RootsWeb: NGS-L UpFront, Vol. 3, No. 17, 01 September 2004

NGS-L Archives

Archiver > NGS > 2004-09 > 1094331873

From: "" <>
Subject: UpFront, Vol. 3, No. 17, 01 September 2004
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2004 14:04:33 -0700

UpFront with NGS The Online Newsletter of the National Genealogical Society Volume 3, Number 17 -- 01 September 2004 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Co-editors: Dennis and Carla Ridenour To view the HTML version of UpFront visit: http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/UpFront/090104/web To view the PDF version of UpFront visit: http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/UpFront/090104/090104.pdf -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Quote of the Day -- 01 September 2004 "Well, a lightening bolt it hit the barn, Floods came up and took our farm, By the grace of God we weren't harmed, But the river got our cow. And every year we froze or drowned, While the price of corn kept going down, So long, boys, this farmer's Oregon bound." --Voices of the Oregon Trail, by the Trail Band, 1999 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Today In UpFront :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: A Page from the Editors' Journal --Do You Whistle While You Work? --Voices from the Oregon Trail --White Mansions, a Tale from the American Civil War --The Man from God Knows Where NGS Headquarters --NGS Signs Contract to Sell Glebe House NGS Learning Opportunities --A Great Time to Learn More! NGS Publications --Did You Get Your NewsMagazine? --A New Publication for NGS Members A Web Site Worth Visiting --Tips for You Next Research Trip Digital Imaging for Genealogists (DIG) --Rating Camera Features News, Announcements, and Press Releases --The Third Annual Arizona TMG Workshop --Volunteers Needed to Test TREEFIC --The Importance of Notes and Sources --The Family History Library Saturday Patron Classes for September --September Genealogical Events Previous Issues of UpFront with NGS Family Reunion Calendar How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront with NGS How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe NGS Contact Information :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The National Genealogical Society is the indispensable resource for genealogists seeking excellence in publications, education offerings, research materials, and peer interaction with others that share the common bond of interest in the field of genealogy. The opinions, articles, and statements expressed herein are solely for the use of our readers. Neither the reviews nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any commercial purpose. NGS and the authors disclaim any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise that is or may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and applications of any of the products, techniques, and technologies mentioned herein. NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this electronic newsletter. To learn more about the goals, publications, conferences, services and members benefits of the National Genealogical Society, visit the NGS Web site: http://www.NGSgenealogy.org © 2004 National Genealogical Society -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A Page from the Editors' Journal :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Do You Whistle While You Work? I've never been much of a whistler, but I do enjoy listening to music while working on a family history project or a genealogy database. Dennis claims he can usually tell which branch of the family tree I'm working on, and sometimes even the generation, just by listening to the sounds coming from my computer's CD player. ------------------------------- Voices from the Oregon Trail One of my favorite music CDs is "Voices from the Oregon Trail," featuring The Trail Band, http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband1. This CD re-creates the story of the Oregon Trail experience through folk ballads, marches, hymns, diary readings, and fiddle hoedowns, making it ideal background music when writing about Dennis' 3-great-grandmother, Catherine Bonnett Butts, or researching other members of the Butts family who traveled the Trail in 1845. The Trail Band, an 8-piece ensemble with five vocalists, was formed by Marv Ross in 1991 at the request of the Oregon Trail Council to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the trail. In 1998 the band was presented the Meritorious Achievement Award by the Oregon-California Trails Association and, in 1999, producer Marv Ross received an Alumni Award of Excellence from Western Oregon University for the band's contributions to history, education, and music. To learn more, visit http://www.trailband.com/ In addition to "Voices from the Oregon Trail," the Trail Band has also recorded three old-time Christmas albums plus several CDs of interest to genealogists and historians. These CDs include: * "Trail's End," an instrumental and vocal collection of America's most beloved melodies from the 1800's. See http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband2 * "Immigrant Dreams," featuring music and stories of those who came west to America from Ireland, Scotland, Romania, Mexico, France, Spain, Greece, and other countries during the turn of the century. See http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband5 * "Lewis & Clark," a collection of period instrumental and vocal music from and about the era of the 1803-06 expedition, including early American folk songs, French Canadian fiddle tunes, classical works from Jefferson's library, Irish ballads, marches, and chanteys. See http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband6 * "Oregon Stories," a contemporary collection of original songs tracing the lives of North westerners and their relationship to the land. See http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trailband8 Sample recordings from each album are available at the Web pages listed above. You'll also find more samples at The Trail Band Web site, http://www.trailband.com/albums.htm. ---------------------------------------------------- White Mansions, a Tale from the American Civil War Released in 1999, this music unique album tells a story of the Civil War from a Southern viewpoint. The characters include: * Waylon Jennings as The Drifter, a man who knows the tragedy of war and reports on what he sees happening to the South. * John Dillon (of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils) as Matthew, the educated son of a plantation owner, eager to join Jeff Davis and expecting the war to be over in ten weeks time. * Jessi Colter as sweet and gentle Polly, Matthew's girlfriend. * Steve Cash (also of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils) as Caleb, a rough and ready red-necked rebel. White Mansions, plus The Legend of Jessie James, a 2-disc album is available at the Barnes and Noble Web site for $19.98,see http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?userid=504VCNAHIZ&ean =731454079129 It can also be purchased as a single disc album (White Mansions only), priced at $18.99 from Waylon's Pony Express, http://www.waylon.com/c_WhiteMansions.asp Sample recordings are available at each Web site. The samples are played in Windows Media Player at the Barnes and Noble site and in Real Player at Waylon's Pony Express. --------------------------------- The Man from God Knows Where Singer-songwriter Tom Russell describes his album "The Man from God Knows Where" as an alternative view of American history. After reading diaries written by his great-grandfathers, one from Ireland and the other from Norway, Tom began blending a collage of ancestral voices and personal experiences into a collection of musical stories. His goal was to enable each ancestor to tell his or her story and to hear the sound of the Hardanger fiddle (Norway) meet the sound of the Uillean pipe (Ireland), representing the two sides of the family and then melting them together. He describes the process of converting the diaries into song as follows: "I read between the lines; added a touch of rhyme. I drew them out. These folks were not ones to dwell on the hard times. Their ghosts had to be bribed. It was not in their character to complain. They toiled and drank and prayed. They cursed poverty, plague, and politician. They dreamt in Norwegian and Irish. They spoke in tongues. They went insane on the desolate wastelands of mid-America. They re-invented themselves. They moved West and made movies. Walt Whitman sang of their soul. That's old Walt, on the record, speaking into Mr. Thomas Edison's wax cylinder machine." It took Tom approximately eight years of preparation, but eventually, in September 1998, the album was recorded in a Barony farmhouse near the Hardanger Fjord in West Norway, not far from the spot where Tom's great-grandfather, Ambrose Larson, was born in 1847. Released in 1999, "The Man from God Knows Where" begins with individuals born more than a century ago in Norway and Ireland and culminates with the life story of Tom's father Charlie Russell. The album includes 26 songs and plays for a total of 74 minutes. The album title comes from a poem written about Tom's namesake, Thomas Russell of County Cork, who was hung in Downpatrick on October 21, 1803, during the United Irish Rebellion. The poem can be read at http://www.btinternet.com/~pdevlinz/TheMan.htm The Exileville Opera House Web site is featuring the "Man from God Knows Where" as one of their opera presentations. The Web site claims to be 'under construction' with new features 'coming soon' but it's been that way for well over a year. Although the site looks as if it may be abandoned, it will allow you to play the entire album online, not just short samples. The URL is http://www.manfromgod.com. When you reach the home page, select the 'Enter Site' option as the "Sign Up option no longer works. Click on 'Begin the Show' when the next screen pops up. When the third screen appears, right click on 'The Man from God Knows Where.' The music tracks are formatted as .wma files and will automatically play in you Windows Media Player. You'll also find a few unreleased demo tracks on the BackStage Pass page, under 'The Demos.' The following comments are from Dereka Smith, the former NGS Librarian who introduced me to "The Man from God Knows Where." For a couple of years I have wanted to write about an audio CD-ROM called "The Man from God Knows Where." Each time I try I have been stymied because I just can't find the words to describe how incredibly wonderful this disc is! Described as an "immigrant song cycle" the disk tells the story of Tom Russell's Irish and Scandinavian pioneer ancestors. "Some of us left out of hardship Starvation, misery and pain And some of us left for adventure To find greener pastures and gain. But all of us left our loved ones behind Oh, our heartaches drill deep to the core And those heartaches are always awakened each night When we dream of the old Northern shore." Written by Tom Russell who also sings many of the songs, the work features guest artists including Iris DeMent, Delores Keane, the late Dave von Ronk and the even later Walt Whitman whose actual voice, preserved on one of Edison's wax cylinders circa 1890, is heard reciting his poem titled "America." Lovely songs and haunting images-- a great present for someone! "The Man from God Knows Where" is $14.95 at Amazon.com, see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I73E/103-7039771-7810208 To learn more about Tom Russell and his music, visit http://www.tomrussell.com/index.html Contributed by Carla Ridenour, -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Headquarters :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: NGS Signs Contract to Sell Glebe House On 6 August 2004, the National Genealogical Society signed a contract to sell the Arlington, Virginia headquarters. Since March 1985, when NGS relocated to the property known as Glebe House, this building has been the center for the Society's offices, staff and programs. Built in the 1850s on property purchased for the Glebe of Fairfax Parish in 1770, Glebe House was placed on the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register in 1971 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The prospective purchasers plan to restore the house and property and make it their home. Before final settlement, scheduled for early November 2004, NGS will move to modern, leased office space in the vicinity of its present site. A search is now underway for new National Genealogical Society headquarters. Look for an upcoming announcement of the Society's new address and future plans. Sandra M. Hewlett, CGRS National Genealogical Society Board of Directors 4527 17th Street North Arlington, VA 22207 http://www.ngsgenealogy.org -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Learning Opportunities :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: A Great Time to Learn More! It's hard to believe it's already September. Summer is nearly over and it's time for our kids and grandkids to head back to school. The end of summer is also a great time for us to learn more about this wonderful pastime we call "genealogy' by signing up for the NGS Home Study Course or to participating in one of the NGS Online Courses. These educational opportunities allow you to study in your own home and at your own pace. The Home Study Course, "American Genealogy: A Basic Course," is designed for all family historians wanting to research their ancestors more effectively and efficiently. To learn more about it, visit the NGS Web site at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/eduhsc.htm NGS offers three Online Courses. Each course is open to anyone who wishes to enroll. Members of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) receive a tuition discount: 1. "Introduction to Genealogy" is for those who have done little, if any, research on their families. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/Courses/Course.cfm?CID=1 2. "Using Census Records in Genealogical Research" is designed for genealogists who want to learn more about the information that can be found in the federal population census records (1790 - 1930), and how that information can be used in their genealogical research. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/Courses/Course.cfm?CID=2 3. "Special Federal Census Schedules" is an online course designed for genealogists who want to learn more about the information that can be found in census records, and how that information can be used in their genealogical research. It is the second of two separate courses. Using Census Records in Genealogical Research covers the federal population census schedules, and Special Federal Census Schedules covers other federal census schedules. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/Courses/Course.cfm?CID=3 Editor's Note: Connie Lenzen just started "For the Beginner," a new column in the "NGS NewsMagazine" (June/July 2004, Vol. 30, No. 2) that offers ideas and suggestions based on the NGS Home Study Course, "American Genealogy: A Basic Course. "The NGS NewsMagazine" is one of the benefits of NGS membership. To join NGS, or learn more about it's benefits and services, visit the NGS Web site at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/member.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Publications :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Did You Get Your NewsMagazine? Members should have received their June/July 2004 issue of the "NGS NewsMagazine" by now. We've had several issues returned because the labels either got mangled in the postal machine or they fell off. If you did not receive your issue, please send an e-mail with your address to for a replacement copy. Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, Editor, NGS NewsMagazine --------------------------------------- A New Publication for NGS Members Although the June/July NGS NewsMagazine includes 64 pages of news, articles and continuing columns written by well-known genealogical authors, some longtime readers are wondering if Byron Bray, Bill Mumford, Barbara Renick and Dennis Ridenour are still writing for NGS and if Barbara Renick will continue her multi-part "Almost Found Online" series that began in the January 2004 issue of the "NGS NewsMagazine." The answer to both questions is YES! The NGS board is increasing member benefits by adding a new online publication to the "Members Only Section" of the NGS Web site. This announcement is a bit premature in that we don't yet know the exact release date, but we do know that "The Wire, a Publication of the NGS GENTECH Division" will be available soon. The first issue of this new electronic magazine will feature an update to "Part 1: Hidden Help" of Barbara Renick's "Almost Found Online" series, plus a new in-depth genealogy software review by Bill Mumford, continuing columns by Byron Bray and Dennis Ridenour, plus news of GENTECH projects and technology articles from several guest authors. Members of the genealogical community are encouraged to contribute newsworthy articles. To contact the editors write to . Don't miss out on this new "members only" publication! To become a member, visit the NGS Web site at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/member.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A Web Site Worth Visiting :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- Tips for You Next Research Trip Be sure to check out "Preparing for a Research Trip" by Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS, http://www.powellgenealogy.com/nhg/html/research_hints.cfm, if you're planning to join Shirley Wilcox and Dereka Smith on the 2005 NGS Research Trip to Salt Lake City this January, https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/edutripsaltlake.htm, or will be participating in the North Hills Genealogists Research Trip to Washington, DC, September 26-29, 2004, http://www.powellgenealogy.com/nhg/html/wash_d_c___trip.cfm. Specific tips for researching in the Washington, DC area are available at http://www.powellgenealogy.com/nhg/html/tips___hints.cfm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Digital Imaging for Genealogists (DIG) :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Rating Camera Features Hello again folks, sorry I was missing in the last issue. It was one of those "my 87 year old mother fell and broke her hip" weeks. Somehow I thought it was more important that I visit her in a far off city, rather than to attend to my commitments to UpFront. Having never experienced her wrath, you might not understand that the visit to her was a wise decision, but it was. Anyway, I'm back on track, trying to tame the sleeping giant known as "cameras I like, but probably don't need." When last we talked, (well at least when I talked), we were trying to pare down the list of cameras that fit the requirements for the avid genealogist with a lot of desire, some knowledge, and limited funds. We started off with the basic premise that we needed at least 2 megapixels, 3X zoom and closer than 20 centimeters macro, at a cost of no more than $1000.00, give or take a little. These are basic cut off points, and using these criteria, the list 349 cameras was reduced to 184. 184 cameras!! That's still a lot of cameras to sift through. And this issue we will start to sift through them. Previously, we had decided to break the camera list down into different classes, based on estimated price. Price is kind of ambiguous, in that the prices of cameras fluctuate on a daily basis. However, in the interest of getting something accomplished, we will use the prices that were published with the cameras when I added them to the list. This in many cases will be greatly different than the current price, depending on how popular the camera was/is, and how many cameras have been released since the camera in question was released, and on availability of the camera. The old "price vs. demand" really comes into play with cameras on the market today. Speaking of today, in the months of July and August, there have been 24 cameras released by the major manufacturers. Yes, we will evaluate the new cameras and add them to our list as we go. This series of articles will probably extend into October, and we will keep you apprised of the new cameras released during that time as well as we can. However, newly released cameras come with a "newly released price," which is not always a bad thing. Competition tends to drive the quality up, while driving the price down, so "new" cameras will be in direct contention with the "old" cameras, all of which are really new cameras. I know it sounds confusing, but this is the simplest part of choosing the camera we need. Now let's get back to the selection process. This is where it gets difficult for an "author" to make decisions. Some readers want a camera that you can take out of the bag, and shoot, without wondering or even caring what settings the camera has. For them the completely automatic camera is the most appealing. On the other hand, some readers are "gadgeteers" (those who think of themselves as real photographers) and want the ability to control all aspects of the camera and the photo. "Without manual controls, a camera is just a toy," is their mantra of experienced photographers. So, somehow we will try to address both ends of the spectrum, and keep an open mind to the arguments from both sides. Just for example, today's cameras offer many variations in the areas listed below: Format (body style); Price (street); Also known as (same camera released under another name; Camera body (camera body derived from a film camera); Release Status (availability); Max resolution; Min resolution; Image ratio width to height; Effective pixels/useable pixels; Sensor photo detectors/actual pixels; Sensor size; Sensor type; Color filter array; Sensor manufacturer, ISO settings; Zoom wide (W); Zoom telephoto (T); Digital zoom; Image stabilization; Auto Focus; Manual Focus; Auto focus type; Normal focus range; Macro focus range; White balance override; Aperture range; Minimum shutter speed; Maximum shutter speed; Built-in Flash; Flash guide number; External flash (hot-shoe); Flash modes; Focal length multiplier; Exposure compensation (EV); Metering modes; Aperture priority; Shutter priority; Manual exposure; Panorama mode; Scene modes; Picture effects; Slide Show feature; Upload pictures to camera option; Lens thread; Lens Protection; Continuous Drive; Movie Clips; Audio with movie and/or photo; Audio only; Remote control; Tripod mount; Self-timer; Time-lapse recording; Storage types; Microdrive compatibility; Built-in storage; Dual storage; Removable storage included; Uncompressed or RAW format; Compressed format; Compression quality levels; Startup time; Recycle (picture save) time; Viewfinder; LCD size; LCD pixels; Playback zoom; Video out; USB; Firewire (IEEE 1394); Serial; Battery Type; Battery charger; Weight (inc. batteries); Dimensions Wow! That's a lot to of variations, most of which camera shoppers seldom think about, or even need to think about. On the other hand, it's only the ones that I feel we need to think about as genealogists that we will address in future discussions. In an earlier issue, we used megapixels, zoom, price, and macro to eliminate 165 of the 349 cameras on our original list. So let's see if we can agree to eliminate another 100 or so, before we get into the arguments over some of the more obscure features. I will rate some of the camera variations on what I view as their value to genealogy as shown in the list at the end of this article. You may not agree with my evaluations, but that's all right, you can set your own evaluations, and apply them to the list of cameras and come up with the camera of your choice that will meet your needs. Many of today's cameras have "scene modes" for specific situations, i.e. sports, beach/snow, flowers, landscape, backlit scene, museum, copy, twilight, portrait, etc., etc., and so on, plus other fully-automatic settings for white balance, focus, ISO, exposure and flash. These are settings for the automatic advocate, and, 95% of the time, these settings will apply. That other 5% appeals to the manual override advocate. If a camera has manual settings, whatever automatic settings it has are not a hindrance to the manual person. And, likewise, if a camera has good automatic settings, the manual settings are not hindrance to the person wanting a fully automatic camera. So the best of both worlds is a camera with good automatic settings and good manual settings. Good auto settings amount to having enough auto settings to cover most situations. Outside and indoors is not enough, so we will eliminate any cameras that have poor or too few auto settings, if at the same time they have no manual settings. White balance is extremely important for genealogists working in libraries, cemeteries, and most places in between. The ability to match lighting colors and conditions is necessary, so we will look for white balance control. Likewise ISO settings (the ability to change the camera's sensitivity to the brightness of available light) are important, so we will look for variable ISO settings, or cameras that automatically adjust ISO more than one step (for the automatic people). A tripod mount is mandatory, but then all cameras in our group have tripod mounts. One of the top features on my list is either a rotating LCD screen, or a rotating lens. I am getting too old to get down on my knees to look at an LCD screen that just remains flush with the back of the camera and I'm not tall enough to see a non-rotating LCD screen when my camera is mounted on a copy stand. The preceding camera features don't look like much to make an important choice such as a camera on, but believe it or not, most cameras on the market today are feature packed and ready for both the auto and the manual user. Rating the features as I have said is a tough and personal process, so here are my ratings, after 3X+ zoom, 20cm or less macro, $1000.00 price, and 2+ megapixels have been applied to our camera list. White Balance Auto setting +6 Auto +4 settings or less +7 Auto +5 +8 Auto +6 +9 Auto +7 or more +10 ISO Single fixed ISO +5 Auto ISO +7 Adjustable ISO +10 Zoom 3X +6 3+ to 5X +8 5X or above +10 Macro 10-20cm +6 4-10cm +8 Less than 4cm +10 Lens/Back Fixed +7 Lens rotates +8 Back rotates +10 Auto/manual modes Less than 4 Scene modes +6 More than 4 Scene modes +8 Manual/auto/scene +10 Focus Auto +8 Auto/manual +10 Resolution (photo size) Fixed +6 Variable +10 External Flash Available +6 Threaded Lens Yes +6 Movie Clips Yes +4 With Sound +6 Sound Memo +5 Quality levels One +0 Two +5 More than two +10 Video out Yes +6 Battery Proprietary +0 Over-the-counter +2 I have rambled on enough for one issue, next issue we will apply my scoring to the cameras, and come up with lists for each price class so that we find something for every budget. If you have opinions on the value ratings for each function, please let me know. Until then, think digitally-Denny, -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Third Annual Arizona TMG Workshop The Sun Country TMG Users' Group will present its third annual Arizona TMG Workshop at the Holiday Inn Mesa Hotel & Suites on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10, 2004. This workshop will be led by Bob Velke, President and CEO of Wholly Genes Software, the makers of The Master Genealogist (TMG) Genealogy Software Program Seating is Limited to 150 Participants Reserve Your Place Today!!! Note: The past two workshops were filled quickly, so get your reservation in early. http://members.cox.net/tmgpaz/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Volunteers Needed to Test TREEFIC Philip Endecott of Cambridge, England is looking for volunteers to test-drive TREEFIC, a new online service that allows you to build an your family tree from any Web browser. Beginning and experienced genealogists with beginning to experience computer skills are invited to apply. When TREEFIC opens it will be a subscription-based system. Users will pay a small fee, probably collected annually, to record their genealogy on the site. As an incentive to join this test program, participants will receive a 25% discount on the regular price for the duration of their subscription. Volunteers are under no obligation to sign up for the service at the end of the test period. To learn more, visit the TREEFIC Web site at http://treefic.com/ -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Importance of Notes and Sources Although David Masenta and his pregnant wife Mgwanini Molomo Masenta will never have descendants, it's possible that their death, and marriage dates will one day be entered in relative's database and shared as a GEDCOM file. Without careful notes and sources, these dates have the potential of becoming a future genealogist's nightmare. To learn why, visit http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040827/od_nm/odd_saf rica_wedding_dc&e=2&ncid= Note: The above URL exceeds our line length and will need to be copy/pasted into your Web browser. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The Family History Library Saturday Patron Classes for September 2004 Here are the Saturday Family History Library classes for the month of September. * Saturday - 11 September Personal Ancestral File 5.2: Lesson 4: Printing Reports Main Floor at 10:00 a.m. * Saturday - 18 September English Estate and Manorial Land Records Main Floor at 10:00 a.m. * Saturday - 25 September Personal Ancestral File 5.2: Lesson 5: Sharing Files With GEDCOM Main Floor at 10:00 a.m. Please call 801-240-4950 to pre-register. "For a complete list of FHL classes, go to http://www.familysearch.org and choose 'opportunities for education'" Contributed by Max Wallace FHL Division Training Committee -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-: September Genealogical Events 8-11 September The Federation of Genealogical Societies, in conjunction with the Texas State Genealogical Society and the Austin Genealogical Society, will hold its annual conference, "Legends Live Forever: Researching the Past for Future Generations," at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. For more information, see http://www.fgs.org/. 9 September The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society will hold its September Meeting in the Lecture Hall at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Oakland Branch) on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 7 p.m. Pamela Seighman, Special Collections Librarian at the Coal and Coke Heritage Center on the Penn State University Fayette Campus in Uniontown, will present "Silver Cinders" - The Legacy of Coal & Coke in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Ms. Seighman will present a historical documentary on the birth and decline of this once powerful industry. This meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.wpgs.org. 11 September The Indiana Historical Society will host a "Paleography: Historical Script Workshop" instructed by Betty L. Warren on Saturday, September 11, 2004, 10 a.m. to Noon at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio Street. Students will learn the techniques used for reading and interpreting handwriting styles used in written records in English and/or other European-language documents from the 16th to 19th centuries. The cost to attend is $10; $5 IHS members. Registration deadline is September 3. Seating is limited. To register, please call (317) 232-1882 or (800) 447-1830. A registration brochure can be downloaded at http://indianahistory.org/pub_prog/genealogy/gen_programs.html. 17-18 September The Ozarks Genealogical Society will hold its 24th annual fall conference in Springfield, Missouri. The conference will feature Henry Z. Jones, Jr., who has presented lectures and seminars at both NGS and FGS conferences in a number of states. In addition, he is the author of numerous books and lectures on a variety of topics of interest for genealogical researchers. Mini-sessions, book vendors, lunch, and a source book are included in the registration. For more information, visit the OGS Web site: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ozarksgs; or send a SASE to OGS Conference Registrar, PO Box 3945, Springfield MO 65808-3945. 17-19 September The Texas State Hispanic Genealogy Conference will celebrate its 25th Anniversary, hosted by the Victoria Hispanic Genealogy and Historical Society of Texas in Victoria, Texas 17-19 September 2004. Speakers to include Professor Armando Alonzo, Ana Carolina Castillo Crimm, Joel Rene Escobar, Professor Isreal Cavasos-Garza, Michael Salinas, Dr. Andres Tijerina, and Homero S. Vera. For more information on the conference contact Sophia Wilson, President at or go to the Society Web site at http://www.tisd.net/~dcano/vhghost.htm 18 September The Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc. will host an all-day workshop with John T. Humphrey in the Program Room of the Gladys Harrington Library, 1501 18th Street, Plano, Texas. The topics will be "Reconstructing Families on the Colonial Frontier," "Researching Pennsylvania Ancestors," and "Researching German Ancestors: The Agony and The Ecstasy." For more information, go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~txgfpl/workshop.htm 25 September (new) A 'Meet Cousin Joe Workshop,' hosted by the Indiana Historical Society will be held on Saturday, 25 September 2004, 10 a.m. to Noon at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio Street. Margery Graham will help students follow a researcher's journey through numerous genealogy sources to tell a story and build character for an otherwise elusive ancestor. The cost to attend is $10; $5 IHS members. Registration deadline is September 17. Seating is limited. To register, please call (317) 232-1882 or (800) 447-1830. A registration brochure can be downloaded at http://indianahistory.org/pub_prog/genealogy/gen_programs.html 30 September to 2 October Clive (Polk County) Iowa: The Iowa Genealogical Society's 2004 Fall Conference will feature Cyndi Howells (Cyndi's List) and Leland Meitzler. For more information contact http://www.iowagenealogy.org/index.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Previous Issues of UpFront with NGS :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Did you miss an issue of UpFront with NGS? Previous issues are located at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/archives/ Searchable issues of UpFront with NGS are on Roots: http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl?list=NGS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Family Reunion Calendar :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: To add your family reunion to this calendar, please send an announcement to Planning your own family reunion? Read the popular book in the NGS Guide Series by Sandra McLean Clunies, CG: "A Family Affair" https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/BookStore/ShowProduct.cfm?PRODID=402 Additional reunion news, archived reunion announcements, and a list of reunion conferences, workshops and seminars are available at the Reunions Magazine Web site: http://www.reunionsmag.com For more reunion references see http://www.CyndisList.com/reunions.htm September 3-6, 2004 The descendants of Jared B. &Florence (Graves) HOAG and John & Catherine (Hergert) STEINMETZ will gather at the home of Bud & Clara (Hoag) LOUTHAN in Coldwater, Kansas on Labor Day weekend, Sept 3-6, 2004. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Clara at or 620-582-2850. September 10-12, 2004 A gathering of all people interested in the WHITESIDE(S)/WHITSIDE/WHITSETT, etc. families will be held in Vernon, Indiana at the home of Barbara Stone on September 10th through 12th. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Sandra Whiteside Trapp at September 10-12, 2004 The SACKETT Family Association will hold its 2004 Family Gathering on September 10-12 at the Holiday Inn - Downtown, 999 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT. Room reservations may be made by calling 1-800-465-4329. Be sure to mention the group code of SAC or The Sackett Family Association to get the special $55 per night rate. This rate has a time limit so reservations should be made as soon as possible. Sacketts of all spellings are cordially invited. For more details as well as the registration form, contact Liesa Robarge at or Nancy Cluff Siders at or visit the Web page at: http://www.geocities.com/sackettreunion/RegistrationFormVer8.doc September 17 - 19, 2004 KNAPWURST and KNAPWURST-DEHNE Family Reunion will be held in the Manitowoc-Sheboygan area of Wisconsin, September 17 - 19, 2004. There will be a buffet in Cleveland, Wisconsin, on Friday, Sept 17, 2004, at approx. 10 a.m. The buffet will be followed by a driving tour of the Knapwurst sites. Please e-mail ASAP if you want to join us and do not have your reservations in yet. All descendants and family of Heinrich Friedrich Ludwig KNAPWURST and Hanne Justine Charlotte LÜCKE who immigrated to this area from Germany in 1847are cordially invited. Come and meet your cousins and share your genealogy. For more information, contact Karen at September 23-26, 2004 The 3rd Annual Herrick Family Association will be held in Washington, DC at the Metro Center Marriott from September 23-26. Tours and research opportunities will be on Friday and Saturday at the National Archives, DAR Library and the Library of Congress. A reception will be on Friday night and the dinner/meeting will be on Saturday night with guest speakers. For additional information please contact Curt Herrick or Dale Yoe at or the association Web site http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~herrick/ September 24-25, 2004 The STANDRIDGE Family Historical Society will host a reunion of all Standridge families, Sept. 24 - 25, 2004, in Greenville, South Carolina. A military tombstone dedication for Revolutionary War veteran James Standridge (1755 - 1837) will be the highlight of the weekend. For more information and a sample copy of the family newsletter contact Russell P. Baker, , 6525 Magnolia Dr., Mabelvale, AR 72102. September 24 - 26, 2004 The John LIBBY Family Association will celebrate the LIBBY family's 100th Family Reunion in the John Libby Hall of the 1st Congregational Church, 161 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Maine. For more information, contact Rick Libby, , or visit the family Web site at http://www.libbyfamily.org October 1 - 3, 2004 (new) The annual DILLION ASHER HENDRICKSON Reunions will be held at Pine Mountain State Park Lodge, Pineville, Kentucky with a 'Pot Luck' Picnic on Saturday at the Cardinal Inn, Red Bird, Queendale, Clay County, Kentucky. For additional information about lodging and other events, e-mail Janene Carole Simpson at October 2-3, 2004 HICKLIN Reunion: Descendants of Arthur Hicklin (abt 1710-1785) and sons William, George, Arthur, John, or Hugh of Lancaster/Chester area of South Carolina are invited to attend a reunion on October 2-3 2004 in Chester, South Carolina. For more information, contact Jim Knox 1-803-548-3225. October 8 - 10, 2004 The LILES/LYLES reunion will be held 8-10 October 2004 in Feasterville, South Carolina (Fairfield County). Anyone who would like to receive a newsletter about this reunion should e-mail name, address, phone, e-mail address and ancestor to Frankie Liles, . October 8-11, 2004 The BOBO Family Association will hold its 2004 Reunion on 8-11 October at the Quality Inn & Suites, Arlington, Texas (Dallas-Ft. Worth area). All descendants of Gabriel BAUBEAU who emigrated to Virginia in October of 1700, are invited to attend. Cousins from more than 10 states are expected to attend. Bill HOCUTT, a BOBO descendant and author of Unk Hiram genealogical articles, will speak at the banquet. For additional information, contact: Charles H. (Chuck) BOBO, BFA Coordinator, 3101 Thurman Rd., No. H-22, Huntsville, AL 35805; E-Mail: ; Web site: http://www.familybobo.org. October 9 - 10, 2004 The Breeze Family Reunion will be held October 9-10, 2004 at Irvington Community Building, Irvington Illinois. Contact Mona Bierman for more information at 618-532-0715 or write to her at 304 S. Perrine Avenue, Centralia, IL 62801 October 9 -10, 2004, Calling all Red Bird Mission School Friends and Students! The Red Bird School Alumni Association of Beverly, Kentucky will hold a Homecoming on October 9th -10th. This is a great time to renew friendships and remembering times spent at Red Bird School. For more information, visit the Web Site at http://rbsaa.rbmission.org October 15-16, 2004 The SUFFRIDGE Family Reunion will be held October 15-16, 2004, at the Blackman Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 1353 Brinkley Road, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128. All Suffridge, Selfridge, Sulfridge, Suffrage, etc. and associated families are welcomed. Lynda Childers Suffridge, NGS Life member and former NGS Board member, will be the featured speaker on Saturday, October 16 at 11 a.m. speaking on "Where Our Ancestors Lived." For further information and pre-registration please visit our Web site at http://www.blackmanchurch.org/reunion.htm or contact Todd Tarkington at October 15-17, 2004 The RYKER-RIKER Historical Society, Inc., will hold its Biannual Reunion on 15-17 October 2004, at Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, IN. Information and reservations are available from Jack Gotte at 7406 Spring Village Dr. #517, Springfield, VA 22150, Ph (703) 451-4337 e-mail . October 16-17, 2004 The AMES Society holds an Ames/Eames Reunion at the Radisson Hotel in Brockton MA. All Ames/Eames descendants are invited; pre-registration is recommended. For more information, contact Stafford-Ames Morse, 12522 Corliss Ave N., Seattle WA 98133 or visit http://www.amessociety.org/. October 22-23, 2004 The MORSE Society holds a Morse/Moss Open House and Reunion at the Merry Manor Inn in Portland, ME. All Morse, Mors, Morss, and Moss descendants are invited; pre-registration is recommended. For more information, please contact Kathie Halvey, 3 Poplar Rd, Beacon NY 12508-1552 or visit http://www.morsesociety.org/. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: To submit an article, a helpful tip or news for publication, please send e-mail to: Co-Editors: Carla and Dennis Ridenour, or -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Send a NEW e-mail message to: Type only one word in the body: subscribe ---or--- Type only one word in the body: unsubscribe For technical help regarding the list, including how to subscribe or unsubscribe, contact: UpFront with NGS, List Administrator Cyndi Howells, -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Contact Information :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: National Genealogical Society 4527 17th Street North Arlington, Virginia 22207-2399 Phone: (703) 525-0050 or (800) 473-0060 Fax: (703) 525-0052 E-mail: http://www.NGSgenealogy.org Membership http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/member.htm Conferences http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/conf.htm Learning Center http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/edu.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This thread:

UpFront, Vol. 3, No. 17, 01 September 2004 by "" <>