Mar
2
2009
Join Guest Speaker Beverly Yackel at the HCGS monthly meeting, March 14th, 2009. Ms Yackel will be presenting “Getting Organized”, something that all need help with sooner or later! The meeting will start promptly at 11:00 am at the Secaucus Public Library, www.secaucus.bccls.org for directions. Refreshments will be served.
Feb
20
2009
When it comes to genealogy research, there are many different tricks of the trade that you can use to find and gather the information that you need. No matter what methods you choose to follow, however, there are a few basics that always remain the same if you hope to have a successful and fulfilling search.
Record Information
One of the most important steps you should take when conducting genealogy research is also one of the most overlooked: make sure to maintain accurate logs of the information you have collected. In order to keep accurate loges, you need to document the resources you used for each piece of information you collect. This makes it far easier to do cross-references down the road and to verify information that you may collect elsewhere.
Gather Evidence
When conducting genealogy research, it will be necessary for you to create your own hypotheses when it comes to piecing information about your family together. Don’t get carried away with romantic ideas of your lineage and fool yourself into believing them. Make sure to test every hypothesis and theory you develop by finding credible evidence to back it up. If your hypothesis is not supported by the evidence, reject it and move on to another hypothesis.
Go Original
As much as possible, always use original documents when researching your genealogy. If you use ones that have been reproduced, you run the risk of having documents that have been altered. This, of course, may cause you to have inaccurate information. When it comes to published works, compilations, communications, and other electronic or paper guides, you should use them as guides in order to help you find the original documents.
Never Stretch the Truth
Never communicate something as a fact when it comes to your genealogy until you are completely sure it really is a fact. You should never mislead another researchers – either purposely or out of carelessness – when stating information. If you communicate information as facts to other genealogists and have your “fact” disproved, you will lose respect within the community and others will be less likely to help you in your search. Also, site your reference when providing information as fact.
If you are still uncertain as to whether or not a piece of information you gathered is fact, then you should state that the information is probable or possible. Once again, cite your resource for the information that has led you to believe the information may be true. Be sure to acknowledge the research that others may have conducted for you.
Work Together
Genealogy research is a collegial interest. Therefore, you should openly and freely communicate with other researchers and share the information you have gathered. In order to do this, you should publish your work in some manner so it is available to others. You might also place copies of your research in repositories and libraries. In addition, you must be open to constructive criticism.
Since genealogy research is collegial, you should also feel free to read the information that has been gathered by other researchers. Never feel afraid to ask questions or to ask others to share the information they have gathered with you.
Keep an Open Mind
Since genealogy research is a process that involves formulating and testing a variety of hypotheses, it is important to always keep an open mind. New evidence may appear that discredits other evidence you once had and proves something other than what you had thought to be true. Do not set preconceived ideas about your genealogy and then refuse to change them. Also, be open when listening to the conclusions others have drawn and when they make comments on your work. If you listen with an open mind, you just might discover new ideas you had never thought about before.
Genealogy research is a rewarding, fun, and interesting experience. Just be sure to go into it with an open mind, with flexibility, and honesty. Be willing to share your information with others and to listen to their information without being judgmental or by taking offense to their thoughts. Unraveling the mysteries of the past is like a large puzzle, and the more ideas and help you have solving the puzzle, the great the chance of creating a beautiful family picture.
Apr
6
2008
U.S. National Archives to Host Free Genealogy Fair April 23, 2008
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 — The following announcement was written by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA):
WHAT: The National Archives will host its fourth annual Genealogy Fair. This year’s program will highlight Federal records located at the National Archives relating to general genealogy, World War I, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Sessions will offer guidance on topics including Civil War pension files, Freedmen’s Bureau marriage…
Oct
14
2007
The following article is from Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright 2007 by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com.
The following announcement was written by Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec:
MONTREAL, Oct. 12 – Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) is pleased to announce a new Web site dedicated to genealogical research. Launched by BAnQ in partnership with Library and Archives Canada (LAC), www.thatsmyfamily.info, also available in French at www.voicimafamille.info, provides the public with a user-friendly and innovative federated search engine free of charge.
Uncovering one’s roots and family history is increasingly popular with people of all ages. Though genealogy enthusiasts abound and dedicated Web sites are numerous, genealogical research remains an interest that requires some knowledge of search techniques. Until now, a number of different sites had to be consulted in order to pursue one’s research successfully. This long and tedious process was enough to discourage a great many. Designed to respond to the growing public interest in genealogy, www.thatsmyfamily.info features a set of search tools that even beginners can master rapidly. Maintained by BAnQ, the new search engine allows genealogists to conduct searches against several databases at once.
Most of the interface-compatible databases brought together at www.thatsmyfamily.info are hosted by federal, provincial or territorial Canadian libraries or archives centres. The project’s leading partners are BAnQ, LAC and the Council of Provincial and Territorial Archivists of Canada.
Accessible at all times, free of charge: www.thatsmyfamily.info and www.voicimafamille.info.
About BAnQ
BAnQ’s mission is to acquire, preserve and disseminate the publications, archival documents and films constituting Québec and Québec-related documentary heritage. It also offers all Quebecers free access?on site, on the Internet and through interlibrary loan?to vast universal collections and to the services of a major public library. BAnQ encompasses nine archives centres in Montréal, Québec City, Gatineau, Rimouski, Rouyn-Noranda, Saguenay, Sept-Iles, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, as well as a preservation centre (Centre de conservation) and the Grande Bibliothèque.
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