October Genealogical Events in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs (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.

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 8, 7:00 PM
Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

October 10 1:00 PM

Sound Research Practices: Sources and Citations by Ginger Frere
Northbrook History Museum
http://nsgsil.org

October 13 7:00 PM

A Guide to Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

October 13 7:30 PM

Sound Research Practices, Sources and Citations by Ginger Frere
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

October 15

Using Find-A-Grave by Bob Allen 
Elgin Genealogical Society
http://www.elginroots.com

October 19 6:30 PM

Using Familysearch.org
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

October 20

Genealogy at the Library by Rose Lehne
Bartlett Public Library
http://www.bartlett.lib.il.us/

October 27

Family Stories that Bind; How to Capture the Stories of Your Life
By Mary Beth Sammons and Monica Dougherty
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

November 2 7:00 PM

A Guide to Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner $
Prospect High School
http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/continuing_education.aspx

November 7 10:00 AM

Time Travel with Google Earth by Lisa Louise Cooke (webinar)
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

 

Books - Fact or Fiction? What is Your Favorite?

What do you like to read?  Fiction or non-fiction.  It would be interesting to poll us family researchers and see which we prefer.  I’ll explain.  

I’ll admit it.  Laura Ingalls Wilder was my favorite author when I was young.  I read and re-read the entire auto-biographical series of eight books about her life growing up in the mid-west during the post-Civil War years.  It starts when she is about 4 years old and ends with her marriage.  The details of everyday life, such as using a corn cob for a doll, during this time period are fascinating to me. There are several other books she wrote, released after her death, including books on articles she wrote as a newspaper columnist.  I read these too, eager to know anything about this family.

This summer I read the book that as a child, I dreamed about writing myself, Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Pamela Smith Hill.   This editor located the original version of the one book that Mrs. Wilders intended to write. Using this version, and several variations, researchers tracked each story, and discovered more facts and tidbits that contributed details to what is previously known.  I really enjoyed it.

On my summer to-do list every year, is to read at least one non-genealogy book.  This year, I read, one that I added to my list of most favorite books. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, by James Daniel Brown, is the story of the University of Washington crew team.  By just reading the title, or a quick google search, you know the ending.  The joy of this book is in the details, the words and imageries the author used to describe journey and hard work of these young men to reach the Olympics and life choices necessary during the depression.

I realized that both books have something in common.  Both are factual, but contain descriptions and mini-stories that keep the reader captivated.  Most of my family are avid readers who recommend good books.  But I find that I only read non-fiction.  In my mind, if I’m taking the time to read a book, I want to fill my mind with true facts.  I’d guess that most people feel that fiction is much more enjoyable.  But not me, I want to learn something.  I gravitate to biographies or histories of an event or time periods. The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck is my next book.

So all you family researchers out there, which do you read?  Fiction or non-fiction. 

 

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite Blogs)

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

Why start a blog? Here are seven reasons and at the end, links to more blog information:

http://lisalouisecooke.com/2015/08/5-reasons-you-should-start-a-family-history-blog/

Dutch records online (and free): http://www.dutchgenealogy.nl/where-to-find-dutch-genealogy-records-online/

Ancestry.com job listings help predict their future growth areas.  Are you interested in a job? http://www.ancestryinsider.org/2015/08/ancestrycom-hiring-shows-future-plans.html

Joshua Taylor explains how he time-manages his genealogy projects: http://organizeyourfamilyhistory.com/time-management-wisdom-from-joshua-taylor/

I want to create this chart to know my annual progress: http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2015/08/11/how-much-of-your-family-tree-do-you-know-and-why-does-that-matter/

OCR and small town newspapers are wonderful for genealogy: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/5797160-genealogy-with-janice-small-town-newspapers-are-a-boon-for-family-historian/;send

Randy Seaver helps you find records which are not online: http://www.geneamusings.com/2015/08/how-can-i-find-what-paper-or-microform.html

Two sets of identical twins switched at a hospital and raised as fraternal twins found each other by a stroke of luck: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/magazine/the-mixed-up-brothers-of-bogota.html?_r=0

How finding records in various areas of the United States compare: http://onwresearch.thinkinggenealogically.com/2015/08/comparing-challenge.html

Heirlooms, will the next generation see the value?: http://cognoscenti.wbur.org/2015/08/14/heirlooms-in-a-digital-age-jan-doerr

Cool map idea: http://ancestoring.blogspot.com/2015/08/i-have-new-toy.html

Author lists her top ten documents.  What are yours? http://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2015/08/top-ten-most-valuable-research-documents/

Lisa Louise Cook give ideas on better googling: http://lisalouisecooke.com/google-for-genealogy-google-keyword-search-tips/

Who owns the photo? Who can copy it?  http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2015/08/20/the-limits-of-ownership/

 

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs Septenber Genealogical Events (Most are Free)

September is the month where libraries and groups normally start the new season with fresh  presentations.  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.

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

August 31 6:30 PM
Archived Newspapers
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

August 31, 7:00 PM

Be A Better Searcher
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

September 1

When a Life Becomes Myth: History, Myth, and Family by Dr. Daniel Hubbard 
Elgin Genealogical Society
http://www.elginroots.com

September 8, 7:00 PM (4 week class)

Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

September 9

CSI – Cemetery Search and Investigation by Tina Beaird
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

September 10, 7:00 PM

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

September 11, 5:00 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Cary Area Public Library
http://www.caryarealibrary.org/

September 12, 1:00 PM

Cemetery Sleuthing by Patricia Desmond Biallas
Glenview Public Library
http://nsgsil.org

September 12

Climb Your Family Tree by Rose Lehne  
Wheaton Public Library
http://www.wheatonlibrary.org/

September 17, 1:30-3 (8 weeks)

Making Memories into Memoirs
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

September 21

Family Tree Maker by Alan Wilson  
Zion Genealogical Society
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilzgs/

September 21, 6:30 PM

Finding Your Roots Online
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

September 28 (4 weeks)

Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Prospect High School $
http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/continuing_education.aspx

October 3, 10:00 AM

Cemetery Sleuthing by Kathy Kult
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

October 8, 7:00 PM

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

October 10, 1:00 PM

Sound Research Practices: Sources and Citations by Ginger Frere
Northbrook History Museum
http://nsgsil.org

October 13, 7:00 PM

A Guide to Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

 

 

Reflections of a Grandmother

My daughter and son-in-law gave me a gift that I cherish.  They allowed me to witness the birth of our first grandchild.  As he entered the world, I thought my heart would burst with the love that swept over me.  In the next three years, we’ve been blessed with three more grandchildren, now  three boys and one princess girl.  We love each little sweetie pie. Many grandparents have shared that they have the same feelings. I never thought I could love four little human beings as much as I love them.  Did my own grandparents feel that way?  My grandmother told this story many times.

Monday, May 2, 1949 was a steamy hot and humid day. My grandparents and my father, their only child, at 19 years old, arrived in New York from Luxembourg on the Queen Mary.  My grandfather, who spoke four languages, was asked by a boyhood friend, to come work as the maître d’ in his fine French restaurant, L’Aiglon, in Chicago.  The war recently ended, times were bad, and jobs difficult to find in Luxembourg, so my grandparents decided come work for a few years, and then return home.  My grandfather, Matthew Krieps, did not like living here.  My grandmother, who only spoke French, also worked at L’Aiglon, helping in the back room.  They both enjoyed being able to speak their home language at the restaurant, but the work hours long and hard, and during free time, American customs seemed strange.

On the other hand, my father, who found work as a watch repairman, which he had apprenticed for before coming, loved living in the city and the excitement of meeting new people.  He was a tall, handsome, charming man, who also spoke four language, his English, well … was with a bit of an English accent.  My grandparents were not surprised that he fell in love with an American woman.  They rather had expected it.  No matter.  After a few years, their plans were firm to return to their beloved Luxembourg, and my father would stay. They were okay with the fact that he would live an ocean away with his new wife. 

The surprise was when I, the first grandchild, was born.  My grandmother, falling instantly in love with me, turned to my grandfather stunning him with these words, “I will never go back.  I will never leave Jackie.”  No amount of persuasion by my grandfather changed her mind.  They did not go back, except for vacations.  He died a few years later, and she lived to 99 years of age, always within an hour of our house, visiting me, and my younger siblings regularly. 

The power of the love for a grandchild. That my birth changed the course of my grandparents’ life is amazing to me.  But now that I am a grandmother, I understand.

As the oldest, I feel grateful, that three of my four grandparents lived until I was nearly 30 years old. When I was younger, I visited my gr-grandfather many times.  It is a privilege of being the oldest to have these experiences.  Yes, I grew up while my parent were just getting started.  Materially, we didn’t have much.  But I was surrounded by love, and my life was enriched by my grandparents and knowing the stories of their lives. Which later morphed into my genealogy pursuits.

Why am I writing this now?  Well, a few weeks ago, I located my great grandmother’s obituary.  Her name was Florence (nee Knudde) Dunbar. I know she suffered for many years before her death. Did she die before or after I was born?  I didn’t have to look at the date.  I just read the words.  See the highlighted words below.
 

I am the gr-granddaughter. In her obituary, her feelings were revealed. Reading it for the first time, more than 60 years later, l knew in her heart, I was special.    

My Memorable Monthy 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 these with you. I call them my monthly mentions. I hope you enjoy them too. Blogs I've liked in the past month are;

Several options for finding images online: http://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2015/07/heres-the-scoop-on-images-images-and-more-images/

If you give presentations, here are some nice tips. You are sure to learn a thing or two: http://geniaus.blogspot.com/2015/07/tips-for-genealogy-presenters.html

Civil War photos – then and now: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2015/jun/22/american-civil-war-photography-interactive

Ideas on how to be a better blogger: http://westinnewengland.blogspot.com/2015/05/ten-tips-for-new-geneabloggers.html

Essential books (remember them?) for genealogy: http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com/2015/06/essential-books-for-genealogy.html

What sort of genealogist are you?: http://www.geneamusings.com/2015/07/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-what-sort.html

Some bloggers have specialties and include useful information about specialty on their website.  Some of the best are: http://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2015/07/bloggers-research-toolboxes/

Irish church records are now online but not indexed.  Some great ideas on how to find your
ancestor.  Be sure to read the comments for additional ideas:
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/2015/07/10-steps-to-searching-irish-catholic.html

Looking for a Canadian obit?  Try a free website with 1.6 million: http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=9997

Using etsy, the craft store website for genealogy: http://www.geneabloggers.com/etsy-genealogy/

Relax with a good blog and savor the rest of your summer!

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs August Genealogical Events (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.

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

August 5 7:00 PM
Begin Your Blog
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

August 5 Noon-7:00 PM (Appointments)
Swedish Genealogy Help by Kathy Meade
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

August 11 7:30 PM

Start Your Digging in 1940: Examine the 1940 Census for Information & Clues by Jeffrey Bockman
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

August 13 7:00 PM

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

August 29 10:00 AM

Genealogical Research Strategies by Robert Allen
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

August 31 6:30 PM

Archived Newspapers
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

August 31, 7:00 PM

Be a Better Searcher
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

September 8, 7:00 PM (4 week class)

Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/