Sacramento Turn Verein MAIFEST

Here comes the sun! And spring is just around the corner!
Join us at the MAIFEST – the German May Day celebration of the arrival of spring!
It's happening on SUNDAY, MAY 6 at the Sacramento Turn Verein – our big annual MAIFEST.

• For family fun, be sure to bring the children along (Don't forget – FREE ADMISSION FOR EVERYONE!):
• Watch the German Maypole dancers, typical at German May Day celebrations
• Learn the Maypole dance – special fun for the children, with instruction by the professional dancers
• Plenty of German music
• Picnic food
• Puppet shows for the kids
• Face painting, and crafts activities too, for the kids
• Story-telling
• Biergarten for the adults
• Kaffee und Kuchen
• And a special drink for the ladies – the famous “Maibowle” (Hint: it contains strawberries soaked in brandy)

MAIFEST DETAILS:
What: The annual Maifest, sponsored by the Turn Verein's German Language School
Where: At the Turn Verein, 3349 J Street in Sacramento
When: Sunday, May 6, from noon until 4 p.m.
Who's invited? All are welcome. Be sure to bring the children!
Admission: FREE

Submitted by Shirley Riemer

Posted by Ron Setzer

Society Saturday - "there is an app for that"

"There is an APP for that" - Have you been hearing that alot, I sure have. Fortunately it is true most of the time.

Are you attending the National Genealogical Society (NGS) May 9-12 in Cincinnati Ohio...... if so, there is an APP for that......... calendar, schedule, exhibitors info, speakers bio's, pictures and so much more. Download it from their NGS website or through iTunes.

If you are attending, Southern California Jamboree June 7-10  the Jamboree APP  will be available by mid-May. It was available last year - was a big time saver and was easier to carry around than a heavy paper syllabus. Thank you so much.

RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City in February had an APP for the conference.......  wonderful and so easy to use. Thank you.  Watch for it again March 2013.

Friends of Friends - Speical Visitors during Extraction Time

As most of our members know, our extraction committee, led by Marilyn Ulbricht (fearless & tireless), is always at the Center for Sacramento History (CSH) on Friday mornings- and this has been going on for many many years.  This past Friday we had a visit from Sacramento County District 1 Superintendent Phil Serna and Sacramento History Foundation Board Member Karen Pardieck. accompanied by Marcia Eymann, City Historian; Grieg Best, Executive Director; and Dylan McDonald, Deputy City Historian.

Marilyn gave a great accounting of  Root Cellar and our work at the CSH. The committee has indexed, transcribed, and extracted many many different projects, compiling the information into book form and having them distributed to library's and other society's all over the county.

   
Phil and Patricia asked alot of questions about the current and past projects we have done. Marilyn showed them several of the actual books we have completed and the ledgers and books that the informaiton originally came from. Patricia Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator  & Senior Archivist, was quick to point out that our books are being used by outside researcher as quickly as they are completed. Now doesn't that make all the work worth the effort. Great Job Marilyn and company!!

And somewhere in OHIO, Stark County, Alliance City I hope there is someone working just as much on their records so they will be available for me - OK and others too.

Society Saturday: Happy Blogiversary to Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society!

Blow out the candle!  On April 29, 2012, Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society's (RCSGS) will celebrate its first anniversary as a member of Geneabloggers. 

Over the past year, RCSGS blog posts have appeared many many times on the GeneaBloggers roll-up for Daily Blog Prompts like Tombstone Tuesday and our events have appeared on the GeneaBloggers Calendar.  The benefits to our Society and members has been tremendous - increased visibility of what our Society has to offer researchers, e.g., publications, and an increased audience for our member's personal family history  including those pesky brickwalls. The comments from blog readers are like hugs from across the blogosphere!

Let's offer a toast to another productive year on GeneaBloggers!  Thank you Thomas MacEntee, creator of GeneaBloggers, for your service to the blogging community and genealogical societies.  By the way readers, Thomas is coming to Sacramento for our next Spring seminar on Saturday, March 16, 2013. 


Note: click on the title of this post for a better view on the Blog itself.
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

FYI Friday - Senior Health Fair

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society will be participating in an annual event in Citrus Heights called "Senior Health Fair". The event features exhibits, entertainment, and lectures, all dedicated to senior issues and concerns. Everyone is welcome.

When: May 20, 2012
Where: Citrus Heights City Complex
                  Greenback & Fountain Square, Citrus Heights
Time: 9am to 1pm
Come out and support Root Cellar and have a fun and an informative morning.

Tuesday TIp - New Resource for Sacramento Reseachers

Lots of Root Cellar members have been hard at work transcribing a collection of 20 coroners record books at the Center for Sacramento History. It has been a couple of years with this project and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only one more book to finish and then the index book and we are finished. YIPPPPEE!!

 AND now the Center has located approximately 10 more Coroners Record Books.    OH MY!!!

We have just published Volune VII/ Book 14 - 1941-1947. We presented a copy to Patricia Johnson (Senior Archivist (Reference, Government Records & Volunteer Coordinator) this past week. Pat tells us that she has had requests for names that are in our books so they are already being helpful to family researchers. Are you doing Sacramento research? Our books may be helpful to you too.

A very big thank you to Marilyn Ulbricht, our fearless leader, who has put in thousands of hours putting these books together. KUDO's Marilyn!!  Root Cellar members are very proud to be able to give back to the community in our transcribing/indexing program. The Center is thrilled to be getting all this information in a useable form for the public.

Military Monday - Opportunity for Research

 Ancestry Offers all WWII Content FREE through April 30, 2012.

What a great deal!! Good Luck to all.

Sunday Armchair Brainstorming: DIETZ / Germany

I have been researching my German Roots without a lot of luck, since I don't know the village or parish in Bavaria and  Hesse-Darmstadt. 

I finally located my 2nd great grandfather George A. Dietz/ Bavaria in the cemetery in Allegheny City, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania, took pictures (in pretty sad state) and have written a letter to the administration of the cemetery looking for any new informaiton. (Of course I am hoping that my 2nd great grandmother Caroline (Noel) Dietz is also buried with the family). It appears that other family members are buried there but the stones are broken and the writting is difficult to read.

I attended a 10 week session at the Vern Turnin, Sacramento on "Genealogist in Germany". Learned alot about the history of Europe and Germany. Did alot of old world German script reading and writing. It was a good experience. It helps me to understand the different times. Germany changes so much and so often, so one really needs to know what the country looked like when your ancestors were there. I still need to do more detailed research in Bavaria and Hessen-Darmstadt.

Yesterday was the Sacramento German Genealogical Society Seminar "Tracking Down Our German Ancestors"with Warren Bittner. Very good day of learning! Today we heard about German Maps & Territories; German Gazetteers and Levels of Jurisdiction; Marriage Laws and Customs; Elusive Immigrant - Proving the German Link; U.S. Federal Land - Key Records for Gemran Immigrants; Welcome to the Library- Reading to Put Your Family into Historical Context. Yes it was a full day. Alot of the information I will file away for later research. I am going to follow some of the suggestions in the Elusive Immigrant. I need to followup on the children and their children - looking at church records and again Immigration Records. And doing alot more reading.  I do feel reenergized again ............  thank you.

Any suggestions?

Summary: 
George A Dietz / 1832 Bavaria married Caroline Noel / 1844 Hessen-Darmstadt before1864 somewhere in Germany probably in Hesse-Darmstadt, but just guessing at this point.
First child (of 8) Elizabeth Dietz (my Great Grandmother) born in 1864 in Baltimore Maryland (from 1870 census, but cannot find anything  else to prove it)....... the rest of the children were born in Allegheny City, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania.

Surname Saturday - Thomas and Dollings

Thank you to Root Cellar member Georgia Hall Chun for sharing a family story and treasured photo with us.  She writes:

My grandmother, Cecile Thomas, is the young woman in the back left of this photo (click to enlarge).

b. 4 November 1886 in Mt. Perry, Perry County, Ohio
d. 11 January 1978 in Colton, San Bernardino, California


Source: Georgia Hall Chun Collection

This family photo shows her [Cecile's] parents, Marshall Axline Thomas and Ina Lee Dollings, seated in the front and her siblings, Martin (back) and Helen, Bernice and Gladys (front) around 1904 in Muskingum County, Ohio.

In 1932 Cecile left Ohio with my then 22 year old father and his 19 year old sister to start a new life in California.  In spite of the depression they did indeed create a successful business and life.

Surname Saturday is one of several blog themes suggested on GeneaBloggers, created by Thomas MacEntee.  Share your surname history here or comment on this post by emailing rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.

Submitted by Georgia Hall Chun

Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Treasure Chest Thursday - Sacramento Valley Museum



Famous Willams archway
April 14, 2012

 Williams, California holds a special place in my heart.  I lived there a mere 18 months during fourth and fifth grade but it was an eventful period.  I learned how to do fractions, ride a bike with no hands, and swim.  My brothers and I had lambs named Boomer, Tiny Tim and mine, Daisy, which I fed with a bottle and watched her being sheared for the first time.  The ranch house where we lived was surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. 

My husband and I recently spent the day in Williams going down memory lane.  The population is now over 5,000.  A large housing development is now on the east side of town.  Downtown is not the same as in "my day" mostly due to the building of Interstate 5 in the late 1960's.  The Tidewater gas station where my father worked is now a vacant lot but two doors down Louis Cairo's restaurant is still there serving Italian meals.


The highlight of the day was our visit to the Sacramento Valley Museum.  We were cheerfully greeted by Kathy Manor, the Museum's Director, who explained the layout of the exhibits.  The exhibits are located on two floors with the main area being on the upper level accessed by stairs.  The floors creeked as we walked through each exhibit room, a sound that added to the ambience of an old building.  Kathy cranked up a huge music box for us and other visitors.  The sound was clear, crisp and very pleasant.  



Williams High School  1911
Source: Sacramento Valley Museum



Sacramento Valley Musum
April 14, 2012



The museum's website is very informative; here's an excerpt:

The building that houses the Sacramento Valley Museum was built in 1911 to serve as Williams Union High School.  The school graduated classes until 1956, when a new high school was built.  It sat dormant for six years until Sacramento Valley residents took up its cause [and began renovations].

The 16,000 square foot building that houses the SVM collection contains multiple rooms of exhibits that represent the Sacramento Valley from the mid 19th through the mid 20th century.  Exhibits that have been completed in the last couple of years are a 19th century dry goods and a room representing businesses that could be found in Colusa County in the late 19th century, including hotels, barber shops, and hot springs resorts.  Newer exhibits include a room dedicated to those who represented the Sacramento Valley in military wars and conflicts from the Civil War to the current generation.  SVM staff and volunteers plan on updating popular current exhibits as well.  First on the list is the room representing a 19th century general store and another room representing an apothecary and pharmacy.

The Reading Room is how the public can connect with the larger collection that is not readily available through exhibits. The new Reading Room is under construction but researchers still have access to the collection.  Research is by appointment only.  To make an appointment, contact the Museum Director.
A return visit is in my future to do some in-depth research.  It's only one hour north of Sacramento. Contact the museum  for more information:

Sacramento Valley Museum

1491 E Street

Williams, Ca 95987

Ph: (530) 473-2978

Email: sacvalleymuseum@frontiernet.net

Website: www.sacvalleymuseum.org



NOTE: This post is best viewed from the blog itself.  Click on the title of this article to go to the blog. Click on images to enlarge.

Treasure Chest Thursday is one of several themes suggested by Geneabloggers created by Thomas MacEntee.  What's your treasure? Share it with us by commenting on this post or send it to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com.  

posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Upcoming ISGS Webinars

The Illinois State Genealogical Society has posted its line-up of upcoming webinars.  The webinars are free to listen to live but membership is required to view the archived version. Click the link to view the list.

Upcoming ISGS Webinars - May 2012

posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Webinar Wednesday April 25, 2012

A Free Webinar In Honor of Preservation Week April 22-28

"Saving Cherished Memorabilia: Preservation Tips For Family Historians" is a free webinar that will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Learn from Library of Congress preservation staff on how to store your photographs and documents, what archival supplies to purchase and more.

This webinar is free and co-sponsored by The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Library of Congress Genealogy and Local History Reading Room, and the LOC Preservation Team.

TO PARTICIPATE -
Send an email to Mark Wilson at mwilson@loc.gov before Sunday, April 22, 2012
Spaces are limited and will be filled in the order in which requests are received

About the Webinar:
Join the Library of Congress Preservation Directorate and Local History & Genealogy Reading Room staff for a webinar on tips and recommendations for preserving family memorabilia. This one hour webinar will offer participants practical advice on caring for personal documents, books, digital materials, and other family keepsakes. Topics covered will include how to safely handle and store memorabilia to prevent the most commons types of damage and deterioration, what to look for when purchasing preservation-quality storage supplies, and what to do when items are damaged. In addition, staff from the Library's Local History & Genealogy Reading Room will provide an introduction to using the collections, one of the most extensive public resources for researching ancestry, African-American history, immigration, U.S. military history, and many other related topics. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions through the webinar chat platform.

submitted by Lois Shumaker
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

WOW - More Genealogy Classes

The San Francisco Bay Area Calendar for May 2012 is now available.  It boasts 50 genealogical events occuring within a 75 mile radius of San Francisco, including Sacramento.  Grab a friend and hit the road!

submitted by Kathryn M. Doyle
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Tuesday's Tip: Marian Pierre-Louis's Tips Re: 1940 Housing Census

The Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society blog has recommended Marian Pierre-Louis's blog, The New England House Historian, in a previous post.  Be sure not to ignore her blog because of the title - Marian's articles have relevance to any location and research effort.  For instance...

Once again I suggest you take a look at her recent post titled The New England House Historian: The 1940 Census of Housing. In this post, Marian informs readers about the 1940 Census on Housing, the training video by the National Archives about how the information was collected and what you'll find.

It was an "I didn't know that" moment for me.  Maybe for you also?

Tuesday's Tip is one of several topics suggested on GeneaBloggers created by Thomas MacEntee.  Let us post your genealogical tip; send it to rootcellarsgs.org or click the envelope below to add a Comment.
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond 

Tuesday's Tip: Folk Beliefs and Superstitions of Our German Ancestors

Congratulations! You escaped disaster on the Friday the 13th just past! You did survive it, didn't you? But you don't believe in such nonsense. Right?

Your German ancestors, however, did not brush off such “threats.” To have done so would have been much too dangerous! For example, would you have had the nerve in your German ancestor's day to reveal (are you ready for this horror?) – that you had spit in the well!

Yes, we can laugh, but precautions had to be observed – according to people living in German lands even as recently as the twentieth century.

So come hear all about it. The German-American Cultural Center – Library will present a program on “Folk Beliefs and Superstitions of Our German Ancestors” this Friday, to be delivered by Ingeborg Carpenter, who for many years has been an enthusiastic student of German ethnology. You will come away from this program with a much fuller respect for the day-to-day threats and afflictions that Germans of yore had to learn to ward off.

DETAILS:
What: “Folk Beliefs and Superstitions of Our German Ancestors”
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2012
Where: Library of the Sacramento Turn Vern, 3349 J Street
Speaker: Ingeborg Carpenter.  Ms. Carpenter was raised in Frankfurt and Westfalen; educated at Gutenberg Universität, Mainz; teacher of German; Masters degree at CSU Sacramento.
Admission: Free
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be offered, for which donations are appreciated.

Sponsored by: The German-American Cultural Center – Library, a Section of the Sacramento Turn Verein. For further information: Lorelei@softcom.net

Submitted by Shirley Riemer
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Mystery Monday - Oklahoma Help Needed

A reader raised an interesting question the other day in genealogy class.  We were having a discussion about
State and County records.  I was very happy to hear a couple classmates say "can this issue be put on the blog?"  Yes, I responded emphatically, it's perfect for "Mystery Monday"!  Here's the question:

"How do you or can you obtain records of an ancestor who possibly received assistance from the State because of being blind?  My ancestor lived in Oklahoma from early 1900's until 1952."

If you have answer to this mystery, aka brick wall, please send an email to rootcellarsgs@gmail.com or add a Comment to this post.  Thank you very much!

Mystery Monday is one of several topics suggested on http://www.GeneaBloggers.com created by Thomas MacEntee. Send your family history mystery to rootcellarsgs@gmail for posting here so thousands of readers can see and offer solutions.
 
Submitted by BenMac
Posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Workshop Wednesday: 1940 Census

Please come to the next workshop on Wednesday, April 18th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Clubhouse at Country Squire Estates, 5720 Oak Hill Drive, Sacramento. Contact John if you have any questions (916)331-0963.

Topic: Round table discussion on the 1940 Census. Also, learn how YOU can be a volunteer to help INDEX this Census including a how-to demonstration.

submitted by John Jay
posted by Denise Hibsch Richmond

Southern California Genealogy Jamboree – Follow This Society

If you are not following the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree blog, possibly you should consider it. This is just one of great things happening at this year's Jamboree.


Jamboree: Share your Favorite Ancestor Photos for a Chance to Win
We are just two months from opening the doors to the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. Let's kick-start the Jamboree season with a special announcement. It might not be a $640 million lottery, but it would be so much fun to win.

To celebrate the Jamboree theme of Lights, Camera, ANCESTORS, our partner, 1000memories, is sponsoring a photo contest, and you can win a prize valued at $220.


1000memories.com is the new shoebox for your old photos. 1000memories is a free site that lets you share and preserve the family photos that are sitting in your old albums and hard drives. 1000memories makes it easy to digitize, preserve, and share your family history with the right people.
Share your favorite ancestor photo for a chance to win one of THREE Scan Cafe scanning kits to digitize up to 1,000 photos, slides, and or negatives (a $220 value). The photo in each of these three categories with the most “likes” by the start of Jamboree wins!

• The most humorous photo of an ancestor
• Pre-1900 photos
• Photo of the best-dressed ancestor

Here’s how it works.

• Visit 1000memories.com and register for a free account.
• Email mike@1000memories.com for an invitation to the Jamboree community shoebox. Put "Jamboree Shoebox" in the subject line.
• Add your favorite ancestor photos at http://bit.ly/HmnmaS and identify the category by adding it as the photo caption.
• Identify the person in the photo by adding a tag. Please include the name and other information as you wish: time period and location where the photo was taken.
• You can upload as many photos as you like.
• Please email mike@1000memories.com for assistance using ShoeBox.

Voting

• View the photos that have been uploaded. Feel free to check back often to see new photos as they are added.
• Vote for the favorite photos by clicking on the photo, and then clicking on the small heart on the left side of the photo to “like” them.
• You may vote for any photo only once.
• Voting closes at 12:00 noon Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, June 8, when the doors officially open for Jamboree.
• Winners will be announced during the Social Hour at 5:00 on Saturday.
• The contest is open to everyone. Need not be a Jamboree attendee to participate.
• Only one prize will be issued per person.

Notes

• Photos will be accessible to the public through Internet Archive "forever" and you may choose to remove them after Jamboree. Your call.
• Photo slideshows will be displayed throughout Jamboree.
• Officers of the Southern California Genealogical Society and the Jamboree Committee may participate but are not eligible to win.

Helpful Tips
If you don’t have digital copies of your photos, you can scan your photos using ShoeBox by 1000memories - a free photo-scanning app for iPhone and Android.If you don’t have a smartphone or scanner, simply take a photo of the photo with a digital camera and upload it to the Jamboree shoebox.

Prize Details
ScanCafe is the global leader in professional scanning services, having scanned over 65 million images. Scanning kits are specially designed packing boxes to send up to 1,000 photos, slides, and/or negatives to ScanCafe’s scanning facility. Each of your photos is scanned by hand by a trained technician, a digital copy is automatically added to a private shoebox on 1000memories, and your originals are returned to you along with a copy of your photos on DVD.

Remember
You can't win if you don't play!

Posted by Ron Setzer

Event – Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento

Sunday, April 15, 10 a.m. – Lynn Brown
"U.S. Customs and Immigration Service and How to Order Citizenship Records Online"
Sacramento area genealogist Lynn Brown will talk about naturalization and immigration records after 1906. There is now enhanced access and availability of citizenship records and a new federal genealogy department under the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service. Lynn will provide an overview of
citizenship records including visas, permanent residency, alien registration versus enemy alien registration and more.
Lynn has been a family historian for more than 35 years. After retiring from careers with Girl Scouting, AT&T and the U.S. Army Reserves, she embarked on a new career helping others with genealogy research. Currently she is a volunteer at the Family History Center and recently retired from local
school districts after teaching Computerized Genealogy. Lynn has been lecturing to Bay Area and Central Valley genealogy groups since 2004.
All are welcome to attend Sunday's meeting, held at the Albert Einstein Residence Center, 1935 Wright Street, Sacramento. For more information on the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento, visit http://www.jgss.org or e-mail the JGSS at jgs_sacramento@yahoo.com).

Submitted by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Sacramento

Posted by Ron Setzer

Wordless Wednesday – '69 Chevy Camero

Not just another collector's car
– Hint: Where we delivered our second child!
(Wish we had enough money at the time to keep the car for her)

Submitted and posted by Ron Setzer

The Bockbierfest weekend at the Turn Verein

The Bockbierfest weekend at the Turn Verein will soon be here! Come for the fun!
Look at all the German traditions exhibited at the Bockbierfest, like – Those good Bockbiers (other beers too, plus wine and other beverages)

• A variety of German food favorites
• Lots of rhythm and oompah from German bands
• German/Austrian traditional folk dancing (the Alpentänzer Schuhplattler)
• A German choir (the Harmonie)
• A German-style Biergarten
• The Kaffeehaus, for fancy desserts
• and “eye-candy” – All those folks wearing their colorful German Trachten (traditional German festival outfits)

Now, what more could you ask? Here are the details:

• WHERE: Bockbierfest at the Turn Verein, 3349 J Street
• WHEN: Friday, April 13, 6:00 pm. to midnight, and Saturday, April 14, 3:00 p.m. to midnight
• Admission at the door: $20 adult, $5 children (12 and under)
• Valid Photo ID required for Adult Beverage Wristband
• Come early for preferred seating.
• PARKING: At Sutter Middle School (100 yards down J Street)
• FOR INFORMATION: (916) 442-7360

Submitted by Shirley Riemer

Posted by Ron Setzer

Mobile Monday – FamilySearch goes mobile!

This information was taken from the FamilySearch.org website. I have downloaded this app for my iPad, but have yet to use it. I have been too busy indexing on my desktop computer. Would love to post a review of this app, so try it and send Root Cellar your thoughts.

FamilySearch indexing now has a mobile application available in English that works with Apple iOS (which includes iPod, iPad and iPhone) and on many Android devices. The app displays image snippets from handwritten historical documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates; census forms; and naturalization records. Each snippet contains a name, date, place-name, or other relevant information from the document. Simply transcribe (index) what is on the image, and the FamilySearch indexing system eventually adds the information to the collection of free genealogy records available at www.familysearch.org.
Although the app is available, the program is still being tested. The images currently being used to test the program come partly from previously indexed projects and partly from projects that have not been previously indexed. All data is being used to improve the records available at www.familysearch.org.
Note: Due to the diversity of mobile devices available, not all have been tested by FamilySearch. Users can send feedback on their experiences by contacting FamilySearch support. 

Getting Started
1. What are the minimum requirements?

• The minimum requirements for iOS are: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later. 
• The minimum requirements for Android are: Requires Android 2.1 and up. 
• The mobile indexing application is not compatible with BlackBerry or Windows Phone devices. 

2. How do I get started indexing?

The next simple steps help get new indexers started and ready to index: 

Installation/Registration 

• Install the application to the mobile device. 
• Register for a FamilySearch Account or LDS Account – On the indexing website, or the sign in screen for the app, click Register or Register Here, and then fill out the required information. Individuals who already have a FamilySearch Account or LDS Account but have never indexed can download the app and sign in.

Index Batches
1. Learn - Learn about indexing by reviewing the Guide tab.
2. Index - After the application opens, complete the next steps to index an image:

• Click the Indexing tab. An image downloads to the devise. 
• Type requested information - Type the requested information into the field provided. 
• Submit - When indexing is complete, the indexer clicks the Submit button. 

3. What time commitment does indexing require?

• Indexing does not require a specific time commitment. An individual can index any time or place and for as long as his or her schedule permits. If interrupted, when the indexer returns, the indexing program remembers where he or she left off. An image usually takes a few moments to complete. If the indexer does not want to finish an image, he or she can click Skip and continue to the next image. 

4. Can I choose what records I want to index?

• Yes. Indexers can choose to index records in English with varying levels of difficulty. 

5. Can I search the index I help create? 

• Yes! In future versions of the app after indexing is completed, the images and/or data are going to be made available to search at http://www.familysearch.org/.

Posted by Ron Setzer

ROSEVILLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Maidu Senior Center, 1550 Maidu Dr., Roseville, CA
Meeting 1-3 pm

Program: "1940 Census and Beyond"
An introduction to the 1940 U. S. census; released date
april2, 2012. Included will be a discussion on how best to utilize other
census, with or without Ancestry, and suggestion on how to volunteer to help
index the 1940 census.
Speaker: Dianna L Ward
Dianna has been doing genealogical research for 28 years,
professionally for 20 years. she researched multiple types of American
lineages, including New England, early New York, Native American, African
American, Canadian (primarily Ontario and Quebec), and Mexican.
Dianna worked for the Library of Michigan for several years
indexing the Michigan 1870 census, for which the Library received the Paul
W. Thurston Award. More recently, she volunteered for the Library compiling
a database of Michigan legislators, and researching some of those
legislators' lives. She is one of thousands of contributors to "find A
Grave", photographing tombstones and creating memorials if one doesn't
already exist.

Submitted by Helen Astill

Posted by Ron Setzer

Surname Saturday - BRANFIELD / KLINE

John Edward Branfield   (Sandra Gardner Benward's Granduncle)

b: 23 October 1883 Coalburg, Trumbull Co., Ohio

d: 3 July 1944 Pasadena, Los Angles,  California

burial: Mt.View Cemetery, Altadena, California

Married 19 March 1906 Tuscarawas Co., Ohio  

Erma Belle Kline

b: 25 October 1883 Barnhill, Ohio

d: 14 August 1959 Pasadena, Los Angles, California

burial: Mt. View Cemetery, Altadena, California

Wonder why they moved to California from Ohio?                                                                              They moved to California somewhere between 1911-1923

Friday Find - Charles Noble

Copy of a Death Certificate of Charles Noble 3rd Great Grandfather of Sandra Gardner Benward
He died of Cardiac Disease on 22 January 1892 in Registrations District Ipswich, Sub-Disrict Ipswich Western, Counties of Ipswich and Suffork, England.   age: 78 years - born abt 1814
Other information there is a mention that he was married to a woman named "Fannie" No last name YET; only know of one daughter Esther Noble (1834/England -1911/Ohio)

........and so far that is all I know.

Need to do some research in this part of the country in England & look up the occupation. Looks like the occupation is 'Farm Bailiff of St. Margaret"

Thankful Thursday - US GenWeb

I was doing some Google searches for an Ohio ancestor who married and (for what ever reason) migrated to Pasadena, California in the early 1900's.
One of my searches led me to a Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society (Ohio) website......... there was an extensive Marriage Index done by the Society.  This is a new county for me so I wasn't sure that this would be the same ancestor as I was searching for......  but it turns out that it is. I recognized the wife's name. (Branfield, John E  ………  Kline, Erma   vol 14 page 116) Where are these books? County? with the Society? with the library? Where? I searched the website and there was no email to respond too to ask questions or get help.......(they did have a local long distant telephone number and their address)  so I wrote down the informaiton that was in the index. I didn't want to wait a couple more days so  I clicked over to US Gen Web Website, drilled down through to the State of Ohio, (County Resources: Ohio Counties) and to the County of Tuscarawas.  I emailed  Peggy Ann (Tissot) Brown, the Tuscarawas Co. Coordinator, and gave her the information I had, told her this was a new county for me, and wasn't sure where would I go next? HELP! Just needed a little guidance. She emailed me  back and said she would be going to the Genealogical Library that week and would make a copy of the marriage license for me..........WHOOOOOPEY!!! Yes I was excited. I mailed her a check and she mailed me the marriage license........  One more step closer - .isn't life just wonderful!! 

Add US GenWeb website to your list of resources............ 

Good Luck in your research.

  

Wedding Wednesday - Anna Frances Mache

Since I do not have the whole picture, I am not sure this is a wedding photo but it sure looks like it to me. The photo is of Anna Frances Mache from San Francisco, California. Don't know who was standing next to her, this is all of the photo I have, but I will make an educated guess and say it was either her new husband, Ernest Herbert Bridge/SLC, Utah or her father, Peter Mache/ Lombardy,Italy.

Who knows who it is unless someone out there has the whole picture, wouldn't that be grand?

Relationship to Sandra Gardner Benward:   my mother-in-laws (Dorothy Margaret Bridge) mother

1940 US Census is in the news again - Sacramento Bee

Yes, the Sacramento Bee has a great article about the 1940 US Census.

They interviewed Ed Lucky from the Family History Center/ Sacramento and Melanie Howard/President of the Genealogical Association of Sacramento (GAS) /South Sacramento and Sandra Benward/President of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

...........  what a hoot to see your name in print!!

Sacramento Bee 3 April 2012 Tuesday

Big Thanks to Phillip Reese, Sacramento Reporter

NOTE: the Goggle Alerts do work! I had forgotten that I set one up with my name ......  you got it, the alert came in my email box this morning alerting me to the article and giving me the link to the article. Pretty cool !

Tuesday Traveling: Southern California Jamboree - early bird discount April 22

43rd Annual Southern California Jamboree sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society

THEME: "Lights Camera Ancertors -Spotlight on Family History"

As usual it will be held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, register online  or call 1-800-736-9712 (mention group GGGGGGA) 

Friday through Sunday, June 8 through the 10th, 2012. Pre-events Family History Writers Conference and Tech-Trax will be held on Thursday, June 7.

Registration is now OPEN online or by mail
Early Bird Discount ends April 23, 2012

Southern CA Jamboree information & registration  

Staying in touch with Jamboree updates.......
Tweeters, follow @SCGSGenealogy and use hashtag #scgs12. If you're on Facebook, join the SCGS Group, add Jamboree to your list of events, and send friend requests to Paula Hinkel and Leo Myers.

The best way to stay updated on all the Jamboree news is through the Jamboree blog. It's painless: Just sign up one time to have updates sent directly to your email. 

Madness Monday - 1940 US Census is available

Are you ready to find your ancestors in the 1940 US Census? It is available today. They are NOT indexed yet, but you know that already..........  try going to Steve Morse One Step Webpages and click on Census on the left hand side....  see all the information that is available to help you with the 1940 US Census. Make it easy on yourself and go there first, educate yourself, do your homework and then go to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) - 1940 US Censes is listed right in the middle of the page.........  Good Luck !!

1940 US Census Is Almost Here . . . Are You Ready?

from the FamilySearch.org ............ ATTENTION INDEXER!!                                                             Have you registered yet for Indexing the 1940 US Census? Please register (see groups below)
Otherwise get those fingers in condition because they will get a lot of great exerise in the coming months............ thank you!!

The release of the 1940 US Census is just days away! The excitement and enthusiasm for this project is far greater than anything we’ve seen in the six years that FamilySearch indexing has been available. We couldn’t be happier with the response, but we know this level of interest is going to challenge the capabilities of the indexing system.

There are some ways we can all help to reduce the system stress and keep everyone busily working to complete the census. Here are some ideas to consider:

1.    Take your time getting started. We’re all anxious, but there will still be plenty of work to go around after a few days. The first five states that will be available by Monday evening are:

o    Delaware

o    Virginia

o    Kansas

o    Oregon

o    Colorado

2.    Avoid peak usage times. Saturday evening through Monday evening is the busiest period. Try Wednesday or Thursday if you want the best chance of working online.

3.    Only download as much work as you think you’ll do in an hour or two. If you want to work offline, download two or three batches at a time, but not ten. 

4.    Work offline. If you start to see the system acting slowly, you may want to download a couple of batches and work offline.

5.    Review the training available now. Watch the How to Index the 1940 US Census  video. Review the tips and tricks slide presentation. Read the project instructions. All of these helps will get you prepared to index the census quickly and accurately.

Remember, it may take up to two weeks to make all of the states available for indexing. If your favorite state isn’t available yet, feel free to work on any other state, but only download what you think you’ll finish. This will help everyone have a chance to participate.

Are You Indexing as a Member of a Society or Group?

Lastly, we’ve noticed that some who signed up to participate in the 1940 US Census Community Project did not associate themselves with a society or group when they registered as an indexer. While there is no requirement for participants to be affiliated with a group, there are advantages to both you and the group if you are.  Root Cellar- Sacramento Genealogical Society has its own group with Administrator Sandra Benward. If you are indexing and you are a member of Root Cellar we would appreciate it if you would please go to your user account and associate yourself with Root Cellar.  There are lots of benefits and prizes for groups.

As a member of the group, you will be connected to other indexers who are working on similar records, who can provide support and answers to your questions. The group you belong to will also qualify for rewards based on how many records its indexers complete. To see a list of participating societies in your area, check our interactive maps .

Joining a group is easy, and can be done with a simple change to your user account at  indexing.familysearch.org. We have created a handout and training video to help you make the change.

For those of you who are already indexing as part of a group, feel free to stay where you are. You can only associate your account with one group, society, or stake.

For questions and support, please contact the 1940 US Census Community Project Team:

• Phone: 1-855-IDX-1940
• Email: 1940censusproject@familysearch.org 

Thanks again for your dedication to making genealogy records searchable. Together we’re making it possible for millions of people to find their ancestors!
Happy indexing!
The FamilySearch Indexing Team

Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of all Time

                                               Happy April Fools Day!!

Read about the Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of all time.......................... Enjoy your day!!