Genea Gifts- Ideas for Your Christmas List

Thanksgiving.  My mother still cooks dinner for the entire family and it’s delicious.   We have two traditions in our family.  Everyone goes around the table and says what they are thankful for that year.  The other is that before you can sit down to eat, you must present your Christmas list in triplicate to the other family members.  If you didn’t bring one (well really three), you sit at her computer and write one before you eat!  I’ve worked on my list, cuz I don’t want to miss turkey dinner.

Thinking along the lines of Christmas gifts, I thought of the many genea-gifts I’ve received and enjoyed.  Maybe something will spark an idea for you to put on your list this year.  Here’s a list of my favorite gifts in no particular order:

Flip-pal scanner. If you have thought about getting a scanner, this is the one I use.  When I’m visiting relatives, I can take it out and use it without disturbing the conversation.  Similar to knitting, but genealogy knitting. 

Do you already have a flip pal? Maybe some of the Flip-pal accessories would be nice. I like the Carry case, the sketch kit, an SDHC card and don’t forget extra AA batteries. Or maybe a rechargeable battery kit. Link: http://flip-pal.com/product-category/accessories-2/

 The I Want 1890 Back mug. I get questions about it all the time and it leads people into conversations about family history. Link: http://www.cafepress.com/mf/20256722/1890-census_mugsutm_medium=cpc&utm_term=143242153&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=sem-cpc-product-ads&utm_content=search-pla&productId=143242153

Over the years, I’ve gotten the newest version of my data program.  In my case it is Family Tree Maker.  But there are others.

My husband and son surprised me with business cards.  Love them!  They designed and ordered them from Vistaprint but there are other places.

 

Brightly color flash drives.  I volunteer at a library.  Do you know how many plain black flash drives we find?  This way, I can locate mine easily if lost.  No one else seems to have a pink polka dot flash drive, which were bought at Target.

Wireless mouse for my laptop.

I like three magazines Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy and Family Tree magazine.  When I don’t have a subscription gift, I read them at the library.

 

Charm – isn’t it adorable.  This one is no longer available, but I saw this one which is similar pictured below at etsy.com  Link:https://www.etsy.com/shop/12StarsJewelry?ref=related-shop-9&ga_search_query=genealogy+charm&ga_ref=shop_search&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Norman Rockwell “Family Tree” poster Originally published in 1959, I have had this poster for close to 20 years and I still see it is popular.  Mine hangs in my office. You can buy it framed or unframed.  Link: http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Family-Tree-October-24-1959-Posters_i7553180_.htm

 Martha Stewart’s popular tree poster.  I’ve had several updates to my first one.  You might want to include an erasable pen too. Sadly Martha Stewart no longer sells these charts, but someone made a template that you can use for free.  It is meant for a 20 x 28 inch frame.  Take your tree to a printer to be made into a poster. Link: http://www.csh.rit.edu/~thfemale/family_tree.jpg  Check around, there are many other charts you can make to fit your style.  Here's Martha's:

Brother PT label maker – can’t live without it. I label files, file cabinets, bins, and even flash drives.  For those that already have a label maker, you can never have enough label tape.

Books  For general reference, I like anything by Emily Anne Croom or W. Daniel Quillen, but there are many others.  That’s an entirely different list.

T-shirts.  There are several places, but Fun Stuff for Genealogist, Inc has lots to choose from. http://www.funstuffforgenealogists.com/store/contents/en-us/d1.html

Every year my husband buys me random office supplies.  My children laugh at these, but I like his surprise choices. These include copier paper, printer ink, file folders and a couple of other things such as index labels, label holders, three ring archival sheet protectors, sticky notes, including those that help in citing sources.

I receive no compensation for any of the items listed here.  These are my own preferences. I hope you find something on my list that you will like.  If you have a favorite gift, please let me know!

Happy holidays!

December Genealogy Presentations in the Northwest Suburbs and Most are Free

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian.  The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.  See the library websites for more information and the Palatine Public Library holds a group on the second Thursday of the month at various times.  Check the websites for more details.

By mid month in December, there are fewer presentations, but I've included a few that will be held in January, after the holidays.  If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

Happy Holidays!

December 2 7:00-8:30 PM

DNA for Genealogy by Jeffrey Basset
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events/

December 5 9:30-11 AM
Finding Ancestors Online
Arlington Heights Public Library
http://www.ahml.info/

December 7 3:00 PM
Going Beyond the Begats by Sarah Kirby
Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilgfe/

December 9 7:30 PM
Break Out/Small Work Groups (No Speaker)
Ethnic Interest/Beginners Table/Tips to Create Family History Book Tables
Schaumburg Township District Library
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

December 9 7:00-8:30 PM
Swab Your Cheek: Make the Most of DNA Kinship Results by Marsha Peterson-Maass
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

December 10
Swedish Genealogy – 90 minutes of 1 on 1 help by appointment
Held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/genealogy_appointments

December 17 7:00-8:30 PM
Using Access Newspaper Archive
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

January 3, 2015  10:00 AM
Preparing to Publish Your Family Book by Regina Yuill
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwscg.com/

January 10 1:00 PM
Who Will Look At Your Genealogical Collection? by Laura Cosgrove Lorenzana
Northbrook Historical Society
http://nsgsil.org

January 12 6:30 PM
Finding Your Roots Online – Computer Class
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

 

 

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite Blogs this Month)

I admit, I love reading genealogy blogs...daily. AND...I keep a list of my favorites. Each month, I am happy to share my favorites with you. I'll be calling them my monthly mentions. I hope you enjoy them too. Blogs I've liked in the past month are:

A visit to the DAR library with photos.  This library is on my to-to list. Good news! They have recently waived the $6 entrance fee. http://onerhodeislandfamily.com/category/dar-library/

Are you watching Henry Gates on PBS?  I’m hooked every Tuesday night.  Here’s an interview with this interesting man. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-finding-roots-henry-louis-gates-jr-20141019-story.html#page=2

Every cloud has a silver lining is the saying.  Genealogical brickwalls also have their own version of a silver lining.  Read about it here: http://ancestralbreezes.blogspot.com/2014/11/joys-of-brickwall.html

Here is a story about two of the most unusual gravestones, chosen by one man for each of his wives.http://genealogyblog.geneanet.org/index.php/post/2014/11/The-Puzzle-Tombstone-of-Henrietta-and-Susanna-Bean-in-Rushes-Cemetery-near-Crosshill-Wellesley-Township-Ontario-Canada.html

I love watching webinars.  The Illinois State Genealogical Society announced their 2015 monthly webinar presentations and they are free! http://ilgensoc.blogspot.com/2014/11/illinois-state-genealogical-society.html

 A list of funny things that people do when they have Genealogical OCD and links to other lists. I’ve done many of them myself. http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/11/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-signs-you.html

It’s time to start thinking of gift ideas for the holidays.  Here is a list of 50 genea-gifts ideas. http://onerhodeislandfamily.com/2014/11/09/50-gifts-for-genealogists-2014/

How could I not include some interesting facts about French probate rules.? http://french-genealogy.typepad.com/genealogie/2014/11/probate-genealogy-in-france.html  If you are researching French genealogy, this blog regularly gives great information.

Judy Russell has so many good thoughtful blogs.  Here’s one on plagiarism…or is it just sharing?  http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2014/11/04/its-not-sharing/

Why genealogy is a popular hobby?   Could it be the forgotten but surprisingly “black sheep” stories we find:
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324734904578241822679163276

Do you have a favorite blog?  Let us know about  it!

 

 

Chicago Northwest Suburban November Genealogical Events (and Most are Free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks. Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library. If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $). Check the website listed for more information.
If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian. The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM. and the Palatine Public Library holds a group on the second Thursday of the month at various times. See the library websites for more information on these meetings. For more information about the presentations below, you may check the websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

November 1, 9:00 AM
Why My Austro-Hungarian Ancestors were Neither Austrian nor Hungarian
by Paul Valasek
Arlington Heights Senior Center
nwsgenealogy.org

November 5, 7:00 PM
Beyond Ancestry: More Resources for Genealogical Research by Anne Shaughnessy
Mount Prospect Public Library
http://mppl.org/calendar/

November 6, 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/

November 8, 10:00 AM
Hanover Military Records by Teresa McMillan
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/

November 9, 12:00-2:00 PM
Free Polish, Russian and German Translations - 15 minute appointments
Polish Genealogical Society of America at Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/genealogy_appointments

November 9, 2:00 PM

Kosciuszko Squadron in World War II by James S. Pula
Polish Genealogical Society of America at Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.pgsa.org, http://www.ahml.info/attend/events/all/2014-11

November 11, 7:30 PM

Swab Your Cheek: Make the Most of DNA Kinship Results by Marsha Peterson-Maass
Schaumburg Township District Library
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

November 12
Swedish Genealogy – 90 minutes of 1 on 1 help by appointment
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/genealogy_appointments

November 12, 7:00 PM

From Seeds to Tree by Jacquie Schattner
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

November 13, 7:00-8:00 PM

Finding Chicago Ancestors by Grace Dumelle
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

November 17, 6:30-8:00 PM

Using Ancestry Library Edition
Palatine Public Library, Palatine
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

December 2, 7:00-8:30 PM

DNA for Genealogy by Jeffrey Bassett
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite Blogs this Month)

I admit, I love reading genealogy blogs...daily.  AND...I keep a list of my favorites.  Each month, I am happy to share my favorites with you.  I'll be calling them my monthly mentions.  I hope you enjoy them too.  Blogs I've liked in the past month are:

Why do you love genealogy? Over 40 responses. http://blog.genealogybank.com/why-do-you-love-genealogy.html

A sweet story about a mother who “retires” from genealogy. http://nutsfromthefamilytree.blogspot.com/2014/08/mom-has-officially-retired-from-active.html

Another very funny blog post from Kerry Scott of Clue Wagon fame. http://www.cluewagon.com/2014/08/ancestor-hate-mail/

So you want to write your family stories, but can’t find the time? Here are some good ideas. http://ambernagle.com/2014/08/finding-time-to-write/

There have been many articles about WWI recently. This is a poignant letter by an army father, sent to his sons to be opened if he did not survive the Great War. Its sentiments could be felt and written by many fathers who went to war. http://chrispaynebooks.com/blog/remembrance-charlie-paynes-letter-to-my-darling-boys-23-august-1917/

 17 Genealogical Things to Do if You Only Have a Few Minutes, not much more to say. http://blog.familytreemagazine.com/insider/2014/09/10/17GenealogyThingsToDoIfYouHaveOnlyAFewMinutes.aspx

Have you been looking in Illinois for an elusive marriage record? Maybe you should try Indiana or Iowa where the requirements for marriage were more flexible. These easy marriage areas are called often Gretna Greens after the infamous Scottish town. http://www.sassyjanegenealogy.com/gretna-green-and-marriage-records/

This is not a blog but a website where you can find museums in any area by putting in the zipcode. If you are looking for historical societies, you can narrow the search. Great way to find those hidden records when you are planning a visit. http://museums.hackingthehumanities.org/

An interesting blog on citing sources. No, not your normal take on the subject, http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-challenge-of-sources.html

The name of this blog, Ten Tips to Revive and Refocus Your Family History Research, says it all. http://www.thearmchairgenealogist.com/2014/08/10-tips-to-revive-and-refocus-your.html

When it comes to “nonpaternity” events in our family trees, we usually won’t know the “why” of what happened. Here are some thoughts about the subject to ponder. http://www.cluewagon.com/2014/09/dna-non-paternity-event/

 

Do you have a blog you enjoy?  Please let me know about it.

 

Football and Genealogy

As we do on many Sundays, my husband and I were watching football.  He is Buffalo Bills fan, I am a Bears fan.  This time, I admit, I’m semi-watching, and poking around on my computer at the same time.  Fred LOVES sports.  And because of that, I gladly get caught up in everything he’s watching or reading.  Our conversations are something like this (when we saw a Payton Manning/Denver Broncos win)

Husband:  Did you see that Archie is at the game?

Me: Yes (and inside a little proud that I know he’s referring to Payton’s father.)  Was Archie a quarterback too?  (I knew he was a football player and had two sons that are playing now.) 

Husband:  Yes, but he wasn’t probably as good professionally as he was in college. (Sorry Archie, if you are reading.)

 Me:  Where did Archie play professionally?

Husband:  Louisiana, the New Orleans Saints.

Me:  Where did he play in college?

Husband:  Mississippi

HOW DOES FRED KNOW THIS STUFF?  He is a one man sports encyclopedia.

Why is this part of a genealogy blog?  Well, there are some people who just keep sports facts in their brains.  And then there are people like me, and maybe you, who keep family facts in their brains.  Ask me about my third gr-grandfathers Karel Knudde, Hiram Dunbar, or Jan Baptiste Verbeke, I can give you an immediate answers. I can also tell you where and when they were born, their jobs and lots of other facts.  Just like Fred knows where Archie Manning played in college. It’s just the way my weird brain works.  How about yours?

 (As sort of a PS to this  blog.) I feel very blessed to have been happily married to Fred for more than 30 years.  I picked a great guy.  He loves sports, and I love to ride on his sports shirt tails.  I’ve been to many more football, baseball, hockey and basketball games than I ever envisioned before I met him.  I’m his sports buddy, many times.  It’s enriched my life. 

 On the other hand, he is my biggest fan when it comes to genealogy.  He listens to my endless stories. On vacations, which Fred plans, he allows time, even DAYS for me to visit cemeteries, libraries, and meet with historians.  He (mostly) comes with me, or (sometimes) he’ll find something else to do, and picks me up.  He’s waiting for me at our front door after I’ve given a presentation, anxious to hear how it went.  See, I did marry the right guy, didn’t I?  He’s a keeper.  

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs October Genealogical Events

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.
If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian.  The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.  and the Palatine Public Library holds a group on the second Thursday of the month at various times.  See the library websites for more information on these meetings.  For more information about the presentations below, you may check the websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

October 4 10:00 AM
WWII Military Research by Jennifer Holik
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.nwscg.com/

October 7 7:00 PM

Who Will Look at Your Family History Collection by Laura Cosgrove Lorenzana
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

October 9 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy class by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

October 9 7:00-9:00

Treasures in Print (Newspapers) by Robin Seidenberg
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

October 10

Finding Your Ancestors Online  by Steve Szabados
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

October 9 7:30 PM

Palatine Library Genealogy Group-Share Tips and Ideas
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/events

October 11 1:00 PM

Mining the National Archives by Ginger Frere
Northbrook Historical Society
http://nsgsil.org

October 13 7:00-9:00

Polish Genealogy by Steve Szabados
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

October 14 7:30 PM

Genealogy Research – Beyond the Basics by Steve Szabados
Schaumburg Township District Library
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

October 15

Swedish Genealogy – 90 minutes of 1 on 1 help by appointment
Held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/genealogy_appointments

October  18 10:00-11:30 AM
Everyone Has a Story – Tracing Family Roots
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

October 18 10:30 AM

Dating Photographs through Costume by Ellie Carlson
Schaumburg Township Public Library
http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

October 18 1:30-4:00

Stories of the Lost – Military Genealogy
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

 

October 21
Find Your European Roots – 3 week adult education genealogy class on Tuesdays $
Harper College, Palatine
http://goforward.harpercollege.edu/ce/

October 22 7:00-8:30

Ancestry - Beyond the Basics by Steve Szabados
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

November 1 10:00 AM

Why My Austro-Hungarian ancestors were neither Austrian nor Hungarian by P. Valasek
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwscg.com/

November 6  7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy  by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

November 11 7:30 PM

Swab Your Cheek: Make the Most of DNA Kinship Results by Marsha Peterson-Maass
Schaumburg Township District Library
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/