Archive for January, 2013

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We were recently discussing several experiences we have had with Ancestry.com members that we have met along our trek. We mused at what they must have expected us to be like as they approached us. The vast majority of the people we interact with here on Ancestry.com and in the various cities and states we visit have no past experience with our family. So, I thought today, that I might do a little introduction for you all.  First of all, Rob and I are a typical married couple. We have a lot of fun together, work together and yes we often times irritate each other as well. Having said this, we are of course happily in love and thrilled to be spending so much time together and with our children. Our children didn’t come to us easily, we waited for them longer than most couples and were thrilled when they arrived, each one, some closer together and quicker than we expected, but still such a blessing. Audrey is our oldest and she is a normal 10 year old.  She loves to read, dream about being a princess and tease her siblings. She has an amazing ability to memorize and absorb information. This trip will be forever in her mind. She will learn more seeing this country first hand, than she ever would have learned from a textbook. She is blessed with a very creative mind and incredible curiosity. Audrey has a best friend and partner-in-crime, and it just happens to be her, 7 year old, sister Sophie. Sophie is our little perfectionist. She is so competitive and driven. So strong yet so tender hearted and sweet, Sophie loves being out here on such a grand  adventure, but struggles with missing friends and family back home. The girls may not admit to you their fondness for each other, but we see it every day. This trip has strengthened our children’s relationships with each other due to the simple facts of necessity and accessibility. They are all they’ve got out here on the road and it is kind of nice to see them learning to value each other more. Our three little Amigos…Harvey, George, and Sam are like any other brothers, they wrestle, they tease, and they play, play, play! Their little conversations, comments and questions keep us in stitches. They are so curious about everything, from the trailer behind the motorhome to the jacks underneath. It is so fun to see them learning and exploring.

We are just amazed at the experiences we are having as a family. Although, this adventure is exciting and an enormous blessing for our family, it doesn’t come without trials. We struggle with work, budgets, mealtimes, mechanical repairs, laundry and other cleaning, naptimes and bedtimes, schedules, school work, family commitments, relationships here and at home, and sometimes just getting to and fro is not without obstacles. But, we are driven! We are excited. We are searching for more and are willing to sacrifice to find it. We want to know what we are made of, and what characteristics we inherited from our ancestors that will help us not only on this journey, but throughout our lives and the lives of our children. We are just a normal little family, trying to make it work, yet finding strength in the lives of those who lived long ago.

Follow the Brown Family and all of their adventures at Ancestry.com/Adventure

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• Ancestry.com has updated its 1850
  US census collections (correcting some Indiana birth places that were keyed incorrectly)
  and its City
  Directories. In addition, Ancestry continues with its indexing of information
  for the 1940 US census to make it more complete.

• The Board for Certification of Genealogists
  (BCG), an independent certifying body recognized nationally and internationally
  since 1964, recently joined the blogosphere with its blog, SpringBoard:
  News and Notes.

• Genealogy search engine service Mocavo and Family
  History Information Standards Organisation, Inc. (FHISO) announced that Mocavo
  has finalized its plans to become a founding member of the organization. FHISO is
  a standards-developing organization bring the international family history and genealogical
  community in a self-governing forum to develop information standards to solve today’s
  interoperability issues.

Mocavo will participate with other FHISO members from the global genealogical
community in the development of standards for the digital representation and sharing
of family history and genealogical information.

• MyHeritage has released a new version of its
  free MyHeritage app (v2.0) that now lets users do their genealogy on the go—create
  and edit their family tree, add relatives and photos, and edit profiles, info and
  events. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphones and tablets,
  in 32 languages. If you have an older version of the app, the new app will upgrade
  seamlessly. Click here to download the app.

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How
to Archive Family Keepsakes: Learn to Preserve Family Photos, Memorabilia & Genealogy
Records (Family Tree Books, 2012) by Denise Levenick, The
Family Curator, launches a blog book tour today that runs through Saturday, Jan.
26.

Visit 14 popular genealogy blogs and websites featuring Denise and her book for book
excerpts, interviews, special guest posts, free downloads and giveaways. View
the schedule at the Blog Book Tour Page.

With top reviews from leading genealogy bloggers and 5-star ratings on Amazon.com,
this new resource by Denise will help you organize and preserve your family history
heirlooms and research in 2013.

How to Archive Family Keepsakes offers practical guidance for family historians
who are:

• helping a parent or loved one downsize to a smaller home.
• needing a simple, effective filing system for genealogy research.
• interested in scanning and making digital copies of genealogy records.
• looking for a way to preserve your family history and heirlooms for future generations.

The
book is currently available at ShopFamilyTree.com at a 28 percent discount. Proceeds
from the sale of the book during the online book tour will help fund the 2013 Student
Genealogy Grant founded in 2010 in honor of Denise’s mother, Suzanne Winsor Freeman.

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Effective family history researchers know that organization is the key to productivity.
Are you as organized as you’d like to be—or could be? If your new year’s resolution
is to cut through your genealogy clutter, check out this trio of PDF book downloads
by Denise May Levenick, the Family Curator that
provides practical step-by-step solutions for organizing physical and digital materials,
once and for all.

How
to Organize Inherited Items 

Are you the lucky recipient of Mom and Dad’s “stuff”—a lifetime’s worth of family
photos, papers, and memorabilia packed into boxes? Learn how to organize inherited
items in a way that honors them while bringing peace to the rest of the family. You’ll
learn how to:

    •    Effectively sort and purge boxes that you inherited
    •    Decide which family heirlooms to keep
    •    Donate items to museums, societies, and charities
    •    Protect and pass on keepsakes

TIP:
People who inherit family archives often take on one of three roles: Curator,
Creator or Caretaker (or perhaps a combination). Once you identify why you’ve inherited
the family archive, it’s easier for you to determine what to do with it.

Curator: understands the responsibilities involved in caring for a family archive,
from organizing to preserving; knows enough to recognize significant objects and suggest
and implement ways to care for, display and preserve them
Creator: finds ways to use a family archive materials—whether it be inspiration,
raw materials or information sources—in his own creative projects, such as completing
a family pedigree, writing a biography, assembling a scrapbook or compiling a family
medical history

Caretaker: serves as the temporary family archive “holder” until the next person
in line takes it over
___

How
to Organize Family History Paperwork 

Family history research can quickly create mountains of paperwork. This download give
you step-by-step instruction to effectively organize and digitize your genealogy research
papers. You’ll learn how to:
    •    create a personalized filing system to suit
your genealogy research style and experience
    •    turn your computer into a filing clerk and
research assistant by establishing a clear, consistent naming pattern for files and
folders
    •    Scan old paper records and store them electronically
to save space and make them easier to find
    •    make digital copies of original source documents

    •    organize your family history research for future
generations

TIP:
Think about your genealogy files as two different record types—original documents
that you want to physically preserve and store, and working documents used every day
that are more temporary in nature. A different digital routine is needed for each
record type.

TIP:

Use a consistent file-naming scheme for your digital documents. Some genealogists
find that a combination of Surname, Date and File ID work well for digital files;
others use a numerical reference number that corresponds to their paper files.
___

Organization
Strategies for Genealogy Success

Effective family history researchers know that organization is the key to productivity.
You’ll learn how to:
    •    Organize your genealogy research methods
    •    Organize your family history source citations
    •    Select the best software for efficient and
effective research
    •    Connect with fellow researchers online to help
find answers to your genealogy brick walls

TIP:
Research success begins even before the first internet query box is completed
or the first reel of microfilm is loaded. You have a research goal—to find your ancestor.
What you need is a research strategy—a written, step-by-step proposal to achieve your
goal. An effective research strategy includes at least 4 major steps:

1. Set a goal.

a. Identify the problem or goal.
b. Break down the goal into smaller, focused mini-goals.

2. Decide what sources to search.

a. List record groups that may provide a solution.
b. List specific sources to search.
c. Locate repositories holding the sources you need.

3. Search the source.

a. Note the results of your search, positive or negative.
b. Copy the raw information.
c. Record the source citation data.

4. Analyze the information.

a. Evaluate the information.
b. Record your findings in your notes and database program.
c. Determine your next step.

5. Repeat from Step 1.

___

You
can achieve your genealogy research goals this year with these and other new and recommended
books, CDs, downloads, and all-inclusive research kits that will show you how to research
your heritage, both online and off. PLUS: Get organized and save,
too! Spend
$30 on any of these recommended products in January and get the Organize
Your Genealogy Life! CD for 50% off; just enter code ACHIEVE2013 at checkout to
save on this essential CD.

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Four additional PDF downloadable reference guides have been added to the newly released series, “A Genealogist’s Guide to Names.” Each guide features first names from a specific region or country; naming patterns and traditions; spellings; pronunciations; and meanings that can help your search for ancestors from a given locale.

A
Genealogist’s Guide to Gaelic Names

A
Genealogist’s Guide to Irish Names

A
Genealogist’s Guide to Native American Names

A
Genealogist’s Guide to Russian Names

 

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AncestryDNA™ is one of the most advanced autosomal DNA tests on the market, but that doesn’t mean our job is done. We are constantly working to improve our genetic ethnicity prediction models by deciphering the unique language of the human genome and employing some of the top geneticists and latest technology to help determine what it can tell us.

Dr. Ken Chahine, Sr. VP of AncestryDNA and one of our top scientists, explains some of the challenges we face when using DNA to predict ethnicity, including the work we do to innovate in this field and deliver the best product possible to our customers. Here’s some perspective on genetic ethnicity from Dr. Chahine.

Before AncestryDNA, ethnic origins were largely a breakdown of continental ethnicities. Most of us, however, don’t need a genetic test to determine whether we are European, African, or Asian. So, we challenged ourselves to push the boundaries of the science and attempt a more granular ethnic breakdown, especially within Europe.

Below is a map showing the detailed ethnicity coverage of AncestryDNA.

Why are we one of the first to launch a product that breaks down ethnic origins beyond the continental level? Simply put, it is very difficult. Europeans, Africans, and Asians are genetically very distinct. However, it is not as easy to ethnically distinguish between a British, a German and a French person, and it is especially difficult to decipher the ethnicity of an individual with ancestry from all three or some other comparable mixture.

 

The Language of Genetic Ethnicity

Since the genome was sequenced in 2000, we have made great strides in our understanding of human genetics and inheritance. The truth is, however, that the human genome is still largely a language that we don’t understand. Sure, we’ve deciphered the alphabet that makes up the 3 billion letters of our genome, but we know woefully little about its vocabulary, grammar and syntax.We know, for example, that height is inherited. Yet, using genetics alone still makes it difficult to predict height. Most of the genetic signatures (i.e., alleles) that we have identified as being associated with height contribute only a small percent to one’s ultimate vertical fate. In other words, while we understand how to read the letters of the human genome we don’t always know what it is telling us.

 

Piecing the Puzzle Together

To continue with the language metaphor, let’s assume I give you three books written in languages that you do not speak. Then I tell you, as a point of reference, what language each one is written in: one in English, one in Arabic, and the third in Chinese. Then imagine I give you another book written in one of those three languages and ask you to tell me which language it is. Using only the letters in the reference books, it would be relatively easy to not only determine which language the book is written in, but even what percent of the book was written in each language, if it contained a mixture of all three. This is because the alphabets of the three languages are distinct and don’t overlap.

 

Now imagine the same puzzle, but instead of English, Chinese and Arabic, the books are written in English, French and German. In this case, it is clearly more difficult to discern where one language ends and another begins, since all three use mostly the same basic alphabet. We must then rely on three basic strategies to distinguish the languages. First, the frequency of certain letters that appears to be used more or less frequently in French, English and German. Second, the relative position of letters, such as the combination of letters “ch,” “sch,”and “ing.” Third, letters such as “ç”,“ß,” and “ü” which are unique to certain languages. As you can see in the graph below, even though the languages are different, the frequency of the letters used in all three languages is relatively consistent. Therefore, most of the letters are of little use in distinguishing the languages.

 

 

There is one more important point to make—we don’t have a dictionary! That’s right, there is no genetic dictionary that tells us the frequency of the letters, the relative position of the letters, or even the unique letters that occur in different European populations. AncestryDNA is building this genetic dictionary by analyzing the genetic signatures of people who have a long cultural history in a specific country or region, have spoken a certain language, and practiced a single religion. Once we have the genetic sequences, our team of Ph.D scientists in genetics, bioinformatics, machine learning, and statistics work to find clues that help us distinguish genetic ethnicity and provide our customers their ethnic make-ups.

 

The European Challenge

The good news is that the genetic ethnicity prediction is working, albeit with some challenges. Central Europeans present the most significant difficulty, especially the French, Germans, and Dutch. With few geographic barriers and extensive human population movement, their genetic signatures are very similar and difficult to distinguish. The British Isles and Scandinavia are more genetically distinct, but their signatures partially overlap with each other, as well as with parts of Central Europe. All of this makes it difficult to assign predicted ethnicities. So, let’s say your German ancestry doesn’t seem to be showing up in your DNA ethnicity results or it seems like you’re getting a bit too much Scandinavian, know that the ethnicity prediction can be updated over time as we make advancements in this area.

This is just one example of why the ethnicity prediction portion of the AncestryDNA test is continually evolving. We are using the largest set of DNA reference samples from around the world and deeper genetic coverage in order to find those unique “letters” that will aid our analysis. In the meantime, we’re excited to have our AncestryDNA customers be a part of the breakthroughs as we continue to improve our prediction algorithms. And as they evolve, we will send you updates as new findings are discovered. The AncestryDNA test could have easily predicted your continental ethnicity as European, Asian, or African, but why settle for results based on the status quo? As Michelangelo is quoted as saying, “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” It’s one of the many benefits of AncestryDNA. So don’t be surprised if your ethnicity results get updated over time. This is a good thing and it just means our science team is working hard to better your experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about the new AncestryDNA, or would like to order a DNA test, you can click here.

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Oh the memories we made in San Antonio, Texas. Swimming, bike rides, learning all about the Alamo in 80-degree weather, a powerful windstorm and really getting into the Christmas spirit.

Our exploration began with a Riverwalk cruise, complete with yummy Mexican food and Christmas caroling with carolers riding in boats along side our boat! The kids loved it!

We traveled to the Alamo and learned all about this pivotal, historical battle. And visited the Texas Rangers Museum and Saloon.

The Live Nativity at the Lutheran Church in downtown was a hit with the kids. They got to pet live animals and experience a recreation of the nativity.

We also spent 2 days hibernating in our motorhome with 3 sick little boys.

And thankfully we survived a powerful storm and with motorhome still intact and fevers gone we headed back on the road to Houston.

Tis the Christmas Season and we are so blessed to be here celebrating with wonderful people around the country. We miss family and friends at home but have felt so welcome here in San Antonio. It has really invited the Christmas Spirit into our motorhome and into our lives. We celebrate our freedoms and the great people who have worked and sacrificed to build the foundations of our country. Happy Holidays!

 

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Mid-Continent Public Library and the Midwest Genealogy Center invite you to Ancestry Day 2013! The event will be held at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, Missouri on March 16th from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Featuring speakers from Ancestry.com and the Midwest Genealogy Center, this event is for all levels of genealogy research, from first-timers to family historians.

The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the nation’s preeminent resources for family history, providing access to almost 750,000 on-site materials. Part of the Mid-Continent Public Library located in the Kansas City area, MGC features 52,000 square feet of space to house all the resources and technology genealogist need to research.

Ancestry Day will offer you a look at the best techniques for searching Ancestry.com and Ancestry Library Edition. You can connect with experts and other genealogy enthusiasts to help you in your research and inspire you to discover your history. Ancestry employees Lou Szucs, Anne Mitchell, and Cris Cooper will be available at the day-long workshop to help you get started or accelerate your efforts to find, organize, preserve, and share your family’s connections and history.

The genealogy excitement is not limited to this one day event. The staff of the Midwest Genealogy Center will be offering additional classes at their Independence location on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday of that weekend.  MGC will be open for research, as well, during normal business hours.  An added bonus to Ancestry Day registrants is a free reception at the Midwest Genealogy Center on Friday evening, allowing you the opportunity to meet Anne and Lou before the event.

Registration will open on January 2. Cost for the Ancestry Day event is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The classes and research at the Midwest Genealogy Center are free.

Ancestry Day 2013 has something for everyone, whether you are an avid genealogist, just getting started, or simply want to connect with other genealogists. At Ancestry Day, come prepared to experience world-class content from Anne Mitchell and Lou Szucs.

Register Now Right Here! 

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• Entries are being accepted through March 22 for the 13th annual Listen to a Life Essay
  Contest run by the Legacy Project, a big-picture
  learning project for all ages, and the nonprofit Generations
  United.

The contest, open to young people ages 8 to 18, encourages connections
across generations. To enter, a young person interviews a grandparent or grandfriend
50 years or older, gathering information about the older person’s hopes and goals
through their life; how he or she achieved goals and overcame obstacles; or key life
experiences. The young person then writes and submit a 300-word essay based on the
interview.

The winner will receive a Lenov ThinkCentre computer. Click
here for more information, including rules and entry form.

 

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Tracking down state-level genealogy records—births, marriages, deaths and more—can be exhausting work, but each year it gets easier as more state historical societies and archives digitize collections and post them online. They’re also offering more indexes, guides and other tools to help you get your hands on state repositories’ offline records. We commend these ambitious organizations and individuals for providing these genealogical gifts that keep on giving throughout the year.

In selecting the 75 best state websites, which originally appeared in the December
2012 issue of Family Tree Magazine, we looked especially for databases (at
least one per state) where you can search for your ancestors’ names. Some sites also
have digital images of original records, and several of the sites regularly add new
searchable documents.

Click
here to view and access the list of top 75 state websites online.