Many Family Tree Maker users may be looking for new genealogy software soon. The following webinar is by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Rhonda R. McClure discusses how to select the software that's right for you.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Chicago: The Wonder City
We have many books about the history of Chicago in the Genealogy & Local History Room but one of our more unique histories is Chicago: The Wonder City.
Written and published in 1893 by Eugen Seeger, this book highlights the city's achievements and promotes the Columbian Exhibition. Unlike some of our other Chicago histories, this book does not focus on biographies of wealthy Chicagoans but instead examines the city's rapid rise and it's place in United States history. There is a detailed section on the Chicago Fire, anarchists' plots and politics, and Seeger discusses Chicago's cultural life as well.
There are some great photos and illustrations of the city's architecture and some nice bits of historical trivia. A genealogist may be interested in Seeger's description of the waves of immigration to the city and how each ethnic group has contributed to the success of Chicago.
Overall, it's a great snapshot of Chicago in 1893.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Genealogy Research Day
Do you need individualized help with your research? Join us on Saturday, January 16 for our Genealogy Research Day. Learn new techniques, access our databases, utilize our print resources and let us help you break down your break walls.Drop by the Technology Lab or the Genealogy & Local History Room any time between 1 and 4 PM. Volunteers and staff will be available to help you with your research.
Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-729-7500.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Ancestry Class
Do you know the basics of searching on Ancestry but need to learn more advanced search techniques? Join us for a class Wednesday, January 13 at 2 PM. We'll learn about the various records and special collections on Ancestry and discover new search tips.
Register online or call the Reference Desk at 847-729-7500.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Genealogy Do-Over
With the start of the new year, it's a good time to think about doing a Genealogy Do-Over. The concept is that you set aside all of your previous research and start over from scratch.
When most of us started compiling our family histories, we did't know or appreciate the importance of citing sources or fully analyzing evidence to prove facts. We gradually learn the process of how to properly conduct our genealogical research.
Perhaps your methods have improved and your current research is impeccable but what about all of your early work? Instead of just reviewing all of your past research, why not start entirely over?
Blogger Thomas MacEntee created the Genealogy Do-Over in 2014. Last year, he blogged about the process and has written an ebook to help others start over. The Genealogy Do-Over blog also includes different research prompts for each month to help you get through a year of new research. And join the Facebook group for research help and to see how others are starting over.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Research Filing Systems
Need some inspiration for organizing and filing your research? There are multiple methods for organizing your research. You just need to find the one that works best for you.
Many prefer to file their research in folders. It's often the fastest and most intuitive way to organize. Blogger Jennifer Jensen describes her simple system of color-coded family folders here.
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| An example of surname binders from genejourneys |
- Create a notebook for each major surname. You can also combine several smaller surnames into one binder and when one surname gets too larger, you can move it into it's own binder.
- The first tab in your surname notebook should be labeled "Direct Lines." Start this section by grouping all of your direct line family group sheets together chronologically.
- After each family group sheet, include your documents (bmd certificates, photos, military and immigration papers, censuses, etc.) for that specific family.
- You should have another section devoted to your collateral lines. These would be group sheets and documents for your parents' siblings, your grandparents' siblings, etc.
- DearMyrtle also suggests having a tab in your binder labeled: "Research (not proven)." Here you can include the research you're doing on people who you suspect to be ancestors but haven't proven the relationship yet.
Whatever filing system you choose, you need to remember to be consistent and always file your documents as soon as you get them!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Family Tree Maker & Genealogy Software
Ancestry Member Trees will still be available (and you can create one even if you don't have an Ancestry subscription).
If you're looking for genealogy software, here are a few good options:
- RootsMagic
- Family Tree Builder from MyHeritage (free!)
- Ancestral Quest
- Legacy Family Tree
Also visit Family Tree Magazine's Genealogy Software Guide to help you pick out a new program.
There's a good Genea-Musings blog post that explains what Family Tree Users should be doing now and what your future options are.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Genealogy for kids
The holidays can be a great time to introduce the kids to family history. Here are few genealogy activities for kids:
- Share family stories and photos.
- Make a family tree or a timeline for an ancestor.
- Interview grandparents. Here are some sample questions.
- Teenagers or older kids can record an oral history with a family member on a smartphone.
- Learn what your surname means and learn a few words in your ancestors' native language.
- Make a 3D Family Tree
- Photo Memory Game
- Collect and trade your very own ancestor trading cards
Use Pinterest to find more great ideas!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Catholic Church Records
Roman Catholic Churches have traditionally kept extensive records about their members. These
records are particularly useful when civil records are unavailable. If you're researching Roman Catholic ancestors, here are some of the major records you should be looking for:
Registers
These are usually kept at the local church and contain records of sacraments such as baptism and marriage. Baptismal records generally include the date of baptism, the child's full name, the parents' names (along with the mother's maiden name), and the godparents' names. Marriage records include the marriage date and the names of the bride and groom (with the bride's maiden name). Marriage records may also include the parents' names (and mothers' maiden names), and information about residences and occupations. Marriages often occurred in bride's parish so look for marriage records there.
Deaths, Burials, and Cemetery Records
Some parishes kept records of deaths and burials. Especially look for death records in the church had its own cemetery. These records contain the date of death, date of burial, and sometimes the place of birth.
Marriage Banns, Dispensations, and Validations
Banns were announcements made in the parishes of a bride and groom three consecutive Sundays before a wedding was to take place. They only state an intention to marry and not that the marriage actually took place. Banns were used to help uncover any information about the why the couple may be ineligible to be married. A dispensation would be needed if an individual was not catholic or was a recent convert, or if the couple were closely related by blood or marriage, or if the bride was pregnant. Dispensation or validations of a marriage can be found at the diocese or sometimes at the church.
Status of the Souls or status animarum
Some churches created parish family books which include marriage, birth and death dates as well as migration information for family members.
Church Histories
Church and local histories, anniversary booklets, catholic newspapers and organization meeting minutes may all include information about your family.
Religious Order Records
If you have an ancestor who joined a religious order, there may be records of your ancestor and the family at the order's headquarters.
You can find Roman Catholic Church records at the local parish or the diocese. FamilySearch also has a large digital collection available for browsing online as well as many church records on microfilm.
Catholic Church records for Chicago from 1833-1925 are available online. You can browse this collection by parish and date.
records are particularly useful when civil records are unavailable. If you're researching Roman Catholic ancestors, here are some of the major records you should be looking for:
Registers
These are usually kept at the local church and contain records of sacraments such as baptism and marriage. Baptismal records generally include the date of baptism, the child's full name, the parents' names (along with the mother's maiden name), and the godparents' names. Marriage records include the marriage date and the names of the bride and groom (with the bride's maiden name). Marriage records may also include the parents' names (and mothers' maiden names), and information about residences and occupations. Marriages often occurred in bride's parish so look for marriage records there.
Deaths, Burials, and Cemetery Records
Some parishes kept records of deaths and burials. Especially look for death records in the church had its own cemetery. These records contain the date of death, date of burial, and sometimes the place of birth.
Marriage Banns, Dispensations, and Validations
Banns were announcements made in the parishes of a bride and groom three consecutive Sundays before a wedding was to take place. They only state an intention to marry and not that the marriage actually took place. Banns were used to help uncover any information about the why the couple may be ineligible to be married. A dispensation would be needed if an individual was not catholic or was a recent convert, or if the couple were closely related by blood or marriage, or if the bride was pregnant. Dispensation or validations of a marriage can be found at the diocese or sometimes at the church.
Status of the Souls or status animarum
Some churches created parish family books which include marriage, birth and death dates as well as migration information for family members.
Church Histories
Church and local histories, anniversary booklets, catholic newspapers and organization meeting minutes may all include information about your family.
Religious Order Records
If you have an ancestor who joined a religious order, there may be records of your ancestor and the family at the order's headquarters.
You can find Roman Catholic Church records at the local parish or the diocese. FamilySearch also has a large digital collection available for browsing online as well as many church records on microfilm.
Catholic Church records for Chicago from 1833-1925 are available online. You can browse this collection by parish and date.
Monday, November 23, 2015
The Great Thanksgiving Listen
The holidays are the perfect time to learn more about your family history and StoryCorps wants you to interview your relatives this Thanksgiving as part of the Great Thanksgiving Listen. Download the StoryCorps app which will help you select questions, record your interview and upload it to the StoryCorps archive in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
StoryCorps is specifically encouraging students to interview their older relatives this Thanksgiving but all ages are welcome to use the app and upload their interviews.
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