FGS 2014 Webinar Series Launches with Presentation on Twitter

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) will launch its 2014 Webinar Series with Jen Baldwin, host of #genchat on Twitter, presenting on the use of Twitter.

Date/Time: Monday, March 31, 2014, 8:00-9:00 pm EDT
Title: Capturing the Community: Using Twitter to Connect, Engage and Educate in Genealogy
Presenter: Jen Baldwin

Twitter can be an incredible networking and educational tool for genealogists and societies. How do we make the best of it? Learn the why and how to start using Twitter to its fullest potential.

Click on this link to register for the webinar: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/122340134
 
Genealogist, Jen Baldwin, is the owner of Ancestral Journeys, specializing in the Rocky Mountain Corridor. She writes for a variety of publications and blogs, speaks regionally on genealogy related topics, and is the co-creator (along with Terri O'Connell and Stephanie Pitcher Fishman) and co-host of #genchat on Twitter. She also is co-creator and Co-Chair of the NextGen Genealogy Network, a unique virtual society designed to engage the next generation of genealogists. You can connect with Jen via her website.

FGS Collaboration with #Genchat Spotlights Twitter

As co-creator (along with Terri O'Connell and Stephanie Pitcher Fishman) and host of #genchat on Twitter, Jen Baldwin of Ancestral Journeys, and the Federation of Genealogical Societies, (FGS), are pleased to announce a collaboration for 2014. Based on her experience hosting the chats in 2013, Baldwin found that organizations, societies and archives can benefit greatly from the exposure on Twitter and other social media platforms. However, the refined topic matter and designated time frame of #genchat make it easier than ever to utilize this tool in the genealogy community.

The partnership, which is set to extend the duration of 2014, will include a complimentary webinar on how to use Twitter, a special session of #genchat live from the FGS 2014 Conference in San Antonio, focused articles regarding the use of Twitter, and more.

Jen Baldwin states, “it is my belief that although some societies are struggling to adapt to new tools and resources, especially to the vibrant world of social media, they will eventually adapt. It is the role of those of us who are proficient in their use to engage our society leaders, to educate and prepare, and to guide them through any necessary change.” Furthermore, “#genchat really is an ideal concept for societies to gain attention and followers on Twitter. The conversational tone of the chats allows for free-flowing input and gives organizations a chance to showcase their collections and member benefits.”

Melissa Shimkus, FGS Education Chair, declares “The Federation of Genealogical Societies is excited to provide the tools that allow societies to continue to learn and grow; and believe that Jen Baldwin and #genchat are great partners in FGS’s mission to link the genealogical community.” FGS is pleased to announce that Jen Baldwin will be presenting the next FGS webinar, “Capturing the Community: Using Twitter to Connect, Engage and Educate in Genealogy,” on Monday, March 31st. More details on the upcoming webinar and what is to come in 2014 will be released soon.

New Digital Collection of Naturalizations Online

FGS member society, the Florida Genealogical Society, is pleased to announce the completion and realization of one of its projects, produced in collaboration with the University of South Florida Library's Special Collections.

The digitized collection of Hillsborough County, Florida, Naturalization Certificates covers from 1895 to 1906, excluding 1897/8, and is now online at the University of South Florida Library's Special Collections website.

This collection consists of digital copies of Hillsborough County Naturalization documents, including declarations of intention, petitions for naturalization, and naturalization certificates. The original record books were loaned to USF for digitization by the Clerk of the Hillsborough County Circuit Court and indexed by volunteers from the Florida Genealogical Society (Tampa). The entire collection is searchable.

You can access the collection by visiting the USF Library's website at http://www.lib.usf.edu. Click on the Special Collections link on the bar near the top of the screen and choose Browse All Digital Collections A-Z from the drop-down menu. Select Hillsborough County Naturalization Records from the list. Alternately, you can go directly to the collection by using the link http://guides.lib.usf.edu/content.php?pid=86148&sid=3754294#. You can search or browse the records.

Here is an example (above) of one of the records, the approved petition for naturalization for Jose A. Rodriguez Suarez in 1900, allowing him to be administered the oath of naturalization.

Second Chance to View War of 1812 Webinar Series

If you missed the War of 1812 Webinar Series that FGS offered in Summer 2013, then mark your calendar to visit the FGS website beginning Friday, February 28, 2014 through Sunday, April, 27, 2014. These informative and entertaining webinars can be viewed for a limited time so don't delay.

"Discovering Local & State Militia Record” presented by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA

Take a closer look at the wide variety of records documenting our local militia companies. From annual muster to supplies and appointment of Officers, learn how these records may be used in your family research. Learn more about the military organization of citizens called for the purpose of local defense, who served this country from the Revolution through 1812 and on to the development of the National Guard.

"Researching in the Post War Records of 1812" presented by Craig Scott, MA, CG

This lecture will focus on the records created by the War Department after the War. It will include compiled military service records, pensions and pension payments.

NEHGS Creates a New Blog of Resources for Family History

FGS member society, the New England Historic Genealogical Society has introduced a new blog, Vita Brevis, that will include short posts on research methods – applicable to a variety of genealogical subjects — as well as posts on results.

The blog will act as a resource for family history.

With the launch of Vita Brevis, NEHGS contributes to making the short life of the genealogist a happier and more productive one. Drawing upon NEHGS’s 169 years of experience in exploring the lives of American families and their unique place in history, the blog offers all the expertise of the staff of the nation’s founding genealogical society, and the collaboration of some of genealogy’s most distinguished writers and scholars.

Vita Brevis will offer frequent postings by NEHGS staff, with rich image illustrations and comments from readers. The blog’s entries will simultaneously be posted to the organization’s popular Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nehgs, where thousands follow the activities of NEHGS. Many will also be posted to the Society’s Twitter feed at @AncestorExperts. Built on the WordPress platform, the blog’s first header features a detail adapted from the Fox family tree, “Genealogy of the Fox Family of Cornwall,” printed by Standidge & Co. Litho., London, 1840 and held in the NEHGS Collection.

You can check out Vita Brevis now at http://vita-brevis.org/