Posts
Hello to all of our loyal readers! We are back at last.
We are moved into our new office and even before the move we were struck down with an upper respiratory infection that has kept us down for three weeks. We are still on medication! But we are persevering!
Today's news comes from none other than our old pal, Dick Eastman at EOGN. Enjoy!
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September 29, 2008
Online American Genealogical Biographical Index to Move
The following announcement was written by the Godfrey Library:
Godfrey Library publishes the American Genealogical Biographical Index (AGBI). The AGBI is a 226 volume every name index of hundreds of genealogies, including unindexed and partially indexed genealogies. The AGBI also indexes the Boston Transcript genealogical column that appeared from 1896 to 1941, the 1790 census, parts of the Pennsylvania Archives and various vital, church and military records. About 300 large libraries, in addition to the Godfrey Library, have print copies.
The only online addition appears on Ancestry.com. That is about to change. Beginning in January 2009 the AGBI will no longer be part of Ancestry.com. Instead the AGBI will be part of Godfrey Library's paid subscription service, Godfrey Scholar, and will also be part of World Vital Record's database offerings.
The American Genealogical Biographical Index is an invaluable first step in any genealogical research. Since the AGBI also sorts names by birthdate whenever available, it is also an important research tool when the the same given name appears many times during a surname search. The AGBI also sorts by geographical location within a surname listing.
Godfrey Library owns all the material indexed in the AGBI.
Godfrey Library, a library of genealogy and family history, is located in Middletown, Connecticut. www.godfrey.org.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Will Be Gone Awhile
Hello All,
Well, we found our new home on Friday, the 12th. And we have begun the process of preparing to get everything moved.
We ask that everyone bear with us as we transition from Ronceverte, WV to White Sulphur Springs, WV. As most of you know, the Old Mountain Genealogists husband is an over-the-road truck driver, so I have been faced with doing all of the leg work on my own. So, we are "excusing ourselves" from our blog and our clients until the 28th.
For those we are performing research on, your files are safe and will be hand carried during our move! You have nothing to worry about! And we will resume our research on the 28th.
Until then, we expect all of you, our dear readers and clients, to keep up the good work! And we will return shortly!
Until then,
cbh
Well, we found our new home on Friday, the 12th. And we have begun the process of preparing to get everything moved.
We ask that everyone bear with us as we transition from Ronceverte, WV to White Sulphur Springs, WV. As most of you know, the Old Mountain Genealogists husband is an over-the-road truck driver, so I have been faced with doing all of the leg work on my own. So, we are "excusing ourselves" from our blog and our clients until the 28th.
For those we are performing research on, your files are safe and will be hand carried during our move! You have nothing to worry about! And we will resume our research on the 28th.
Until then, we expect all of you, our dear readers and clients, to keep up the good work! And we will return shortly!
Until then,
cbh
Friday, September 12, 2008
Another EOGN Fascinating Article!
Okay, so leave it to Dick Eastman to provide us with yet another fascinating article! When you finish reading this, be sure to click on the link at the bottom and go to the Fulton County website to read the entire article concerning this find!
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September 11, 2008
Today's Graffiti May Be Tomorrow's History
Be careful what you leave behind. Future historians may study your activities in great detail.
Case in point: The Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church in southern Fulton County, Pennsylvania, is very close to the Mason-Dixon Line. As a result, the area saw a lot of action during the Civil War. General “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederate troops threatened to cross the Potomac River at nearby Hancock, Maryland, in January 1862. The brick church became one of four locations in the area that were used for hospitals by the Union Army.
The removal of wallpaper in 2004 during restoration of the church’s interior by the Friends of Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church revealed the signatures of many of the Union troops who were hospitalized there through early March of 1862.
In all, 50 signatures were discovered, some those of civilians, along with other graffiti. Twenty-seven of those signatures have been identified by Friends board member John Mentzer, whose two-year project to learn more about the people who signed Tonoloway’s walls came to a conclusion last month with the Friends’ publication of his 140-page book, “Tonoloway – If Its Walls Could Talk.”
You can read more about this book in the Fulton County News web site at
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=541&NewsID=924026&CategoryID=1441&on=1
=============================
September 11, 2008
Today's Graffiti May Be Tomorrow's History
Be careful what you leave behind. Future historians may study your activities in great detail.
Case in point: The Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church in southern Fulton County, Pennsylvania, is very close to the Mason-Dixon Line. As a result, the area saw a lot of action during the Civil War. General “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederate troops threatened to cross the Potomac River at nearby Hancock, Maryland, in January 1862. The brick church became one of four locations in the area that were used for hospitals by the Union Army.
The removal of wallpaper in 2004 during restoration of the church’s interior by the Friends of Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church revealed the signatures of many of the Union troops who were hospitalized there through early March of 1862.
In all, 50 signatures were discovered, some those of civilians, along with other graffiti. Twenty-seven of those signatures have been identified by Friends board member John Mentzer, whose two-year project to learn more about the people who signed Tonoloway’s walls came to a conclusion last month with the Friends’ publication of his 140-page book, “Tonoloway – If Its Walls Could Talk.”
You can read more about this book in the Fulton County News web site at
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=541&NewsID=924026&CategoryID=1441&on=1
Today on APG's Mail List....
Please take a look at the new website for FEEFHS
http://www.feefhs.org/
The Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS) was organized in 1992 as an umbrella organization that promotes family research in eastern and central Europe without any ethnic, religious, or social distinctions. It provides a forum for individuals and organizations focused on a single country or group of people to exchange information and be updated on developments in the field. While it primarily serves the interests of North Americans in tracing their lineages back to a European homeland, it welcomes members from all countries.
****
While I have not had the opportunity to utilize this site, it certainly looks helpful!
cbh
http://www.feefhs.org/
The Federation of East European Family History Societies (FEEFHS) was organized in 1992 as an umbrella organization that promotes family research in eastern and central Europe without any ethnic, religious, or social distinctions. It provides a forum for individuals and organizations focused on a single country or group of people to exchange information and be updated on developments in the field. While it primarily serves the interests of North Americans in tracing their lineages back to a European homeland, it welcomes members from all countries.
****
While I have not had the opportunity to utilize this site, it certainly looks helpful!
cbh
Cheaper DNA Tests Now Available!
Diane Haddad announced the following this morning:
Familybuilder Announces Low-Cost DNA Tests; Global Network
Posted by Diane
Two big announcements from Familybuilder, the company that created the Family Tree genealogy application for social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.
First, Familybuilder’s new Global Network brings the Family Tree application outside of social networking sites.
Anyone can create a Family Tree profile on Familybuilder and link it to Family Tree profiles on social networking sites. (More than 20 million Family Tree profiles exist on such sites.) You’ll need a free registration to build a tree or access existing ones.
Second, starting Oct. 15, Familybuilder will offer low-cost DNA tests, focusing on the social networking market. According to a written announcement, “No genealogy service caters to the 300 to 400 million people who use social networks to research their family trees.”
The offerings include a 17-marker Y-DNA test and a mitochondrial (mt) DNA test; both cost $59.95. FamilyBuilder does have others beat: Compare its 17-marker test with FamilyTreeDNA’s 12-marker test ($149); DNA Testing Systems’ 13-marker test ($200); Chromosomal Labs’ 19-marker test is $260. A 17-marker test is usually enough to tell you if you’re related to someone, but higher-resolution tests (those that test more markers) are more accurate. For example, it’s possible a 17-marker test may match on 15 of the 17 markers, where a 45-marker test of the same two people might match on 30 out of the 45 markers. Note that a Y-DNA test doesn’t tell you how you’re related to someone; but it estimates how long ago a common ancestor may have lived.Many genealogists go straight for the higher-marker tests (my guess is that's the market most traditional genetic genealogy companies concentrate on).
Familybuilder says it plans to expand its DNA lineup and is “committed to continuously driving the costs of these tests down over time.”
****
cbh
Familybuilder Announces Low-Cost DNA Tests; Global Network
Posted by Diane
Two big announcements from Familybuilder, the company that created the Family Tree genealogy application for social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.
First, Familybuilder’s new Global Network brings the Family Tree application outside of social networking sites.
Anyone can create a Family Tree profile on Familybuilder and link it to Family Tree profiles on social networking sites. (More than 20 million Family Tree profiles exist on such sites.) You’ll need a free registration to build a tree or access existing ones.
Second, starting Oct. 15, Familybuilder will offer low-cost DNA tests, focusing on the social networking market. According to a written announcement, “No genealogy service caters to the 300 to 400 million people who use social networks to research their family trees.”
The offerings include a 17-marker Y-DNA test and a mitochondrial (mt) DNA test; both cost $59.95. FamilyBuilder does have others beat: Compare its 17-marker test with FamilyTreeDNA’s 12-marker test ($149); DNA Testing Systems’ 13-marker test ($200); Chromosomal Labs’ 19-marker test is $260. A 17-marker test is usually enough to tell you if you’re related to someone, but higher-resolution tests (those that test more markers) are more accurate. For example, it’s possible a 17-marker test may match on 15 of the 17 markers, where a 45-marker test of the same two people might match on 30 out of the 45 markers. Note that a Y-DNA test doesn’t tell you how you’re related to someone; but it estimates how long ago a common ancestor may have lived.Many genealogists go straight for the higher-marker tests (my guess is that's the market most traditional genetic genealogy companies concentrate on).
Familybuilder says it plans to expand its DNA lineup and is “committed to continuously driving the costs of these tests down over time.”
****
cbh
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Footnote Announces New Project!
I'm going to let Dick Eastman tell you this! Here's Dick's report from EOGN:
September 10, 2008
Footnote Pages Take Social Networking into the Past
Let's call it "Obituary 2.0."
Footnote introduced a new service this afternoon at the prestigious TechCrunch50 conference in San Francisco. The new service is called “Footnote Pages.”
The TechCrunch50 2008 Conference is a leading platform where early-stage companies show their services based purely on merit, without regard to their own financial resources. This annual conference is one of the leading places to display the latest products and services from a company. What makes this so special is that you cannot buy your way onto that stage, where millions are watching the broadcast. In fact, the appearance at TechCrunch50 is free. However, your products are allowed there only if you first convince a panel of judges that your product is worthwhile and unique. The selection process is tough: this year, more than 900 companies applied, but only 50 were selected. Footnote was one of the 50.
The TechCrunch50 conference was broadcast live via streaming video on the web, and I had a chance to watch Footnote CEO Russ Wilding's presentation as he was delivering it 3,000 miles away.
In his introduction, Russ said that the company's new service is somewhat like "Facebook for the deceased." Footnote Pages are living memorial pages for deceased individuals. The company has already created eighty million pages – one page for each person listed in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) – and they are available now. Of course, all of this is available free of charge.
While Russ was still making his presentation, I went to www.Footnote.com and found the pages for my father, mother, son, and one grandmother. Each page starts off as a " shell" with minimal information: name, date of birth, date and place of death, and little more. I or anyone else who was acquainted with these people can add photos, words, or even multimedia files to any memorial page. Each person's page can also be linked to events or other people. For instance, I could link my father's memorial page to my mother's and then link both of them to my maternal grandmother's memorial page. I can also link in aunts, uncles, or any other deceased family members. I can even link them to digitized newspaper images or other content that I upload or to content that is already available on Footnote.com. I can write as much text as I wish. Other people can also contribute remembrances and other information.
The primary purpose of these memorial pages is to create perspectives into the lives of the people memorialized here, thereby celebrating each person's life. New data is solicited, but the memorial pages also can be linked to any of the 42 million historical documents already available on Footnote.com. This includes a wealth of World War II photographs and reports, along with Viet Nam War information.
All images can be annotated, both the photos already on Footnote.com as well as new photographs uploaded by users. For instance, a group photograph of a family reunion or a baseball team or a military aircraft crew can have one or more individuals singled out and identified by name.
Names and other Information added will be searchable by Google and other search engines. Anyone who ever searches for the individual will be able to find the memorial page and learn more about that person’s life. I think this is a great way to memorialize the life of a loved one.
The presentation at TechCrunch50 seemed to go well. A panel of judges reviewed each of the chosen presentations as they were given. Because of time constraints, Russ Wilding focused only on the new service being added. The judges commented that the service needs to have integration with genealogy data and a number of other things. Actually, Footnote already has those things, but those details were not covered in the limited time available.
Here are some of the comments I heard from those judges:
Jeff Wiener: "Interesting technology and functionality." Jeff believes it is interesting functionality for both social networking sites and genealogy sites.
Don Dodge: "Another amazing web site." He remarked that Footnote Pages contains elements of LinkedIn, Facebook, and genealogy sites.
Sean Parker remarked, "This strikes me as an information discovery resource. Similar services exist, but not to the degree of this.'
Loïc Le Muir had a negative viewpoint and questioned the privacy issues. He said, "I wouldn't like for my family to see this." With a bit of a grin, he also stated, "You will have very low customer service requests from these deceased individuals."
I'll add one more comment: This is SSDI on steroids.
Other sites have the SSDI database. However, in comparison, you could say that this version is an interactive SSDI. In addition to the SSDI, users can search the Footnote content to add more information and details about their ancestors’ lives.
If you would like to learn more about Footnote Pages, go to http://www.footnote.com.
Here is the press release issued by Footnote this afternoon immediately after Russ Wilding's presentation at TechCrunch50:
Footnote.com Takes Social Networking into the Past
Footnote.com launches Footnote Pages at TechCrunch50
San Francisco -- September 10, 2008. Losing a loved one can result in a range of emotions, from the grief and sorrow to comfort, which often comes from reminiscing stories and memories with family and friends. The challenge arises when there is no single place where all of these stories can easily come together to be shared, enriched and preserved.
Now at Footnote.com, anyone can find or create Footnote Pages where users connect and share stories, photos, and information about the people important to them.
To kick-off the new Footnote Pages, Footnote.com today released over 80 million of these pages created from data from the Social Security Death Index. Most visitors will find existing pages about several deceased friends and family members already on the site.
Footnote.com was selected from over 1,000 applicants to launch Footnote Pages at this year’s TechCrunch50 held in San Francisco. Russ Wilding, CEO of Footnote, demonstrated Footnote Pages to an audience of over 1,500 investors, bloggers, and major media outlets.
“We encourage people to upload their personal shoeboxes of photos and documents to Footnote.com,” explains Wilding. “Now with Footnote Pages, friends and family can come together to share stories and memories about the people they care about.”
Described as “Facebook for the Deceased,” these pages feature a photo gallery, an interactive timeline and map, and other tools that bring people together to create a more colorful and rich picture of the past. “Social networking is not only for the younger generations any more,” explains Wilding. “We are seeing Baby Boomers contribute and connect online in increasing numbers. Footnote Pages are an easy way for this audience to interact with each other and learn things they would not otherwise know about deceased friends and family.”
Beyond profiling people, Footnote pages can also be used to document and discuss historical events or places, including the Vietnam War, the Assassination of JFK, and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
Unlike other social networking sites, Footnote.com provides content that enables users to tell and share stories from the past. Through its partnership with the National Archives, Footnote.com has digitized over 43 million documents, including historical newspapers, military records, photos and more. Footnote.com adds about 2 million new records to the site every month.
Visit Footnote.com to learn more about Footnote Pages and get a new perspective on the lives of your own friends and family who have passed away.
About Footnote.comFootnote.com is a history website where real history might just surprise you. Footnote.com features millions of searchable original documents, providing users with an unaltered view of the events, places, and people that shaped the American nation and the world. At Footnote.com, all are invited to come share, discuss, and collaborate on their discoveries with friends, family, and colleagues. For more information, visit www.footnote.com.
About TechCrunch50Founded in 2007 by leading technology blog TechCrunch and entrepreneur Jason Calacanis, the TechCrunch50 conference provides a platform for early-stage, and frequently unfunded, companies to launch for the first time to the technology industry’s most influential venture capitalists, corporations, angel investors, fellow entrepreneurs, and the international media. Companies are selected to participate exclusively on merit. TechCrunch50 is supported by corporate sponsors Google, Microsoft, MySpace, and Yahoo!, as well as venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital http://www.sequoiacap.com/, Mayfield Fund http://www.mayfield.com, Clearstone Venture Partners http://www.clearstone.com, Charles River Ventures http://www.crv.com, Founders Fund and Fenwick & West http://www.fenwick.com.
**********
Until next time,
cbh
September 10, 2008
Footnote Pages Take Social Networking into the Past
Let's call it "Obituary 2.0."
Footnote introduced a new service this afternoon at the prestigious TechCrunch50 conference in San Francisco. The new service is called “Footnote Pages.”
The TechCrunch50 2008 Conference is a leading platform where early-stage companies show their services based purely on merit, without regard to their own financial resources. This annual conference is one of the leading places to display the latest products and services from a company. What makes this so special is that you cannot buy your way onto that stage, where millions are watching the broadcast. In fact, the appearance at TechCrunch50 is free. However, your products are allowed there only if you first convince a panel of judges that your product is worthwhile and unique. The selection process is tough: this year, more than 900 companies applied, but only 50 were selected. Footnote was one of the 50.
The TechCrunch50 conference was broadcast live via streaming video on the web, and I had a chance to watch Footnote CEO Russ Wilding's presentation as he was delivering it 3,000 miles away.
In his introduction, Russ said that the company's new service is somewhat like "Facebook for the deceased." Footnote Pages are living memorial pages for deceased individuals. The company has already created eighty million pages – one page for each person listed in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) – and they are available now. Of course, all of this is available free of charge.
While Russ was still making his presentation, I went to www.Footnote.com and found the pages for my father, mother, son, and one grandmother. Each page starts off as a " shell" with minimal information: name, date of birth, date and place of death, and little more. I or anyone else who was acquainted with these people can add photos, words, or even multimedia files to any memorial page. Each person's page can also be linked to events or other people. For instance, I could link my father's memorial page to my mother's and then link both of them to my maternal grandmother's memorial page. I can also link in aunts, uncles, or any other deceased family members. I can even link them to digitized newspaper images or other content that I upload or to content that is already available on Footnote.com. I can write as much text as I wish. Other people can also contribute remembrances and other information.
The primary purpose of these memorial pages is to create perspectives into the lives of the people memorialized here, thereby celebrating each person's life. New data is solicited, but the memorial pages also can be linked to any of the 42 million historical documents already available on Footnote.com. This includes a wealth of World War II photographs and reports, along with Viet Nam War information.
All images can be annotated, both the photos already on Footnote.com as well as new photographs uploaded by users. For instance, a group photograph of a family reunion or a baseball team or a military aircraft crew can have one or more individuals singled out and identified by name.
Names and other Information added will be searchable by Google and other search engines. Anyone who ever searches for the individual will be able to find the memorial page and learn more about that person’s life. I think this is a great way to memorialize the life of a loved one.
The presentation at TechCrunch50 seemed to go well. A panel of judges reviewed each of the chosen presentations as they were given. Because of time constraints, Russ Wilding focused only on the new service being added. The judges commented that the service needs to have integration with genealogy data and a number of other things. Actually, Footnote already has those things, but those details were not covered in the limited time available.
Here are some of the comments I heard from those judges:
Jeff Wiener: "Interesting technology and functionality." Jeff believes it is interesting functionality for both social networking sites and genealogy sites.
Don Dodge: "Another amazing web site." He remarked that Footnote Pages contains elements of LinkedIn, Facebook, and genealogy sites.
Sean Parker remarked, "This strikes me as an information discovery resource. Similar services exist, but not to the degree of this.'
Loïc Le Muir had a negative viewpoint and questioned the privacy issues. He said, "I wouldn't like for my family to see this." With a bit of a grin, he also stated, "You will have very low customer service requests from these deceased individuals."
I'll add one more comment: This is SSDI on steroids.
Other sites have the SSDI database. However, in comparison, you could say that this version is an interactive SSDI. In addition to the SSDI, users can search the Footnote content to add more information and details about their ancestors’ lives.
If you would like to learn more about Footnote Pages, go to http://www.footnote.com.
Here is the press release issued by Footnote this afternoon immediately after Russ Wilding's presentation at TechCrunch50:
Footnote.com Takes Social Networking into the Past
Footnote.com launches Footnote Pages at TechCrunch50
San Francisco -- September 10, 2008. Losing a loved one can result in a range of emotions, from the grief and sorrow to comfort, which often comes from reminiscing stories and memories with family and friends. The challenge arises when there is no single place where all of these stories can easily come together to be shared, enriched and preserved.
Now at Footnote.com, anyone can find or create Footnote Pages where users connect and share stories, photos, and information about the people important to them.
To kick-off the new Footnote Pages, Footnote.com today released over 80 million of these pages created from data from the Social Security Death Index. Most visitors will find existing pages about several deceased friends and family members already on the site.
Footnote.com was selected from over 1,000 applicants to launch Footnote Pages at this year’s TechCrunch50 held in San Francisco. Russ Wilding, CEO of Footnote, demonstrated Footnote Pages to an audience of over 1,500 investors, bloggers, and major media outlets.
“We encourage people to upload their personal shoeboxes of photos and documents to Footnote.com,” explains Wilding. “Now with Footnote Pages, friends and family can come together to share stories and memories about the people they care about.”
Described as “Facebook for the Deceased,” these pages feature a photo gallery, an interactive timeline and map, and other tools that bring people together to create a more colorful and rich picture of the past. “Social networking is not only for the younger generations any more,” explains Wilding. “We are seeing Baby Boomers contribute and connect online in increasing numbers. Footnote Pages are an easy way for this audience to interact with each other and learn things they would not otherwise know about deceased friends and family.”
Beyond profiling people, Footnote pages can also be used to document and discuss historical events or places, including the Vietnam War, the Assassination of JFK, and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
Unlike other social networking sites, Footnote.com provides content that enables users to tell and share stories from the past. Through its partnership with the National Archives, Footnote.com has digitized over 43 million documents, including historical newspapers, military records, photos and more. Footnote.com adds about 2 million new records to the site every month.
Visit Footnote.com to learn more about Footnote Pages and get a new perspective on the lives of your own friends and family who have passed away.
About Footnote.comFootnote.com is a history website where real history might just surprise you. Footnote.com features millions of searchable original documents, providing users with an unaltered view of the events, places, and people that shaped the American nation and the world. At Footnote.com, all are invited to come share, discuss, and collaborate on their discoveries with friends, family, and colleagues. For more information, visit www.footnote.com.
About TechCrunch50Founded in 2007 by leading technology blog TechCrunch and entrepreneur Jason Calacanis, the TechCrunch50 conference provides a platform for early-stage, and frequently unfunded, companies to launch for the first time to the technology industry’s most influential venture capitalists, corporations, angel investors, fellow entrepreneurs, and the international media. Companies are selected to participate exclusively on merit. TechCrunch50 is supported by corporate sponsors Google, Microsoft, MySpace, and Yahoo!, as well as venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital http://www.sequoiacap.com/, Mayfield Fund http://www.mayfield.com, Clearstone Venture Partners http://www.clearstone.com, Charles River Ventures http://www.crv.com, Founders Fund and Fenwick & West http://www.fenwick.com.
**********
Until next time,
cbh
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Annie Moore Memorial Purchases
I don't usually push a contribution site unless it's something dear to my heart [you'll note that I do ask for donations for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society, as my niece is a "Team-in-Training" member and runs in the marathons around the country to raise funds for the research that will one day stamp out these diseases]. However, as a genealogist, I could not pass this one by.
Due to the efforts of Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and others, funds are being raised to give Annie Moore a proper memorial.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Annie, she was the first person who was processed through Ellis Island, on January 1, 1892. And now you can have your own "Annie Memorial", thanks to JMK GenealogyGifts [they have ALOT of cool genealogy stuff as well!].
Why don't you click right on over there now and take a look. Yours truly is wearing one of the Annie Moore t-shirts this morning, and I have to tell you, I love it! Every time I go out in it I am asked "Who is Annie Moore?" What a great opportunity to pass on a bit of genealogical history in telling the story of Annie Moore!
You can visit JMK Genealogy Gifts at:
http://www.cafepress.com/jmkbooks/5891194
[***Disclaimer: I have no vested interest in JMK Genealogy Gifts. I just think it's a cool site with cool stuff!!!}
cbh
Due to the efforts of Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and others, funds are being raised to give Annie Moore a proper memorial.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Annie, she was the first person who was processed through Ellis Island, on January 1, 1892. And now you can have your own "Annie Memorial", thanks to JMK GenealogyGifts [they have ALOT of cool genealogy stuff as well!].
Why don't you click right on over there now and take a look. Yours truly is wearing one of the Annie Moore t-shirts this morning, and I have to tell you, I love it! Every time I go out in it I am asked "Who is Annie Moore?" What a great opportunity to pass on a bit of genealogical history in telling the story of Annie Moore!
You can visit JMK Genealogy Gifts at:
http://www.cafepress.com/jmkbooks/5891194
[***Disclaimer: I have no vested interest in JMK Genealogy Gifts. I just think it's a cool site with cool stuff!!!}
cbh
From APG Member: FLASH!
I just received the following announcement this morning from APG member, Tom Kemp, regarding a free SSDI index!
Check it out!!
****
There is only ONE complete, up-to-date SSDI site online &GenealogyBank just made it free to everyone. It is the best SSDI site on the planet.Period.
Search it at: http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/ssdi.html
Book mark it; link to it; use it.It's all yours. GenealogyBank is celebrating two birthdays - Ida May Fuller's 134thbirthday – she was born 6 Sep 1874 and died at age 100 in 1975. Shewas America's first Social Security recipient. ….. And we are alsogetting a head start on GenealogyBank's birthday – on Oct 18th we willcelebrate our 2nd Anniversary. So – to celebrate GenealogyBank has made – the best SSDI site on theplanet - free to all researchers.
Read all about it at:
http://blog.genealogybank.com/2008/09/ssdi-free-on-genealogybank.html
****
Click on the link[s] and check it out!
cbh
Check it out!!
****
There is only ONE complete, up-to-date SSDI site online &GenealogyBank just made it free to everyone. It is the best SSDI site on the planet.Period.
Search it at: http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/ssdi.html
Book mark it; link to it; use it.It's all yours. GenealogyBank is celebrating two birthdays - Ida May Fuller's 134thbirthday – she was born 6 Sep 1874 and died at age 100 in 1975. Shewas America's first Social Security recipient. ….. And we are alsogetting a head start on GenealogyBank's birthday – on Oct 18th we willcelebrate our 2nd Anniversary. So – to celebrate GenealogyBank has made – the best SSDI site on theplanet - free to all researchers.
Read all about it at:
http://blog.genealogybank.com/2008/09/ssdi-free-on-genealogybank.html
****
Click on the link[s] and check it out!
cbh
Obessession
Okay, so even the ol' Mountain Genealogist isn't beyond obsession with her work!
I've just spent four days searching for information for a client and I am STILL stumped!!! I have foregone meals and sleep in order to locate what I need. And even worked for free, not documenting my hours, in the hopes of finding something!
So, here I go, I'm asking for your help!
I am seeking the parents of Nancy Carroll [or Carrell] born 1872 in Illinois and died 1939 in Indiana. Supposedly her parents are Bartholomew Carrell and Elizabeth Perry.
If anyone has a single bit of documentation that provides proof that these are indeed her parents, please let the ol' Mountain Genealogist know!
Thank guys!
cbh
I've just spent four days searching for information for a client and I am STILL stumped!!! I have foregone meals and sleep in order to locate what I need. And even worked for free, not documenting my hours, in the hopes of finding something!
So, here I go, I'm asking for your help!
I am seeking the parents of Nancy Carroll [or Carrell] born 1872 in Illinois and died 1939 in Indiana. Supposedly her parents are Bartholomew Carrell and Elizabeth Perry.
If anyone has a single bit of documentation that provides proof that these are indeed her parents, please let the ol' Mountain Genealogist know!
Thank guys!
cbh
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Ancestry to Digitize England's Past 500 Years!
Okay, I know I use ALOT of Dick Eastman information, but what I can say? Dick just brings the best news to light! Thanks Dick, for EOGN!!!
**********
September 05, 2008
500 Years Of London History To Launch Online – 77 Million Names
The following announcement was written by ancestry.co.uk:
Ancestry™ chosen to host City of London’s historical ‘London records’- largest collection in existence
The most comprehensive collection of historical London records, covering 500 years of the city’s history, is to be made available online for the first time. Following a lengthy tendering process, Ancestry has secured the exclusive online rights to digitize and host key records from London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) and Guildhall Library Manuscripts.
LMA’s historical record collection, which is owned and managed by the City of London, is considered to be of international importance, particularly given London’s prominence at the centre of the British Empire for almost 300 years from the mid-1700s.
As the City of London’s official partner, Ancestry will be responsible for providing global access to The LMA Collection. Original images of all historical records will be available on Ancestry.co.uk, the UK’s leading family and social history website, and more than 77 million names searchable using key information such as name, date and place.
Dating from the early 16th Century through to 2006, the collection details the lives of both princes and paupers. Included are parish records, school records, electoral registers, wills, lists of workhouse labourers from the Poor Law ledgers and a comprehensive list of those granted ‘Freedom of the City’.
The collection will take several years to index and image. Until now, those wishing to view records have had to visit LMA or the Guildhall Library, both based in Central London. Collection records have featured on Who do you think you are? episodes about the family histories’ of Patsy Kensit, Barbara Windsor and Stephen Fry.
Online access to LMA records has long been anticipated by family history enthusiasts in the UK and internationally: it will allow millions of people with ancestors who lived in or passed through London at some point in time to trace their roots, whether it be to the City’s slums or its more affluent boroughs.
The first records will launch on Ancestry.co.uk in early 2009, with the following prioritised for launch in the coming year:
Parish records – records from more than 10,000 Greater London parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials dating from the 1530s to the 20th Century
Poor Law documents - relating to the administration of poor relief, including workhouse registers from 1834 onwards
London school admissions – records from 843 individual London schools dating from the early Victorian times through to 1911, providing admission and personal details for millions of London students
Josh Hanna, Senior Vice President of Ancestry, International comments: “Ancestry is thrilled to be selected as the City of London’s official partner in hosting The LMA Collection, especially as these records have such broad appeal and significance to so many around the world.
“In advance of participating in the tender process, we asked our members in the UK and elsewhere what they wanted and their overwhelming response was for the LMA records - even more so than for the 20th Century censuses.”
Dr Deborah Jenkins, Assistant Director of the City of London’s Department of Libraries, Archives and Guildhall Art Library, comments: “It has always been the City of London’s goal to make these important collections available to the wider public through digitisation and so we are delighted to announce Ancestry as our official partner in bringing 500 years of London’s history online.”
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 05, 2008
**********
Well done Ancestry! This is going to take Internation research to a whole new level!
cbh
**********
September 05, 2008
500 Years Of London History To Launch Online – 77 Million Names
The following announcement was written by ancestry.co.uk:
Ancestry™ chosen to host City of London’s historical ‘London records’- largest collection in existence
The most comprehensive collection of historical London records, covering 500 years of the city’s history, is to be made available online for the first time. Following a lengthy tendering process, Ancestry has secured the exclusive online rights to digitize and host key records from London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) and Guildhall Library Manuscripts.
LMA’s historical record collection, which is owned and managed by the City of London, is considered to be of international importance, particularly given London’s prominence at the centre of the British Empire for almost 300 years from the mid-1700s.
As the City of London’s official partner, Ancestry will be responsible for providing global access to The LMA Collection. Original images of all historical records will be available on Ancestry.co.uk, the UK’s leading family and social history website, and more than 77 million names searchable using key information such as name, date and place.
Dating from the early 16th Century through to 2006, the collection details the lives of both princes and paupers. Included are parish records, school records, electoral registers, wills, lists of workhouse labourers from the Poor Law ledgers and a comprehensive list of those granted ‘Freedom of the City’.
The collection will take several years to index and image. Until now, those wishing to view records have had to visit LMA or the Guildhall Library, both based in Central London. Collection records have featured on Who do you think you are? episodes about the family histories’ of Patsy Kensit, Barbara Windsor and Stephen Fry.
Online access to LMA records has long been anticipated by family history enthusiasts in the UK and internationally: it will allow millions of people with ancestors who lived in or passed through London at some point in time to trace their roots, whether it be to the City’s slums or its more affluent boroughs.
The first records will launch on Ancestry.co.uk in early 2009, with the following prioritised for launch in the coming year:
Parish records – records from more than 10,000 Greater London parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials dating from the 1530s to the 20th Century
Poor Law documents - relating to the administration of poor relief, including workhouse registers from 1834 onwards
London school admissions – records from 843 individual London schools dating from the early Victorian times through to 1911, providing admission and personal details for millions of London students
Josh Hanna, Senior Vice President of Ancestry, International comments: “Ancestry is thrilled to be selected as the City of London’s official partner in hosting The LMA Collection, especially as these records have such broad appeal and significance to so many around the world.
“In advance of participating in the tender process, we asked our members in the UK and elsewhere what they wanted and their overwhelming response was for the LMA records - even more so than for the 20th Century censuses.”
Dr Deborah Jenkins, Assistant Director of the City of London’s Department of Libraries, Archives and Guildhall Art Library, comments: “It has always been the City of London’s goal to make these important collections available to the wider public through digitisation and so we are delighted to announce Ancestry as our official partner in bringing 500 years of London’s history online.”
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 05, 2008
**********
Well done Ancestry! This is going to take Internation research to a whole new level!
cbh
Friday, September 5, 2008
Genealogy By Discrimination
Here's a great post from Virginia Genealogy Blog:
The word “discrimination” has always been a a word of questionable utility. It is an explosive word and generates a nervous response in almost everybody. So how can I recommend genealogy by discrimination?
Did I ever tell you that I have a whole shelf of dictionaries and thesauri? I do, for a reason. I am a genealogist and I recognize word power in understanding records and their legal base. And in the interest of clarity for this discussion, I looked up the word “discrimination.”
The first definition is prejudice, bias, treat unfairly, chauvinism. This is often the reason that persons are mentioned in the records–negatively identified and treated with disdain.
The second definition however, is distinguish, differentiate, discerning, tell the difference. The second definition is the positive quality and, in my opinion, one of the important elements of evidence.
Our biggest challenge in genealogy is identity.
We sort and compare. We describe with dates and places and relationships and matches in repeated patterns. In Virginia ancestry, linking identity from one place to another is often where the difficulty lies–is the person on the ship and listed as an early settler the same person, who 50 years later dies in a county far away from where the the ship landed?
Recall that Virginia received thousands of settlers who died before they could migrate somewhere else. And proving the same identity is a challenge. It prompted William Thorndale, a Virginia genealogy scholar, to conclude that less than 5% of those who settled in Virginia could be linked positively with an ancestral home in England. He now spends his whole research time studying these early settlers to prove their identity and link them to their origins.
Discrimination is Genealogy Evidence
The Loudon County VA Tithables, 1749 includes some significant evidence of identity:
Awbrey, Thos Vestryman
Awbrey, Hen 1 Papist
Ashford, Jno 1 Papist
Ashford, Mich Papist
Ashford, Wil Papist
Anderson, Jas Presbyterian
Booth, Jno Quaker
Brown, Hen Quaker
Brown, Wm Quaker
Brown, Jno Quaker
Bryan, Phil Papist
Bivin, Ja Papist
Barnet, Jno Quaker
Beasley, Wm Anabaptist
Barry, Wido 1 a Papist
An officer in the Church of England, 7 Papists (Roman Catholics), 1 Presbyterian, 5 Quakers, and 1 Anabaptist (refused to swear an oath). Others in the list (not named here) are members of the established Church of England. These designations are discriminatory–distinguishing among those named in the list. They alert the taxman how much tax to collect from non-Church of England residents: Papists always paid double in times of peace and triple or four-times the rate in war time. Protestant non-Conformists were charged at the need of the parish–and almost always below the Roman Catholics.
In 1749, it was against the law to be Roman Catholic. The Acts of Toleration protected Protestant non-Conformists. They were not illegal; they were “at will” for many events and functions in their daily lives.
Knowing the Ashfords were Roman Catholic, tips you off–to document these ancestors, you need to search a different set of records. Subject to the Penal Laws, they will not own land, vote in local or state elections, hold religious meetings (called conventicles) in their own homes with more than 6 adults present, nor travel farther than 6 miles in any direction from their homes without permission.
They will appear in lists at each court session, on “police” registers for any infraction of the law, and on special rate lists–for they could also be taxed at will when the treasury needed a boost. They often serve in the local and state military units and may even be recruited by English or Irish regiments–where their movements were unlimited.
And now you know in which church records to find them. And you know why they do not appear in several key record categories!
These legal limitations were removed when the new Virginia constitution was approved in the early 1780’s–many years earlier than in England, who emancipated the Catholics in 1829.
Your favorite Virginia genealogist,
Arlene Eakle. http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS Stay tuned. Native Americans and Blacks are also identified by discrimination. And that is the subject of another Virginia Genealogy Blog.
admin Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:12:53 +0000
Source: http://virginiagenealogyblog.com/2008/09/02/genealogy-by-discrimination/ --
Thanks Arlene for your always wonderful information!
cbh
The word “discrimination” has always been a a word of questionable utility. It is an explosive word and generates a nervous response in almost everybody. So how can I recommend genealogy by discrimination?
Did I ever tell you that I have a whole shelf of dictionaries and thesauri? I do, for a reason. I am a genealogist and I recognize word power in understanding records and their legal base. And in the interest of clarity for this discussion, I looked up the word “discrimination.”
The first definition is prejudice, bias, treat unfairly, chauvinism. This is often the reason that persons are mentioned in the records–negatively identified and treated with disdain.
The second definition however, is distinguish, differentiate, discerning, tell the difference. The second definition is the positive quality and, in my opinion, one of the important elements of evidence.
Our biggest challenge in genealogy is identity.
We sort and compare. We describe with dates and places and relationships and matches in repeated patterns. In Virginia ancestry, linking identity from one place to another is often where the difficulty lies–is the person on the ship and listed as an early settler the same person, who 50 years later dies in a county far away from where the the ship landed?
Recall that Virginia received thousands of settlers who died before they could migrate somewhere else. And proving the same identity is a challenge. It prompted William Thorndale, a Virginia genealogy scholar, to conclude that less than 5% of those who settled in Virginia could be linked positively with an ancestral home in England. He now spends his whole research time studying these early settlers to prove their identity and link them to their origins.
Discrimination is Genealogy Evidence
The Loudon County VA Tithables, 1749 includes some significant evidence of identity:
Awbrey, Thos Vestryman
Awbrey, Hen 1 Papist
Ashford, Jno 1 Papist
Ashford, Mich Papist
Ashford, Wil Papist
Anderson, Jas Presbyterian
Booth, Jno Quaker
Brown, Hen Quaker
Brown, Wm Quaker
Brown, Jno Quaker
Bryan, Phil Papist
Bivin, Ja Papist
Barnet, Jno Quaker
Beasley, Wm Anabaptist
Barry, Wido 1 a Papist
An officer in the Church of England, 7 Papists (Roman Catholics), 1 Presbyterian, 5 Quakers, and 1 Anabaptist (refused to swear an oath). Others in the list (not named here) are members of the established Church of England. These designations are discriminatory–distinguishing among those named in the list. They alert the taxman how much tax to collect from non-Church of England residents: Papists always paid double in times of peace and triple or four-times the rate in war time. Protestant non-Conformists were charged at the need of the parish–and almost always below the Roman Catholics.
In 1749, it was against the law to be Roman Catholic. The Acts of Toleration protected Protestant non-Conformists. They were not illegal; they were “at will” for many events and functions in their daily lives.
Knowing the Ashfords were Roman Catholic, tips you off–to document these ancestors, you need to search a different set of records. Subject to the Penal Laws, they will not own land, vote in local or state elections, hold religious meetings (called conventicles) in their own homes with more than 6 adults present, nor travel farther than 6 miles in any direction from their homes without permission.
They will appear in lists at each court session, on “police” registers for any infraction of the law, and on special rate lists–for they could also be taxed at will when the treasury needed a boost. They often serve in the local and state military units and may even be recruited by English or Irish regiments–where their movements were unlimited.
And now you know in which church records to find them. And you know why they do not appear in several key record categories!
These legal limitations were removed when the new Virginia constitution was approved in the early 1780’s–many years earlier than in England, who emancipated the Catholics in 1829.
Your favorite Virginia genealogist,
Arlene Eakle. http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS Stay tuned. Native Americans and Blacks are also identified by discrimination. And that is the subject of another Virginia Genealogy Blog.
admin Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:12:53 +0000
Source: http://virginiagenealogyblog.com/2008/09/02/genealogy-by-discrimination/ --
Thanks Arlene for your always wonderful information!
cbh
New Browser In Town...
I received this from a fellow APG member just a short while ago. It seems Google has a new browser: CHROME.
Here's a copy of the email. Go check out Mark's blog on the subject. This is great for anyone who has Broadband or DSL. Not so great for those of us with dial-up as it's a Beta program.
[I'm going to move into town in a couple of months and you can bet better Internet options are coming my way! And I fully intend to give Chrome a try!]
Here's the email from Mark:
Has anyone tried Google's Chrome? I have been using it since it was released earlier this week. I blogged about the experience so far at http://www.thinkgenealogy.com/2008/09/05/google-chrome/
Mark Tucker http://www.thinkgenealogy.com
Here's a copy of the email. Go check out Mark's blog on the subject. This is great for anyone who has Broadband or DSL. Not so great for those of us with dial-up as it's a Beta program.
[I'm going to move into town in a couple of months and you can bet better Internet options are coming my way! And I fully intend to give Chrome a try!]
Here's the email from Mark:
Has anyone tried Google's Chrome? I have been using it since it was released earlier this week. I blogged about the experience so far at http://www.thinkgenealogy.com/2008/09/05/google-chrome/
Mark Tucker http://www.thinkgenealogy.com
More On The Ancestry Indexing Project
Always controversial, and sure to tell his opinion, is the Ancestry Insider. Here is his report on the new indexing project:
Details revealed about Ancestry.com Indexing Initiative
Posted: 05 Sep 2008 01:05 AM CDT
Ancestry.com announced today additional details regarding the World Archives Project, their volunteer indexing initiative, including incentives for project participants.
I never know whether to cringe or be amused when people let irrational dislike for Ancestry.com lead them to irrational conclusions. One of my most thoughtful readers and active commenters once left this doozy.
[Ancestry.com indexers] pay to be subscribers and then work for them for free. Congrats to Ancestry for finding so many suckers.
Note my comment mainly has to do with indexing for Ancestry instead of for Family Search. At least FS will have a class of indexers who get access to images in return for their work. What do Ancestry indexers get? That's right. A pat on the back and next year's subscription bill with no discount.
Ancestry.com clarified today that
"All indexes will remain free to the public on Ancestry.com.
Ancestry.com will donate copies of record indexes and images from the project to partnering government archives and genealogy societies.
Images and indexes from the project will be available for free to patrons at thousands of subscribing libraries across the U.S.
Ancestry.com will provide free advertising to partnering genealogy societies. "
Further, active program contributors will receive the following benefits:
Vote on which records to index in the future.
Have fee access to original images in the project's databases.
Receive a 10% discount off an annual U.S. Deluxe subscription renewal or
Receive a 15% discount off an annual World Deluxe subscription renewal.
To be classified as an active contributor one must index a minimum of 900 records per quarter. As the term record is somewhat ambiguous, I'm not certain if this means 900 record batches, 900 names or something else.
The full text of the press release follows:
ANCESTRY.COM LAUNCHES GLOBAL PUBLIC INDEXING INITIATIVE AND
ANNOUNCES FIRST COLLABORATION WITH THE FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES
Ancestry.com Introduces the World Archives Project to Preserve and Provide Online Access to Historical Records
Philadelphia – Sept. 4, 2008 – Ancestry.com, the world's largest online family history resource, today launched the World Archives Project, a global public indexing initiative designed to give individuals everywhere the opportunity to help preserve historical records. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is the first organization to partner with Ancestry.com during this beta phase of this new venture, enlisting genealogists and family history enthusiasts to help test the software and prepare it for a more public release.
Now in public beta, the World Archives Project allows individuals to transcribe information from images of original historical records and to create indexes that will remain accessible for free on Ancestry.com and on Ancestry's localized sites in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy. Active contributors* will soon be able to access all original images that are part of the World Archives Project. Organizations can also partner with the World Archives Project and sponsor indexing projects. Ancestry.com will donate a digital copy of the sponsored index and images back to partnering organizations.
"As a global society, we are falling further and further behind when it comes to digitizing historical records," said Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com. "The World Archives Project allows us to work collectively as a community to preserve and to digitize records that will otherwise surely be lost to the wear and tear of time. By providing free access to these indexes on the world's most popular family history website, we will provide millions of people with access to records that might help them unlock new clues about their ancestors."
Already, several thousand individuals have joined the World Archives Project private beta, indexing Wisconsin Mortality Schedules and Nebraska State Censuses. Participants provided feedback and recommendations for this public beta release.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this cause and to help spread the world about this new initiative," said Wendy Elliott-Scheinberg, president of FGS. "The World Archives Project is a great way for enthusiasts and genealogical societies to directly impact and further family history research."
"FGS has been enormously helpful in the development of our vision for the World Archives Project," said Sullivan. "The 500+ genealogy societies that FGS represents are absolutely critical to the continued health and growth of genealogical research. We've been searching for years for the right way to partner with genealogy societies, and we think this project will allow us to help them attract new members by leveraging the popularity of Ancestry.com. We appreciate the encouragement and support FGS provides and look forward to continuing our relationship as this project marches forward."
For more information about the World Archives Project or to get involved, visit www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject.
*Specific guidelines must be met to be considered an active contributor. For more information, visit http://landing.ancestry.com/wap/learnmore.aspx.
About Ancestry.com
With 26,000 searchable databases and titles and nearly 3 million active users, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including http://www.myfamily.com/, http://www.rootsweb.com/, http://www.genealogy.com/ and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive nearly 7.5 million unique visitors worldwide (© comScore Media Metrix, July 2008). To easily begin researching your family history, visit http://www.ancestry.com/.
About FGS
The Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by serving the needs of its member societies, providing products and services needed by member societies, and marshaling the resources of its member organizations. FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of more than 500 genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society.
******************************
Okay, folks, let me add a comment here: The Ol' Mountain Genealogist is a regular volunteer with Family Search, Find A Grave, Unclaimed Persons, and many other organizations. When we help to contribute to the online data we are not only providing research material for someone else, but I believe in the premise of plain old helping one another. And this country needs that.
I believe in the Golden Rule. And believe me, there have been many wonderful and kind genealogists who have assisted me since I began this journey, and who still do! And every once in awhile someone totally new to the idea of genealogy helps me more than I can ever say! Thanks to Mandy, in GA, who re-enthused me for my own family work! And to Sarah, in PA, who is ever inquisitive. And to the scores of others, who make this job one of the most exciting, thrilling, and self-fulfilling positions I have ever had.
Volunteering, there's just no other way about it, is good for your spirit!
I encourage you to get involved. Much like voting in the upcoming elections this fall, you can't have a say in my book, unless you actually do something about it!!!
Cheers to all the volunteers out there!
cbh
Details revealed about Ancestry.com Indexing Initiative
Posted: 05 Sep 2008 01:05 AM CDT
Ancestry.com announced today additional details regarding the World Archives Project, their volunteer indexing initiative, including incentives for project participants.
I never know whether to cringe or be amused when people let irrational dislike for Ancestry.com lead them to irrational conclusions. One of my most thoughtful readers and active commenters once left this doozy.
[Ancestry.com indexers] pay to be subscribers and then work for them for free. Congrats to Ancestry for finding so many suckers.
Note my comment mainly has to do with indexing for Ancestry instead of for Family Search. At least FS will have a class of indexers who get access to images in return for their work. What do Ancestry indexers get? That's right. A pat on the back and next year's subscription bill with no discount.
Ancestry.com clarified today that
"All indexes will remain free to the public on Ancestry.com.
Ancestry.com will donate copies of record indexes and images from the project to partnering government archives and genealogy societies.
Images and indexes from the project will be available for free to patrons at thousands of subscribing libraries across the U.S.
Ancestry.com will provide free advertising to partnering genealogy societies. "
Further, active program contributors will receive the following benefits:
Vote on which records to index in the future.
Have fee access to original images in the project's databases.
Receive a 10% discount off an annual U.S. Deluxe subscription renewal or
Receive a 15% discount off an annual World Deluxe subscription renewal.
To be classified as an active contributor one must index a minimum of 900 records per quarter. As the term record is somewhat ambiguous, I'm not certain if this means 900 record batches, 900 names or something else.
The full text of the press release follows:
ANCESTRY.COM LAUNCHES GLOBAL PUBLIC INDEXING INITIATIVE AND
ANNOUNCES FIRST COLLABORATION WITH THE FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES
Ancestry.com Introduces the World Archives Project to Preserve and Provide Online Access to Historical Records
Philadelphia – Sept. 4, 2008 – Ancestry.com, the world's largest online family history resource, today launched the World Archives Project, a global public indexing initiative designed to give individuals everywhere the opportunity to help preserve historical records. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is the first organization to partner with Ancestry.com during this beta phase of this new venture, enlisting genealogists and family history enthusiasts to help test the software and prepare it for a more public release.
Now in public beta, the World Archives Project allows individuals to transcribe information from images of original historical records and to create indexes that will remain accessible for free on Ancestry.com and on Ancestry's localized sites in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy. Active contributors* will soon be able to access all original images that are part of the World Archives Project. Organizations can also partner with the World Archives Project and sponsor indexing projects. Ancestry.com will donate a digital copy of the sponsored index and images back to partnering organizations.
"As a global society, we are falling further and further behind when it comes to digitizing historical records," said Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com. "The World Archives Project allows us to work collectively as a community to preserve and to digitize records that will otherwise surely be lost to the wear and tear of time. By providing free access to these indexes on the world's most popular family history website, we will provide millions of people with access to records that might help them unlock new clues about their ancestors."
Already, several thousand individuals have joined the World Archives Project private beta, indexing Wisconsin Mortality Schedules and Nebraska State Censuses. Participants provided feedback and recommendations for this public beta release.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this cause and to help spread the world about this new initiative," said Wendy Elliott-Scheinberg, president of FGS. "The World Archives Project is a great way for enthusiasts and genealogical societies to directly impact and further family history research."
"FGS has been enormously helpful in the development of our vision for the World Archives Project," said Sullivan. "The 500+ genealogy societies that FGS represents are absolutely critical to the continued health and growth of genealogical research. We've been searching for years for the right way to partner with genealogy societies, and we think this project will allow us to help them attract new members by leveraging the popularity of Ancestry.com. We appreciate the encouragement and support FGS provides and look forward to continuing our relationship as this project marches forward."
For more information about the World Archives Project or to get involved, visit www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject.
*Specific guidelines must be met to be considered an active contributor. For more information, visit http://landing.ancestry.com/wap/learnmore.aspx.
About Ancestry.com
With 26,000 searchable databases and titles and nearly 3 million active users, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including http://www.myfamily.com/, http://www.rootsweb.com/, http://www.genealogy.com/ and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive nearly 7.5 million unique visitors worldwide (© comScore Media Metrix, July 2008). To easily begin researching your family history, visit http://www.ancestry.com/.
About FGS
The Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by serving the needs of its member societies, providing products and services needed by member societies, and marshaling the resources of its member organizations. FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of more than 500 genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society.
******************************
Okay, folks, let me add a comment here: The Ol' Mountain Genealogist is a regular volunteer with Family Search, Find A Grave, Unclaimed Persons, and many other organizations. When we help to contribute to the online data we are not only providing research material for someone else, but I believe in the premise of plain old helping one another. And this country needs that.
I believe in the Golden Rule. And believe me, there have been many wonderful and kind genealogists who have assisted me since I began this journey, and who still do! And every once in awhile someone totally new to the idea of genealogy helps me more than I can ever say! Thanks to Mandy, in GA, who re-enthused me for my own family work! And to Sarah, in PA, who is ever inquisitive. And to the scores of others, who make this job one of the most exciting, thrilling, and self-fulfilling positions I have ever had.
Volunteering, there's just no other way about it, is good for your spirit!
I encourage you to get involved. Much like voting in the upcoming elections this fall, you can't have a say in my book, unless you actually do something about it!!!
Cheers to all the volunteers out there!
cbh
New Indexing
Well, Dick does it again! Another controversial report. His blog comments from the public are both pro and con on this one.
What do you think?
**********
September 04, 2008
Ancestry.com and FGS to Collaborate on Large Indexing Initiative For Individuals
The following announcement was written by The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com:
ANCESTRY.COM LAUNCHES GLOBAL PUBLIC INDEXING INITIATIVE AND ANNOUNCES FIRST COLLABORATION WITH THE FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES
Ancestry.com Introduces the World Archives Project to Preserve and Provide Online Access to Historical Records
Philadelphia – Sept. 4, 2008 – Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, today launched the World Archives Project, a global public indexing initiative designed to give individuals everywhere the opportunity to help preserve historical records. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is the first organization to partner with Ancestry.com during this beta phase of this new venture, enlisting genealogists and family history enthusiasts to help test the software and prepare it for a more public release.
Now in public beta, the World Archives Project allows individuals to transcribe information from images of original historical records and to create indexes that will remain accessible for free on Ancestry.com and on Ancestry’s localized sites in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy. Active contributors* will soon be able to access all original images that are part of the World Archives Project. Organizations can also partner with the World Archives Project and sponsor indexing projects. Ancestry.com will donate a digital copy of the sponsored index and images back to partnering organizations.
“As a global society, we are falling further and further behind when it comes to digitizing historical records,” said Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com. “The World Archives Project allows us to work collectively as a community to preserve and to digitize records that will otherwise surely be lost to the wear and tear of time. By providing free access to these indexes on the world’s most popular family history website, we will provide millions of people with access to records that might help them unlock new clues about their ancestors.”
Already, several thousand individuals have joined the World Archives Project private beta, indexing Wisconsin Mortality Schedules and Nebraska State Censuses. Participants provided feedback and recommendations for this public beta release.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this cause and to help spread the world about this new initiative,” said Wendy Elliott-Scheinberg, president of FGS. “The World Archives Project is a great way for enthusiasts and genealogical societies to directly impact and further family history research.”
“FGS has been enormously helpful in the development of our vision for the World Archives Project,” said Sullivan. “The 500+ genealogy societies that FGS represents are absolutely critical to the continued health and growth of genealogical research. We’ve been searching for years for the right way to partner with genealogy societies, and we think this project will allow us to help them attract new members by leveraging the popularity of Ancestry.com. We appreciate the encouragement and support FGS provides and look forward to continuing our relationship as this project marches forward.”
For more information about the World Archives Project or to get involved, visit www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject.
*Specific guidelines must be met to be considered an active contributor. For more information, visit http://landing.ancestry.com/wap/learnmore.aspx.
About Ancestry.com
With 26,000 searchable databases and titles and nearly 3 million active users, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including www.myfamily.com, www.rootsweb.com, www.genealogy.com and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive nearly 7.5 million unique visitors worldwide (© comScore Media Metrix, July 2008). To easily begin researching your family history, visit www.ancestry.com.
About FGS
The Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by serving the needs of its member societies, providing products and services needed by member societies, and marshaling the resources of its member organizations. FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of more than 500 genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 04, 2008
************
What does the Ol' Mountain Genealogist think?
Hey, if it makes it more accessible for those of us who have to travel any distance to get to resources, I'm all for it! Even with fees to be able to access it, I still save gas, copy fees, and motel and food bills! It allows me to perform professional research for clients without ever leaving the comfort of my own home. And yes, some days I work in my pj's or my sweats! No need for suits or expensives dresses to meet with the public! So, you figure how much I save by accessing from home!
Yep, it's worth the fees to me!!!
cbh
What do you think?
**********
September 04, 2008
Ancestry.com and FGS to Collaborate on Large Indexing Initiative For Individuals
The following announcement was written by The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com:
ANCESTRY.COM LAUNCHES GLOBAL PUBLIC INDEXING INITIATIVE AND ANNOUNCES FIRST COLLABORATION WITH THE FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES
Ancestry.com Introduces the World Archives Project to Preserve and Provide Online Access to Historical Records
Philadelphia – Sept. 4, 2008 – Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online family history resource, today launched the World Archives Project, a global public indexing initiative designed to give individuals everywhere the opportunity to help preserve historical records. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is the first organization to partner with Ancestry.com during this beta phase of this new venture, enlisting genealogists and family history enthusiasts to help test the software and prepare it for a more public release.
Now in public beta, the World Archives Project allows individuals to transcribe information from images of original historical records and to create indexes that will remain accessible for free on Ancestry.com and on Ancestry’s localized sites in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy. Active contributors* will soon be able to access all original images that are part of the World Archives Project. Organizations can also partner with the World Archives Project and sponsor indexing projects. Ancestry.com will donate a digital copy of the sponsored index and images back to partnering organizations.
“As a global society, we are falling further and further behind when it comes to digitizing historical records,” said Tim Sullivan, president and CEO of The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.com. “The World Archives Project allows us to work collectively as a community to preserve and to digitize records that will otherwise surely be lost to the wear and tear of time. By providing free access to these indexes on the world’s most popular family history website, we will provide millions of people with access to records that might help them unlock new clues about their ancestors.”
Already, several thousand individuals have joined the World Archives Project private beta, indexing Wisconsin Mortality Schedules and Nebraska State Censuses. Participants provided feedback and recommendations for this public beta release.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this cause and to help spread the world about this new initiative,” said Wendy Elliott-Scheinberg, president of FGS. “The World Archives Project is a great way for enthusiasts and genealogical societies to directly impact and further family history research.”
“FGS has been enormously helpful in the development of our vision for the World Archives Project,” said Sullivan. “The 500+ genealogy societies that FGS represents are absolutely critical to the continued health and growth of genealogical research. We’ve been searching for years for the right way to partner with genealogy societies, and we think this project will allow us to help them attract new members by leveraging the popularity of Ancestry.com. We appreciate the encouragement and support FGS provides and look forward to continuing our relationship as this project marches forward.”
For more information about the World Archives Project or to get involved, visit www.ancestry.com/worldarchivesproject.
*Specific guidelines must be met to be considered an active contributor. For more information, visit http://landing.ancestry.com/wap/learnmore.aspx.
About Ancestry.com
With 26,000 searchable databases and titles and nearly 3 million active users, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including www.myfamily.com, www.rootsweb.com, www.genealogy.com and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive nearly 7.5 million unique visitors worldwide (© comScore Media Metrix, July 2008). To easily begin researching your family history, visit www.ancestry.com.
About FGS
The Federation of Genealogical Societies links the genealogical community by serving the needs of its member societies, providing products and services needed by member societies, and marshaling the resources of its member organizations. FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of more than 500 genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 04, 2008
************
What does the Ol' Mountain Genealogist think?
Hey, if it makes it more accessible for those of us who have to travel any distance to get to resources, I'm all for it! Even with fees to be able to access it, I still save gas, copy fees, and motel and food bills! It allows me to perform professional research for clients without ever leaving the comfort of my own home. And yes, some days I work in my pj's or my sweats! No need for suits or expensives dresses to meet with the public! So, you figure how much I save by accessing from home!
Yep, it's worth the fees to me!!!
cbh
Thursday, September 4, 2008
One Document Solution
Just received this from Dick Eastman's EOGN. Leave it to Dick to offer us some really great ideas! Of course, if we didn't procrastinate, well... you get the picture!
Thanks Dick!
****
September 03, 2008
Have Your Documents Scanned the Easy Way
I have a four drawer filing cabinet that is mostly full of paper. Two drawers are full of genealogy documents: a mixture of my handwritten notes and of photocopies, all of them made years ago. I now scan electronically and transcribe onto a computer; I no longer collect paper. However, there must be several thousand sheets of paper in that filing cabinet that I made in "the old days" before I started computerizing.
I really need to scan those documents, get them into a proper genealogy database, and then file and organize them properly. The longer I procrastinate, the bigger the problem. I don't dig into that filing cabinet often but the last time that I did I noticed that many of the photocopies are fading. Some are already difficult to read and the problem will become worse the longer I procrastinate.
In reality, a bigger problem is the simple inconvenience: trying to dig through old papers is much more difficult than typing a keyword on a computer and having the proper document image pop up on the screen a second or two later.
Whatever the reason, I am not using the old paper documents any longer and they are deteriorating. I really need to scan them. However, there always seems to be "one more thing" that is more urgent and demanding my attention. The papers remain unscanned and fading.
Probably the best idea is to hire someone to scan them for me. The problem is finding such a person: I don't have grandchildren and I don't know any youngster in the neighborhood willing to do the task. Maybe I could find a college student...
Luckily, there are commercial scanning services available. They are not cheap, but they certainly are willing to do the job. Most of them wish to deal with corporations that have tens of thousands of pages to scan, such as insurance companies or hospitals. I don't have enough documents to scan to even appear on their "radar screens." My two drawers of paper may seem to be a huge problem for me but is miniscule compared to the customers the commercial scanners wish to attract. I suspect most of these companies will also want a minimum charge that is higher than what my budget allows. However, this week I found one company that solicits small scale work from private individuals.
Pixily is in the business of scanning documents and then placing them on a secure and private web site that requires a user name and password for access. You can leave the documents online where you can access them at any time or you can easily download them and store them on your own hard drive. You can even do both: download them and simultaneously leave an online copy for backup purposes. The documents are yours and you are in control of the disposition of each document.
The company accepts work of 50 pages at a time; each collection of 50 or more pages is a "batch." You can send in as many or as few "batches" as you wish and you are charged accordingly. The more documents you send per month, the cheaper the pricing on a per-document basis. However, the prices are not cheap: prices vary from $14.95 for a single batch per month to $59.95 for four batches per month. The higher the monthly fee, the more pages may be stored online, up to 12,000 pages (that would be many months' of scanning). Those prices include the cost of postage in both directions: sending in the documents as well as the return postage of processed documents. All paper documents are mailed back to you after they have been processed.
At any time you may increase the online storage by 100 pages for an additional 15¢ per month. You can also mail in additional sheets of paper to be scanned at any time for 12¢ per sheet.
Pixily does not care what kind documents you send. You can send photocopies of old records, hand written notes, tax records, photocopies of old books, grocery receipts, medical records, or most anything else up to 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Pixily is not equipped for oversized documents. I also would never send any delicate documents to the company; the scanning process is heavily automated and anything that is delicate may not get handled with the care and attention that I would want. However, the service should work well for most regular documents.
Pixily also accepts digital documents: you may already have PDF files or word processing documents or even screenshots of web sites that you want to store. You can upload the digital files to Pixily's servers and have the files stored there for backup purposes. Again, you can access those files at any time in the future from any computer that has an Internet connection. All you need is the proper user name and password.
Scanning my two drawers' of documents will cost quite a bit of money. Then again, it might actually get done, something that is not happening now. Pixily is also a great tool if you want to scan the various receipts that you collect for tax purposes; you can have everything stored digitally and organized by keywords (that you create) for instant retrieval as needed.
For more information about Pixily or to check out the company's free trial, go to http://www.pixily.com.
Now is the time to get digitized and go completely paperless.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 03, 2008
****
Until Next Time!
cbh
Thanks Dick!
****
September 03, 2008
Have Your Documents Scanned the Easy Way
I have a four drawer filing cabinet that is mostly full of paper. Two drawers are full of genealogy documents: a mixture of my handwritten notes and of photocopies, all of them made years ago. I now scan electronically and transcribe onto a computer; I no longer collect paper. However, there must be several thousand sheets of paper in that filing cabinet that I made in "the old days" before I started computerizing.
I really need to scan those documents, get them into a proper genealogy database, and then file and organize them properly. The longer I procrastinate, the bigger the problem. I don't dig into that filing cabinet often but the last time that I did I noticed that many of the photocopies are fading. Some are already difficult to read and the problem will become worse the longer I procrastinate.
In reality, a bigger problem is the simple inconvenience: trying to dig through old papers is much more difficult than typing a keyword on a computer and having the proper document image pop up on the screen a second or two later.
Whatever the reason, I am not using the old paper documents any longer and they are deteriorating. I really need to scan them. However, there always seems to be "one more thing" that is more urgent and demanding my attention. The papers remain unscanned and fading.
Probably the best idea is to hire someone to scan them for me. The problem is finding such a person: I don't have grandchildren and I don't know any youngster in the neighborhood willing to do the task. Maybe I could find a college student...
Luckily, there are commercial scanning services available. They are not cheap, but they certainly are willing to do the job. Most of them wish to deal with corporations that have tens of thousands of pages to scan, such as insurance companies or hospitals. I don't have enough documents to scan to even appear on their "radar screens." My two drawers of paper may seem to be a huge problem for me but is miniscule compared to the customers the commercial scanners wish to attract. I suspect most of these companies will also want a minimum charge that is higher than what my budget allows. However, this week I found one company that solicits small scale work from private individuals.
Pixily is in the business of scanning documents and then placing them on a secure and private web site that requires a user name and password for access. You can leave the documents online where you can access them at any time or you can easily download them and store them on your own hard drive. You can even do both: download them and simultaneously leave an online copy for backup purposes. The documents are yours and you are in control of the disposition of each document.
The company accepts work of 50 pages at a time; each collection of 50 or more pages is a "batch." You can send in as many or as few "batches" as you wish and you are charged accordingly. The more documents you send per month, the cheaper the pricing on a per-document basis. However, the prices are not cheap: prices vary from $14.95 for a single batch per month to $59.95 for four batches per month. The higher the monthly fee, the more pages may be stored online, up to 12,000 pages (that would be many months' of scanning). Those prices include the cost of postage in both directions: sending in the documents as well as the return postage of processed documents. All paper documents are mailed back to you after they have been processed.
At any time you may increase the online storage by 100 pages for an additional 15¢ per month. You can also mail in additional sheets of paper to be scanned at any time for 12¢ per sheet.
Pixily does not care what kind documents you send. You can send photocopies of old records, hand written notes, tax records, photocopies of old books, grocery receipts, medical records, or most anything else up to 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Pixily is not equipped for oversized documents. I also would never send any delicate documents to the company; the scanning process is heavily automated and anything that is delicate may not get handled with the care and attention that I would want. However, the service should work well for most regular documents.
Pixily also accepts digital documents: you may already have PDF files or word processing documents or even screenshots of web sites that you want to store. You can upload the digital files to Pixily's servers and have the files stored there for backup purposes. Again, you can access those files at any time in the future from any computer that has an Internet connection. All you need is the proper user name and password.
Scanning my two drawers' of documents will cost quite a bit of money. Then again, it might actually get done, something that is not happening now. Pixily is also a great tool if you want to scan the various receipts that you collect for tax purposes; you can have everything stored digitally and organized by keywords (that you create) for instant retrieval as needed.
For more information about Pixily or to check out the company's free trial, go to http://www.pixily.com.
Now is the time to get digitized and go completely paperless.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 03, 2008
****
Until Next Time!
cbh
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Free Virus Protection
I received this from Dick Eastman in his EOGN. Be sure to weigh the pro's and con's! - cbh
************
September 02, 2008
A Free Anti-Virus Program
I have no idea why this information isn't better known. This is one of the best bargains I know of for Windows users, and yet most people have never heard of it.
First of all, every Windows computer needs an anti-virus program running at all times. If you are running a Windows computer right now without up-to-date anti-virus software, your system will become infected with a virus sooner or later. In fact, your PC may be infected right now without your knowledge. Yet there is a free and easy method of avoiding viruses.
This is also a great tool for Macintosh users who use Parallels or VMware Fusion to run Windows programs on the Mac.
If you already have an anti-virus program installed, there are several things you should know:
All anti-virus programs will slow the operation of your computer. This is inevitable. However, some anti-virus programs will slow your computer more than others. Generally speaking, the well-known, more sophisticated programs will slow the computer down more than the simpler ones. The free program I will describe slows a computer less than do most of its competitors.
Almost all commercial anti-virus programs cost money to purchase, and then you find out that the program only works for a year. In fact, every anti-virus program must be updated daily or every few days to make sure it is always prepared for new virus that have recently been found. After twelve months, most commercial anti-virus programs will ask you to pay another $30 to $60 for another year's worth of updates. (Some programs will not ask for two years.) The free program I will describe is free to purchase and never asks for any additional money.
The better-known commercial anti-virus programs seem to suffer from "feature-itis." That is, the software producers keep adding more and more features to make the program do more and more. Common additions include anti-phishing features, anti-spyware, online identity protection, web site authentication, a firewall, anti-rootkit protection, and more. To be sure, some of these features may be very useful, especially for computer novices. Knowledgeable Windows users may find such features unnecessary since most of us can recognize phishing, spyware, and such things without additional software. Whether you deem these "extra features" to be useful or not, each adds bulk to the program, slows the computer down still more, and also probably increases the price. The free program I will describe is simple: it protects against viruses. However, the same software producer offers a free anti-spyware product and a free anti-rootkit product. In addition to the free products, the same company adds an even more sophisticated combination of features for a modest price, although not free.
NOTE: For more information on some of these terms, look at the following:Virus - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirusSpyware - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpywarePhishing - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhishingRootkit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit
One free program can stop viruses from entering your Windows system. If your computer is already infected, the same program may be able to remove the virus (no program is ever guaranteed to be able to remove ALL viruses). Best of all, the program is available free of charge. The program is:
AVG Free Edition produced by GriSoft
AVG Free Edition is an excellent anti-virus program that stops viruses as well as most of the commercial products. Its effectiveness has been tested and verified by West Coast Labs, ICSA Laboratories and Virus Bulletin. I do not have proper virus testing capabilities, so I cannot test AVG myself. However, I will say that I have been using AVG Free Edition as the anti-virus program on one of my Windows XP systems for several years and have never had a virus on that system, despite the fact that it is exposed to the Internet and many web sites and hundreds of e-mail messages every day.
Obviously, the best thing about AVG Free Edition is its price: free. You can download it right now and start using it immediately. The program updates its anti-virus rules every few days to keep your protection at the maximum level possible.
AVG Free Edition does have several disadvantages, however. You need to be aware of these limitations:
AVG is licensed for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. You cannot use it on any computer being used at work or at any corporation or for any commercial use whatsoever. It also may not be used in schools, charities, churches, or governmental organizations. AVG sells a commercial version for computers not allowed under the Free Edition license.
You may use AVG Free Edition on a maximum of one computer. If you own two or more computers, you may only use AVG Free Edition on one of them.
There is no tech support available for AVG Free Edition. Full tech support is available only with the commercial version.
Downloading the program and/or the updates may be slower for AVG Free Edition than for the commercial version. This strikes me as a minor limitation.
I am pleased with AVG Free Edition. I also hear good things about the product from others who are using it. In fact, a few months ago I needed to renew the subscription of a commercial anti-virus product I had been using in my other Windows computers. I purchased the computer a year ago and it included a one-year subscription to one of the well-known anti-virus programs. Now the year was up. Since I was already using one copy of AVG Free Edition, I could not use it in my other Windows systems. Instead, I purchased the "high end version" of the AVG free program: AVG Internet Security Home Edition, which is licensed for installation in three separate computers. The total cost to protect all three systems for one year was $54.99. However, I chose the two-year option for $79.99. That works out to $13.33 per computer per year - a bargain when compared to the anti-virus programs I see at the local computer store.
One thing that surprised me is that my Windows computer now runs significantly faster since I replaced the well-known anti-virus program with AVG Internet Security Home Edition.
If you have a single Windows computer that needs anti-virus protection, I'd suggest that you look at AVG Free Edition at http://free.grisoft.com.
If you have more computers to protect or need still more protection for a single computer, I'd then suggest that you look at the company's commercial products. They work well and are cheaper than most competitive products.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 02, 2008
***************
cbh
************
September 02, 2008
A Free Anti-Virus Program
I have no idea why this information isn't better known. This is one of the best bargains I know of for Windows users, and yet most people have never heard of it.
First of all, every Windows computer needs an anti-virus program running at all times. If you are running a Windows computer right now without up-to-date anti-virus software, your system will become infected with a virus sooner or later. In fact, your PC may be infected right now without your knowledge. Yet there is a free and easy method of avoiding viruses.
This is also a great tool for Macintosh users who use Parallels or VMware Fusion to run Windows programs on the Mac.
If you already have an anti-virus program installed, there are several things you should know:
All anti-virus programs will slow the operation of your computer. This is inevitable. However, some anti-virus programs will slow your computer more than others. Generally speaking, the well-known, more sophisticated programs will slow the computer down more than the simpler ones. The free program I will describe slows a computer less than do most of its competitors.
Almost all commercial anti-virus programs cost money to purchase, and then you find out that the program only works for a year. In fact, every anti-virus program must be updated daily or every few days to make sure it is always prepared for new virus that have recently been found. After twelve months, most commercial anti-virus programs will ask you to pay another $30 to $60 for another year's worth of updates. (Some programs will not ask for two years.) The free program I will describe is free to purchase and never asks for any additional money.
The better-known commercial anti-virus programs seem to suffer from "feature-itis." That is, the software producers keep adding more and more features to make the program do more and more. Common additions include anti-phishing features, anti-spyware, online identity protection, web site authentication, a firewall, anti-rootkit protection, and more. To be sure, some of these features may be very useful, especially for computer novices. Knowledgeable Windows users may find such features unnecessary since most of us can recognize phishing, spyware, and such things without additional software. Whether you deem these "extra features" to be useful or not, each adds bulk to the program, slows the computer down still more, and also probably increases the price. The free program I will describe is simple: it protects against viruses. However, the same software producer offers a free anti-spyware product and a free anti-rootkit product. In addition to the free products, the same company adds an even more sophisticated combination of features for a modest price, although not free.
NOTE: For more information on some of these terms, look at the following:Virus - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VirusSpyware - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpywarePhishing - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PhishingRootkit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootkit
One free program can stop viruses from entering your Windows system. If your computer is already infected, the same program may be able to remove the virus (no program is ever guaranteed to be able to remove ALL viruses). Best of all, the program is available free of charge. The program is:
AVG Free Edition produced by GriSoft
AVG Free Edition is an excellent anti-virus program that stops viruses as well as most of the commercial products. Its effectiveness has been tested and verified by West Coast Labs, ICSA Laboratories and Virus Bulletin. I do not have proper virus testing capabilities, so I cannot test AVG myself. However, I will say that I have been using AVG Free Edition as the anti-virus program on one of my Windows XP systems for several years and have never had a virus on that system, despite the fact that it is exposed to the Internet and many web sites and hundreds of e-mail messages every day.
Obviously, the best thing about AVG Free Edition is its price: free. You can download it right now and start using it immediately. The program updates its anti-virus rules every few days to keep your protection at the maximum level possible.
AVG Free Edition does have several disadvantages, however. You need to be aware of these limitations:
AVG is licensed for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. You cannot use it on any computer being used at work or at any corporation or for any commercial use whatsoever. It also may not be used in schools, charities, churches, or governmental organizations. AVG sells a commercial version for computers not allowed under the Free Edition license.
You may use AVG Free Edition on a maximum of one computer. If you own two or more computers, you may only use AVG Free Edition on one of them.
There is no tech support available for AVG Free Edition. Full tech support is available only with the commercial version.
Downloading the program and/or the updates may be slower for AVG Free Edition than for the commercial version. This strikes me as a minor limitation.
I am pleased with AVG Free Edition. I also hear good things about the product from others who are using it. In fact, a few months ago I needed to renew the subscription of a commercial anti-virus product I had been using in my other Windows computers. I purchased the computer a year ago and it included a one-year subscription to one of the well-known anti-virus programs. Now the year was up. Since I was already using one copy of AVG Free Edition, I could not use it in my other Windows systems. Instead, I purchased the "high end version" of the AVG free program: AVG Internet Security Home Edition, which is licensed for installation in three separate computers. The total cost to protect all three systems for one year was $54.99. However, I chose the two-year option for $79.99. That works out to $13.33 per computer per year - a bargain when compared to the anti-virus programs I see at the local computer store.
One thing that surprised me is that my Windows computer now runs significantly faster since I replaced the well-known anti-virus program with AVG Internet Security Home Edition.
If you have a single Windows computer that needs anti-virus protection, I'd suggest that you look at AVG Free Edition at http://free.grisoft.com.
If you have more computers to protect or need still more protection for a single computer, I'd then suggest that you look at the company's commercial products. They work well and are cheaper than most competitive products.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 02, 2008
***************
cbh
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
New Website
Okay, folks, last post for the day, [I promise!]
From yesterdays, EOGN and Dick Eastman comes the following:
September 01, 2008
New Web Site Maps Surnames Worldwide
We all want to know where our ancestors came from but many of us are also curious as to where our distant relatives now live. A new web site can provide many such clues, if not definitive answers.
The Public Profiler site plots eight million last names using data from electoral rolls and phone directories. The site covers 300 million people in 26 countries, showing the origins of names and where families have moved to. The site also reveals which of the five million first names (forenames) are most closely associated with different surnames and lists the top regions and cities for each surname.
The Public Profiler web site was developed by a team of geographers from University College London. Professor Paul Longley, one of the researchers, said: "The information is not just historical but geographical. We can link names to places - a name is now not just a statement of who you are but where you are."
Most surnames originated in specific places in the world and remain most frequent in those areas, but have often spread to other countries because of migration, the research shows.
I found the site easy to use. Enter a surname and see where others of that name are located around the world. Dots are shown on a world map is shown with each dot representing a concentration of people with that name. The more unusual name, the better it works.
You do need to have JavaScript enabled on your browser and a recent version of Flash Player installed on your computer to see the maps. It works well on both Windows and Macintosh systems.
When I visited the site, I found it to be very, very slow. It seems that the site is brand new and is apparently overwhelmed by users. It is far more popular than the creators expected and the web server it runs on was not designed to handle the heavy load. I received several errors of “Error..Database is busy..“ when using it. If you encounter the same, you might leave and then try again in a few hours or even in a few days.
To try the Public Profiler site, go to http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 01, 2008
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Okay, folks, there are mixed comments on this site. Some say they weren't able to access it, stated "Server Busy" alerts, and "Website Under Construction" alerts. I went to view it at 1 A.M. [I know, what can I say? I'm a night owl and do my best work at the midnight hour!] Anyway, I had no problems accessing it, [and I'm on a stinky old dial up!]. It was interesting and fun to view! So, have a try with it. It's becoming overwhelmingly popular and I'm sure the writers of the program will upgrade soon!
cbh
From yesterdays, EOGN and Dick Eastman comes the following:
September 01, 2008
New Web Site Maps Surnames Worldwide
We all want to know where our ancestors came from but many of us are also curious as to where our distant relatives now live. A new web site can provide many such clues, if not definitive answers.
The Public Profiler site plots eight million last names using data from electoral rolls and phone directories. The site covers 300 million people in 26 countries, showing the origins of names and where families have moved to. The site also reveals which of the five million first names (forenames) are most closely associated with different surnames and lists the top regions and cities for each surname.
The Public Profiler web site was developed by a team of geographers from University College London. Professor Paul Longley, one of the researchers, said: "The information is not just historical but geographical. We can link names to places - a name is now not just a statement of who you are but where you are."
Most surnames originated in specific places in the world and remain most frequent in those areas, but have often spread to other countries because of migration, the research shows.
I found the site easy to use. Enter a surname and see where others of that name are located around the world. Dots are shown on a world map is shown with each dot representing a concentration of people with that name. The more unusual name, the better it works.
You do need to have JavaScript enabled on your browser and a recent version of Flash Player installed on your computer to see the maps. It works well on both Windows and Macintosh systems.
When I visited the site, I found it to be very, very slow. It seems that the site is brand new and is apparently overwhelmed by users. It is far more popular than the creators expected and the web server it runs on was not designed to handle the heavy load. I received several errors of “Error..Database is busy..“ when using it. If you encounter the same, you might leave and then try again in a few hours or even in a few days.
To try the Public Profiler site, go to http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames.
Posted by Dick Eastman on September 01, 2008
***********
Okay, folks, there are mixed comments on this site. Some say they weren't able to access it, stated "Server Busy" alerts, and "Website Under Construction" alerts. I went to view it at 1 A.M. [I know, what can I say? I'm a night owl and do my best work at the midnight hour!] Anyway, I had no problems accessing it, [and I'm on a stinky old dial up!]. It was interesting and fun to view! So, have a try with it. It's becoming overwhelmingly popular and I'm sure the writers of the program will upgrade soon!
cbh
An Inspiring Post From Arlene Eakle
I received this post this morning, and was so inspired! I have to share it with all of you.
This summer, I decided to buy a lawn mower. I have 1/4 acre of lawn and large, very large elm and ash trees. It costs a minimum of $160.00 per month to have a lawn service mow the lawn. That is just the mowing. To water the lawn costs a minimum of $160.00 per month. That is just the water on the lawn and the trees. So I figured if I got a lawn mower and mowed it myself, I could pay for the water to keep it green.
I also reasoned that if I walked behind the mower all summer, I would not have to walk on the treadmill and I would get the exercise I wanted and needed. Less time spent for the same result.
Problem 1: The mower was large and I was way out of shape. Pushing that big machine across my thick grass and around the tree trunks required a lot of pushing. One neighbor stopped by to tell me that I should not be mowing the lawn myself. Her son would be glad to do it for $95.00 per month. And she left a phone number for me to call.
A second neighbor watched me push and push and push, day-after-day. Finally, he offered to mow the lawn for free. In passing, he said, “Where is the belt that turns the wheels?” “The belt?” I responded. “I don’t think it has a belt.” He turned the mower on its side and looked for a belt. Nada. Nit. Nil. None. “It has to have some way to turn those wheels,” he said as he examined the mower closely. And he found a yellow lever–that turned the wheels! Seems the machine was self-propelled! Duh!
Problem 2: After 6 weeks, the mower stopped. I checked the gas level. I checked the oil. I discovered that a wire connecting to the key was severed. I cleaned the machine. I lubricated the blade. And I re-read the manual which began every paragraph with CAUTION! WARNING! ALERT! (You know the old advice, when all else fails, read the directions.) Nothing I did helped.
So I called my son, Richard. Most farmers are self-taught mechanics. And he stopped by on his way home for lunch. He checked everything and read the manual. He repaired the broken wire and I can start the machine with the key.
Together we decided that it had to be the spark-plug. My 1999 GMC truck has its original spark-plugs! Why would only 6 weeks of mowing use up a spark-plug?
Richard showed me how to remove the plug–and it was carbon-black!
Off I went to Car Quest for new spark-plugs. And the first thing the clerk said to me was, “This is a filtered plug. Do you have a radio attached to your mower?” “Why would I attach a radio to my mower?” “Filtered spark-plugs are used so they do not interfere with a radio or other electronic device. They don’t last as long. And I don’t recommend that you use them.”
The factory installed a filtered spark-plug. So I bought three, new, regular plugs. When I installed the new plug, the mower took off like lightning!
Now I buzz around my 1/4 acre in two sessions instead of six.
My lawn mower and your genealogy:
Newly-toned muscles. Stronger arms and legs with longer, firmer muscles . Able to take a deep breath with a single effort. I am a Lean, Mean, Genealogy Machine!
My neighbors still stop by with offers to help with my massive lawn. I just smile and keep mowing. I can even manage the collection bag full of newly-mowed grass, emptying it myself. I am a Lean, Mean, Genealogy Machine!
And all the favorable goodies that circulate through my brain from the exercise are generating new, powerful search strategies. Strategies I can apply to your genealogy questions and your long-lost ancestors–for more effective research answers.
What a great summer it has been. A very hot, great summer.
Your favorite Lean, Mean Genealogy Machine, Arlene Eakle http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS This Genealogy News Sheet is an extension of my values, beliefs, genealogy strategies, and research experiences. Values and strategies that I hope you, gentle readers, will also enjoy, connect deeply with, and discover a kindred spirit. I’m confident that to change it, would leave little appeal for you and would cease to be as enjoyable for me. Your emails and letters over these past months assures me that you both enjoy each newsletter and benefit from the successful research tips I share with you.
PPS Stay tuned! You get a picture next time–me and my webmaster. I am standing and she is sitting. We are the same height! This picture was taken at the end of June 2008. I may be Lean and Mean; I am still short!
PPSS I have watched New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast cope with Hurricane Gustav. What a remarkable change from the response to Katrina–and what hope this gives us all for Homeland Security. Bravo!
arlene Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:54:36 +0000
************
My dear hubby and I are beginning to house hunt now. Our baby [24 year old daughter] is moving back home the end of October. We've been living in a tiny trailer to help assist with my parents who live with my sister. They are stable, and there's really no room for a third person here, so we are looking for a house.
I am going to keep this article, put it in the "MAY" section of my 2009 calendar, and then bring it out next May and put it on my refrigerator. I found this quite the inspiration for getting "Lean and Mean"!
cbh
This summer, I decided to buy a lawn mower. I have 1/4 acre of lawn and large, very large elm and ash trees. It costs a minimum of $160.00 per month to have a lawn service mow the lawn. That is just the mowing. To water the lawn costs a minimum of $160.00 per month. That is just the water on the lawn and the trees. So I figured if I got a lawn mower and mowed it myself, I could pay for the water to keep it green.
I also reasoned that if I walked behind the mower all summer, I would not have to walk on the treadmill and I would get the exercise I wanted and needed. Less time spent for the same result.
Problem 1: The mower was large and I was way out of shape. Pushing that big machine across my thick grass and around the tree trunks required a lot of pushing. One neighbor stopped by to tell me that I should not be mowing the lawn myself. Her son would be glad to do it for $95.00 per month. And she left a phone number for me to call.
A second neighbor watched me push and push and push, day-after-day. Finally, he offered to mow the lawn for free. In passing, he said, “Where is the belt that turns the wheels?” “The belt?” I responded. “I don’t think it has a belt.” He turned the mower on its side and looked for a belt. Nada. Nit. Nil. None. “It has to have some way to turn those wheels,” he said as he examined the mower closely. And he found a yellow lever–that turned the wheels! Seems the machine was self-propelled! Duh!
Problem 2: After 6 weeks, the mower stopped. I checked the gas level. I checked the oil. I discovered that a wire connecting to the key was severed. I cleaned the machine. I lubricated the blade. And I re-read the manual which began every paragraph with CAUTION! WARNING! ALERT! (You know the old advice, when all else fails, read the directions.) Nothing I did helped.
So I called my son, Richard. Most farmers are self-taught mechanics. And he stopped by on his way home for lunch. He checked everything and read the manual. He repaired the broken wire and I can start the machine with the key.
Together we decided that it had to be the spark-plug. My 1999 GMC truck has its original spark-plugs! Why would only 6 weeks of mowing use up a spark-plug?
Richard showed me how to remove the plug–and it was carbon-black!
Off I went to Car Quest for new spark-plugs. And the first thing the clerk said to me was, “This is a filtered plug. Do you have a radio attached to your mower?” “Why would I attach a radio to my mower?” “Filtered spark-plugs are used so they do not interfere with a radio or other electronic device. They don’t last as long. And I don’t recommend that you use them.”
The factory installed a filtered spark-plug. So I bought three, new, regular plugs. When I installed the new plug, the mower took off like lightning!
Now I buzz around my 1/4 acre in two sessions instead of six.
My lawn mower and your genealogy:
Newly-toned muscles. Stronger arms and legs with longer, firmer muscles . Able to take a deep breath with a single effort. I am a Lean, Mean, Genealogy Machine!
My neighbors still stop by with offers to help with my massive lawn. I just smile and keep mowing. I can even manage the collection bag full of newly-mowed grass, emptying it myself. I am a Lean, Mean, Genealogy Machine!
And all the favorable goodies that circulate through my brain from the exercise are generating new, powerful search strategies. Strategies I can apply to your genealogy questions and your long-lost ancestors–for more effective research answers.
What a great summer it has been. A very hot, great summer.
Your favorite Lean, Mean Genealogy Machine, Arlene Eakle http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS This Genealogy News Sheet is an extension of my values, beliefs, genealogy strategies, and research experiences. Values and strategies that I hope you, gentle readers, will also enjoy, connect deeply with, and discover a kindred spirit. I’m confident that to change it, would leave little appeal for you and would cease to be as enjoyable for me. Your emails and letters over these past months assures me that you both enjoy each newsletter and benefit from the successful research tips I share with you.
PPS Stay tuned! You get a picture next time–me and my webmaster. I am standing and she is sitting. We are the same height! This picture was taken at the end of June 2008. I may be Lean and Mean; I am still short!
PPSS I have watched New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast cope with Hurricane Gustav. What a remarkable change from the response to Katrina–and what hope this gives us all for Homeland Security. Bravo!
arlene Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:54:36 +0000
************
My dear hubby and I are beginning to house hunt now. Our baby [24 year old daughter] is moving back home the end of October. We've been living in a tiny trailer to help assist with my parents who live with my sister. They are stable, and there's really no room for a third person here, so we are looking for a house.
I am going to keep this article, put it in the "MAY" section of my 2009 calendar, and then bring it out next May and put it on my refrigerator. I found this quite the inspiration for getting "Lean and Mean"!
cbh
NGS 2007 & 2008 Conferences Available on CD
Genealogy Lectures Available on CD ROM
If you were unable to attend the NGS conference in Kansas City, 14-17 May 2008, you will be happy to know that over 120 lectures were recorded and can be purchased on CD ROM for $12 each plus shipping. Lectures are available via a link, "Lectures from NGS Conference in Kansas City available for purchase on CD ROM," on the NGS website at http://ngsgenealogy.org. by scrolling down the home page to "2008 NGS CONFERENCE." This is an opportunity to hear genealogical experts discuss topics that will help you in your family research. Listed on the website is each speaker by last name, as well as the lecture track and title of each talk.
Optionally, you may access the JAMB-Inc. website directly at www.jamb-inc.com. Also included on the website are over 100 lectures from the 2007 NGS Conference in the States held in Richmond, Virginia. The tracks and topics vary for each conference.
**************
cbh
If you were unable to attend the NGS conference in Kansas City, 14-17 May 2008, you will be happy to know that over 120 lectures were recorded and can be purchased on CD ROM for $12 each plus shipping. Lectures are available via a link, "Lectures from NGS Conference in Kansas City available for purchase on CD ROM," on the NGS website at http://ngsgenealogy.org. by scrolling down the home page to "2008 NGS CONFERENCE." This is an opportunity to hear genealogical experts discuss topics that will help you in your family research. Listed on the website is each speaker by last name, as well as the lecture track and title of each talk.
Optionally, you may access the JAMB-Inc. website directly at www.jamb-inc.com. Also included on the website are over 100 lectures from the 2007 NGS Conference in the States held in Richmond, Virginia. The tracks and topics vary for each conference.
**************
cbh
Cambridge American Cemetery
From "Upfront With NGS" for Sept. 1, 2008 comes the following:
England’s Cambridge American Cemetery by Jan Alpert, NGS President On a recent trip to Essex County, England, with the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, Great Migration Tour, I learned of a new World War II record source. Just outside of Cambridge, England, is the Cambridge American Cemetery. The American Battle Monuments Commission, which was created by a law enacted in 1923 for commemorating the services of the United States Armed Forces, established this 30-acre cemetery. Donated by the University of Cambridge in 1944, it is the only American World War II cemetery in the British Isles.
The memorial includes a series of maps that display the major military operations against Germany and Japan during the war, as well as a display of the various medals that are awarded in the Armed Services.
The 3,810 headstones include soldiers who served between 1941 and 1945 and were temporarily interred in England or Northern Ireland, who died in invasions in North Africa and France, or whose bodies were found in the north Atlantic but never identified. A wall lists the names by military unit, including Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, then alphabetically lists more than 5,000 men and women missing in action, lost, or buried at sea. The website contains much more information at http://www.abmc.gov. If you have an ancestor who died in or around the British Isles, the Cambridge American Cemetery is worth a further look.
**************
cbh
England’s Cambridge American Cemetery by Jan Alpert, NGS President On a recent trip to Essex County, England, with the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, Great Migration Tour, I learned of a new World War II record source. Just outside of Cambridge, England, is the Cambridge American Cemetery. The American Battle Monuments Commission, which was created by a law enacted in 1923 for commemorating the services of the United States Armed Forces, established this 30-acre cemetery. Donated by the University of Cambridge in 1944, it is the only American World War II cemetery in the British Isles.
The memorial includes a series of maps that display the major military operations against Germany and Japan during the war, as well as a display of the various medals that are awarded in the Armed Services.
The 3,810 headstones include soldiers who served between 1941 and 1945 and were temporarily interred in England or Northern Ireland, who died in invasions in North Africa and France, or whose bodies were found in the north Atlantic but never identified. A wall lists the names by military unit, including Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, then alphabetically lists more than 5,000 men and women missing in action, lost, or buried at sea. The website contains much more information at http://www.abmc.gov. If you have an ancestor who died in or around the British Isles, the Cambridge American Cemetery is worth a further look.
**************
cbh
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