by Lisa Cooke | Jan 8, 2013 | 01 What's New, Blogs, Certification
Are you a certified genealogist, or have you been considering certification? Here’s a new communication offering from the Board for Certification of Genealogists:
(from their press release): The 49-year-old Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), the group that wrote the book on genealogical standards, recently joined the blogosphere with its blog, SpringBoard: News and Notes, accessed from http://www.BCGcertification.org.
According to BCG president Elissa Scalise Powell, CGSM, CGLSM, of Pennsylvania, the blog will communicate news about BCG and events it sponsors or participates in. Early posts introduced officers Powell; vice-president Michal Ramage, J.D., CG, of Pennsylvania; secretary Dawne Slater-Putt, CG, of Indiana; treasurer Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG, of Illinois; and member-at-large Stefani Evans, CG, of Nevada; and gave notice of a fee change effective January 1. Another post announced new audio clips from three Board-certified genealogists describing why they chose to seek certification.
Future posts will come from BCG officers, trustees, and committee members and will include
- names and profiles of new certificants (whose portfolios of work have been judged to meet the standards set out in the BCG Genealogical Standards Manual),
- news of conferences and events where BCG will have a presence through exhibit booths, lectures, certification seminars, and social events, and
- information, advice, and explanation on genealogy standards, the certification procedures, and other items of interest.
In addition a current-events calendar lists where BCG will have a presence. Anyone may subscribe to email notifications of new posts from the site as well.
Using blog software through its website allows BCG to communicate more frequently than its triannual newsletter, OnBoard, to which anyone may subscribe for a yearly fee. The organization also has a presence on Facebook (currently open to the public) and LinkedIn® (for associates).
Said Powell, “We enjoy being able to offer timely news and notes to help advance the mission we began in 1964–defining, supporting, explaining, and advocating high standards in genealogy.”
BCG is an independent certifying body recognized nationally and internationally. It is not affiliated with, or part of, any group.
Certified Genealogist, Certified Genealogical Lecturer, CG and CGL are proprietary service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) used by the Board to identify its program of genealogical competency and evaluation and used under license by the Board’s associates. The Board’s name is registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
by Lisa Cooke | Jan 4, 2013 | 01 What's New, Canadian
The CBC Radio One show Daybreak South with Chris Walker features an interview with Ann ten Cate, museum archivist and genealogy search expert at the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria, British Columbia.
The interview highlights the original historical records included in their new online database, and reveals why the museum decided to make them available online.
Head to the Museum’s website to search their indexes to British Columbia births (1854-1903), marriages (1872-1936), deaths (1872-1991), colonial marriages (1859-1872) and baptisms (1836-1888).
by Lisa Cooke | Dec 31, 2012 | 01 What's New, images, Mobile, Technology
When I published my book Turn Your iPad into a Genealogy Powerhouse (and tablets too!) some folks in the genealogy
community asked me if I really thought there were many family historians out there who would use an iPad or tablet.
My emphatic answer was “yes,” and as I travel and speak to live audiences around the U.S. and internationally they prove me right. It’s amazing how many tablets are carefully pulled out of bags and fired up when my presentations begin.
To put the increase in mobile device usage in perspective, check out this cool infographic on the mobile trends of 2012.
Infographic courtesy of BackgroundCheck.org
Of particular note is the dominance of the iPad over the iPhone and iPod. And while “iPhone” is a household term, Android smartphones far outsell them.
Bottom Line: Mobile is here and throwing its weight around.
And if genealogists have proven anything, it is that they are often leading the pack in using technology to accomplish their goals. (Tap into the newest genealogical tech at the upcoming RootsTech 2013 conference. Get more info here.)
And what can we look for in the future? Here’s an article about some rumors being whispered about the next big mobile gadget. Shhhhhhhh….
by | Dec 28, 2012 | British, Canadian, Records & databases, Who Do You Think You Are?
In December the genealogy records website Findmypast.com released new and exclusive historical records that highlight significant life events of the past. According to the the company, more than 40 million new records are included. Here are all the details from their press release:
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2012) – …“The number of records released offers findmypast.com’s users a staggering amount of new data, ranging from exclusive United Kingdom records from as early as 1790 to modern-day vital records from the United States that will add new layers of information for researchers,” said D. Joshua Taylor, lead genealogist for findmypast.com, “Findmypast.com is constantly expanding our collections with thousands of new records being added each month. Moving into 2013, we look forward to increasing our record offerings to include rarer, more exclusive materials, in our dedication to provide the most comprehensive family history resource available.”
Many of the new records that can only be accessed through findmypast.com offer a unique glimpse into history. The Harold Gillies Plastic Surgery set, dating back to World War I, contains fascinating records of some of the world’s first restorative plastic surgery, while the White Star Line Officers’ Books include officer records from the Titanic.
Newly added employment and institutional records including the records of the Merchant Navy Seaman (aka the Merchant Marines) provide unique color to family history that can’t be created from just names and dates. Other record sets include probates and wills, such as the Cheshire Wills and Probates, which often offer crucial clues to link North American family trees back to the United Kingdom.
The full set of exclusive records recently released by findmypast.com includes:
United Kingdom Court & Probate
- · Cheshire Wills and Probate
- · Suffolk Beneficiary Index
United Kingdom Education & Work
- · Cheshire Workhouse Records, Admissions and Discharges
- · Cheshire Workhouse Records, Religious Creeds
- · Derbyshire Workhouse Records
- · Match Workers Strike
- · White Star Line Officers’ Books
United Kingdom Military
- · Army List, 1787
- · Army List, 1798
- · British Officers taken Prisoners of War, 1914-1918
- · De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honor
- · Grenadier Guards, 1656
- · Harold Gillies Plastic Surgery – WWI
- · Harts Army List, 1840
- · Harts Army List, 1888
- · Manchester Employee’s Roll of Honor, 1914-1916
- · Merchant Navy Seamen (aka Merchant Marines)
- · Napoleonic War Records, 1775-1817
- · WWI Naval Casualties
- · Paddington Rifles
- · Prisoners of War, 1939-1945 British Navy & Air Force Officers
- · Prisoners of War, 1939-1945 Officers of Empire serving in British Army
- · Royal Hospital, Chelsea: documents of soldiers awarded deferred pensions, 1838-1896 (WO 131)
- · Royal Hospital, Chelsea: pensioners’ discharge documents 1760-1887, (WO 121)
- · Royal Hospital, Chelsea: pensioners’ discharge documents, foreign regiments, 1816-1817 (WO 122)
- · Royal Hospital, Kilmainham: pensioners’ discharge documents, 1773-1822 (known as WO 119 at the National Archives)
- · Royal Navy Officers Medal Roll, 1914-1920
- · War Office: Imperial Yeomanry, soldiers’ documents, South African War, 1899-1902 (WO 128)
- · WWII POWs – British held in German Territories
In addition to the exclusive records sets, this recent release includes additional records from the United States, Australia and Ireland. An update to the World War I Draft Cards collection provides registrations and actual signatures of more than 11 million young Americans from the beginning of the twentieth century.
Additional records released include:
United States Military
- · Japanese-Americans Relocated during WWII
- · Korean War Casualty File
- · Korean War Deaths
- · Korean War Prisoners of War
- · Korean War Prisoners of War (Repatriated)
- · U.S. Army Casualties, 1961-1981
- · Vietnam Casualties Returned Alive
- · Vietnam War Casualties
- · Vietnam War Deaths
- · WWI Draft Cards
- · WWII Prisoners of War
Life Events
UNITED STATES:
- · Kentucky Birth Records, 1911-2007
- · Kentucky Death Records Index, 1911-1999
- · Kentucky Marriage Records Index, 1973-1999
- · Texas Divorce Records Index, 1968-2010
- · Texas Marriage Records, 1968-2010
AUSTRALIA
- · Northern Territory Anglican Baptisms and Confirmations, 1900-1947
- · Northern Territory Anglican Burials, 1900-1968
- · Northern Territory Anglican Marriages, 1902-1953
IRELAND
- · Irish Catholic Church Directories, 1836-37
Census Land and Surveys
AUSTRALIA
- · Northern Territory Census, 1881-1921
- · Northern Territory Electoral Rolls, 1895-1940
Institutions & Organizations
AUSTRALIA
- · Northern Territory Parliamentary Index, 1884-1890
Newspapers, Directories & Social History
AUSTRALIA
- · Northern Territory Section of the Queensland Post Office Directory, 1920-1921
by | Dec 27, 2012 | 01 What's New, Conferences
Most genealogists firmly believe that genealogy is more than just collecting name and dates. And to their delight the organizers of the popular RootsTech conference reinforce that belief by adding the Story@Home Conference to the lineup at RootsTech 2013 which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah March 21 through the 23, 2013.
Here are all the details from the press release:
RootsTech is pleased to announce the addition of Story@Home, offering a full selection of classes and workshops dedicated to the art and inspiration of connecting generations through stories.
With the addition of the Story@Home, RootsTech now provides a rich conference experience for anyone interested in learning how to preserve and share their personal and family stories. Story@Home presenters include nationally renowned storytelling experts, including Syd Lieberman and Kim Weitkamp.
Held March 21-23, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah, RootsTech offers an opportunity unlike any other to discover the latest family history tools and techniques in an effort to find, organize, preserve, and share family connections, history, and stories.
Story@Home helps bring family histories to life through the power of story. Over 20 classes offer insight in how to successfully research, tell, record, publish, and share family stories. Learn More Already Registered For RootsTech? Story@Home is automatically included in the Full Conference Pass, including 3-day, 1-day, and Student passes.
If you’re registered for the Getting Started track, add Story@Home classes for just $40. Simply edit your registration, choose the Story@Home + Getting Started Combo pass, and pay the price difference.
RootsTech now has something for everyone, from the avid genealogist to those just getting started, or for those who simply want to discover the latest technologies and solutions to better connect with their family. At RootsTech, experience world-class content from speakers from all over the country, an exciting exhibitor hall, and great keynote speakers.
