Illinois State Genealogical Society 40 Years of Discovery - Portals to the Future October 18, 2008 We are celebrating our 40th anniversary with: Great Speakers • Great Topics • Sign Up Today! • The Web, the World and You - D. Joshua Taylor • Online Resources for Colonial America - D. Joshua Taylor • Automated Search Tools – Beau Sharbrough • Footnote – Beau Sharbrough • City Smarts: Finding Your Ancestors in the Big Maze – Lou Szucs • A Dozen Ways to Jumpstart Your Family History Project – Lou Szucs • The Digital Revolution: The FamilySearch Vision - Susan Anderson • Restoring Documents with a Computer - Eric Basir • DAR and Technology - Kathy Carey Register online using Paypal or print a registration form: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilsgs/ Any questions: isgsconference@sbcglobal.net

The June meeting of the Sun Country TMG Users' Group will be Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. until noon at the West Walley Genealogical Society Library, 12222 North 111th Ave., Youngtown AZ. This month's topic is filters and will include discussion of focus groups. Barbara Shroyer Secretary

Hello readers The next meeting of the Oxfordshire Family History Society will be a computer meeting to be held on Monday 2 June 2008 at Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1AB. The doors will open at 7.15pm. The meeting will start at around 7.30pm. It will feature a presentation by Peter Beavan entitled "From Balaklava to Bangalore - a computer search of the history of a 19th century family". The talk will demonstrate how Mr Beavan researched his family history using a selection of both well-known and obscure online sources. All members, potential members and their guests are welcome. Admission and car parking are totally free. For directions how to get there, please see :- _http://www.ofhs.org.uk/ExeterHall.html_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/ExeterHall.html) For a list of future meetings of Oxfordshire FHS, please see :- _http://www.ofhs.org.uk/meetings.html_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/meetings.html) Any queries, please contact me off-list. Paul Gaskell Publicity Officer Oxfordshire Family History Society Web : _www.ofhs.org.uk_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/)

There is a chance for people to trace their family tree at the Central England Family History Fair, which is at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on Saturday May 24th 10am-5pm Admission £2(accompanied children free) This annual family history fair attracts people from all over the country seeking more knowledge about their family history. Whether a complete beginner or an experienced researcher, there will be something for everyone at the family history fair There is help and advice on tracing your family tree from the Derbyshire Family History Society. Other family history societies at the fair include Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, as well as other counties. Other stalls present at the fair include specialist groups, computer software, charts, books, postcards, in fact everything to help with tracing ones family history. www.familyhistoryfairs.com

Readers On Monday evening, those who attended the Oxfordshire FHS meeting were privileged to hear Anthony Adolph present a talk entitled "Jermynology : how genealogy can change history". This was the story of Henry Jermyn, Earl of St Albans, the possible real father of Charles II, and of how Mr Adolph's research into Jermyn's life caused him to start doubting the traditionally-held views of Charles II's paternity. This led to our speaker writing a splendid book entitled "Full of Soup and Gold : the Life of Henry Jermyn". Those who are interested in the subject but missed the meeting should note that :- 1. Mr Adolph's website at _www.anthonyadolph.co.uk_ (http://www.anthonyadolph.co.uk/) has a detailed section about Jermyn and the writing of the book. This includes more about Jermyn's story, and the images with which our speaker illustrated Monday's talk. 2. a "podcast" of the talk can be downloaded from _http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/rss/podcasts.xml_ (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/rss/podcasts.xml) and listened to via your PCs speakers, MP3 player or iPod. This is not Monday's presentation, but a talk given by Mr Adolph on the same subject on a previous occasion. Hence, those who missed out can now listen to the talk, read more about it and look at the pictures. Enjoy ! Paul Gaskell Programme Secretary Oxfordshire Family History Society Website : _www.ofhs.org.uk_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/)

FREE . . . FREE . . . FREE . . . FREE HANDS-ON GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH WORKSHOP Saturday morning June 7, 2008, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ora McMullen Genealogy Room, Kurth Memorial Library, 706 S. Raguet Street, Lufkin, Texas Sponsored by Angelina County Genealogical Society in cooperation with Kurth Memorial Library Staff Get free individual help and consult experienced genealogical researchers about your genealogy research problems from the membership of the Angelina County Genealogy Society. Informal atmosphere, no formal presentations. Come for an hour or two or stay the entire time to do your own research or to help others. Call the library to sign up at 1-936-630-0563 later this week when the library phones are working again. Phone outage due to lightening strike in area near the library last week. Only paper and pencils are allowed in the research area. No food, drinks, or smoking. Ladies should wear clothing with pockets and/or a small "fanny pack" for the essentials of keys, wallets, ID's, change for copy machine (takes quarters), etc. as locker space is very limited. New beginning researchers are especially welcome to attend. If the June research event is successful, another one will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Vivian Cates, Alto, Texas, Workshop committee member

REMINDER British Isles Family History Society--USA On Sunday, 25 May 2008, 1:00-3:00 p.m., the British Isles Family History Society–USA will present “British Naming Patterns, Fact or Fiction” presented by Ivan Johnson, who will share his research findings in Lincolnshire and Northhamptonshire, and explain how his knowledge of naming patterns helped him. He was born in rural Lincolnshire, England and has done English genealogical research for many years, and is the current president of BIFHS–USA. >From 3:30-4:30, Jim McNamara will lead the Irish Study Group on the topic, “Administrative Divisions in Ireland: What You Need to Know to Use Irish Records Sources.” Jim, who is the former BIFHS-USA newsletter editor and frequent contributor to the society’s journal, has made several research trips to Ireland. Join us at the Los Angeles Family History Center, 10741 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. (From Santa Monica Blvd., turn north on Manning and left on Eastborne Ave. Follow road and find library on the left.). Admittance is free and there is plenty of parking. For more information, see www.bifhsusa.org.

The French & Canadian Heritage Society of Central Florida, a sub-group of Genealogical Society of South Brevard, invites you to attend a seminar on "Search Engines- My Secret Weapon is Google". It will be held on Monday May 19th at 9:30AM in the Melbourne Public Library on Fee Avenue. For more information please contact Anne at petact@cfl.rr.com. ************** Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

The Family History Expo Mesa, Arizona 2008 November 14th-15th, 2008 - Mesa, Arizona WHERE: Mesa Convention Center 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona WHEN: 8 am to 6 pm ~ November 14th-15th, 2008 (Check-in and at the door registration begins at 7 AM on Friday November 14, 2008.) THEME: Cyberexchange 101: Learn the tech to trace your roots 20 jam-packed hours of genealogy! My Ancestors Found, a local Utah business, has pinpointed Mesa, Arizona as the place to be November 14th-15th, 2008. Family history and genealogy enthusiasts will be gathering at the Mesa Convention Center and will not be disappointed with the more than 100 classes being offered to help you jump start the process. The great thing about this is you don't even have to have Arizona roots. Don't Delay Sign Up Today! Pre-register online at www.MyAncestorsFound.com <http://www.myancestorsfound.com/> , by phone at 801.829.3295, or send a check to: My Ancestors Found; PO Box 187; Morgan, UT 84050. Questions? Email: kimberly@myancestorsfound.com or call Holly at 866.701.5071 ________________________________________________________________________ Family History Library Research Retreat with Professional Assistance - November 2008 October 27th-November 1st, 2008 - Salt Lake City, Utah Plaza Hotel with daily research in the adjacent Family History Library in Salt Lake City. 5 days of research assistance for only $399.00. Don't miss a unique opportunity to explore the world's largest Family History Library in the company of other researchers (soon-to-be friends) and caring professionals who want to help you connect with your ancestors. Imagine taking classes that fit your needs and having a real, professional genealogist sitting beside you in one-on-one sessions so you can finally do the kind of research you've been dreaming of. Well, now is the time! Five floors full of microfilm, microfiche, biographies, periodicals, and digital files can seem overwhelming, but not after you're given the grand tour, the specialized classes, and have been guided in where to go and what to do with your research by folks who know and love the FHL. Here are some of the things that make this retreat so enjoyable and effective: * Tour of historic Temple Square - Utah's most visited attraction. * Icebreaker social. * Individualized, professional classes, guided tours and getting to know the international Family History Library system and catalogue, inside and out. * Daily research time at the Family History Library (Tues. - Sat.). * Seasoned professionals available eight hours a day to work with you in one-on-one sessions to guide you in your research. * Assistance throughout the day to help you stay on track and make your projects do-able and exciting. * Complimentary Capture the Memories interview book. * Fun, new friends who love genealogy like you do! (Travel, lodging, and eating expenses are not included). Pre-register online at www.MyAncestorsFound.com <http://www.myancestorsfound.com/> , by phone at 801.829.3295, or send a check to: My Ancestors Found; PO Box 187; Morgan, UT 84050. Questions? Email: kimberly@myancestorsfound.com or call Holly at 866.701.5071 Don't Delay Sign Up Today! _______________________________________________________________________ The 5th Annual Family History Expo St. George, Utah 2009 February 27-28, 2009 - St. George, Utah WHERE: Dixie Convention Center-1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT WHEN: 8 am to 6 pm ~ February 27-28, 2009 THEME: Family History for Fun and Profit 20 jam-packed hours of genealogy! My Ancestors Found, a local Utah business, has pinpointed St. George, Utah as the place to be February 27-28, 2009. Family history and genealogy enthusiasts will be gathering at the Dixie Convention Center and will not be disappointed with the more than 100 classes being offered to help you jump start the process. The great thing about this is you don't even have to have Utah roots. Don't Delay Sign Up Today! Pre-register online at www.MyAncestorsFound.com <http://www.myancestorsfound.com/> , by phone at 801.829.3295, or send a check to: My Ancestors Found; PO Box 187; Morgan, UT 84050. Questions? Email: kimberly@myancestorsfound.com or call Holly at 866.701.5071 Best Regards, Kimberly A. Savage, BS Vice President - My Ancestors Found PO Box 187 Morgan, UT 84050 Visit www.myancestorsfound.com <http://www.myancestorsfound.com/> for further information 801.829.3295 Copyright C 2008 My Ancestors Found

The Computer Genealogy Society of San Diego meets Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 9:00 am to noon. Michael Kratzer presents “Discovering Genealogical Treasures in Attics, Yard Sales, Swap Meets, and Internet Auctions.” Look to these unexpected places to find ancestral heirlooms, memorabilia, books, photographs and more that can enrich your personal family history. Michael volunteers at the Family History Center in Huntington Beach. User groups for Family Tree Maker, Macintosh, and Roots Magic begin at 9:00 followed by the main presentation at 10:30. Meeting held at Robinson Auditorium complex on the campus of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) off Pangea Drive. See www.cgssd.org for more information. Linda Hervig

It looks as if the Jersey City Cemetery has indeed been abandoned. Please see the attached article concerning the current state of the cemetery. It is important that anyone with family in the cemetery contact me as soon as possible as you can be viewed as the heirs of the plot holders and participate in the election of the new board. http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1210573509209920.xml&coll=3 Bob Murgittroyd PS-See more info at www.hudsoncountynjgenealogy.org

Dear Genealogist: On Tuesday, May 20, 2008 the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society (MVGS) will meet in room 112 of the Hollin Hall Senior Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The meeting will start at 1:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The meeting will feature a presentation entitled "Anatomy of a Union Soldier's Civil War Pension File." The program will be presented by Claire Prechtel-Kluskens. The U.S. Government only paid pensions to Federal troops. Individuals who fought for the South received a pension from the state in which they resided after the Civil War. However, the National Archives does have a number of records regarding soldiers who fought for the South. These include the compiled military service records, Casualty records, information on individuals who died in Federal prisions and a considerable amount of documents on appointments of military personnel. This lecture will show the types of documents found in typical Civil War pension files and discuss their usefulness in genealogical research. The National Archives has over two million pension files relating to Union Civil War soldiers and sailors--and their widows and minor children. While each file is unique, they all share common elements. Anatomy of Civil War Pension Files will show and discuss the types of records and information found in these files. What if you don't have an ancestor that fought in the war or who never applied for a pension? Researchers may still find useful information in the pension files of the ancestor's siblings, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, employers, co-workers, or comrades-in-arms. Claire Kluskens has been an archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC, since 1992, and has been a genealogical researcher since 1976. At NARA she is a genealogical microfilm projects archivist specializing in census, immigration, and other records. She lectures and writes frequently on many family history research topics. The Hollin Hall Senior Center is located 4 miles south of Alexandria just off Fort Hunt Road at 1500 Shenandoah Road in Alexandria, Virginia. Harold McClendon Mount Vernon Genealogical Society Publicity Chairman

Connecticut Ancestry Society, Inc. Annual Meeting & Seminar "The Settlement of the Oblong" How the boundary between New York and Connecticut was determined with Harlan Jessup at the Keeler Tavern Museum on Sunday, May 18, 2008 beginning at 2:00 PM Everyone Invited & Welcome Free, but RSVP requested Sponsored and refreshments provided by Ridgefield Historical Society & The Keeler Tavern Museum Following a brief 15-minute annual business meeting, "Connecticut Ancestry" editor, Harlan Jessup, will uncover some of the mystery surrounding the settlement of the Oblong. Who settled this narrow strip of "Equivalent Lands" which compensated New York for that part of Fairfield County which projects toward the Hudson River? North and South Salem were settled largely by Ridgefield families, but further north there were only squatters who had no clear title to the lands. And not all the legitimate settlers came directly from Connecticut. The Keeler Tavern Museum is located at 132 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut. Please RSVP with the number of attendees to the Ridgefield Historical Society at (203) 438-5821 or ridgefieldhistory@sbcglobal.net Visit us at http://www.connecticutancestry.org for more details. Also, check out an Irish Genealogical Workshop being held at the Bridgeport (CT) Public Library on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 10:30am. Details at http://www.connecticutancestry.org

All The next meeting of the Oxfordshire Family History Society will take place on Monday 19 May 2008 - that's a week earlier than normal due to the following week's Bank Holiday - at the usual venue at Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1AB. Doors open at 7.15pm for coffee, help with both genealogy and computers, and the bookstall, CD sales, exchange journals and the library. The subject of the talk is "Jermynology : how genealogy can change history", and this will be presented by Anthony Adolph. It is the story of Henry Jermyn, Earl of St Albans, the possible real father of Charles II, and of how Mr Adolph's research into Jermyn's life caused him to start doubting the traditionally-held views of Charles II's paternity. This led to our speaker writing a splendid book entitled "Full of Soup and Gold : the Life of Henry Jermyn". And there is an Oxford connection too, as Jermyn lived in Oxford during the Civil War ! Our speaker Anthony Adolph is a professional genealogist, writer and broadcaster, author of Collins' "Tracing Your Family History" and numerous books Scottish, Irish and House history. His broadcasting credits include Channel 4's "Extraordinary Ancestors" and Radio 4's "Meet the Descendants". Mr Adolph has a splendid website at _www.anthonyadolph.co.uk_ (http://www.anthonyadolph.co.uk/) , which has a detailed section about Jermyn and the writing of the book. All members, potential members and their guests are welcome. For directions as to how to get to the Exeter Hall, please see :- _http://www.ofhs.org.uk/ExeterHall.html_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/ExeterHall.html) For a list of future OFHS meetings, please see :- _http://www.ofhs.org.uk/meetings.html_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/meetings.html) Any queries, please contact me off-list. Paul Gaskell Publicity Officer Oxfordshire Family History Society Web : _www.ofhs.org.uk_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk/)

Mt. Elliott / Polish Heritage - May 26, 2008 You are cordially invited to attend a Polish Heritage Event on May 26, 2008. We'll began at Mount Elliott Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan with the solemn Firemen's Fund Parade followed by the Memorial Day Mass. We will honor pioneer Pole Piotr Wojtkowiak with the blessing of his new tombstone. There is no charge to attend the cemetery ceremonies. The day will wrap up with a Polish lunch in Hamtramck and a lecture on how to research Polish genealogy featuring the Wojtkowiak line. Online registration allows you to RSVP for the event and pay for the lunch/lecture. Tickets must be paid for in advance. Additional information: http://remembering.eventbrite.com and http://www.mipolonia.net/id84.html Ceil Wendt Jensen Author of Detroit's Mount Elliott Cemetery (Arcadia Publishing, 2006)

Westchester County Genealogical Society (NY) Upcoming Meeting The next meeting to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of WCGS is this coming Saturday. MEETING INFO: TOPIC: The Story of Sybil Ludington SPEAKER: Vincent D’Aquino Vincent D’Aquino will tell The Story of Sybil Ludington: American Revolutionary War Hero—the Female Paul Revere. Vincent Dacquino is the author of several books on Hudson Valley and Sybil Ludington. He most recently addressed teachers at the 2006 Westchester Council Social Studies Annual Conference. Mr. Dacquino has been a teacher in Westchester County for over 30 years and is recently retired as the director of the BEPT Teacher Center. Dacquino is now dedicating his time to his writing and lecturing. Who is Syblie Ludington? As a 16 year old, Sybil Ludington earned a place in American History on a rainy night in 1777 when she rode 40 miles through enemy infested woods to summon her father’s regiment to halt a British raid on Connecticut and New York. Come and hear more about how a young girl advance the cause. WHEN: Saturday, MAY 10, 2008 @ 10 a.m. WHERE: Aldersgate Methodist Church, 600 Broadway in Dobbs Ferry (across from Mercy College on route 9) For information about Westchester County Genealogical Society (Westchester Connection or Surname List), visit WCGS home page -- _http://www.rootsweb.com/~nywcgs/_ (http://www.rootsweb.com/~nywcgs/) RESERVED THESE DATES FOR WCGS Future Meetings June 14, 2008 An Object of Great Importance: The Hudson River during the American War for Independence Christopher DiPasquale **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

The East Texas Genealogical Society will hold its regular monthly meeting on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Tyler Public Library in the Taylor Auditorium. The featured speaker will be Pat Gordon. Ms. Gordon, a professional writer, journalism teacher, and former newspaper reporter, will present a program titled “Genealogists Guide to Open Records.” The program will be a primer on open records – both federal and state – and provide genealogists with the information they need to know about which records are open and which ones are closed and how to gain access to the records. Ms. Gordon believes that knowing your rights is often the first step in gaining access to public records needed in your research. As a journalist Pat often used open records to find information for her stories, and when she began her family research about fifteen years ago, she discovered that what she did as a journalist was similar to what she needed to do as a genealogist. Pat Gordon holds a master’s degree in journalism from Texas Christian University and is a former newspaper reporter who now teaches journalism at a Fort Worth area university. She is a freelance writer and is involved in working on her family history as well as a county history. As a fifth-generation Texan, Pat likes to place her ancestors in the social setting in which they lived. Much of her research is done in newspapers and university archives, and she will be sharing how to find and obtain access to the records we need in our research. Pat has served two terms as president of the Fort Worth Genealogical Society and one term as vice president and editor of their monthly newsletter. She joined the Angelina College genealogy lecture staff in 2002 (http://www.angelina.edu/genealogy/htm) and continues to lecture at their annual conferences each July. Approximately thirty minutes following the conclusion of the regular program and refreshments, the Computer Interest Group of the East Texas Genealogical Society will meet with Steve Pope who will present a program on “Internet Security.” ETGS meetings are free and open to the public. For more information about ETGS go to our web-site: www.etgs.org or contact June Everheart, Publicity Director at Everheart@suddenlink.net or (903)877-4501.

The May meeting of the Sun Country TMG Users' Group will be Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. until noon at the West Walley Genealogical Society Library, 12222 North 111th Ave., Youngtown AZ. This month's topic is the TMG slide show. Visitors are welcome! Barbara Shroyer Secretary

The tour of Historic Elmwood Cemetery will take place on Saturday, 10 May 2008. The previously posted date of 8 May was a typo. I apologize for any inconvenience. Peggy Youngs

There are three events outlined in this posting. *The next meeting of the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan will be on 8 May 2008. HOWEVER, this is not a formal meeting. Instead, WEATHER PERMITTING, we will have a tour of Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. This tour will start at 10:00 a.m. Please dress appropriately. Elmwood Historic Cemetery is located at 1200 Elmwood Ave., Detroit, Michigan. For more information please point your browser to http://elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/index.html . A map indicating the location of the cemetery can be found by clicking on the "Contact Us" link on the website. *Saturday, 19 July 2008 is the French and Ste-Anne Alumni Novena at Ste-Anne-de-Detroit. The Mass starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be in French and English. A reception will follow. For more information and a map to the church, please point your browser to http://ste-anne.org/ *The next formal meeting of the society will be held on 13 September 2008 at the Mount Clemens Public Library. We will be holding our annual pot luck at this time. Our speaker will be Sara Chapman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at Oakland University. The topic will be "Detroit in the French Regime". We look forward to seeing everyone at these events. Peggy Youngs