Monday 29 February 2016

Proposals on access to post-WW1 military service personnel records

The UK's Ministry of Defence has outlined a series of proposals concerning the preservation of military service personnel records from 1920-1963, which it is presumed will be managed by the National Archives in England, due to the numbers involved. How these records might be accessed by the public, including their possible digitisation, is explored in the proposals (although the MoD and TNA have outlined in the document that they would not be able to fund such a programme). These proposals could see significant access granted to military records for genealogical purposes, including for veterans who served in the army beyond the First World War, and as such, views are sought concerning such proposals from interested genealogical and historical communities.

To read the proposals, please visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/20160216-mod-service-record-study-tna-uf-briefing-note.pdf

Justin Nash, who contacted me to ask if I could share this news, states "these proposals would vastly open up the world of post 1920 military genealogy (plus hundreds of thousands of WW1 service records from veterans who decided to serve on post WW1).... I know that the more interest the MoD have the more likely they are to happen".

Please do take time to read through these proposals - if carried through, and a suitable platform can be found for their provision, this could be one of the most significant records releases for some time.

(With thanks to Justin Nash)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Coat of Arms heraldry database

I've been asked to give a mention to a heraldry website which may be of interest to some readers. It is called the Coat of Arms Database, and is located at www.coadb.com. Site founder John Lehman describes its properties as follows:

a) Whereas other websites depict only the shield, we depict the crest and supporters (if present)
b) Whereas other websites only have one arms per surname, we list multiple arms per surname (ex. we have 54 arms for Allen)
c) We include the blazon for the arms and the source of the blazon.
d) We try not to use the erroneous term "family crest" which implies arms belong to a family as opposed to individuals

NB: Note the last point in particular, for which the site also states "Purchasing products featuring these arms does not entitle you to claim the arms as your own". There are just under 8200 coats of arms depicted on the site just now, though Mr Lehman states that the intention is to expand further from this.

Note also that there are many authoritative guides available on heraldry and heraldic records for genealogical purposes, not least of which is the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings from 1672-1913, for Scottish heraldic records, as regulated by the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh (www.lyon-court.com). This is available on the ScotlandsPeople website (www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk).

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

London Metropolitan Archives beginners sessions

From London Metropolitan Archives (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx):

Training sessions for new visitors to LMA:

We run a variety of learning sessions for new visitors, or anyone who wants a refresher on how to get the most out of your research at London Metropolitan Archives. You can check our events listings on eventbrite to see which sessions are coming up:

Getting Started: Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of our research facilities.

Using the Catalogue: There are 3.5 million record descriptions in our catalogue! Let us help you find your way around with advice and guidance for exploring our collections online.

Handling Documents: This practical session aims to help you handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Family History Starter Session - Using our Digital Resources: Starting your family history? Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including LMA’s records on Ancestry. This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Deciphering Old Handwriting: This practical session gives expert help in reading different types of handwriting from the 18th to early 20th centuries. You will practise with copy documents from LMA’s collections and get tips for deciphering all kinds of writing. We run sessions for beginners and intermediate level.

For events dates, times and booking details for these sessions and all our other events, please see the LMA events feed on the Eventbrite website (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/metropolitan-archives-new-visitors/).

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

FIBIS adds more Times of India notices

It's been a while since I mentioned the Families in British India Society (www.fibis.org) on this blog, it somehow seemed to drop off my radar, and we can't be having that!

The society has recently added arrival and departure notices from the Times of India for the years 1894 and 1899. For further details on the releases please visit the FIBIS blog at www.fibis.org/blog.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

AGRA to hold conference in Cambridge

From AGRA (www.agra.org.uk):

Major conference on demolishing brickwalls to be held in Cambridge

Historic St John’s College, Cambridge is the venue for the first conference organised by the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). The conference will be looking at Demolishing Brickwalls and takes place on Saturday 17 September.

An array of top speakers will be offering delegates ways of moving their family history research forward. They include the genealogical expert John Titford, The National Archives’ military expert William Spencer, and Rebecca Probert from Warwick University who has written bestselling books about divorce records and marriage law.

In addition a panel of experienced AGRA members will be available to help conference delegates overcome the brickwalls in their research. And top genealogical writer Sarah Williams, delivers the after dinner speech at the pre-conference dinner.

Everybody is welcome to attend the conference whether they be experts or just starting out. “There will be tips galore from our speakers, ” says Mike Trenchard, who is organising the conference, “to help you overcome problems with your research.”

The conference costs from £75. You can find all about the conference at www.agraconference.com.

(With thanks to Simon Fowler)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

TheGenealogist adds WW2 POW records

From TheGenealogist (www.thegenealogist.co.uk):

World War 2 Prisoners Of War

Leading British Genealogy Website, TheGenealogist, has added over 150,000 World War II Prisoner of War records to its already significant military records collection. These new records detail Officers and other ranks from the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF and those members of the British Empire land forces that were held as Prisoners of War in Germany and German Occupied territories.


This release will allow researchers to discover servicemen held by the Germans between 1939-1945 and includes many of the brave escapees whose stories of breaking out and dashing to freedom have captured the imagination for decades.

These records allow us to:

* Research POWs who served in Armies and other land forces of Britain and the Empire 1939-45 along with the Naval and Air Forces of Great Britain and the Empire 1939-1945

* Find names and details of men who were captured and incarcerated in German POW camps in Europe

* Check the details such as names, service numbers, and regiments of ancestors that were German POWs

* Search for daring escapees from within the camp lists

* Research where your military ancestors were held, revealing their camp number and location

* Discover the ranks, POW numbers, Service numbers and Regiments of those held

Covering the Nazi German camps in Europe, these lists are taken from official alphabetical nominal registers and reveal names and other particulars of:

* 94,608 British POWs in Germany, including Officers and other ranks

* 39,805 POWs from Empire Land Forces

* 19,250 Naval & Air Force POWs from Britain & its Empire

Joining an already comprehensive range of military records on TheGenealogist that span from 1661 to the 1940s, these lists are a useful addition for researchers. TheGenealogist’s military collections already include Army, Navy and Air Force Lists, Dambuster records, First World War POWs, plus many other records.

Examining some of the names of Prisoners of War released online at TheGenealogist.co.uk allows us to uncover the brave and determined Allied servicemen who made escape attempts from the Nazi German PoW Camps. One brave serviceman, although hampered by being a double amputee from an air accident from before the war, still did his duty to try and escape.

Example: The famous WW2 Air Ace with no legs - Douglas Bader

From the RAF Officers listed in the recently released Second World War Prisoner of War lists on TheGenealogist, we can find Acting Wing Commander Douglas Bader, whose story was immortalized in the book and film Reach for the Sky.


On 9th August 1941, Bader, a formidable air ace, was flying a Spitfire on patrol over France when he was forced to bail out over German-occupied territory. He had jettisoned the spitfire’s cockpit canopy, released his harness pin, and the air rushing past the open cockpit started to suck him out. Unfortunately, for Bader, his prosthetic leg was trapped in the plane and he was part way out of the cockpit but still attached to his aircraft. Bader and his aircraft fell for some time before he released his parachute, at which point the leg's retaining strap snapped under the strain and so he managed to get free of the plane. Captured, the Germans treated him with respect and even gave the British free passage to drop off a replacement leg for Bader over a German occupied French airfield.

Bader didn’t appreciate being a prisoner of war and made a number of escape attempts. Because he was considered likely to break out again by his captors, he was eventually sent to the infamous Colditz Castle - as we can see from the record on TheGenealogist, it shows he was incarcerated in Camp No: O4C which relates to Oflag 4C Saalhaus Colditz. It was here that Douglas Bader remained for the rest of the war until April 1945 when the camp was eventually liberated by the United States Army.

His name can be seen on the Battle of Britain War Memorial on the Victoria Embankment. A record, plus an image of this memorial, can be found on TheGenealogist amongst other military records that also include mentions of Douglas Bader in the various Air Lists.


The addition of the World War II Prisoner of War records to TheGenealogist gives family historians a fascinating insight into this period of recent history and allows them to add more depth to their research.

(With thanks to Nick Thorne)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Sunday 28 February 2016

Photography trial at NLS Maps Reading Room

The National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk) is running a self-service photography trial at its Maps Reading Room in Edinburgh. The service is available between 09.30 (10.00 on Wednesdays) and 16.45, Mondays to Fridays.

For further details visit http://www.nls.uk/using-the-library/reading-rooms/maps/photography

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Ulster Historical Foundation North American Lecture Tour

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

North American Lecture Tour, 05-22 March 2016

Saturday, 05 March Toronto, ON
Host: The Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society and the Canadian Department, North York Central Library
Further details: http://torontofamilyhistory.org/event/ulster-historical-foundation-north-american-tour-2016/?instance_id=1181

Sunday, 06 March Boston, MA
Host: New England Historic Genealogical Society
Further details: http://shop.americanancestors.org/products/irish-family-history-day-1?pass-through=true

Tuesday, 08 March Philadelphia, PA
Host: The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP)
Further details: https://genpa.org/events/celebrating-your-irish-scots-irish-ancestors

Wednesday, 09 March Leesburg, VA
Host: Thomas Balch Library
Further details: www.leesburgva.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/23391/327

Thursday, 10 March Newberry, Chicago
Host: The Newberry Library
Further details: www.newberry.org/03102016-irish-genealogy-research-program

Friday, 11 March Salt Lake City, UT
Host: Heritage Journeys, SLC
Further details: www.heritagejourneys.net/project/an-irish-gatherin-salt-lake-city-ut-march-2016/

Saturday, 12 March Portland, OR
Host: Genealogical Forum of Oregon
Further details: www.gfo.org/IrishSeminar_Mar2016.pdf

Sunday, 13 March Portland, OR
Host: Genealogical Forum of Oregon
Further details: www.gfo.org/IrishSeminar_Mar2016.pdf

Monday, 14 March Chehalis, WA
Host: Lewis County Genealogical Society
Further details: www.walcgs.org/

Wednesday, 16 March Fountaindale, IL
Host: The Plainfield Public Library and the Fountaindale Public Library
Further details: http://host7.evanced.info/fountaindale/evanced/eventcalendar.asp
http://www.fountaindale.org/

Thursday, 17 March Memphis, TN
Host: Tennessee Genealogical Society
Further details: www.tngs.org/

Saturday, 19 March Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Heinz History Center and the Westmoreland County Historical Society
Further details: www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events/irish-genealogy-workshop-2016

Sunday, 20 March York County, PA
Host: South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
Further details: www.scpgs.org/meetings/

Tuesday, 22 March Halifax (Debert), Nova Scotia
Host: Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia
Further details: www.novascotiaancestors.ca/cstm_conferenceReg.php

What better way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day itself, than by making a start on your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestral quest.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Forthcoming events at TNA in March

The following events are taking place at The National Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk) in Kew, England:

Thursday 3 March 2016, 7:00 pm
100 years of the WI: The acceptable face of feminism
FREE

Friday 4 March 2016, 2:00 pm
Spitfire girls
FREE

Saturday 5 March 2016, 2:00 pm
Out of the Archives: A zine workshop on 20th century women's movements
PAID

Tuesday 8 March 2016, 6:00 pm
Myth-busting the Suffrage movement
FREE

Friday 11 March 2016, 9:45 am
Theatre in the First World War
PAID

Friday 11 March 2016, 2:00 pm
Simply a Jacobite woman? The life experience of Margaret, Lady Nairne
FREE

Tuesday 15 March 2016, 4:00 pm
Experiencing the First World War in the Middle East
FREE

Thursday 17 March 2016, 7:00 pm
Beyond the guns: Experiences of women in the First World War
PAID

Friday 18 March 2016, 2:00 pm
'Tell Them of Us' screening
FREE

Monday 21 March 2016, 1:00 pm
Dispatches from the front
FREE

Tuesday 22 March 2016, 2:00 pm
100 years of the Military Medal
FREE

Tuesday 29 March 2016, 4:00 pm
Making the most of The National Archives' Library
FREE

Further details are available at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/whats-on/events/


Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

RootsIreland offer for March

RootsIreland (www.rootsireland.ie) is offering 12 months access for the price of 6 during the month of March, by way of a St. Patrick's Day offer.  For full details visit http://www.rootsireland.ie/2016/02/12-month-subscription-for-6-offer-during-march-2016/.

The site has also recently added records for County Sligo - see http://www.rootsireland.ie/2016/02/new-civil-marriage-records-for-county-sligo/ for full details.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Friday 26 February 2016

Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland talks schedule

The Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland has announced its programme of events:

Thursday 10 March 2016
The Rentouls: A Presbyterian Dynasty

Thursday 21 April 2016
Symposium on the First World War

Thursday 5 May 2016
The Robert Allen Lecture: 150 years of the Presbyterian Orphan and Children's Society

Wednesday 25 May 2016
Visit to Magee College (Details to be confirmed)

Saturday 18 June 2016 9.30am
Society's Field Trip to the Newtownabbey and South Antrim area

Thursday, 22 September 2016
Scots Settlement and Presbyterianism in Connaught

Saturday 15 October 2016 2.30pm
The Rev Jonathan Simpson of Portrush

Thursday 17 November 2016
The Division of Ireland and its effect on the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Thursday 16 February 2017
The Ballycarry Session Book, 1704-68

Thursday 23 March 2017
The Original Secession Church in Ireland 1841-1956

Wednesday 26 April 2017 2.00pm
Visit to Culturlann, former Broadway Presbyterian Church, Belfast

Thursday 4 May 2017
The Robert Allen Lecture: Professor J. E. Davey and the Heresy Trial, 1927

Saturday 17 June 2017
Society's Field Trip to Mid-Ulster

For further details on speakers, venues and subject matter, visit the society's website at www.presbyterianhistoryireland.com/2016/02/phsi-events-programme-for-2016-17-published/

(With thanks to Eddie Connolly via Facebook)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

FindmyPast update

The latest releases on FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk):

Middlesex, Poplar Military Tribunals, 1916-1918
Explore the records of over 3,000 men who appealed their conscription into the British Army at military tribunal hearings in Poplar, East London, at the height of World War 1. 

Northamptonshire Military Tribunals, 1916-1918
Search over 12,000 records from Military Tribunals held in Northamptonshire. You can explore appeals for exemption from military service to discover your ancestor's grounds for appeal, and their eventual fate. Were they too important to send to war? 

Middlesex Monumental Inscriptions, 1485-2014
Delve through over 20,000 transcripts of monumental inscriptions from nine burial sites across Middlesex to discover your ancestor's birth year, death year, and place of burial.

Full details at https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/fridays/

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Farewell Friends Reunited

The Friends Reunited website (www.friendsreunited.co.uk) has said its final farewells as of February 26th 2016. The site, which allowed folk to reconnect with school friends, and which later paved the way for a sister site, Genes Reunited (still going strong at www.genesreunited.co.uk), now carries the following announcement:

Friends Reunited - the sunset of an era

In the summer of 2000 we launched Friends Reunited as a method for people to find their old friends from their school days.

It is with a heavy heart, that we have decided to close the service down. This happened on the 26th of February 2016.

We do recognise that people have a lot of old photos within their profiles on the site. We will therefore provide a link to allow you to login and download your photos. You will be receiving an email in the coming months with further information on this.


Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to my Friends Reunited account?

You will no longer be able to log into your FriendsReunited account. The FriendsReunited servers have been shut down.

How can I recover all the photos I uploaded on Friends Reunited?

We will provide a page to allow you to login and download your photos – you will be receiving an email regarding this over the coming months.

I have another question.

If you have any problems or questions regarding the Friends Reunited website please contact the support team using the email address support@friendsreunited.co.uk

Farewell Friends Reunited....

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Family Historian version 6.1 now available

From Calico Pie:

Family Historian 6.1 has been released - the biggest free upgrade for 10 years

LONDON - February 24th, 2016. Calico Pie today announced the release of Family Historian 6.1 – a free upgrade for version 6 users, and the largest free upgrade of the program for more than 10 years.

“There are a number of themes in this release”, explained Calico Pie’s CEO Simon Orde. “Much of it is responding to a long list of requests from our users for detailed improvements of varying kinds. We know that often it’s the small things that make all the difference in terms of usability and we’ve worked hard on getting the details right. But there are some great new features too, like the new Snapshot Manager. We’ve also had genealogists coming to Family Historian from other programs, asking for specific things they need – and we’ve responded to many of these requests too. That means not just improved import, although that is a big part of it, but also feature enhancements. For example, we’ve improved sentence-generation for narrative reports in response to requests from users of The Master Genealogist. We also improved handling of source citation media – primarily in response to requests from Family Tree Maker users. You could see it as a sort of cross-fertilisation, as new users bring influences from other programs. We see that as a very positive thing, and one that has benefitted the program as a whole.”

What's New in 6.1

For full details of new features and enhancements, please see http://www.family-historian.co.uk/features/whats-new-in-version-6-1.

Summary of New & Improved Features
  • A new feature called Smart GEDCOM Loading has been added, which delivers big improvements in GEDCOM imports – especially from Family Tree Maker and Ancestry GEDCOM files. The same feature can even be used to recover hidden data in existing Family Historian projects that were previously created by imports from Family Tree Maker or Ancestry.
  • Improvements to direct import from The Master Genealogist and Genbox.
  • Much improved support for Source Citation media.
  • Numerous enhancements to support for witnesses (‘shared events’), including the ability to have multiple roles for witnesses and principals, and to effectively have ‘no-principal’ or ‘multi-principal’ events.
  • Improved support for generating sentences in narrative reports.
  • You can now add source citations for parent-child relationships (birth or adoptive), as well as spouse relationships.
  • Tool to automatically find, and fix links to, missing pictures and other media files.
  • A new tool that can automatically take and store daily snapshots of your entire data file, so that you can easily revert to an earlier version if you need to (this is in addition to full multi-level undo/redo within each session). By default, only the 8 most recent snapshots are kept, to ensure that space taken by snapshots never becomes excessive.
  • Improved compatibility with companion products, including the option to save Family Historian data files in the popular UTF-8 format.
  • And much more…
  • How to Upgrade to 6.1

All version 6.0 users are recommended to upgrade to 6.1. To do so, click Check for Updates on the Help menu, when running Family Historian, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, the upgrade can be downloaded from http://www.family-historian.co.uk/downloads/latest-free-upgrade.


To Learn More...

For an overview of the program, why not take the tour – at http://www.family-historian.co.uk/tour.

Family Historian has won numerous awards and accolades from reviewers – see http://www.family-historian.co.uk/reviews to learn more.

Purchase Information

Version 6.1 is free for version 6 users only. Version 6 is available for purchase as a download or boxed. There are also lower-priced upgrade options for version 5 and version 4 users. Please see http://www.family-historian.co.uk/store for purchase options.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Tuesday 23 February 2016

RCAHMW library, search-room and enquiry service to be suspended

Following news yesterday that the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales is to relocate to the National Library of Wales (see http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/rcahmw-to-relocate-to-national-library.html) comes news that the Royal Commission’s Library, Search-room and Enquiry Service are to be temporarily suspended for three months from April 4th 2016, to accommodate the move.

For further details please see http://heritageofwalesnews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/temporary-suspension-of-royal-230216.html

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Monday 22 February 2016

Strathclyde offers new 6 week family history MOOC course

From the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow:

Investigate your family history in online course

Genealogy techniques – including finding and analysing sources – will be among the themes explored in the Massive Open Online Course, offered in partnership with platform provider FutureLearn. The ‘Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree’ course will be run by academics in the University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL).

Tips for carrying out detective work into your family history will be explored in a free online University of Strathclyde course.

Genealogy techniques – including finding and analysing sources – will be among the themes explored in the Massive Open Online Course, offered in partnership with platform provider FutureLearn. The Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree course will be run by academics in the University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL).

Tahitia McCabe, CLL-based Educator, said: “This free online course will help you develop an understanding of basic genealogy techniques and how to communicate your family history.

“We will consider how to effectively find and analyse sources and explore the potential of DNA testing as applied to genealogy. We’ll help you add historical context to your family history and discuss how to record and communicate research findings in a clear fashion.”

Learners on the course will discover the best methods for finding and storing family tree information.

Ms McCabe added: “We’ll get you to define what you want to research, and consider the best ways to go about finding and storing information on your family tree.

“One of the key challenges of genealogy – finding the right person among a number of possible candidates, with ever-changing spellings of surnames – will be considered.

“We’ll conclude by introducing the main types of tools genealogists use to communicate their research finds, including creating a family tree and look at how to write a meaningful family history.”

The six-week long course is designed to allow learners from across the world to investigate their family tree – and find out how to share their discoveries.

Ms McCabe said: “Throughout the course, you’ll follow the story of Chris, as she uncovers her own family history, and you’ll be encouraged to share sources and ideas particular to your area of genealogical interest and geographic focus.

“The course will not concentrate on a specific country’s records or how to source these, so it will be useful to anyone around the world. The knowledge you gain from this course may prompt you to explore family history research more deeply or consider a career as a professional genealogist.”

Those who wish to take their learning further will have the opportunity to find out more about the University of Strathclyde’s online MSc in Genealogical Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies.

Other free, online courses offered by Strathclyde – in partnership with FutureLearn – have included: Introduction to Forensic Science; Understanding Modern Business and Organisations; Caring for Vulnerable Children; and Introduction to Journalism. The development of these courses has been supported by the University’s Learning Enhancement team.

FutureLearn was created in December 2012 as the UK's first provider of free, high-quality Massive, Open, Online Courses. Its partners and course providers comprise leading UK and international universities and cultural institutions including the British Library, British Museum and British Council.

For further information on the course, which starts on 14 March, visit the Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree website: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy.

(With thanks to Lachlan MacKinnon)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Forces War Records to bring Spitfire to WDYTYA? LIVE

From Forces War Records (www.forces-war-records.co.uk):

The world’s largest family history show Who Do You Think You Are? Live will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the NEC in Birmingham this April (7-9) with the help of celebrities and a full-size replica Spitfire in partnership with Forces War Records.

This year Who Do You Think You Are? Live is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a very special addition – a replica Spitfire, complete with its own ground crew and WW2 props in partnership with Forces War Records. Visitors will be able to climb aboard and have their photo taken inside the cockpit of this iconic aircraft, then meet Forces War Records’ military and genealogy experts both inside and outside the replica RAF Mess Hut. Specialists will be on hand to help with military genealogy queries, have details from photographs or documents identified, and demonstrate how to easily search for military ancestors on the website. Twenty minute time slots will be offered for more in-depth discussions. A selection of authentic military memorabilia will be there as well as the Spitfire Crew who will be in costume and character.



2 FREE TICKETS GIVEAWAY:
As the 5th of March commemorates the 80th anniversary 1st flight of the Spitfire. We’ll be running a competition asking for pictures of Spitfires or Spitfire models to be sent in, the prize will be 2 free tickets to the show. Entries can be made via our Facebook page or emailed to marketing@forces-war-records.co.uk.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS:
We’re offering our members a discount on ticket purchase; 2 tickets for just £26 (normally £32 if bought in advance or £44 on the day)


The Who Do You Think You Are? Show competition:

On the show website a 2 week competition will be run, the prize is a free flight experience from Flying For Freedom. More about Flying For Freedom in the ‘Notes’ and the details are:

The competition will run from 14th – 25th March
This year the Flying For Freedom team, who help severely disabled people learn how to fly, are planning something special, something that even able-bodied pilots have not attempted… The SOUTH POLE!

To enter the competition draw, click here to find the answer to this question:

From where will the Flying For Freedom team depart on their epic trip to the South Pole?

To answer, visit the following link: http://www.flyingforfreedom.org/expedition/

(With thanks to Forces War Records)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

RCAHMW to relocate to National Library of Wales

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (www.rcahmw.gov.uk) is to move to new offices at The National Library of Wales (NLW) later this year. As part of the changes to be implemented, the library's former Manuscript Room is also to become a new public search room for the National Monuments Record of Wales, whilst two floors of a new purpose built environmental storage facility for the library will house the body's relevant records.

For the full story, please visit http://heritageofwalesnews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/the-royal-commission-on-ancient-and-220216.html

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

My latest books are now available in the UK

My latest Unlock the Past books are now available for purchase from My History in Yorkshire:

A Decade of Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923
£7.50 plus p&p

As the issue of Home Rule reared its head for a third time, its supporters and detractors raised militias to defend their positions, whilst women fought for the vote and labourers fought for better terms from their employers. The First World War would soon dramatically change everything, leading some to see England's difficulty as Ireland's opportunity. When an independent republic was proclaimed through force of arms at Easter 1916, the response would see a brutal guerilla war fought between the British forces and Irish republicans, a partitioned island, and a nation divided.

A century on, in this book from Unlock the Past, Northern Irish born family historian Chris Paton will help you to discover whether your ancestors were caught up in the events of that period - whether they were Suffragettes, unionised workers, Ulster or Irish Volunteers, fighting with the British Army and Crown forces, against them as rebels and revolutionaries, and in the ensuing civil war on both sides of the Treaty divide. With improved cataloguing by archives, and better access to the records, both online and offline, a new gateway has been opened into one of the island's most tumultuous, tragic, exciting, and utterly desperate periods of the 20th century. In this book he will show you how to step through it.


Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition)
£11 plus p&p

In this newly updated and much expanded second edition of his best selling book, family historian Chris Paton explores the history and records of the various churches in Scotland prior to 1855, the year in which civil registration commenced within the country. He describes the theological changes imposed by the Reformation of 1560, the nature of the state’s battles with the Kirk, and the Kirk’s subsequent battles within itself. Most importantly, he also discusses the nature of the records generated by the various Scottish churches, how to interpret them, and above all else, how to find them.

Whether you are looking for tales of ministers carried into the air by Scotland’s fairy folk, the fire and thunder of John Knox, a detailed explanation of the online offerings of the ScotlandsPeople website, or the treasures waiting in the National Records of Scotland, this is the definitive research guide to help anyone with Caledonian connections.


These and other Unlock the Past books can be purchased via http://www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/Unlock-the-Past-Booklets.html.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Celtic family history day in Surrey

From Surrey History Centre:

Celtic Family History Day
Saturday 12 March 2016, 9.45am-3pm
Surrey History Centre,130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND

A day of exciting and informative talks on Welsh, Irish and Scottish family history as well as opportunities to ask the experts with specific family history advice.


The day will also cover:
  • Historical background and the differences between researching in England and Wales/Scotland/Ireland
  • Geographical implications discussed
  • Sources - what there is and where to find them
  • Any problems and tips on overcoming them
  • Myth busting! Dispelling a few myths - particularly about Irish and Welsh family history
  • The Family Search team will explain the resources they hold (copies of church records, indexes, etc) and how and where these can be accessed after each talk.
  • £10 includes tea and coffee. Refreshments will be available throughout the day but please bring your own lunch.
  • Representatives from The London Family History Centre (Family Search Library), and East and West Surrey Family History Societies will also be available on the day.

Please book online at www.surreycc.gov.uk/heritageevents, in person at Surrey History Centre or in any Surrey Library, or phone 01483 518737.

(With thanks to Lauren Stevens)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Thursday 18 February 2016

Google Translate adds Scottish Gaelic

If you have any family history records or texts written in Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), and haven't a clue what they say, then help is finally at hand from Google Translate (https://translate.google.co.uk), which has finally added the language to its site.

Having had a wee play with it earlier, it's definitely not bad, though it does at times recognise some Gaelic words as being Irish, returning that as the language be default - not surprising though, as many words are the same in each language.

There's a bit more on the story, including details of 12 other languages to be added (Luxembourgish - who knew?!) at www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/google-translate-to-add-13-new-languages-including-gaelic-1-4033752.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Society of Genealogists events in March

From the Society of Genealogists in London (www.sog.org.uk):

There are still spaces on the following Society of Genealogists events taking place in March, further information about each event is listed below. All events with a charge must be pre-paid. To pay and book online, SoG members should remember to log in first, in order to receive the member discount. Non-members are welcome to attend events, at the full price. Events can also be booked by telephone (Tuesday-Thursdays & Saturdays) at the number listed below. All events take place at our premises in London, unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, 2 March 12:00 - Surname Searching: Society of Genealogists Pedigrees Offline
With so many people tracing their family history it’s quite possible something may already have been published on the family you are interested in or a cousin may also be working on the line. Find out if anyone else is or has been researching the same family as you by looking at useful archive sources at the SoG.
A 30 minute lecture with Else Churchill, Free of charge, but must be pre-booked.

Wednesday, 2 March 14:00 - What's New at Findmypast
This talk will give an overview of the recent addition of family history databases at the findmypast website, including the best way to search the website.
A one-hour lecture with Myko Clelland Free of charge, but must be pre-booked.

Saturday, 5 March 10:30-13:00 Tracing Living Relatives
Do you want to find living relatives? Why would this be important in your research? Not know how to set about it? What sources, websites and research techniques will help you to track them down? Illustrated with a case study, this talk will give you lots of ideas and many of the answers.
A half-day course with Dr Geoff Swinfield, FSG Cost 20.00/16.00

Wednesday 9 March 14:00 - My Ancestor Made Hats
Where did you get that hat? Where did you get that tile?
Until the advent of the motor-car, no-one was ‘properly dressed’ without their hat be it topper, flat cap, wideawake or bowler and many of our ancestors were responsible for making those hats.
This one-hour lecture explores the history of the manufacture of hats from felt, the silk top hat, straw hats from Luton and Bedfordshire to the hatting town of Stockport - as well as fashionable confections produced by milliners.
A one-hour lecture with Adele Emm Cost 8.00/6.40

Saturday, 12 March 10:30-13:00 - Education Records for Family Historians
Schools, universities, reformatories and adult academies were provided by the State, charities, endowments, religious bodies and individuals. The surviving records of student admissions and attendances, honours, awards and punishments, teachers’ log books, managers’ and governors’ meetings are valuable sources for genealogists. In this lecture Dr Colin R Chapman describes the background to a variety of educational establishments in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland from the 16th to the 20th centuries and the current whereabouts of their records.
A half-day course with Dr Colin Chapman, FSG Cost 20.00/16.00

Wednesday, 16 March 12:00 - Records of the Great Courts of Chancery and Exchequer
Chancery and Exchequer records start from after the Civil War, after the minor courts they replaced closed in 1641. The lecturer will discuss how to best use these records as a family history source.
A one-hour lecture with Michael Gandy, FSG Cost 8.00/6.40

Wednesday, 16 March 14:00 - The Letter of the Law: Legislation for Family Historians
The records which we use to research our family history are largely the result of a variety of Acts of Parliament. A good understanding of the legislation behind the census returns, parish registers and civil registration records (and many more) can make an enormous difference when it comes to interpreting the information left behind by our ancestors. This talk will look at the major pieces of legislation from Thomas Cromwell’s ‘order’ which established the parish register system in 1538, through the various Census Acts and the ground-breaking 1836 Act for the registering of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in England to investigate how the legislation can impact on your research.
A one-hour lecture with Dave Annal Cost 8.00/6.40

Wednesday, 30 March 14:00 - Marriage in Wales in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Legal, Clandestine or Informal
Anna Brueton's Ph.D. research concerned courtship, marriage and illegitimacy in West Wales. In this talk she considers whether the widespread belief that 'Marriage ceremonies ... were frequently informal, clandestine or irregular' has any basis, using her own work and recent research into marriage in England.
A one-hour lecture with Dr Anna Brueton Cost 8.00/6.40

Thursday-Saturday, 7-9 April - Who Do You Think You Are? Live! Show - NEC Birmingham
Show tickets to the country’s largest and most comprehensive family history
Event are now on sale. You can purchase two adult tickets for £26*. To claim this exclusive offer and purchase tickets visit www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com or call 0844 873 7330. Please quote: SOG2426.
* £2.25 transaction fee applies. Offer ends 1 April 2016.

(With thanks to Lori Weinstein)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Wednesday 17 February 2016

TreeView genealogy software released for PC and Mac

The following press release comes from S&N Genealogy Supplies, concerning its TreeView software package (www.TreeView.co.uk):

Revolutionary new multi-platform Family Tree software for PC and Mac

Market leaders in the family history retail sector S&N Genealogy Supplies have just announced the release of TreeView - a new family history software package designed for Windows and Mac. TreeView is the only software available that supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, with access to premium genealogical records and all for just £39.95!

TreeView has been designed by family historians to fill the gap for a powerful, intuitive and feature packed family tree program that is easy to use from the outset. TreeView stores your family tree on your computer with the option to easily sync your tree with TreeView.co.uk and TheGenealogist.co.uk. There is also a free iOS and Android app allowing you to keep your family history at your fingertips! Privacy options for your online tree allows you to retain complete control over your research.

Powerful Features
● Access your data wherever you are by syncing your tree between the software and all of your mobile devices at the click of a button.
● Navigate your family tree using a variety of different views including pedigree, family, ancestors, descendants, hourglass, fan and even a full tree view.
● Create beautiful charts and detailed reports in seconds
● Easily add details of your ancestors by attaching facts, notes, images, addresses, sources and citations.
● View your entire tree on screen, or zoom in to a single ancestor.
● Quickly discover how different people in your family tree are related using the relationship calculator.
● Identify anomalies in your data with the problem finder.
● Map out your ancestors lives - use the map view to track your ancestors’ life events across the world.
● Import or export your family tree using the GEDCOM standard.


TreeView has received praise from both genealogy reviewers and users:

● Chris Paton, professional genealogist, writer and blogger:
○ “One of the most versatile family history software products now available”
○ “Navigating around TreeView is extremely straightforward”

● Nick Peers, genealogy writer and blogger:
○ “It keeps your research file in sync with the web via TheGenealogist hosted tree, as well as your iPad, iPhone or Android device”

Users:
● “I am so impressed with Treeview, I will be using it for my own research, it is so easy and user friendly, and has all the facilities you could wish for.”
● “A comprehensive multi-platform package that keeps your tree backed up online with stunningly versatile charts and reports.”
● “It’s quick to load and speedy in use”
● “I particularly like the mapping facility”


TreeView allows you to create beautiful charts with a variety of ways to present your family tree. Choose from a range of drag and drop charting options and decide which facts to display. Charts include: Ancestors; Descendants; Fan; Circle; Full Tree; Hourglass and Pedigree. The software allows you to personalise your charts by adding photographs and customising the background with an image or a colour of your choice.

You can also create detailed reports in TreeView, including Individual, Family and Narrative reports. These can either be printed or exported as a PDF or RTF file (a cross-platform document that can be opened by most word processors) for further editing.

TreeView is a powerful easy to use family tree program that comes with a host of useful features including charts, reports and maps. You can sync to the cloud and your mobile devices whilst also having the ability to work offline when you have no internet connection. TreeView’s privacy options allow you to keep full control of your data when storing your tree in the cloud, for extra peace of mind.

There are three versions of TreeView available:

● Free Edition - Includes essential features, with no limits on the number of individuals or the amount of data you can add
● Basic Edition (Download only, £24.95) - Adds support for:
○ Charting
○ Reporting
● Premium Edition (CD & DVD, £39.95) - Includes all features of TreeView Basic, plus:
○ 4 Month Diamond Subscription to TheGenealogist.co.uk (Worth £59.95!)
○ Printed Quick Start Guide
○ Cassell's Gazetteer of Great Britain & Ireland 1893 (Worth £16.95!)
○ Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography (Worth £16.95!)
○ English, Welsh & Scottish Landowners 1873 (Worth £36.90!)
○ Irish Landowners 1876 (Worth £12.95!)

Go to www.TreeView.co.uk today and find out more.


COMMENT: I'm quoted there in the press release, as I recently wrote a review of the software for the forthcoming 2016 bookazine edition of Discover Your Ancestors, which should be out soon.

The TreeView programme has been available for a while as an online tool via www.TheGenealogist.co.uk, but with the new software edition it allows you to do the one thing that only Family Tree Maker has so far achieved, and that is to permit syncing between a hosted PC/Mac programme, tablet edition and online version of a tree with one click of a button. This is a feature that I wish many other software packages would adopt also, so major kudos to TheGenealogist team for achieving this.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

English volunteers who fought in the Easter Rising

There's an interesting article in the Irish Post today, looking at the story of a gent from Manchester called Liam Parr, who travelled to Ireland to participate on the side of Irish republicans in the Easter Rising. Following the Rising he was imprisoned in Wales, and eventually saw out his days in Stockport. The full story is at http://irishpost.co.uk/yorkshire-family-unearth-the-hidden-past-of-their-heroic-easter-rising-ancestor/.

The tale is one that features in a new book by Robin Stocks, entitled Hidden Heroes of Easter Week: Memories of Volunteers from England who joined the Easter Rising, The book also has its own dedicated web page at https://hiddenheroesofeasterweek.wordpress.com, where copies can be ordered. Here's the blurb:

In the middle of the Great War, members of the Irish community in British cities resolved to travel to Dublin to prepare for a rebellion to achieve Independence for Ireland.

The part played by the Manchester Volunteers has never before been made public; at last this exciting story of the Easter Rising and its build up can be brought to life in the words of those who took part.

Here are the experiences of a group of ordinary Volunteers who spent Easter Week under fire behind barricades or in the GPO. It concentrates on the human stories of two of them, a piper and a political radical, and also of their friend from Dublin who fought with the women’s volunteers, the Cumann na mBan.

This book captures the rebellious spirit of those times when Volunteers from England fought for Irish independence and to create a fairer world.

This project has come to fruition because many, many people have cooperated in sharing their memories and knowledge. For too long this part of our history had been suppressed, but now that it can be told, I hope that publishing this book will encourage others to come forward with their memories. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to contribute to this developing project. Perhaps between us we can ensure that no one remains a hidden hero of Easter Week. Please contact the author at the email or address below.

220 pages-Paperback-44 Illustrations including some unique period photographs.
ISBN: 978-0-9934399-0-2
£14.99.


NB: Don't forget also that my own new book, A Decade of Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923 is also now available to help you trace stories like that of Liam Parr and others who participated, both on the British and Irish sides of the Home Rule debate, the Suffragette struggle, the fight for workers' rights, the First World War, Easter Rising, War of Independence, Partition and the eventual civil war in the Irish Free State.

The ebook edition is available at www.gen-ebooks.com/a-decade-of-centenaries-researching-ireland-1912.html, and the print edition in Australia is at www.gould.com.au/A-Decade-of-Centenaries-Researching-Ireland-1912-p/utp0288.htm. I've just had confirmation that it will also be available very shortly in the UK from My History (www.my-history.co.uk).  Once the UK edition is available I'll provide another update.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Buckinghamshire Family History Society Open Day 2016

From Buckinghamshire Family History Society (www.bucksfhs.org.uk)

Buckinghamshire Family History Society Open Day 2016

Will take place in 2016 on Saturday 23rd July, from 10am to 4pm at The Grange School, Wendover Way, Aylesbury HP21 7NH.

This is Buckinghamshire's major family history event and the day when all of the Society's research libraries will be available in one place, including our Buckinghamshire names database, containing well over five million entries. Let us help you track down that elusive ancestor.

Parish register transcripts and other Society publications will be on sale, and there will be lots of help and advice from friendly, experienced family historians.

It's also your opportunity to talk to guest family history societies from around the country. Alongside them will be archives, museums, local history groups and the customary range of suppliers of maps, books, software, archival materials and other services.

Entry is free, and tea and coffee will be available, so why not bring a packed lunch and make a day of it.

Free parking is available at the venue, or by bus from Aylesbury bus station take Arriva service 50 towards Wendover, alighting on Wendover Road opposite Chaucer Drive, about eight minutes walk.

From about Easter we'll be updating our website to list all the organizations attending. Check out it out regularly.

(With thanks to Graham Gough)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

The Catholic Family History Society‏'s new website

From the Catholic Family History Society (www.catholicfhs.co.uk):

The Catholic Family History Society are excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website. Visit us at our new web address catholicfhs.co.uk. The site features bright colours and an uncluttered design. We wanted to make the new website faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly. It is designed to work well on all kinds of devices: smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.

You’ll find the new site is divided into three main sections: Services, Publications, and Research Pointers.

In Services, you’ll find links to our upcoming events, membership details, and how to contact us for advice. In Publications there are details of our data disks, printed publications, digital downloads, and an index to every journal produced from 1983 to the present day. Research Pointers provides a categorised reading list for almost all aspects of Catholic History and includes a number of links to online resources. If you experience any problems using the new website, please contact admin@catholicfhs.co.uk



(With thanks to Pete Barlow)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Friday 12 February 2016

Latest FindmyPast additions

FindmyPast (www.findmypast.com) has added the following collections:

Ireland, Non-Conformist Births & Baptisms
Immerse yourself in 212 years of baptisms from Counties Clare, Down, Dublin and Limerick

Ireland, Non-Conformist Congregational Records
Did your family join one of Ireland's non-conformist communities?

Ireland, Non-Conformist Marriages
Uncover new branches of your Irish family tree

Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1918-1941
Over 240,000 new records have been added. Discover valuable information about their voyages, ranks, next of kin, physical descriptions and more. In some cases, you may even find photographs. Was your forefather a salty sea dog?

Britain, Business Indexes, 1892-1987
Delve through over 4,000 additional records in a fascinating index of shopkeepers, businessmen and women, and their companies. A number of records will include photographs of establishments and their proprietors. Discover your captain of industry

Shropshire, Non-Conformist Membership Lists, 1819-1906
Examine lists from Congregational and United Reform Churches across Shropshire to uncover your ancestor’s residence and occupation. Learn about their religious beliefs

Further details at https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/fridays/

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Software Mackiev discusses Family Tree Maker plans

A huge thanks to Alona Tester from Gould Genealogy (www.gould.com.au) for flagging up a useful interview road-mapping the future direction of the Family Tree Maker software, which Ancestry has sold to Software MacKiev (https://www.mackiev.com), having decided to no longer support it itself.


At the recent American based Rootstech family history show, genealogy tech blogger Tamura Jones interviewed Jack Minsky, the president of Software MacKiev, to discuss his plans for the product. There are some useful insights in the discussion, one of which is that the syncing technology to Ancestry's trees will be getting a revamp in the near future, so I'm guessing that those with current editions of FTM 2014 may potentially have issues in the future. It is quite a detailed discussion (some of it a wee bit techy in parts), but nevertheless provides the clearest indications of what the company plans to do with the product, and when.

To read the interview visit www.tamurajones.net/NewFamilyTreeMakerFuture.xhtml.

(Original source: www.gouldgenealogy.com/2016/02/family-tree-maker-an-update/)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Parish registers from Christ Church, Limerick, digitised

Crikey, lots of Irish developments today! This one is from Eneclann (www.eneclann.ie):

Historic Parish Registers at Christ Church, Limerick, published online

For the first time the historic parish registers held by Christ Church Limerick are being made available online. They contain the names of thousands of people who were members of the Presbyterian and Methodist congregations of Limerick city as well as Kilrush in County Clare and Killarney in County Kerry. Dating from 1813 they document the lives of these non-conformist communities, with details of baptisms, marriages and church attendance. The lengthy and detailed Subscribers lists (Methodist) and Communicants Rolls (Presbyterian) give a snap shot of the community at several dates from 1835 onwards and include details of emigration and occupation. The records are a window into an important part of the Munster community that tends to be over looked because of their smaller numbers.

While never numerically large, in the past there were many more “dissenters”, as they were known, than today. These were people who professed a different protestant Christian faith to the Established church (Church of Ireland). In 1861 they made up nearly 2% of the population of Limerick city. Christ church was established in 1813 to service the Methodists on Limerick city, and 40 years ago they united with the city’s Presbyterian congregation. As a consequence Christ Church houses the records of both denominations. But they have also collected more, including the Methodist mission in Kilrush, Co. Clare (1847 to 1901) and the Presbyterian congregation in Killarney, Co. Kerry (1879-1907).

The project to digitise and publish the records was initiated by John King, CEO of the Irish Ancestry Research Centre (IARC), working in partnership with Eneclann and Findmypast. Eneclann digitally imaged all the records at high resolution preservation standard. This work was done for free and donated to Christ Church so they could retain ownership of their own records, both original and virtual. Findmypast transcribed all the records and, with the images, published them online for all
researchers to use.

It is hoped that more churches and denominations see this exercise as an example of how they can facilitate access to their historic records as well as undertaking the important task of creating high quality copies, working in partnership with IARC, Eneclann and Findmypast.


To access the collections, visit the following links:

Baptisms: http://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-births-and-baptisms
Marriages: http://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-marriages
Burials: http://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-burials
Congregational: http://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-congregational-records

(With thanks to Laura Carroll at Eneclann)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Thursday 11 February 2016

FindmyPast invests in Twile

From FindmyPast (www.findmypast.com):

ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN TWILE

Leading family history site, Findmypast, has announced a strategic investment in Twile, creators of the visual family history timeline and winner of two innovation awards at the recent RootsTech 2016, the world’s largest family history event.

The investment in Twile reflects Findmypast’s drive to put innovation at the centre of its development programme. It follows on the announcement of a raft of global partnerships with leading technology providers, such as RootsMagic and Puzzilla, which are designed to offer customers an easy and engaging family history experience.

Annelies van den Belt, CEO of Findmypast, said:

“We are delighted with this partnership with such an innovative company as Twile. The RootsTech awards speak to the creativity of Twile and to win the People’s Choice award shows clearly that this is a product that the public wants. We believe that our partnership offers great value to both companies’ customers. At Findmypast we are committed to enhancing family history stories not just through new records but also through new technologies. Our aim is to make family history as easy and as rewarding as possible.”

Twile was voted “People’s Choice” by the RootsTech audience, as well as finishing on the podium in the judges’ competition. The most popular innovation at the event, Twile enables customers to create amazing family history timelines complete with photos and milestones and all of it totally private. With Twile, you can tell the story of the whole family from the earliest ancestors to the most recent additions bridging the gap between the past, the present and the future.

The agreement will offer Twile’s fast growing customer base access to Findmypast’s rich bank of eight billion records. Leads generated by Findmypast will link Twile customers directly to relevant records enabling them to easily expand their family trees. Together Findmypast and Twile will develop a tool that will allow Findmypast’s customers to automatically display their family tree in a media-rich Twile timeline.

Paul Brooks of Twile said:

"This is a huge opportunity for Twile and we are really pleased to be working with Findmypast. From our earliest conversations with them, it's been clear that they share our mission of making family history more engaging for the wider family, especially the younger generations. Our customers will see this relationship makes Twile better in every sense, while also adding a whole set of features that wouldn't have been possible otherwise."


Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Isle of Man parish record indexes added to Ancestry

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has added third party indexes for three Isle of Man based parish collections:

Web: Isle of Man, Baptism Index, 1600-1981
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=9217

Web: Isle of Man, Marriage Index, 1606-1984
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=9218

Web: Isle of Man, Burial Index, 1598-2003
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=9219

The original records are hosted by Manx National Heritage at http://www.imuseum.im/search/people/.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.