FGS Radio - Insider's Guides to Genealogy

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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/12/03/insiders-guides-to-genealogy

Saturday, December 3, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Insider’s Guides to Genealogy. Our guest will be Kathryn M. Doyle, of the FGS-member society California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California. Kathryn will explain how her society was able to compile and publish their Insider’s Guide to California Genealogy in an amazingly short six-week period! In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Guest: Kathryn Doyle

Communications Director for the California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California, Kathryn edits the society's eNews and writes their award-winning blog. As a member of the Publications/Marketing Committee, she helps promote the society's events and oversees social networking.

Links

• CGS website
  http://californiaancestors.org

• CGS blog
  http://blog.californiaancestors.org

• Insider's Guide to California Genealogy
  http://blog.californiaancestors.org/2011/12/insiders-guide-to-california-genealogy.html

• CGS Lulu bookstore
  http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/CAancestors

• CGS Book brochure
  http://rakingtheashes.weebly.com/uploads/6/4/8/1/6481899/cgs_book_brochure_2011.pdf

Guest: Cafi Cohen

Cafi Cohen earned degrees in chemistry (UCLA) and medical technology (University of North Dakota), and spent many years in a variety of professional pursuits – from laboratory research and piano teaching to promoting home education as an author and nationwide speaker.

In 1995, Cafi began researching her family to learn about her maternal grandmother. Within a year, she was hooked on growing her family tree. She has followed her ancestral lines from California, the Midwest, the old south, and New England to Scotland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. Researching her husband’s Jewish family – immigrants from Poland, Romania, and Russia to New York City and Texas – broadened her experience.

Since 2007, Cafi has completed more than 40 family history books and dozens of research projects for Bridge To Yesterday clients, whose ancestors hailed from diverse locations, including New York City, St. Louis, Houston, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ireland, England, and Germany.

Cafi specializes in post-1800 United States genealogy. Drawing on a trusted network of professional researchers nationwide, she prefers large multi-location genealogical research projects. Her geographic specialties include New York City, California, Texas, and the Midwest.
As Education Chair of the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society for 12 years, Cafi has presented sessions on research techniques, organization, immigration, and genealogy on the Internet. She has volunteered hundreds of hours as a principal organizer of the semi-annual San Luis Obispo County Genealogy Seminar. In 2003, she received the California State Genealogical Alliance Distinguished Service Award.

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society.

The San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society (SLOCGS) was founded in 1967 to EDUCATE members and the public in genealogy research techniques and to COLLECT, PRESERVE, and HOUSE historical and genealogical records, providing record access, facilities and staff assistance for local, national and international genealogical research.

Their upcoming seminar entitled Genealogy NOW! Growing Your Family Tree takes place on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in San Luis Obispo, California and will feature:

• THOMAS W. JONES, PhD, CG, CGL, Nationally Acclaimed Genealogy Author and Speaker

• RON ARONS, Author of Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records and The Jews of Sing-Sing

• APRYL COX, AG®, English Research Expert

Links

• San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society
  http://www.slocgs.org

• SLOCGS Blog
  http://slocogenealogy.blogspot.com

• SLOCGS Facebook page
  http://www.facebook.com/SLOCoGenealogy
  

• Genealogy NOW!
  http://www.slocgs.org/SeminarFlyerp1.pdf

• SLO County Resources
  http://slocgs.org/countyresources.html
  Tens of thousands of local records digitized and indexed by the fabulous Martha Graham, Projects Chair, and her team; she also heads up CaliforniaGenWeb for USGenWeb.

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Accessible Archives Featured on "Tracing Your Family Roots"

Accessible Archives, which is a FGS Associate Organization member, was represented by Cheryl Crosby for an interview on the television program “Tracing Your Family Roots” with Sidney and Arline Sachs and co-host, Charles “Chuck” Mason, Jr. The program aired on November 9, 2011, on the Fairfax Public Access Station's channel 10. The interview is available online at http://tracingroots.nova.org.

About Accessible Archives, Inc.

Founded in 1990, Accessible Archives utilizes computer technology to provide vast quantities of archived historical information previously available only in microformat. Diverse primary source materials reflecting broad views across American history and culture have been assembled into comprehensive databases. Developed by dedicated instructors and students of Americana, these databases allow access to the rich store of materials from leading newspapers, books and periodicals then current. Accessible Archives will continue to add titles covering important topics and time periods to assist scholars and students at all academic levels. Accessible Archives has retained Unlimited Priorities Corporation as its exclusive sales and marketing agent. To learn more about Accessible Archives click on URL link: http://www.accessible.com.

FGS Radio Returns Saturday, December 3, 2011

FGS Radio - My Society will be taking a break for the Thanksgiving holiday but we'll return on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1pm Central. Our topic is still under wraps as is our special guest, but we're certain that all genealogy society leaders, members and even genealogists will want to tune in!

In the meantime, don't forget to listen to any or all of our past episodes at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety or visit itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-society-blog-talk-radio/id434090469.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Oriene Springstroh

Distinguished Service Award: Oriene Springstroh

As Founder and prime organizer of Fox Valley Genealogical Society (FVGS) in 1981, Oriene describes herself as the FVGS “mother hen,” a kind of cheerleader whose job is to encourage members in their research and to help keep the society active, relevant, and inviting. Oriene served as president in 1981,1999 and 2000, at other times she was 1st vice president, librarian, chaired, co-chaired and served on the conference committee. Oriene has made substantial contributions to fundraising; hosting society garage sales at her home and has creating and donating raffle quilts. With the help of other members, she organized three research trips to Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, IN. During the past thirty years Oriene’s continued dedication to FVGS and genealogy is evident through her hosting of the society’s summer picnic, initiating and implementing the transfer of society’s library collection from a private residence to the Oswego [IL] Public Library District, serving as editor of a short-lived society newsletter, and teaching various genealogy classes throughout the community. She has served as a genealogy research assistance and helped organize the society’s Scholarly Writing Group (SWG) to encourage members to write their research results for publication.

While this list is impressive, her volunteering goes beyond the local society. Oriene has extracted, transcribed or indexed numerous records for various local organizations. Since 2008 she is editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly. On a personal level she published the history of her maternal grandparents, Andrew Porter and Ellen Gollings: Their British Origins and Illinois History.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Diane Smekler

Distinguished Service Award: Diane Smekler

As president of the San Mateo County Genealogical Society (SMCGS), Diane decided that the multiyear effort to find a permanent home for the society library needed to move forward. She followed every possible lead and possibility, spending hundreds of hours in the effort. An impassioned letter finally drew the attention of a local community college librarian and negotiations commenced. Diane led the society through nearly a year as the project unfolded. Her realistic approach to contracts and collection weeding resulted in a wonderful home for the SMCGS library, complete with a computer lab available for occasional classes, free Internet access for patrons, a magnificent view, and even a little room to grow. She has also been instrumental in getting SMCGS volunteers to work with the college students in various projects. Now that the move is complete, Diane is ready to move on from the office of President and tackle the job of Library Manager, working with the Canada College staff to keep the library working for everyone.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Roger S. Laske

Distinguished Service Award: Roger S. Laske

Roger S. Laske, of the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan, (PGSM) is the editor-in-chief of the Polish Eaglet. Prior to taking this position, publication had ceased. Roger worked tirelessly and within six months had completed the missing issues, providing an uninterrupted publication. For twenty-five years, Roger has worked on extracting burial records for the Sacred Heart of Saint Mary Cemetery identifying 15,000 of the approximately 25,000 burials. Roger has also researched and written about many Polish families from Wayne, Macomb and Huron Counties in Michigan. Serving as the society’s webmaster is one of the many additional ways Roger has volunteered his time and talent for the betterment of PGSM.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski

Distinguished Service Award: Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski

In 1994, after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Ernie Jaskolski joined the New Mexico Genealogical Society. Membership involvement was needed so Ernie became actively involved with developing topics for the monthly meetings and setting up an editing- publication-mailing schedule for the society publication New Mexico Genealogist. Ernie initiated the Primeras Familias de Nuevo Mexico Project that honors New Mexico settlers and ancestors. During his seventeen years of membership Ernie has served in every aspect of a genealogical society from the setting up of meetings to being President. His involvement with his Boy Scouts on cemetery projects is an additional reason Ernie is receiving the Distinguished Service Award.

FGS Radio - Genealogy and the Vital Records Access Crisis

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/11/12/genealogy-and-the-vital-records-access-crisis

Saturday, November 12, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Genealogy and the Vital Records Access Crisis. Our guest will be Frederick E. Moss, FGS legal advisor and member of the Records Access and Preservation Committee, a joint committee of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Genealogical Society, and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Fred will help us understand how access to vital records is currently being threatened and what you can do to ensure access for all genealogy and family history researchers. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Frederick E. Moss, JD, LL.M

Fred Moss currently serves as advisor to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and was presented with the 2000 George E. Williams Award for significant contributions to FGS. He is a member of the Records Preservation and Access Committee, a joint effort of FGS, The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society. He often lectures on beginning genealogical research and society management issues at national conferences.

From 1990 until the summer of 1998 Mr. Moss served as Associate Dean, Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Law with Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. The Student Bar Association named a student leadership award in his honor. Prior to joining the law school faculty, Mr. Moss served for twenty-six years as a legal officer in the armed forces. His assignments took him to four continents where he served as the senior legal officer of an array of units and installations. He has lectured on a variety of topics at The George Washington University School of Law, the Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, the Southern Methodist University, the Defense Systems Management College, the Industrial College of the National Defense University, and the Army Judge Advocate General’s School. Colonel Moss was awarded the Department of Defense Superior Service and the Legion of Merit medals.

He was the Editor-in-chief of the Mississippi Law Journal. He is the founding editor of the Proceedings of the Council of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Section’s first on-line publication.

He also served as the Stake Family History Consultant and as volunteer librarian in the Plano Texas Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the spouse of Lynell B. Moss, the former Director of that facility. He regularly conducts staff training in the use of technology in family history research for several area family history centers and gives presentations for other genealogical groups in North Texas.

Links:

• Records Access and Preservation Committee
  http://www.fgs.org/rpac/

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society.

ROOT CELLAR, Sacramento Genealogical Society, was formed in 1978 when our members found a common interest in the gathering and sharing of genealogical information. Since that time, our goal has been to help our members with genealogical research through education, the publication of information, and the preservation of records. Everyone sharing an interest in genealogy is welcome.

Our meetings also help to meet the needs of those researchers and genealogists who were unable to attend daytime meetings. The first meeting was held in June at the Fair Oaks Library.

Stan Gilliam of "The Sacramento Bee" coined the name ROOT CELLAR in his column, and with his permission, it became the official name of the organization. The name and insignia were registered with the California Office of the Secretary of State on August 6, 1979.

Links

• Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society
  http://www.rootcellar.org

• Root Cellar blog
  http://rootcellarramblings.blogspot.com/

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Patricia Ibbotson

Distinguished Service Award: Patricia Ibbotson

Patricia Ibbotson has contributed to the preservation and publication of historical and genealogical materials. She transcribed and arranged for the publication of Reports of Physicians, Detroit, Michigan, DSGR 1995; Record of the Juvenile Inmates of the Home for the Friendless, Detroit, Michigan 1996; Elmwood Cemetery Register 1862-1874, Detroit, Michigan 1998; and Westlawn Cemetery, Wayne, Michigan, with Patricia Gee 2008; as well as writing: Eloise: Poorhouse, Farm, Asylum and Hospital 1839-1984, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2002; Some Patients at Eloise Hospital (1933-1945) 2003; Detroit’s Hospitals, Healers, and Helpers, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2002; Bird and Mott Funeral Register 1922-1944, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, Detroit, MI, 2004; and Detroit’s Historic Hotels and Restaurants, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2007.

Two articles written by Patricia and published are Seeking the Burial Location of Jane Dixon Ibbotson Stonehouse, Families, Ontario Genealogical Society, February 2008 and Burials in the Eloise Cemetery of Polish Birth or Polish Surnames 1935-1938, Polish Eaglet, Vol. 28, No. 3, Fall 2008.

From 1990-1994 Patricia was the Assistant Editor of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, Detroit Michigan. She then became Editor and from that time to the present, Patricia continues to bring a high standard of excellence, transcribing most of the records herself. Hundreds of genealogists have been able to further their research through the previously unpublished records she has made available through her publications.

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Roscoe Hastings

Archives Award: Roscoe Hastings

Roscoe Hasting is a Warren County, New York native. Among his many digitizing and indexing projects for placement on the Warren county website are the New York State Censuses, Warren County Civil War Registrations and the 1827 Surrogate Court Minutes Book and the Surrogate Court Index Book 1813-1940. Held by the Town Clerk of Warrensburg are Roscoe’s digitized and indexed Warrensburg Birth Records 1883-1945, Death Records 1882-1966 and the Marriage Records 1883-1973. Housed at the Warrensburg , New York Historian’s office are the indexed Warrensburg Funeral Home Records 1881-1966 (3,958 images on-line), four indexed Warrensville Cemetery Records and the indexed Warrensburg 1790-1930 census records which was done by Roscoe. For Chestertown, New York Roscoe has indexed the 1790-1905 census records, 1865 deaths and marriages and the Civil War deaths. Roscoe also participates in the Rochester Genealogical Society Church Record Preservation Project. Every county would be fortunate to have such a volunteer.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: J. William Gorski

Distinguished Service Award: J. William Gorski

W.J. Gorski of the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan (PGSM) has given a lifetime of service and dedication in a wide variety of capacities to the genealogical and historical societies in which he has been involved. Among his accomplishments are serving as Editor-in-chief of twenty-seven issues of the Polish Eaglet, the PGSM’s tri-annual publication and the indexing of over 60,000 obituaries in the Hamtramck Citizen (a suburban Michigan newspaper). William has shared his artistic abilities and genealogical knowledge through lecturing with many organizations within Michigan. His entire collection of genealogical and historical memorabilia, containing hundreds of books, historical artifacts and thousands of historic photographs, was donated to the State of Michigan Library in Lansing, Michigan.

FGS Radio Returns Saturday, November 12, 2011

FGS Radio - My Society will be on hiatus this week due to scheduling issues but we'll return next Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 1pm Central. Our topic is still under wraps as is our special guest, but we're certain that all genealogy society leaders, members and even genealogists will want to tune in!

In the meantime, don't forget to listen to any or all of our past episodes at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety or visit itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-society-blog-talk-radio/id434090469.

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Willie L. Covington

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Willie L. Covington

The Durham County, North Carolina vital records of births, delayed births, marriages and deaths were in a state of rapid deterioration. Many were crumbling, torn and had broken bindings that needed repair. They were transferred to the Registry of Deeds Office within the last five years and a project to ensure their long-term preservation was immediately initiated and has been accomplished through the leadership of the Register of Deeds, Willie L. Covington. The records were encapsulated in acid-free protective sheets, placed on high-density storage shelves and are openly available for examination by family historians and others who desire access. Mr. Covington is to be commended for his vision and immediate action to preserve these vital records for future generations of those with an interest in the history of Durham County.

2011 FGS Awards

On Thursday, September 8, 2011, the 2011 FGS Awards were presented during the Opening Session of the 2011 FGS Conference. The award recipients included:

Archives Award

• Willie L. Covington, Register of Deeds, Durham County, North Carolina
• Roscoe Hastings, Rochester (NY) Genealogical Society

Distinguished Service Award

• J. William Gorski, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan

• Patricia Ibbotson, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research

• Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski, New Mexico Genealogical Society

• Roger S. Laske, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan

• Diane Smekler, San Mateo County Genealogical Society

• Oriene Springstroh, Fox Valley Genealogical Society

Over the next few posts, the FGS Voice blog will profile each of these award recipients and their contributions to the genealogy community.

Virginia Vital Record Access in Danger - Your Help Needed Now!

Calling all genealogists and family historians - especially if you are concerned about access to any and all vital records. Right now plans are in the work to increase restrictions for Virginia vital records - to 125 years for birth records and 75 years for marriage and death records!

What's Happening with Virginia Vital Records

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) will vote on to extend the current access restrictions by another 25 years. Between now and November 22, 2011 you can send your comments to the committee members and let them know why the restrictions to access should not be extended.

What You Can Do about Virginia Vital Records Access

Here is how you can get involved:

• Read the Memorandum to the Genealogical Community by Peter E. Broadbent, Jr., Former President of the Virginia Genealogical Society:  http://www.geneabloggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/20111101-Memo-re-VA-Vital-Records.pdf (opens in PDF)

• Read the public comments from the October 17, 2011 JCHC meeting to understand the arguments being made for and against increased restrictions:  http://services.dlas.virginia.gov/User_db/frmView.aspx?ViewId=2589 (opens in PDF).

• Download this sample letter to the members of the JCHC, add your insights and comments and add your name and address at the end:  http://www.geneabloggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Sample-Letter-JCHC.doc (Opens in Microsoft Word)

• Send your letter via email to

Senators, General Area, Email address

Linda T. Puller, Fairfax, Prince William, district36@senate.virginia.gov

George Barker, Fairfax, Prince William, district39@senate.virginia.gov

Harry B. Blevins, Chesapeake/Portsmouth, district14@senate.virginia.gov

Edd Houck, Fredericksburg/Orange, district17@senate.virginia.gov

Louise Lucas, Portsmouth - Brunswick, district18@senate.virginia.gov

Ralph Northam, M.D., Norfolk, Matthews, Eastern Shore,  district06@senate.virginia.gov

William Wampler, Bristol and Southwest, district40@senate.virginia.gov

Patricia S. Ticer, Alexandria/Arlington/Fairfax, district30@senate.virginia.gov

House of Delegates, General Area, Email address

Ben Cline, Amherst – Lexington, delbcline@house.virginia.gov

Bob Brink, Arlington, delrbrink@house.virginia.gov

David Bulova, Fairfax, deldbulova@house.virginia.gov

Rosalyn Dance, Petersburg, delrdance@house.virginia.gov

Scott Garrett, M.D., Lynchburg, delsgarrett@house.virginia.gov

Algie Howell, Norfolk, delahowell@house.virginia.gov

Harvey Morgan, Gloucester, delhmorgan@house.virginia.gov

Dave Nutter, Radford/Roanoke,   deldnutter@house.virginia.gov

John O’Bannon, M.D. Henrico, deljobannon@house.virginia.gov

Chris Peace, Hanover, delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

Copy and paste the entire block of addresses here:

district36@senate.virginia.gov; district39@senate.virginia.gov; district14@senate.virginia.gov; district17@senate.virginia.gov; district18@senate.virginia.gov; district06@senate.virginia.gov; district40@senate.virginia.gov; district30@senate.virginia.gov; delbcline@house.virginia.gov; delrbrink@house.virginia.gov; deldbulova@house.virginia.gov; delrdance@house.virginia.gov; delsgarrett@house.virginia.gov; delahowell@house.virginia.gov; delhmorgan@house.virginia.gov; deldnutter@house.virginia.gov; deljobannon@house.virginia.gov; delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

And don't forget to follow the Records Preservation and Access Committee blog at http://www.fgs.org/rpac/ to follow all the latest news about vital records access and changes to laws and policies affecting genealogists and family historians.

Conclusion

Please take a minute and step away from your own genealogy research and get involved. Even if you don't have Virginia ancestors, realize that other states and entities look at what is being done regarding vital records access - your state or municipality might be next!

Email or write the contacts listed above and let them know as a genealogist and family historian what it means to access such records.  Don't be afraid to get personal - share your success stories or how you've helped a client using vital records.

©2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee