOW ONLINE: Pennsylvania has joined the growing number of state historical archives digitizing their records and making them accessible online. The Archives Records Information Access System (ARIAS) at www.phmc.state.pa.us currently offers 200,000 images relating to Pennsylvanians who participated in the Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War and World War I. Also, 300,000 Civil War and Mexican Border Campaign service card images are being loaded into the system now. Eventually, state officials say, the site will feature millions of digitized records, including 19th-century county birth, death and marriage dockets, and photograph collections.
"Researching Civil War-era ancestors is a favorite for Internet genealogists. Unfortunately, few sites exist at this time which contain actual service records. However, as the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System ( www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/) comes online it will eventually contain a computerized database containing very basic facts about servicemen who served on both sides during the Civil War." - Genealogy Detective NewsWire, Helping You Climb Your Family Tree, Dedicated to Quality Products for Genealogists, www.genealogydetective.com
"With the opening of The American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island and its simultaneous Web debut at
www.ellisislandrecords.org passenger records of the more than 22 million people who entered the United States through Ellis Island are available. Key data available on immigrants includes name, gender, age on arrival, marital status, ship name, port of origin, and last residence." " If you're among the more than 40 percent of Americans with at least one ancestor who immigrated through Ellis Island, the American Family Immigration History Center will give you free access to the passenger records they left behind (it costs $5 if you visit the actual center on Ellis Island). Until now, these records have been available only on microfilm at the National Archives and on loan through local Family History Centers. . . You'll also be able to obtain a reproduction of the ship's manifest on which your ancestor's name appears and a photo of the ship. For more information on the center and its records, see www.familytreemagazine.com/articles/apr01/ellisdb.html
and look for a user's guide in the June issue of Family Tree Magazine." - Family Tree Magazine Update 4-5-01
As a public service to the genealogy community, the GENEALOGICAL WEB SITE WATCHDOG lists some Web sites that provide misleading or inaccurate genealogical information. It also provides links for submitting Internet fraud complaints. See www.ancestordetective.com/watchdog.htm. Thanks to Rootsweb Review for this address.
Hungarotips is devoted to more than just genealogy; it gives lots of information about the country and about Hungarian culture. There are more than a 100 pictures online along with travel guide. There is a "Learn Hungarian" section, featuring Magyar lessons with sound files, quizzes, and self-tests. You can even sign up for the daily grammar newsletter. Check out the English-to-Hungarian translator as well. While a bit limited, it is an excellent method of learning a few phrases. Hungarotips also lists days, holidays, folk traditions, Hungarian customs, on-line quizzes and even a jigsaw puzzle. You can also check the current weather in Budapest. Are you looking for Hungarian friends or relatives? You can submit your genealogy research and surnames to the Hungarotips Genealogy List.
www.hungarotips.com. Thanks to Dick Eastman's Newsletter for this information.
Exchange Old Postcards Online - GeneaNet has a new service: an online database to exchange old postcards. You can search for a view of your village, your grandfather's grocery, or similar locales, and you can use this service to share your own historical post cards with others. The service is brand-new, so there isn't much available yet. However, this does show great promise.
You can read more about this new service at: www.geneanet.org/card. Thanks to Dick Eastman's Newsletter for this.
The Delaware Division of Libraries maintains a set of links to all sorts of reference materials, including;
Abbreviations and Acronyms - Almanacs - Associations - Biographies - Calendars - Calculators - Census Data (not the actual records, however) - Currency Converters - Dictionaries - Directories - Encyclopedias - Genealogy Sites of Significance - General Reference - Grammar and Style Guides - Maps and Geographic Data - Quotations - Schedules - Time - Weights and Measures. Bookmark this one -- it's a keeper: www.lib.de.us/delaweb/reference.shtml. Thanks to Dick Eastman's Newsletter for this.
TIPS TO HELP YOU GET OVER THE BRICK WALL by Liz Lieber, Genealogy.com
Every genealogist, at one time or another, has encountered a brick wall in his or her research. When you hit a brick wall it is a good thing to remember that every research challenge allows you the opportunity to grow as a family historian. Every time you get over a brick wall, you've learned a new research technique that you may be able to apply later. Here are some tips to help you along: Check for Misspellings. It is always a good idea to remember that generations ago, name spellings weren't standardized and people often spelled their own names many different ways. Also, since lots of people couldn't write, they had other people write things down for them. This, too, resulted in multiple spellings.Even official documents (for example, a census, marriage record, or immigration document) may contain misspellings. In the end, remember to check many different spellings of a name you are having trouble finding record of. Take a Break, Then Review What You Already Have. Sometimes putting your research away for a little while will help you see things in a new light when you come back to it. You'll often find new clues or hidden significance in your existing research when you take a step back and reevaluate your sources or reexamine any assumptions that you have made. Look for the Person, Not the Name. Sometimes you'll hit a brick wall when you find two people with the same name living in the same area. In this case, only further research will help you determine which one is yours. One way to identify an individual is to expand your research to include his extended family. Why not look for record of your ancestor in documents relating to his siblings or his wife's family? Try to determine if friends or associates mentioned him in their wills or deeds. Perhaps he was active in his community and may be mentioned in a local history. By making your ancestors more than just a name, you not only spice up your family history but also make it easier to trace. Make an Educated Guess. When absolutely no records exist, you can often make an educated guess to help further your research along. For example, to determine someone's age when there are no birth or census records available, you may wish to estimate based on that person's marriage date. Generally, in colonial times, girls were married for the first time between the ages of 17 and 21 and boys were married for the first time between the ages of 18 and 21. You'll want to do a little research to determine what the general rule was in your case but you can seehow an understanding of some historical demographics can sometimes help you get past a brick wall. Ask Your Fellow Researchers for Help. Genealogists are often willing to help each other out and you might be surprised by the amount of assistance you'll receive. Posting a query, for example at www.genforum.com, is a great way to get in contact with other researchers who may be researching the same family lines as you. (Previously published by RootsWeb.com, Inc., RootsWeb Review: RootsWeb's Genealogy News, Vol. 3, No. 30, 26 July 2000. RootsWeb: http://www.rootsweb.com/ )
Making Photographic Records of Gravestones
millennium.fortunecity.com/donald/547/photrecs.txt
This Web site has an article written by Daniel and Jessie Lie Farber who have photographed over 6000 tombstones over 15 or more years with the purpose of documenting the inscriptions. This is an excellent resource for those of you who want to photograph tombstones, either for yourself, or as part of a volunteer service such as Headstonehunter.com
The article covers lighting, mirrors, equipment, composition and documenting an entire graveyard.
Take an Extra Step in Courthouse Letters
Genealogists write lots of letters to courthouses requesting
information. Many of the clerks are responsive and helpful, while others may not offer any other assistance than what
is requested. Sometimes records may have been sent to a state archive or to another location for storage.
Unless you ask, clerks responding to your inquiries may not provide that vital piece of information. Therefore, when you write letters to
courthouses and other governmental agencies, always request that they advise you of other locations you can or should contact.
George G. Morgan, From: EMAZING - http://www.emazing.com
SUCCESSFUL LINKS: USING CHURCH COLLEGE ARCHIVES
by Sandy Clauser Culp kmculp@bluemarble.net
My great-grandfather and his brother were ministers in the Missionary Church, whose headquarters are in Indiana. I was directed to the archives at their college library, Bethany College in Mishawaka, Indiana, where I made contact with the director of the archives and arrangements to visit. When I did, the director and his assistants retrieved church history books that contained narratives as well as photos of my great-grandfather and great-great-uncle. I found articles they had written in the church's magazine along with their obituaries. In addition, each minister had a file folder with some original photos, letters, and a form they each completed giving their terms of service and locations, as well as the names of their parents, wives, and children. It also listed their dates of birth and baptism. The staff members were extremely helpful and later mailed me an additional item that they thought would also be of interest.
Unpublished Family History Manuscripts
Most of us would love to publish the fruits of our genealogical research, but that's not always feasible. Many family historians have compiled their family history, typed it up, and sent copies to libraries in the areas where the family may have lived for placement in reference collections.
Sometimes, but not always, these materials are catalogued in the public library, and you can find an entry in the online public access catalog (OPAC). Always ask the reference librarian if there are unpublished family histories that are not in the catalog. These materials may be filed on shelves with other genealogical materials, but they may also be filed elsewhere in the library.
George G. Morgan
Browse the archives www.emazing.com/archives/genealogy
Revisiting Soundex "When I first started doing genealogy research, someone asked me if I was searching with the Soundex. Of course I'd never heard the term before and had no idea what it meant. Unfortunately I was too embarrassed to ask. However, I made it a point to find out what this Soundex thing was. For all of you who are just beginning, and don't really know about Soundex, this is for you. - The Soundex is a system of assigning an Alpha-Numerical code to each surname. It codes names by the way they sound, rather than the way they are spelled. Why do you need to know the Soundex value or your surnames? Because there are Soundex indexes to the 1920, 1910 (some), 1900 and 1880 (some) census. - The Soundex consists of a letter (always the first letter of the surname) followed by three numbers.Numbers are assigned by the following guide:(1) B P V F (2) C S G J K Q X Z (3) D T (4) L (5) M N (6) R
To code your surname: Disregard A, E, I, O, U, W, Y and H.
In short names, if there are less than 3 numbers, use zeroes
Double letters count as a single one
On long names, once you have 3 numbers disregard the rest of the letters.For example, PHILLIPS is coded P412: P because it is the first letter of the surname, 4 because H and I are disregarded, so the first letter to be coded is L. The second L is disregarded, as is the I. The next letter to be coded is P (1) and then S (2).
Kennedy is K530
Davidson is D132
McMurphy is M256
Now try a few on your own.
If you are a Genealogy Detective owner, and don't want to convert all of your surnames to Soundex, open the program and click on Link Database/Census. Click on Soundex Machine and you'll be taken to the National Archives and Records Administration Web site which has an automatic converter." - Genealogy Detective NewsWire, Helping You Climb Your Family Tree, May 1, 2001, provided by Harris Digital Publishing Group, Publishers of GENEALOGY DETECTIVE 2000. Dedicated to Quality Products for Genealogists www.genealogydectective.com, Michelle Phillips, Editor
Last Modified: Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 04:48 PM
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