Friday, March 20, 2009

Michigan death records available

Research tidbit submitted by Marg Putzke, IRGS Member & Polish GIG leader

Million Record March

By Kris Rzepczynski, Library of Michigan | March 16, 2009

Introducing the Michigan Death Records Collection

Welcome to Seeking Michigan! As a partner in the site, The Library of Michigan is excited to make these Michigan death certificates for the years 1897 to 1920 freely available online. The years 1915 to 1920 are particularly significant, as a readily available statewide index did not exist previously.


See http://seekingmichigan.org/discover-collection?collection=p129401coll7

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Polish GIG news from Marg

The Polish GIG will meet on Thursday, April 16th at 3:00 to discuss the latest and greatest technology aids. We will be implementing our very own Wiki to help us connect with our research friends.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Personal Ancestral File (PAF) Seminar

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 10:30 AM in the Large Meeting Room at the Library, we will present an overview of the popular genealogy software usually referred to as PAF. We'll show you how to enter your basic genealogy information and navigate around the program. PAF is the easiest, most user friendly but not the most comprehensive of the myriad of genealogy programs. Also, the price is right; it's FREE. Anyone who is working on their genealogy should use some genealogy program because it is a great assist in organizing your work, printing out standard genealogy forms and sharing your data with others. We'll cover multiple marriages, adoptions, linking pictures, citing sources, printing out a variety of forms and books, and backing up your data.

If you do not already have PAF on your computer, we strongly suggest you download it from familysearch.org; click on download PAF, provide your information, click on download English, and follow prompts. See you there!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

IRC Library collection now on WorldCat.org

We have been waiting to tell the world what is in the Indian River County Main Library genealogy department. It has finally happened.

Due to a grant from the State of Florida, they have chosen several library collections in Florida to be added to WorldCat.org which is really OCLC (Online Computer Library Catalog.) Due to the large expense, we never thought it would happen and is the reason why many small-town libraries are not included.

However, since only phase 1 of 3 phases has been completed, I would recommend using our ouline catalog at http://catalog.irclibrary.org/polaris/ for a little while longer if you do not find what you want. I understand the whole process may be completed by the end of the month.

WorldCat.org is a wonderful tool and if you put in your zipcode, it will tell you the nearest library and how far it is from your home. It searches libraries from all over the world.

Try this example: Search for People of the Red Barns. Click on the title and you should see our library listed as number one and the next closest library is 128 miles away in Collier County. When you click on the library name, it will automatically take you to the catalog WITHIN the library and you can locate the call number.

Remember: our collection does NOT circulate. You have to come visit us, which makes us very happy!

Try it! I think you'll like it.

Pam Cooper, Supervisor of Archive Center and Genealogy Department
Indian River County Main Library, Vero Beach, Florida

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Keeping in touch...Facebook

Yes, Phil...they may say Facebook is for old foggies...but lots of genealogy goes on there past and present. I had lost touch with an online cousin and she found me on Facebook!! Not as good as your story and the IRGS members are gonna love it on Tuesday!! I am actually working on MY genealogy for a change the next few days and hope to get our family blog going!! Happy blogging everyone!

Why Facebook is for Old Fogies - TIME Magazine article

The article uses humor but in fact Facebook is a boon to reconnecting families, especially across generations and distances - I can personally attest to that! You may also find that distant cousin who just happens to be researching the family tree and has breached your brick wall or knows who those people in that photograph you have.

Click the post's title to read the article or use this link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1879169,00.html

Ontario GIG Update

The Ontario GIG (Genealogy Interest Group) sends the following calendar update:

Our Ontario GIG met today [3/3]. We had a great time, but we learned most of us are "snowbirds" so there will be NO Ontario GIG meeting in April or May. If we convene in the fall I will let you know in advance so you can publicize our meetings.

Thank you, Janice Sly

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Robert F Hutton, past GSSB president passed away

The Genealogical Society of South Brevard notes the passing of Robert F Hutton, a past president and contributing member. Visit gssbblog.blogspot.com to read Robert's obituary. The memorial service will be April 4th.

Monday, March 2, 2009

BGS announces their April program

BREVARD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Peter Brandish will present the program
“Finding Books on the Internet:
Paper Electronic”

Monday, April 13, 2009

9:30 a.m.

Central Brevard Library
308 Forrest Avenue
Cocoa, Florida

Visitors are welcome.

March 2009 newsletter now available online

The March 2009 IRGS newsletter is now available at the Society's Web site.

GSNB announces program schedule

Received from Patrick Bowers regarding the upcoming meetings for the Genealogical Society of North Brevard.

To all,

FYI - GSNB's 2009 program schedule to date. Due to scheduling conflicts, Tracy White's program is now scheduled for June and Michael Boonstra's program is now scheduled for May.

Mar 3 Johnna Meek "Creating Family History DVDs"

Apr 7 John Whitney "Family History Center Resources"

May 5 Michael Boonstra "Historical Homes of Rockledge, FL"

Jun 2 Tracy White "Florida Civil War History"

Jul 7 summer break

Aug 4 summer break

Sep 1 TBD

Thanks,

Patrick


For more information, visit GSNB's Web site, linked on our links page at IRGS.org

Sunday, March 1, 2009

You may now add emergency contacts to your drivers license record

Forwarded to me by Suzy Bromwell.
This was checked out with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles....It's legit......

You can go online and enter two (2) emergency contacts into your Florida Driver's License record. This information can only be retrieved by a police officer.

This came about as a result of one woman's teenage daughter being severely injured in a car accident and it taking over five hours for authorities to locate the mother to inform her.

This way, if you are in an accident, the police/sheriff's deputy can run your driver's license and have your emergency contact info ASAP.

Access to this opportunity is through the DHSMV website: https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer

The link asks for your Florida Driver's License Number and then your birth date information for security verification. Notice the Secure Assurance seal.

Please consider forwarding this notice to family and friends in Florida. It's a vital link to your loved ones just in case anything happens.

I did this and advise you to do so as well. And I sincerely hope it will not be needed!

I too have verified this and it works but as always, be sure to follow safe computing guidelines.