Learning the Basics of Family History and Genealogy Part 1-August 31, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

This past couple weeks I have had an interesting experience with a patron coming into our Family Search Library.  He lives out of the Bay Area but is working here on a temporary assignment.  He decided he'd come in once a week on our shift and work while he's away from home. 

He is a fairly young man and very proficient on the computer. 
He had been on Family Search/Family Tree before and was quite excited about all his lines going back to the 1700s. He wanted to start with the end of one of his lines and move back in time adding names.  I realized he was a true beginner in Family History at that point. 

We discussed several of the basics, got him signed up for his accounts with the Partner sights and I gave him some basic information about verifying each generation with attached sources.  He'd need do that to even know if he was connected to any of those many many names on the tree.

If all that panned out he would then have some credible information to go on to search for the missing names for his next generation.  It was a pretty common first session with him.  I gave him my card with The Family History Guide website <www.thefhguide.com> on it.

The other night when Scott came back he sat down and felt he was all ready to dive in and find a death record and a marriage record for a deceased relative.  I let him get started and kept an eye on him.  I could see he was getting pretty frustrated as his fingers flew over the keyboard he was not finding what he wanted.  I asked him if he has looked at the Family History Guide.  Nope, he had forgotten.  

So we opened The Family History Guide together.  We went to Project 9, found the state he needed.  He found his records and got an inkling that is a little more complex then Googling.  It was going to take a little more time and patience. But he also realized it is doable with the proper tools like The Family History Guide, The Family Search Research Wiki, etc. By the end of the evening he was attaching sources to his grandparents and using the Partner sites along with Family Search records to get the job done. His computer skills just helped him move along so fast once he got some basics.  I am pretty excited about him as I think he will take the Family History Guide back to his home town and share it with others.

Tomorrow I will be posting about the recently brought forward section on the home page  For Beginners.  I am going to point this out to, Scott, next week and have him start going though some of the things I'll be featuring tomorrow.

The most fantastic thing with the Family History Guide is it can move you along so fast by just giving it a try.  The learning potential is all there. But you have to put your hands on it.  (I wonder how many times a week I say this to people?) LOL!   So we'll take a look at the basics tomorrow!  Make it a good day everyone!

In The Wake of Hurricane Harvey-August 30, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

This has been a sad week for our friends and family in Texas. Hurricane Harvey has left a trail of devastating destruction that runs deep and beyond the Lone State state. Many if not all of us have been touched in some way. Some of our readers may be from Texas. I am sure many of us know someone personally who is experiencing this disaster. In our weekly staff meeting for the Family History Guide, it was suggested I post about Hurricane Harvey today and ask readers to share their stories. Here's is my story!

I have cousins that live in Katy, Texas. They own a business that required evaluation of some elderly people to get them to safety. Their business has severe damage. Their home at this time is safe. They have children and grandchildren there. All are safe but the worry has been real. We have long time friends that just barely moved to Houston. They bought a brand new home and worried a lot as the water inched closer and closer to them. They too are safe at this time. They have certainly all had our prayers along with everyone else that is there.

The most poignant thing that happened as I sat comfortably in our California home, was a text I got from my good friend, Lee, who also lives near us in California. She told me of the danger their daughter and her family were facing earlier Sunday night in Houston.

Their street looked like a raging river coming half way up their lawn and in the distance a huge tornado was heading their way. So her daughter, her husband and their two children were crouching down under their staircase feeling quite panic stricken. They couldn't leave and they didn't want to stay. To flee was not an option so they stayed and I'm sure, prayed. The danger was eventually averted as the tornado thankfully took a different path. What passed through their minds as they waited can only be imagined. The worry took its toll on everyone, parents, kids and grandparents. That part was over but the threat of flooding remained and that was the night it rained more than ever. The thought of this and the fact that it was happening to 6 million people was overwhelming.

Later that night I stayed with my friend via text well past midnight. We both went to the same weather channel and we texted back and forth on our phones about what we saw. I couldn't leave her because I knew exactly how she felt. I could empathize as much a sympathize.

Our daughter and her little family lived right on the Gulf in Long Beach, Mississippi when Katrina came along. Laura's husband was deployed and there she was with two little boys alone. She was such a brave young mother. They escaped the wrath of Katrina by evacuating to northern Mississippi where some former neighbors of ours live. It is a good thing they followed the instructions to all to leave home, as landfall was less then ten miles from their house when it touched down. The Breedlove family took our kids in and treated them like their own for a week until they could fly home to us.

So Harvey brought back all the memories and feelings of terror that I had felt. Ironically, it was Lee who sat with me and watched the reports one whole day at her house as Katrina raged on near our kids. Two mothers who have sat helplessly by, while these things happened to their friend's precious children and grandchildren, have to share a bond that deepens that friendship in ways nothing else could.

We worry about the loss of property, the devastation, the flooding but the deeper concern is loss of life for our loved ones. These natural disasters remind us of what is most important and that is people. Things are important too, but people are more so. Still our hearts ache for those who have lost material things and have so much rebuilding ahead of them. As they all pull together they will build new friendships along the way. A sliver lining is in a great big mess most of the time! God bless you Texas and all your people! May you receive all the assistance and help that you need is our prayer.

Do you have a story to share? Maybe even one you can record for your family history on Family Search/Family Tree? See www.thefhguide.com Project 2: Memories. Your courage or that of someone you know, will help someone else.

DNA for Genealogy and Family History-August 29, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

If you have been around the genealogy community for awhile you know that DNA testing has been getting center stage for a few years. Lots of people beyond our community have been having their DNA tested too discover their ethnicity. It has become quite "the thing to do" and most people don't have any idea what to do with their results beyond seeing where their ancestors came from in a very general way.

My mother-in-law had her DNA tested at 90 and was thrilled to discover things she had never dreamed of before. Although she thought she was 100% Italian, she was happy to know she was also Greek with a little Irish mixed in.

DNA was discovered in the early 1950s. I remember studying it in high school in the late 60s and thinking no further than learning how to spell all the words like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and that it controls the chemical processes within cells. None of us ever dreamed that one day we could learn so much about our heritage with this discovery. Nor did we ever realize that it could connect us with our very close relatives we had never even known about.

So the issue we have now as family historians is learning how that can happen. Once again it is The Family History Guide to the rescue! Go to <www.thefhguide.com> and select Projects from the Home page. Project 8 DNA: Choice: A Introduction. Step 1: Articles for an overview of genetics and genealogy. Step 2: Watch an excellent simplified video of the basics. This video connects to a great blog with even more detailed learning available. In the blog I found some great ideas about reading the results of the DNA testing. There is so much more in this Project 8's content as you will see, if you simply scroll down the page.

I really appreciate that Bob Taylor has already reviewed lots of material and selected such great content and resources for us. Again we find them in chronological order for our benefit & sequential learning. http://thefhguide.com/project-8-dna.html

Please consider sharing any ways that DNA has helped you with your family history and genealogy. I'll include a story and photo in the comments section below.

The Family History Guide

Experience the world-class family history learning system used by learners in over 150 countries and approved by FamilySearch as an official training resource. Read what our users are saying about The Family History Guide.Volunteer to help by doing Content Reviews as we expand our website.

THEFHGUIDE.COM

The Family History Guide

1 Comment

LikeShow more reactions

Comment

Share

Comments

The Family History Guide I had a personal experience with this that was life changing. In 2008 I wrote a blog post about my aunt who has just died. It included her obituary, photos, the funeral, cousins' photos, etc. In 2013 a professional researcher, after suggesting her client do DNA testing, was able to find his parents by Google searching his possible surnames from his DNA test. She found my blog post. Because of that I was united with my cousin whom we knew nothing about until 2013. He was adopted as an infant and had spent over 30 years trying to find his birth mother. He got more than he bargained for; both of his birth parents, and five siblings he did not know existed. Because of DNA testing and my blog post this came to be. I'll include a photo below of when I I met him. This is unimaginable joy to see six dear siblings reunited. This is the kind of joy family history can bring.
Meet William, my first cousin and my father's nephew.  The bonus is that William reminds me of three people that have passed away that were very close to me. My dad, his sister and my grandmother.  Actually it was like heaven on earth!

Technology Has Changed How We Learn-YouTube List for Genealogy Help-August 28, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

I really enjoy connecting with all of you throughout each week! I just have one tiny problem! Once I open the Family History Guide I sit here for hours just browsing through it. It is like a good book, you just cannot put it down! It literally guides me to places and things I have wondered about for a long time but haven't pursued in detail yet.

I recommend you take time to just look around often and see what's there. It will fascinate you and motivate you to learn more. The best thing is it's so organized and because of that it feels so doable.

I spoke about Youtube when we were preparing for Bob's Webinar a few weeks ago. I found myself back in the Projects Under Technology again last night.

If you go to the Home page on <thefhguide.com> Click Projects: Technology: Choice 3 YouTube: Using Social Media To Further Your Family History Work:(Stop here click on the link Summary. There you will get a short summary of the information contained in the Choice. Click again to close. You'll find these throughout the Projects in The Family History Guide.) Look at Step 2. Sample List of YouTube Channels for Genealogy.

< http://thefhguide.com/project-7-tech.html>

I remembered when I was looking at the List that I don't know a lot about American Ancestors. It is one of the big data base Partners with Family Search so I need to know more about it.

It is a paid website but free through the portal at all the Family Search Libraries. I watched a video on the NEHGS (New England Historical Genealogy Society). I learned a lot about their holdings, their amazing library and how to access them in person or online. It made me want to learn more so I can use it and share with others.

The funny thing is I have meant to investigate this website for a long time. But The Family History Guide put it in my path with a simple video. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a thousand pictures. Every time I close the Family History Guide website, I go away feeling grateful!

Happy Monday Everyone! When you look through this list, please share your discoveries, it will help everyone in the process.

A Well- Deserved Thank You To Everyone in This FHG Community - August 25, 2017

Family Photo

www.thefhguide.com

Good Morning! It has been interesting for me. It started out with watching the BYU Family History Library Webinar by James Tanner from yesterday on Handling Changes in the Family Search Family Tree. <https://youtu.be/mlbvbcKB05k>

Once again he mentioned the Family History Guide <thefhguide.com> as the place to go to sort out problems you may encounter. He explains in detail why the FS/FT is a collaborative tree and why the changes are the solution and not the problem. With the changes and added sources we will eventually have a perfect worldwide tree.

As I was doing that, my husband, Jim, was in his office reading Angelle's post on Family History Fun for Children and families for today and getting all excited about it. He had me come over and told me all about it and said he was going to download one of the games. As soon as I finished the webinar I came on Facebook to read her inspiring words.

Then I noticed that all kinds of people have made suggestions and sent help to Armstrong in Nigeria who is giving a fireside and needed resources. These are genealogical kindnesses that have touched my heart. As an Area Authority I realized he is working with Family Tree Lite, an abbreviated version of FamilySearch's Family Tree. They all inspire me when I see the photos he attaches here on Facebook from time to time.

That was when I realized that today the article that I was planning to post will need to wait. Today I just want to thank Bob Taylor, Bob Ives, James Tanner, all the board and staff members of the Family History Guide. I also want to thank each of you who come to this page regularly and comment and "like" the contributes that are made. Thank you to those of you who support the Family History Guide though sharing and spreading the word about this wonderful and inspired program. What a magnificent community of like-minded people. As I pondered all that each of you do...the thought crossed my mind, I believe I have found my people at last! Make it a great day friends!

What's New in the Family History Guide-August 24, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

Hi Everyone! Things have been getting more and more exciting in the Family History Guide. As Bob Taylor pushes forward rapidly adding new content to the new Partner pages and other place throughout the Family History Guide things are heating up! Access the Partner pages from the home page of <thefhguide.com> Check inside. This is fabulous news for new and frequent users of these websites. It is going to keep getting better and better as new content is added.

Did you know you can see the latest news in The Family History Guide for each month from the Home page under More. The drop-down menu features What's New as the first option. This is organized by month and is really great to keep up with the changes. Home page: More: What's New.

For up to the minute additions this month see Bob's post from yesterday about all the YouTube additions on various subjects and partner page updates.

I like to watch videos for learning. I can multitask while doing that and it is a big time saver. Filling those mindless moments ( i.e., while folding laundry) with learning something new is great. Time well spent is like money in the bank. Carving out some plans on how to do this is essential. Everything you add to your tool box of knowledge is moving forward and helping others and yourself.

How are you using The Family History Guide to move forward in your own work? Please share any ideas for moving this great program out to the rest of the world. I like the quote that says, One person can only do so much, with the only crossed out. One person can do so much! You can, I can, we all can! Let's do it! Invite people you know to like the Family History Guide Pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 · Commented on by Bonnie Colberg Mattson · August 24 at 1:19pm

Manage

The Family History Guide

The Family Search Research Wiki August 23, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

Today I want to talk about The Family Search Research Wiki. *It is somewhat like Wikipedia that most of us are familiar with already.

The Research Wiki on Family Search is a big topic and very a useful portion of the Search drop-done links on the Family Search website. Wiki programs allow individuals to contribute information in their area of expertise. It can be edited by anyone. At this time there are over 87,000 articles for our benefit.

The Family History Guide <www.thefhguide.com>has a tremendous amount of information on the Research Wiki.

See Project 4 Discovery: Goal 3 Form solid strategies to research your selected lines: Goal 3: Choice A: Step 5.
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/A_Guide_to_Research

Here is the FS link to the home page of the Wiki:
https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Main_Page

The Research Wiki is full of Topics and How-to Strategies for finding the information you need to research, but you cannot search individuals on it. Search Places and Topics only.

Every serious researcher and trainer should be familiar with this resource in going forward in their family history pursuit. It is very comprehensive and I am sure we will be returning to it often here on Facebook.

It is invaluable in researching localities worldwide. If you go to Project 9 in the Family History Guide there is an awesome surprise awaiting you when you select any country or state. Double click on the beautiful banner photo and see what you find behind it. I learned of this just yesterday and I love it.

Thank you Kim Miller for pointing this out to me. I am so impressed with the ease in which The Family History Guide delivers just what we need, when and where we need it!

www.thefhguide.com

Cousin Contacts Can Bring Astonishing Results- August 22, 2017

My Photo-Muir Woods, California

www.thefhguide.com

Hi Everyone! I am still thinking about Memories today. Family Search has an excellent Memories section which is all explained nicely in The FamilyHistory Guide. www.thefhguide.com. 

Memories; Project 2 (Found on the Home page). 

It is so worth going through ALL the Goals and Choices and Steps in Project 2 to learn how to preserve your family stories and photos on Family Search to share with the world. They are so much safer there than in a box in the attic or garage.

I was thinking about how important cousins are as we try to reach back in time and gather photos and stories. In the past 7 years I have found three third cousins, who are grandchildren of my grandmother's siblings. They have been invaluable in helping me get stories and photos I have needed.

I have found one first cousin who was unknown to all of our family until 3 years ago. All of them have become close friends as well. One cousin, that I had known as a child, discovered from another cousin I was doing our Family History. Once she knew, she was willing to send me a bunch of items she was going to throw away when downsizing.

The most important items were the photo below and the obituary of my maternal great grandfather, Thomas Rees. They have been so very important to my being able to find many generations of ancestors in Wales and Cornwall, England.

The obituary is written in Welsh. It took us about a week to translate it. A big challenge that was worth every minute.  Here it is:

 REES.--In September in New Cambria, Mo., at age 45, the humble Christian Thomas Rees, farmer, leaving a widow and five children as mourners after him. Although he was relatively young he experienced long and protracted afflictions, from shortness of breath -- one of the worst afflictions to prevent man from being useful to society family, religion, and generally; but he did his part in the one as in the other notwithstanding his frailty. He was a member of the Calvinist Methodist church there, and was a faithful member throughout his life. He had the ability to socialize, and therefore his presence always truly acceptable. He was born in a small farmhouse called Crin-cae, near Rhandirmwyn, Wales. His parents were David and Betsi Rees, who were loyal to him and his brothers, rearing them with religious education as members of Salem Calvinist Methodist Church, where they were catechized and counseled in detail by the Elders of the pulpit and of the deacons' pew. Two of his brothers rose to be preachers, Isaac Rees, priest at Penygraig, Rhondda Valley, and Rees Rees, with [the Calvinistic Methodists], in the Island, Ystradgynlais, Wales. He also has two brothers in this country, James D. Rees, Wilkes-Barre, and Dan Rees, Plymouth, Pa. He had been in the area of Wilkes-Barre for ten years before moving to New Cambria; to a multitude of friends he was a morning friend there. We wish his widow and orphans every success necessary to be comfortable in temporal and spiritual things while on earth. - Yes! Morning Friend. (Which we have since learned means very good friend.)

You can see how much new information we got.  Location, parents, siblings, etc.

Because of it we were able to go to Wales, find their little hamlet, see the Rees home still standing, find additional siblings and deceased relatives, find the cemeteries, meet a current resident of Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Alun Jones is an historian and has written a book all about the area. We also got to walk where the Rees family walked and lived and went to school and church and that was the best part of it all.

I was invited to do some writing for their quarterly magazine about the descendants of Thomas Rees here in America. It never occurred to me that people in small places want to know what happened to their residents once they left their homeland.

Consequently we have been invited back for a tour of the entire area with our mentor as our guide. All of that because a cousin told a cousin we were doing our family history. I am a big fan of cousins. We need them to move forward all the time.

Have your cousins helped you move forward with your family history? Have they increased your love of your living and deceased family members in the process?

Keeping a Good Current Family History? Living Is Our History!-August 21, 2017

Pinterest

www.thefhguide.com

Happy Monday Everyone! I don't know about you but I am having a hard time thinking and focusing on the past today. We are witnessing history in the making as our country will experience "totality" across certain places of the country with the solar eclipse throughout the day.

Not only that but I just read our daughter's Facebook post. Her four daughters will be in 4 different schools this year. One in elementary, one in junior high, one in high school and one in college in another state. All ten of our grandchildren are experiencing big changes this school year.

My point is that sometimes we forget that we are living our family history each day. Are you keeping a good family history and are you recording stories of your own? If you are will you share how you do this? I love to write so I do stories on my blogs all the time. Our family is spread out and it is my way of trying to keep us connected.

The Family History Guide has an entire section on Memories in Project 2. However, there are more things of interest regarding memories in the Vault of The Family History Guide <www.thefhguide.com>.

The Vault is found under Misc on the Home page. The Vault is a place where secondary content is entered to supplement the Goals and Choices and Steps in the Projects. This morning I was watching a video about Family Stories by Ancestry's Crista Cowan. The principles she discusses about stories of our ancestors also apply to those of us still living.

Home page: Misc.: Vault: Stories: Choice 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URPFm8sIe-4

Stories connect us to our families in a real way. The records are the vehicle for the deceased as they create stories when analyzed. By keeping the stories of our own lives and our living family we can truly bless our posterity and keep our families connected.

While you are in the Vault look at the array of content in there. You'll like it.

P.S. The solar eclipse is just happening here in Northern CA. We have a 75% eclipse. Kind of underwhelming actually. Lots of cloud cover so think...dreary winter morning. Should have driven to Rigby, Idaho, I guess! Happy gazing wherever you are.