Online Genealogy Search techniques

I promise you that you will find illuminating information in this GenealogyInTime Magazine article … even if you have read articles before about using online search engines.

Check it out at:  Ten Innovations in Online Genealogy Search

PGS Educational Event for the Week of 28 December 2014 to 3 January 2015

We have only one event scheduled for this week:

Saturday, 3-Jan-15 at 10:00 AM--Family Tree Maker User Group--Questions& Answers and Demonstration of how to use the Family Tree Maker genealogical database software, Hosmer, Jenkins C, Largo Library

Here are some websites to keep at hand:

• PGS on Facebook: http://goo.gl/fU1lo
• PGS Monthly Newsletter: click on "PGS News" link at http://goo.gl/9FFe0
• PGS Class schedule: http://www.flpgs.org/classes.aspx
• PGS Class handouts, book lists, and other publications -- sign in to members-only website: http://goo.gl/9cqHR

Ohio Marriages and Obituaries

Check the Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society for county marriages and obits. On the home page look for the links in the panel to the left of the screen.

The marriage index covers April 1880 through April 1941 and contains 38,421 marriages.

The obituary index covers 1954-1967 and 2003-2011.

Tuscarawas County Genealogical Society

Are People With the Same Family Name Related?

This article from GenealogyInTime Magazine gives some insight to the chances that people with the same surname are related (actually it appears to only run up to about 50% for even the most rare surnames…and significantly less for more common surnames).

The data comes from a study of British surnames. You can read the article at:  Are People With the Same Family Name Related?

Godfrey Memorial Library Databases Available to Largo Public Library Genealogists

Recently the Genealogy Center at the Largo Public Library subscribed to the online databases of the Godfrey Memorial Library. Those databases are now available to patrons in the library using personal computers, terminals, or their own laptop.

The Godfrey Memorial Library is located in Middletown, Connecticut, and its collection focuses mainly on New England states. Some of its databases, however, include other states and even roam occasionally to foreign countries. The collection also offers  material that is not available elsewhere on the Internet. The home page gives you the choice of doing a word search or browsing the individual collections. Instructions on how to access the Godfrey collection are located next to each workstation in the Genealogy Center, and consultants are on duty to provide assistance as needed.

The following is a list of the principle databases in the Godfrey collection:

• American Genealogical and Biographical Index (AGBI)
• Biographies – alphabetical surname list of published genealogies
• Cemeteries – Ed Laput Cemetery Project; indexes alphabetized by state (mostly Connecticut); cemetery records listed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Italy (only a few)
• Church records – indexes and record books
• Directories – alphabetized by state
• Funeral Home Records – indexes and record books
• Genealogies – alphabetized lists of books, family charts and journals
• Godfrey digital content on World Vital Records – digitized books
• Helpful Websites – table of links organized by state and by topic
• Maps – alphabetized by states
• Military – Books in three categories: Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish American War
• Newspapers – 19^th century US Newspapers
• State and Local Histories – Alphabetized by state
• Vital Records – alphabetized list by state (mostly Connecticut and Massachusetts)

The Godfrey collection is the second new addition to the Largo Library genealogy databases in the past several months. The other is Fold3, a comprehensive collection of online military indexes and actual records ranging from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Plan to stop by the Genealogy Center and see if these new resources are helpful in your research.

Middlesex County Probate Records Free Online

AmericanAncestors.org has made available probate records from some 45,000 cases adjudicated from 1648 to 1871.

You can search and view them for free at:  New England Historic Genealogical Society

Brick Wall Solutions

The GenealogyInTime Magazine offers us another of its articles about finding solutions to brick wall problems. This one is full of tips and is worth reading even if you haven’t encountered a brick wall in your research yet.

More Great Genealogy Brick Wall Solutions

Anglicized French Surnames

If you suspect that you have some French ancestry, you will be interested in the Anglicization of French surnames. Knowing that version of your surname can help in tracing back to the old county.

You can find an impressive list of English surnames and their French equivalents at the Quebec Project GenWeb.

Check it out at:  GenWebQuebec, noms anglicisés

PGS Educational Events for the week of 14-20 December 2014

Monday, 15-Dec-14 at 10:00 AM--Library of Congress Website--what genealogy help it provides, veterans’ information, historic newspapers, digital collections, photographs, and use of the catalog. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 17-Dec-14 at 6:00 PM--National Archives,–Ordering Data. This is an in-depth explanation of how to order several different records from the National Archives. The records include military (both historic and modern), naturalization, census, land, and microfilm. Both online and postal mail ordering procedures will be covered.  Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 18-Dec-2014 at 12:30 PM--Familysearch.org—the class will demonstrate how to search the vast databases available on this rapidly-expanding site made available from the LDS (Mormon) genealogy collection. Bryan, Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL

Saturday, 20-Dec-14 at 10:00 AM--Computers in Genealogy--Question and answer session on the use of computers in genealogy research and record keeping. Bryan, Jenkins B, Largo Library

Saturday, 20 Dec 2014 at 11:00 AM—Program Meeting, Holiday Party and “Show and Tell”. Bring your family heirlooms, genealogical displays or other items about your family history to show others. Display tables will be available around the room.

Economics and Name Change

The GenealogyInTime Magazine offers us an interesting article about the economic consequences of immigrants changing their names.

A recent study in Sweden is cited that revealed earnings increased with more “local-sounding” names.

See the details at:  Why Immigrants Change Their Name

New Year's Eve "London Time"

This is a dinner and dance celebration sponsored by the Greater Largo Library Foundation. It is on 31 December 2014 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Enjoy a celebratory dinner dance and still be home in time to watch the ball drop in Times Square, attend another party, or just crawl into bed early!

Beginning at 5:30 PM with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, the festivities will move into a delicious English dinner and dancing to the music of the Jim Weber Band. There will also be silent and Chinese auctions.

AT 7 PM, New Year's in London Time, the balloons will drop and Champaign will be served.

Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds go to support of the Largo Public Library.

Tickets are available online at www.gllf.org or at the Largo Public Library Circulation Desk. Call the GLLF office for more information : 727-586-7398

Fun Stuff

Sometimes you just have to take a break from all of that serious research, and this is a website that will accomplish that. It is packed with humorous sayings, definitions, poems, and more.

Take a break at:  http://www.funstuffforgenealogists.com/html/poems.htm

PGS Educational Activities for the Week of 7-13 December 2014

Tue, 9-Dec-14 at 6:00 PM--Heritage Quest--Getting the most from this free* website. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library

Wed, 10-Dec-14 at 6:00 PM--National Archives--Finding Data. This is a detailed explanation of how to get the most out of the NARA website (other than ordering records—see additional class listing for that topic). Topics will focus on finding data online, using the catalog system, preparing for a visit, and finding genealogy assistance. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.
Thu, 11-Dec-14 at 10:30 AM--Canadian Genealogy Interest Group. Grandmaison, Local History Room, Largo Library.

If you are looking for a way to contribute to PGS projects, here is a good one. Saturday, 13-Dec-14, 9:30-11:30--Memorial Park Cemetery Canvass. Location: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side).  We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "memorial park cemetery St. Petersburg FL" for a map. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirts if you have one and bring your digital camera. It’s a lot of fun as you get to know PGS members better while you contribute to a good cause.

Ancestry Paths: Links and Tips Abound

Ancestry Paths is one of those websites that you tend to get lost in. You start to read a bit, follow a link…then another…and pretty soon time has passed and you were not aware of it.

The site offers a wealth of information on scores of genealogy topics, and then links to find additional information and even online data.

Check it out at:  Ancestry Paths | Helping you find your way to Genealogy information.

Videos and Podcasts on DNA

If you are interested in getting started in DNA research, or just want to bolster your understanding in general, this website may be for you. I gives you direct links to videos and podcasts about the subject. They are free. There are also links to information on the more popular testing companies.

Check it out at:  How-To DNA | How-To Videos and Podcasts That Help You Understand DNA

Map Out That Property

Michael John Neill in his Genealogy Tip of the Day blog, suggests mapping out your farming ancestor’s property, and then looking for nearby churches, schools, cemeteries, etc. as possible research locations.

Be sure and keep your eye on the PGS list of classes (http://www.flpgs.org/classes.aspx). We have a couple new ones on  property research that will underscore Michael’s point.
Genealogy Tip of the Day: Do You Map Out Their Farms?

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 30 November to 6 December 2014

Tuesday, 2-Dec-14 at 6:00 PM--Library Catalog Searching for Genealogists – Libraries are a great place for finding genealogy resources. This class will show you how to find libraries and archives that can help you in your search, how to get the most from catalog searches, and discover other helpful resources available through online catalogs. Fortin, Local History Room, Largo Library

Thursday, 4-Dec-14 at 1:00 PM--Homestead Act--History Series, Summers, Aging Well Center,  1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL

Saturday, 6-Dec-14at 10:00 AM--Family Tree Maker User Group--Questions& Answers and Demonstration of how to use the Family Tree Maker genealogical database software, Hosmer, Jenkins C, Largo Library.

If you are looking for a way to contribute to a PGS project, consider this:

Friday, 5 Dec 14--Memorial Park Cemetery Canvass 9:00-11:00 AM—If you can help, it will be appreciated…and it’s lots of fun as you get to know PGS members better while you contribute to a good cause. Location: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side)

We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "memorial park cemetery st petersburg fl" for a map. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirts if you have one and bring your digital camera.

Idea Lab Opens at Largo Public Library

The following is extracted from the Largo Public Library online Newsletter:

ideaLAB Grand Opening!

Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Stop by our new ideaLAB to see what exciting projects Largo Public Library has in store for 2015! Take a sneak peek at a variety of creative technology, including: iAuthor interactive ebooks, LEGO Mindstorms robotics, and demonstrations of the library's new 3D printer.

Can't make it to the Grand Opening? Come in for any of these featured upcoming ideaLAB programs:

Open ideaLAB
Fridays, December 5, 12, 19. 3:00 - 5:00pm, Ages 13+
Are you interested in exploring new digital tools? Come to ideaLAB during open lab hours and use the library's equipment to explore, learn, and create.

Mindstorms Monday
Monday, December 8, 3:00 - 4:30pm, Ages 13+
Do you want to give robotics a try? At this workshop, you can work in a group to learn how to assemble and program a LEGO robot.

Intro to 3D Printing
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00pm, Ages 13+
View a demonstration of the library's 3D printer and learn the basics of 3D printing. Registration is required.


If you have interest in new technologies, drop by the grand opening or one of the programs. I have seen their 3D printer in action and it is fascinating. I've read about them, but nothing beats seeing one in actual operation.


The Largo Public Library is an important partner with PGS, and any support we can offer for their activities is beneficial to both of us.


If you are interested in other events at the Largo Library, follow the link below to their online calendar of events.
http://www.largo.com/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=cal&eGov_searchDepartment=17&timeframe=2&year=2014&month=12&day=1

What First Names Say About Someone

This article in GenealogyInTime Magazine gives an unusual slant on the subject of first names. Rather than focus on the meaning of various first names as many articles do, this one looks at the economic and social implications of first names. Those implications can then be translated into document search strategies.

Check it out at:  What First Names Say About Someone

Canadian Expeditionary Force Registers Online

The website Canadiana has published Canadian Expeditionary Force Registers relevant of WWI. When you get to the linked page, scroll down to the heading “Select Tiles” to find hotlinks.

Before diving right into one of  the registers, take a moment to read the introductory material to make your time searching these free lists more rewarding.

Canadian Expeditionary Force Registers | Canadiana

Genealogy Search Engine Frequently Asked Questions

I have written about the Genealogy Search Engine from GenealogyInTime Magazine before in this blog, and obviously I am a fan. But for those of you still not familiar with it, these “Frequently Asked Questions” may be helpful in deciding if it is a useful tool for you or not.

You will get answers to such questions as how this search engine differs from subscription sites like Ancestry.com; who many websites it covers; how many countries it covers; etc.

Check it out at:  Genealogy Search Engine Frequently Asked Questions

Largo Area Historical Society Holiday Party on 8 Dec. 14

The Largo Area Historical Society will host a holiday party  on 8 December. The event takes place in the Historic Feed Store in Largo Central Park, and kicks off at 6:30 pm.

Largo Area Historical Society Open House, 6 Dec. 14

The Largo Area Historical Society holds an open house at the Historic Feed Store in Largo Central Park the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. In December that will be on the 6th. All are welcome to view this museum of life in the Largo area.

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 16-22 November 2014

Monday, 17 Nov at 10:00 AM--Familysearch.org—the class will demonstrate how to search the vast databases available on this rapidly-expanding site made available from the LDS (Mormon) genealogy collection. Bryan, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 19-Nov at 10:00-4:00 PM--England & Wales Genealogy--How to access the parish records of birth/christening/marriage/burials from 1837 to the present. Participants in the morning lecture are invited to bring their laptops for an afternoon workshop (after a lunch break) to search for personal records with individual guidance. Pearson, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 20-Nov at 12:30 PM--MILITARY RECORDS --This class explores the types of military records produced from the Revolutionary War to modern times. It shows the information contained in those various records, and where to find them in print and online. Summers, Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL

Saturday, 22-Nov-14 at 10:00 AM--RootsMagic User Group--Questions and answers and demonstrations of how to use the RootsMagic genealogy database software program Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.


Also...if you can help out, consider this:  Monday, 17 Nov at 9:00 -11:00 AM--Memorial Park Cemetery Canvass—Location: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side). We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "Memorial Park cemetery St. Petersburg Fl" for a map. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirt if you have one and bring your digital camera. Also, mark your calendars for further outings on Dec 5 and Dec 13 all from 9-11 AM.

Roman Vishniac Collection on Jewish Life

This Vishniac collection shows images of Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe prior to WWII. The collection consists of more than 9000 images, and it is all free.

Check it out at:  Roman Vishniac Archive | International Center of Photography

New Year's Eve "London Time"

This is a dinner and dance celebration sponsored by the Greater Largo Library Foundation. It is on 31 December 2014 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Enjoy a celebratory dinner dance and still be home in time to watch the ball drop in Times Square, attend another party, or just crawl into bed early!

Beginning at 5:30 PM with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, the festivities will move into a delicious English dinner and dancing to the music of the Jim Weber Band. There will also be silent and Chinese auctions.

AT 7 PM, New Year's in London Time, the balloons will drop and Champaign will be served.

Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds go to support of the Largo Public Library.

Tickets are available online at www.gllf.org or at the Largo Public Library Circulation Desk. Call the GLLF office for more information : 727-586-7398

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta

If you have ancestors from the Atlanta, Georgia area, this site may be of value. You can access a list of interments at the following cemeteries: Budapest, Locust Grove, Purification, Sparta, and St. Patrick.

After following the link below, click on your cemetery of choice in the list on the left of that page. That will take you to a page with some brief historic information about the cemetery, and a PDF document listing the interments that you can download.
Office of Catholic Cemeteries | Archdiocese of Atlanta

Why Do You Love Genealogy?

We all have our own reasons for doing family research, but it is at time refreshing to hear the reasons that other people have. Mary Harrell-Sesniak, writing in the GenealogyBank.com Blog, offers us a collection of such reasons.

Enjoy the article at:  Why Do You Love Genealogy?

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 9-15 November 2014

Monday, 10-Nov-14 at 6:00 PM--Tracing Living Persons--suggested methods and tips for finding living people--kinfolks you never knew. Bryan. Local History Rm, Largo Library

Tuesday, 11 Nov 14—Library closed all day

Wednesday, 12-Nov-14 at 6:00 PM--Immigration Records and Ships Passenger Lists-How to use them. Summers, Local History Rm, Largo Library.

Thursday, 13-Nov-14 at 10:30 AM--Canadian Genealogy Interest Group. Grandmaison, Local History Room, Largo Library

Saturday, 15-Nov-14 at 10:00 AM--Computers in Genealogy--Question and answer session on the use of computers in genealogy research and record keeping. Bryan, Jenkins B, Largo Library.

Saturday, 15 Nov 14 at 11:00 AM, Program meeting: Tracing Your DNA: The Amazing Journey of Your Ancestors. It is now possible to, relatively inexpensively, have a sample of your DNA tested, analyzed and compared to learn more about your ancestry and lineage than ever before. Learn about the three types of DNA testing used in genetic genealogy research and how the results can be used to determine recent family lineage and historic migrations of the human race. The class includes related case studies and an overview of the National Geographic Genographic Project and world population haplogroups. David Boyette, Jenkins B, Largo Library.

Tip: Keep Private Notes Private for RootsMagic Users

This tip is not for everyone, but if you use the Roots Magic genealogy computer program, it is for you. Other programs have similar capabilities, so the idea is certainly transferable.

Check out the technique at:  RootsMagic Blog » Tip: Keep Private Notes Private

Saturday, Nov 8 From 9:00 -11:00 AM--Memorial Park Cemetery Canvass -- Lend a Hand

If you can help, it will be appreciated. Location: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side). We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "Memorial Park Cemetery Saint Petersburg, Fl" for a map. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirt if you have one and bring your digital camera. Also, mark your calendars for further outings on Nov 17, Dec 5 and Dec 13 all from 9-11 AM.

Full or Everyname Index?

Michael John Neill gives us a great “Search Tip of the Day.” It deals with knowing about the index you are using to do your search.

Dwell on it at:  Search Tip of the Day--Almost Every Day: Full or Everyname Index?

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 3-8 November 2014

Monday, 3-Nov-14 at 10:00 AM--FOLD3, DROPBOX & EVERNOTE FOR GENEALOGY—Demonstration of how to use these useful tools in your research. Summers, Local History Rm, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 4-Nov-14 at 6:00 PM--FEMALE ANCESTORS--locating and tracing the maternal line; tips and methods to finding maiden names. Bryan, Local History Rm, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 5-Nov-14 at 10:00 AM--INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY (Beginner) -- Basics of how to get started in researching your family history—what to do first, where to look& how to do it. Bryan, Local History Rm, Largo Library.

Saturday, 8-Nov-2014 at 10:00 AM--MORE MAPS IN GENEALOGY RESEARCH-Maps can reveal much about the lives our ancestors led and the conditions under which they lived. They can also reveal hints on where to look for other important documents. There are many different types of maps available to the researcher, and this class deals with military, ward, topographical, plat, and railroad maps. Summers, Pasco Genealogy Society, Dade City, FL

Selecting the Right Tool For the Job

James Tanner offers us another thoughtful piece in his blog, Genealogy’s Star, dealing with the use of technology in today’s genealogical world.

If you have been agonizing over whether or not to spend money on that new computer, software program, or database subscription, check out his article to put it all in perspective.
Genealogy's Star: Fitting the Tools to the Task

The 5 Biggest Mistakes I Made with My Genealogy

Here is an article by Gena Philibert-Ortega that is well worth the read. It was published on the GenealogyBank.com Blog, and should hit home for all of us.

You know what she is going to say, but actually reading the article wants to make you vow anew not to be guilty of making those same mistakes…any more.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes I Made with My Genealogy

Join the Canvas Crew at Memorial Park Cemetery, 31 Oct. 2014

REMINDER:  The next canvasing session of Memorial Park Cemetery will be this Friday, October 31st at 9:00 am to about 11:00 am.    

All canvas crews will meet in the South Parking lot (see directions below) of Memorial Park Cemetery. Bring your digital camera and sun protection. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirts if you have one.  

WHEN:  9 am and continuing for 2 hours  

WHERE:  5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side). We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "memorial park cemetery St. Petersburg Fl" for a map.

John Colletta Featured PGS Seminar Speaker 14 Febriary 2015

Here is some information about the featured speaker for the 2015 Annual PGS Seminar to be held on 14 February. You can get more information about the event and how to register at the PGS website (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flpgs/index.htm).

John Philip Colletta is one of America’s most popular genealogical lecturers. Knowledgeable, experienced and entertaining, he resides in Washington, D.C. For twenty years, while laying the foundation for his career in genealogy, he worked half-time at the Library of Congress and taught workshops at the National Archives.

Today Dr. Colletta lectures nationally, teaches at local schools, and conducts programs for the Smithsonian Institution’s Resident Associate Program. He is a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University (Birmingham, Ala.), the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and Boston University’s Certificate in Family History program.

He has also been an instructor and course coordinator for the National Institute on Genealogical Research (Washington, DC), the Genealogical Institute of Texas (Dallas), and the Genealogical Institute of Mid-America (Springfield, Ill.).

His publications include numerous articles, both scholarly and popular, two manuals — They Came in Ships: A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record and Finding Italian Roots: The Complete Guide for Americans — and one “murder-mystery-family-history,” Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath. It tells the story of Colletta’s great-great grandfather, Joe Ring, who moved his family from Buffalo, New York, to Rolling Fork, Mississippi after the Civil War. When Joe Ring’s country store burned to the ground with five unfortunate victims sleeping upstairs, the incident was investigated as mass murder, robbery and arson.

Dr. Colletta appears frequently on podcasts and local and national radio and television. He is featured in Episode Four of “Ancestors,” the ten-part KBYU-TV series, as well as its sequel. He has received many professional honors, including fellowship in the Utah Genealogical Association and distinguished service awards from the Dallas Genealogical Society and the National Society, Daughters of Colonial Founders and Patriots.

PGS Events for the Week of 27 October to 1 November 2014

Monday, 27-Oct-14 at 6:00 PM--COURTHOUSE RECORDS--types available, where and how to find them and their use in genealogy. Hostetler, Local History Rm, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 28-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Homestead Act-History and Records- A review of the historical and political significance of the 1862 Homestead Act and associated legislation. Includes a discussion of the process followed to establish a homestead on public domain land, and an understanding of the method of legally surveying and describing the land. The presentation will also cover an examination of the records that were created in establishing a homestead, their genealogical value, and where those records are found today. This is an in-depth treatment of the Homestead Act, which is briefly referred to in the presentation on property Research Basics in the US. Summers, Local History Rm, Largo Library

Wednesday, 29-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Brick Walls—You will eventually reach a point where you seemingly can’t go back further on a particular line. This class will offer some ideas and suggestions for overcoming dead ends in your family history research. Bryan, Local History Rm, Largo Library

Friday, 31 Oct 14 at 9:00 -11:00 AM--Memorial Park Cemetery Canvass—If you can help, it will be appreciated. Location: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg (at the  intersection of 49th Street North and 54th Avenue North, west side). We plan to meet in the South section of the cemetery (south of 54th avenue).  Google "memorial park cemetery st petersburg fl" for a map. Refreshments will be provided.  Wear your PGS shirt if you have one and bring your digital camera.

Saturday, 1-Nov-14 at 10:00 AM--Family Tree Maker User Group--Questions& Answers and Demonstration of how to use the Family Tree Maker genealogical database software. Hosmer/Bryan, Jenkins C, Largo Library

Largo Library Genealog Center Digitized Book Collection

Over the past six months significant progress was made on the project of digitizing the Center's rare book collection. Most of the work is done and the digitized books are not part of the Center's CD-ROM collection.

All of the books are in pdf format and so can easily be read on any of the PCs in the library. The book titles are included in the library automated catalog and are also in the index binder located at the CD collection.

Getting the books digitized and saved to disc was the first step in the project. Future plans involve making the books available on line. When that happens, this blog will alert you.

Heritage Village County Jubilee This Saturday, 25 October

Join in the fun at Heritage Village this Saturday, 25 October. PGS will have a table at the event...drop by and say hello.

This is the blurb from the Heritage Village website:
"The 36th Annual Country Jubilee is bringing a variety of activities to Pinellas County’s Heritage Village on Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be something for everyone. More than 100 food and craft vendors will be lining the walkways in and around Heritage Village.  House tours, antique cars, musical entertainment, old time craft demonstrations and more. $2 donation requested."

Tompkins County, NY Public Library Databases

Here is a collection of databases and digitized books from Tompkins County Public Library, New York. You can find notices of births, deaths, and marriages, directory entries, and more.

If you have New York State ancestors, you may want to check this site out at:  Digital Books - TCPL - Tompkins County Public Library

Largo Area Historical Society Hosts 50's Picnic on 8 Nov. '14

The Largo Area Historical Society will host a 50's picnic in Taylor Park, Shelter #7 on 8 November 2014. The event runs from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information call 727-531-1804 or 727-441-1338.

PGS Educational Events for the Week 20-25 October 2014

Monday, 20-Oct-14 at 6:00 PM--Newspapers in Genealogy--How to use newspapers to discover facts and human interest stories about your ancestors...obituaries, weddings, court cases, etc. We will discuss where to find the newspapers and how to look for genealogy data in them. Hostetler, Local History Rm, Largo Library

Tuesday, 21-Oct-14 at 6:00 PM--NATURALIZATION RECORDS -- Many of our ancestors became naturalized citizens, and left a paper trail when they did so. This class explains the naturalization process, what information can be found in the records, and where those records can be found. Summers, Local History Rm, Largo Library

Wednesday, 22-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Ancestry.com--search techniques for getting the most from this huge collection of databases. Bryan, Local History Rm, Largo Library

The Largo Library will be closed this Saturday so there will be no RootsMagic User Group meeting this month.

Search Yearbooks on Mocavo

School yearbooks can be a delight to look at, even when you don’t find your own ancestor. Mocavo is adding to that delight by offering free search of a large yearbook collection of over 43,000 volumes.

Check it out at:  Search Yearbooks | Free Ancestry Search on Mocavo

Largo Area Historical Society Open House on 1 Nov. 14

The Largo Area Historical Society holds an open house at the Historic Feed Store in Largo Central Park the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. In November that will be on the 1st. All are welcome to view this museum of life in the Largo area.

Google Tips, Tricks and Facts

Here is a site that doesn’t deal directly with genealogy, but does deal with Google, and therefore indirectly deals with it…and just about everything else.

There are some fun things to try at this site, as well as some search tips you may need refreshing on.

Check it out at:  Little-Known Tips, Tricks and Facts About Google

Genealogy Book Lists at Largo Public Library

Have you checked out the book lists at the Genealogy Center of Largo Library lately? These are lists that you can take home with you to review in leisure, and then bring back to the library with you when you are able to do the research.

We have had several books lists available for some time. They cover the topics:
  >African American Genealogy
  >Circulating Books
  >Heraldry
  >Jewish Genealogy
  >Military Research
  >Native American Genealogy

Now some additional lists have been added for these topics:
  >Immigration and Emigration Research
  >Land and Property Research
  >Naturalization Research

The lists are available to all as free handouts at the Genealogy Center (2d floor of Largo Public Library), and also to PGS members on the member-only website.

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 13-18 October 2014

Monday, 13-Oct-14 at 6:00 PM—GENEALOGY SOFTWARE UTILITIES-Part II- Demonstration of several utility programs useful for genealogy such as: Dropbox, Skype, Google Voice, Google Earth, Evernote, Mozy/Carbonite online backup, Online software (Googledocs), automatic backup software, GEDCOM utilities and more. Summers, Local History Rm, Largo Library

Thursday, 16-Oct-14 at 12:30 PM--Property Research Basics--This is a general treatment of property research in the United States. It will explore ownership documents from land grants to land patents to deeds; it will explain the difference in land descriptions in state land states and public land states; it will examine the historical context of military bounty land, the Homestead Act, and the cash purchase of public land. We will also survey where to find the records generated during the ownership and transfer of property.        Summers, Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL

Saturday, 18-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Computers in Genealogy--Question and answer session on the use of computers in genealogy research and record keeping. Bryan, Jenkins B, Largo Library

Saturday, 18-Oct-14 at 11:00 AM—Program Meeting: Pinellas by the Decades--Pinellas Historical Society presentation by Jim Schnur, Jenkins B, Largo Library

Dons List of City Directories

Here is a site offering online, ditigized city directories for a variety of locations and dates. The list is arranged by state, and by community within state.

The entries come from different sources, but all sport the same handy user interface located at the top of each page.

While you are at the site, also check out the tabs across the top of the home page for yearbooks, military, and more topics.

DonsList City Directories

Class on Using the Ancesty.com Card Catalog being held in Tampa

Join Lee McQueary, from the Florida History and Genealogy Library, for an interactive instructional session on Ancestry.com's Card Catalog feature. Attendees will have access to laptops, which will allow them to follow along and gain hands on experience throughout. A brief tour of the Florida History and Genealogy Library will follow.

There are two sessions: Sunday, October 12, from 2-3:30 pm and Wednesday, October 22, from 3-4:30 pm.

The Florida History and Genealogy Library is located in the John F. Germany Library at 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida.

Can Someone “Steal” Genealogical Information?

James Tanner, in his blog Genealogy’s Star,” answers that question. The short answer is apparently “no,” but to stop there is to negate James’ great article. He analyzes the topic in detail, and with clarity.

Check it out at:  Genealogy's Star: Can you steal my ancestors? Work Product, Facts and Compilations

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 6-11 October 2014

Monday, 6-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Genealogical Proof--This class explains how to evaluate the evidence we collect as we build our family trees. Some sources are more reliable, some records bring us closer to the actual event, and some information is more “on point.” How do we rank all of this as we try to assemble genealogical “truth”? The class uses the “Genealogical Proof Standard” as the guide. Peter Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 8-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM-4:00 PM--England & Wales Genealogy--How to access the parish records of birth/christening/marriage/burials from 1538 to 1837. Participants in the morning lecture are invited to bring their laptops for an afternoon workshop (after a lunch break) to search for personal records with individual guidance. Liz Pearson,  Local History Room, Largo Library.

Saturday, 11-Oct-14--12-4:00 PM--Family History Assistance Day-- Bring what information you have about your family and receive free, one-on-one research assistance from a PGS consultant. Tell your friends and neighbors--beginners are especially welcome. No appointment is necessary--first come, first served. Tours of the Genealogy Center and classes will also be offered. Jenkins A & B, Largo Library.

Saturday, 11-Oct-2014 at 10:00 AM--Maps in Genealogy Research, Peter Summers, Pasco Genealogical  Society.

Clearwater Historical Society Expands to South Ward School

This article appeared in The Wise Cracker, the newsletter of the Largo Area Historical Society, and with permission, we share it here.


  "The Clearwater Historical Society (CHS) was founded in 1979 and since 1982 has operated a museum in the vintage 1896 Plumb House on Martin Luther King Blvd. The society and its historic collections have long since outgrown the building.
  "In June of this year, the CHS and Pinellas County School Board entered into a 50 year lease (with a minimum term of 15 years) for the use of South Ward School. Under the terms of the agreement, CHS will maintain and insure the property thereby relieving the School Board of that financial burden.
  "The historical society intends to preserve and adapt the South Ward campus for use as a historical museum as well as provide room for the history of the Pinellas county School System and community meeting space as well. In addition, the Bomber Legacy Project has joined forces with CHS and seeks to preserve the history of the men's fast pitch softball team that put Clearwater on the map.
  "The South Ward campus is home to buildings that are among some of the earliest school facilities in Pinellas County and were in danger of deteriorating."

We add our congratulations to CHS in their effort to preserve a significant part of our heritage, and are pleased to acknowledge them as one of our PGS Organizational Members.

Largo Area Historical Society Meeting Features Mayor Elect Woody Brown

The Largo Area Historical Society monthly meeting on 13 October will feature Mayor-elect Woody Brown. The meeting is at the Historic Feed Store in Largo Central Park at 7 pm. It is preceded by a pot luck supper at 6:30. All are invited.

Family History Assistance Day on 11 October

Our semi-annual Family History Assistance Day is coming up on October 11.

Using your research notes as a starting point, you and another researcher will ply the Internet to hunt for data to work on that brick wall, extend your research, or just get started.

Volunteers will also be available in the Genealogy Center to introduce you to our print collection by giving tours, and to assist in the use of that material.

The event begins at 12 pm in the Jenkins Room of the Largo Public Library, and runs until 4 pm, on a first-come first-served basis.

Even if you can’t make it, tell your friends…especially those who are new to genealogy and could use some research guidance.

Genealogy research is most successful when shared, and this event provides that opportunity.

Come early and enjoy the activities.

JGSTB October Meeting Notice

This was just received from the Jewish Genealogy Society of Tampa Bay about their meeting on 12 October 2014:

The October 12th JGSTB meeting will be a special joint meeting with the Florida Holocaust Museum.  We will meet at the same time, but at a different place -  at the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg - see address and details below.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for those with Holocaust victims in their family to learn how to research those victims.  Our speaker will be Urszula Szczepinska, Curator of Education and Director of Research for the Florida Holocaust Museum, which is one of only three Holocaust Museums in the United States that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.  Ms. Szczepinska is an award winning authority on Holocaust research.

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 29 Sep. - 4 Oct. 2014

Monday, 29-Sep-14 at 6:00 PM--Familysearch.org—the class will demonstrate how to search the vast databases available on this rapidly-expanding site made available from the LDS (Mormon) genealogy collection. Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Tuesday, 30-Sep-14 at 6:00 PM--Introduction To Genealogy (Beginner) -- Basics of how to get started in researching your family history—what to do first, where to look & how to do it. Luce, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 1-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Documentation-An introduction on the content of proper source citations. Using modern genealogy programs to enter citations will also be covered (Roots Magic, and Family Tree Maker will be addressed). Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Thursday, 2-Oct-14 at 12:30 PM--Homestead Act-History Series, Summers, Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL.

Saturday, 4-Oct-14 at 10:00 AM--Family Tree Maker User Group--Questions& Answers and Demonstration of how to use the Family Tree Maker genealogical database software. Hosmer, Jenkins C, Largo Library.

Online Digital Newspaper Collections

James Tanner in his Blog Genealogy’s Star, gives us an extremely useful list of online newspapers listed by state. He also lists some national and regional sources for online newspapers.

James points out that this particular online landscape is constantly changing, so any exhaustive list is not possible. That aside, if you are using newspapers in your research (and you definitely should be), be sure and look over this list.

Check it out at:  Genealogy's Star: Online Digital Newspaper Collections by State -- The Lists by State

World History in Concise Graphics

If you are looking for a site to help put your ancestors in some historical context, HyperHistory is worth exploring.

When you get to the homepage, click on a focus choice in the left panel (People, history, events, etc.) and then select from a time period in the right panel. The result will be a graphic display of that topic. All entries in the display are hotlinks. When you click on one, a detailed explanation of it appears in the right pane.

Check it out at:  World History : HyperHistory

Immigrant Servants

Here is a database of immigrant servants that may be useful. Each index entry gives the surname and given name of the indentured servant/immigrant, the colony/destination, date of birth, date of servitude, and an opportunity to view the complete transcribed record. The transcription provides even more information to include ship name, whether the person is an orphan, literate, a convict, and more.

The database can be searched by name or browsed by first letter of the surname.

It is presented as part of a site sponsored by a group offering professional genealogy services: Price & Associates.

Check it out at:  Immigrant Servants Database

PGS Educational Events for the Week of 22-27 September 2014

Monday, 22-Sep-14 at 6:00 PM--Fold3, Dropbox & Evernote for Genealogy, Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Wednesday, 24-Sep-14 at 10:00 AM--Land ownership maps for tracking your family history, Luce, Local History Room, Largo Library.

Saturday, 27-Sep-14 at 10:00 AM--RootsMagic User Group--Questions and answers and demonstrations of how to use the RootsMagic genealogy database software program, Summers, Local History Room, Largo Library.

How To Search A Wiki

James Tanner offers us a great article on how to search a wiki. With the popularity of wikis increasing, and thus their numbers, searching them is a critical skill to develop. This article can help.

James compares wiki search strategy with those of library catalogs and Internet search engines.

Check it out at:  Genealogy's Star: Web Basics for Genealogists -- Wiki Searches

PGS Family History Assistance Day on 11 October

Mark your calendars now -- our semi-annual Family History Assistance Day is coming up on October 11.

Using your research notes as a starting point, you and another researcher will ply the Internet to hunt for data to work on that brick wall, extend your research, or just get started.

Volunteers will also be available in the Genealogy Center to introduce you to our print collection by giving tours, and to assist in the use of that material.

The event begins at 12 pm in the Jenkins Room of the Largo Public Library, and runs until 4 pm, on a first-come first-served basis.

Even if you can’t make it, tell your friends…especially those who are new to genealogy and could use some research guidance.

Genealogy research is most successful when shared, and this event provides that opportunity.

Come early and enjoy the activities.