Marin County Genealogical Society Blog

December 2014 Holiday Luncheon

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 19:22:31 GMT

Our Holiday Luncheon will be held on December 13, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Heirloom Grill, 490 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael.

Price is $23.00 (Tax and Tip included) for any of the menu items.

For more information, please visit our "Events" web page or look for the details in our November Newsletter.

SFBA Jewish Genealogical Society meeting

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 18:09:34 GMT

Topic: Discovering My German-Jewish Heritage
Speaker: Diane Ober

Sunday, September 14, 2014
Rhoda Goldman Plaza
2180 Post Street
San Francisco
parking information on Web site

Doors open 1:00 p.m.; program begins 1:30 p.m.

Diane Ober began her search for the German side of her family in 2007
and in the following years found descendants and unraveled her
family's story. From detailed records kept by the Nazis, Gestapo, and
German State, she was able to discover how her family fared under Nazi
rule, from deportation to escape to the Shanghai ghetto and to life in
America.

There will be time before and after the talk to brainstorm with others
about your genealogy questions. Coffee and tea will be served.
Meetings are free and everyone interested is welcome to attend. For
more information visit http://www.sfbajgs.org/.

MyFamily.com and RootsWeb.com Still Down

Sun, 22 Jun 2014 18:34:38 GMT

It's been over a week now and MyFamily.com and RootsWeb.com are still unavailable. Several of Ancestry.com's websites were hit with a DOS attack and many of them have been restored but MyFamily.com and RootsWeb.com are still down.

So if you've been trying to connect to either, you're have to wait longer. Ancestry.com has not issued a statement as to how long they expect the sites to be down.

This affects all of personal genealogy websites on both MyFamily.com and RootsWeb.com and the mail lists and message boards and more on RootsWeb.com.

10th Annual Genealogy Conference and Cruise - Heritage Books

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 23:04:31 GMT

Heritage Books in consultation with Wholly Genes, Inc., announced the 10th Annual Genealogy Cruise. The cruise will be round trip from Los Angles stopping at several ports in Mexico during the trip.

Some 17 hours of outstanding lectures on genealogy, technology and DNA will be presented by the preeminent experts in their fields.

To read all the information, go to: http://heritagebooks.com/cruise.php

Chuckle for the day

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 14:31:23 GMT

Sausalito News

Saturday, 30 April 1910

Page 1

Some of the Smith Family.

Oakland - William Smith, a laborer, while under the influence of liquor, fell on the sidewalk, cutting a gash in his chin. He was arrested by Policeman Dolan, turned over to Wagon Officer W. H. Smith, taken to the receiving hospital where he was treated by Dr. A. C. Smith, and then taken into the police court, where he pleaded guilty and was allowed to go his way by Judge Mortimer Smith, a brother of Dr. A. C. Smith. He was met in the city hall corridor by Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was Smith, and was given a talking to which may cause him to mend his ways.

Annual MCGS Picnic

Sat, 05 Apr 2014 01:51:53 GMT

Save the date: May 4, 2014.

We will meet at Miwok Park in Novato from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Located at 2200 Novato Blvd. Additional parking and entrance on San Miguel Way.

BBQ Grill will be available. Bring the meat you want to BBQ,

Side Dish, Salad or Dessert to share, and your own drinks.

We will provide the paper products.

We are planning a Bocce Game.

Hope you can join us.

Using Deeds in Research

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 19:38:45 GMT

I have said many, many times to folks somewhat new to genealogy that I believe deeds are one of the most valuable research tools available to us – maybe even THE most valuable for the pre-1850 era in this country. Most of our ancestors were farmers, and ownership of one’s land was the major reason for immigrating to this country, aside from freedom of religion.

It is very useful to know when an ancestor arrived in a location (bought land), and equally so to know when he left (sold land.) Just be sure the acreage sold equals the amount purchased. Otherwise you may find your guy “hid” away on a tiny acreage up in the mountains where he remained until he died, as happened once in my research. I still don’t know exactly when he died, but I have narrowed it down to a year – the year he didn’t pay personal property tax.

One finds the darndest things in deeds. Here is one I hadn’t run across before:

24 Oct. 1832. Joseph Peeler of Rutherford County, NC to Jas. Ramsey Jr., 10 dollars, one half of all lands I have in Rutherford County to the worth of 2000 dollars, also negro woman Jane value of 400, also 4 cows and yearlings, 2/3 of all hogs, in trust for the support of my wife Isabella Peeler during her natural life, a separation having taken place between said Jos. Peeler and wife Isabella, for maintenance and education of Margaret, Ann and Elenor Peeler, children of said Jos. and Isabella, who are to live with their mother …….

I descend from a collateral branch of Peelers, but I think I know who Joseph is. What a cool find if I were a lineal descendant!

Happy New Year everybody, and happy research

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:05:39 GMT

While looking for obits in the newspaper I found these:

Marin County Tocsin

Saturday, April 3, 1909

Page 4

Local Jottings

Amancio J. Tacheira, the pioneer dairyman of Sausalito, died at home in Sausalito Wednesday at the age of 65 years. Deceased was a member of the Portuguese Society, I.D.E.S. The interment took place at the Fernwood Cemetery, Sausalito.

--- ---

The Sausalito News

Saturday, 3 April 1909

Page 3

Veteran Milkman Passes Away

Amancio J. Tachiera, the little old milkman of Sausalito, passed away early Sunday from cancers. The funeral was held Wednesday and was followed to his last resting place in Fernwood cemetery by a very large delegation of his countrymen. Rev. Father Valentini said a mass. He was a native of the Azores, aged 65 years and was the veteran milkman of Sausalito.

Continuing on, I saw the following and realized it is a perfect example of the gems to be found in a newspaper which open up new avenues of research. Name variations are to be expected and anticipated but a couple of these go above and beyond ...

Sausalito News

Saturday, 3 July 1909

Page 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of AMACIO JUAKIN TACHEIRA, otherwise known and called AMANCIO JOAQUIN TEIXEIRA, otherwise known and called A. MESQUIN, otherwise known and called A. MASQUIN, otherwise known and called AMOS KING, deceased. Notice is hereby given by the undersigned executrix of the last will and testament of the above named deceased, to the creditors of, and all persons having claims against the said deceased, to exhibit them with the necessary vouchers, within four months after the first publication of this notice, to the said executrix at the office of O. F. Meldon, in the Town of Sausalito, Marin County, California, the same being the place for the transaction of the business of said estate. MARIE SILVIERA TACHEIRA

Executrix of the Last Will and Testament of said deceased.

Dated at San Rafael June 18^th, 1909

O.F. Meldon, Atty. For Executrix

Date first publication June 19, 1909

How-to for genealogical research

Sat, 14 Dec 2013 16:54:53 GMT

This is a great presentation by Elizabeth Shown Mills written for the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/booming/advice-on-how-to-research-family-history-part-1.html?ref=booming&_r=0

Part two

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:30:17 GMT

Please note that Jeannie Sherman put together these lists of nicknames for the library.

Female
Nickname	Proper Name
Abbie, Abby	Abigail, Tabitha
Addie, Addy	Adelaide, Adeline
Allie	Alice
Annie	Ann, Anna
Bab, Babbie	Barbara
Becca	Rebecca
Becky	Rebecca
Bede	Obedience
Bella	Arabella, Isabella, Mehetable, Mehitabel
Belle	Isabel, Isabella, Mehetable, Mehitabel
Bess, Bessie	Elizabeth
Beth	Elizabeth
Betsey	Elizabeth
Betty	Bethia, Elizabeth
Biah	Abiah
Biddy, Biddie	Bridget, Brigid, Obedience
Briney	Sybrina
Caddie	Caroline
Callie	Caroline
Carrie	Caroline
Cassie	Cassandra
Cindy	Lucinda, Luciana, Cynthia
Clara	Clarissa, Clarinda
Cleda	Cleophas
Clemmie	Clementine
Con, Connie	Constance
Crece, Crese	Lucretia
Crecy	Lucretia
Debby	Deborah
Delia	Adelia, Bedelia, Cordelia, Fidelia, Phidelia
Delphia	Philadelphia
Dimmis	Damaris
Dolly	Dorothy
Donia	Fredonia
Dosia	Theodosia
Dot	Dorothy
Edie	Edith
Eliza	Elizabeth
Ellen	Eleanor, Elinamifia
Elly	Eleanore, Ellen, Helen
Elsie	Alice, Eleanor, Ellen, Ealasaid (Gaelic), Helen
Emmy	Emily, Emeline
Essie	Esther, Hester
Etta	Henrietta, Louetta, Marietta
Fally	Eliphal
Fanny	Frances
Flora	Florence
Flossie	Florence
Frankie	Frances
Fronie	Sophronia
Gen	Genevieve, Virginia
Gerty	Gertrude
Ginny	Virginia
Gussie	Augusta
Hatty	Harriet
Hepsy	Hepsibah
Hermie	Hermione
Hetty	Henrietta, Mehetable, Mehitabel
Hitty	Mehetable, Mehitabel
Jenny	Jane, Janet, Genevieve, Virginia
Judy	Judith
Julie	Julia
Kate	Catharine, Cathleen, Katharine, Kathleen
Kay	Catherine, Cathleen, Katherine, Kathleen
Kersty	Christina (Scottish origin)
Kitty	Catherine, Katherine
Kizzie	Kesiah
Leafy	Relief
Lena	Angelina, Caroline, Helen, Madeleine, Magdalen
Lecta	Electa
Letty	Letitia
Libbie	Elizabeth
Lisa	Melissa
Livy	Olive, Olivia
Liza	Adeliza, Elizabeth
Liz, Lizzie	Elizabeth
Lollie	Charlotte
Lottie	Charlotte
Lou	Louetta, Louisa, Louise
Lucy	Lucinda, Luciana
Lynne	Belinda, Melinda
Mabel	Mehetable, Mehitabel
Madge	Margaret, Margery
Maggie	Margaret
Maida	Madeleine, Magdalena
Mallie	Malvina
Mamie	Mary
Manda, Mandy	Amanda
Margie	Margaret
Mate	Mary (NY State, 1840s)
Mattie	Martha
Mellie	Amelia, Melanie, Melinda, Melissa, Permelia
Meg	Margaret
Mena	Almena
Millie	Amelia, Emelia, Mellicent, Mildred
Mima	Jemima
Mimi	Mary
Mina	Mindwell, Wilhelmina
Minnie	Mary, Wilhelmina
Missy	Melissa
Myra	Elmira
Mitty	Mehetable, Mehitabel, Submit
Mollie	Martha, Mary
Nabby	Abigail
Nan	Ann, Anna , Ellen
Nancy	Ann, Anna, Agnes
Nannie	Nancy, Anna
Nell	Helen
Nellie	Cornelia, Eleanor, Ellen, Helen
Nettie	Antoinette, Henrietta
Neva	Genevieve
Nonie	Joan
Nora	Eleanor, Honora, Leonora
Orolia	Caroline
Patsy	Martha
Patty	Martha, Parthenia, Patience, Patricia
Peggy	Margaret
Peddie, Peddy	Experience
Penny	Penelope
Phil	Philadelphia, Philomena
Phoenie, Pheney	Tryphena
Phosy	Tryphosia
Polly	Mary
Pru, Prue	Prudence
Puss	Prudence, Philadelphia
Rana	Lorraine
Reenie	Irene, Maureen, Sabrena, Serena
Rena	Alexanderina, Irene, Sabrina
Retta	Loretta
Rilla	Gabrilla, Marilla
Rita	Marguerite
Sally	Sarah
Sene	Asenath
Silla	Priscilla
Sissie	Cecily, Cecilia
Sophie	Sophia, Sophronia
Sukey	Sarah, Susan, Susannah
Tabby	Tabitha
Tallie	Natalie
Tempy	Temperance
Tennie	Tennessee
Tenty	Content
Tess	Theresa
Thea	Althea, Theodosia
Thenie	Parthenia
Thirza	Theresa
Tilly	Matilda
Tina	Christina
Torie	Victoria
Trudy	Gertrude
Vergie	Virginia
Viney, Vinnie, Viny	Lavina, Lavinia, Louvina, Melvina
Waity	Waitstill
Winnet	Winifred
Winnie	Winifred, Edwina
Zubia	Azubah

Author:

Jeannie Sherman

www.ctstatelibrary.org

An interesting article

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:25:40 GMT

I recently visited the web page of the Connecticut state library (www.ctstatelibrary.org) and found a posting I thought interesting and worth sharing with you. It is a listing of nicknames commonly in use in past centuries.

The Connecticut state library, in a disclaimer, gives permission to use the data for research purposes but does not allow its use for commercial reasons.

Following is a list of boys' names. Girls' will follow in a second post. Who knew that Cleophas was a girl's name? Not me!

Nicknames

What were some common personal nicknames in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Male
Nickname	Proper Name
Abe, Abram	Abraham
Alec, Alex	Alexander
Arch, Archie	Archibald
Augie	August
Bart	Bartholomew
Bat	Bartholomew
Bert	Albert, Cuthbert
Bige	Abijah
Bill, Billy	William
Bob, Bobby	Robert
Cager	Micajah
Chan	Chauncey
Chris	Christopher
Chuck	Charles
Con	Cornelius
Cuddy	Cuthbert
Cy	Cyrus
Dick	Richard
Dirch	Derrick
Dob, Dobbin	Robert
Dyer	Obediah
Eben	Ebenezer
Ed, Eddie	Edward, Edmund
Eppa	Epaphroditus
Fanny	Nathaniel
Fate, Fayette	Lafayette
Finney	Phineas
Frank	Francis
Fred	Frederick, Winifred
Gene	Eugene
Gus	August
Hal	Harold, Henry
Ham	Hamilton
Hank	Henry
Harry	Henry, Harold
Hiley	Hiram
Hy	Hiram
Ike	Isaac
Jack	Jackson, John
Jake	Jacob
Jed	Jedediah, Jeduthan
Jeremy	Jeremiah
Jerry	Gerald, Jeremiah
Jude	Judah
Judy	Judah
Kiah	Hezekiah
Kit	Christopher
Lazar	Eleazer
Larry	Lawrence
Lig, Lige, Lije	Elijah
Lou, Louie	Louis
Mal	Malachi, Malcolm
Nat, Nate	Nathaniel
Ned	Edwin, Edward
Newt	Newton
Obed	Obediah
Ollie	Oliver
Paddy	Patrick
Pat	Patrick
Pleas	Pleasant
Quill	Aquilla
Riah	Zachariah
Rias	Zachariah
Rich	Richard
Rick	Richard
Rob	Robert
Rye	Zachariah
Sandy	Alexander
Si	Josiah, Cyrus
Tad	Thaddeus
Ted, Teddy	Theodore
Tiah	Azariah
Theo	Theophilus
Tony	Anthony
Virg	Virgil
Zack	Zachariah
Zander	Alexander
Will, Willie, Willy	Wiley, William

Holiday Luncheon

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:29:50 GMT

MCGS is having a Holiday Luncheon on December 14, 2013 at the Chalet Basque. We will meet at 12:30 for no-host cocktails and 1:00 pm for Lunch.

You can down load a reservation form on our web site under events, then go to the December calendar and click on Holiday Luncheon. Fill out the form and mail it to the P.O. Box. Hope to see you there. Any Questions call Shirley Genetin.

Marin History Museum - Planned Exhibit for Public Safety

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:11:27 GMT

I want to share with you the news of an exciting new project that I am now working on with several other volunteers. I hope that you and MCGS will help spread the word about the Marin History Museum and this exciting exhibition. I just posted another message about their research and storage facility.

My hope is that you will help us to let others know of this exhibition by publishing it in our newsletter. Gene Pennington

I attended a meeting on 7/19/12 with several interested volunteers who want to preserve Marin County public safety history. One of the people who attended was Holly Gallagher, Curator for the Marin History Museum. She announced a special exhibition titled "Justice and Judgment" that will open at the Marin History Museum at 1125 B Street, San Rafael. The special exhibit will start the end of September, 2012 and run for 6 to 8 months. Exact dates will be announced soon.

The exhibition will have 3 galleries open to the public. One gallery will be focused on San Quentin, another on First Responders and the third gallery will focus on Judges and Court Houses. The gallery for First Responders will include law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services.

She said they plan to have a kiosk in each gallery showing digital videos or images and there will be a number of display cases with artifacts. She explained the artifacts would be things such as:

Books
Paper documents such as memos, bulletins, training material
Maps
Hats
Bracelet
Pictures
Digitized audio histories
Badges
Patches
Equipment such as holsters, belts, handcuffs, etc.
Uniforms
Specialized equipment

She said that any artifacts accepted by the Museum for display in this exhibition can either be returned to the owner or can be donated and added to their collection. You can read more about how to donate material in another message I will post next.

The Marin History Museum has a great website at: http://www.marinhistory.org/

They also have an "app" for the iPhone or your Android device/s. Visit iTunes Store or your Android app store and search for Marin History Museum and then download and install the app.

Marin History Museum - Research & Storage Facility

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:09:16 GMT

I want to share with you the news of an exciting new project that I am now working on with several other volunteers. I hope that you and MCGS will help spread the word about the Marin History Museum and their research and storage facility. I will send you another message shortly about the specific public safety and justice exhibit the Museum will open in late September.

I attended a meeting on 7/19/12 with several interested volunteers who want to preserve Marin County public safety history. One of the people who attended was Holly Gallagher, Curator for the Marin History Museum. She shared with our group information about their research and storage facility. She said the facility is located in Bel Marin Keys and is open to the public. There is a small fee of $5.00 to use the facility. She briefly described the material available for research including the entire collection of the IJ and many historical documents, photographs and other material.

Click here to learn more about the research facility.

The facility is used to store donated artifacts that are not yet ready for research or are part of an exhibition. This is the facility where any donated material we are collecting or that you may wish to donate will be stored.

The good news is that anybody can donate NOW! If you have any artifacts that are related to San Rafael PD or any Marin County Law Enforcement agency or any Fire Services Agency and you would like to donate them to share with others, you can contact them to arrange for the donation. Please share this information with your family and friends that may have artifacts they wish to donate. I have a feeling that once the word gets out to the public about this facility and the program the Marin History Museum runs, many people will step forward with material to share and donate.

Click here to learn more about donating to the Marin History Museum.

Researching When Records Are Gone

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:15:33 GMT

San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society

Topic: Researching When Records Are Gone
Speaker: Nancy Peterson

Sunday, July 15, 2012
Rhoda Goldman Plaza
2180 Post Street
San Francisco 94115

Doors open 1:00 p.m.
Program begins 1:30 p.m.

Nancy Peterson’s guide to circumventing the enormous record loss in
the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire has been substantially
updated and expanded to include newly released records and necessary
information on postearthquake resources. The inclusion of a wide and
detailed body of sources and emphasis on casting a much wider net than
is customary makes this guide useful not only for anyone doing
research anywhere critical records have been lost or destroyed, but
also for those seeking to create a fuller, richer family history.

Nancy Simons Peterson is a fifth-generation Californian, a certified
genealogist, and the author of numerous articles appearing in prominent
genealogical periodicals. Winner of the 1998 National Genealogical
Society's Family History Writing Contest and the Society of
Genealogists Scholar Award in 2003, she holds undergraduate and
graduate degrees from Stanford University.

There will be time before and after the talk to brainstorm with others
about your genealogy questions. Light kosher refreshments will be
served. Meetings are free and everyone interested is welcome to
attend. For more information visit http://www.jewishgen.org/sfbajgs/.

MCGS Webinars - One More Time | Suggestions for 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:16:50 GMT

I have not received any suggestions for the free webinars for 2012 to date (6/6/12) so I would like to once again ask for your input. Please let me know if you have a suggestion and/or if you want to participate in a free webinar.

Since the year is half gone, I'll only give between 2 – 3 this year and would like to hear your suggestions.

The webinars I gave last year were:

MCGS website Training - How to access and use the MCGS website
Organizing Your Genealogy Research - Paper and Digital
Tips for Printing & Publishing Family Histories
Sources, Citations and Documentation

Send your suggestions to Gene Pennington or post them on this blog.

Wild Apricot Blog : How to Keep Track of Your Passwords (and Keep Them Safe)

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:44:16 GMT

This is a great article that gives you some great suggestions on how to keep track of your passwords and how to keep them safe. This article is worth your time to read.

Wild Apricot Blog : How to Keep Track of Your Passwords (and Keep Them Safe)

The Easy Way to Add Maps to Your Family History Projects - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 22:57:33 GMT

Check out Dick’s article for a great tool to add to your family history. Neat!

The Easy Way to Add Maps to Your Family History Projects - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Genealogy's Star: RootsTech -- The Blind Men and the Elephant

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:00:40 GMT

I like this article because I relate to the topic so much as well as having been through some of the similar experiences Dick Eastman talked about in his session titled “Is the future of genealogy in the Cloud, on your phone or on the Desktop”.

Click on the link below to read this blog post on Genealogy’s Star. I think some of you may identify with Dick’s examples.

Genealogy's Star: RootsTech -- The Blind Men and the Elephant

How to improve your wireless network and boost its signal

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:43:26 GMT

If you have a wireless network in your home or office, this is a great article. It is easy to understand and comes with instructions on what you can do to improve your wireless network and its signal – it even has diagrams!

Many of you have asked me for suggestions to improve, or repair, your wireless network so this article will be a big help to you.

How to improve your wireless network and boost its signal

Magic with Your Digital Camera: Geocoding Your Images with Chris Bair - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:28:47 GMT

If you’ve ever wondered what Geocoding is and how you can use it with your digital camera and smartphone, this is an excellent article.

Magic with Your Digital Camera: Geocoding Your Images with Chris Bair - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Store Your Digital Data Forever - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:05:27 GMT

What a concept, and service. This may be an answer for the problem of how to preserve your digital data for many, many years into the future and for a reasonable cost.

Read Dick’s article for more information and links to the new non-profit company.

Store Your Digital Data Forever - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

UpFront with NGS: MyHeritage.com Releases New Personalized Family Memory Game

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 21:34:46 GMT

An interesting announcement from MyHeritage.com. If anybody plays the game, share your experiences and comments.

UpFront with NGS: MyHeritage.com Releases New Personalized Family Memory Game

Announcing the Formation of the Society of Sons & Daughters of World War II Veterans - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:33:00 GMT

I found this article from Dick to be most interesting since my Dad served in WWII. I haven’t decided to join this new organization yet but I’ll do some research and make a decision later.

Click on the link below to read Dick’s article which contains links to the announcement from the new organization.

Announcing the Formation of the Society of Sons & Daughters of World War II Veterans - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:23:52 GMT

I wish each of you and your families a very Happy New Year!

Note: Happy New Year picture courtesy of Google.

Holiday Wishes

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:18:49 GMT

Judy, Dad and I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

New FamilySearch Website Now Available!

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:24:43 GMT

It’s here! The NEW FamilySearch website is open and waiting for you to jump in and test it out!

There are so many new features and it is much easier to navigate.

There are easy to follow online lessons, help sections and so much more!

Check it out! Click here to visit the NEW FamilySearch website.

Next CIG Meeting

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:08:34 GMT

There is no meeting in December. Enjoy the Holidays!

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Topic: TBA

Location: Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael - The Meeting will be held in the Auditorium, which is to the left and down the hall from the entrance.

Villa Marin has wireless Internet access! Be sure to bring your laptop computer and wireless network card so you can follow along with the presentation.

Contact Gene Pennington (webmaster@maringensoc.org) if you need more information.

These meetings are free to the public.

Visit the MCGS website to see the meeting schedule, topics, locations and directions.

Happy Holidays!

“The New FamilySearch Website” Presentation Now Available

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:04:44 GMT

The presentation by Sonja Jensen titled “The New FamilySearch Website” is now available as a download on our website.

This presentation was give at our GIG meeting on 11/20/10.

Click here to visit the MCGS Handouts website to download her presentation. Note the presentation is in Adobe Reader format (pdf).

Familypedia: the Biggest Genealogy Site You Probably Never Heard Of - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:49:03 GMT

This appears to be a great resource, but, like all online websites, it does have some pitfalls. Read Dick’s article to get a better understanding of this interesting website to record your family history.

Familypedia: the Biggest Genealogy Site You Probably Never Heard Of - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

UpFront with NGS: Discovering the Civil War -- NARA

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:48:14 GMT

Looks like another great resource for researching your ancestors who served in the Civil War.

UpFront with NGS: Discovering the Civil War -- NARA

RootsTech 2011 Conference in Salt Lake City - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:35:46 GMT

This looks like it will be a wonderful conference for geeks like me! One of the tag lines on the website says the people who sound attend are “Those who want to help define the future of genealogy through technological innovation”. I like that!

I’m seriously considering attending and may drive. But, I may also take the train. The train ride from Northern California over the Sierra Nevada Mountains is spectacular in February.

The conference will be held in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City from February 10 - 12, 2011.

Registration is $99.00 for regular attendee and $35.00 for student attendee.

If anybody is interesting in attending and ride sharing, contact me.

Read Dick’s article to learn more.

Click here for the link to RootsTech 2011 Conference.

RootsTech 2011 Conference in Salt Lake City - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

It’s 2015! Do You Know Where Your Data Is? - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:42:10 GMT

Which genealogy software program to use and how to move your data from one program to another if you want to change or if the software is no longer available are topics of frequent discussion on our blogs, mail lists and meetings.

I highly recommend you take a few minutes to read Dick’s great article and see what he’s learned from his experiences and talking with a lot of people.

It is well worth your time.

It’s 2015! Do You Know Where Your Data Is? - Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Genealogy's Star: Google Places -- a new boon to the genealogical researcher

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:28:35 GMT

Another new feature from Google that could be of value to genealogy researchers. Read the article from Genealogy’s Star blog to learn why.

Genealogy's Star: Google Places -- a new boon to the genealogical researcher

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Preserving Your Family History Records Digitally

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:28:09 GMT

This is a must read article. Dick gives you some good background information and a link to an excellent whitepaper written by Gary Wright, an employee of FamilySearch, on the topic.

Dick says “I think every genealogist as well as every person who has heirloom documents and photographs in his or her possession should read White Paper: Preserving Your Family History Records Digitally ….”

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Preserving Your Family History Records Digitally

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Are You Missing Most of the Available Genealogy Information?

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:45:49 GMT

You must read this article by Dick. He makes some excellent, and very important, points about how we should be doing our research.

How many of you do ALL your genealogy research on the Internet? Read Dick’s article to learn why you should NOT rely just on the Internet for your research.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Are You Missing Most of the Available Genealogy Information?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.com Labs Goes Live

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:30:53 GMT

Big news from Ancestry.com. This new service looks very interesting. Click on the link below to read Dick’s article.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.com Labs Goes Live

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Citing Sources

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:30:55 GMT

This is an excellent article. It summarizes the importance of citing sources and gives you some great resources.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Citing Sources

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: New Genealogy Site: http://www.genealogycenter.org

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:52:19 GMT

This sounds like a great resource. Read Dick’s article to get a better understand of what the new website from Allen Co. has to offer a genealogy researcher.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: New Genealogy Site: http://www.genealogycenter.org

US-CERT Cyber Security Alert SA10-231A -- Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:06:08 GMT

Most of us use Adobe Reader or Acrobat so please read the alert below and follow the suggestions.

US-CERT Cyber Security Alert SA10-231A -- Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Footnote.com Acquired by Ancestry.com

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:13:01 GMT

Big change for Footnote.com. I wonder how this will eventually affect the look, feel and services provided by Footnote.com. I hope it’s for the better.

Read Dick’s article for the full story.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.com Introduces Family Tree Maker 2011 with more than 100 Enhancements

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:52:15 GMT

This is one of the most popular genealogy software programs so I thought you would be interested in the latest version and it’s features.

Read Dick’s article by clicking on the link below.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.com Introduces Family Tree Maker 2011 with more than 100 Enhancements

Genealogy's Star: Have you looked at Community Trees? Why not?

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:28:48 GMT

I’m not familiar with this website from Family Search but I did a check visit and I’m going to return later and check it out in more detail. It is worth a look for anybody doing research.

Genealogy’s Star has a good article that helps explain the service on Community Trees website. Click on the link below to read their article.

Genealogy's Star: Have you looked at Community Trees? Why not?

Slide Presentation from CIG Presentation on 8/21/10 Now Available

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:23:20 GMT

The slide presentation from our CIG presentation on 8/21/10 titled "What Will Happen to Your Research When You're Gone" is now available on the "Handouts" web page of our website.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Announcing RootsTech: a Major New Genealogy Technology Conference

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:03:08 GMT

This sounds like a conference I’m going to attend. Genealogy and technology – what a combo!

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Announcing RootsTech: a Major New Genealogy Technology Conference

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Sacramento, California: Family History Day

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:32:53 GMT

This is a great outing for a family to learn more about our California history and more about genealogy. There are a number of interesting classes including beginning genealogy, a Preservation Lab and tours of the State Archives.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Sacramento, California: Family History Day

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ellis Island and Your Ancestors

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:19:12 GMT

Dick’s article is one of the best I’ve read about Ellis Island. He offers a great summary of the history and processes immigrants were required to endure in order to be be admitted to America.

He also mentions many other ports of calls used for immigration into America that you may not be aware of unless you’re a history buff.

He also dispels some of the myths about name changes often heard in family histories to explain how a families surname was changed at Ellis Island by a government employee who could not correctly record the immigrants name.

A must read to help you better understand the history of Ellis Island and how immigrants were admitted to America.

Interactive Slave Records Collection | Footnote Blog

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:27:45 GMT

A new records collection from Footnote.com. Footnote announced their newest records collection on their blog. Click the link below to read the details.

Interactive Slave Records Collection | Footnote Blog

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Life in These Exponential Times

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:04:24 GMT

The short video Dick discusses in this article is pretty amazing. It made me stop and think about the times we live in and the many changes that are impacting us each and every day.

Some of the changes concern Dick, as they do me, and should make all of us think about what we could and should be doing to embrace these changes and to ensure we survive the oncoming tide.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Life in These Exponential Times

MCGS July 2010 Newsletter Available

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:51:52 GMT

The July 2010 Newsletter is now available.

Click here to download the and read the MCGS July Newsletter

You'll see a table listing our newsletter. Click on the link that says "Click Here for July 2010 Newsletter".

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Newberry Library Announces the Digital Atlas of Historical County Boundaries

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:17:49 GMT

Wow! What a site. I spent some time today playing with the many options and I’m impressed.

I’m not sure if a “newbie” will feel comfortable using the website but with some patience and taking the time to read the instructions and look at the options, I think everybody will find this to be a wonderful resource to help with your genealogy research – or for just a better understanding of our history.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Newberry Library Announces the Digital Atlas of Historical County Boundaries

What I Do to Help Me With My Genealogy Research – Tech Tools

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:51:16 GMT

Thomas MacEntee of Geneabloggers has started a new meme today to help us impart and share with the community what tech tools we use to help us with our genealogy research. He suggests we use a list so I’m going to start what I hope will be a number of posts by the readers of this blog so we can all learn from each other.

Gene Pennington’s List of Tech Tools

Hardware: HP Desktop PC, Windows 7 Home Premium OS, 6 GB Ram, Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 365 GB Hard Disk Drive, 30” LCG HD Monitor plus plenty of connection ports (USB 2.0 and Firewire).
External storage: FreeAgent 1 TB Hard Disk Portable Drive
Online storage: DrobBox, Box.net, Google Docs, Windows SkyDrive
Backup: Windows Backup/Restore Software plus Carbonite
Firewall: Microsoft plus Microsoft Security Essentials
Virus protection: Microsoft Security Essentials
Spyware: Microsoft Security Essentials
File cleaner: Microsoft Disk Cleanup Utility
Printer: HP Officejet 6500 E709n Network and Wireless 3 in 1 printer/scanner/copier
Phone: Mobile phone is iPhone
Mobile media: iPhone plus iPad
Music player: iPhone plus iPad
Car audio: iPhone plus iPad
eBook Reader: iPhone plus iPad
Browser: IE 8, Google Chrome and Firefox
Blog: Windows Live Writer and Google Blogger
RSS: Outlook
FTP: None
Text editor: Note Pad or MS Word
Graphics: Paint.net, Picasa 3, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Paint
Screen capture: Windows Snipping Tool
Social media: Facebook, Twitter
Social bookmarking: None
Social profile: Google
URL shortener: TinyURL
Office suite: Office 2010 Professional Plus
E-mail: Outlook and Gmail
Calendar: Outlook
Accounting: Quicken 2010
PDF generator: Adobe Acrobat
Genealogy database: RootsMagic, The Master Genealogist, Family-olgy and a couple of other online programs
Genealogy tools: SecondSite, Microsoft FrontPage 2003, Roxio CD/DVD Creator Plus, Google Earth, Bing Maps, Google and Bing Search, GenSmarts
Other tech stuff: TweetDeck, GoToWebinar, GoToMeeting, Google Apps, TWiT Live and TWiT Podcasts, IDVault, Digsby

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Civil War Soldiers' Graves Online Database

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:57:59 GMT

Dick writes a good summary of this online database which includes BOTH Union and Confederate Civil War veterans.

Another good research tool

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Civil War Soldiers' Graves Online Database

Genealogy's Star: Do I have a copyright to my online genealogy?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:42:59 GMT

I found this article to be very informative and easy to understand. I think you’ll find it of value.

Genealogy's Star: Do I have a copyright to my online genealogy?

MCGS Computer Interest Group Meeting (CIG)

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:20:57 GMT

There is NO MEETING in July

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Topic: What Will Happen to Your Research When You're Gone? Presented by Gene Pennington.

Location: Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael - The Meeting will be held in the Auditorium, which is to the left and down the hall from the entrance.

Villa Marin has wireless Internet access! Be sure to bring your laptop computer and wireless network card so you can follow along with the presentation.

Contact Gene Pennington if you need more information.

These meetings are free to the public.

Google Scholar – A Research Tool

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:42:34 GMT

Thomas MacEntee’s, Geneabloggers 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy posted an article challenging us to visit Google Scholar and use the features of the tool and post your results.

I visited Google Scholar and searched for “Pennington” and “Benajah Pennington” and found some interesting results. Once result in particular returned some information I had not read before and found a couple of clues to help my research.

If you’ve never used Google Scholar before you should check it out soon.

I recommend Geneabloggers if you want to keep up with the world of genealogy and all things new and old!

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Living Beyond 100 Years

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:35:22 GMT

This is a very interesting article from Dick. He summarizes the announcement made in an article in the journal Science.

It looks like we’ll all be able to soon obtain a personalized report with suggestions on increasing our own lifespan. Cool.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Living Beyond 100 Years

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.ca Offers Free Access to Canadian Census Records on Canada Day

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:33:05 GMT

Another resource source for Canadian research.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry.ca Offers Free Access to Canadian Census Records on Canada Day

Revolutionary War Records Free | Footnote Blog

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:31:12 GMT

This is a BIG deal from Footnote.com! Don’t miss out on this chance to search all these records for FREE.

Revolutionary War Records Free | Footnote Blog

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: London Lives Provides 240,000 Workhouse Records, Criminal Registers, Coroners' Reports and Court Orders Online

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:17:45 GMT

This looks like a very interesting website to explore. I’ll get some time later to check it out. Dick writes a great summary of the new site so be sure to read his article by clicking on the link below.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: London Lives Provides 240,000 Workhouse Records, Criminal Registers, Coroners' Reports and Court Orders Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Google Voice is Now Open to All US Residents and Is Free

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:31:06 GMT

Dick does a great job detailing this service from Google. I use it and so far it’s been a good service for me.

In fact, the Pennington Research Association (PRA) uses this service.

Read Dick’s article to learn how this service may be of value to you and your family.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Google Voice is Now Open to All US Residents and Is Free

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Calling All Teen Genealogists

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:05:52 GMT

Dick shares a recent article by the U.S. National Genealogical Society. If you know any young people with an interest in the history of their family, their news release will be of interest to them.

This should be of interest to any potential contestants in our annual Family History Contest.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Calling All Teen Genealogists

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Programs for Macintosh

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:01:16 GMT

A follow on article by Dick for Mac/Apple users. He published an article a few days ago about genealogy programs for PC users.

At our recent CIG meeting, several of you asked about genealogy software for the Mac. This article will really help.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Programs for Macintosh

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Is Your Genealogy Software Ready for the Future?

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:55:38 GMT

A very interesting article. A must read if you’re thinking of upgrading or switching your genealogy software in the near future.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Is Your Genealogy Software Ready for the Future?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Programs for Windows

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 04:28:25 GMT

A great summary of the more popular genealogy programs available today. Dick includes a brief description of each program.

Good reading if you’re thinking of buying a new genealogy program or switching to a new one.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Programs for Windows

premium content

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:10:14 GMT

This is to let you know that something besides Kin Tracers has been added to the premium content section of our webpage.

A section called Marin Military Records has been created and it contains the first WWI registration list for Marin men as it was published in the newspaper in 1917. Not every person listed saw service, but it was required that males of a certain age register. I hope that other military data bases will be created in the future.

Another section is called Marin Fraternal Organizations. It currently features U.P.E.C. records for Sausalito and was created by Karen Hendricks to further her own personal genealogical research. This Portuguese fraternal organization served as both a social group and as a provider of life insurance for its members.

The section dealing with naturalizations of Marin residents has been moved to this area as well.

I hope those of you with Marin family will find these informative.

Cathy

Door Prizes for CIG Meeting on June 19, 2010

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:31:08 GMT

Fresh from my trip to the SCGS Jamboree, I’ve got some sweet door prizes to give away at our next CIG meeting this Saturday, June 19, 2010.

The prizes to be given away are:

RootsMagic 4 Software – Full featured copy courtesy of RootsMagic.
Legacy Family Tree 7.0 Deluxe software and is accompanying learning videos.
Gift card for a complementary membership to Archives.com courtesy of Archives.com.
Four little genealogy “trinkets” which includes a pocket magnifying lenses (courtesy of California Genealogical Society), 2 plastic 6” rules courtesy of Joan Miller of Luxegen Genealogy and a “Do Not Disturb” door knob sign courtesy of Southern California Genealogical Society.

Come join the fun at our CIG this Saturday.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: 1901 Irish Census Goes Online

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:40:16 GMT

Another online resource to help.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: 1901 Irish Census Goes Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: The Early Days of Online Genealogy

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:01:34 GMT

If you’ve been around computers and genealogy research for a few years like me, you’ll enjoy this trip down memory lane. I can’t believe so much has happened in the past few years and the impact it has had on genealogy research. It gives me pause to wonder, what will the next few years bring?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: The Early Days of Online Genealogy

Unique Family Journals - Genealogy Gift Ideas | GeneaBloggers

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:11:35 GMT

I like this gift idea for Father’s Day (hint hint).

The journals are available for many different people in your life including wife, mother, father, son, daughter, and grandparents. They also have some for unique occasions such as a family reunion.

Prices are around $15.00.

Unique Family Journals - Genealogy Gift Ideas | GeneaBloggers

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Newly Discovered 1796 to 1827 Ledger from Spartanburg County, South Carolina

Mon, 31 May 2010 18:46:09 GMT

If you have any ancestors from Spartanburg County, SC, you will probably enjoy learning more about this blog posting from Dick.

This is a great article about a newly discovered ledger by a person who likes to do his research and visit places most of us will never have the opportunity to visit.

Dick’s article gives a good summary of Brad Stenieck’s blog titled “Hub City Historian”. I read a few of his posts and promptly subscribed to it so I can follow his adventures.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Newly Discovered 1796 to 1827 Ledger from Spartanburg County, South Carolina

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Scotland Historical Records Go Online

Mon, 31 May 2010 17:39:32 GMT

Another online research source for you to use if you’re doing research in Scotland. There is apparently a free search site but there is a small fee if you want to buy copies of records.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Scotland Historical Records Go Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Authors will soon be able to Self-Publish on the iPad Bookstore

Mon, 31 May 2010 17:30:50 GMT

This has some exciting possibilities depending on how much it costs and how easy the publication process is for the author.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Authors will soon be able to Self-Publish on the iPad Bookstore

UpFront with NGS: How Old is Online Genealogy?

Mon, 31 May 2010 17:27:53 GMT

If you’ve been doing online genealogy research for several years, or even if you’re just interested in the answer, this is an interesting trip down memory lane.

How long have you been doing online genealogy research?

UpFront with NGS: How Old is Online Genealogy?

UpFront with NGS: Archives.com Provides Complimentary Memberships To All NGS Members

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:42:40 GMT

If you’re a member of NGS, here’s a great opportunity for a free membership at Archives.com.

UpFront with NGS: Archives.com Provides Complimentary Memberships To All NGS Members

WorldVitalRecords.com Invites Family Historians to Honor Their Veteran Ancestors by Researching Military Records | WorldVitalRecords Blog

Fri, 28 May 2010 02:24:17 GMT

Great source for researching your ancestors who served in the military. Includes Revolutionary War and Vietnam Memorial Index.

WorldVitalRecords.com Invites Family Historians to Honor Their Veteran Ancestors by Researching Military Records | WorldVitalRecords Blog

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Canada's Online Atlas

Wed, 26 May 2010 23:34:47 GMT

Another resource if you’re research your family history in Canada.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Canada's Online Atlas

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Dallas Municipal Archive Releases Archived Material on Bonnie and Clyde

Wed, 26 May 2010 19:32:50 GMT

An interesting release of history if you’re interested in this type of information..

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Dallas Municipal Archive Releases Archived Material on Bonnie and Clyde

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Using the U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules

Tue, 25 May 2010 17:24:15 GMT

A resource that I did not know existed. How about you?

Read Dick’s article to learn how to put this resource to use.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Using the U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules

Craig Venter creates synthetic life form | Science | The Guardian

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:11:26 GMT

I can't decide if this is a good thing or something we should be very concerned about and where it may take us. Once we open the door, where will it lead?

Read this article and make up your own mind. Think about the implications, both positive and negative and then ask yourself if this might have some impact on human DNA.

Craig Venter creates synthetic life form | Science | The Guardian

Golden Gate Computer Society Genealogy Presentation Now Available in Handouts

Mon, 24 May 2010 22:49:20 GMT

The presentation Dave Williams and I made to the Golden Gate Computer Society on May 24, 2010 is now available in the Handouts web page. The presentation and the handouts are both available in Adobe Reader format (pdf).

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Can DNA Reveal Your Ancestor's Appearance?

Sun, 23 May 2010 02:35:09 GMT

A most interesting article with links to a couple of great sources. Dick’s article asks a thoughtful question – can DNA reveal your ancestor’s appearance? Read his article and the supporting articles to learn more.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Can DNA Reveal Your Ancestor's Appearance?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: New Online Genealogy Databases at Library and Archives Canada

Sat, 22 May 2010 16:10:02 GMT

Here’s a new online resource if you are searching for your ancestors in Canada.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: New Online Genealogy Databases at Library and Archives Canada

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry Gene Tests Need Firmer Science, Report Says

Wed, 19 May 2010 16:23:32 GMT

This is an interesting article because it discusses how DNA tests to trace your lineage need to strengthen the science behind the services offered by the companies who sell their services.

If you’ve taken a DNA test and been disappointed in the results because it doesn’t identify your ancestors, read this article to better understand the reality of what to expect from a DNA test.

I hope the companies will pay attention to this important report because if they adopt the recommendations they will improve the science and help us better understand what the data tells us about our ancestors.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Ancestry Gene Tests Need Firmer Science, Report Says

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Europeans Build a Digital Time Machine for use by Future Generations

Wed, 19 May 2010 16:12:57 GMT

This sounds like a great solution for a growing problem of how to “read” digital data in the future.

What are you doing to ensure that you can read and use your genealogy and personal data that you’ve saved all these years?

I wonder if the United States is doing something similar?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Europeans Build a Digital Time Machine for use by Future Generations

Golden Gate Computer Society Welcomes Gene Pennington and David Williams

Tue, 18 May 2010 02:20:13 GMT

Gene Pennington and David Williams will be giving a presentation to the Golden Gate Computer Society (GGCS) on Monday, May 24, 2010.

David and Gene’s presentation is titled “GENEALOGY, YOUR COMPUTER, AND HOW TO FIND YOUR ROOTS”.

Growing your Family Tree is fun but not always easy. May's General Meeting is all about how to get started using your computer, the Internet and local resources. We'll hear about the Family History Center's resources in Marin, what materials are available there, how to use the Internet to research your family's history, and what software to use when you want to organize the data you uncover.

Gene Pennington and David Williams from the Marin Genealogical Society will give us tips for success, tell us where to start, how to compare genealogy programs, what we can find at the Family History Center, and provide handouts with website resources.

Gene Pennington is deeply involved in genealogy research and belongs to a number of genealogical associations. His personal genealogy web site is http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~genepenn/. Gene is Chairman of the Board and Research Director for the Pennington Research Association and the web master and CIG manager for the Marin Genealogical Society. He gives presentations and classes throughout the year on a wide variety of subjects concerning computers and genealogy

Gene worked at the San Rafael Police Department for 32 years as Patrol Officer, Detective, and Captain. He introduced computers to San Rafael PD, including the use of laptop computers in patrol cars and in the field, helped develop and implement a county wide emergency radio and communication system, as well as county wide information records services. In 1999 he started a consulting business offering computer services to small business owners and to individuals. He and his wife live in Santa Venetia and have three sons and six grandchildren.

David Williams is President of the Marin Genealogical Society and is a volunteer at the Family History Center. David began researching his family history 20 years ago as a result of an inquiry from a distant cousin concerning his mother's family, and the search expanded to include both maternal and paternal family lines. Today his data base contains well over a thousand names. The search continues.

Born in Monterey Ca., David moved to Marin in 1952. After working in the Bechtel engineering department for 18 years, he became a General Contractor for 20 years before retiring. He and his wife live in Marin and have three adult children.

When: Monday, May 24, 2010 – 7:15 P.M.

Where: Embassy Suites Hotel, Larkspur Room

MCGS Training for New Website

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:49:23 GMT

Join us for a Webinar on May 19

This is a training session to learn how to login and use the new MCGS website.

Presented by Gene Pennington

Please note: You do NOT need a microphone to participate in the training session. You do need speakers or a headset with ear phones to listen to the discussions.

Title:
MCGS Training for New Website-5

Date:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Time:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/455847096

Facebook for Genealogists Cheat Sheet | GeneaBloggers

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:43:39 GMT

This is a great cheat sheet! If you've wondered how to setup your Facebook page and how to change or edit your settings, this will help. A great 2 pages of easy to read and understand pictures and written instructions. A MUST HAVE if you use Facebook.

Facebook for Genealogists Cheat Sheet | GeneaBloggers

Copyright and Collaborative Family Trees | GeneaBloggers

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:51:29 GMT

This important topic has surfaced many times the past few years as more and more of us find our research work being posted all over the Internet. If you’re like me, you are first surprised and then shocked to see your work published without your consent. After all, all we did was to share our work with a fellow researcher or worse yet, a family member.

Here is a great summary article on this topic. It explains how to deal with copyright and genealogy research in an easy to understand way and also gives excellent resources.

I particularly like the sections on how to remove content from an individual or from a website.

Very useful information. You should add this to your resource list.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Microsoft's Free, Online Version of Office to be Announced This Week

Mon, 10 May 2010 21:05:51 GMT

Dick offers a good look at the possibilities of using this free version of the soon to be released Office 2010.

I’ve been using the free beta version of Office 2010 for several months now and I like it very much. When this online version is made available, I’ll give it a good work out.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Microsoft's Free, Online Version of Office to be Announced This Week

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Branches - A Major New Windows Genealogy Program

Mon, 10 May 2010 21:02:27 GMT

Dick seems to be impressed with this new genealogy software program. I downloaded and installed it but so far I’m not that impressed. I’ll keep testing it during the free 30 day trial period before making up my mind.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Branches - A Major New Windows Genealogy Program

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: GenealoGee.com - A Genealogy Bookmarking Site

Mon, 10 May 2010 20:54:32 GMT

Dick gives you a good overview of this new genealogy bookmarking site for genealogists and hobbyists to share blog posts, links and other information.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: GenealoGee.com - A Genealogy Bookmarking Site

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Online Shopping - Keep Your Financial Information Safe

Sun, 09 May 2010 15:56:24 GMT

This is an important post from Dick Eastman. He really summarizes the problem and offers some great solutions.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Online Shopping - Keep Your Financial Information Safe

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Complete Canadian Census 1851-1916 Now Online

Fri, 07 May 2010 20:11:38 GMT

Another great resource to help with your Canadian research. You can search the database to find minimal information at no charge but viewing the images requires a fee.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Complete Canadian Census 1851-1916 Now Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Find the Popularity of Your Surname on PublicProfiler.org

Fri, 07 May 2010 04:43:31 GMT

This is another of those websites that has some interesting and useful data for your genealogy research. I entered my surname and discovered that the surname of Pennington is more popular in the United States than any other country.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Find the Popularity of Your Surname on PublicProfiler.org

Resources on Blog Copyright and Content Theft | GeneaBloggers

Fri, 07 May 2010 02:36:57 GMT

Tom writes a great article with some excellent links to help you better understand blog copyright and content theft issues.

These same issues apply to the struggle we all have with copyright and content theft all the time when we try to share our research on the web.

I highly recommend reading this informative and educational blog article.

Resources on Blog Copyright and Content Theft | GeneaBloggers

Next MCGS CIG Meeting

Wed, 05 May 2010 18:24:21 GMT

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Topic: RootsWeb - Tips and Tricks. Presented by Jo Ann Rowley-Minhoto.

Location: Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael - The Meeting will be held in the Auditorium, which is to the left and down the hall from the entrance.

Villa Marin has wireless Internet access! Be sure to bring your laptop computer and wireless network card so you can follow along with the presentation.

Contact Gene Pennington if you need more information.

These meetings are free to the public.

Visit the MCGS website to see the 2010 schedule, topics, locations and directions.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Family Tree DNA Launches Family Finder DNA Test Using Affymetrix Microarray Technology

Tue, 04 May 2010 14:36:53 GMT

It’s here! Family Tree DNA finally launches their much discussed new service. Click on the link below to learn more about how your DNA can trace your ancestors.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Family Tree DNA Launches Family Finder DNA Test Using Affymetrix Microarray Technology

Family Tree Maker for the Mac!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:20:28 GMT

If you’re a Mac user, this is good news for you. Click the link below to read the news release on Ancestry.com’s blog.

Family Tree Maker for the Mac!

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Zeus Botnet is Back in Full Force

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:47:01 GMT

This is an important article that concerns you and your safety on the Internet.

Take a minute and pay attention to the suggestions Dick has to keep you safe for viruses, Trojan horse programs and other problems.

You should also explore your options for using Adobe Reader when opening an Adobe Reader file (pdf) from a website. My suggestion is to set your preferences to open Adobe Reader itself rather than open the file inside your web browser.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Zeus Botnet is Back in Full Force

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Facebook Retroactively Makes More User Data Public

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:38:01 GMT

If you’re a Facebook user like me, this is an important article for you to read so you understand the privacy issues on Facebook.

If you haven’t done so yet, please be sure to check your privacy settings and set them according to your preferences. If you’re not sure where to find them, look in the upper right corner for “Account” then left click on it and you’ll see all the various settings for your account including the Privacy settings. Review them carefully and make your choices wisely.

FYI, almost all of my settings are for “Friends Only”.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Facebook Retroactively Makes More User Data Public

Branches Genealogy

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:38:43 GMT

Dick Eastman mentions this in one of his recent blog posts. I have downloaded the 30-day free trial to check it out.

If you download it, let us know what you think.

Branches Genealogy

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Details of 19th-Century Businesses Now on Ancestry.com

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:10:13 GMT

This looks like a pretty good resource to help with our research if one of our ancestors owned a business between 1850 and 1880.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Details of 19th-Century Businesses Now on Ancestry.com

Treasures of the U.S. National Archives Online

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:46:50 GMT

A great article reminding us about the many thousands of records the U.S. National Archives has online for us to use in our research.

Check it out!

Treasures of the U.S. National Archives Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Tweet Preservation

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:02:42 GMT

I started using Twitter about a year ago and the knowledge that all my "tweets” (postings) are now preserved in the Library of Congress gives me reason to pause.

I’m not sure this is a good thing or not nor am I convinced this is a good use of our tax dollars. I think I’d rather see the tax dollars go towards preserving other genealogical data that, to me at least, is worth far more than our tweets.

Read Dick’s article and decide for yourself.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Tweet Preservation

MCGS April 2010 Newsletter is Now Available

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:23:29 GMT

The MCGS April 2010 Newsletter is now available. Click on the Newsletter section on the left to read it and others.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Archives.com Adds Millions of Historical Records to Meet Surging Interest in Family History

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:35:23 GMT

Another paid website with genealogy research resources. Check out the “how” and “who” features carefully before you sign up.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Archives.com Adds Millions of Historical Records to Meet Surging Interest in Family History

Jeffrey Cufaude, Idea Architects: WWIF #10 The Need for a New Prescription

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:29:28 GMT

I don’t think the basic question applies to MCGS, however the article does provide some interesting thoughts and suggestions.

I think some of his suggestions have merit and our Board should consider them and discuss how we’re working towards our future.

Jeffrey Cufaude, Idea Architects: WWIF #10 The Need for a New Prescription

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Preceden Makes Timelines

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:04:16 GMT

I like this new web application! Check it out and see what you think. It’s FREE!

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Preceden Makes Timelines

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Mormon Web Site Handy, But Be Sure To Examine Details

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:24:20 GMT

I think you'll find this a very interesting article. I really was pleased to see the author stress how important it is to closely examine the details of what you find on the Mormon website. Dick says, ".. article that I think should be required for all new genealogists." I agree.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Mormon Web Site Handy, But Be Sure To Examine Details

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Culpeper County (Virginia) Court Records Online

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:23:36 GMT

A new resource if you're researching Virginia records.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Culpeper County (Virginia) Court Records Online

Our Name was Changed at Ellis Island

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:41:39 GMT

I enjoyed reading this article because it dispels one of the most popular myths of genealogy.

I think you’ll find these two articles interesting.

Our Name was Changed at Ellis Island

My Ancestor’s Name Was Changed at Ellis Island

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Free Online 19th Century Pennsylvania Landowner Maps and Atlases

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:04:06 GMT

A great resource to help with research in Pennsylvania – and its FREE.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Free Online 19th Century Pennsylvania Landowner Maps and Atlases

Our Domain Name (www.maringensoc.org) Has Been Moved

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:00:20 GMT

I just completed the move request for our domain name (www.maringensoc.org) so it now points to our NEW website. You can now use our domain name of www.maringensoc.org to link to our new website.

You can still use http://mcgs.camp9.org/ if you want or as a backup just in case to access our website.

Your Ancestor in the Kitchen | WorldVitalRecords Blog

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:02:08 GMT

I have to admit this article caught my attention – not that I like food or anything! But seriously, this is a very different idea about researching your family history.

Your Ancestor in the Kitchen | WorldVitalRecords Blog

Kin Tracer Spring 2010 Now Available

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:22:52 GMT

The Spring issue of the 2010 Kin Tracer is uploaded and ready for you to read in the members-only section.

Our Kin Tracer Editor, Cathy Gowdy, says in posting on our mail list, “I hope you will enjoy color photos of the children who were winners in our recent 'family history' contest, something we weren't able to do in the past because I have a B/W printer at home.”

Cathy notes “There is a goof-up on page 40 which I hope you will forgive – an “n” became a 14, but I'm not about to make Gene correct it at this point in the game.

She adds, “This is turning out to be harder than we thought, especially since I have no knowledge of websites. All I do is use them!”

My iPad Arrived Today!

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:19:27 GMT

My iPad arrived today. Wow! So far I'm very impressed. Downloaded a bunch of apps for it including word processing, spreadsheet and a presentation app. I'm watching a video feed now from Twitt Tv.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: OneClickTempleTrip.com Combs LDS Genealogy Database

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:36:52 GMT

Dick is posting this new release from OneGreatFamily.com that will be of interest to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormons.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: OneClickTempleTrip.com Combs LDS Genealogy Database

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Detailed Ordnance Survey Historical Maps Are Now Online

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:36:01 GMT

A news release from Dick with an important announcement from Cassini Publishing Ltd. This is an enhanced set of extremely detailed national historical maps of England dating from 1853.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Detailed Ordnance Survey Historical Maps Are Now Online

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: MacFamilyTree 5.7 Released

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:35:19 GMT

For those of you who use MACs for your genealogy research, an updated software program.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: MacFamilyTree 5.7 Released

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Software from Microsoft

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:49:44 GMT

Don’t let the title fool you. Dick lists some nifty genealogy templates for Microsoft products like Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.

The nice thing about templates is you can save them and use them over and over.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Genealogy Software from Microsoft

Information Workers Features Focus Part 3: Helping Users Protect Data - Springboard Series Blog - The Windows Blog

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:09:48 GMT

This is a very helpful article that explains how you can secure your information on a removable USB memory stick.

If you use one of these devices to share your personal or business information or your genealogy research, you should learn how more about this easy to use technology that is part of Windows 7.

Information Workers Features Focus Part 3: Helping Users Protect Data - Springboard Series Blog - The Windows Blog

Family Matters » Blog Archive » Research Guides at WeRelate

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:46:04 GMT

This is a really good resource. It includes general information like how to get started in genealogy research and many other useful research sources and tips.

Check it out!

Family Matters » Blog Archive » Research Guides at WeRelate

Wild Apricot Blog : Technology Toolkit for Start-up Nonprofits: Part One

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:42:23 GMT

The MCGS is actively moving towards a larger presence on the Internet and using technology to provide more value to our Members.

This article is a great summary of the “tools” MCGS should consider as we continue to move forward in the rapidly changing technology driven community.

To read the full blog post, click on the link below.

Wild Apricot Blog : Technology Toolkit for Start-up Nonprofits: Part One

Quick Poll - Webinar

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:03:29 GMT

Quick poll - How many of you are interested in participating in a Webinar on how to use the new MCGS website?

Note: A Webinar is something you attend via the Internet from the comfort of your own home or work.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Back Up Your Online Data

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:31:32 GMT

Another back up option, with a twist. How about backing up your data on Facebook or Google Docs?

Interesting service. Check it out.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Back Up Your Online Data

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: What the Census Said About Us...in 1870

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:28:44 GMT

Dick’s article describes the dozens of charts and maps that illustrate much of the data in the 1870 U.S. Census. Pretty impressive! Great research tool. Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: What the Census Said About

Wild Apricot Blog : 3 Good (Free) Online Image Editors

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:14:13 GMT

This is a great article to help you locate a good (free) image editors to help you with your publications and web communications.

Wild Apricot Blog : 3 Good (Free) Online Image Editors

Announcing the New MCGS Website

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:57:47 GMT

It's here! The new MCGS website is now open!

The new MCGS website is full of features including:

A public calendar
An events section
A services and resource section
A newsletters section
A public blog
A public discussion forum
A Member’s only section that features a Member's Directory and a Premium Content section.

The Member’s only section provides privacy for Member’s personal information and provides benefits and value just for our Members such as downloadable KIN Tracers, and other premium content.

If you are a MCGS 2010 Member, all your information is there waiting for you to login and start using the site.

Messages have been sent to MCGS 2010 Members announcing our new website and how to login and update their Member profile.

If you want more information, or if you’re a MCGS 2010 Member or a MCGS Member who has not renewed your membership for 2010 and want more information, click on the "Join MCGS" web page on the left side of this page.

QR Codes and Genealogy - Part 2 | GeneaBloggers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:36:07 GMT

I think this is a very interesting use of a fairly new technology for genealogy. Read the article for a better understanding of this new technology for your mobile phone.

QR Codes and Genealogy - Part 2 | GeneaBloggers

Mitochondrial DNA's Surprising Variability Could Complicate Forensic and Genealogical Analyses

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:16:52 GMT

I’m not an expert by a long shot but this article from HealthNewsDigest.com about the mitochondrial genome presents what looks like some negative news for forensic and genealogical analyses.

One paragraph in the article says:

“The relative abundance of mitochondrial DNA has made it a powerful tool for forensic scientists, who use it to match suspects to human blood or tissue samples retrieved from crime scenes.

“The bottom line is there is no single mitochondrial genome in humans.”
Bert Vogelstein

"New data from the lab of HHMI investigator Bert Vogelstein may push scientists to reconsider how they employ mitochondrial DNA. “The bottom line is there is no single mitochondrial genome in humans,” says Vogelstein. “We were surprised to find how much the DNA of mitochondria varies within each individual.”

HealthNewsDigest.com

Next CIG Meeting

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:23:49 GMT

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Topic: GenSmarts - Tips and Tricks. Presented by Gene Pennington.

Location: Villa Marin, 100 Thorndale Drive, San Rafael - The Meeting will be held in the Auditorium, which is to the left and down the hall from the entrance.

Villa Marin has wireless Internet access! Be sure to bring your laptop computer and wireless network card so you can follow along with the presentation.

Contact Gene Pennington if you need more information.

These meetings are free to the public.

Visit the MCGS website to see the 2010 schedule, topics, locations and directions.

Who Do You think You Are? – Series Premiers This Friday Night on NBC

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:51:54 GMT

Who Do You Think You Are? is a unique show that takes a personal look into the family stories of seven celebrities, while helping people everywhere understand what they could discover about their own family history.

It's also a great excuse to gather your family on a Friday night to watch an interesting story unfold and then talk about the ancestors who paved the way for you.

Tune in this Friday night, March 5, 2010, on NBC .

You can watch a preview clip from YouTube below by clicking here.

Family Matters » Blog Archive » Word Processing for Publishers

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:32:09 GMT

This is a pretty good resource if you use a word processor for creating and publishing your family history reports or if you publish a newsletter.

The article has a link to a series of guides to help.

Family Matters » Blog Archive » Word Processing for Publishers

The U.S. Census 2010: Don’t be Counted as a Victim of Online Fraud | Symantec Connect

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:13:36 GMT

Another alert about Census scams. Take a minute to learn how to avoid being a victim of these scams.

The U.S. Census 2010: Don’t be Counted as a Victim of Online Fraud | Symantec Connect

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Census Scam Alert

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:12:42 GMT

An alert from Dick Eastman on how to avoid becoming a victim of a Census scam. Take a minute to read this important alert.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: Census Scam Alert

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: 1930 US Census Available Free of Charge on the Internet Archive

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:28:00 GMT

This is a pretty big deal if you ask me. Dick suggests in his article that local societies may want to jump in now and start to index the records from your area and place your own index online, with each entry pointing to an original record on the Internet Archive. Great suggestion! Any takers?

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: 1930 US Census Available Free of Charge on the Internet Archive

One-Step Web pages by Stephen P. Morse

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:31:08 GMT

During the presentation on 2/24/10 by Joel Weintraub titled “Preparing for the 1940 Census Opening in 2012”, he mentioned Stephen P. Morse several times. He mentioned several times the website that he worked on with Stephen P. Morse and how it can help us with our genealogy research.

The website is titled “One-Step Webpage”. I’ve been busy searching a few of the records he has linked to his search engine and website and I’m very impressed. I just wished I was better at using it’s powerful features.

If you’ve not used his website you should.

Click here to visit Stephen P., Morse’s One-Step Webpage.

SMGF: Four Types of DNA

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:13:20 GMT

Did you know humans have four types of DNA?

Humans have four different methods of inheritance association with different DNA types: autosomal, X-chromosome, Y-chromosome, and mitochondrial.

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation has some wonderful educational presentations on their website.

To view the one titled “Four Types of DNA” click on the link below. While you’re there, check out the other presentations on DNA.

SMGF: Four Types of DNA

Genealogy Conference and Land Cruise

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:25:33 GMT

This is my idea of a great genealogy conference! A cruise AND tons of outstanding presentations and hands on learning experiences with genealogy professionals and researchers.

The cruise this year is on a brand new ship, Norwegian Epic, the newest and one of the largest cruise ships in the Caribbean.

The cruise itinerary includes Miami, Costa Maya, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Cozumel, Mexico and returns to Miami.

Anybody want to car pool to Miami? (-:

All aboard!

Genealogy Conference and Land Cruise

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: The End of RootsTelevision.com

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:34:31 GMT

I will miss this wonderful website. They’ve made many interesting and informative videos for the genealogy world but now they’re fading away. Sad.

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter: The End of RootsTelevision.com

MCGS Newsletters Are Now Available

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:28:35 GMT

If you're a MCGS Member, you can now access all the Newsletters. Login as a Member and then click on the "Members-only" link and then the "Premium Content" link and then on the "Newsletter" link.

You will see the MCGS Newsletters from 2006 that you can download.