November CVGS Research Group Review

The monthly Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on 12 November had 10 attendees.  

1)  In the first hour, Randy discussed:

*  Requesting and receiving two Find A Grave photos from Pennsylvania and Ontario.

*  Requesting a microfilm image from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City - see  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/requesting-microfilm-image-from-fhl.html.

*  Finding useful books published by local genealogical societies - in this case, San Diego Genealogical Society books at the San Diego Central Library.  Historical and genealogical societies all over the country may publish books like these.  See  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/11/tuesdays-tip-look-for-local.html

*  Answering a reader's question about finding online records on websites for free - it just takes some effort sometimes.  See  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/dear-randy-how-can-i-find-free-records.html

*  Finding green leaf Hints in a specific database (e.g., the 1940 U.S. census) for persons in your Ancestry Member Tree - video and directions in  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/demonstrating-adding-ancestrycom-hints.html

2)  In the second hour, the attendees asked questions or described research problems, including:

*  Gary demonstrated how the new website for CVGS on Wild Apricot would look and work.  You can see the temporary site at https://chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org/events.  There will be a members only section for access to the membership list, seminar reservations, member surnames, etc.  

*  Linda could not find some family members born in the 1920s in Los Angeles in the California Birth or Death Index.  One name was Eduvijes Acosta or Valdez.  A search on Ancestry in the meeting did not find them.  There were other given names that she recognized in the databases, but not the specific one she was looking for.

*  Jane is planning a trip next summer to New England (for a nephew's wedding), to Nova Scotia (for research) and the Troy, New York area (for research).  She asked how much time should she plan on in each location, what to ask about before the visits, etc.  She hopes to visit public libraries, state archives and local historical or genealogical societies.  The group suggested that she contact each repository in advance concerning open days and hours, what can be brought into the repository, camera/photo policies, copy charges, etc.  Shirley offered to help with the New York State Archives which may provide Jane with death records of her DelVecchio ancestors.  

The next CVGS Research Group meeting will be Wednesday, 10 December, at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in downtown Chula Vista).