30 December 2016

2016 Society of American Archivists Short Fiction Contest Winner -- Family Stories



2016 Society of American Archivists Short Fiction Contest Winner -- Family Stories

You will want to read this short fiction piece by Marcella Huggard, “Family Stories.”  It is a story that ALL genealogists and family historians can relate to.

The jury noted that Huggard's submission addresses issues in the archival profession through a moving story of sifting through the evidence and reminders left behind by relatives after death. Her story speaks to the process of appraisal and its conundrums and how personal relationships can provide perspective. It also considers the question of how records of the less documented in our society are preserved given our presumptions about what constitutes a permanent record. In doing so, “Family Stories” portrays what it means that archivists deal with people’s lives and demonstrates the necessity of context for records.

Real the full article about the contest, the winner and the honorable mentions here.

You can read the winning piece here.  I was thinking that I would include a snippet here that captured the “essence” of her story and like any good story, you just need to read it! 

It probably really spoke with me because just before Christmas I was cleaning out my own files and shredded checks that I had held onto for almost 40 years.  Really?  Who was going to go through my checks?  It’s not like I lived a life that would be analyzed in the future as a case study.  Whirr went my shredder.  Whirr and there went some old tax forms (not the filed paperwork; after all – there are limits on what a pack rack will get rid of) and all the supporting receipts, printouts, and papers … Whirr and there went some credit card statements (though, I did hold onto the original credit cards!).  Whirr … old inventory summaries from my first business became scraps.  With all that, there is still much I’m still holding onto and my attic and closets thank me.  Give me a few years and I’ll be at it again.  

With time, some things become even more important and other things become nothing more than just paper.  We cannot keep it all and it doesn’t necessarily convey the story of our lives or the lives we’ve documented.








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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
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28 December 2016

Rootstech Innovator Showdown Announces 10 Semi-Finalists


Rootstech Innovator Showdown Announces 10 Semi-Finalists

Back in October, we announced 3rd Annual 2017 Rootstech Innovator Showdown Accepting Submissions.


… a “Global Innovation Competition” for developers and entrepreneurs seeking an opportunity to impact the growing multi-billion dollar family history industry while competing for $100,000 in cash and prizes. The Innovator Showdown seeks to support, foster, and inspire innovation within the family history marketplace.

The competition has now been whittled down to ten semi-finalists.


After a rigorous judging process, the semi-finalists have been selected. Congratulations to those who have made it this far!  Each of the semi-finalists is invited to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, where the final round of judging will take place in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. We look forward to seeing who comes out on top!

The 2017 semi-finalists are:

Champollion 2.0
CSI: Crowd Sourced Indexing
Cuzins
Double Match Triangulator
Emberall
JoyFLIPS
Kindex
OldNews USA
QromaTag
RootsFinder

You can check out each project here.

The winner will be determined via judges, a live audience and remote participants …


See Innovators from around the world compete for $100,000 in prizes as they pitch their innovative ideas on stage before renowned judges, industry influencers, a live audience, and you. See them live on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. MST. Can’t be there? Watch it live at RootsTech.org.


Which “innovation” would you like to see win?









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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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24 December 2016

Happy Holidays [Upfront with NGS on Holiday]


Happy Holidays

Upfront with NGS will be on vacation from today (24 December) through Tuesday (27 December) so that time can be spent with family.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and a safe, healthy, happy, prosperous and genealogically satisfying 2017!

Diane J








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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23 December 2016

Nominations Now Being Accepted – Award of Merit


Nominations Now Being Accepted – Award of Merit

This post continues a periodic series where we, at NGS, highlight the various competitions (15 December deadline) and awards (31 January) where nominations are sought in order to recognize excellence. The winners will be announced at the annual NGS Family History Conference, 10-13 May 2017.

Award of Merit  


Deadline for Submissions—31 January Annually

An award to an individual or nonprofit genealogical or historical organization in recognition of exceptional contributions to the field of genealogy over a period of five or more years that have significantly aided research or increased interest in genealogy.
Criteria

A nominee need not be a member of NGS. This award may be presented to an individual or institution more than once.

Nomination for Award of Merit

Electronic submissions are encouraged.

Nomination Form (PDF 218KB)

Mail to:

NGS Awards Committee
National Genealogical Society
3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300
Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370 USA
or

electronically to [email protected]
Include "NGS Award" in the Subject line of your message.

E-mail contact information is required for all submissions.

Questions? Contact the NGS Awards Chair at [email protected]



Who would you nominate for this prestigious award?








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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22 December 2016

Happy Holidays from NGS

_________________________________________________________________________________



Dear Members and Friends of the National Genealogical Society,

As we bustle about during the holiday season, we see friends, family, and even strangers wishing one another a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays. It’s the time of year where we see people smile more often, reach out to one another, and reconnect with friends and family. But as genealogists, we enjoy connecting with family, and connecting the dots in our family tree, all year long.

In the days ahead, as we gather with family, it is the perfect time to acquaint our younger relations with the joy of discovering family history. Photographs and documents can introduce them to their ancestors and relate the stories of family members who are long gone—but live on through their genetic connection to us. Exploring your family history together can help children feel a greater sense of connection with their family and heritage and provide memories that will stay with them wherever they go. And, of course, it is never too early to begin grooming the next generation of genealogists to carry on our work.

On behalf of the NGS Board of Directors and staff, I wish you and your family a happy and festive holiday season. I hope everyone enjoys a happy, healthy, and productive new year and that we will see you when our genealogy family gathers at the NGS Conference in May in Raleigh, N.C.



Sincerely,


Ben Spratling
President
National Genealogical Society


_________________________________________________________________________________


21 December 2016

Nominations Now Being Accepted – Distinguished Service Award


Nominations Now Being Accepted – Distinguished Service Award

This post continues a periodic series where we, at NGS, highlight the various competitions (15 December deadline) and awards (31 January) where nominations are sought in order to recognize excellence. The winners will be announced at the annual NGS Family History Conference, 10-13 May 2017.

The Distinguished Service Award    

Deadline for Submissions—31 January Annually

To recognize dedication to the work of the National Genealogical Society.

Criteria

A nominee must have been a member of NGS for at least one year when nominated. This award may be presented to an individual more than once.

Nomination for Distinguished Service Award

Electronic submissions are encouraged.

Nomination Form (PDF 193KB)

Mail to:

NGS Awards Committee
National Genealogical Society
3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300
Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370 USA

or

electronically to [email protected]
Include "NGS Award" in the Subject line of your message.

E-mail contact information is required for all submissions.

Questions? Contact the NGS Awards Chair at [email protected]



Who do you consider to have provided distinguished service to the National Genealogical Society?








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
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Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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20 December 2016

Newest Edition of NGS Magazine Available to NGS Members Now! (Oct/Nov/Dec 2016)


Newest Edition of NGS Magazine Available to NGS Members Now! (Oct/Nov/Dec 2016)

The Oct/Nov/Dec 2016 issue of the NGS Magazine (PDF 5.7 MB) is online in the Members Only section of the website.

Features

+ Enjoying Your Trip to North Carolina for the NGS 2017 Family History Conference, by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA
+ NGS 2018 Family History Conference Call for Proposals: Paths to Your Past, Grand Rapids, Michigan
+ NGS Seeks Nominations
+ 2016 NGS Volunteers
+ The Perils of Accepting Copies of Original Records at Face Value, by Julie Miller, CGS, FNGS
+ Do You Have a Non-Paternity Event in Your Family?, by Janet A. Alpert, FNGS
+ Women in the World of Piracy: Victims, Enablers, and Partners, by Diane Florence Gravel, CG
+ Mapping Personal Spaces, by Stefani Evans, CG
+ Using Cluster Research: A Step by Step Example, by Jean Andrews, CG

Columns

National Archives, by Claire Prechtel-Kluskens
Genetic Genealogy Journey, by Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL
Reference desk, by Kathy Petlewski, MLIS
Technology, by Thomas MacEntee

Departments

President’s Message, by Ben Spratling
Editor’s Corner, by Deb Cyprych
NGS News
NGS Members’ Book Notices





Editor’s Note: Please note that online access to the NGS Quarterly and NGS Magazine are available only as long as your membership is active. If you wish to discontinue this option and continue to receive print copies of the journal, please with our website and update your profile to indicate the same.





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
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Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
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19 December 2016

Holiday Gifts to You -- Genealogy Style -- 15 Free and (Relatively) New Family History Resources -- Part 5

 

Part 5

The holiday season is a period of gift giving.  My gift to you is another series of editions of FREE and (Relatively) New Genealogy and Family History Resources, the 2016 Holiday Version ...

Check out Re-cap – 20 Free and (Relatively) New Genealogy and Family History Resources, 2016 Version – 5 parts post (March 2016) where I did a recap of the 2015 and early 2016 editions. 

IRELAND
1.    Irish Famine Eviction Map (1845-1852)

FRANCE
2.    Archives départementales de Seine-Maritime (select Le Havre Departing Passenger Lists)

SCOTLAND
3.    ScotlandsPlaces

SWEDEN

UNITED KINGDOM
5.    London Picture Map - Think of the map as Google Street View for vintage London. You can click on the map to view historical images of particular buildings, streets or areas, or search the collection by topic to reveal everything from historic coffee houses to buildings associated with different authors or time periods. (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tour-london-yore-gigantic-new-photo-map-180959955/#bjTHcgZVseAJhfrf.99)

UNITED STATES
9.    Episcopal Diocese of Utah Database of Indexed Parish Records (no longer functioning parishes) (.xls file) – covers 1870-1975
10. St. Helena Star (Napa, CA) digitized
11. Colored Conventions – Bringing Nineteenth-Century Black Organizing to Digital Life
13. Whaling Crew List Database (New Bedford MA)
15. Grand Lodge of Maine – Deceased Members who joined 1820-1995









Editor’s Note: As of today, each of the above links worked.  Now, whether the links in any of the identified articles work, I cannot vouch for that.  And, armed with the information provided, it should be relatively easy to get to determine where the discussed database currently resides.  If you get really stuck, drop me an email and I’ll try to ferret out the recalcitrant link or cross out my entry in the above list!

Editor’s Note: Know of a neat resource that you think might be a hidden gem?  Drop an email to [email protected].
















~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog. Any opinions expressed by guest authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to [email protected]. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!
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