tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32368795289320482432024-03-13T22:08:44.436-07:00Genealogy DragnetMy journey through tracing my family tree. Family traditions, photos and travels. Sharing results of the search for my roots.Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-49166699245695954322019-06-01T22:08:00.001-07:002019-06-01T22:33:42.684-07:00Southern California Genealogical Society's Jamboree 50th Birthday Bash!<p dir="ltr">31 May 2019</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've attended SCGS Jamboree sessions off-and-on since 2001. I remember the different facilities where the event took place. I’ve enjoyed each and every year and this one is no exception.  I’m proud to say I’m a member of SCGS for most of those years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The camaraderie between the speakers is a joy to watch. Most of them hadn't seen each other in the past year. They seem to pick up their friendship as if no time had passed. Whether they are sitting around small tables having coffee, tea or other favorite beverage or at a dining or banquet table together, laughing and joking like siblings. It's all part of the fun at Jamboree.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Marriott hotel staff, from the front desk to housekeeping, porters and waiter/waitresses go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. I look forward to coming every year. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Here are the various sessions I attended on Friday, 31 May:<br>
Paula Stuart-Warren | One the Clock! Demystifying the BCG Portfolio Process <br>
Judy G. Russell  | “Death by Undue Means": Coroner's Records <br>
Donald Coduto | Finding Italian Genealogical Records<br>
Anne Gillespie Mitchell | Fold3 Search Update: Do You Know What You Are Missing?</p>
<p dir="ltr">During Judy Russell's session, she did a shout-out to Ventura County Genealogical Society for coroner records on their website. (I'm also a member of VCGS.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Here’s a few events happening between sessions:<br>
Exhibit Hall (show specials throughout the weekend); Database Research Tech Zone; Research Assistance; SCGS Sales; Periodicals; Used Book Sales; Concession Food Sales; Raffle (twice a day); Demos; Birthday Cake; Known Authors signing their books. The society provided a smartphone app for the conference. It was available for smart phone, tablet, or any device that has web-enabled browser capability. </p>
<p dir="ltr">There was something for everyone!<br></p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-90211389863641093222018-02-20T23:53:00.001-08:002018-02-21T00:01:38.110-08:0052 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 8 - Heirloom<div class="WordSection1">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc467870995">Family Keepsakes</a><o:p></o:p></h1>
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When my mother passed away in October 1997, she was living with my sister Sharon in Palmdale, California. She was only 70 years old. Dad had passed way in 1995. There were only three of us now; Sharon, our brother George and myself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sharon lived in a mobile home without a garage only a storage shed for seasonal items or “extra” stuff. Before mom moved in, she had paired down her personal belongs and given away things she could no longer keep or store.<o:p></o:p></div>
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About a month after mom’s passing, the three of us worked around our schedules and finally met at Sharon’s house to sort out mom’s effects. We don’t live close to each other, so it was hard to get together at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We weren’t allowed to go into mom’s room unless she invited or asked us to get something for her. Walking into mom’s bedroom was surreal. She didn’t have much, mostly clothing and a few knick-knacks. Sharon started by opening closet doors and Mom’s dresser drawers. She pulled out items of clothing, laid them on the bed and said, <i>“Take what you want.”</i> We each made a pile of what we wanted to keep and started a Goodwill donation pile.</div>
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I spotted a blouse that mom frequently wore. A memory flashed through my mind of her wearing this top, smiling and getting into a car. Another memory flashed in my mind, her wearing the top while we were shopping. I put the blouse in my pile in the living room. (I keep it in one of my bottom dresser drawers, next to a sweater dad always used to wear.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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On mom’s dresser was an old, wooden, beaten-up box with a lift-off cover. She’d had the box for as long as I could remember. (It was small, only 8¾” x 6” x 2¾”.) The box had a strip of wood parquet design that ran all around the body of the box, inside and out. The parquet design carried over to the top and bottom of the cover. The cover’s handle is made of a flat piece of wood and is centered on the top.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This box has great significance for me. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and my family home was in Chicago, we were still a family unit, and not torn by divorce. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanity like Mom's</td></tr>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> I picked up the old box and carried it out to the living room and put it with my small pile of keepsakes. Memories came flooding back to me. Growing up, Mom had a large vanity in her bedroom. It consisted of a large round mirror, four wooden drawers on each side, two shelves between the drawers, and a small chair. This wooden box was kept on the bottom shelf of the vanity. It was one of the few items we could touch, open and look through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember various items she kept in there through the years. The items would change so it was fun to lift the lid and see what was new. Rosary beads, holy medals, funeral cards, and a small manicure set. After we moved to California, she kept Disneyland ride coupons, rubber banded together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was talking to my sister the other day about the box, she said she didn’t know who had it or what had happened to it. I told her I had it and later sent her a photo. She too had memories of playing with the box.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve kept the box in different places in my home. Not always in a prominent place — such as on a shelf in my bedroom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the last few weeks, my husband has been remodeling our master bedroom. Everything had to come out of the room and is now in various parts of the house. I discovered mom’s box on top of a pile of things I had placed for safekeeping. I emptied it, dusted it off, and took numerous photos from different angles. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My brother, George, has a piece of furniture that was in our family living room. My sister, Sharon, has a knick-knack that belonged to our maternal grandmother. I’m starting an inventory sheet on the various family keepsakes we each have from our family household. I want my children to know the provenance of each item and not just one day toss it away. The box has become a family heirloom.</div>
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<i>Copyright 2018, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i> #52Ancestors #genealogy<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-35991164335145625562018-02-11T17:51:00.000-08:002018-02-11T17:51:45.531-08:0052 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 6<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Favorite Name<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I don’t have unusual names on my family tree. Nothing I
could use in a search box to help distinguish from other names. I have George,
Philip, Mary, Marie, Maria, Robert, Richard, Sharon, Angela, Angie, Angeline,
Dorothy, Henry. I’m the only Gayle on the whole tree. Of course, it’s not
spelled like everyone else. I usually get Gail or Gale written on my coffee cup
order. No matter, it doesn’t bother me like it did when I was younger. Back
then, I didn’t even like my name. I would fantasize a different name like…Amanda.
Then I’d have a nickname like Mandy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking through my RootsMagic database, I kept
coming back to the name, George. It’s my father, brother and maternal
great-grandfather’s name. No difference in spelling. Dad would sometimes
shorten it as Geo. That’s the well-known abbreviation of George. I always liked
the name for a boy or man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also like the name Jennie. It sounds old, but not ancient
old. It was my maternal grandmother’s given name. Growing up we always called
her grandma Jean. I didn’t know her real name until someone referred to her as
Jennie. When she passed away, we all found out her middle name, Sylvia. My
mother and aunt both claimed them never of it. Grandma is the only Jennie on my
tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1978, my husband, David and I named our first born child,
Jennifer. Her name is unique. She’s not named after anyone in particular. No
other Jennifer on either side of her family tree. We had a hard time picking a girl’s
name. At the time, we lived in a mobile home. I would shout different names down
the long hallway to see how they sounded and if we liked them.</div>
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When Jennifer was in kindergarten, my husband David and I went to
our first parent-teacher conference. While waiting for the teacher to get
Jennifer’s file, we strolled around the room admiring all the student crayon
drawings that were displayed along the top of the chalkboard. We were shown which one was Jennifer’s. When I saw she wrote her name as “Jennie,” I stopped
and stood there with my mouth open, gaping . Seeing my grandma’s name written by
my little girl left me dumb-struck, unable to speak. I guess I expected she
would spelling it J-e-n-n-y. I couldn’t
get over she had chosen to spell it J-e-n-n-i-e without me telling her about
her great-grandma. I felt like my grandma had reached down and squeezed my shoulder,
giving her approval. I think I smiled
all the way through the parent-teacher conference, and give Jennifer a special hug
when we got home.</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">©</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">2018, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott #genealogy #52ancestors</span></i><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-31053576483194059292018-01-10T15:01:00.000-08:002018-01-10T15:01:23.403-08:0052 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;">Favorite Photo</b></div>
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I didn't know my paternal grandfather, Philip Ficarra, he died when I was three years old. My only memory is a very old, wrinkled man sitting in an upholstered rocking chair. </div>
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I have several photos of Grandpa Phil, the photo below is a favorite. It was taken in Chicago, Illinois sometime in the 1930s. My father George, said he remembered his father wearing a straw skimmer hat all the time. Grandpa is wearing a tie, and with his shirt sleeves rolled up, it looks like it might be summer. I don't know what the event might be, or maybe he's at work and just stepped outside when the photo was taken. I got this copy from my sister, Sharon. She actually started on the genealogy journey in the 1980s. I picked it up in 2000 where she left off. She's been great to help me when I run into a snag with our family history.</div>
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Grandpa Phil was married four times. Two of the women happened to be both of my grandmothers. His second wife, Angie, was my father's mother, he married her 1922. He married his fourth wife, Jennie, sometime in 1946. Jennie was my mother's mother. I'm still looking for their marriage record. This is how my parents met. Father and son, married mother and daughter.</div>
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Grandpa Phil was my "brick wall" in my genealogy search. I couldn't get past him to his parents or grandparents. A few years ago, a friend of mine actually found his parent's marriage on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. I've been grateful ever since. I still don't have Philip's birth record and I can't seem to find his family in any census or New Orleans, Louisiana city directories. They have once again become my "brick walls."<br /><br />
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<i>Copyright 2018, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i><br />
<i>#52ancestors #genealogy #familyhistory</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-71993940975523951022018-01-06T00:54:00.001-08:002018-01-06T01:04:27.621-08:00Writing My StoryI'm getting back to writing. I signed up with Amy Johnson Crow's: <a href="https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks/" target="_blank">52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks </a>challenge. I belong to a writing group once a month through my local society. I struggle, but the group helps me make sense of what I'm trying to say. I may not make all 52 weeks, but I'm willing to start.<br />
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I came across this great motivator from Thomas MacEntee's Twitter feed and on Facebook: <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/18-writing-tips-tell-stories/#start" target="_blank">18 Writing Tips for 2018: How to Tell Personal and Family Stories with Confidence</a>. I especially like tip number 3, Make a Time Line of Major Life Events. I really like the concept. After reading the whole article, I shared the link on my society's Facebook page and sent the link to my writing group.<br />
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I found a notebook I had and emptied out pages that had writing on them. Then I started to write down each year I've been alive. Left a page or two between each year and started adding in some of the big turning points of my life.<br />
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I don't have to write about ancestors. I'll write about whomever I want. I just want to START!<br />
<br />
Copyright 2018, <i>Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i><br />
#52ancestors #genealogy<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-40188512390472044762017-04-19T06:22:00.002-07:002017-04-19T06:22:26.361-07:00German documents transcribed<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">About two years ago, I ordered German church microfilms from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The only way to save the images was to snap a photo with my cell phone. The images weren't great, but using Photoshop Elements, I was able to piece two or three images together into one document. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I could make out a few words like legitimate, baptism, family surnames but that was about all.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Using a German dictionary, German word lists from Family Search Wiki, and Google translate - German to English, I still couldn't make out what the documents said. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></span>
Earlier this month, I attended the FGS Regional/Wisconsin State Genealogical Society's conference at Wisconsin Dells, WI<br />
<br />
On the second day, I attended a session by s<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">peaker Antje Petty. Her lecture was: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">“Max Kade Institute: Resources to help with your German-American Family Research”. My ears perked up, this was just what I needed. Part of my road trip this month was to research my mother's German paternal line. I spoke briefly with Ms Petty after her session and she said to email her with my German document questions. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Ms Petty's office was on the University of Michigan-Madison campus near the Wisconsin Historical Society.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I made an appointment to meet with her the following Monday afternoon and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">sent my scanned documents in advance</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">. Since </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I had planned on going to the historical society for research anyway, this was perfect. Over the weekend, Ms. Petty emailed me </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">she wasn't feeling well, and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> would have to cancel our appointment. She said she looked over my scans and thought the documents might be in Latin, which she doesn't read, not German like I thought. That's why Google translate, the word lists and German dictionary couldn't decipher the documents. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Wow, didn't see that coming! I would have to look into the documents after I got home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">I was disappointed we couldn't meet but thanked her for the valuable translation tip. A week later Ms Petty email me and said again how sorry she was we couldn't meet, she had actually come down with the flu but taken a second look at my documents and they were definitely in Latin. Thank you, thank you and thank you again! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">I won't be wasting time trying to </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">decipher</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> German. I'll be looking into Google translation - Latin to English. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">That invaluable tip was well worth the trip. You just don't know what you're going to learn when you attend conferences.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><i>Copyright 2017, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-49253560282847461152017-04-08T14:40:00.000-07:002017-04-08T14:40:43.780-07:00FGS Regional/WSGS 2017 Gene-A-Rama Conference – Day 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, was day two of a two-day conference of the FGS Regional/WSGS
2017 Gene-A-Rama held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Here’s
the sessions I attended. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaker: Curt B. Witcher<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Fingerprinting our Families: Using Ancestral Origins as a Genealogical
Research Key”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He has a way of stating facts differently than any other speaker would.
Instead of “bread crumbs,” he used “fingerprints.” Really makes you think outside
the usual box. Thanks Curt!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaker: Antje Petty<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Max Kade Institute: Resources to help with your German-American Family
Research”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ms. Petty’s talk was an eye-opener. I’m researching my mother’s line of
Germans the Rammingers’ of Sheboygan County, WI. Date range 1852-1900. The institute
is in the Wisconsin State Historical Society at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I happen to have some German church records that need to be translated. She
said to contact her this coming week at the library to take a look at what I
have. Good info, handout and talk!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaker: Grace Dumelle<o:p></o:p></div>
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“130 Years of Genealogy Gems: Delve into the Newberry Library’s
Treasure House.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As many times as I’ve been back to Chicago, I’ve never had the research
time to visit this library. Glad I was able to hear Ms. Dumelle’s talk. An
extra handout was passed out spotlighting the Curt Teich Postcard Archives
Collection. She walked us through the special collections; how to register
online; what type of ID you’ll need; how to get a Reader’s card; what you can and
can’t bring into the library, like personal scanners. I’ll definitely try and
carve out some research time for this library.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last and final speaker of the day: Rorey Cathcart<o:p></o:p></div>
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“After the Fire: Research Strategies for Besting Burned Counties”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Good examples of what could destroy county records, not just fire.
Floods, tornados, loss, theft and malfeasance to name a few. Look elsewhere,
use substitute records. What exactly was destroyed, what survived? Maybe the
records you need were in another building and not in the courthouse after all. Determine
if substitute or abstracted records were created. Ms. Cathcart’s handout,
suggestions and tips are priceless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My husband and I drove five days from California so I could attend this
conference. The trip was well worth the trek.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>© 2017, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-11725848512836573802017-04-08T11:09:00.001-07:002017-04-08T11:10:34.739-07:00FGS Regional/WSGS 2017 Gene-A-Rama Conference – 8 April 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yesterday, I attended the first of a two-day conference of the FGS
Regional/WSGS 2017 Gene-A-Rama held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin
Dells, WI. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The syllabus was sent via email a week ahead of the conference. I
printed the pages I thought I’d need from home for the various sessions I
planned to attend. The night before the conference I set up my conference bag,
clothes I would wear, and other items I’d need. I either read the schedule
wrong or was so excited for the conference to begin, I went down to
registration about two and a half hours early. I was excited!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before the sessions began, there was society business matters and
announcements. Two of the sessions I’d planned to attend, their speakers were
absent because of family emergencies. The WSGS president announced that the
sessions would be filled with FGS speakers so there was no delay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My first session was substituted from “100 Years Later: Finding Your
World War I Ancestor” to “Pinterest.” I’m not an avid Pinterest user but sat in
on the session and figured I could learn something new. The speaker didn’t
disappoint. Good talk and PowerPoint slides.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My second session was after lunch. Again, the session was filled in
with a different speaker, Curt B. Witcher. I’ve heard Mr. Witcher many times on
different subjects. Several years ago, he was the seminar speaker at my local
genealogy society. He’s a highly qualified and sought after speaker. His
lecture was very much like the programed lecture; “Search for your Data in <i>their</i> Repository.” He gave many
excellent points for narrowing down keywords in searches. He suggested using
the “place” where your ancestors lived instead of their surname exclusively.
His examples were five key components: place, ethnic, surname, religion, and
occupation. I will be changing the way I do my searches based on the above.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My third session was again with Mr. Witcher, “Minding the Mother Load:
Using Periodical Literature for Genealogical Research.” This was actually a
session I had originally chose. Curt B. Witcher is the senior manager of the
Genealogy Center in the Allen County Public Library in Ft Wayne, IN. I haven’t
had much luck in finding anything in PERSI, that’s just me. I know it’s because
I’m searching wrong. Mr. Witcher went into great detail showing and explaining
the ins and outs of the search capabilities. Unfortunately, PERSI is now housed
with FindMyPast.com a subscription site that is mostly used for international
searching. I’ll have to use it in my local Family History Center.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fourth and final session I chose was “Software: Genealogy Apps on
Mobile Devices.” Substitute speaker was Rorey Cathcart. Ms. Cathcart is a
professional genealogist. She did a great job pitch-hitting this subject. She
used the handout from the syllabus and added many more ideas of mobile apps she
herself uses. I’ll be checking out some of them and look forward to
incorporating them with my research.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I met some very nice ladies from various parts of Wisconsin at my table
for dinner. They gave me great tips for researching in Sheboygan County, which
I will follow-up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The evening dinner speaker was once again my favorite, Curt B. Witcher!
His talk was “The Great American Tapestry—Voices of Our Ancestors.” No
PowerPoint slides this time. His talk about our ancestors’ and the letters or
journals they left behind gave us a glimpse of our ancestor’s thoughts and
feelings. He wove a beautiful story by just reading the letters or journal entries.
A very enjoyable evening.<o:p></o:p><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Copyright 2017, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-39552340425326325852017-04-02T13:56:00.000-07:002017-04-02T13:58:12.642-07:00FGS Regional/WSGS 2017 Gene-A-Rama Conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This week, I’m attending the FGS/Wisconsin State Genealogical Society Gene-A-Rama
conference in Wisconsin Dells. The syllabus was sent to me via email. I prefer
receiving it this way. I can then print out just the pages I want, and save $30
by not buying the printed syllabus that can sometimes be as big and heavy as a
phone book. (Been there, done that!)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The conference has impressive speakers scheduled, some I’ve heard
before, but will attend their lectures again. Curt B. Witcher, David E. Rencher,
Rorey Cathcart, just to name a few. Of course, what’s a conference without all
the fabulous vendors. I brought extra tote bags for the goodies I plan to bring
home. Shopping, shopping, shopping!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve attended various FGS events in the past so this conferences should
be good. I hope to talk to WSGS representatives to ask if I should research at
the historical society in Madison or perhaps go to the archive that best
represents Sheboygan County where my Ramminger line is located.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m looking forward to visiting Wisconsin Dells again. My husband,
daughters and I visited many years ago, with my cousin and her family. Great
resort town. My mother took my sister, brother and I to the Dells in the early
1960s. This visit should bring back happy memories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<i>Copyright 2017, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-21526697047089507952017-04-01T23:15:00.000-07:002017-04-01T23:15:10.856-07:00Ramminger Research<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m on the trail to tie up some “loose ends” of one of my maternal
lines. I have quite a few documents and sources, but I’m missing some key
elements.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHXsrigLtks/WOCUprELiUI/AAAAAAAAAX8/rUdJZG7S6DkU1iOV3RClFGrKJ8YppR8YgCLcB/s1600/Ramminger_And_1852_NY_passenger_list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHXsrigLtks/WOCUprELiUI/AAAAAAAAAX8/rUdJZG7S6DkU1iOV3RClFGrKJ8YppR8YgCLcB/s320/Ramminger_And_1852_NY_passenger_list.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1852 Passenger list</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My direct line immigrant ancestor was Andreas Ramminger. He was from a
village in Germany, Hesse-Darmstadt. In 1852, Andreas, his wife Gertrudis
(Gertrude) and their six boys boarded a ship in Rotterdam, Netherlands to come
to America. The sons were, Conradus (Conrad), Joannes (John), Henricus (Henry),
Jacobus (Jacob), Philippus (Philip), and Adamus (Adam).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They made their home in Sheboygan County Wisconsin by farming. In 1854, Gertrude died. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSEej8A6Xj8/WOCVH2YBttI/AAAAAAAAAYE/vHgnKjYJfokGVzxPonJ-0Nxv0HIqWyXdgCLcB/s1600/Ramminger_Andreas_Bergner_Wilhelmine_1854_marriage_Sheboygan_Co_WI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSEej8A6Xj8/WOCVH2YBttI/AAAAAAAAAYE/vHgnKjYJfokGVzxPonJ-0Nxv0HIqWyXdgCLcB/s320/Ramminger_Andreas_Bergner_Wilhelmine_1854_marriage_Sheboygan_Co_WI.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1854 marriage record</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Andreas married Wihelmine Bergner. In December 1854, he bought
40 acres of land from John M. Watson, who received the Bounty Land as a solider in War of 1812.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’d like to research the land deed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Learn exactly when Gertrude died and where she’s buried.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Name all of Andreas and Wihelmine’s children. The list I have is:
Frederick, Maria, Herman, William Mary, and George.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
George is my great-grandfather. He was born in 1866 in Rhine, Sheboygan
County, Wisconsin. </div>
<br />
Married Susanna Steinhauser in 1894. Their homestead was in Clark County,
Wisconsin.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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I’m going to the Wisconsin Historical Society to research all of the
above, and hopefully, more!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Copyright 2017, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-49058568317409273002016-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:002016-09-01T21:11:01.207-07:00FGS Conference 2016 - Day 2What a great day I've had! I was expecting dry, hot, and humid weather while in Springfield but it has been so beautiful. I think it was in the mid-70s all day with a nice breeze.<br />
<br />
Here's the sessions I attended today, all were excellent!<br />
<br />
Elizabeth Shown Mills:<br />
Elusive Ancestors? No, They're Never "Too Poor to Trace"!<br />
<br />
FamilySearch Luncheon:<br />
FamilySearch: Past, Present and Future<br />
<br />
Mary M. Tedesco:<br />
Italian Genealogy Research in Italy and from Home<br />
<br />
Michael D.Lacopo:<br />
The German Immigrant Experience in the 18th Century<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeZdteN6AU/V8j437aVtBI/AAAAAAAAAXA/d7ILlLZq4Joe4OQImqH6fUx-xLj8r8twQCEw/s1600/FGS%2BConference%2B2016%2Bexhibit%2Bhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeZdteN6AU/V8j437aVtBI/AAAAAAAAAXA/d7ILlLZq4Joe4OQImqH6fUx-xLj8r8twQCEw/s320/FGS%2BConference%2B2016%2Bexhibit%2Bhall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After lunch I decided to explore the Exhibit hall, so glad I did. I was able to go around to multiple vendors and get my Exhibit Hall Passport stamped. I'll need to get both sides of the passport filled with stamps to be eligible for the FGS Grand Prize Package of a 2017 FGS Conference Package. That is a grand prize worth working I wouldn't mind having. It was nice to have an almost empty hall. No crowds or lines to maneuver, perfect!<br />
<br />
After the last session I went to the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel ballroom dinner at the "Meet & Greet" sponsored by Ancestry.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow will be more great choices that I can't wait to explore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi-l43oagao/V8j5CR3D9wI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SFly0RDXmZEZfU8MCbaG1JCQD_hn9l2lQCLcB/s1600/Illinois%2BState%2BCaptiol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qi-l43oagao/V8j5CR3D9wI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SFly0RDXmZEZfU8MCbaG1JCQD_hn9l2lQCLcB/s320/Illinois%2BState%2BCaptiol.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illinois State Capitol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Copyright, 2016 Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-48810588847776189142016-08-31T06:58:00.001-07:002016-08-31T06:58:40.612-07:00FGS Conference 2016 - Day 1I'm in Springfield, IL listening to Curt Witcher during the morning Plenary session. He's such a versatile speaker!<br />
"How To Survive and Thrive: Successfully Embracing Change".<br />
<br />
Wednesday is Focus On Societies day.<br />
<br />
Have a full day of classes. Here they are:<br />
Archiving a Society's History<br />
Micro-Volunteering: Get Your Members Involved a Little Bit at a Time<br />
Finessing Facebook<br />
Video Marketing: Killer YouTube Strategies for Societies<br />
<br />
There are so many choices, some I can't get to but whatever I choose, I'll soak up all the speakers have to give. I'm going to enjoy my time here this week.<br />
<br />
Copyright 2016, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott all rights reserved<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-45619365280973699532015-07-08T13:52:00.001-07:002015-07-08T13:52:12.950-07:00Genealogy Do-Over, Cycle 3, Week 1: Self-Imposed Guidlines<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTQIZJBVBPE/VZ2MMbVTBAI/AAAAAAAAAWM/PSgm6BoKO0c/s1600/gendover%2Bwo%2Bdate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTQIZJBVBPE/VZ2MMbVTBAI/AAAAAAAAAWM/PSgm6BoKO0c/s320/gendover%2Bwo%2Bdate.png" width="320" /></a></span></strong></div>
<br />
While reading blogs and posts on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/genealogydoover/" target="_blank">Genealogy Do-Over Facebook Group</a> page I have set up my own self-imposed guidelines to work from. I've borrowed from Thomas MacEntee (thanks Thomas!) items I thought would work for me.<br />
<br />
1. Research with an open mind.<br />
Take off the blinders. I won't just keep family stories utmost in my mind and think what was shared through the family is the only truth.<br />
<br />
2. Track my work and cite my sources.<br />
When I first started with genealogy I was always conscious of citing sources. I would use a research log/journal/calendar (never could figure which was the correct word) sporadically to track my work. I will now use a research log, track all work, even dead ends, cite my sources, and analyze data <u>before</u> it is entered into any software or online tree program.<br />
<br />
3. Ask for Help.<br />
I've learned there are no stupid questions. There is no right way to ask. I'll post a query on Facebook or ask a question during a webinar or email my favorite genealogy rock star.<br />
<br />
4. Make sure I have a Plan.<br />
Write down the steps I'll take before researching. I would always skip this step. I kind of kept an idea of what I wanted to accomplish in my head. With a real written plan I'll be more focused.<br />
<br />
5. Give and be abundant.<br />
Exchange information freely with other researchers. I won't hold data "close" to myself or exchange it in lieu of something else. When I first began on this path, I read stories of people helping others, giving their hard researched data to strangers but never getting anything in return or hearing from those people again. I was very careful not to fall into that trap. I felt "what will I get in return?" I have since put data I've gathered onto shareable CDs and given them out to family members with and without computers. It's been a pleasure to give the gift of our mutual families.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-49518171994442263852015-07-03T18:17:00.000-07:002015-07-03T18:17:58.895-07:00Genealogy Do-Over Cycle 3, Week 1: 3-9 July 2015
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDuuAVpXudw/VZcvornNESI/AAAAAAAAAV0/jCLO-60-wOw/s1600/gendover%2Bwo%2Bdate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDuuAVpXudw/VZcvornNESI/AAAAAAAAAV0/jCLO-60-wOw/s320/gendover%2Bwo%2Bdate.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I'm joining Thomas MacEntee's Genealogy Do-Over, Cycle 3. <a href="http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/genealogy-do-over/">http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/genealogy-do-over/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I didn’t
follow Cycle 1, I was a “lurker” during Cycle 2. I
found the steps everyone was taking to get their files and research organized intriguing.
Organized, what a concept! The Do-Over will last 13 weeks, ending on October 1.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Week one will consist of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">1) Setting
Previous Research Aside<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">2) Preparing
to Research<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">3)
Establishing Base Practices and Guidelines<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Number one
above, might be a tough one for me. I open my genealogy software several times
during the week. My sister and brother both live in different states from me. When
any question comes up regarding our childhood or need verification on
something, they each say, “Call Gayle, she’ll know the answer!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Number two is
something I’ll need to embrace. My usual practice is sit down at my laptop,
fire-up the Internet and away I go. I usually have to scramble for a pen/pencil,
notebook or opening up a blank Word document to take notes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Number three
I’m actually looking forward to. I do use research journals and keep track of
any correspondence I’m writing. I know I need a real Research Plan I can follow
and keep me focused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Okay, I’m
rolling up my sleeves, here I go…!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-29788063616795214232015-06-07T00:30:00.000-07:002015-06-07T00:30:00.801-07:00SCGS 2015 Jamboree – Day 4
Today’s the last day at Jamboree, heading home after my last
class. I’ve enjoyed each and every moment of the past four days. I got to see
old friends and make new ones too. I’ll be watching my email for a notice of
when 2016 Jamboree registration opens!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here’s the classes I
attended today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
8:30 am to 9:30 am – Michael Booth – Personal Historian 2:
Bring Life to Your Life Stories<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
10:00 am to 11:00 am – Crista Cowan – Getting Even More out
of Your Ancestry.com<o:p></o:p></div>
Subscription<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1:00 to 2:00 pm – Anita Paul – Who, What, When, Where? Using
Journalism Techniques to<o:p></o:p></div>
Write Your Story<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
2:00 pm to 3:00
pm – Dr. Michael Lacopo – Incorporating Social History into Your Genealogical
Research<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©</span>2015, copyright, Gayle
Ficarra Wolcott. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-89260999026691430772015-06-06T21:43:00.001-07:002015-06-06T21:43:21.475-07:00SCGS 2015 Jamboree – Day 3
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsdJ-NG_aLg/VXPLlyxC8JI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kwwR5P1SUnI/s1600/2015%2BSCGS%2BJamboree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsdJ-NG_aLg/VXPLlyxC8JI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kwwR5P1SUnI/s320/2015%2BSCGS%2BJamboree.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Ventura County (California) Genealogical Society, which
I’m a member, brought new and used books to sell today at Jamboree. We usually
get one small table in the foyer and hope for the best. Yesterday, a SCGS
committee member asked if we would like to move into the Exhibit Hall on Saturday.
They had an unexpected vacancy and asked us to fill it. We jumped at the opportunity
to have four long tables and a prominent place in the Exhibit Hall!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I volunteered to help out with setting up the tables so I
had to get to the Exhibit Hall by 7:30 am; the Hall opened at 8:00 sharp. I
wrote up books titles on the sales slip, took money, made change, and helped
where needed. There were several members helping so I was able to attend
several classes throughout the day. Here’s the classes I attended:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
10:00 am to 11:00 am – Michael Brophy – Irish Genealogy <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2:00 to 3:00 pm – Jean Wilcox Hibben – America: Land of the
Farm, Home of the Plow<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My German line were farmers, thought this
would be a good class for me. Was not expecting a<br />
mini singing concert from
her.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
3:30 pm to 4:30
pm – Mark Olsen – Learn How to Discover New Ancestors Using Magic From
MyHeritage<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
family tree is planted at MyHeritage.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Rhonda R McClure – City & Rural
Directories; More than Just Names<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
going to look for Farmer Directories for my rural ancestors.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A long day today but had fun and spent quality time with
friends and helped my society!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©</span>2015, copyright, Gayle
Ficarra Wolcott. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-6346380335416657062015-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:002015-06-05T07:14:55.484-07:00SCGS 2015 Jamboree – Day 2
Since I’m staying at a hotel close to the convention center,
I didn’t have to hop out of bed as early as I did yesterday from home. Last night I updated My Schedule on the SCGS Conference App
and chose some interesting classes. Here’s what my line up looks like, subject
to change.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I have a conflict with some morning classes. I’ve hear all
three excellent speakers in the past so it’s going to be tough to choose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
9:45 am to 10:45 am - Thomas MacEntee – Creating a Community
Indexing Project<o:p></o:p></div>
Or<o:p></o:p><br />
10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Jean Wilcox Hibben – Society Support
& Share Open Forum<o:p></o:p><br />
Or<o:p></o:p><br />
11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Drew Smith – Crowdsourcing Your Brick
Walls<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
EXHIBIT HALL opens yay!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Michael Brophy – Paddy on the Net:
Irish Genealogy Databases<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t have Irish ancestry but I’m
helping a friend of mine with her maternal line. Since I haven’t done any Irish
research before I’m going to start at the beginning.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2:30 to 3:30 pm – Michael D. Locapo – Methods for
Identifying the German Origins of American Immigrants<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>German is my mother’s paternal line. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Cindi Ingle - Time lines: The Straight
Line Between You and Your Ancestor<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another conflict:<o:p></o:p></div>
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Michael D. Lacopo – Finding and
Utilizing German Church Records<o:p></o:p><br />
Or<o:p></o:p><br />
Thomas MacEntee – Genealogy Do-Over – A Year of Learning
from Research Mistakes<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve been following the Do-Over on
Facebook and plan on jumping into the next round when it starts over on July 3.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well that's it for today. Going to be a long day, but looking
forward to it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©</span>2015, copyright, Gayle
Ficarra Wolcott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-66391116995571495292015-06-04T23:50:00.001-07:002015-06-04T23:50:46.886-07:00SCGS 2015 Jamboree – Day 1
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m in
Burbank, CA for the annual Jamboree put on each year by Southern California
Genealogical Society. I’ve been a member for several years and try not to miss
this national conference which is “in my neighborhood.” No airport, TSA
screening, tight seats and recirculating air. I do like to have a hotel room
for the duration of the conference because I hate driving 50 minutes to over an
hour each way, each day from home.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
attended an all-day workshop titled “Creating a Digital Genealogy Scrapbook” by
Barb Groth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
needed to bring our laptop as the process could not be completed on a smart phone
or a tablet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ms.
Groth sent an email with instructions what to have ready before we came to
class. We should have some (not necessarily all) of the following information
saved to our desktop in a single folder:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family
photos – each should be a minimum of 300 dpi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Documents,
such as census records, church records, naturalization, military, newspaper
articles, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scanned
memorabilia – medals, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maps
or photos of places and/or locations your family came from or resided in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
few Word document with brief typed information about the family or person you
are including in the album<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
downloaded the free demo version of the software program “ScrapRoom.” <a href="http://scraproomsoftware.com/purchase.html"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://scraproomsoftware.com/purchase.html</span></a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Scroll down until you see the free demo
version.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also
downloaded free templates and elements to use in the program at <a href="http://www.simplyyin.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.simplyyin.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Scroll all the way down the page until you
see: Mye De Leon FREE Demo Kit.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She recommended
to watch any scrapbook tutorials on YouTube.com and just have fun! Use Google
to look for other free design layouts for scrapbooking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ms.
Groth discussed the organization of photos, elements and documents on our
computer, the ScrapRoom Software and its components, and the organization of
the album. We began to design and develop the actual pages of the album. I wasn’t
able to complete the album in class. We were learning the techniques, but felt
confident I’d be able to complete the album on my own. We could also purchase
the Guide that’s been written to help assist with step by step directions. I’ll
probably pick it up in the Exhibit Hall tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
looking forward to completing my album at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="color: #373737; font-size: 11.5pt;">©2015,
copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott. All rights reserved.</span></em><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-60236348533314955022015-05-31T21:43:00.002-07:002015-05-31T21:43:43.667-07:00Getting Ready for SCGS 2015 Jamboree!I'll be attending the <a href="http://genealogyjamboree.com/" target="_blank">Southern California Genealogical Society's 2015 Jamboree</a> this year. It's being held in Burbank, CA. I love going to this national conference because it's "in my own backyard" so to speak. I live about an hour away in Ventura County. No airplane ticket or car rental to hassle with. I'll be attend from Thursday through Sunday.<br />
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I’ve barely given the conference much advance thought, but in reality, it's this week! My pre-planning has begun. <br />
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This year I signed up for a Digital Scrapbook workshop on Thursday; it's an all day event. I've got the photos, documents, maps and other files I want to include in the scrapbook in a folder on my laptop's desktop.<br />
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<ol>
<li>I've downloaded the conference App and started looking through the schedule. I love the Apps the conferences have been implementing. Everything I need is on my Samsung S5 Android phone.</li>
<li>I'll print out my personal trip checklist so I don't forget anything I can't live without.</li>
<li>I've been going through the syllabus and select the classes I’ll plan to attend. I've also started printing out any handout that have been supplied.</li>
<li>I need to go through the list of exhibitors and note the ones I want to make sure I see. I plan on updating my genealogy software to the newest version.</li>
<li>Think about the people I want to try to meet.</li>
</ol>
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I look forward to this conference each year and meeting up with friends I haven't seen in a year.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-63091331005765402602015-04-05T10:55:00.001-07:002015-04-05T11:04:50.501-07:00Our 40th Wedding Anniversary!5 April 2015<br />
Today is our 40th wedding anniversary! We've been blessed to have shared our lives together. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 April 1975</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr5pN1m2_5Y/TmUqPtBlAAI/AAAAAAAAADc/SNQVs5LTGCU/s1600/Gayle%26Dave%2B1975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr5pN1m2_5Y/TmUqPtBlAAI/AAAAAAAAADc/SNQVs5LTGCU/s1600/Gayle%26Dave%2B1975.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Ficarra Sr, Bernice Ramminger Ficarra, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott, <br />
David Wolcott, Frances Kubicsek Wolcott, Charles Wolcott</td></tr>
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<em>Copyright 2015, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</em><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-79847688213827635092015-02-15T10:22:00.000-08:002015-02-15T10:22:59.941-08:00FGS/ROOTS TECH CONFERENCE - DAY 3Saturday, February 14th was the third and final day of the RootsTech and <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">FGS 2015 Conference</a>.<br />
<br />
Motivational keynote addresses from entertainer and Utah native Donny Osmond and journalist A.J. Jacobs who is organizing a Global Family Reunion. Jacobs, spoke about his efforts to organize a "Global Family Reunion: based on the idea that all living people are cousins to one another.<br />
<br />
He was followed by Donny Osmond, who spoke of his 50-plus year international career in show business that began with his brothers in Ogden. He sang some all time hit songs, paid tribute to his father; said to document the stories of your family. We are products of our ancestors.<br />
<br />
The following are the classes I attended on Saturday:<br />
Extra! Extra! Utilizing Newspapers to Locate Obituaries taught by Kris Rzepczynski, MLS, MA. I liked this session, he had a good handout and covered the topic of how to locate print and online indexes for local newspapers, and take advantage of online resources.<br />
<br />
Before You Click: Creating Your Online Research Plan taught by D. Joshua Taylor.<br />
I picked up a great tip from his handout, "Keep a research log for <b>every site</b> you search - including subscription websites, search engines, or other resources."<br />
<br />
Nifty and Powerful Technologies for Genealogical Analysis and Documentation taught by Ron Arons. He had an excellent handout with links to various website programs. Some I heard of, some I hadn't.<br />
<br />
Family Food & Fun: Making a Family Story Cookbook with Recipes taught by Alison Taylor. I missed this the first time it was on the schedule. Luckily, there was an encore session. My sister and I had a similar idea to put all our family recipes in one cookbook with photos and a bio of the cook. This class is just want I needed.<br />
<br />
There were many sessions I didn't get to but having the syllabus handouts after the conference will help. The entire conference was a huge success, glad I was able to be apart of it!<br />
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-53204852324515999522015-02-13T21:18:00.000-08:002015-02-13T21:19:45.815-08:00FGS/RootsTech Conference - Day 2The second day of the <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">FGS 2015 Conference</a> has been fun packed.<br />
The RootsTech keynote speaker at this morning's general session was former first lady Laura Bush. During her speach she emphasized the importance of family. Joining her for a Q & A session was her daughter Jenna Bush Hager. Jenna also talked about the importance of her family, recalling her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, babysitting she and twin sister Barbara the night before his debate speech.<br />
<div>
<br />
When I registered for FGS I also paid for the RootsTech pass. Today I moved from one end of the building to the other to attend various RootsTech or FGS classes. Well, I got in plenty of exercise. The following are the classes I attended:<br />
<br />
Creating a Digital Genealogy Album taught by Barb Groth.<br />
<br />
Blogging Your Research, Memories, and Family Stories taught by Laura Hedgecock.<br />
(I later purchased her new book <i>Memories of Me</i> which she signed.)<br />
<br />
I popped into the Exhibit Hall and watched one of the 30 minute of Outside the Box Sessions in booth 1140. Heirloom Roadshow: How to Archive Family Keepsakes taught by Denise Levenick. Ms Levenick has been a past speaker at my Ventura County Genealogical Society (VCGS) monthly meeting.<br />
<br />
Using Tax Records for Genealogical Problem Solving taught by Michael Lacopo, DVM.<br />
I liked his lecture. I know the title sounds dry and boring, but Mr. Lacopo kept my interest. I haven't dipped my research toe into tax records yet but I'll be ordering some microfilm when I get home.<br />
<br />
I met up with Jen Baldwin at the Find My Past booth. I was able to have a short one-on-one time with her about social media. She told me about tutorials on the FGS Education page. If I had ANY questions I could email her any time. She gave me a snack bar and a small gift for being one of the "early birds" to come to the booth. I also was able to say hello to fellow blogger Randy Seaver and his lovely wife Linda.<br />
<br />
A fellow VCGS member and I had a nice dinner together. It was the first time we were able to connect in the past three days. It was great to hear about the classes she attended and I talked about my classes. It's always fun to share with a like-minded friend.<br />
<br />
Copyright 2015, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-20308440940476123462015-02-13T06:17:00.000-08:002015-02-13T06:17:17.861-08:00FGS/RootsTech Conference - Day 1<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Yesterday was the official kick-off of the <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">FGS</a></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank"> C</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/" target="_blank">onference</a>. The conference </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">committee expect well over 22,000 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">people to attend before the weekend is </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">through. I had a full day of traipsing up and down the halls of the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Salt Palace </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Convention Center looking for the correct room my session was to be held. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">I've overheard more</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"> than once a remark of how many steps a person was </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">using. Well over 10,000.</span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Here's a look at the classes I attended.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Thursday General Session</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Took a spin in the Exhibit Hall as soon as it opened.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Organization for the Genealogist taught by Billie Stone Fogarty, M.Ed.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Attended the MyHeritage Sponsored Lunch.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">60 Minutes --60 Ideas: Workshop to Jump Start YOUR Personal or Family </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">History taught by Tom Taylor.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Problem Solving with Probate taught by Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">FASG, FUGA, FNGS</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Build and Manage Your Family Tree with My Heritage Mobil App taught by </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Daniel Horowitz</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Took another spin through the exhibit hall, talked and asked questions with </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">several vendors. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">By the time I left to go back to my hotel, I was literally </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">dragging my bag behind me. So tired and pooped. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Can't wait until morning!</span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">Copyright 2015, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-55717830729125520712015-02-11T22:54:00.000-08:002015-02-12T07:00:27.844-08:00FGS FOCUS ON SOCIETIES DAY OPENING SESSIONI'm the FGS Delegate for the Ventura County Genealogical Society in California.<br />
<br />
This morning I picked up my registration packet for the FGS/RootsTech Conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center. I attend the FGS Focus on Societies Day Opening Session. Keynote speakers were Deana Courant, Jen Baldwin, and Curt Wicher. Listening to just one of them would have been a great session but seeing all three was awesome! I hope to take in other sessions with them later in the week.<br />
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My first class was taught by C. Anne Staley, <i>The Policy and Procedure Manual: Preventing "I Didn't Know That".</i><br />
Second class was taught by D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, <i>New Kid on the Block: Embracing Your Society's new Volunteers.</i><br />
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The following are the classes I took after lunch.<br />
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<i>Technology Initiatives for Genealogy Societies</i>, taught by Thomas MacEntee.<br />
<i>Organizing and Carrying Out a Society Project</i>, taught by C. Anne Staley.<br />
<i>Tradition and Technology: Finding Your Society's Balance,</i> taught by D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS.<br />
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Lots of great ideas to take back to the VCGS board.<br />
<br />
After dinner I went back to the Salt Palace and attended the FGS 2015 Opening Social: Behind the Scenes: Family History & Television. We saw selected clips from "Finding Your Roots," "Who Do You Think You Are," and "Genealogy Roadshow." The Genealogy Roadshow clips hadn't aired yet, we were getting a sneak peak before the rest of the country, really cool.<br />
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Afterwards there was an in-depth panel discussion featuring Kenyatta Berry (Genealogy Roadshow), CeCe Moore (Genealogy Roadshow and Finding Your Roots), George E. Ott (Who Do You Think You Are?), Jennifer Utley (Who Do You Think Your Are?), and of course Josh Taylor (Genealogy Roadshow).<br />
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All-in-all, a great way to end the day. Can't wait for tomorrow to see the Exhibit Hall and attend all those amazing sessions.<br />
<br />
<i>Copyright 2015, Gayle Ficarra Wolcott </i><div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236879528932048243.post-66206363894714951182015-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:002015-01-27T00:00:07.310-08:00New Backpack
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">A
few weeks ago I read a Facebook post from Thomas MacEntee where he describes
the backpack he uses:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5u64gyNar4o/VMbg_rQipUI/AAAAAAAAARE/54IRQE03Jxc/s1600/New%2Bbackpack%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5u64gyNar4o/VMbg_rQipUI/AAAAAAAAARE/54IRQE03Jxc/s1600/New%2Bbackpack%2Bpic.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“When I travel to genealogy conferences, many people ask
me where I got my rolling backpack – it is a High Sierra Powerglide Wheeled
Book Bag from Amazon – and it is 59% off right now…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">Since
my old backpack I usually use has seen better days, I jumped right onto the
Amazon.com link and checked it out and read the reviews. So glad I did. I ordered the black backpack right then. Here
are some of the terrific selling points for me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Large, multi-compartment design with
CUSHION ZONE padded computer sleeve holds most 17" (screen size) notebook computers.</span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Large, zippered front compartment has
premium organizer with media pocket, zippered pocket, multiple open pockets and
removable key fob. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Zippered accessory compartment has a
headphone port. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Smooth rolling, corner-mounted wheels.</span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Double-tube telescoping handle stows
inside a protective zippered compartment. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Contoured, adjustable mesh padded
shoulder straps store behind a zippered, padded core back panel</span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Zippered side pockets hold a water
bottle or other gear. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Triangle clip to attach a lock or other
accessories. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Corner guards and a kick plate protect
the bag from abrasion. </span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 12pt;">Reflective accents for night safety</span><span style="color: #949494; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">The backpack arrived yesterday, was I ever excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">I’ll
be going to the <a href="https://www.fgsconference.org/">2015 FGS/RootsTech Conference</a> in
style!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: NanumGothic;">© 2015, Gayle
Ficarra Wolcott<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2013, copyright Gayle Ficarra Wolcott</div>Gayle Ficarra Wolcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07273320417695723654noreply@blogger.com0