Wordless Wednesday - A New Year is Coming and Coming Quickly

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward

We toast to the coming New Year 2015

COUNT DOWN 

10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1  YEAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

from  

 Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society

What did Root Cellar SGS do as an organization in 2014?

We were able to have a general membership meeting every month.........
     
Presentations: Start Writing Family Stories with Marion Kile; Ancestry.com Discover the Power with Tamara Noe; a fabulous Holiday Party and a successful raffle; Ancestry.com filtering with Tamara Noe; another successful Show N Tell with our members hosted by Glenda Gardner-Lloyd; Western Migration Trails with Kathryn Marshall; Practical Tips for Planning an on-site Research Trip with Pam Brett; The Story Behind the Story with Carolee Jones; Using the Newspaper Subscription Websites with Janice Sellers; Install Backblaze for FREE with Yev Pusin.............


Daytime workshops each month........ giving members an opportunity to talk about their finds,  to talk about their trips, to talk about their brickwalls......... to talk about new resources.

A Very successful Spring Seminar with Geoff Rasmussen with Legacy Family Tree Software - we have invited Geoff back several times over the years and he has never disappointed. We want to thank our Co-Chairs Diane Maltase and Denise Miller for all that they did and to their committee of volunteers. And of course before this Seminar ended Diane and Denise were already working on 2015 Seminar on 21 March with D. Joshua Taylor (registration begins in 2015) and looking to 2016 & 2017. 

Jim Radar, a member and DNA expert, donated his time over the summer and presented a 3 month series of DNA classes ......... Thank you Jim. 

Root Cellar SGS and long time member Glenda Gardner Lloyd teamed up and put together a series of 5 FREE classes to help members in their research efforts.  

Our library has been a major work in progress this year. Denise Miller has taken upon herself to learn a new software program and inventory all materials in our library. We received several major donations over the years and are finally able to get them all inventoried and up on the shelves where they belong.  Sammie Hudgens, our librarian, is committed to the library and has scheduled docent's available on Tuesday and Thursday to assist visitors. Ron Setzer and John Jay have also been working with Denise on the library inventory.

A new Family Tree Maker Software Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed by members John Jay, Ron Setzer, Jack Banks. 

Root Cellar SGS has a strong Extraction Group  that meet once a week at the Center for Sacramento History........ many new titles were produced this year. The latest publications is Sheriff's Mug Book Sacramento County 1874-1875    and many more to come  -----                      Visit our large list of original publications  Thank You to Marilyn Ulbricht who keeps a large committee of volunteers going forward. 

Our own publications The Preserves went digital this year. We changed Editors ....... from Ron Setzer to Lois Shumacher. Great Job Ron. Good Luck Lois. First issue was outstanding. 

We moved our monthly publication - the  Geni-Gram from the Member's Only section to out in the public area. We want you to visit our meetings and activities.

A special Thank You to Lynne Roberts for her attention to details and to her excellent research abilities....... she handles our Research Requests and Pioneer Certificates.  AND if that isn't enough she is building our LINK tab on our website. 

......and behind the scenes there are many volunteers working on day to day, week to week, month to month tasks. Without those volunteers we could not function as well as we do. 


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Motivation Monday - New Classes Announced by NGS

Editor's note: Today's post by Sandra Gardner-Benward but a media release from NGS Society


Did you know that the NGS organization presents has all types of genealogical classes available........  here is the latest one

The National Genealogical Society

Introduces New Course:

Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors

Arlington, VA, 16 DECEMBER 2014:  The National Genealogical Society announced today the release of its newest Continuing Genealogical Studies (CGS) course: Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors. Developed by military records expert Craig Roberts Scott, CG, FUGA, the new course expands on NGS’s offerings for teaching military research strategies, and helps achieve NGS’s goal of providing quality educational opportunities to the genealogical community.
In addition to his role as CEO and President of Heritage Books, Inc., Craig Scott has spent decades honing his military research expertise and teaching these skills within the genealogical community. He has coordinated military courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and Samford University’s Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Birmingham, Alabama. His books include Understanding Revolutionary War and Invalid Pension Ledgers 1818‐1872 and Pension Payment Vouchers They Represent,and The “Lost” Pensions: Settled Accounts of the Act of 6 April 1838.
In this eight‐module cloud‐based course, Scott introduces numerous U.S. based records related to those who fought for independence, including compiled service records, prisoner of war records, and pension files. He will also teach strategies to identify and locate information about ancestors who lived at the time of the Revolution.

Researching YourRevolutionary War Ancestors is available to NGS members for $45.00 and to non-members for $70.00. For additional information or to purchase the course, visit the NGS website for the continuing studies courses 

The NGS Continuing Genealogical Studies courses are designed for both beginners and established genealogists who wish to focus on a specific topic and put their ensuing knowledge to work quickly. The courses allow individuals to complete genealogical coursework at their own pace and from the convenience of their own homes.
Two other cloud-based CGS courses are also offered:

• Introduction to Civil War Research
• Genetic Genealogy, The Basics

In addition to the CGS courses, NGS also offers several courses from its American Genealogical Studies (AGS) series, including:

• The Basics
• Guide to Documentation and Source Citation

Advanced AGS courses in a new series called Beyond the Basics are currently in development.  This cloud-based series is scheduled for release in 2015 and will complete American Genealogical Studies, which replaces the NGS Home Study Course, the standard in genealogical education for decades.
           

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


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Society Saturday - Happenings with Root Cellar SGS in January 2015

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward


Almost the new year, and there is already lots going in January 

........ see what is happening in January!!


January 1 Thursday (first Thursday) Legacy Family Tree Software SIG
Cancelled for January - see you in February


January 8  Thursday Monthly Board Meeting
10am-Noon
Sylvan Community Center
7521 Community Drive, Citrus Heights
Contact: Diane Maltase
Board Meeting is usually the first Thursday of the month but the first Thursday falls on the first of January so it has been changed to the second Thursday for January ONLY.
Members are always welcome to attend.


January 8 Thursday (second Thursday) General Meeting
6:15pm for Roundtable discussion
7pm General Meeting
Christ Community Church
5025 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael
Contact: Diane Maltase
"SNAPFISH" Photo Book with Joanne Sweeney
Snapfish is a web-based photo sharing and photo printing service that is owned by Hewlett-Packard. Members can upload files for free, and are given unlimited photo storage.

Joanne will present the process of developing a photo book and will show samples of her photo books that will be treasured by loved ones for many years to come. 


January 9 Friday - (every Friday) Extraction Gathering
9am to Noon
Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd, Sacramento
This is a very active group that meets almost every Friday. But as busy as we are we can always use another pair of hands. There are so many records/documents to extract/transcribe/index.  WE NEED YOUR HELP. Contact Marilyn Ulbricht


January 14 Wednesday (third Wednesday) Roots Magic Family Tree Software
12:30pm
Family History Center
2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
Member Supported- Do you use Roots Magic or thinking about it.......  this is the place for you.


January 15 Thursday (third Thursday) Family Tree Maker Software SIG
Sylvan Community Center
7521 Community Drive, Citrus Heights
Contact: John Jay
Are you are interested in the Family Tree Maker Software or you are using it and want to talk with others that are using it........  this is the place for you.
Sponsored by Root Cellar SGS - We welcome anyone interested.


January 16 Friday - (every Friday) Extraction Gathering
9am to Noon
Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd, Sacramento
This is a very active group that meets almost every Friday. But as busy as we are we can always use another pair of hands. There are so many records/documents to extract/transcribe/index.  WE NEED YOUR HELP. Contact Marilyn Ulbricht

January 21 Wednesday (third Wednesday) Daytime Workshop
1pm - 3pm
Sylvan Community Center
7521 Community Drive, Citrus Heights
Contact: Diane Maltase
Benefits of Membership
Here is the place to discuss those brickwalls you may have, to discuss the latest finds. We understand that Happy Dance.


January 23 Friday - (every Friday) Extraction Gathering
9am to Noon
Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd, Sacramento
This is a very active group that meets almost every Friday. But as busy as we are we can always use another pair of hands. There are so many records/documents to extract/transcribe/index.  WE NEED YOUR HELP. Contact Marilyn Ulbricht


January 28 Wednesday (fourth Wednesday) Reunion for Mac Family Tree Software SIG
Family History Center
2745 Eastern Ave., Sacramento
Member Supported- Do you use Reunion  or thinking about it.......  this is the place for you.
Contact: Rich Hanson 

January 30 Friday - (every Friday) Extraction Gathering
9am to Noon
Center for Sacramento History
551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd, Sacramento
This is a very active group that meets almost every Friday. But as busy as we are we can always use another pair of hands. There are so many records/documents to extract/transcribe/index.  WE NEED YOUR HELP. Contact Marilyn Ulbricht



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Those Places Thursday - Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward

Happy Holidays 

from 

Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society  

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Tuesday's Tip - Travel to Far Away Places

  

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward

Travel to Far Away Places!   

Yes, National Genealogical Society 2015 Conference May 13-16, 2015 is scheduled in St. Charles, Missouri.........  and YES I will be there. Registration is open now. I see that the DNA Workshop is already sold out. There is also Township and Range Land Workshop; Metes and Bounds Land Workshop; Irish Law Library Workshop. Pre-Conference events include Librarian's Day; Putting Skills to Work: Learn about Being a Professional AND I am very interested in the German Studies Day. AND there is still so much more planned. Gosh another evening social event is SOLD OUT. wow, I am so surprised this far out.

This is a great place to be for research. You will be able to hear a lot of session covering a lot of different states plus be fairly close to the many libraries, genealogy & historical societies. You need to check it out and see what you think.

IF you are not able to attend or even if you are and you want more in certain topics, OR you attend and don't have to worry about attending these classes -  NGS is again live streaming. What does live streaming mean? You can watch/listen to whatever is being live streamed as it is being presented from the conference right on your computer ......... There are two different tracks being offered #1 The Immigration and Naturalization Process and #2 Methodology Techniques.....  you can purchase one track or purchase both at a discount


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Society Saturday - Find a Grave and MORE at our December Workshop

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward


If you don't know yet, Root Cellar SGS offers a daytime workshop almost every month for it members-  they can discuss the good and bad of their research....... any breakthroughs or any brickwalls.......... this is a very casual informal unstructured/structured two hour gathering.  I was anxious and excited to share this month........I had some good breakthroughs with my New Zealand twig - my Great Grand Uncle Hudson LITTLE. His information has grown by leaps and bounds over just the month of December. It all started at the beginning of December with a free weekend with Find My Past, then several excellent finds with Google- I typed straight into Google a couple of sentences (one at a time) from Hudson's obituary and the information came right back to me - EXCELLENT finds.........and one with pictures. AND Google Earth,- I zoomed right into the Bunnythorpe Cemetery and the Apiti Cemetery both in New Zealand. What a great view.  Over to Find a Grave and located several gravestones in New Zealand including Hudson's. Checked out Ancestry.com for a couple of items but most of the information I had already found in Find My Past.  FamilySearch catalog was an excellent resource .......

I found several actual passenger lists and several complete probates through the FamilySearch catalog- these are the actual list and probates.  wow, I was very lucky and filled in a lot of blanks....... I am so jazzed about all the documents and information I located.  And I confirmed what I had with sources, YES I said SOURCES........ what a great feeling.

I have worked on my New Zealand family - Hudson Little - all month and you can see my progress on my blog.

Sometimes at the daytime workshop we change it up a little and in December we scheduled a FIND a GRAVE presentation for part of the time. We tried this a couple of months ago but the internet connection was not cooperating.......   we talked a lot but no live demo that time. This time was different, we connected and had our live demo- it sure makes a big difference.........

......a big thanks to Linda Sword Johnson. Good presentation and I know from the questions (and the excellent handout) that members were very interested in the basics of the website but also interested in all the extra's that come along with it. Who knew there is so much going on with tombstones!

Linda really suggested reading the FAQ (frequently asked questions). I am almost sure that any question you may have has been asked and answered. But it is a good starting point.

This is a FREE website. You can search without signing in. But if you want to add/edit a grave, a photo, or anything else you need to register. It is easy and painless. Reminder that there are gravestones and cemeteries around the world NOT just in the United States. When you do a search try various spellings and variations of the name. A fairly new feature is you are able to add and search for someone who may not have a physical place to rest........ ie: cremated, ashes scattered 'whereever', lost at sea, body donated to medical science, buried at sea, lost or destroyed and others............... cremation and ashes scatter 'whereever' seems to be done more and more, so it is nice to have a place to these too.

You can add to the website, when you register a contributors page is created for you. If you find a relative already on the website you can request the gravestone be transferred to you. If they aren't related they will probably honor your request. But if not, you can create a virtual cemetery (s) and show any gravestones in your virtual cemetery. It is a way of collecting your relatives together in one place, once you have your virtual cemetery you don't have to go looking for these gravestones again............ just continue to look for others.

Well I was very jazzed when I went home and got on my computer and went to Find a Grave, I registered and started searching for relatives. I have been researching New Zealand twig this month and found several gravestones of ancestors. I wrote down each of their memorial #'s (this number is a must if you want to email anyone else on the website)....... I sent a message to the lady that had taken the pictures of the gravestones I was interested in, included the information requesting the transfer of three accounts. She answered pretty quick and it was done. Let me introduce you to my Great Grand Uncle Hudson Little, his wife Hannah Sarah Doggett and their second grown son Arthur Louis Little all in Bunnythorpe Cemetery. New Zealand.........

But this lady didn't stop there, she included two really good New Zealand websites- one for BMD ($ -but you can search without paying) and the other is newspapers (FREE). I have both of them bookmarked for more research at another time.....  I found another ancestor and YES I have sent another request for transfer AND it happens to be the same lady. I guess I didn't mention that she lives in New Zealand.

So thanks Linda............ I invite everyone to come and visit my small corner  ( life is good )




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Follow Friday - Shop Amazon and Support Root Cellar SGS

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward


Are you still shopping for those one or two last minute gifts? Maybe you are shopping for yourself?    ..........shop online for anything at Amazon.com. When you shop Amazon (clicking on our special ICON) you help Root Cellar SGS financially too. It is not that much but every little bit helps.........  and we thank you. 

or 

just click below and shop on 

AMAZON

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays

Shop and Support Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society.
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Wordless (or is it Wordy?) Wednesday : Additional Keynote Speakers for RootsTech/FGS Conference

Editor's note: Today's by Sandra Gardner-Benward - written by FGS staff  

Additional keynote speakers added to RootsTech/FGS Conference line up. Very exciting!

Have you checked out the schedule of classes and activities yet? You will find a lot of variety. There are also labs available too, plus special workshops. 

Laura Bush and Daughter Jenna to Keynote at RootsTech 2015
We are excited to announce that former first lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush Hager will be the keynote speakers during the morning general session on Friday, February 13, 2015. The former first lady will talk about life in the White House and the importance of family during those eight years, as well as reflect on the difficult days following September 11. Jenna Bush Hager will join her mother onstage for a fireside chat where they will share family stories as a new mother and grandmother. In addition to being a loving mother and grandmother, Mrs. Bush is a bestselling author, founder of the National Book Festival in Washington D.C., and chair of the Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. Daughter Jenna Bush Hager is a best-selling author, special contributor for NBC’s The Today Show, and editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. Join us on Friday, February 13, 2015, at the morning keynote session with former first lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush Hager. This will be an experience not to be missed.

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Sentimental Sunday - So You're Going to the LIBRARY in Salt Lake City

Editor's note: Today's post was written by Sandra Gardner-Benward

WOW!!! I love going to Salt Lake City for research. I look forward to it every year. You never know what you will find, what is new, finish what you didn't finish from the previous time.

Registration Open

I have registered to go to FGS/RootsTech2015 in February. I also have reserved my room, so just the packing is left besides getting ready for the LIBRARY. I am really excited about going, as I am every year.  There is so much more to the Conference than just the classes. There are so many extra activities and events planned along with many luncheons with excellent speakers.  So many choices, but most of that is taken care of with the registration to the conference. AND then there is the LIBRARY.

I have been attending RootsTech since it began and look forward to attending every year. I feel so privileged to be able to spent time at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. The first year or maybe even two, I thought I was preparing to go to the Library to some serious researching, but never seemed to find much. Then I took a class on actually preparing to go to the LIBRARY in Salt Lake City. Wow, what a difference it made. So if a session is offered close to you ATTEND IT. It will be well worth the time and energy.

First while still at home I go through my family tree.........  I try to use the To-Do List in my Legacy Family Tree Software Program.....  as I work in my program over the year I try to keep up-to-date and add to the To-Do list as I go. Then at times like this, while thinking about the trip in February, I start compiling a paper To-Do list from my software program........ I try to put family names together and then try to break it down even more than that......... say Vital Records, history of 'whereever', probates etc.......... I even refine the list even more by putting all the books together on one page, all the microfilm together - while refining each page. 

I have spent dozens of hours combing through the LIBRARY catalog........ trying to see what else may be available to look at while I have time. I cannot emphasize enough that the more organized you are the more you will be able to do without getting frustrated. It is stressful enough knowing all this stuff is available and not being ready. So get organized and do your research homework.

What to take to the library: If it is summer, a light sweater. If it is winter, winter jacket, boots, possibly an umbrella..... Oh did I mention they do have lockers so you can put what you want in the locker, the less you have to keep track of the better you will feel. I make sure that I have my laptop (with lock, hard drive, thumb drives & cords), a good paper notebook & pencils, my flip pal scanner, plus my smart phone. This is what I need to research, take notes, copy and maintain information, documents and records. As I said I have a

smart phone (iPhone to be exact) and I use it many ways:  taking pictures of pictures, whole pages of text, written items I need to remember, maintain my schedule at the conference, alert me for coming events. IF the conference has a APP I use every bit of it....... scheduling, alerts, communication, social media, getting around, and keeping in touch with friends. I also have the APP 'Families' on my phone that holds my entire family tree at my finger tips. So while browsing the stacks or away from the laptop, I can simply open my Families APP and check a name, a date, a location or find out a relationship, etc. Life saver!!

I have not been to the LIBRARY since February 2014, but I hear that there are some huge but good changes. There is always someone around to ask questions ...... and some answers are better than others. But now if you need specific help, you go to the help desk and ask. Unlike other years, you are given a buzzer type thing and when a specialist is located, they buzz you. So instead of having to stand in line waiting you are able to go back to serious research until they have located someone to help you. I LIKE THIS!! 

Take time to study the LIBRARY building itself. You can do that online at FamilySearch while still at home. This will be extremely helpful. This is a large facility with 5 floors, it can be overwhelming and yes there is signage for each floor and within each floor but why go unprepared.

Find out what is available on each floor

Make you sure check when the LIBRARY is open - what days of the week are they open, and what are the hours each day. They are closed on Sundays. They do have a 10 minute orientation video to watch when you first come in. Yes, it will be helpful to watch. Take the time. Where are you going to eat? YES EAT. There are designated areas for food and drinks. There are tours you can take. There are also classes you can take while visiting the :LIBRARY. I just looked and it looks like there are only classes scheduled on Monday and then nothing more that week. But the other weeks have classes each day. So if you go another time check that schedule before you go so if you see something that interests you,  you can work that into your LIBRARY experience. You can also pick up a paper copy of the classes being offered at the door as you come in. You never know what has changed. 

Probably the one thing you will need to be aware of while balancing the LIBRARY and the conference experience is PATIENCE. With two conferences being presented in the same time frame and all attending being family researchers EVERYTHING will be crowd, you will need PATIENCE. 

Enjoy! Happy Hunting!

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Those Places Thursday - FGS Conference Announces Second Keynote Speaker

Editor's note: posted today by Sandra Gardner-Benward -- press release through FGS

 ARE YOU GOING? Here is one reason to consider attending FGS/RootsTech 2015

News Release..........
DONNY OSMOND Joins FGS and RootsTech 2015 as a key note speaker for February 14 Saturday Morning

One of the biggest names from one of the most famous families will be part of one of the largest family history conference in the world.Donny Osmond will be joining FGS and RootsTech 2015 to inspire and entertain the thousands of conference attendees.

Donny has been singing and entertaining audiences for 50 years. He has starred on Broadway and in Las Vegas. He has sold millions of records. He has hosted a variety of TV shows. Now, he says, he’s anxious to share stories (and maybe a song) in a completely different venue. “I’m already looking forward to this exciting event,” Donny said. “Family and family stories are obviously very important to me. This is a chance to connect to something that is part of who I am.”

Donny will be releasing his 60^th album just days before the conference. The album, “The Soundtrack of My Life” tells the story of his remarkable life.

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