Saturday, June 16, 2012

CVGS Research Group Summary - 13 June 2012

The June 13th meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group had 14 in attendance in the Computer Lab.  In the first hour, Randy described the format and syllabus from the SCGS Genealogy Jamboree held the previous weekend in Burbank, and passed many syllabus articles around for review.

Susi's favorite session at Jamboree was Joshua Taylor's class on "A Broader Context, Using JSTOR, for Family History."  JSTOR is an online database of scholarly journals covering many disciplines, including areas relevant to genealogical research.  It is, however, available only in libraries and universities in the USA. She also found seven new cousins at Jamboree, and a lead on her Trowbridge line in a presentation.

Virginia's favorite activity was networking and finding speakers for the 2013 year - she signed up three speakers for early 2013 already.  She won three door prizes at Jamboree.

Randy's favorite sessions was Warren Bittner's class on "Complex Evidence: What Is It? How Does It work? Why Does It Matter?" and Janet Hovorka's class on "Hatching Eggs Case Study: Engaging My Teenage Children With Their Family History."  He also enjoyed the Hollywood Gala on Friday night, and participating in a Genealogy Blogger panel discussion.

Diane asked a question about the different types of DNA tests.  Randy drew a family tree on the whiteboard and discussed what Y-chromosome, mitochondrial, and autosomal DNA tests can determine, including rough costs and providers of the different tests.

Karen passed around National Geographic maps for the taking, and discussed a Birdsong obituary she found with a paragraph on the family genealogy.  She's working on her mother's ephemera, and a letter from the 1980s notes that her William Geohagan ancestor taught English grammar and fencing.

Marie asked about how to access online Message Boards and contact contributors.  Randy showed the Rootsweb message board lists and where to find email addresses for contributors.

Kitty discussed her Ancestry autosomal DNA test results and matches.  On her father's side, she is searching for his grandfather, and has only a death record.  Her hope is that the DNA tests will provide some contacts.

A question was asked about the end of the Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are? television shows.  The group noted that this year's episodes are still on the PBS and NBC websites for watching if you missed one.

The next CVGS Research Group meeting is on July 11th at 12 noon in the Computer Lab at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street).

No comments: