Whidbey Island Genealogical Researchers Decoding the Dash
Improvement of Genetic Groups on MyHeritage
Viewing Genetic Groups of DNA Matches
As part of our continued improvement of Genetic Groups on MyHeritage, you can now compare your Genetic Groups to those of your DNA Matches! Previously, you were able to view the Ethnicity Estimate of your DNA Matches and see which ethnicities you share. Now, you can drill down even further and see which Genetic Groups they belong to, and which ones you have in common. This addition has important genealogical value, and may enable you to narrow down which side of your family a DNA Match comes from. Read more about this exciting new addition in the blog post.
Significant Update to Swedish Historical Records on MyHeritage
We recently added 19.35 million records to our collection of Sweden Household Examination Books. The new records cover the years 1820–1839, and bring the total number of records in this collection to 144.5 million. The records in this collection are the #1 source of information about families and individuals who lived in Sweden in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is great news for all genealogists with Swedish roots, who may now be able to date their family tree back even further and make new discoveries.
You can search the collection now, and read more about it on our blog.
24-Hour Genealogy Webinar Marathon
You may recall that last year, MyHeritage teamed up with Legacy Family Tree Webinars for a historic event: we hosted the first-ever 24-hour genealogy webinar marathon. It was so successful that we’re doing it again from April 8–9, 2021!
Just like last year, the entire event is free and open to all. The event will include live Q&As and door prizes, and will feature 26 lectures from the world’s top experts on a wide variety of topics relating to family history research and DNA. Visit our blog to learn more, peruse the full lineup of lectures, and register.
Feel free to use the above visuals when sharing these updates with your readers, and let me know if you have any questions!
Enjoy,
Daniel Horowitz Genealogy Expert
| MyHeritage Ltd., P.O.Box 50, 3 Ariel Sharon Blvd., Or Yehuda, Israel 6037606, Israel, +972-3-6280000 |
Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society April Seminar
24 April 2021
Genealogical Journeys
Our Speakers will be Jill Morelli and Linda Harms Okazaki.
Jill’s topics: “Push and Pull: Decision-Making of the 19th Century Emigrant” and “Accessing and Using Scandinavian Records.”
Linda’s Topics: “Finding Your Japanese Roots” and “20th Century Immigrants to the West Coast and Hawaii.”
For more information please visit our website at http://tpcgs.org/seminar.html
International German Genealogy Partnership Early Bird Discount
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| International German Genealogy Partnership |
| Hello German genealogists, It’s March 24, and that means there is officially only one week left to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount for German Genealogy conference. Are you registered yet? The Early-Bird pricing expires Wednesday, March 31st. |
| With eight Live! lectures and over 50 OnDemand lectures you won’t want to miss, this conference will advance your German genealogy in ways you never knew possible. Special Connections rooms are another conference highlight, allowing you to chat with genealogists from around the world with similar research interests. Will you be there? |
| We have been busy on our conference blog! Check out the latest posts and videos here: Meet All 8 Marquee Speakers in One Video Meet Speaker Kim Ashford It’s Getting Easier to Be Genetically German – The Latest Updates! by Diahan Southard The Pursuit of Happiness and the Migration Experience von Wolfgang Grams Meet Speaker Camille Andrus |
| Can’t wait to see you this summer! |
German Interest Group of the Eastside Genealogical Society April Meeting
Skagit Valley Genealogical Society Many Nations for April Meeting
Register for Focus on Societies at NGS
Are you on the board of your local genealogical society? Or do you know someone who serves on the board of a genealogical society? If so, be sure to share the news that NGS is hosting an extraordinary day of learning and networking on Friday, 21 May 2021. Focus on Societies is a virtual event exclusively for society leaders and key volunteers. Registration is only $35 per person. For $100, five of your organization’s leaders can attend; that’s just $20 each. |
 Jill Morelli will kick off the all-day event with ideas and new opportunities based on the challenges and lessons learned during the pandemic. Then society leaders can choose from four lectures during three separate breakout sessions on communications, events, and going virtual: |
| Communications to Members Finding Good Material for Society Newsletters Focused Learning and Collaboration: Special Interest Groups in Your Genealogical Society Website and Social Media Communications and Content Strategies for Societies Using Your Genealogical Society’s Email List to Nurture and Grow Your Society Managing Events Society Management—Volunteer Motivations: Getting and Keeping Your Volunteers A Walk Among the Tombstones: Preparing for and Presenting a Cemetery Tour Event Management Intro for Local Genealogy Societies Grow Your Society with Quality Events Going Virtual! Online Meetings: Helping Your Society Move into a Virtual World Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: Use the TxSGS Preservation Capture System for Your Society’s Digitization Going Virtual with the Next Generation: Involving Younger People in Virtual Meetings Digital Marketing for the Modern Society Society leaders won’t want to miss Society Shout Out, when we’ll share the best ideas from genealogy societies across the country. Be sure to fill out an online form to hear your society mentioned during the event. |
 Cheri Hudson Passey will conclude the program with an update on how NGS is supporting societies after its merger with FGS including plans for new benefits and initiatives.Join us in May for Focus on Societies! |
| To learn more about the NGS 2021 Virtual Family History Conference’s weeklong events, 17-21 May, visit the conference website and download a copy of the program brochure. |
Seattle Genealogical Society News
IRISH WEEK
As many of you know, SGS has had a booth at the annual Seattle Irish Heritage Club’s Irish Week festivities. This year the event has gone virtual, as have most all events, but SGS will still be part of the program.
The Seattle Irish Heritage Club has made a video covering all things Irish in the Emerald City and its environs to be shown on their website. One segment in this video discusses SGS’s involvement with the Irish Heritage Club, and with the local Irish community. The link on their website will go “live” on Saint Patrick’s Day (when else?), and will be available for viewing thereafter. We will post a link to that video on the SGS website after it goes live. Erin go bragh!
For more information on Irish Week in Seattle. Go to :
www.irishweek.org
SGS Members – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Time and time again you have heard how important volunteers are to our organization. If you missed the SGS membership meeting on Saturday, March 13, 2021, you may not know we have multiple board positions open. Elections are not far off. Please consider helping the Society. Here are the openings and a brief description for each:
- Vice President assists the President in the performance of Presidential duties and assumes them in the absence of the President or upon the inability of the President to serve. The Vice President is also responsible for community relations and long-range planning.
- Secretary records all activities, maintaining record integrity and security; official notifications by the Society, and Society correspondence.
- Director of Publications is responsible for the entire production process and content of all Society print and media.
- Director of Volunteers recruits and manages all Society volunteers.
Board members take an active role in managing the affairs of the Society by participating in monthly board meetings and overseeing the programs specific to their position.
Board meetings are currently held on the second Monday of each month. Right now the board meetings are virtual, and you will always have the option to attend a board meeting virtually.
If you’d like to volunteer, or you have questions or suggestions, please reach out to : volunteers@seattlegenealogicalsociety.org * SAVE THE DATE *
Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State,
“The Changing Borders of Eastern Europe”,
Monday, April 12, 2021, 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm,
The speaker will be Hal Bookbinder. Registration is required. Visit their website for details.
http://jgsws.org
The Rogue Valley Genealogical Society,
“Research Like a Pro” virtual seminar,
April 24, 2021 10:00 am – 4:00 pm PDT
Author of Research Like A Pro, A Genealogist’s Guide, Diana Elder, will present morning classes outlining steps to develop a research plan and organizing what research you have using solid methodology. In the afternoon, learn about the types of probate records created at the death of your ancestor and what tax records reveal. This is a virtual seminar using Zoom.
Registration is now open. For more details, or to register, visit :
www.rvgslibrary.org
Seattle Genealogical Society Spring Seminar,
with Paul Miner
May 15. 2021, 9:00am – 3:00pm
This seminar will be virtual online. Paul specializes in British Isles research. Hope to “see” you there. Details to follow.
Southern California Genealogical Society,
Jamboree 2021,
June 11-12, 2021
There is lots going on at SCGS in June : multiple conferences, Genetic Genealogy, June 4-5, and Jamboree 2021, June 11-12, plus mid-week special events, June 7-10. Too much to mention here. All of it virtual, online this year. Check out their website to learn more about it.
https://genealogyjamboree.com
The International German Genealogy Partnership presents,a
“Researching Together Worldwide / Weltweit Gemeinsam Forschen”,
the first ever International German Genealogy Virtual Conference,
July 17-24, 2021
Is German genealogy one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2021? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for July 17-24, 2021. The IGGP Conference, which only takes place every two years, is your chance to take a deep dive into all things German genealogy – and learn from the experts themselves. This year, the conference will be virtual, which means you can tune in from anywhere in the world!
Don’t miss the “Early Bird Special” price. To learn more about this event, sign up for the conference newsletter on their website:
https://iggp.org
SGS CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
In consideration of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations, the SGS Library is closed until further notice and SGS in-person events have been replaced with online events.
** Go to the SGS Website Calendar of Events for the meeting links and for any last minute updates or changes to the schedule.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 pm, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Saturday, March 27, 2021, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, DNA Interest Group, with Cary Bright & Craig Gowens, to be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list.
Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join. Link to be sent to the email group prior to the meeting with the pdf handou
Saturday, April 3, 2021, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, FamilySearch Interest Group with Lou Daly, Discover the many ways to use FamilySearch. At each meeting a different aspect of the website will be featured. There will be time for Q & A. Want to join the mailing list? Email Lou: loudaly@nwlink.com
Sunday, April 4, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, DNA Workshop, To be included you need to be on the SGS DNA Interest Group email list. Contact Cary Bright at SGSDNASIG@gmail.com to join.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Saturday, April 10, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday Series:”Digging Up New Dirt – Unearthing the ‘Real’ New England Immigrant”, presenter will be Steve Morrison
Sunday, April 11, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Scandinavian Interest Group , chaired by Karen Knudson, share information and discuss Scandinavian ancestor research
Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 am, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 10:00 am-11:00 am, Tech Tuesday (Virtual), back by popular demand, the informal consultation time on DNA, genealogy software, or genealogy-related technical issues. All are welcomed. No appointment necessary. Visit www.seagensoc.org Calendar of Events for the Zoom meeting link.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 pm, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30 pm, Brags & Bricks Social Interest Group (Virtual), Join us for an informal social gathering. Share your recent genealogical successes and challenges, or just come to hang out with other genealogists.
TIP OF THE WEEK –
IRISH RECORDS FOR FREE From March 11–18, 2021, MyHeritage is opening all Irish records to the public for free for the entire week. Don’t miss your chance to delve into the historical records and find new information about your Irish ancestors.
2021 Heartland Family History Conference
Greetings to all of our friends and colleagues! We want to let everyone know about our 2021 Heartland Family History Conference, which will begin May 7-8.
We will be hosting a virtual event again this year, with two days of “live” programming on May 7-8, followed by 90 days of on-demand access to recorded content, our virtual exhibit hall, and participant networking opportunities. Our featured speaker this year is Billie Stone Fogarty, who will be presenting four sessions. In addition, we will be offering more than 30 breakout sessions, presented by regional, national and international speakers. We also have some fun new networking and social activities planned. More details and registration information can be found on our conference website, https://heartlandfhc.org.
A conference brochure and registration form can be downloaded here.
We would like to ask your help in spreading the word and promoting our event – please feel free to share this information widely. We think that it is shaping up to be a great conference, one that your members and constituents won’t want to miss!
We Thank You for your assistance,
The Heartland Family History Conference planning team
| Topeka Genealogical Society P.O. Box 4048 Topeka, Kansas 66604-0048 US |
Online Irish Seminar
My name is Kevin Keenan, and I’m with the Ulster Historical Foundation. It is a non-profit organization with a long established and reputable research and publishing history. It is based near Belfast, N. Ireland and uses its knowledge to help those looking for their Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors.
On Tuesday the 30th of March, two of our staff – Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt, in association with the Heinz History Center and the Westmoreland Historical Society – will present a live virtual workshop on Irish and Scots-Irish genealogy. This in-depth virtual workshop will examine a multitude of historic records and electronic resources that will advance your Irish genealogy research, and will benefit beginners and seasoned genealogists alike.
We were wondering if it would be possible for you to include the workshop in your news or events section? The full details are reproduced below, under my signature. I can also supply pictures, details of the presentations, and a schedule if needed.
Many thanks,
Kevin Keenan
Guild Secretary, Ulster Historical Foundation
Bradley Thallon House, Unit 44D
Kiltonga Estate, Belfast Road
Newtownards, Co. Down
BT23 4TJ
Northern Ireland
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100280
Donations to the Ulster Historical Foundation are welcome and can be made in various ways
– See Website http://www.ancestryireland.com/make-a-donation/
– Using paypal – Send Money Option to kathryn.mckelvey@uhf.org.uk
– By cheque – payable to Ulster Historical Foundation
Virtual Irish Genealogy Workshop
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 • 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
$20 per person, $15 for Heinz History Center, Westmoreland Historical Society, and Ulster Historical Foundation Guild members.
Irish genealogy experts Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast are back (virtually!) for the seventh annual Irish Genealogy Workshop.
Featuring live Question and Answer sessions and interactive virtual networking opportunities, this workshop will foster connections between attendees and expert speakers. Benefiting beginners and seasoned genealogists alike, this in-depth virtual workshop will examine a multitude of historic records and electronic resources that will advance your Irish genealogy research.
Live virtual presentations include:
- Irish Genealogical Essentials- the Best Websites for Getting Started with Your Family Research
- Sources for Finding Seventeenth Century Families in Ireland (not just Ulster)
- Census Substitutes for the Eighteenth Century and Early Nineteenth Century
Special access to recordings of the lectures will be made available to attendees following the live workshop.
Attendees will also be invited to a second live Q&A session with Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt on Tuesday, April 13.
This workshop is offered in partnership with the Westmoreland Historical Society, which preserves and interprets the history of Westmoreland County.
REGISTRATION
This program will be presented virtually via Zoom.
Registration is $15 for Heinz History Center, Westmoreland Historical Society, and Ulster Historical Foundation Guild members and $20 for non-members.
Please register online here: https://heinzhistorycenter.salsalabs.org/irish-genealogy-workshop-2021/index.html
To request special accommodations or for more information, contact Sierra Green at 412-454-6361 or sgreen@heinzhistorycenter.org.
Live captioning will be provided at this virtual program.
ABOUT THE ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
The Ulster Historical Foundation is one of Ireland’s foremost genealogy research organizations and publishing houses. Since 2004, the Foundation has devised a series of ground breaking online historical and genealogical resources, which have helped to transform the availability of Irish records for family historians at home and abroad.
Gillian Hunt is Research Officer with the Ulster Historical Foundation and manages the Foundation’s many genealogical activities. She teaches genealogy classes in various educational institutions in Northern Ireland and has spoken in Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Fintan Mullan has been Executive Director of Ulster Historical Foundation since 2001. He has extensive experience in Irish family history research and publishing, hosting genealogy conferences and events, and is a regular international speaker on Irish genealogy.