UpFront with NGS

15 January 2015

Hidden Gems -- Record Collections Which Hold Records You Wouldn't Expect

Image by Tanozzo, https://www.flickr.com/photos/tanozzo/14821105391/sizes/l

Many of us who have been around the block a bit as far as doing research, are pretty willing to check out all kinds of record collections as long as we believe the cover the place and time of interest.

That said, if, on the surface, they don’t seem to be for the right place and/or time, we have a tendency to skip over them! Often that is part of a smart strategy and on occasion, it might not be our smartest move.

I was reminded that we might be missing out on some hidden gems when we do this. I was also reminded that it is really, really important to read the description of what a collection includes. Sometimes we find that the description informs us of what is NOT included (e.g. certain counties might be missing from a state-level collection) or in this case, that the collection is NOT limited to those living in Delaware (you’ll understand this statement after you read further)!

The Michigan Family Trails blog reminded me of this with the post, OCCUPATION FILES ON ANCESTRY–1600-1995–What are they? Have you seen these?

My short answers were 1. I have no idea and 2. No.

The longer answer is that I went and check this collection out on Ancestry.com. (Editor’s NOTE: You will need an ancestry.com subscription or access to one via a local library etc in order to access this collection).

The collection is officially called – Delaware, Craftperson Files, 1600-1995. Basically, these are card file images from the Winterthur Library which is located in Winterthur, DE. I think you can now figure out where the collection title comes from.

I did a search on entries for North Carolina and there are many. This image just shows you a few entries of the about 900 entries (of 146,994 total) which pertain to North Carolina artisans. Since crafts people often learned such from family and/or by being apprentices, looking into such individuals is always great fun! I always want to try and figure out how/where/when/from who did they learn their craft. Besides the New England states and other southern states, I also saw entries for Midwestern states like IN and OH.

This means that someone who is a craftsperson, which can include blacksmiths, furniture makers, metalsmiths and the finer crafts, might be found included in this collection.

Are there collections you have come across (not limited to Ancestry.com) which on the surface seem limited in an obvious way and yet are not – like our Delaware, Craftperson Files?

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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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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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14 January 2015

Bad News & Good News -- Van Buren County TN Office Destroyed By Fire & Microfilmed Copies of Many Records Available

Image Source, http://www.wsmv.com/story/27791014/van-buren-countys-administrative-building-destroyed-in-fire

Bad News ...

We always hate to report when a repository for documents has been destroyed. Unfortunately, last week the Van Buren County (TN) administrative building was destroyed by fire.

Historical records from the 1840s and later were destroyed, including Civil War artifacts, pictures from the Civil War, birth certificates, death certificates, and thousands of historical records. The local historical society also was housed in the building and lost everything as well.

Good News ...

Though we can never replace those original records that were lost and apparently there are backup copies of some county records (the extent of those holdings is unclear), I did some checking at Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) and FamilySearch, two great resources for TN records, and found that they both have fairly extensive collections of materials for Van Buren County.

Clear here to see what TSLA has which includes records on microfilm encompassing ...

marriages from 1840
wills from 1840
inventories of estates from 1840
deed index from 1840
chancery court minutes from 1868
county court minutes from 1840
circuit court minutes from 1840
tax books from 1886

Additionally, the FamilySearch Catalog lists these resources ...

Do also check out the FamilySearch TN collection (both indexed and image only historical records).

TSLA also has a partnership with Ancestry.com where select TN records are available via the Tennessee Electronic Library to residents of Tennessee, as well as to subscribers at Ancestry.com.

And, Linkpendium lists quite a few resources for this county also.

So, though we are greatly saddened to hear of the fire, it feels a bit better to know that many records had been microfilmed and/or digitized for Van Buren County and are still available to researchers.

This is a reminder that the more records that we can get microfilmed, scanned/digitized, photographed or preserved in some other way and then widely distributed elsewhere, increases the likelihood that in the event of a disaster, backups might be available so that all is not lost!

Editor’s Note: Related Upfront with NGS posts ...

+ Even now records are at risk to be lost ... Fires, flooding, theft, etc., are NOT just something that happened to our ancestors!

+ Disaster Preparedness for Genealogists -- Are you Prepared?

+ Underground Storage = Records Preservation

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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13 January 2015

Society of American Archivists (SAA) Seeking Nominations for Awards

In the past week we’ve learned about two awards that are given related to archivists and their wonderful projects. Projects and/or individuals who are recognized via such awards provide such an invaluable service to our family history community!

Both of these awards are sponsored by the Society of American Archivists (SAA). If you have any questions about either award, please use the contact information provided.

The Philip M. Hamer and Elizabeth Hamer Kegan Award Subcommittee of the Society of American Archivists seeks nominations for the 2015 award.

This award recognizes an archivist, editor, group of individuals, or institution that has increased public awareness of a specific body of documents through compilation, transcription, exhibition, or public presentation of archives or manuscript materials for educational, instructional, or other public purpose. Archives may include photographs, films, and visual archives. Publication may be in hard copy, microfilm, digital, or other circulating medium.

Recent winners include:

2014: Emma Goldman Papers Project
2013: Densho, The Japanese American Legacy Project
2012: Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota
2011: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries March On Milwaukee Civil Rights History Project Team
2010: The Giza Archives Project at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Eligibility:

Individual archivists and editors, groups of individuals, and organizations are eligible.

Application Deadline:

All nominations shall be submitted to SAA by February 28 of each year. CLICK HERE to download the RTF application form, which includes instructions for submission.

For more information on SAA awards and the nominations process, please go to http://www.archivists.org/recognition/index.asp.

The J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award Subcommittee of the Society of American Archivists seeks nominations for the 2015 award.

http://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-jameson

Established in 1989, this award honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities or programs. The individual's or institution's contributions may take the form of advocacy, publicity, legislation, financial support, or a similar action that fosters archival work or raises public consciousness of the importance of archival work. Contributions should have broad, long-term impact at the regional level or beyond. Up to three awards may be given each year.

Recent Winners:

2014: LGBT Center of Central PA History Project -- National History Day

2013: Dr. Warren Stewart

2012: Eve Kahn, Bebe Miller, Phillip Stewart

2011: “Who Do You Think You Are?” (NBC)

2010: The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation

2009: Ross King (Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board)

2008: Data-Intensive Cyber Environments (DICE)

Eligibility: Nominees must be from outside the archives profession. Individuals directly involved in archival work, either as paid or volunteer staff, or institutions or organizations directly responsible for an archival program are not eligible for this award.

Mailed materials must be postmarked by February 28, 2015 and should be sent to:

J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award Committee

Society of American Archivists

17 North State Street, Suite 1425

Chicago, IL 60602-4061

Nominations may be submitted electronically; please see the nomination form for details. For more information on SAA awards and the nominations process, please go to: http://www.archivists.org/recognition/index.asp

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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12 January 2015

Darcie Hind Posz, CG, Appointed Editor of NGS Magazine

Arlington, VA, 12 January 2015: The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has appointed Darcie Hind Posz, CG^SM as the new managing editor of NGS Magazine. Darcie joins NGS Magazine to continue NGS’s goal of sharing genealogical expertise from leaders in the field through articles, stories, instruction, and news in its quarterly magazine. As editor, Darcie will build upon the work of Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CG who recently retired as editor after ten years of distinguished service.

Darcie Hind Posz is a certified genealogist who brings broad experience and an excellent educational background in genealogy to her new role. She served for over eight years as a staff genealogist at the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and most recently at the National Society of the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century in the same capacity. Darcie has written articles for The Genealogist (forthcoming in 2015), NGS Magazine, Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly and the Reference, Access & Outreach section of the Society of American Archivists website. Her genealogical education includes coursework at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the National Institute of Genealogical Research held each year at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. She has also taken the NGS American Genealogy course and participated in the GenProof, ProGen and NGSQ study groups. Darcie recently commented, “I am excited to start this new challenge as managing editor of NGS Magazine, and I look forward to working with a team of talented authors and designers to further develop thought-provoking content. I am fortunate to have worked with many journal, magazine and quarterly editors who have motivated me to be a better writer and editor. I am looking forward to this next chapter and contributing to NGS.”

Darcie also contributes time as a volunteer in the genealogy field. She currently serves as Director of the Board, Region 4, for the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and was past Chapter President for the National Capital Area Chapter of APG, which was a recipient of the Golden Chapter Award in 2014 during her presidency. She also served FGS as the Chair of their Outreach Committee.

Jordan Jones, President of the National Genealogical Society said “Darcie’s experience, knowledge of genealogy, and editorial and writing skills made her a natural choice as managing editor, but it is her creative approach to examining topics that made her an exciting addition to the NGS family. We view Darcie’s appointment as a sign of NGS’s commitment to bring new ideas and a fresh point-of-view to our members.”

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

*CG and Certified Genealogist are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic competency evaluations, and the board name is registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office.

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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09 January 2015

What "Back to the Future" Got Right and Wrong About 2015!

It’s strange to think that it is now 2015, the year depicted in the Back to the Future: Part II! (released 1 January 1989 – looking 26 years into the future)

How accurate were the predictions made? Read How 'Back to the Future: Part II' Scored on 2015 Predictions and Everything ‘Back to the Future Part II’ Got Right and Wrong About 2015, According to Futurists to see a summary of what the movie was “spot on” in envisioning and those things that we are still waiting for or where current technology has actually surpassed what was depicted.

Obviously this movie isn’t the only book or movie to forecast what the future might look like – after all, science fiction movies and books do that all the time.

George Orwell’s book 1984 was a much read book published in 1949 [so looking 35 years ahead] which predicted what our world over 30 years ago might have looked like. For a trip down nostalgia lane and how its predictions panned out, read Orwell's 1984: Was Orwell Right? and 7 sinister technologies from Orwell's 1984 that are still a threat.

As people, we are often looking forward. I suspect that our ancestors were doing the same. Additionally, attempting to predict the future is not just a modern phenomenon as indicated by this Wikipedia page. Our ancestors may have read or heard predictions for what the future of their world might have looked like. What did they think? How much of it became true?

Another perspective is to look at lists of best-selling books, influential books and to look at the newspapers and other regular print publications of the day (very available now through many online newspaper collections).

Thinking along these lines is just another way to get some perspective on what were the topics of the day for your ancestors.

Did an ancestor of yours “predict” the future? Were they right or wrong?

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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08 January 2015

Death Master File — Comments on Proposed Final Rule Requested

NTIS Published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Establish a Certification Program for Access to Death Master File [DMF] - Comments Requested

The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) describing a rule that would, if implemented, establish, pursuant to Section 203 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 113-67), a certification program to replace the temporary certification program currently in place for access to the DMF. The Notice was published in the Federal Register Tuesday, December 30, 2014. The Notice invites public comments on the proposed rule and certification program, and sets a 30 day comment period. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking may be reviewed at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/html/2014-30199.htm.

This means that we have until the end of January to provide comments about the proposed Certification Program. You can read the full details of the announcement and history here.

The official Federal Register publication is found here.

RPAC on its website states ...

RPAC and its sponsoring organizations are planning to file comments to the proposed final rule. Our comments will be posted to this RPAC Blog when submitted. Other entities and individuals desiring to submit their own comments are encouraged to do so. We would welcome an opportunity to include other such comments in the RPAC Blog with our own. Please provide a copy of your document to us at access@fgs.org .

Jan Meisels Allen, Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee provides additional details and context about how the temporary certification program works and the limitations of the data that can now be accessed – less that what we were previously able to access – via a post on EOGN.

In April 2014 we discussed the temporary certification program created to allow limited access to the Death Master File (DMF), Limited Access Death Master File Certification Process Now Open

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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07 January 2015

RAOGK (Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness) has been resurrected!

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) has been resurrected. For more than a decade volunteers helped our community get answers to their questions for just expenses incurred. For some history about the original and how it operated, read Dick Eastman’s post, Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness is Back Online.

The website states ...

Our volunteers have agreed to do a free genealogy research task at least once per month in their local area as an act of kindness. While the volunteers of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) have agreed to donate their time for free, you MUST PAY the volunteer for his/her expenses in fulfilling your request (copies, printing fees, postage, film or video tape, parking fees, etc.) if they ask for it.

RAOGK is a global volunteer organization. At one time we had over 4000 volunteers in every U.S. state and many international locations, and helped thousands of researchers. We are trying to rebuild the RAOGK site. It will take a little more time to get it back to its former glory. Our volunteers take time to do everything from looking up courthouse records to taking pictures of tombstones. All they ask in return is reimbursement for their expenses (never their time) and a thank you.

If you would like to volunteer in your community, at a certain repository, doing photography or in other ways, please register (it’s FREE). Please do read the FAQ’s For Volunteers before you commit.

Interested in making use of RAOGK, please read Request Guidelines before you consult the RAOGK Volunteer Lookup Directory.

There is also an option to “Ask the Genealogical Community” a question on the main page.

On Facebook, check out the RAOGK FB page.

Links are also provided to other volunteer research sites:

Do recognize that the volunteers only handle very specific and narrowly-defined tasks. Do not ask a volunteer to do your entire genealogy. Do not ask them to do anything beyond what they have offered in their description. Do plan to pay their expenses. Do plan to be patient. Do recognize that they may not be able to do what you ask.

Do recognize that their assistance might prove invaluable to your research and please be appropriately appreciative!

Have you benefitted from an RAOGK angel? If so please share!

Are you an RAOGK volunteer? Tell us why you are and what has been your most memorable experience as one.

Editor’s Note: We wrote about RAOGK back in September 2011 just before the original version shutdown, RAOGK -- an important and often overlooked resource for on-the-ground genealogical help!

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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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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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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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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06 January 2015

How Watching 'Downton Abbey' Helps Us Learn History!

It’s easy to recognize shows like Genealogy Roadshow, Who Do you Think They Are? (WDYTYA), and Finding Your Roots, as relevant to our genealogy and family history research.

Have you considered looking further afield? Though I am not caught up on Downton Abbey (I am a season behind now), I know that many genealogy colleagues avidly watch this series and when the newest season premiered this past Sunday, I suspect many were watching or recording.

I’m not mentioning this just to let you know something of my personal tv viewing habits and because there is historically relevant information conveyed by period dramas. This was recently discussed in a New York Times post, ‘Downton Abbey’ and History: A Look Back which states ...

As a chronicle of the ups and downs of fictional British aristocrats and servants, “Downton Abbey” weaves a surprising amount of authentic historical context into its plots. Here is an episode-by-episode look at some of the show’s period details, and how those events have been covered in The New York Times. “Downton Abbey” returns for its fifth season on PBS on Sunday — check back each week during the new season for updates.

I found this a fascinating read into the “true” historical context conveyed in the various episodes of this show.

Another recent article, From Masters of Sex to Boardwalk Empire: How Accurate Are Fact-Based Dramas? ends by saying one of my basic beliefs about watching historical drama ...

"After I saw it, I looked up the history and saw how it deviated. But I was also thinking, 'There's no way I'd be looking this up without that movie.'"

That’s my perspective! My family recently watched the first few episodes of Marco Polo (we’ve also watched Band of Brothers, Rome, Borgias, and other shows together as a family) and you know it got our attention when as an episode ends, we all have our cell phones out checking Wikipedia and other resources to get a sense of what was truth and what was fiction.

Is this not a great way to learn about history? A tv show hooks you into wanting to learn more. Until I watched these shows, my knowledge of these individuals and/or time periods was pretty slim.

All I need to do now is document some ancestors who might have lived during the depicted time periods and the history learned will be even more relevant!

Are there any historical dramas that you have found particularly useful as you research your ancestry?

Editor’s Note: Related articles ...

+ Archives of Popular Genealogy Programs -- Too busy before? Now you can catch up!

+ PBS’ "Genealogy Roadshow" Season Two Premieres 13 January 2015

+ WDYTYA Returns! Are you set to watch or record?

+ Historical fiction often involves a LOT of history and genealogy research!

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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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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 UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com

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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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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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