There will be a new four part PBS documentary series starting in February hosted by Henry Louis Gates, who previously hosted two series of "African American Lives."
The "Faces of America" series will explore the heritage of eleven luminaries of various races. Included in the list is author Malcolm Gladwell, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, former champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, television actress Eva Longoria, and Oscar-winning legend Meryl Streep.
The series will be broadcast nationally on Wednesdays, February 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 2010 from 8-9 p.m. ET on PBS.
For more information, check out http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
27 January Program Features Susi Pentico Talk
The next Program meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society is Wednesday, 27 January at 12 noon in the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library Auditorium (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
The program speaker is CVGS member Susi Pentico on “Searching the Past, Looking to the Future.”
The presentation will be about past research methods, current methods and where the genealogical world may be headed. Hopefully, everyone will learn new ideas and thoughts about pursuing their research.
Susi (Jones) Pentico has done family research for 40 years. Susi's grandfather's got her started by age 12, and she was into it in depth by age 19 when her first child was very ill and the doctor needed answers about family health.
She enjoys the learning and sharing with others, and is fascinated by all the links and interlinks within one group that spread out and encompass other groups. She finds research to be rewarding and relaxing, vexing and frustrating.
Susi has held various offices of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society, including President in 2000-2001. She also belongs to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the National Genealogical Society, and the San Diego Genealogical Society.
She leads a Beginners/Intermediate Class for the San Diego County Library System in Lemon Grove twice a month, and works with other organizations to promote a better community for our youth and ourselves. Susi has talked on a variety of topics to San Diego genealogical societies and edited a newsletter for Mid-Atlantic Researchers for three years.
Please enter the auditorium through the Conference Room door on the east library hallway - and pick up the program agenda, buy opportunity drawing tickets, and have a snack before the program begins at around 12:20 p.m. There will be a brief business meeting followed by the speaker's program.
All CVGS meetings are free to attend by anyone interested in genealogy and family history. The Chula Vista Genealogical Society welcomes all guests and visitors - please come and enjoy our meetings. Of course, we hope that you will join out active genealogy society.
For more information, please contact Barbara at 619-427-4110 or email baribai@cox.net.
The program speaker is CVGS member Susi Pentico on “Searching the Past, Looking to the Future.”
The presentation will be about past research methods, current methods and where the genealogical world may be headed. Hopefully, everyone will learn new ideas and thoughts about pursuing their research.
Susi (Jones) Pentico has done family research for 40 years. Susi's grandfather's got her started by age 12, and she was into it in depth by age 19 when her first child was very ill and the doctor needed answers about family health.
She enjoys the learning and sharing with others, and is fascinated by all the links and interlinks within one group that spread out and encompass other groups. She finds research to be rewarding and relaxing, vexing and frustrating.
Susi has held various offices of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society, including President in 2000-2001. She also belongs to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the National Genealogical Society, and the San Diego Genealogical Society.
She leads a Beginners/Intermediate Class for the San Diego County Library System in Lemon Grove twice a month, and works with other organizations to promote a better community for our youth and ourselves. Susi has talked on a variety of topics to San Diego genealogical societies and edited a newsletter for Mid-Atlantic Researchers for three years.
Please enter the auditorium through the Conference Room door on the east library hallway - and pick up the program agenda, buy opportunity drawing tickets, and have a snack before the program begins at around 12:20 p.m. There will be a brief business meeting followed by the speaker's program.
All CVGS meetings are free to attend by anyone interested in genealogy and family history. The Chula Vista Genealogical Society welcomes all guests and visitors - please come and enjoy our meetings. Of course, we hope that you will join out active genealogy society.
For more information, please contact Barbara at 619-427-4110 or email baribai@cox.net.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
CVGS Research Group Summary - 13 January 2010
Nine genealogists attended the CVGS Research Group on Wednesday, 13 January at 12 noon the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. Randy announced dates for the Escondido Family History Fair on March 6, the NGS Conference in Salt Lake City from 28 April to 1 May, and the SCGS Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank on 11-13 June. We went around the table, and discussed these issues:
* Jaye is searching for the parents of her Noah Inbody (1834-1920), who was born in Ohio. Online trees indicate his father was Peter Inbody, but there are no original source records available, and her cousin's wife says the father is somebody else. The group suggested that Jaye collect as much information as possible about Noah - census records, military records, marriage and death records, siblings marriage and death records, obituaries, county history book biographies, etc. She should also post queries on message boards, mailing lists and genealogical societies to find other researchers who might have information. At some point, land and probate records in the counties he lived may reveal Noah's parentage.
* Virginia received the latest Legacies magazine from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, which was the "Mapping Pennsylvania" issue. She passed it around.
* Helen said she has worked on one of her resolutions - to organize her family pictures. With the help of her aunt, she has labelled persons in the pictures (all but one!), and will add them to her Family Tree Maker database.
* John's Ancestry.com US subscription expired, so he renewed it by phone and was offered a $45 upgrade to the World subscription, which he accepted.
* Randy shared the Knights Templar membership card for Devier J. Smith, which he found in a scrapbook. He briefly described his research to identify the Seaver male that married Euphemia Marshall before 1880. He found Loren B. Seaver by finding census, city directory and newspaper data online, then corroborating it with Loren's mother's estate papers and a Westminster MA history book mention.
* Ruth is working on her resolution to manage her research better - she has started a Microsoft Project file to keep track of her work. She has access to court and family records with information about slaves, and has contacted the Afrigeneas organization to share it. She also has information on Andersonville Prison to share. Ruth calls her father every week and finds clues about family history in their talks.
* Dick is dropping Ancestry.com for now, and is downloading his family tree into Family Tree Maker 2010.
* Dave is emailing with a distant cousin and has included him to access his Ancestry Public Member Tree. He wonders how to contact users who download images from his tree. The group told him that the MemberConnect feature tells him who has done this, and can be used to contact them.
* Gary has been using the Web Search feature in Family Tree Maker 2010 to find online documents in Ancestry.com for his ancestors, which leads to source documents.
This was a spirited discussion group, with several good discussions about the issues presented.
* Jaye is searching for the parents of her Noah Inbody (1834-1920), who was born in Ohio. Online trees indicate his father was Peter Inbody, but there are no original source records available, and her cousin's wife says the father is somebody else. The group suggested that Jaye collect as much information as possible about Noah - census records, military records, marriage and death records, siblings marriage and death records, obituaries, county history book biographies, etc. She should also post queries on message boards, mailing lists and genealogical societies to find other researchers who might have information. At some point, land and probate records in the counties he lived may reveal Noah's parentage.
* Virginia received the latest Legacies magazine from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, which was the "Mapping Pennsylvania" issue. She passed it around.
* Helen said she has worked on one of her resolutions - to organize her family pictures. With the help of her aunt, she has labelled persons in the pictures (all but one!), and will add them to her Family Tree Maker database.
* John's Ancestry.com US subscription expired, so he renewed it by phone and was offered a $45 upgrade to the World subscription, which he accepted.
* Randy shared the Knights Templar membership card for Devier J. Smith, which he found in a scrapbook. He briefly described his research to identify the Seaver male that married Euphemia Marshall before 1880. He found Loren B. Seaver by finding census, city directory and newspaper data online, then corroborating it with Loren's mother's estate papers and a Westminster MA history book mention.
* Ruth is working on her resolution to manage her research better - she has started a Microsoft Project file to keep track of her work. She has access to court and family records with information about slaves, and has contacted the Afrigeneas organization to share it. She also has information on Andersonville Prison to share. Ruth calls her father every week and finds clues about family history in their talks.
* Dick is dropping Ancestry.com for now, and is downloading his family tree into Family Tree Maker 2010.
* Dave is emailing with a distant cousin and has included him to access his Ancestry Public Member Tree. He wonders how to contact users who download images from his tree. The group told him that the MemberConnect feature tells him who has done this, and can be used to contact them.
* Gary has been using the Web Search feature in Family Tree Maker 2010 to find online documents in Ancestry.com for his ancestors, which leads to source documents.
This was a spirited discussion group, with several good discussions about the issues presented.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
New or Updated Genealogy Databases - January 2010
The new or updated genealogy databases added by genealogy companies include (not a comprehensive list):
1) New or Updated Databases at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org ($$)
o The American Genealogist, Volumes 39–43
o Vital Records of Belfast, Maine, to the year 1892
o Records of the Church of Christ in Buxton, Maine, 1763–1844
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 21–25
o Vital Records of Stamford, Connecticut to 1825
o Vital Records of Hartford, Windsor and Fairfield Connecticut, 1631 – 1691
o Vital Records of Gardiner, Maine to 1892
2) New or Updated Databases at www.Footnote.com ($$)
The World War II collection includes:
o Interactive USS Arizona Memorial
o Missing Air Crew Reports
o Pearl Harbor Muster Rolls
o U.S. Air Force Photos
o Submarine Patrol Reports
o Japanese Air Target Analysis
o Army JAG Case Files
o Navy JAG Case Files
o Naval Press Clippings
3) New or Updated Databases at www.WorldVitalRecords.com ($$)
o Service Records of Confederate Soldiers
o Minutes of Court of Albany NY, 1668-1673
o Selected Town History books for NY and CT
o The History of Georgia - Volumes 1 and 2
o See list of new databases at http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/RecentContentListing.aspx
4) New or Updated Databases at www.GenealogyBank.com ($$)
o Over 200 new Newspapers added -- See list of all titles at http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/newspapers/sourcelist/
5) New or Updated Databases at www.Ancestry.com ($$)
o Updated indexes/images for 1790 to 1870 Census
o Nebraska State Census Collection, 1860-1885
o Allier, France Births, Marriages, Deaths
o Many German language surname and locality books
o See New/Updated databases at http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/recent.aspx
6) New/Updated LDS www.FamilySearch.org Indexing Projects (Free Access)
These databases are available for at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed databases -- recently added projects:
o Florida State Census, 1935, 1945
o Georgia Deaths, 1930 (index only)
o 1920 US Census(84% complete) (index only)
o Washington State County Marriages, 1858-1950
o Cheshire Bishop’s transcripts, Parish Registers, Non-conformist church records
o Borndorf, Germany Church book (1810-1869)
o Posen, Germany Church book (1794-1874)
o Presov Region, Slovakia Church Books (1592-1906)
o Argentina National Census, 1869
o Ciudad de Guatemala Censo de 1877
o Dominican Republic Civil Births
o Brazil Civil Registration, 1870-2006
o Orange Free State (S.Africa) estate files (1951-1973)
1) New or Updated Databases at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org ($$)
o The American Genealogist, Volumes 39–43
o Vital Records of Belfast, Maine, to the year 1892
o Records of the Church of Christ in Buxton, Maine, 1763–1844
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 21–25
o Vital Records of Stamford, Connecticut to 1825
o Vital Records of Hartford, Windsor and Fairfield Connecticut, 1631 – 1691
o Vital Records of Gardiner, Maine to 1892
2) New or Updated Databases at www.Footnote.com ($$)
The World War II collection includes:
o Interactive USS Arizona Memorial
o Missing Air Crew Reports
o Pearl Harbor Muster Rolls
o U.S. Air Force Photos
o Submarine Patrol Reports
o Japanese Air Target Analysis
o Army JAG Case Files
o Navy JAG Case Files
o Naval Press Clippings
3) New or Updated Databases at www.WorldVitalRecords.com ($$)
o Service Records of Confederate Soldiers
o Minutes of Court of Albany NY, 1668-1673
o Selected Town History books for NY and CT
o The History of Georgia - Volumes 1 and 2
o See list of new databases at http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/RecentContentListing.aspx
4) New or Updated Databases at www.GenealogyBank.com ($$)
o Over 200 new Newspapers added -- See list of all titles at http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/newspapers/sourcelist/
5) New or Updated Databases at www.Ancestry.com ($$)
o Updated indexes/images for 1790 to 1870 Census
o Nebraska State Census Collection, 1860-1885
o Allier, France Births, Marriages, Deaths
o Many German language surname and locality books
o See New/Updated databases at http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/recent.aspx
6) New/Updated LDS www.FamilySearch.org Indexing Projects (Free Access)
These databases are available for at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed databases -- recently added projects:
o Florida State Census, 1935, 1945
o Georgia Deaths, 1930 (index only)
o 1920 US Census(84% complete) (index only)
o Washington State County Marriages, 1858-1950
o Cheshire Bishop’s transcripts, Parish Registers, Non-conformist church records
o Borndorf, Germany Church book (1810-1869)
o Posen, Germany Church book (1794-1874)
o Presov Region, Slovakia Church Books (1592-1906)
o Argentina National Census, 1869
o Ciudad de Guatemala Censo de 1877
o Dominican Republic Civil Births
o Brazil Civil Registration, 1870-2006
o Orange Free State (S.Africa) estate files (1951-1973)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 2010 Newsletter is Online
The January 2010 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter is available on the web site - see http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/Newsletters/10_01jan.pdf. Enjoy!
If you want to contribute an article to the CVGS Newsletter, please contact the editor at CVGenealogy@gmail.com.
What information would you like to see in the Newsletter? Please help out the editor with ideas! Emai CVGenealogy@gmail.com.
If you want to contribute an article to the CVGS Newsletter, please contact the editor at CVGenealogy@gmail.com.
What information would you like to see in the Newsletter? Please help out the editor with ideas! Emai CVGenealogy@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - January 2010
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for January 2010 include:
** Wednesday January 13, 12 noon to 2 pm, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, January 20, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab. We will visit some helpful genealogy web sites. This is an opportunity for those members who haven't used computers for genealogy research to practice with a mentor to guide them.
** Wednesday, January 27, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Program Meeting in the Auditorium. After a brief business meeting, the speaker will be Susi Pentico, CVGS member, speaking on "Searching the Past, Looking to the Future."
** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - January 4, 11, 18, and 25 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn and John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Library. They are ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a problem or success, or just tell stories.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
** Wednesday January 13, 12 noon to 2 pm, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, January 20, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab. We will visit some helpful genealogy web sites. This is an opportunity for those members who haven't used computers for genealogy research to practice with a mentor to guide them.
** Wednesday, January 27, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Program Meeting in the Auditorium. After a brief business meeting, the speaker will be Susi Pentico, CVGS member, speaking on "Searching the Past, Looking to the Future."
** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - January 4, 11, 18, and 25 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn and John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Library. They are ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a problem or success, or just tell stories.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
More Pictures from the CVGS Holiday Luncheon
I took a few pictures of people seated at the tables before the CVGS Holiday Luncheon began. Unfortunately, not everyone was looking at the camera when I snapped the shots - it's like herding cats, only more fun!
This is a fairly small room - maximum occupancy is 40, and we came close! But it works for us - we are able to chat and share across the table, and we can stand up and share our stories and everyone can hear us.
I know that Ruth has more pictures (and probably better ones) - maybe she'll let me post some of them on our blog.
This is a fairly small room - maximum occupancy is 40, and we came close! But it works for us - we are able to chat and share across the table, and we can stand up and share our stories and everyone can hear us.
I know that Ruth has more pictures (and probably better ones) - maybe she'll let me post some of them on our blog.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
CVGS Holiday Luncheon Pictures
I posted last week about the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Holiday Luncheon in CVGS Holiday Luncheon Highlights and promised some pictures.
We took pictures of the CVGS Board of Directors - here are the officers attending the luncheon - from the left:
* Ann S., the Secretary
* Barbara I, the First Vice-President - Programs
* Gary B, the President
* Virginia T., the Second Vice-President - Membership
Unfortunately, Treasurer Paul P. couldn't attend.
The appointed members of the CVGS Board include - from the left, front row:
* Barbara I. - Programs
* Susan Z., Historian and Cemetery Projects
* Bernice H., Librarian
* Ruth H., Member Services
* Shirley B., Computer Group
The back row, from the left:
* Bob P., Ways and Means
* John F., Public Relations
* Randy S., Newsletter Editor and Research/Queries
* Gary B., President, Webmaster, Estate Papers
Our Hospitality Chair, Susi P., attended the luncheon (in fact planned and executed it!) but wasn't available for the picture. Our Library Liaison person, Dearl G., couldn't attend the Luncheon.
After all the food, drink and good stories, here are three of our genea-blogging members - from the left:
* Gary B., co-writer of the Chula Vista Genealogy Cafe and webmaster for CVGS
* Ruth H., who writes the Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog.
* Randy Seaver, who co-writes the Chula Vista Genealogy Cafe, and writes Genea-Musings, The Geneaholic and the South San Diego County Graveyard Rabbit blogs.
In addition, Susi P. writes the Susi's Chatty Performances on Genealogy blog.
More pictures coming!
We took pictures of the CVGS Board of Directors - here are the officers attending the luncheon - from the left:
* Ann S., the Secretary
* Barbara I, the First Vice-President - Programs
* Gary B, the President
* Virginia T., the Second Vice-President - Membership
Unfortunately, Treasurer Paul P. couldn't attend.
The appointed members of the CVGS Board include - from the left, front row:
* Barbara I. - Programs
* Susan Z., Historian and Cemetery Projects
* Bernice H., Librarian
* Ruth H., Member Services
* Shirley B., Computer Group
The back row, from the left:
* Bob P., Ways and Means
* John F., Public Relations
* Randy S., Newsletter Editor and Research/Queries
* Gary B., President, Webmaster, Estate Papers
Our Hospitality Chair, Susi P., attended the luncheon (in fact planned and executed it!) but wasn't available for the picture. Our Library Liaison person, Dearl G., couldn't attend the Luncheon.
After all the food, drink and good stories, here are three of our genea-blogging members - from the left:
* Gary B., co-writer of the Chula Vista Genealogy Cafe and webmaster for CVGS
* Ruth H., who writes the Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog.
* Randy Seaver, who co-writes the Chula Vista Genealogy Cafe, and writes Genea-Musings, The Geneaholic and the South San Diego County Graveyard Rabbit blogs.
In addition, Susi P. writes the Susi's Chatty Performances on Genealogy blog.
More pictures coming!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
CVGS Holiday Luncheon Highlights
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Holiday Luncheon today was a smashing success - there were 37 in attendance.
The tables were set in green and red, with small poinsettias as table decorations. The food tables were at the front of the room, and the gift tables were at the back of the room.
The food was wonderful - Susi organized the potluck part of it and brought in the baked ham and turkey from a barbecue place. There were vegetable platters, many salads, several hot potato and vegetable dishes, rolls and butter, and a dessert table to die for. Well done, faithful CVGS cooks!
Gary got the program started by introducing the 2009 CVGS Board of Directors, and pictures were taken of the officers and board members in attendance. He announced that the CVGS web site has a new search engine installed - try it out!
Next on the agenda was the member sharing. Gary went around the tables and everyone had a chance to share their Genealogy Resolutions for 2010.
John F. started it off with a bang - his three resolutions were to:
* get after the US Government that is hiding genealogy and family history records just to frustrate him.
* Round up all the people who are putting wrong information in online family trees and send them to Gitmo for waterboarding
* Ask God to strike one of his children or grandchildren with the genealogy pox - so that they can continue the family research.
The other resolutions were not as funny but were just as meaningful, including:
* Scan and organize photographs
* Organize the paper files
* Improve my genealogy knowledge and research techniques
* Keep in touch with my extended family
* Track down my ... (fill in the blank!)
* Learn how to use my genealogy software
* Teach granddaughter to use my genealogy software
* Take a trip to .... and look for records
* Try to find time to do more genealogy research
* Get the pictures and videos from our vacation trips organized
* Be more active in CVGS - attend meetings and events
* Finish up the DAR application for RevWar ancestry
* Reconnect with relatives
* Start using research logs to organize my search
* Help my brother with a large family reunion
* Scan my genealogy records and organize computer files
* Go to SCGS Genealogy Jamboree in June
* Go to NGS Conference in Salt Lake City in April
* Add source citations to my database entries
* Go to the FHC and libraries more often
* Update my web page and online family tree databases
* Clean garage and find suitcases with family papers
* Go to a family reunion
* Work more often at La Vista Cemetery on CVGS project
* Write for CVGS newsletter and blogs
* Teach genealogy classes and lead CVGS events
* Go to the Los Angeles Public Library again
* Enable CVGS members to collaborate and help each other
We had two drawings this year. One was for the gift exchange. Everyone who brought a gift received a ticket, and when their number was drawn, the person selected a gift from the gift table. The second drawing was an opportunity drawing. The big prize was a large ornamental Santa Claus statue donated by Bernice. An angel figurine, a small rosemary bush, and the table poinsettia plants were also drawn. Danna, Wanda's sister from Michigan, won the Santa Claus and the angel, and Wilma won the rosemary bush. Lastly, Gary auctioned the rest of the ham.
The attendees donated many cans or packages of food, and a lot of children's toys, to Salvation Army. They filled Nancy's SUV, and she delivered them later in the afternoon.
This Holiday Luncheon was a lot of fun -- we had a great time telling stories, eating delicious food, and sharing with our friends and colleagues.
I will post pictures in later posts from my own camera and, hopefully, from several other persons.
The tables were set in green and red, with small poinsettias as table decorations. The food tables were at the front of the room, and the gift tables were at the back of the room.
The food was wonderful - Susi organized the potluck part of it and brought in the baked ham and turkey from a barbecue place. There were vegetable platters, many salads, several hot potato and vegetable dishes, rolls and butter, and a dessert table to die for. Well done, faithful CVGS cooks!
Gary got the program started by introducing the 2009 CVGS Board of Directors, and pictures were taken of the officers and board members in attendance. He announced that the CVGS web site has a new search engine installed - try it out!
Next on the agenda was the member sharing. Gary went around the tables and everyone had a chance to share their Genealogy Resolutions for 2010.
John F. started it off with a bang - his three resolutions were to:
* get after the US Government that is hiding genealogy and family history records just to frustrate him.
* Round up all the people who are putting wrong information in online family trees and send them to Gitmo for waterboarding
* Ask God to strike one of his children or grandchildren with the genealogy pox - so that they can continue the family research.
The other resolutions were not as funny but were just as meaningful, including:
* Scan and organize photographs
* Organize the paper files
* Improve my genealogy knowledge and research techniques
* Keep in touch with my extended family
* Track down my ... (fill in the blank!)
* Learn how to use my genealogy software
* Teach granddaughter to use my genealogy software
* Take a trip to .... and look for records
* Try to find time to do more genealogy research
* Get the pictures and videos from our vacation trips organized
* Be more active in CVGS - attend meetings and events
* Finish up the DAR application for RevWar ancestry
* Reconnect with relatives
* Start using research logs to organize my search
* Help my brother with a large family reunion
* Scan my genealogy records and organize computer files
* Go to SCGS Genealogy Jamboree in June
* Go to NGS Conference in Salt Lake City in April
* Add source citations to my database entries
* Go to the FHC and libraries more often
* Update my web page and online family tree databases
* Clean garage and find suitcases with family papers
* Go to a family reunion
* Work more often at La Vista Cemetery on CVGS project
* Write for CVGS newsletter and blogs
* Teach genealogy classes and lead CVGS events
* Go to the Los Angeles Public Library again
* Enable CVGS members to collaborate and help each other
We had two drawings this year. One was for the gift exchange. Everyone who brought a gift received a ticket, and when their number was drawn, the person selected a gift from the gift table. The second drawing was an opportunity drawing. The big prize was a large ornamental Santa Claus statue donated by Bernice. An angel figurine, a small rosemary bush, and the table poinsettia plants were also drawn. Danna, Wanda's sister from Michigan, won the Santa Claus and the angel, and Wilma won the rosemary bush. Lastly, Gary auctioned the rest of the ham.
The attendees donated many cans or packages of food, and a lot of children's toys, to Salvation Army. They filled Nancy's SUV, and she delivered them later in the afternoon.
This Holiday Luncheon was a lot of fun -- we had a great time telling stories, eating delicious food, and sharing with our friends and colleagues.
I will post pictures in later posts from my own camera and, hopefully, from several other persons.
Monday, December 14, 2009
CVGS Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, 16 December
....
The annual Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South Chula Vista Library, located at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner of Orange and Fourth Avenues). Please enter the parking lot off of Orange Avenue, and enter through the west door on the south side of the building. The room at the Library where the Christmas party will be held has handicap access.
Turkey and ham entrees and beverages will be provided by CVGS. The following food items should be brought by the people with names beginning with these letters. Contact Susi P at (619) 690 -1188 to coordinate all items:
A – F: Snack trays, condiments, olives, pickles, cranberry or applesauce.
G - K: Potatoes (regular or sweet), vegetables, casseroles
L - P: Desserts
Q - Z: Salads, rolls, butter.
Please bring wrapped items for the gift drawing. This will be a “bring one, get one” drawing. A maximum value of $10 is suggested. There will be an opportunity drawing for the table decorations. The program will be Member’s Genealogy Resolutions for 2010.
Also, please bring groceries for donation to the Salvation Army and, if you wish, unwrapped toys from infancy to teenage children.
The annual Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the South Chula Vista Library, located at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner of Orange and Fourth Avenues). Please enter the parking lot off of Orange Avenue, and enter through the west door on the south side of the building. The room at the Library where the Christmas party will be held has handicap access.
Turkey and ham entrees and beverages will be provided by CVGS. The following food items should be brought by the people with names beginning with these letters. Contact Susi P at (619) 690 -1188 to coordinate all items:
A – F: Snack trays, condiments, olives, pickles, cranberry or applesauce.
G - K: Potatoes (regular or sweet), vegetables, casseroles
L - P: Desserts
Q - Z: Salads, rolls, butter.
Please bring wrapped items for the gift drawing. This will be a “bring one, get one” drawing. A maximum value of $10 is suggested. There will be an opportunity drawing for the table decorations. The program will be Member’s Genealogy Resolutions for 2010.
Also, please bring groceries for donation to the Salvation Army and, if you wish, unwrapped toys from infancy to teenage children.
Friday, December 11, 2009
New and Updated Genealogy Databases - November/December 2009
The newly added or recently updated (from early November to early December) genealogy databases on a number of commercial and free websites include (note - this is not a comprehensive list):
1) New or Updated Databases at http://www.newenglandancestors.org/ ($$)
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 16-20
o New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 2009
o Early Maine Deeds and Wills, Volumes 11-18
o Dedham (MA) Births and Deaths, 1844-1890
o Preston (CT) First Cong. Church Records, 1698-1898
o Vital Records of Woodstock CT, 1686-1854
o American Ancestors Journal, 2009
2) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Native American Collection (Ratified Indian Treaties - dating back to 1722; Indian Census Rolls - featuring personal information including age, place of residence and degree of Indian blood; The Guion Miller Roll - perhaps the most important source of Cherokee genealogical research; Dawes Packets - containing original applications for tribal enrollments; And other documents relating to the Five Civilized Tribes)
3) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Lineage Books of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, Volumes 1-58
o Revolutionary War Service Records Index
o Revolutionary War Pension Records Index
o New Castle (DE) Court Records, 1676-1699
o Many Australian databases
4) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Augusta (GA) Chronicle, 1793-1997
o New Orleans (LA) Times-Picayune (1837-1942)
o Trenton (NJ) Evening Times, 1883-1972)
o Cleveland (OH) Plain-Dealer (1845-1955)
o Dallas (TX) Morning News (1885-1978)
o Seattle (WA) Daily Times (1923-1939)
5) New or Updated Databases at http://www.ancestry.com/ ($$)
o U.S. Navy Cruise Books (1950-1988)
o Paris, France, Births, Marriages and Deaths
o Tasmania, Australia Index to BMD in The Mercury
o Victoria, Australia Passenger Lists, 1839-1923
o Gretna Green, Scotland Marriage Registers, 1794-1895.
o Many German language surname and locality books
6) New/Updated LDS http://www.familysearch.org/ Indexing Projects (Free). These databases are available for FREE at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed and browsable databases -- recently added or completed projects:
o Massachusetts Marriage Records (1906 to 1915)
o Minnesota State Census, 1885 (index, no images)
o Minnesota Will Records, 1849-1918) (no images)
o 1920 US Census (71% complete) (index, no images)
o Mexico, Distrito Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1886-1933) (index and images, 40% complete)
o Spain Municipal Records (no index, images only)
o Switzerland, Schaffhausen Church Records (no index, images only)
o Brazil, Catholic Church Records (no index, images only)
o Brazil, Sao Paulo Burial Records (no index, images only)
7) New or Updated Databases at http://www.findmypast.com/ ($$)
o 1851 England, Wales Scotland Census
o Note: 1841 to 1911 Census now Complete
1) New or Updated Databases at http://www.newenglandancestors.org/ ($$)
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 16-20
o New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 2009
o Early Maine Deeds and Wills, Volumes 11-18
o Dedham (MA) Births and Deaths, 1844-1890
o Preston (CT) First Cong. Church Records, 1698-1898
o Vital Records of Woodstock CT, 1686-1854
o American Ancestors Journal, 2009
2) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Native American Collection (Ratified Indian Treaties - dating back to 1722; Indian Census Rolls - featuring personal information including age, place of residence and degree of Indian blood; The Guion Miller Roll - perhaps the most important source of Cherokee genealogical research; Dawes Packets - containing original applications for tribal enrollments; And other documents relating to the Five Civilized Tribes)
3) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Lineage Books of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, Volumes 1-58
o Revolutionary War Service Records Index
o Revolutionary War Pension Records Index
o New Castle (DE) Court Records, 1676-1699
o Many Australian databases
4) New or Updated Databases at http://www.footnote.com/ ($$)
o Augusta (GA) Chronicle, 1793-1997
o New Orleans (LA) Times-Picayune (1837-1942)
o Trenton (NJ) Evening Times, 1883-1972)
o Cleveland (OH) Plain-Dealer (1845-1955)
o Dallas (TX) Morning News (1885-1978)
o Seattle (WA) Daily Times (1923-1939)
5) New or Updated Databases at http://www.ancestry.com/ ($$)
o U.S. Navy Cruise Books (1950-1988)
o Paris, France, Births, Marriages and Deaths
o Tasmania, Australia Index to BMD in The Mercury
o Victoria, Australia Passenger Lists, 1839-1923
o Gretna Green, Scotland Marriage Registers, 1794-1895.
o Many German language surname and locality books
6) New/Updated LDS http://www.familysearch.org/ Indexing Projects (Free). These databases are available for FREE at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed and browsable databases -- recently added or completed projects:
o Massachusetts Marriage Records (1906 to 1915)
o Minnesota State Census, 1885 (index, no images)
o Minnesota Will Records, 1849-1918) (no images)
o 1920 US Census (71% complete) (index, no images)
o Mexico, Distrito Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1886-1933) (index and images, 40% complete)
o Spain Municipal Records (no index, images only)
o Switzerland, Schaffhausen Church Records (no index, images only)
o Brazil, Catholic Church Records (no index, images only)
o Brazil, Sao Paulo Burial Records (no index, images only)
7) New or Updated Databases at http://www.findmypast.com/ ($$)
o 1851 England, Wales Scotland Census
o Note: 1841 to 1911 Census now Complete
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
CVGS Research Group Summary - 9 December 2009
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group met Wednesday, 9 December at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library. There were nine in attendance. We went around the table discussing our current research, our research problems, and success stories.
* Joan tried to obtain a Hixson book, "Ten Generations of Hixsons in America," through Inter-Library Loan, but Santa Maria library would not send it down. She knows her grandfather, Daniel Webster Hixson, is in it. She found someone online that has a copy of it and may try to obtain pages from him. The group suggested checking the Family History Library Catalog to see if it is available on microfilm or microfiche, and the BYU Family History Archive and Google Books to see if it might be online. WorldCat may provide more inter-library loan possibilities too.
* Gary has been working in Family Tree Maker 2010 on his Roff families. He's found lots of useful information on Ancestry.com and added it to his database.
* Helen is trying to find the middle name of Samuel K. Winkle, whose son Harrison died in the Civil War. The middle initial may be H or K in longhand script, based on one record, and she cannot determine which it is. The group suggested looking for other names starting with H or K in the online database done by the same enumerator.
* Shirley enjoyed the SDGS Bus Trip to Los Angeles Public Library last Saturday - read many books, but none helped her with her New York deadend lines - William Wright, Jacob Plue, Thomas Graves and Daniel Miller. All are in central New York in the 1800 to 1850 time frame.
* Bobbie brought family history items from their nine day trip to Nova Scotia in September, including books, a framed poster and a map, and her annotated photo album. She told us some history of Acadia, and about her French and Native-American families there. Fascinating!
* Ruth talked about her planned spring trip to eastern Tennessee (her mother's line) and eastern Missouri (her father's line), and taking her father to Branson MO. She has Choctaw heritage in addition to colonial American families. She also summarized her Grandma Genie Camp (described on her Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog) experiences.
* Susi is stuck on her Jones line in Petersburg NY - the parents of her ancestor Noyes Jones (born 1809) are "missing." She thinks that they may be Noel and Susannah (--?--) Jones; Noel was the son of Abel Jones. Abel may have raised Noyes Jones in the early 1800's, since they appear next to each other in the 1840 census. She also went to the Los Angeles Public Library and found some Massachusetts town records that detail several generations of her Jones family, but not the "missing" one.
* Randy shared the Martin and Rolfe research work done by his cousin, Mark Putman. It opens up several generations of new ancestors in colonial New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be Wednesday, 13 January 2010, at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library.
* Joan tried to obtain a Hixson book, "Ten Generations of Hixsons in America," through Inter-Library Loan, but Santa Maria library would not send it down. She knows her grandfather, Daniel Webster Hixson, is in it. She found someone online that has a copy of it and may try to obtain pages from him. The group suggested checking the Family History Library Catalog to see if it is available on microfilm or microfiche, and the BYU Family History Archive and Google Books to see if it might be online. WorldCat may provide more inter-library loan possibilities too.
* Gary has been working in Family Tree Maker 2010 on his Roff families. He's found lots of useful information on Ancestry.com and added it to his database.
* Helen is trying to find the middle name of Samuel K. Winkle, whose son Harrison died in the Civil War. The middle initial may be H or K in longhand script, based on one record, and she cannot determine which it is. The group suggested looking for other names starting with H or K in the online database done by the same enumerator.
* Shirley enjoyed the SDGS Bus Trip to Los Angeles Public Library last Saturday - read many books, but none helped her with her New York deadend lines - William Wright, Jacob Plue, Thomas Graves and Daniel Miller. All are in central New York in the 1800 to 1850 time frame.
* Bobbie brought family history items from their nine day trip to Nova Scotia in September, including books, a framed poster and a map, and her annotated photo album. She told us some history of Acadia, and about her French and Native-American families there. Fascinating!
* Ruth talked about her planned spring trip to eastern Tennessee (her mother's line) and eastern Missouri (her father's line), and taking her father to Branson MO. She has Choctaw heritage in addition to colonial American families. She also summarized her Grandma Genie Camp (described on her Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog) experiences.
* Susi is stuck on her Jones line in Petersburg NY - the parents of her ancestor Noyes Jones (born 1809) are "missing." She thinks that they may be Noel and Susannah (--?--) Jones; Noel was the son of Abel Jones. Abel may have raised Noyes Jones in the early 1800's, since they appear next to each other in the 1840 census. She also went to the Los Angeles Public Library and found some Massachusetts town records that detail several generations of her Jones family, but not the "missing" one.
* Randy shared the Martin and Rolfe research work done by his cousin, Mark Putman. It opens up several generations of new ancestors in colonial New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The next meeting of the CVGS Research Group will be Wednesday, 13 January 2010, at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
CVGS December Newsletter is online
The December 2009 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Newsletter is available online in PDF format at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/Newsletters/09_12dec.pdf.
Earlier editions are available in PDF format at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/page04.htmlI would appreciate comments on content and format if you have something constructive to give.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - December 2009
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for December 2009 include:
** Wednesday December 9, 12 noon to 2 pm, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, December 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Ave) -- CVGS Holiday Luncheon in the Conference Room. CVGS will provide the ham, turkey and drinks, and the attendees should bring potluck dishes to share - for last names beginning with:
A – F: Snack trays, condiments, olives, pickles, Cranberry or Apple sauce.
G - K: Potatoes (regular or sweet), vegetables, casseroles
L - P: Desserts
Q - Z: Salads, rolls, butter.
Also, bring a gift for our raffle and gift exchange, and please bring an unwrapped gift for a child, and a non perishable food item for donations to charity. The Program will be members sharing about their research highlights for 2009.
Note: There will be Computer Group meeting this month.
** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - December 7, 14, 31 and 28 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn and John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Library. They are ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a problem or success, or just tell stories.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Chula Vista South Branch Library is located at 389 Orange Avenue in Chula Vista, between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. The parking lot entrance is on the south side of Orange Avenue. The Conference Room is at the west end of the parking lot (near Fourth Avenue) - you can enter through the side door near the west end of the library.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
If you have questions, please email Randy at rjseaver@cox.net or phone 619-422-3397.
** Wednesday December 9, 12 noon to 2 pm, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.
** Wednesday, December 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Ave) -- CVGS Holiday Luncheon in the Conference Room. CVGS will provide the ham, turkey and drinks, and the attendees should bring potluck dishes to share - for last names beginning with:
A – F: Snack trays, condiments, olives, pickles, Cranberry or Apple sauce.
G - K: Potatoes (regular or sweet), vegetables, casseroles
L - P: Desserts
Q - Z: Salads, rolls, butter.
Also, bring a gift for our raffle and gift exchange, and please bring an unwrapped gift for a child, and a non perishable food item for donations to charity. The Program will be members sharing about their research highlights for 2009.
Note: There will be Computer Group meeting this month.
** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - December 7, 14, 31 and 28 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn and John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Library. They are ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a problem or success, or just tell stories.
The Chula Vista Civic Center Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways).
The Chula Vista South Branch Library is located at 389 Orange Avenue in Chula Vista, between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. The parking lot entrance is on the south side of Orange Avenue. The Conference Room is at the west end of the parking lot (near Fourth Avenue) - you can enter through the side door near the west end of the library.
We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.
If you have questions, please email Randy at rjseaver@cox.net or phone 619-422-3397.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Some Heirloom Photos from Georgie Stillman program
The CVGS "Heirloom Discovery Day" program on 25 November was successful and interesting - see the summary at "Heirloom Discovery Day" Program Highlights - 11/25.
Here are some photographs from the program, with CVGS members showing off their heirlooms.
First up is Gary B. with his Grandma's cookie jar:
John F. and his robin's egg blue hand-blown glass vase:
Virginia T. with her precious mother's doll:
Susan Z. proudly displays her aunt's plastic purse:
Susan W. and her Dutch or German doll from the early 1800s:
Here are some photographs from the program, with CVGS members showing off their heirlooms.
First up is Gary B. with his Grandma's cookie jar:
John F. and his robin's egg blue hand-blown glass vase:
Virginia T. with her precious mother's doll:
Susan Z. proudly displays her aunt's plastic purse:
Susan W. and her Dutch or German doll from the early 1800s:
Thursday, November 26, 2009
"Heirloom Discovery Day" Program Highlights - 11/25
The most enjoyed and anticipated Chula Vista Genealogical Society meeting of the year is the November meeting when we have member sharing. For four of the past five years, we have had Georgie Stillman, ASA, a professional appraiser of artifacts and ephemera, review and evaluate items brought in by the members to share. Georgie is an expert in appraising silver, china, glassware, furniture, artworks, quilts and samplers, many dolls and other collectibles. We call this program an "Heirloom Discovery Day."
On Wednesday, 25 November, we had about 30 people at our meeting, and Georgie worked her "magic" on us once again. For each item, the member shared what they thought the article was, and the provenance of the article. Then Georgie told the member and the audience about the article's origin, materials, manufacture, marks, probable customer status, and an approximate value. We had eleven CVGS members bring their articles for discussion and appraisal, including:
* Nancy S. presented four silver plate pieces from the Stein Farm collection (in National City). Georgie dated them from the 1850 to 1890 period and said there would be museum interest in the pieces.
* Gary B. showed his large family ceramic cookie jar from grandma's house, which looked like an Aunt Jemima article but wasn't. Georgie said it was probably from the 1940s but wasn't a consumer item - it was fairly rare.
* Joan L. brought her grandmother's home-made little brown glazed pottery salt holder. Georgie loved the feel of it, and thought that it was made by a local potter.
* Barbara I. submitted a beautiful medium sized dressed doll with a porcelain head. Georgie said that it was machine-made, probably from the 1940s.
* John F. presented a beautiful robin's egg blue Victorian glass vase with a serrated opening, which was a gift to his great-grandmother from her brother. Georgie said that it was hand-blown, probably English and made in the 1880s.
* Virginia T. showed off her mother's doll in a farmer's wife dress. Georgie said that the molded head was probably made in Germany in the 1890s and sold separately, and then the dolls were created locally using the head.
* Wilma P. brought a 1933 Chicago "Century of Progress" World's Fair program and Oneida silver plate spoons. Georgie said it was a collectible and not rare.
* Helen S. had metal meat tenderizer and cabbage cutter. Georgie said they were post-Civil War items, probably commercially made in Grand Rapids MI.
* Susan Z. presented her Aunt's plastic purse from the 1950.s. Georgie loved it, said it was made of Bakelite, and was fairly valuable.
* Susi P. had a third generation apron. Georgie said that it was handmade in the late 1800s from commercially available material.
* Susan W. showed a small doll - from her grandmother's grandmother's grandmother, with a wooden body and a porcelain face, from Holland or Germany. Georgie said it reminded her of Jane Austen period books, was probably from the 1810 to 1820 period, and was fairly valuable.
Obviously, I didn't take notes on everything Georgie said about each item - she often talked for 5 to 8 minutes about each item. I tried to take photographs of each presenter and their article with Georgie - and I'll post the ones that come out well in a later post.
Georgie's style is informal, enthusiastic and interesting - she really enjoys seeing these types of artifacts and "stuff" because they are, in the main, from middle-class homes from the Victorian era and later. She is used to appraising high-end items for collectors and estates.
It is fascinating to see an expert appraiser at work - the words seem to flow effortlessly and I am awestruck by the knowledge level. It was a great society program.
On Wednesday, 25 November, we had about 30 people at our meeting, and Georgie worked her "magic" on us once again. For each item, the member shared what they thought the article was, and the provenance of the article. Then Georgie told the member and the audience about the article's origin, materials, manufacture, marks, probable customer status, and an approximate value. We had eleven CVGS members bring their articles for discussion and appraisal, including:
* Nancy S. presented four silver plate pieces from the Stein Farm collection (in National City). Georgie dated them from the 1850 to 1890 period and said there would be museum interest in the pieces.
* Gary B. showed his large family ceramic cookie jar from grandma's house, which looked like an Aunt Jemima article but wasn't. Georgie said it was probably from the 1940s but wasn't a consumer item - it was fairly rare.
* Joan L. brought her grandmother's home-made little brown glazed pottery salt holder. Georgie loved the feel of it, and thought that it was made by a local potter.
* Barbara I. submitted a beautiful medium sized dressed doll with a porcelain head. Georgie said that it was machine-made, probably from the 1940s.
* John F. presented a beautiful robin's egg blue Victorian glass vase with a serrated opening, which was a gift to his great-grandmother from her brother. Georgie said that it was hand-blown, probably English and made in the 1880s.
* Virginia T. showed off her mother's doll in a farmer's wife dress. Georgie said that the molded head was probably made in Germany in the 1890s and sold separately, and then the dolls were created locally using the head.
* Wilma P. brought a 1933 Chicago "Century of Progress" World's Fair program and Oneida silver plate spoons. Georgie said it was a collectible and not rare.
* Helen S. had metal meat tenderizer and cabbage cutter. Georgie said they were post-Civil War items, probably commercially made in Grand Rapids MI.
* Susan Z. presented her Aunt's plastic purse from the 1950.s. Georgie loved it, said it was made of Bakelite, and was fairly valuable.
* Susi P. had a third generation apron. Georgie said that it was handmade in the late 1800s from commercially available material.
* Susan W. showed a small doll - from her grandmother's grandmother's grandmother, with a wooden body and a porcelain face, from Holland or Germany. Georgie said it reminded her of Jane Austen period books, was probably from the 1810 to 1820 period, and was fairly valuable.
Obviously, I didn't take notes on everything Georgie said about each item - she often talked for 5 to 8 minutes about each item. I tried to take photographs of each presenter and their article with Georgie - and I'll post the ones that come out well in a later post.
Georgie's style is informal, enthusiastic and interesting - she really enjoys seeing these types of artifacts and "stuff" because they are, in the main, from middle-class homes from the Victorian era and later. She is used to appraising high-end items for collectors and estates.
It is fascinating to see an expert appraiser at work - the words seem to flow effortlessly and I am awestruck by the knowledge level. It was a great society program.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
"Heirloom Discovery Day" - CVGS Program on Wednesday, 25 November
The next Chula Vista Genealogical Society meeting is Wednesday, 25 November 2009, at 12 noon in the Chula Vista Civic Center Library Auditorium (365 F Street in Chula Vista).
The program will be Georgie Stillman, a certified ASA appraiser, who will present an "Heirloom Discovery Day."
Georgie will evaluate, provide some historical background and estimate a value of family heirlooms brought in by CVGS members. Her expertise is in evaluating and appraising silver, China, glass ware, furniture, artworks,quilts and samplers.
Georgie Stillman (http://georgiestillman.com/bio.htm) has worked as a professional appraiser in London, England, Phoenix, AZ and San Diego since 1971. She served as president of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), vice president of the San Diego chapter, and was founding director of the International Society of Appraisers. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding service, including Appraiser of the Year. Besides being a professional instructor at various colleges, she has made many radio/TV guest appearances and written articles for many publications, teaching audiences about antiques and art.
Please enter the auditorium through the Conference Room door on the east library hallway - and pick up the program, buy a drawing ticket for Family Tree Maker 2010, and have a snack before the program begins at around 12:20 p.m.
For more information, please contact Barbara Ibaibarriaga at 619-427-4110 or email baribai@cox.net.
The program will be Georgie Stillman, a certified ASA appraiser, who will present an "Heirloom Discovery Day."
Georgie will evaluate, provide some historical background and estimate a value of family heirlooms brought in by CVGS members. Her expertise is in evaluating and appraising silver, China, glass ware, furniture, artworks,quilts and samplers.
Georgie Stillman (http://georgiestillman.com/bio.htm) has worked as a professional appraiser in London, England, Phoenix, AZ and San Diego since 1971. She served as president of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), vice president of the San Diego chapter, and was founding director of the International Society of Appraisers. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding service, including Appraiser of the Year. Besides being a professional instructor at various colleges, she has made many radio/TV guest appearances and written articles for many publications, teaching audiences about antiques and art.
Please enter the auditorium through the Conference Room door on the east library hallway - and pick up the program, buy a drawing ticket for Family Tree Maker 2010, and have a snack before the program begins at around 12:20 p.m.
For more information, please contact Barbara Ibaibarriaga at 619-427-4110 or email baribai@cox.net.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
New or Updated Genealogy Databases - October 2009
The list of new and/or updated genealogy databases for October includes:
1) New or Updated Databases at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org ($$)
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 11-15
o Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911-1915: 1914 – Marriages
o Probate Records of Barnstable, Massachusetts, 1685-1789
o The American Genealogist, Volumes 34-38
2) New or Updated Databases at www.Footnote.com ($$)
o Announced that the 1790-1850, 1870-1880, and 1900 - 1920 US Federal Census records would be digitized and indexed and available on Footnote within one year. Site already has 1860 and 1930 census online.
o 1900 US Census – 1% complete
o 1910 US Census – 1% complete
o 1920 US Census – 1% complete
o Texas Death Certificates – 56% complete
3) New or Updated Databases at www.WorldVitalRecords.com ($$)
o Roll of Honor: Names of Soldiers Who Died in Defense of the American Union, Interred in the National Cemeteries, Numbers 1 – 27
o Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants
o Resolutions, Laws, and Ordinances Relating to the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution
o Scottish-American Court Records, 1733-1783
o Scots in Georgia and the Deep South, 1735 – 1845
o Several Alaska newspapers
o Many English parish records books
o Sims Index to Land Grants in West Virginia
4) New or Updated Databases at www.Ancestry.com ($$)
o Ancestry.com (ACOM) is now a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.
o Historical Postcards Collections – several countries.
o Reports of Deaths of American Citizens Abroad, 1960-1974
o Australian Electoral Rolls, 1903-1954
o Atlanta, Georgia, Federal Penitentiary Index, 1880-1922
o British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920
o Many German Surname and Locality books
5) New/Updated LDS www.FamilySearch.org Indexing Projects (Free)
These databases are available for FREE at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed and browsable databases -- recently added or completed projects:
o Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959 (no images)
o Massachusetts 1865 State Census
o Minnesota Will Records, 1849-1918 (no images)
o Wisconsin State Census, 1855
o Italy, Napoli Province Municipal Records, 1809-1936 (browse images only)
o Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts, 1600-1822 (browse images only)
o Brazil, Catholic Church Records (browse images only)
o Spain Municipal Records (browse images only)
o 1920 US Census (51% complete, 32 states, no images)
1) New or Updated Databases at www.NewEnglandAncestors.org ($$)
o The Virginia Genealogist, Volumes 11-15
o Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911-1915: 1914 – Marriages
o Probate Records of Barnstable, Massachusetts, 1685-1789
o The American Genealogist, Volumes 34-38
2) New or Updated Databases at www.Footnote.com ($$)
o Announced that the 1790-1850, 1870-1880, and 1900 - 1920 US Federal Census records would be digitized and indexed and available on Footnote within one year. Site already has 1860 and 1930 census online.
o 1900 US Census – 1% complete
o 1910 US Census – 1% complete
o 1920 US Census – 1% complete
o Texas Death Certificates – 56% complete
3) New or Updated Databases at www.WorldVitalRecords.com ($$)
o Roll of Honor: Names of Soldiers Who Died in Defense of the American Union, Interred in the National Cemeteries, Numbers 1 – 27
o Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants
o Resolutions, Laws, and Ordinances Relating to the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution
o Scottish-American Court Records, 1733-1783
o Scots in Georgia and the Deep South, 1735 – 1845
o Several Alaska newspapers
o Many English parish records books
o Sims Index to Land Grants in West Virginia
4) New or Updated Databases at www.Ancestry.com ($$)
o Ancestry.com (ACOM) is now a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.
o Historical Postcards Collections – several countries.
o Reports of Deaths of American Citizens Abroad, 1960-1974
o Australian Electoral Rolls, 1903-1954
o Atlanta, Georgia, Federal Penitentiary Index, 1880-1922
o British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920
o Many German Surname and Locality books
5) New/Updated LDS www.FamilySearch.org Indexing Projects (Free)
These databases are available for FREE at http://pilot.familysearch.org/ - the LDS site for volunteer-indexed and browsable databases -- recently added or completed projects:
o Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959 (no images)
o Massachusetts 1865 State Census
o Minnesota Will Records, 1849-1918 (no images)
o Wisconsin State Census, 1855
o Italy, Napoli Province Municipal Records, 1809-1936 (browse images only)
o Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts, 1600-1822 (browse images only)
o Brazil, Catholic Church Records (browse images only)
o Spain Municipal Records (browse images only)
o 1920 US Census (51% complete, 32 states, no images)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Genealogy Blogs You Should Read...
Here is the list of genealogy blogs that were listed in the November 2009 CVGS Newsletter:
o Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter – http://blog.eogn.com/
o Leland Meitzler’s GenealogyBlog – http://genealogyblog.com/
o Thomas MacEntee’s Geneabloggers – http://www.geneabloggers.com/
o James Tanner’s Genealogy’s Star – http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com/
o The Ancestry Insider – http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com/
o The Genealogy Insider (Diane Haddad) -- http://blog.familytreemagazine.com/insider/
o Craig Manson’s Geneablogie – http://blog.geneablogie.net/
o footnoteMaven’s Shades of the Departed – http://www.shadesofthedeparted.com/
o The Graveyard Rabbit cemetery blog – http://www.the%20graveyardrabbit.com/
o Gena Ortega’s Gena’s Genealogy blog -- http://philibertfamily.blogspot.com/
o Tami Glatz’s Relative Curious About Genealogy blog – http://relativelycurious.blogspot.com/
o Michael John Neill’s Genealogy Tip of the Day blog – http://genealogytipoftheday.blogspot.com/
o Lorine Schulze’s Ask Olive Tree Genealogy a Question blog – http://askolivetree.blogspot.com/
o Arlene Eakle’s Genealogy blog -- http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/
o Ancestry.com Blog – http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/
o Footnote.com Blog -- http://blog.footnote.com/
o WorldVitalRecords.com Blog – http://blog.worldvitalrecords.com/
o GenealogyBank – The Official Blog – http://blog.genealogybank.com/
o Genealogical Inc. blog – http://www.genealogyandfamilyhistory.com/
o California Genealogical Society and Library blog – http://calgensoc.blogspot.com/
o San Diego Genealogical Society blog – http://sandiegogenealogy.blogspot.com/
o Susi Pentico’s Chatty Performances blog – http://susischattyperformances.blogspot.com/
o Ruth Himan’s Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog – http://genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com/
o Randy Seaver’s Genea-Musings blog – http://www.geneamusings.com/
o Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter – http://blog.eogn.com/
o Leland Meitzler’s GenealogyBlog – http://genealogyblog.com/
o Thomas MacEntee’s Geneabloggers – http://www.geneabloggers.com/
o James Tanner’s Genealogy’s Star – http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com/
o The Ancestry Insider – http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com/
o The Genealogy Insider (Diane Haddad) -- http://blog.familytreemagazine.com/insider/
o Craig Manson’s Geneablogie – http://blog.geneablogie.net/
o footnoteMaven’s Shades of the Departed – http://www.shadesofthedeparted.com/
o The Graveyard Rabbit cemetery blog – http://www.the%20graveyardrabbit.com/
o Gena Ortega’s Gena’s Genealogy blog -- http://philibertfamily.blogspot.com/
o Tami Glatz’s Relative Curious About Genealogy blog – http://relativelycurious.blogspot.com/
o Michael John Neill’s Genealogy Tip of the Day blog – http://genealogytipoftheday.blogspot.com/
o Lorine Schulze’s Ask Olive Tree Genealogy a Question blog – http://askolivetree.blogspot.com/
o Arlene Eakle’s Genealogy blog -- http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/
o Ancestry.com Blog – http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/
o Footnote.com Blog -- http://blog.footnote.com/
o WorldVitalRecords.com Blog – http://blog.worldvitalrecords.com/
o GenealogyBank – The Official Blog – http://blog.genealogybank.com/
o Genealogical Inc. blog – http://www.genealogyandfamilyhistory.com/
o California Genealogical Society and Library blog – http://calgensoc.blogspot.com/
o San Diego Genealogical Society blog – http://sandiegogenealogy.blogspot.com/
o Susi Pentico’s Chatty Performances blog – http://susischattyperformances.blogspot.com/
o Ruth Himan’s Genealogy is Ruthless Without Me blog – http://genealogyisruthlesswithoutme.blogspot.com/
o Randy Seaver’s Genea-Musings blog – http://www.geneamusings.com/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
CVGS Research Group Summary - 12 November 2009
The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group met on Thursday, 12 November at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library at 12 noon. There were eight avid story tellers and researchers in attendance.
Randy opened the session by noting that Family Tree Magazine has changed their cover design, and that the latest issue has a free CDROM of Family Tree Builder 4.0 software. He also noted that Ancestry.com is a publicly traded company and wondered if anybody owns stock in it yet.
* We were happy to have Martha back with us after her surgery. She has been accepted as a member of the Flannery Clan in Ireland and has the colorful certificates to prove it. More importantly, she has corresponded with a researcher in Ireland that has taken the Flannery line back to 1800 - it added several more generations to her line. Martha wanted to know how to access only Ireland databases on Ancestry.com - we told her to select "Irish Collections" in the New Search box.
* David has done no new research, but has noticed lots more Member Connect activity on Ancestry.com. Some of his research is being attached by other researchers.
* Dick sent a pedigree chart and family group sheets to two sibling cousins requesting help with family information. One sent it back filled out, the other is working on it. Dick has all of his genealogy data in Ancestry Member Trees, but downloads it occasionally to make reports and charts.
* Virginia went to Indiana last month to visit her sister and do research. She looked for her cousin's papers in a local museum - they aren't there yet. She did find a family reunion photograph from 1928 with about 50 people in it - all named on a separate sheet of paper.
* Ruth brought her six generation ancestors chart and talked about the one who was put in a well by his father. She met a new cousin and they are sharing lots of information, including about Elizabeth Jane, a child that was adopted out and was lost to her cousin's family. Ruth knows all about her! She wants to write books for Christmas and is thinking about doing a website.
* Gary has had some success with Ancestry.com "leaves" while doing Web Searches in FTM 2010 on his Roff family. He's now expanding his search to New England for his Roff surname line. He's working on a new project, which he'll unveil at the November meeting.
* John had a nasty computer virus that cost him two weeks of effort, but he recovered his files and email. He noted that some Ancestry.com family trees have bad information - so be careful what you bring into your online tree.
* Randy shared a San Francisco Funeral Home record, and his search through San Francisco Chronicle newspapers and city directories for ancestral death dates, occupations and residences. He also talked about his Y-DNA results through SMGF and GeneTree, and finding two other Seaver researchers with close matches.
The next CVGS Research Group will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, 9 December, in the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library Conference Room.
Randy opened the session by noting that Family Tree Magazine has changed their cover design, and that the latest issue has a free CDROM of Family Tree Builder 4.0 software. He also noted that Ancestry.com is a publicly traded company and wondered if anybody owns stock in it yet.
* We were happy to have Martha back with us after her surgery. She has been accepted as a member of the Flannery Clan in Ireland and has the colorful certificates to prove it. More importantly, she has corresponded with a researcher in Ireland that has taken the Flannery line back to 1800 - it added several more generations to her line. Martha wanted to know how to access only Ireland databases on Ancestry.com - we told her to select "Irish Collections" in the New Search box.
* David has done no new research, but has noticed lots more Member Connect activity on Ancestry.com. Some of his research is being attached by other researchers.
* Dick sent a pedigree chart and family group sheets to two sibling cousins requesting help with family information. One sent it back filled out, the other is working on it. Dick has all of his genealogy data in Ancestry Member Trees, but downloads it occasionally to make reports and charts.
* Virginia went to Indiana last month to visit her sister and do research. She looked for her cousin's papers in a local museum - they aren't there yet. She did find a family reunion photograph from 1928 with about 50 people in it - all named on a separate sheet of paper.
* Ruth brought her six generation ancestors chart and talked about the one who was put in a well by his father. She met a new cousin and they are sharing lots of information, including about Elizabeth Jane, a child that was adopted out and was lost to her cousin's family. Ruth knows all about her! She wants to write books for Christmas and is thinking about doing a website.
* Gary has had some success with Ancestry.com "leaves" while doing Web Searches in FTM 2010 on his Roff family. He's now expanding his search to New England for his Roff surname line. He's working on a new project, which he'll unveil at the November meeting.
* John had a nasty computer virus that cost him two weeks of effort, but he recovered his files and email. He noted that some Ancestry.com family trees have bad information - so be careful what you bring into your online tree.
* Randy shared a San Francisco Funeral Home record, and his search through San Francisco Chronicle newspapers and city directories for ancestral death dates, occupations and residences. He also talked about his Y-DNA results through SMGF and GeneTree, and finding two other Seaver researchers with close matches.
The next CVGS Research Group will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, 9 December, in the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library Conference Room.
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