EGS November Evening Meeting

Join us for the EGS evening meeting this Thursday, November 15 at 7:00 pm at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, Illinois. Our problem -oops, I meant program:-) -  topic will be Using Google Docs (now Google Drive) for storage and collaboration.

Hope to see you there!

~Becky~

PS: take a look at the 2012 Genealogical Challenge to how you've done so far this year. There's still time to make progress before the end of the year!!

EGS Meeting Tuesday, November 6

Our morning meeting on November 6 will be held upstairs at the GBPL because it is election day and voting will be taking place downstairs.

On that note, be sure to vote and then join us at 9:30 as our speaker, Teresa McMilland, presents effective ways to us city directories. What a nice reminder about an often underused resource and I'm sure we'll learn some interesting.

Hoping to see you there!

~ Becky ~ 

Sharing the Excitement of a Find!!

For those unable to attend the meeting last Thursday evening, I'm sorry to say you missed a great one. Our  Chester Bowser Scholarship recipient, Jesse Nasta, received his check from our Scholarship chair, Lea Ellsworth and our president, Judy VanDusen.

Judy VanDusen, Jesse Nasta, Lea Ellsworth

Jesse is a very personable young man and has promised to keep in touch as he works on completing his graduate work and his project of finding and recording African Americans in the court records in southern Illinois and the St. Louis area.

After the presentation and, of course, wonderful treats, the program consisted of attendees sharing their "most exciting genealogy find." What a thrill to hear so many fascinating stories from "ordinary" genealogists! Jesse got caught up in the process and volunteered to share his greatest personal family history find. Programs like this truly highlight the great work done by those who research their families. It is nice to hear talks by professionals but my favorite meetings have always been those shared snippets from with our local group.

If you've never attended a sharing meeting, give it a try sometime. You'll be surprised what you can learn from the person sitting next to you!!

~ Becky

EGS Writers' Group

What an interesting evening we had last night. We have some wonderful writers working on diverse and fascinating projects. I feel privileged to be part of such a supportive and talented group.

Are you planning to write about your family's history? your own memoir? Are you in the midst of a project but seem stuck in neutral? Knowing once a month you'll be accountable for sharing something you've written just may be the jump start you need.

The Writers' Interest Group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove in Elgin, IL from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The room sometimes changes but is usually the conference room on the second floor.

Why not stop by and give it a try?

 ~ Becky Higgins

Illinois State Genealogy Society Volunteering Opportunities

If you looking for volunteer opportunities, there are some interesting ones below. Not only can you help out the genealogy community but you'll meet some wonderful people along the way. You'll be joining a vibrant group of passionate family historians.

ISGS Volunteer Alert Dear Members and Friends of ISGS, As we approach 2013, ISGS’s open positions list has grown due to various life changes we all experience, including a death in our “family,” and the creation of new positions.  ISGS fully supports its board members serving in capacities that interest them, which can necessitate moves to new committees, leaving vacancies. Please consider helping ISGS achieve its mission to preserve and disseminate Illinois historical and genealogical materials, and to educate and aid those researching their ancestry. ISGS 2012 Fall Conference Volunteers: The ISGS Fall Conference will be held October 19th & 20th at the Clock Tower Inn and Conference Center, Rockford, IL. Volunteers will help with monitoring sessions, the Youth Workshop, and other essential tasks. Save these dates, and please let us know if you can lend a hand and be a part of our great conference team! Contact Tammy Spearie,isgsvolunteers2012@gmail.com. Church Records Committee Chair: The Church Records project identifies Illinois church repositories by denomination and assembles files containing church history and record access information.  Contact Susie Pope, isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org. Newsletter Editor: The Editor of the ISGS Newsletter receives articles and information for publication via email, and produces a newsletter six times a year (bimonthly). Experience with page layout design and writing/editing is desirable. Contact Susie Pope, isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org. ISGS Quarterly Design and Technical Editor: The Design and Technical Editor works with the Quarterly Editor to produce a polished publication. A working knowledge of design and layout principles and the use of Adobe InDesign is desirable. Contact Judy Milde, Editor, isgsquarterly@ilgensoc.org. Membership Promotion Committee Chair:  This committee promotes membership with renewal notices and other communications and maintains the membership list. Contact Janice Fritsch, isgspresident@ilgensoc.org. Youth Creative Contest Coordinator: The Education Committee would like to implement an annual youth creative contest in 2013. The contest will have three categories (writing, artwork, and photography) and three age group divisions. The Coordinator will fill in the details, and help to implement it. Contact Julie Tarr, isgseducation@ilgensoc.org. Writers: Part of the ISGS mission is to educate its members and the public. The Education Committee needs volunteers interested in sharing their knowledge by writing educational articles and guides. We have a lot of ideas on the table, but we need your help to make them a reality. Contact Julie Tarr,isgseducation@ilgensoc.org. Website Committee Chair:  (This is not a webmaster position)  This position monitors the ISGS website for errors, ease of use, etc. and notifies the Webmaster of any needs.  Contact Susie Pope, isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org. Website Indexing Committee: Indexing projects are based on member submissions, ISGS holdings or other resources. Volunteers will scan images, and upload images and/or data to be indexed. Let us know if you would like to be involved! Contact Susie Pope, isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org. Honors & Awards Committee Chair:  The chair solicites nominations from individuals and societies for each of the ISGS annual awards.  The nominations are discussed in committee and finalists are presented with awards in the fall.  Contact Susie Pope, isgs2ndvp@ilgensoc.org. Illinois Society Liaison Chair:  The chair communicates with associate societies, and coordinates the annual Roundtable Events which are hosted by local societies.  Contact Janice Fritsch, isgspresident@ilgensoc.org. Long-Range Planning Committee Chair:  This committee considers plans for the improvement of the Society. They solicit suggestions from the membership, make regular reports to the Board, and present projects for action.  Contact Janice Fritsch,isgspresident@ilgensoc.org.

A Date Guide to English Genealogy (Part 1)

A Date Guide to English Genealogy (Part 1):
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Looking for help research English ancestors? Maybe this guide can help.

~ Becky

EGS Meeting Tonight!!

The topic for the EGS meeting tonight, September 20, 2012 is Ellis Island Immigration. Come along to learn about what these newcomers to America experienced on their arrival.
For time and location details, see our newly reformated website at www.elginroots.com. (Our webmaster, Bill Brandes has done a great job; don't forget to thank him when you see him.)

Also, Jesse Nasta, one of the 2012 recipients of the Chester Bowser scholarship will be joining us. You'll want to hear about his thesis project which will benefit the genealogy community.

Lots of good stuff tonight. Hope to see you there!!

~~ Becky

How to record a log of your online searches - YouTube

How to record a log of your online searches - YouTube:

Here's the tutorial Caroline promised. Nicely done and a simple way to log searches.
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The easiest search log we may ever use - 4YourFamilyStory.com

The easiest search log we may ever use - 4YourFamilyStory.com:

This is such a great idea, I just had to share. Caroline is the tops when it comes to techy stuff :-)

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Genea-Musings: Ancestry.com U.S. Census Records FREE Until 3 September

Genea-Musings: Ancestry.com U.S. Census Records FREE Until 3 September:

Some free records on Ancestry to peruse this weekend!!
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EGS Welcomes Michael Mulholland

Here's hoping everyone has a great Labor Day holiday!! However, don't have so much fun you forget to come to the EGS meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.

Michael Mulholland will be presenting Online Sources for Illinois Research. Don't have Illinois ancestors? Never fear, there is always something new to learn about how to find information online!

EGS Meeting: Tuesday, September 4 at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL at 9:30 am.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

~ Becky

The We Tree Genealogy Blog: If Genealogy Dominated Reality Television

The We Tree Genealogy Blog: If Genealogy Dominated Reality Television:

Into Reality TV or not; this is a great read!! So funny!!

~ Becky

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EGS Donates to War of 1812 Digitization

In memory of Chester A Bowser, the Elgin Genealogical Society (EGS) has donated $250 to the Illinois State Genealogical Society's (ISGS) $10,000 War of 1812 Pension Match Challenge. Our $250 will be matched by ISGS making the donation $500, then Ancestry will match that $500 to make it $1000. What a deal!!

Becky Higgins, EGS treasurer makes presentation to 
Janice Fritsch, ISGS president August 18, 2012

 To learn how you can participate in this worthy project take a look at the ISGS website here. As little as a $5 or $10 dollar donation can make a huge difference.

~ Becky

Sad News

As posted to the EGS facebook page by Judy VanDusen, August 22, 2012

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of EGS member Leah Lamberty's husband Paul. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 8 pm at Laird Funeral Home in Elgin. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 12:30 pm at St. Laurence Catholic Church, Elgin. Paul's obit is in today's Courier-News.

Our deepest condolences to the Lamberty family.

EGS Awards Scholarship

Chester A. Bowser Scholarship recipient, Madonna Davis Marks, attended the EGS evening meeting on August 16, 2012. Madonna told the attendees about some of her journey researching her own family history and of her goal to contribute to the community after completing her studies in Library Sciences through the University of Illinois Graduate School.

EGS President, Judy VanDusen and Scholarship Chair, Lee Ellsworth, were pleased to award Madonna with a check to further her education.

Judy VanDusen, Madonna Marks, Lee Ellsworth

Eventful EGS Meeting Tonight Aug 16, 2012

Be sure to join us this evening, Aug. 16, at 7:00 pm at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, Illinois.

Our webmaster, Bill Brandes, will be giving a brief demo of EGS's updated website format with its wonderful new features. Members should contact him for information regarding the Members Only section.

Madonna Davis Marks, one of our two 2012 scholarship recipients, will be on hand to receive her funds and tells us a bit about herself and her goals.

Judy VanDusen will be presenting Rootsweb Message Boards  - the who, what, where, and when of a valuable resource.

We're looking forward to a full evening so don't be late:)

EGS Announces 2012 Scholarship Recipients

For Immediate Release – August 15, 2012

                                         

Elgin (IL) Genealogical Society

P.0. Box 1418, Elgin, Illinois 60121-1418

Elgin Genealogical Society (EGS) announces the 2012 Chester A. Bowser scholarship recipients

Two $1000 scholarships provided this year

August 15, 2012 – Elgin, IL.  From the many excellent scholarship applications received this year, EGS proudly awards 2012 Chester A. Bower scholarships to Madonna Davis Marks and Jesse Nasta.

Madonna is currently seeking a Master’s Degree in Library Science with an emphasis on Special and Historical Collections at the University of Illinois. She believes “this career demands someone with not just desire but a passion for saving and preserving the pieces that make up a life.”

Jesse is a PhD candidate at Northtwestern University in the Department of History. His fields of specialization are United States, Early Republic to Reconstruction; African American and legal history; comparative slavery and emancipation. This scholarship will assist in the completion of his dissertation research in which he “analyzes hundreds of previously unexamined court cases, initiated by African Americans in local courts in St. Louis and throughout Illinois”. EGS believes his dissertation will be extremely valuable to many Illinois genealogist.

In honor of late member and benefactor, Chester A. Bowser,  Elgin Genealogical Society (EGS) provides scholarship funds to deserving graduate students in studies related to genealogy and grants to local organizations for projects to benefit the genealogical community.

 “The EGS is pleased to have been able to award over 25 grants and scholarships since the program’s inception in 1991,” declares Judy VanDusen, EGS president.

 About EGS- 

Since it began in 1972, the Elgin Genealogical Society, a not-for- profit education organization has worked towards

·         bringing together persons who are researching family history,

·         informing people of the value of and need for preserving family and local history,

·         providing information, methods, and practice of family research,

·         fostering idea sharing

·         seeking, preserving and making available materials concerning past and present families,

·         encouraging officials to preserve public records and genealogical collections and make them accessible to interested persons.

Follow EGS on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elgin-IL-Genealogical-Society/), on our blog (http://www.elgings.blogspot.com/) and at our website (http://www.elginroots.com).

Contact: Becky Higgins

Phone: 630 373-4824

Email: bhiggins9@gmail.com

###

Genealogy's Star: Overwhelmed in the genealogical online jungle

Genealogy's Star: Overwhelmed in the genealogical online jungle:

An interesting story and some great advice.

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Join FamilySearch Indexers to Break a Record and Leave a Legacy

Join FamilySearch Indexers to Break a Record and Leave a Legacy:

Check out this link for more details about the Family Search goal to index 5 million 1940 census records on July 2, 2012. If you normally index one batch a day, how about making it two on the 2nd to help reach that goal. If we try we can surpass to the previous record of 4.9 million reached on April 30.

I'm in; how about you?

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1940 Census Indexing Progress Report—June 15, 2012

1940 Census Indexing Progress Report—June 15, 2012:

Things are really moving along but we need lots of help to keep it going. Illinois isn't even 50% yet. Come to the Indexing party at Gail Borden Public Library this Wednesday evening at 7:00 to help with the effort.

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Illinois State Genealogical Society - War of 1812 Donations

Illinois State Genealogical Society - War of 1812 Donations:

This matching program will quadruple any donation you make. Since a $10 donation will digitize 80 pages, then your $10 donation through ISGS will digitize 320 pages. There couldn't be a better time to support this great cause!!
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Indexing Party A Success and More to Come

I can't remember when I've had such a good time working with a group of people as I had yesterday morning. We met at Gail Borden for our first indexing party and, I think, fun was had by all. I know I had a great time.


We went through the process of getting started, from setting up a family search account to indexing a page from the 1940 census and everyone had success. The more experienced indexers were more than happy to help the newbies and it's always nice to have someone around when you have a question.


If you've thought about getting involved with the indexing but have been reluctant to try it on your own, now's you chance to jump in!! We'd love to have you come to our next party.  (If you'll be setting up a family search account at the party, you'll need to access your email account to accept an activation email, so be sure to remember or bring the username and password for your email account.)

The party will be held at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, in Elgin from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the computer class room. You're welcome to use the computers in the class or bring your own laptop. All levels of indexers are welcome!! 


Since we started in April the ISGS group (EGS is working within this group) has indexed 226,042 names and arbitrated 44,703 and Illinois is now 38% complete. We still have a lot of work ahead but we've come a long way so far. 


Come along and join us in this important effort.


Sincerely, Becky HigginsISGS 1940 Census Administrator 

Indexing Party This Friday

Don't forget to come to the indexing party this Friday!! Details found on this previous post.

What better way to spend a morning having fun, gathering information about indexing, and helping out with this great genealogy project!!

Won't it be great to have the whole 1940 US census index on-line and free!!!

1940 Census Indexing Party

Friday, June 15

9:30 - 11:30

In the computer classroom at the

Gail Borden Public Library

270 N Grove, Elgin, IL

Genea-Musings: Small Town Papers now FREE to access

Genea-Musings: Small Town Papers now FREE to access:

This sounds like a pretty good deal if they have the small town paper you're looking for:)

Check out Randy Seaver's post for more information. Just click on the link above.
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Elgin Illinois Military Records

As we remember our military veterans on this Memorial Day, here's a little reminder for those searching for service men and women from the Elgin area. EGS has several databases on our website listing military personnel which may help you in your research.

Go to our records section to choose from the list: Servicemen buried in Elgin; Elgin Civil War Dead; Grand Army of the Republic; American Legion. The American Legion index is from the Elgin Post 57 Deceased/Transferred file.

We hope our efforts in posting these indices assist others in their research.

1940 Census Indexing Party Invitation

You're all invited to a fun and informative time! It's an opportunity to get involved in the great project of indexing the 1940 census while enjoying the camaraderie of others. Indexing is often a singular activity but with this activity we can all work together in the same room at the same time. Woot!!Woot!!

The Gail Borden Public Library is graciously allowing us to use the computer class room and load the indexing software onto their computers for our parties. If you have been putting off indexing because you're not sure you'll understand how to use the software, now's you're chance. We'll be discussing how to use the software and the idiosyncrasies of the 1940 census project. If you're already indexing, be sure to join the party as well!! We can all help each other.

To facilitate, it would be great if everyone set up a familysearch account prior to the parties; however, if you want to wait until the day, that's fine too. The accounts are free and easy to establish; just go to familysearch.org, look in the upper right corner and click on sign in, choose Create A New Account and follow the instruction.

If you have a laptop, you're more than welcome to bring it along!

When: Friday, Jun 15, 2012 from 9:30-11:30 am and/or Wednesday June 20, 2012 from 7:00-8:30
Where: GBPL computer class room

EGS Writers Group

EGS writers: Get ready to share at the Writers Group this Thursday, May 10 in the conference room at GBPL. We'll start at 6:30 pm and end at 8:00.

I can't wait to hear what you've been up to since we last met!!

Ten Effective Strategies for Building a Family Tree

Ten Effective Strategies for Building a Family Tree:

This article provides some good direction for new genealogists and some excellent reminders for those who have been researching for a long time.

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May 2012 Morning Meeting

Join us at 9:30 am on Tuesday, May 1st at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, Elgin, IL. Our speaker will be Ginger Frere from the Newberry Library presenting Using Maps in Genealogy.


Don't miss Ginger, a favorite at EGS, as she discusses this often underused tool for genealogical research!

Hope to see you there,

Becky Higgins

1940 Census Indexing for Illinois

We're making progress but, as you can see, we sure could use more help. Illinois is only 9% indexed as of April 25, 2012. To register for indexing go to the1940census.com.

Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog: IL State Genealogy Society’s Fall Conference scheduled for Oct. 19, 20 in Rockford

Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog: IL State Genealogy Society’s Fall Conference scheduled for Oct. 19, 20 in Rockford:

Sounds like a great line-up of speakers and so close to home, too. Be sure to register soon!!

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Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness Wiki

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness Wiki:



Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness continues with a new wiki, as well as facebook pages. Check out how to get started and use this wonderful resource.

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Update from IRAD - April Evening Meeting

Be sure to join us this Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, Elgin, IL at 7:00pm.

Our speaker will be Karl Moore, supervisor of the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD). He will inform regarding the holding at IRAD and help us with navigating the new website. It is always a pleasure to have Karl with us.

Anyone doing research on Illinois ancestors will want to be sure to attend this meeting. You'd be surprised at the treasures you can find at IRAD!

Death in EGS family

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of EGS member Janet Poyner. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 pm on Thursday April 12 at Wait Ross Allanson Funeral Chapel in Elgin. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday April 13 at St. Mary Church in Elgin. The society sends it condolences to Janet's family.

EGS April Morning Meeting

You won't want to miss this meeting! Our own, Larry Pepper of Pepper Photography will be talking about scanning, organizing, and e-mailing photos & documents. Learn how to get digitized!!

Meeting is April 3, 2012 at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, Elgin, IL at 9:30 am. Hope to see you there.

Are You Ready for the 1940 Census?

Are you ready? The 1940 census will be made available this Monday, April 2, 2012.

If you have done your homework, you have the enumeration district (EDs) numbers for your people ready and in-hand. With that information you’ll be able to page through those EDs to find the records you seek. If you haven’t done your homework, go to Steve Morse’s One Step Webpages for great tools and finding aids under US Census and get cracking!!

Though the 1940 census will become available it will not be indexed, thus the need for all the labor intensive activity above. Upon its release, the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project, a joint initiative between Archives.com, FamilySearch, findmypast.com, and other leading genealogy organizations, will coordinate efforts to provide quick access to these digital images and immediately start indexing these records to make them searchable online with free and open access.

This is where we come in. We as individuals and as a Society working within the 1940 U.S Census Community Project can be part of preparing an index to this Census. We can be part of a major initiative which will benefit not only genealogist today, but for generations to come. The more indexers we have working, the quicker the work will be completed. Many indexers donating a few hours will accomplish the job in no time.

To be part of this great endeavor, just go to the1940census.com and register as an indexer. You’ll need to download the indexing software and then you’ll be ready to go. The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) is partnering with the Census Community and would love to have you as part of the ISGS group. When you register, just choose the Illinois State Genealogical Society as your group on your profile page. ISGS will keep you updated as the work goes on and when Illinois be accessible for indexing.

The first States to be available for indexing will be Delaware, Colorado, Virginia, Kansas, and Oregon. They will be ready to be worked on by 6:00pm on Monday. The rest of the States will be accessible over the next ten days.

There are lots of helps available for training. Why not join the effort?

Weekly Contest – Week of March 19 – 1940 Census

Weekly Contest – Week of March 19 – 1940 Census:

This is the first of the weekly contests coming up from Family Search and entrance to the contest is not only easy it will be helpful to you as an indexer.
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Intro to Indexing Webinar from Family Search

Looking for some indexing training to prepare for the 1940 census? Family Search to hosting an Intro to Indexing Webinar tonight March 20 at 7:00 pm central time.

To attend, go to the sign in page, sign in as a guest and use meeting ID 6310.


Can't make the webinar? It will be repeated on March 27 - same time, same meeting ID.


Can't make March 27? How about checking out the tutorial anytime you're available. Go to the tutorial and give it a try!


April 2nd is just around the corner!!

EGS Member Passes Away

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of our member, Kay Davey. She died on Friday March 9, 2012 after valiant fight with cancer.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W. State, Geneva, IL. Visitation is Sunday, March 11 from 2 - 5pm and the funeral is at 10am Monday, March 12.

Detailed information can be found at Yurs Funeral Home.

Though Kay was only part of our organization for a few years, she developed many strong relationships among her new friends. Her insightful suggestions, quick humor, easy laughter, and passion for family research will be greatly missed.

RIP - Kay Davey 1942-2012

1940 Census Webinar

March 7, 2012 1:00pm central time from Legacy Family Tree Genealogy


Thomas McEntee will present:


Navigating the 1940 U.S. census. April 2, 2012 will be a busy day for genealogists in the U.S. as the images for the 1940 United States census are released to the public. Learn the strategies needed to find the images you want, especially during the first few weeks before the images are indexed. Besides tips and tricks, you'll also learn what information was collected during the 1940 U.S. Census and how it can help your genealogy research.


You must be registered (no charge) to attend. Go to Legacy Family Tree Genealogy to register. I did!!!

March Morning Mtg - Using Newspapers Online

Join us on Tuesday March 6, 2012 at 9:30am at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin to learn about Using Newspapers Online to further your genealogy research.

A little about the presenter, Sarah Kirby from the Genealogical Speakers Guild website: "When you cross an aerospace engineer (a.k.a. rocket scientist) with a teacher, librarian, and genealogist, you get a wide range of knowledge and a depth of experience rarely equaled. You also get complex topics explained in everyday language with enthusiasm and excellence."


I don't know about you but I can't wait 'til Tuesday!! Hope to see you there.

DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog: 1930 US Census open access

DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog: 1930 US Census open access:

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Thanks for in into Dear Myrtle. Now everyone can access the 1930 census for free from home; at least through the weekend. Have fun!!

February 2012 Evening Meeting

Need to get some census work done before the new 1940 data comes out? Think you've gleaned everything about your ancestors you can get from the census? Come out to the EGS meeting tonight and see what you can learn as Steve Szabados presents Mining the Census. It's amazing what little gems can be found there!!

EGS meets at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, Illinois. The evening meeting begins at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there.

EGS Writers' Group

Thursday evening our EGS Writers' Group met for our February gathering. Unlike our January date, Thursday's unseasonably warm, dry weather allowed us come out in comfort and safety. Six of our regulars and one newcomer made up our number.

I am continually amazed at the talent displayed by this group. The sound of the timer marking the end of a reading is most often met with, "Ooh, no!" because we want to hear more. But, we know we have to give everyone their fair share of time.

Anna Moy and I joined the Family History Writing Challenge for February issued by The Armchair Genealogist Lynn Palermo. We are each committed to writing 250 words a day during each of the 29 days in February. We shared how it been going for us and what the process has been teaching us. There is still time to get involved if you're interested. You may be a few days behind but are welcome to pick up wherever you can begin. Just go to the link above to check it out.

For those interested in joining the EGS Writers' Group, below is our schedule for 2012:
EGS Writers’ Group Meetings at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL

                                                   6:30PM - 8:00 PM

Date: Mar 08, 2012 Location: Meeting Room 2

Date: Apr 12, 2012 Location: Meeting Room 2

Date: May 10, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Jun 14, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Jul 12, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Aug 09, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Sep 13, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Oct 11, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Nov 08, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Dec 13, 2012 Location: Conference Room

Date: Jan 10, 2013 Location: Conference Room

February 2012 Morning Meeting

Be sure to join EGS for our morning meeting on February 7 at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL at 9:30 am.

Our program will consist of a panel of members who attended the 2011 FGS conference in Springfield. Each person will be sharing something they acquired at the conference - from the experience of a national gathering of genealogists to new knowledge gleaned from sessions to a toy purchased in the exhibit hall.

Can you recognize the sideshow hawker in the slideshow? And is that President and Mrs. Lincoln?

Hope to see you there!!

1940 Census | FamilySearch.org

1940 Census | FamilySearch.org:

This site provides very interesting incite into the 1940 census and some of the different questions asked. Also, you'll find information about when and how the records will be available and how important it will be to help with the indexing.
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The Armchair Genealogist: RootsTech: Live-Streaming Schedule

The Armchair Genealogist: RootsTech: Live-Streaming Schedule:

Even though some of us can't be in person at RootsTech, we can still sit in on some interesting lectures. Check out the live-stream schedule posted by Lynn, The Armchair Genealogist. Also, while you're there, how about signing up for the Family History Writing Challenge and kick starting your genealogy writing efforts.
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January 2012 Evening Meeting

More than 25 hearty members and guests attending the January evening meeting last night. Considering the frigid and ever dropping temperature outside, all I can say is I'm truly impressed! I hope each person took something useful away from the sesstion.

The topic was a Computer Interest Group discussion about Family Tree Maker's mapping and timeline features. I facilitated the evening and am happy to report I learned a few new things on the topic as well. The participation of attendees was wonderful and greatly appreciated.

In anticipation of assisting with the indexing of the 1940 census, we also demonstrated how to register as a volunteer indexer for Family Search at https://www.familysearch.org/, as well as, how to be included with the indexing group for the Illinois State Genealogical Society. ISGS is embarking on an initiative to gather support from local Illinois genealogy societies to index the Illinois portion of the 1940 census. Everyone is welcome to join ISGS in this effort. If you have questions or want more information, feel free to contact me, Becky, at bhiggins9@gmail,com.

Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog: Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD)

Illinois State Genealogical Society Blog: Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD):

Very informative post about these great Illinois research resources
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The We Tree Genealogy Blog: Rejected Genealogy Conference Proposals

The We Tree Genealogy Blog: Rejected Genealogy Conference Proposals:

If you're looking for the laugh today, you've got to read this!!
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Genealogy's Star: Privacy and the Social Security Number

Genealogy's Star: Privacy and the Social Security Number:

James Tanner puts and excellent perspective on the SSN dilemma.
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News Flash: ISGS to Hold 1st Webinar this Tuesday.

10 Ways To Jump Start Your Genealogy In 2012

The first offering in the ISGS webinar series is entitled 10 Ways To Jump Start Your Genealogy In 2012 presented by nationally-known genealogist, educator and author Thomas MacEntee on Tuesday evening, January 10, 2012 at 8:00 pm Central time.

Whether stuck in a rut with genealogy research for the past year or just wanting to expand the ways in which family history can be pursued, the genealogy community is encouraged to join ISGS for this fun and informative FREE webinar. Those attending will learn how to energize their genealogy research and will be ready to hit the ground running in 2012.

This webinar is FREE to the public and those wanting to attend are encouraged to register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/889377446 since space is limited.

Free Digitized Books Links

If you're looking for free digitized books related to genealogy you've got to check out this site! It posted on the Illinois Genealogy Research facebook page originating from Fran Ellsworth.

This is a great resource!

National Archives Puts Genealogy Workshops on YouTube « ResearchBuzz

National Archives Puts Genealogy Workshops on YouTube « ResearchBuzz:

Another way to increase your knowledge.
'via Blog this'

2012 Brings a Challenge!

Yesterday morning was the 1st EGS meeting of 2012. It was well attended and I must say the K and Jean Mallory out did themselves providing a beautiful and tasty treat table!

Review of our 2011 resolutions went as one might expect. A few of us were successful, as few of us took a stab, and more of us had to admit we'd need at least another year. There was plenty of applause for those first few; for the rest of us, there was plenty of laughter (of course, we laughed with each other, not at each other;-).

Our president, Judy Van Dusen, decided we'd take a different tact this year - no resolutions!! Stealing a bit from our friends at the Kane County Genealogical Society, she threw out a few challenges. She gave us a list of 16 - I added a seventeenth, just so you know. We are to pick one or more challenge and see what we can do with it.
Out-of-Area members (and non-members as well) are encouraged to join us in this on-going event. Let's see how many challenges we can complete this year. It's not a competition but we'd love to hear how and what you've done!

To see the list, just go to the top of this home page and click on 2012 Genealogical Challenges.