Online Research Suggestions

Caroline Pointer of Family Stories posted this on Twitter. Great Suggestions!

Caroline Pointer ‏@FamilyStories 

So, you think you've looked everywhere. Really? Have you tried all of these? http://bit.ly/1hrtvQg  #genealogy #familytree

Just click the link and you'll find research links you may never have considered.

Good Hunting!

~ Becky

RootsTech Conference Virtual Tips for us stay-at-homes

The Armchair Genealogist: RootsTech Conference: 10 Tips to Make the Most of Your Virtual Experience:

'via Blog this'
If, like me, you can't attend the RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City starting tomorrow Mar 21, check out the blog above for some great advise on how to take advantage of the conference virtually (and free). Between the live-streaming of some of the sessions and conversations on twitter and facebook, we can feel involved in the experience.

Lynn Palermo, The Armchair Genealogy, even mentions a great use for Evernote which will be the topic of our EGS meeting tomorrow, Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Gail Borden Public Library.

~ 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):
'via Blog this'

Looking for help research English ancestors? Maybe this guide can help.

~ Becky

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 :-)

'via Blog this'

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

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.

'via Blog this'

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?

'via Blog this'

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.

'via Blog this'

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!!
'via Blog this'

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.

'via Blog this'

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!!

'via Blog this'

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.

'via Blog this'

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.
'via Blog this'

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!!

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!!!

DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog: 1930 US Census open access

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

'via Blog this'

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

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

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.
'via Blog this'