Hamilton County Genealogical Society

Buried Treasure at Cincinnati History Library and Archives

2012-02-25T23:05:00.001-05:00

Cincinnati History Library and Archives (CHLA), formerly known as Cincinnati Historical Society Library, houses an immense collection of materials relating to the Greater Cincinnati area. This collection includes books, pamphlets, maps, photos, manuscripts, films and sound recordings. Members of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society recently had the opportunity to tour CHLA. Our tour began in the Reading Room, which is the main room after entering the library. The Reading Room contains basic reference materials, Cincinnati histories, City Directories and more. Items in this room are accessible to all visitors, without need of a Call Slip.

The Closed Stacks room is a large room filled with many rows of shelves and file cabinets and, as the name implies, is not open to the public for browsing. Housed in this room are:

Original local newspapers in bound ledgers.
"Princeton" boxes -- referencing the type of storage container -- holding newspaper clippings about people.
"Cincinnati morgue records": are not (as this blogger supposed) records from a morgue in Cincinnati, but rather newspaper clippings about various (then-living) people published in the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper! :)
Map Collection: about 2,500 maps of various sizes; from 1792 to present.
"Broadsides": old posters / advertisements for events, businesses, and elections.
Books, such as traveler accounts (e.g. An author's account of traveling to Cincinnati in the early 1800's).
The pamphlet collection includes church histories, catalogs of local businesses; local art exhibition catalogs, local transportation pamphlets, speeches, and anti-slavery tracts.¹
Sheet Music.
Ephemera: pamphlets, notices, tickets, theater programs, greeting cards, invitations, menus, etc. See "Subject Guide to Ephemera" at the reference desk.
Issues of Ohio Historical Society's magazine, Timeline.
Original copy of the first newspaper of this area, The Centinel of the North Western Territory (1793).

It would be impossible to catalog each clipping of ephemera in the collection; they are too numerous. To request items in the Closed Stacks Room, go to the reference desk for a Subject Binder. Complete a Call Slip with the call #. If you cannot find what you're looking for, ask a librarian.

The Manuscript Room has an extensive collection of the records of businesses and organizations, drawings, journals and more. See a detailed description of the collection here: Manuscripts Collection at CHLA.

Before accessing manuscripts:

Find your item of interest in either the online catalog, the card catalog (red drawers), or in the Register / Calendar by subject listing.
Fill out a Call Slip including the Box #.
Read list of Rules.

Note: Some manuscript collections have restricted access due to privacy laws or the request of the donating organization (e.g. orphanage or hospital records).

Hauck Rare Book Room "The Hauck botanical collection contains approximately 3,900 titles relating to botany, horticulture, land architecture & forestry dating from the fifteenth century through the 20th century."¹ Consult with a librarian for access to the materials in this room.

The Lytle Library, a.k.a. "Genealogy Room" contains:

Standard genealogical indices plus in-house indices of various records.
Resources for other U.S. States and some International records.
Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Post newspapers on microfilm, including some German, African American, and Suburban newspapers.
Family newsletters, published Family Histories.
Deed Books & Indices from the Hamilton County Recorder's Office, up to 1903.
Mortgages and other items from the Recorder's Office.
Miscellaneous genealogy books.
Hamilton County Censuses on microfilm, including Mortality Schedules for 1850, 1860, and 1880.
Access to Ancestry.com on the Library's computers.
Three microfilm reader machines.

The Photograph Room is not open to the public for browsing. However, you can request photos from the reference desk in the Reading Room. According to CHLA, their photograph collection is much larger than that of PLCH and includes photos of WWI soldiers, German Pioneer Society members, Cincinnati businesses and homes, and much more. To locate an item, refer to the Photograph Collection Binder which contains a list of subjects, specific photographic collections, and their corresponding call numbers. As this is a Closed Stack Library, a call slip must be completed and signed for each item requested and must be turned in at the reference desk. Photocopies are available for a small fee. High-resolution scans are also available for a somewhat larger fee. If for personal use, there isn't a need to cite the source of the photo. However, if publishing the photo, then you will need to speak with the library's Photo Curator to obtain the correct source citation and complete the Request to Publish form. Please note that some of the photographs are already available online at Greater Cincinnati Memory Project.

NOTE: The CHLA's collection is HUGE and not all items are cataloged. There is an online catalog, multiple card catalogs, Subject Binders, and Registers. Items may be cataloged in one or more of these, or in none! If you cannot find what you are looking for, just ask one of the librarians.

A big "Thank You" goes out to M'Lissa Kesterman, Manager Reference Services, for giving such a wonderful and informative tour. You rock!

Visit the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, located inside the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal:

Cincinnati History Library and Archives

1301 Western Avenue

Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

Telephone: (513) 287-7030

Fax: (513) 287-7095

Email: library@cincymuseum.org
Hours

The library is free to everyone. No museum membership is required. Be sure to check the list of Library Rules before you visit. Parking is available in the Museum Center lot for $6. Free parking is available on some side streets nearby.

Come, see and discover.

*** HCGS has another tour of CHLA scheduled for this Wednesday, February 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to approximately noon. Only a few openings are left for this tour. If you are interested in attending, please indicate by commenting on this blog post. Someone from HCGS will reply shortly. Thank you. ***

¹ http://www.cincymuseum.org/library/printedworks

Genealogy Collections at Two Central Ohio Libraries

2012-02-25T16:24:00.004-05:00

Let me introduce you to Nancy Messier, Guest Blogger. She writes a blog called My Ancestors and Me and is from Central Ohio. We had plans to write a post about some of the resources that are available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Ohio Historical Society. Nancy has graciously agreed to let us reprint her post.

During the early months of my genealogy efforts I learned that the State Library of Ohio had a genealogy section. It contained genealogy books for Ohio, of course, but also for all the other states. Some states had books for every county. The library also offered some online databases free of charge.

Just as I was learning my way around the holdings of the library and getting ready to delve into its resources, I learned that Ohio legislators had decided that the State Library of Ohio was no place for genealogy research. All the books were removed and the online databases cancelled. What a shock. The library was a very comfortable place to research.

Hallelujah, though! All books (unless there were multiple copies) were moved to the downtown building of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). The library already had part of a floor devoted to genealogy research. The collection from the State Library increased CML's collection, which also offers the same online databases at no cost to patrons.

CML has extensive resources for the City of Columbus and for Franklin County, including many newspapers on microfilm. They have books for every state and many of the counties in those states. There are collections to support research in other countries, though they fewer in number than the local and states collections. They have other general history and research books which are available for loan. I found it a great place to begin searching.

I especially like the fact that all the books are on the shelves and open to patrons. I can search by call number or browse if I choose. They have helpful and knowledgeable staff members who can answer questions and find resources when the need arises.

The Columbus Metropolitan catalog is available online where you can search by title, author or subject and offers a link to the library's main webpage where you can find hours of operation, phone number, etc.

- o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o - o -

The Archives Library of the State of Ohio is housed at the Ohio Historical Society. It's a larger library than CML but most of their books, pamphlets, and other holdings are hidden from view. They must be paged after finding the call number, filling out a request card, and turning it in at the desk. I find their online catalog less than user-friendly.

The resources that are readily accessible include city directories for cities throughout Ohio from time periods as early as the mid-1800s through the late 1900s. Also easily accessible are county histories and books of transcriptions of county records.

They have an extensive microfilm collection. I've found deed indexes, government records, and newspapers. Their newspaper collection comprises more than half of their microfilm collection. It includes dates beginning from about the time the state was formed through the late 1900s, for cities and towns throughout Ohio. I know many newspapers are available online now, searchable with OCR (optical character recognition), but it seems that many of the newspapers from the areas where my families lived in Ohio are not yet online. So I trek to OHS and search the newspapers there. They also have paper copies of some newspapers.

There is no charge to use this library. At the Archives Library's website you can find more information about the holdings available there.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This post was written to participate in Amy Coffin's 52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy which is hosted on Geneabloggers. The theme will change weekly and may be posted any day of the week. I invite you to join in if you'd like.

This week's theme was Genealogy Libraries: Genealogy libraries (and dedicated departments in regular libraries) are true treasures in the family history community. Tell us about your favorite genealogy library. What or who makes it special?

Note: Nancy Meissner, Guest Blogger, sent me a link to another post on this topic written by Shelley Bishop for her Sense of Family blog. Here is a link to Shelley's blog and her post on what is available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It's interesting to see the different way bloggers approach the same topic.
Kathy Reed

Please be aware that Nancy retains the copyright for this post. Feel free to contact her through her blog. Thanks, Nancy.

.

Lost in the Mail ....

2012-02-23T17:01:00.000-05:00

UPDATE!!!! Good news! The checks and research requests that were 'Lost in the Mail' arrived today, 27 February - nearly a month after their initial mailing. If you have already sent a replacement check, we will mark it 'Void' and return it to you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Library of Congress

Perhaps a sled and dog team would be a more reliable way for the HCGS to send mail between board members! A recent mailing of checks, membership renewals, new member applications, research requests, book orders and a donation to the J. Richard Abell Fund has been lost by the post office.

We are contacting as many people as possible via e-mail and regular mail. The requests were received between January 18 and January 26, 2012. If you made a request during this time period and have not received a response from us, please contact us at hcgsohio@gmail.com or 513-956-7078. We will provide further directions to you on receipt of email or a phone call.

Please note that if you were a renewal member, your renewal has been processed for 2012. Your Tracer will arrive on schedule. However, we will need to receive another check. Please contact us as noted above if you believe you may have been affected by the lost mail packets.

Picture Credit:
"Mail Team before the Railroad Came" digital image, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Online Catalog (http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/99614286/ : accessed 23 February 2012).

This message is from the Hamilton County Genealogical Society. If you are receiving this blog-post via an email subscription, you are missing a wonderful photograph from the Library of Congress depicting a sled and dog mail team on the Skenna River.

Hamilton County Records Preservation

2012-02-12T11:29:00.001-05:00

Hamilton County Recorders Office

JimDempseyDirector-at-Large has been working with the Hamilton County Recorders Office on records preservation. The Recorders Office is continuing to upload deed indexes andpost them on their website as they become available. Some illegible deedindexes will be rescanned from the originals and put online. Also Jim isworking with the Recorder to include other materials such as WPA cemetery maps.All non-deed indexes prior to 1900 will be put online on the Recorders Officewebsite. Typed indexes by HCGS will be put on the Chapter website eventually.The online information will include a link to Bill Graver’s book HamiltonCounty, Ohio, Guide to Recorder's Indexes and Documents,1794-1988 to demonstrate how it can be used in conjunction with theinformation included in the indexes.

His work at theProbate Court has expanded from just a name and page index to include, casenumber, year of record and year of recording, names of executors,administrators, guardians and parent if given. The information will be put intoa searchable database.

National Archives Puts Genealogy Lectures Online

2012-02-04T16:22:00.000-05:00

For the first time,the National Archives has launched online videos of its most popular genealogy “how to” workshops. These videos cover “hot topics” in genealogical researchsuch as census, immigration and military records. Now, these popular workshops ledby National Archives experts are available on theNational Archives YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/usnationalarchives.

The NationalArchives-produced Know Your Records videoshorts cover the creation, scope, content, anduse of National Archives records for genealogical research. "The National Archives isproud to make our most popular genealogy lectures available online and readyfor viewing by anyone, anywhere, at any time," said Diane Dimkoff,Director of Customer Services.

After clicking on the youtube link, look in the menu to the right for "Know Your Records." This will take you to a screen similar to the one below. Choose the video of interest to you.

You may want to bookmark this site or subscribe to it to stay on top of some of the valuable resources available to genealogists. Thanks to Barbara Wegley, Recording Secretary, for making us aware that these lectures have now been made available to all online.

Find A Grave

2012-01-27T11:18:00.000-05:00

www.findagrave.com

Have you heard of "Congenealogy?" This is a friendly group of genealogy buffs who meet once a month in Northern Kentucky. It is sponsored by the Kenton County Library and led by librarian Jan Mueller. Several HCGS members have ventured across the Ohio River to take advantage of the wonderful programs they offer. In fact, Mary Ann Faloon, Chair of our Irish Interest Group, was one of their guest speakers when she spoke about Griffith's Valuation at one of their meetings last May.

This month Debra Jacks, a longtime volunteer for Find-a-Grave, will share her knowledge and experience on this very worthwhile—and free—resource! I'm not very familiar with this resource, but HCGS member Deb Eddy, has convinced me that this is a resource I need to consider using. So I, along with several other members of our Chapter, are planning to attend.

Due to the extensive renovation project that is taking place at the Covington Mary Ann Mongan Branch, meetings are being held at the Baker Hunt Arts and Cultural Center. The meeting will take place Monday, January 30th, beginning at 6:30. Direction to Baker Hunt are listed below.

Come once and I promise you'll come again.

Long-Range Planning Report

2012-01-25T14:47:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, January 22nd, the HCGS Board held a long-range planning meeting at the home of the Chapter President, Kenny Burck. The purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm ideas for the future direction of the Chapter and identify plans for moving forward.

Possible goals were grouped into nine categories. Listed under each category are attendees who expressed an interest in working on a committee. Each committee will identify a time to meet,identify goals from among those suggested and report to the Board withrecommendations.

So this is where YOU come in! What are you passionate about? Which of the areas listed below are of particular interest to you? We are looking for volunteers -- NOT experts. If you would like to be included on one of these committees, scroll to the bottom of this post and sign up. This is a great way to participate in your Chapter and become more aware of what other members have to offer YOU! We believe once you become involved, you'll want to become even more involved.

Membership

Volunteers – Deb Cyprych and Karen Klaene

Survey members to identify skills,interests and meeting location preferences.

Subchapters – other states?

Attract newmembers

Social aspects

Membershipbenefits

Retention ofmembers

Education

Volunteers – Karen Everett, Karen Klaene, Gail Burkholz and John Tholking
Meeting Locations

Hands-on Workshops

Technology Classes

RevisitEducation

Webinars

Liaison

Volunteers – Jeff Herbert and Gail Burkholz

FreedomCenter

Outreach to African-Americans andother Ethnicities, Religions, Township Historical Societies and GenealogicalSocieties

Access to Catholic Archives

Library Relationship

Advocate for open stacks at theMain Library

Bylaws, Policies andProcedures

Volunteers – Margie Mohr, Kenny Burck, and Kathy Reed

UpdateProcedures and Bylaws

Planfor storage of records

ReviewPrivacy Policy

Publicity

Volunteers – Barbara Gargiulo andJean Woll (ask Jean Woll if she would be willing to serve).

Chapter Calendar

Long-term look at Publishers and Publishing(Tracer and Gazette, too).

Volunteer Projects

Volunteers – Jeff Herbert and JimDempsey

Developbetter volunteer projects

Develop project leaders

Finish cemetery records

Create cemetery database

Township Records

Wills

Probate

Recorder

DevelopProject Leaders

CemeteryDatabase

Technology

Volunteers – Liz Stratton, John Tholking, Kathy Reed, GailBurkholz, Jenny Davis and Dave Bossart

Review all aspects of our online presence and use of technology within the Chapter.
Considerdatabase similar to Miami Valley database

Finance

Volunteers - LizStratton, Margie Mohr and Jim Dempsey

Plan for a balanced budget

Publications

Volunteers - Barbara Gargiulo and Deb Cyprych

OK -- I'm interested. How do I sign up?

Contact Kenny Burck, President, 513-956-7078 or Kathy Reed, 513-936-8494. You can also comment on the post below.

Cincinnati and the Great Flood of 1937

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

From the Collection of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Used with permission.
Pictured is the Cincinnati Water Works on and St. Rose School on Eastern (Riverside Dr.)

If you have relatives who lived in Cincinnati in 1937 they were undoubtedly impacted by the Ohio River Flood of that year. For about two weeks, much of the city was inundated with flood water. Even the water supply was affected as the river rose to 80 feet.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of this event. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has organized several events to commemorate the impact that this natural disaster had on the city.

This Saturday, January 28th, there will be a multi-media presentation and discussion with local historian and author, Betty Ann Smiddy. Entitled "Cincinnati's Great Disaster: The 1937 Flood" the presentation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in the Huenefeld Tower Room at the Main Library. As one whose family was directly impacted by this flood, I look forward to the new information that may help me put my ancestors in historical context.

Picture of 2424 Eastern Ave. and Highland School during the 1937 Flood. (This was my father's home).

2012 Election News

2012-01-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

No, it’s notBarack Obama and some yet unknown Republican challenger we are writing about,it is your Hamilton County Chapter elections. According to our Chapter bylawswe have an election of all officers and directors in even years. The fiveofficer positions are President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary,Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. The seven director positions areCredentials, Education, Membership, Program, Research & Preservation,Publications and Director-At-Large. The Nominating Committee selects candidates(there can be more than one candidate for a position) and there is an electionat the regular spring Chapter meeting of attendees, this year at the 21 April 2012meeting at the Public Library (see the Chapter calendar for meeting details).All members are eligible for all positions with no previous experiencerequired.

While it may be unlikely a member willphone or email me so I can put them in touch with the Nominating CommitteeChair and say they want to run for the President’s position or some otherposition on the Chapter Board of Directors, you may want to learn about what,where, when and how we do what we do to keep our Chapter in existence andcontinue our process of educating members and preserving Hamilton Countyrecords. At the time I am writing this article, I assume we currently have atleast one candidate for each position, although each current officer anddirector has yet to be officially contacted and asked if they will run againfor the Board. However, you may certainly “throw your hat in the ring” at anytime. As a Chapter we want to be inclusive and “new blood” on the Board canmany times be useful and invigorating for an organization.

All members are welcome to attend any Boardmeeting. The next number of Board meetings will be held at the PerkinsRestaurant in Mt. Healthy at the Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway exit on the3^rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to attendand see what the individual officers and directors do and how the business ofyour Chapter is conducted, you might be more inclined to run for office or joinin the work of our many committees that do a variety of different activitiesthroughout the year. Please feel free to join us. Our meetings are friendly andlast to about 8:30 p.m. or a little later. The greatest advantage to being onthe Board is that you know what is going on way before everyone else and youlearn more about the resources available to make you an even better genealogist.You can always phone or email me before any meeting to make sure there havebeen no changes in the meeting details. Once you feel more comfortable learningwhat and how each person on the Board functions, I believe you will want to getmore involved with your Chapter.

Kenny Burck, President, 513-956-7078

Christian Moerlein Brewery Panel Discussion

2012-01-16T11:31:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, January 21st, the Main Library is hosting a panel discussion on Cincinnati's German brewing history. At 2:00 PM a group of beer historians will discuss the Christian Moerlein Company and the renewed interest in the "Brewery District."

Moderated by local historian Dan Hurley, the panelists will include: Steve Hampton - Executive Director of the Brewery District, Greg Hardman - CEO and President of the Christian Moerlein Company, Michael D. Morgan - Author of the book Over-the-Rhine - When Beer Was King, and Don Heinrich Tolzmann - author of several books on local history and the influence of German culture. HCGS members may recall that Michael Morgan was the guest speaker at our recent Heritage Luncheon.

The Moerlein Lager House will be opening in late February at the Smale Riverfront Park, part of The Banks complex. The Lager House will serve as a tribute to Cincinnati's beer heritage and will feature brands from days past that are being brought back.

Bill Effler, a nationally-recognized illustrator, was commissioned to design the labels that will appear on the new lines of craft beers. Two of the labels are included in this post. For more information, click on this link.

I hope to see you on Saturday. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Photo Credits: http://www.christian moerlein.com

My Cincinnati House - This Saturday!

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I love about genealogy is 'walking' in my ancestors' shoes. There are many ways to make your ancestor become more than facts and figures and learning about their residence is one of them. Sometimes the same house was passed down within the same family and sometimes not. Did your ancestor purchase the house from someone famous or infamous? Does the house still stand? Do any pictures or maps survive?

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is kicking off a new series, "My Cincinnati House." Every other month a speaker and owner of a Cincinnati home will give a presentation on the history of their house and their experiences. There are certain to be many tips provided on researching historic homes that might be applied to your own research!

On Saturday, January 14, Dr. Jim Creech will tell us about his house in the heart of Over-the-Rhine built in 1847. Dr. Creech says "I didn't know I would be moving in with the many people who preceded me and whose lives left their imprint on the property. The bricks and mortar have turned out to be a portal into time and into a very human history."

Saturday, January 14, 2:00 pm

Genealogy & Local History Program Space, Third Floor

Dr. Jim Creech

Two Genealogy TV Programs Scheduled for 2012

2012-01-11T09:49:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: NBC.com

Who Do You Think You Are? The new series of this popular television show will start February 3, 2012. Marisa Tomei, Martin Sheen and Blair Underwood will be some of the featured actors. For complete details, click on the series link at NBC.com.

Photo Credit: PBS.org

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. will premiere Sunday, March 25 on PBS channels at 8 pm. The ten-part series delves into the genealogy and genetics of famous Americans, combining history and science in an exploration of race, family, and identity in today's America. Professor Gates shakes loose captivating stories and surprises in the family trees of Kevin Bacon, Robert Downey, Jr., Branford Marsalis, John Legend, Martha Stewart, Barbara Walters and Rick Warren, among many others.

Both programs have pages on Facebook that you can "like" if you would like to receive regular updates in your Facebook account. Click on this link to access the Facebook page for Who Do You Think You Are? Click on this link to access the Facebook page for Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. According to the latter Facebook page, "This upcoming PBS series explores race, culture and identity, through genealogy and genetics – and features an all new group of remarkable individuals, who each uncovers secrets and surprises related to their family trees."

Both series have generated interest in genealogy among the public. Our society can build on this interest by sharing tools and techniques to research and document a family history.

Deb Cyprych and Kathy Reed

Hamilton County Genealogy Society

January Gazette is Now Online!

2012-01-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

The January 2012 Gazette is now available online on the Hamilton County Genealogical website members section, http://hcgsohio.org/membership.shtm l. Click on 'Proceed to Members Pages' and follow the instructions to log in.

Featured in this month's issue:
HCGS is now on Facebook and Blogger
Probate Court Project Update
Next Tracer in March, not February
President's Message
Irish Church Update
Library News from The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

If you are not a member, e-memberships are only $10 and allow access to the members pages of the website including downloadable PDFs of the Tracer and Gazette.

Cincinnati: Searching the Census by Address

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

I recently posted "Finding Smith, Jones and every other Tom, Dick and Harry in the Census" on my personal blog giving an example of using Obtaining Enumeration Districts (EDs) and Streets for the 1900-1940 Census. I was looking for Loretta Smith in New York City with very few details other than a name and address. The good news is that Obtaining Enumeration Districts is also available for many other large cities including Cincinnati!

In Cincinnati, we have the added advantage of the online access to most Cincinnati City Directories on the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's Virtual Library. Downloadable directories are available for most years from 1819-1934. A name and address from a record you know pertains to your ancestor is all you need to get started. You can track family moves using the online directories to aid in determining their residence in a census year.

In the 20th Century, many records include an address should you not be able to positively identity your ancestor in directories. Death registrations, cemetery records, social security applications, obituaries and other news items, etc., are just a few of the records that might include your ancestor's residence. Many of these records are available online.

Once you have an address, use Obtaining Enumeration Districts to quickly locate your ancestor in the census. Clicking on 'View Microfilm' will take you to the enumeration district on Ancestry.com. Page forward through the enumeration district to find the street address.

While the example in my blog dealt with a common surname, the technique is also effective for finding families whose surnames were prone to misspelling in the census. There are some amazingly creative renditions of names in the census! Wally Huskonen wrote about using the tool in Getting Ready to Research in the 1940 Census. When the census is first released, it will not include a name index. But you will be able to search by street address.

Thanks again to all the people who provide access to these important historic records and research tools! This is but one of Steve Morse's One-Step Tools for locating your ancestor in records. For more see One-Step Webpages by Stephen P. Morse.

Happy Boxing Day!

Sources:
Huskonen, Wally. "Getting Ready to Research the 1940 Census." Ohio Genealogy News, Winter 2011, page 22.

Morse, Stephen P., Joel D. Weintraub and David R. Kehs. Obtaining EDs for the 1900-1940 Census in One Step (Large Cities). http://stevemorse.org/census/ : 2006.

Stratton, Liz. "Finding Smith Jones and Every Other Tom, Dick and Harry in the Census." Attics and Old Lace. http://atticsandoldlace.blogspot.com/2011/12/tuesdays-tip-finding-smith-jones-and.html : 20 December 2011.

Webinars and the Genealogical Community

2011-12-19T10:14:00.002-05:00

According to Wikipedia, "The term webinar is short for Web-based Seminar, a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web." Webinars can be live and interactive, allowing the participants to actively interact with the speaker, or one-way. A webinar that is not presented in real-time is sometimes referred to as a "webcast." Watching a webcast is similar to watching a prerecorded presentation.

Approximately one-half of the members of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society are not local. They are interested in the area because they, or their ancestors, lived in Hamilton County at one time. It is often not practical for them to attend meetings or take advantage of the excellent speakers that are available to members who live locally. Offering webinars or webcasts might be a way to bring our local speakers to you regardless of where you are. If you think you would take advantage of the webinars, please add a comment at the end of this post.

More and more societies are working on ways to address the needs of members who are not able to attend Chapter functions. One of the ways that organizations are meeting this need is by making webinars/webcasts available to members. Mary Ann Faloon, Chair of our Irish Interest Group, forwarded me a Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree 2012 Extension Series flyer to me in the hope that we would make you aware of the availability of these free webinars. Complete directions on how to register and participate are included in the flyer.

There are a great many other webinars available on a vast array of topics. For a Google Calendar of up-coming webinars: View GeneaWebinars calendar. A link to this calendar has been added to our blog sidebar.

As 2011 comes to a close, why not make a resolution to get out of your comfort zone and try something new in 2012? I'm going to put this at the top of my New Year's Genealogical Resolutions.

Researching Civil War Veterans

2011-11-20T20:33:00.001-05:00

Amy Johnson Crow, CG

On Saturday, November 19th, the Hamilton County Genealogical Society and the PLCH co-sponsored a talk with Amy Johnson Crow. Her talk was of special interest to those whose ancestors include veterans of the Civil War.

Probably the best source of genealogical and biographical information for Union Civil War Veterans is the Pension Record. In order to qualify for a pension, applicants were often required to document their eligibility by providing proof of marriage, birth records for children and possible disability. A General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934, is available on Ancestry.com. It is arranged alphabetically. A second index, arranged by regiment, then company, the alphabetically is available on Fold3.com and in a beta version at FamilySearch.org. It is called the Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served between 1861 and 1900- [1917].

Pensions for Confederate veterans were issued by former Confederate states. Each state had its own eligibility requirements. Veterans applied for a pension from the state in which he resided, not the state from which he served. If a Confederate veteran was unfortunate enough to move to a Union state following the war, he was not eligible for any pension.

Civil War veterans were issued a military discharge record that they were to record in their county of residence. If the record exists it is often located in the County Recorder's Office. This record includes the place of birth, age, physical description and the place of discharge.

It is well-known that the majority of the 1890 U.S. Census (Population Schedule) was destroyed. However, there was an 1890 Special Schedule of Union Veterans and Widows. About half of this record survived Including the second half of the Kentucky record through Wyoming. An index and images for this record can be found on Ancestry.com. FamilySearch.org also has browsable images.

Amy also suggested that researches search out the records of Veterans Organizations such as the (GAR), The Grand Army of the Republic was an organization for Union veterans. Individual Regiments also held reunions. Booklets filled with memories, biographies, lists of unit members and lists of deaths since the last reunion were often published and distributed at these reunions.

Both the federal government and individual states created homes for disabled soldiers. Some of these records can be found on Ancestry.com. Most residents of these homes were required to have been honorably discharged and either disabled or indigent.

Finally, some states and local governments provided benefits, although these records vary greatly. In the 1930s, the WPA began a Graves Registration project. Their purpose was to try to document the burial records of all veterans within a given state. Should the records exist, they are most likely to be found at the County Recorder Office, County Auditor of the local office of veteran's affairs.

Lesson learned: There is more out there than the Pension Record available through the National Archives. I think all who attended would agree that Amy Johnson Crow opened our eyes to other possible resources.

Source:
Crow, Amy Johnson, CG. "After Mustering Out: Researching Civil War Veterans." Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Genealogical Society. Cincinnati. 19 November 2011.

FHL Film Online Ordering Now Available in Cincinnati

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

It is now possible to order Family History Library (FHL) microfilm online at FamilySearch Online Film Ordering. See It's Not All Online: Ordering Family History Library Microfilm for the benefits of using the Family History Library's extensive collection of microfilms.

To order film, you will first need to set up an account with FamilySearch if you do not have one already. This is necessary to prevent spammers from inappropriately accessing the website. Once you have an account, select the Family History Center where you want to view the film at My Family History Center.

Ordering microfilms is easy:

Identify the microfilm that you would like to order using the FamilySearch Catalog. Proceed to FamilySearch Online Film Ordering and enter the loan type and film number and click 'search'. Short-term loans must be returned within 90 days while long-term loans are indefinite.
The film will appear in the window with the charges shown and a link to 'Add to Cart.'
Click the 'Proceed to Checkout' button when you have finished entering in microfilms you would like to order. You will be taken through a series of additional screens to complete your order including payment. Payment can be made with a Visa/Mastercard credit card, debit card or prepaid card. Payment can also be made using PayPal. ($5.50 for short-term; $13.75 for long-term; and $4.75 for microfiche)
You will receive a confirming email letting you know if the film is available and another email when the film has been received by your local Family History Center (FHC).
One week before your film is due, you will receive another email from the FHL reminding you that your film is due. If desired, you can renew the film at that time or have the film returned by the FHC. It is best to let your local FHC know when you are finished with a film so that they can return it.

Note that even though a film is on long-term loan it may be returned if the local FHC determines that the film is no longer being used, the film becomes restricted or the film already exists at the center.

It is always a good idea to confirm the film is not already available online at the FHL or at your local FHC. Online films are identified in the catalog. You will need to check with your local FHC to determine whether they already have a film.

November Tracer Now Online

2011-11-02T17:41:00.002-04:00

The November Tracer is now available online in the members section of the website. There are many great articles to choose from as well as chapter news. Articles in the current edition:

Successful Bridgets: Irish Women in Cincinnati's Third Ward in 1860
Chapter Projects and News: Blog, Wiki, Facebook, Member Pages, NGS Conference
Hamilton County Recorder's Office - Far More than Deeds
Hamilton County Records Online: Vital Records, Cemeteries, Maps
Passenger Lists
Re-dedication of Mohawk World War II Honor Roll Memorial
German Birth and Marriage Database
Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of College Hill
Methodist Episcopal Church, Catherine Street Cemetery, 1826-1868
Hamilton County Probate Accounts - Partial Abstract of Account Volume 3, 1840-1857, Part II
German General Protestant Orphan Home Index
Public Library Acquisitions
Book Review: To Crown Myself with Honor: The Wartime Letters of Captain Asbury Gatch
J. Richard Abell Genealogical Trust Fund Donors

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR AND LIBRARY ORIENTATION AT THE CINCINNATI HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

If you are researching Hamilton County or Cincinnati ancestors, youhave undoubtedly paid a visit to the Cincinnati Historical Society’s Library,located in the Museum Center at Union Terminal. Our February program will be an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour andLibrary orientation led by Librarian, M'lissa Kesterman.

OnWednesday, February 22, 2012, we will meet at the Library, located in the lowerlevel of the Museum Center, at 10:00 am. Ms. Kesterman will begin the program with an overview of the library’son-line catalog and then take us back to the stacks for a look at the photo,map, and other special collections housed at the Library. As the Library’s entire collection is notavailable on-line, this should give researchers a better idea of the varietyand scope of the specialized collections available. The program will end in the Hauck ResearchRoom, where the majority of genealogical holdings are available on the shelves,and the extensive newspaper collection is available for microfilm viewing.

Theprogram will end at 12:00 noon, at which time the library is open to thepublic. You are encouraged to stay andmake use of the collections you have just discovered! You may bring your own lunch, or food isavailable in the rotunda of the Museum Center, along with the dining area.

Thisprivate tour is limited to 18 people. To make your reservations or for moreinformation, contact Linda Dietrich, Program Chairperson.

HCOGS Welcomes New Members to Lineage Groups

2011-10-25T14:55:00.003-04:00

First Families Honorees

The HCOGS held its annual luncheon to recognize new inductees into the lineage groups sponsored by the Chapter. The luncheon was held at the Clovernook Country Club. The Chapter now sponsors three lineage groups: First Families, Settlers and Builders and Century Families.

The Chapter's first lineage group, First Families of Hamilton County, was started in 1988 and has established 419 members with over 1000 pioneer ancestors who were proven to be residents of Hamilton County before December 31st, 1820. Nine new members were able to prove 38 direct ancestors who lived in Hamilton County during this time period.

Settlers and Builders Inductees

In 2007 the Chapter established Settlers and Builders of Hamilton County honoring ancestors who lived in the county between January 1st 1821 and December 31st 1860. They now claim 53 members who have proven 209 Settlers and Builders ancestors. Four new members were inducted as well as two members who submitted additional ancestors through a supplemental application.

Charter Members of the Century Families Lineage Group

This year a third lineage group was established by the Chapter called Century Families. This group honors ancestors who resided in Hamilton County 100 years before today's date or January 1, 1861. Twenty-two charter members honoring 135 Hamilton County ancestors were inducted.

Our guest speaker for the luncheon was Michael Morgan who entertained us with stories of Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. It was known for its large population of German immigrants, beer gardens, saloons and breweries. You can read more about his program by checking this previous post that discusses "When Beer Was King."

It's not too early to start thinking about next year's luncheon. Download an application at the Chapter's website. There are several Chapter members who would be happy to share advice on how to complete the application. Perhaps next year we will be able to recognize even more Hamilton County ancestors who had a part in creating such a great community.

You can view individual pictures of Century Families inductees by clicking on this link.

Photo Credits: John Tholking

October 2011 Gazette Now Available

2011-10-10T13:49:00.000-04:00

The October 2011 issue of The Gazette is now available online on the members-only portion of the website, http://hcgsohio.org/membership.shtml.

Articles in this edition:

Webinar for Irish Research by Mary Ann Faloon
Online Irish Family History Forum by Mary Ann Faloon
Probate Court Project Update by Jim Dempsey
Access to Website Member Pages by Jim Dempsey
Volunteers Needed for Facebook and Twitter by Liz Stratton
FamilySearch Wiki by Liz Stratton
Library News from the PLCH by Patricia Van Skaik
President's Message by Kenny Burck

Current Program announcements can be found on the calendar tab of this blog.

Over-the-Rhine: When Beer Was King

2011-10-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

Ken Burns coverage of George Remus, King of the Bootleggers, in the PBS Special, 'Prohibition,' has given us an interesting glimpse back into life in the Queen City in the Roaring 20's.

Step back to an even earlier time, 'When Beer was King," at the Heritage Luncheon on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Michael Morgan will speak on this fascinating time in Cincinnati history at the luncheon. Everyone is welcome! A printable registration form can be found at: Heritage Society Registration Form. Please return your registration by October 12, 2011. The following program description was taken from the registration form:

Michael Morgan has worked several years toward the physical and cultural restoration of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine. He has been involved in historic preservation and conducting events that bring the neighborhood’s history alive. He is a lawyer, author, trustee of the Brewery District Community Redevelopment Corp. and former executive director of the
Over-the-Rhine Foundation. Michael organizes tours of historic brewery sites and the annual Cincinnati Bockfest and recently published his book, Over-the-Rhine: When Beer Was King.
Everyone Welcome! Questions about program or reservations? Karen Klaene (513) - 922-3379.

"Ask the Experts" Day at the Library

2011-10-02T10:15:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a great day at the Main Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Local genealogists had the opportunity to "pick the brains" of representatives from a wide variety of Tri-State organizations. Included were experts from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Have African-American, German or Irish ancestors? They had answers. Want to know more about technology? Got it. Ancestors from Kentucky? No problem. One author even provided a historical perspective of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood as well as breweries from both sides of the river.

Irish Ancestry Table

Attendees also had the opportunity to attend a session on how to create a blog about their family history and research. This was followed up with a hands-on session in the computer lab.

On a personal note, I made some valuable connections and have filled up my calendar for November and December. As a first-time attendee, I didn't know what I was missing. I'm already thinking about how we can "get the word" out next year so that more people have the chance to "ask the experts."

Cincinnati Birth and Death Records, 1865-1912

2011-09-28T23:09:00.006-04:00

When I first became interested in genealogy, I remember making an appointment and going to the Hamilton County Health Department to look through index cards that recorded some early Cincinnati births and deaths. I was struck with how easy it would be to just pocket specific cards and walk out with them. As I recall, one of the people who assisted me said that cards could be missing.

At some point, the cards were given to the University of Cincinnati Blegen Library where many archives are stored. I was thrilled when I learned that these cards were being digitized. Apparently, that task has largely been completed.

There is a FAQ about this collection on the U.C. site:

Question: What is the scope of this collection and its history?

Answer: With a few exceptions, the official death records for the City of Cincinnati begin in 1865 and those for birth in 1874. As a result of a government records program of the Ohio Network of American History Research Centers, in 2003 over 500,000 card files from the Cincinnati Health Department were transferred to the UC Libraries' Archives and Rare Books Library. The cards contain the official records of births and deaths for Cincinnati citizens from the beginning dates as noted through 1908, with additional records through 1912. These cards are sometimes typed and many times handwritten, and were created by the Cincinnati Health Department several decades ago to preserve the data originally entered in ledger books. The ledger books are also preserved in the UC Libraries, but are of such fragility that any turning of the pages results in flaking and tears. The informational cards are considered the official and legal records of births and deaths for this time period.

While the bulk of these records begin in 1865, a small number of records show earlier dates. It is believed that these early records reflect the "restoration" of vital documents by citizens after the 1884 Hamilton County Courthouse fire, and were eventually sent to the City of Cincinnati Health Department for recording.

There are several different techniques for searching the database. I found one of the most useful ways was to search by "subjects." An alphabetical list will come up and you can search by the surname that interests you. Even with a surname like "Jones" I had reasonable results.

As anticipated, I was able to find information on some of my family members and not others. "Deaths" are usually recorded on orange index cards. Pictured is one that I found for my great-grandmother, Rachel A. Jones.

Once you've clicked on this record, you will be able to click on the "full" record. A lot of information is provided, not only on the person you are researching, but also a complete documentation of the history of the record. Some of the information is pictured below.

A careful reading of the FAQ explains the few exceptions that have not yet been digitized. However, I think you would agree that this may be a wonderful new opportunity to research many of our Cincinnati relatives at an important time in our city's history.

Mappy Monday: Mapping Morehouses in Cincinnati

2011-09-26T09:13:00.002-04:00

My Morehouse and Warwick families had largely left Cincinnati by the time that Sanborn maps are viable research tools. But, I'm hoping that the maps can help me solve the mysterious disappearance of Sarah Jane 'Sallie' (Morehouse) Warwick (1846- ). If nothing else, understanding more about the community she lived in might help locate her in other records.

Sallie was a young widow found living in her mother's boarding house on 32 McFarland Street in the 1880 Federal population census. She also appears in the Cincinnati city directory for the last time in 1880. Her mother, Mary Ann (Rees) Morehouse, continues to be listed in directories intermittently until her death in 1894. Between 1880 and 1894, Mary Ann lived on 32 McFarland, 180 West 3rd, 199Everett and 7 Gorman Street. I'll start with Mary Ann and see if there are some clues in her neighborhood.

At the time of her death in 1894, Mary Ann lived at 7 Gorman Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. There are two Sanborn maps that might give me information about the house - 1887 and 1891. Both of these maps are available on microfilm at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. But, I'm not at the library, so I'm looking to see what I can find out about the neighborhood on the 1904 Sanborn map which is available online the the PLCH Virtual Library. I'll check out 1887 and 1891 later.

From the index, I learn that Gorman Street is on Map 80. But, looking at the map, I don't see 7 Gorman Street. Doug Magee warned us not only about street name changes but also numbering changes. I remembered that Mary Ann (Rees) Morehouse had a daughter that continued to live on Gorman Street. The 1896/97 directory gives Alice McLean Morehouse's address as 1507 Gorman Street. Bingo! (I'd still like to confirm this is the same house in other sources.)

Cincinnati, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. "Insurance Maps of Cincinnati, Ohio, Vol. 1." Virtual Library. http://virtuallibrary.cincinnatilibrary.org/lib/31/468/R912_77199_ef_S198_v__1_p__80.pdf : 2011.

Several things immediately jump out. First, Armory Avenue (once Everett) is in very close proximity so even though Mary Ann moved from 199 Everett to 1507 Gorman it was likely a move within the same neighborhood. From Doug's talk, I know that the 'F' indicates that the building was a Flat (apartment) and that it was 3 stories high. The pink coloration tells me the building was brick. The 'D' designates a dwelling so this was a largely residential neighborhood. A larger view of the map gives additional neighborhood information including other churches and businesses - perhaps sources of additional information!

This neighborhood is very close to the boundary between maps so I also looked at the map of properties south of Armory Avenue (map 72). And much is made clear! Mary Ann (Rees) Morehouse's daughter, Alice M. Morehouse was a schoolteacher. In Map 72, we see that the flat where mother and daughter resided was very close to the 11th District Public School. This is good news and bad news. It does provide new information about the likely place that Alice worked but it is also possible that the family's living arrangements were driven by proximity to the school rather than proximity to other family members.

I always like to see pictures of the places my ancestors lived and worked. I've looked for a photo of Gorman before without success. This time I searched for images of the 11th District Public School and found images of the Washburn School on Clinton between Linn & Baymiller. The interesting thing is that one of the images is Old Eleventh School District 1907 and notes that the school is about to be destroyed. Another image is a postcard depicting the New Eleventh School District. Since the map above is the 1904 Sanborn map, one might assume that it is the Old Eleventh School on the map. Guess again!

This is one of the tricky things about the 1904 Sanborn map that Doug Magee warned us about. Because of the exorbitant cost of producing maps, from 1904-1930, corrections were simply pasted into the 1904 map books. A careful inspection of the Sanborn map reveals that both the school and the annex were pasted in later. The map shows the New Eleventh School District building as can be confirmed by viewing the images of the Old and New Eleventh School.

The Morehouse flat on Gorman could be tracked through later Sanborn maps (1917, 1922, 1934, 1937, etc.) to get an idea of the property's transition over time. A list of available Sanborn maps is at http://goo.gl/gPFlg. But, my Morehouse families had already moved along.

From a genealogical perspective, tracking the earlier family properties, determining who owned the flat, and checking the records of nearby churches and schools just might give me the break through I am hoping for! First, I'll want to take a closer look at the 1887 and 1891 Sanborn maps and other early maps to see if there are other even more promising sources of additional information.

If you have made an interesting discovery using the Sanborn maps for Cincinnati, please comment or better yet, write a post!

Update: PLCH has the 1987 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps digitized and online. However, the library also has a link to Ohio Link where Sanborn Maps dating from 1867 - 1970 are digitized and available online. To get to this site, take the following steps:

Logon to the library site at: http://http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/
Click on "Research and Homework"
Click on "Research Databases"
Click on "S" under "Browse Resources by Title"
Click on "Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps"
Submit your zip code.
Begin your search. I have found that one of the most efficient ways to search for a street is to type (Name of street, Cincinnati/Hamilton) or (Name of business, Cincinnati/Hamilton).

Introduction to Family History Blogging

2011-09-24T21:46:00.002-04:00

The HCGS Technology Interest Group was reactivated last year so that members could learn about the tools that are available to assist members with their genealogical research. "Blogs" such as the one you are reading can be a great vehicle for sharing research with family and other stakeholders.

Kathy Reed has been blogging about her own family's history for more than two years. The more she has become involved in the blogging community, the more she has recognized the value in organizing her research and sharing it with others. In conjunction with the PLCH, Kathy will be offering a series of three classes on blogging about your family history.

An overview of the process was presented at an introductory session today at 1:00 PM. The same talk will be presented at the "Ask the Experts" Day at 10:00 AM on October 1st. At 1:00 the first hands-on session will be held in the Technology Lab associated with the Genealogy Local History Department.

Sessions 2 and 3 are scheduled for November 12th and December 3rd from 10:30 - 12:00. Registration is required for participation in the lab sessions. Call the Genealogy Desk to register.

All participants should be fairly comfortable with computers including the ability to conduct searches, add attachments and pictures. Resources and support will be provided to participants so that they can continue with their own projects between sessions.

Questions? email Kathy at khreed@cinci.rr.com and put "Blog support" in the subject line.

Introducing Doug Magee - PLCH "Map Librarian"

2011-09-24T21:14:00.001-04:00

Map Librarian Doug Magee

Self-described "Map Librarian," Doug Magee, kicked off the year with a presentation on how Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps can be an aid to genealogists. According to the Map and Geography Library of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:

"Sanborn maps were made to assist insurance underwriters in determining fire insurance rates for individual buildings by examining the buildings' construction methods, heat and lighting sources, manufacturing uses, and the same attributes of nearby buildings. The maps primarily provide information on the downtown areas of cities and adjoining residential areas. They are especially useful in providing a record of urban development from the 1880s through the first half of the twentieth century."

Doug presented a slide show that can be used to gain a better understanding of the symbols that are used on the maps.

1887 was the first year that Sanborn maps were published for Cincinnati. They have limited value for identifying a specific home because house numbers were not included on the map. In addition, the streets of Cincinnati were renumbered in the early 1890s and some street names were changed. The cost of publishing the maps with any kind of frequency was prohibitive, so changes in the forms of cut-outs were provided that could be glued on top of the original map. Since there is no indication for when these changes took place, the maps do not have as much historical value as they could have had.

We learned that the Sanborn Map of Cincinnati for 1922 is significant because it was not updated and included all of the areas within the city limit. In addition we learned that there are two index books kept at the Genealogy and Local History desk that are invaluable when used in conjunction with the 1922 maps. The first book is an index listing all of the real estate values for Hamilton County, and the second is a 2-volume Index of Property Owners, Real Estate Atlas of Cincinnati, 1922.

In answer to questions from the participants, Doug discussed some other resources that many genealogists may find helpful. The Catholic Cemetery Society recently added more searchable databases for cemeteries to their site. Included are the long-awaited records of the Baltimore Pike Cemetery.

There is also a digitized version of the 1892 Decennial Tax Valuation of Cincinnati online. It can be downloaded from the Virtual Library from the Old and Rare Books section (R336.220977 C574 1892).

Finally, I was made aware of the numerous indexes published by William H. Graver, including an index to property ownership maps. Just when I was beginning to think that I was pretty familiar with some of the resources available at our library, I found out that I haven't even begun to scratch the surface. Happy hunting!

Note: To view the Cincinnati Sanborn Fire Maps online, click on this link.

Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) - Samford

2011-09-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

Irish Group 2011

This past summer, Mary Ann Faloon and I had the pleasure of attending the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR). IGHR provides week-long intensive genealogical training at Samford University.

The experience was somewhat of a cross between a monk-like sabbatical and a college road trip! Mary Ann and I had a great time on the drive down and back and at the sessions. As we approached the campus memories of college intruded - traipsing down the hall to take a shower was not at the top of my list of pleasurable memories! We were pleasantly surprised to see that the dorm rooms had in-room bath and shower facilities. Although spartan, the rooms were clean and welcoming. It was a nice change to have all meals provided in the dining hall!

Military 2 Group

The experience was wonderful - genealogy from sun-up to sun-down! Meals were spent meeting other participants and talking about, what else, genealogy! We met many old friends and made new ones. I now have a face to go with the name 'Dear Myrt'! Next year HCGS is the local sponsor of the The National Genealogical Society Conference giving us all the chance to immerse ourselves in genealogy in the Queen City. We look forward to hosting our genealogy friends and meeting HCGS members from across the country.

In the meantime, there is a great line-up of local events to keep us happy, including two presentations this Saturday, September 24. At 11 am Doug Magee will feature the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Map Collection and at 2 pm, Kathy Reed will give an introduction to blogging. Hope to see you!

Many more events are planned for later this Fall, see the Calendar for further details.

It's Not All Online: Ordering Family History Library Microfilm

2011-08-26T00:37:00.001-04:00

The Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City literally has a mountain of genealogical records. Some are available online at FamilySearch. But, most are only available to order and view at your local Family History Center (FHC). Family History Centers are located in the Latter Day Saints’ churches throughout the country.

You don’t have to be a member to use a FHC. In fact, most of the people researching at FHCs are not members. Finding an FHC near you is easy at FamilySearch Centers. Simply type the city and state where you live and click 'Search.' If there is more than one, select a FHC that has hours that are convenient for you.

Now comes the fun part - finding the records of your ancestors! I am looking for the Griffith's Valuation Revision Lists that I learned about in Mary Ann Faloon’s presentation. To find out what microfilms the FHL has, I’ll check their online catalog. It is generally best to search by the place-name for the country and county where your ancestor lived. There may be additional records for smaller administrative divisions that you will want to explore as well.

The format for searching place names is to start with the country or county and then work down to the smaller divisions. For the U.S., it is not necessary to include the country. So, if searching for Cincinnati, you would enter Ohio, Hamilton, Cincinnati. To search for Ballymartle, Ireland, you would type in Ireland, Cork, Ballymartle. Entering only a state and county will list county-wide resources.

Searching for Ireland, Cork, produced a long list of microfilms. “General Valuation Revision Lists, Kinsale Union (Cork), 1855-1956” was found in “Ireland, Cork – Land and Property.” Clicking on the record brings up additional information. There are often multiple microfilms in a collection. A detailed list of what is on each film is in the description. I’m looking for the Ballymartle Electoral Division which is on FHL BRITISH Film 829111 Item 2. Many microfilms have multiple items. So, when I get this film, I’ll advance the film to Item 2.

Great – I found the records I was looking for! Before I leave the catalog, I’ll review the list for any other interesting titles and also check under Ireland, Cork, Ballymartle to see what local records are available. I found, The Land and the People of Nineteenth-Century Cork: the Rural Economy and the Land in Question. Books are not available on interlibrary-loan through the FHL. A quick check on WorldCat, indicates the book is at the University of Cincinnati.

To order a microfilm you will need to know the title: “General Valuation Revision Lists, Kinsale Union (Cork), 1855-1956” and the microfilm number: “BRITISH Film 829111 Item 2”. Take this information and the film rental fee of about $5.50 to the local FHC (fees vary by location).

Before you fill out a microfilm request form, confirm the film is not already on-loan at the local FHC. The helpful FHC staff will answer any questions. Your request will be sent to the FHL and in 4-6 weeks, you will get a call letting you know that your film has arrived. Film can be viewed at the FHC but cannot be taken home.

The initial rental fee allows you to view the film for a short time. If you haven’t finished with the film before it is due, you can renew it or place it on indefinite hold. Not all Family History Centers keep ‘indefinite hold’ microfilms permanently. If you place a film on ‘indefinite hold,’ be sure to let the staff know that you are still using the film actively. Once you have finished, you can request that the FHC keep the microfilm permanently or tell them that you no longer need the film.

Online ordering of microfilms is available for some, but not all areas. At this time, Ohio FHCs only accept microfilm orders in person.

Happy Hunting!

This is the first in a series of posts that will feature repositories and resources that are not available online. If have any suggestions or would like to feature a repository, please contact Liz Stratton. It is not necessary for you to become a blog contributor. I am happy to post the blog for you with your by-line. Thanks!

What I Learned Reading The Tracer

2011-08-14T19:32:00.005-04:00

I was excited to receive my August 2011 copy of The Tracer. It seems that every time I dig into my copy lately, I find something directly related to my research. This edition was no exception. I've been researching my ancestors who served in the Civil War, some of whom were German. So of course I was drawn to Don Heinrich Tolzmann's article on Germans in the Civil War. Mary Ann Faloon submitted and article on "More Irish Genealogy Learning Opportunities Available from Home" and Jim Dempsey helped us get a better handle on Probate Court records. What really caught my eye in this issue, however, was Judy Craven's article on "The Mystery of Passenger #171 . . ."

Scanning the article, I realized that Judy had included a list of 204 passengers from Bremen to Cincinnati in 1852. Better yet, many of the passengers came from the Oldenburg region of Germany with town names so familiar I can rattle them off in my sleep.

My Vonderheide ancestors emigrated from Holdorf, Germany. The first family of "my" Vonderheides that came to Cincinnati were included in Judy's list.

Click to view in larger size.

Although not in my direct line, this Herman and Elisabeth were the aunt and uncle of those who were to arrive 29 years later. They probably were the link that made my g-grandparents decide on Cincinnati. Judy questioned in her article whether or not Arnold Muthing, passenger #171, could actually be her great-grandfather, Adolph, using his brother's name. Judy went on to describe her evidence for why she had concluded that "This must be Adolph!"

How did this impact me? First of all, I grew up in Pleasant Ridge and was in a Girl Scout troop with Carol Muething. Her mother, Mildred, was one of our leaders. A quick phone call to Judy confirmed that she knew that family well and that they were related to her. Secondly, I was encouraged to think that if Judy could find Vonderheides on a Passenger List that I should be able to also.

For years it amazed me that I could not find "my" family in Germans to America or on a passenger list. After all, I knew more than most. I had a copy of my gg-grandfather's naturalization papers and I knew they had arrived in the U.S. in June, 1881 when my g-grandfather was 7 years old. Encouraged by Judy's success, I searched one more time. Here is what I found:

Click to view larger size

The person who transcribed this record recorded the name of passenger #157 as H. o. d. Heide, age 42. Here is the transcription for his wife and three children:

Click to view larger size

My Vonderheide family of 1881 included Hermann Heinrich (age 42), Elisabeth (age 43), Joseph and Heinrich (Henry) twins (age 11) and August (age 7). The ages for the parents were correct. Elisabeth could have had the nickname of Liselle. What was clearly "Heinr." on the original record was transcribed as "Heiur", and "August" was transcribed as "Margurt". The poor transcription of the names was understandable, but the ages were clearly wrong. And how did they EVER decide that their surname was HeideHeide?

I have overwhelming evidence that this is the exact time frame for the arrival of my ancestors in Baltimore. I have the Naturalization record, a written family history and census documents that all support this date. I'm not surprised that the people responsible for recording the names of the people in steerage were not too concerned about getting the ages of the children correct. Everything else fits.

So I want to thank Deb Cyprych and Judy Craven for their work on The Tracer and publication of this article. Without their contributions, I would have never solved this mystery -- The Mystery of Passenger #157 and his family. And Judy can add her name to the list of HCOGS members from this area. Anybody for a DNA test?

Why Google+ Could Be a Boon for Genealogists

2011-08-09T20:32:00.000-04:00

Patricia Van Skaik
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton Co.
AKA DigiGenie

A few weeks ago my nephew invited me to sign up for google+. Google+ is the new social media application that is part of the google product line. Although still under development and testing, more than 25 million "early adopters" have already signed on.

Many genealogists/bloggers immediately recognized it's ease of use and set about inviting members of the genealogy community to join their "circles." As a member of the facebook community, I know that my genealogy friends may not find it interesting to read about how the potty training is going with my grandson. On the other hand, other "friends" may be bored to tears with my latest genealogical breakthrough. The "circles" feature in google+ enables you to easily separate all of your contacts into different groups. Contacts can be placed in one circle (i.e. family), or more than one circle (i.e.family, bloggers, etc.) You are free to set up as many circles as you want and identify them with any tag that is meaningful to you. When it comes time to post a comment in your "stream" you can easily choose what circles or individuals you want to be able to see that post.

A second feature that I find particularly appealing is one called "hangout." It is similar to using skype. You click on the "hangout" function and you can have an online conversation with up to 10 people. You can decide if you want to use video, audio, text, or any combination. While in hangout mode, the person doing the speaking is in the center of the display with the other participants displayed below the speaker. The software will try to identify the speaker and switch to the speaker accordingly. You just have to be willing to play with it.

To that end, Pat Van Skaik, Liz Stratton and I met at the library to try out the technology with each other. We had a great time placing each other in circles, posting messages and using the hangout function while sitting in the same room. Pat, in her role as DigiGenie is in the process of writing an article about how google+ could work for the genealogy community. We'll post a link to her article after it is published.

So if you want to play, email me at khreed@cinci.rr.com. I'll put you in one of my circles and send you an invitation to google+. We can hangout together. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

For a better understanding of google+ and its features, go to this link: http://www.google.com/support/+/

Genealogy, Tips and Techniques with Karen Everett

2011-08-08T14:54:00.000-04:00

Photo Credit: diaryofaprilisms.wordpress.com

A true sign that fall will soon be here is the announcement that HCGS Education Director, Karen Everett, is announcing her annual presentations. The sessions are held in three different libraries, making commuting easy. Check the offerings below, sharpen your pencils, and consider attending one of Karen's always well-received presentations.

Monday, Oct. 3, 6PM "Genealogy, Tips and Techniques" Karen Everett, HCGS Education Director and PLCH Librarian. Location: Forest Park branch library, 655 Waycross Road.

Thursday Oct. 13 - 7 PM "Genealogy, Tips and Techniques" Karen Everett, HCGS Education Director and PLCH Librarian. Location: Anderson Township branch library, 7450 State Rd.

Monday, Oct. 17 6PM "Genealogy, Tips and Techniques" Karen Everett, HCGS Education Director and PLCH Librarian. Location: Northside branch library, 4219 Hamilton Ave.

August 2011 Tracer Available

2011-08-07T15:32:00.001-04:00

The August 2011 Traceris now available online in the members only section of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society.

July 2011 Gazette

2011-07-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

The current issue of The Gazette is now available online in the members section of the website. Articles and announcements in this issue:

Webinar for Irish Research by Mary Ann Faloon
Probate Court Project Update by Jim Dempsey
Technology Interest Group/Blogging by Bev Breitenstein
Heritage Day Luncheon October 22, 2011 by Karen Klaene
Library News from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County by Patricia Van Skaik
President's Message by Kenny Burck

The events in The Gazette will be added to HCGS Calendar within the next day or two.

HCGS Technology Interest Group

2011-06-22T17:27:00.000-04:00

The HCGS has revived the Computer Interest Group with a new name, Technology Interest Group. The purpose of the group is to share information about technologies that are changing the way people do genealogy. Gail Burkholz, Kathy Reed and John Tholking are on the steering committee and Liz Stratton will lead the group. The interest group will sponsor programs, write articles and blog posts and have informal gatherings to share the latest developments. If you would be interested in participating, please email Liz Stratton. You can also sign up online at http://goo.gl/Gtrrp.

We have planned a series of programs on Blogs for the fall. Kathy Reed will begin with an overview of blogging for genealogists, followed by hands-on sessions in October. In November, we will wrap up the series by demonstrating a feed reader to track changes to your favorite blogs, websites, message boards, etc. For more information, see the online calendar.

The Technology Group would love to know what you are most interested in learning more about. We have created a short survey that can be completed online, http://goo.gl/cKDgc. If you would prefer, you can also take the survey by email. For an email survey, contact Liz Stratton.

Our first informal gathering will be on September 24, just after Kathy’s talk on blogs (about 2 pm). We will get to know one another and gather ideas about interests and expertise for future activities.

Genetic Genealogy -- What Do You Think?

2011-06-22T10:04:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in 23andme. The information discussed is provided only as an aid for those who have wondered about the advantages and possible disadvantages of providing a DNA sample for genealogical purposes. I have also used the services of FamilyTreeDNA. Each company has its advantages.

I already knew that several members of our chapter have roots from the Niedersachsen/Oldenburg area of northwest Germany. After all, this is Cincinnati. John Tholking, Karen Klaene, Kenny Burck, Leo Christen and I can all trace at least one line to that area.

About a month ago, I had a conversation with John Tholking about my von der Heide line. When I came to the monthly Board meeting, imagine my surprise when he handed me some research showing not only the von der Heide's, and Cohorst (John's family) surnames crossing paths, but also the Klaene surname. It makes you wonder. Are we "cousins?"

Recently I submitted a sample of my DNA to an organization called 23andme. The "23" refers to the 23 chromosomes that each of us inherits from both our mother and our father. Their results include genealogical information as well as health information. In my quest to understand my own results, I wrote a series of posts for my personal blog, Jones Family Matters.

Here are the topics and their corresponding links:
Genetic Genealogy
Anticipating DNA Results
Health Results from 23andme
Looking at Disease Risk with 23andme
Understanding Relative Disease Risk with 23andme

If I could wave a magic wand, all of my cousins would submit a sample so we could see how much we have in common. I just submitted a sample from my husband, who can trace two lines to that area. I can't wait for the results.

Griffith's Valuation with Mary Ann Faloon

2011-05-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

Mary Ann Faloon

Mary Ann Faloon, Chairman of the Irish Interest Group for the Hamilton County Genealogical Society was the Guest Speaker for the Kenton County Library's Congenealogy Group. Due to the current renovations at the library, the meeting was held at the Baker-Hunt Arts and Cultural Center on Greenup St. in Covington, Kentucky.

Those in attendance were really in for a treat. Learning how to navigate Irish genealogical records can be a daunting task. Mary Ann was able to lead us through the various kinds of records available for researching Irish ancestors. Tithes were collected to support the Church of Ireland. The "County Cess" was created to support the needs of the counties. The Griffith's Valuation was based on any occupant of the land, regardless of whether or not they owned land.

Various acts passed in 1826, 1848 and 1852 determined what was to be assessed. After 1838 the country was divided into Poor Law Unions and after 1852, all assessments were organized by Poor Law Unions.

We learned of the unintended consequences that made it much more profitable for landlords to evict their tenants and level their homes rather than pay the assessed taxes. Mary Ann tracked a few select individuals through the various records so that we could better understand how the records complement each other to provide a fairly good picture of an individual ancestor.

We were provided with a list of terms and related resources. Some items, including the Griffith's Valuation, are available online. Townland Maps and 6" Maps are available in the Genealogy and History Department of the Cincinnati Public Library. Still other records are on microfilm which can be ordered and placed on loan at your local Family History Library.

Once again I am amazed at the expertise that can be found within the membership of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society -- one more reason to become actively involved.

Jan Mueller of the Kenton County Library was our host for the evening. Anyone interested in other programs sponsored by the Congenealogy Group can ask to be put on a mailing list. Jan's email address is:
jan.mueller@kentonlibrary.org

Listed are some online resources that can be used to aid you in your Irish Genealogy.

Ordnance Survey Maps - http://shop.osi.ie/
Griffith's Valuation - http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
Lists of Townlands by Civil Parish - http://www.seanruad.com/

Catholic Parish Information - http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/index.htm

Baker-Hunt Arts and Cultural Center

A Great Day at the Library

2011-05-21T16:16:00.000-04:00

Kenny Burck

There was a lot happening today at the Main Branch of the Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The Hamilton County Genealogical Society sponsored a presentation by Kenny Burck, Chapter President, and Barbara Gargiulo of Little Miami Publishing Co. The two discussed what you would need to know and do should you want to publish a family history.

Barbara Gargiulo

About thirty people took advantage of their expertise. Kenny discussed the steps that he took when attempting to compile his initial book. He also discussed the necessity of coming up with a marketing plan in order to decide how many copies you would like to publish. He has plans to eventually publish eight volumes.

Barbara gave us handouts detailing the "parts of a book" and how to go about the writing process. She discussed the difference between a "printer" and a "publisher." We learned about how ISBN numbers (International Standard Book Number) and Library of Congress Catalog Numbers (LCCN) are assigned to books upon publication. A lot of decisions must be made including the cover material, type of binding, and the minimum scanning requirements for pictures. Publishers can assist you in making those decisions.

Several of us chose to stay for the afternoon dedication of the new interactive exhibit of one of Cincinnati's major treasures. On September 24, 1848, Charles Fontayne and William Porter set up their specially-designed camera and took a picture of the Cincinnati cityscape. At the time, Cincinnati was the nation's sixth largest city. The picture, taken from a rooftop in Newport, panned across the Ohio River and included two-miles of the Cincinnati riverfront. The image was comprised of eight separate plates.

There are two interactive displays -- one housed in the Main Floor Atrium and the other in the Cincinnati Room just steps away from the 3rd Floor Genealogy and History Department. Patrons are able to click on touch screens to access high-definition images of specific locations within the daguerreotype. Not only are you able to zoom in on digital images up to 32 times the size of the original, but the images are linked to related portraits, newspaper articles, documents and maps. This is not a static display. Library patrons can submit artifacts for possible inclusion.

Our own Patricia Van Skaik was part of a panel of leaders who participated in the dedication ceremony. The Atrium was filled with library patrons who understood the value of this priceless piece of Cincinnati history. The original plates are on permanent display in the Cincinnati Room in a specially-designed case.

For more information on this project, please go to this link: Cincinnati Panorama of 1848.

Blogs? Wikis? Oh my . . .

2011-05-18T10:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the newly-formed Technology Interest Group met to plan the kinds of topics we would like to explore in 2011-12. The committee is chaired by Liz Stratton. Gail Burkholz, John Tholking and Kathy Reed were also in attendance.

Shortly into our discussion, we realized that the four of us have different skill sets. If the four of us had such different comfort levels, what about our members? For many of us, this is a brave new world -- one we want to learn about if only we had the opportunity. On the other hand, there are certainly those among us who feel very comfortable with certain technological applications that they could share with the rest of us. We seek those people!

I had an experience recently with a cousin who wanted to take copious notes regarding our shared family history. I kept telling him that there was no need to do that because all of the information was already on my blog. About the tenth time I referred to the blog he asked, "What is a blog?" I realized then that what we assume is a "common understanding" in this world of technology often is not. So I thought I would take the opportunity to give a brief introduction to what a "blog" is and how it is different from a "wiki." A very creative person addressed this issue by using the old black and white film of a Kennedy/Nixon debate.

As a user of both blogs and wikis, there is a lot of overlap. The design of this particular blog enables multiple "writers" to contribute. You really can't "mess it up", so I encourage you to send an email and get on board. If there is anything we learned at our meeting yesterday, it is that all of us have a different piece. What a powerful group we could be if we all share our area of expertise!

Taking Part in an Indexing Project

2011-05-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

Liz Stratton

In an earlier post, Liz Stratton invited members of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society to participate in an indexing project as part of "Make a Difference Day." The event was held in conjunction with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Volunteers reported to the Technology Lab adjacent to the Genealogy and History Department of the Main Library. Liz was able to explain the procedures and we were all able to participate with little difficulty and not much of a learning curve -- even Kenny!!

Deb Cyprich and Kenny Burck

Our task was to index records compiled for Columbia Township dating back to the early 1800s. "Earmarks" were recorded from as early as 1793! (I learned that in this case, "earmarks" are cuts or marks in the ears of animals made to show ownership -- not to funds allocated for specific projects by legislators).

By the end of the day, I think all of us felt comfortable with the task. Many of us took additional pages that we could continue to index from home. (In my case, that means from the comfort of my recliner, laptop on lap).

I'm hoping as time goes on, more and more of us will feel comfortable taking on these projects. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to work with other Chapter members in a low-stress, friendly environment. I look forward to participating in this and other similar projects.

May 2011 Tracer is now available online

2011-05-15T11:21:00.000-04:00

The May 2011 edition of the Tracer is now available online. Members and e-members can now download the edition at the main HCGS website. From the Members Page, click on the link to proceed to members' pages. Once you have signed in, scroll down to locate the May Tracer edition.

Make-a-Difference Day, May 7, 11 am - 4 pm

2011-04-29T22:07:00.000-04:00

Make a Difference Day (MADD) will be held on May 7 from 11 am – 4 pm in the Technology Room on the third floor of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCH). Every year the Chapter does a volunteer indexing project to improve access to local records for the benefit of genealogists. This year we will be stepping back in time nearly 200 years to index Columbia Township, records. Space in the Technology Room is limited so please contact the Library at 369-6905 to reserve a computer – it is not necessary for you to stay the entire time.

Columbia Township, Hamilton County, Ohio Record Book is a typescript of original Columbia Township records. Selected pages were transcribed by the Library and bound in 1934. The book includes earmarks, estrays, tax lists, school district boundary descriptions, indentures, militia lists, voting lists, warnings out-of-town and who knows what else we might discover! Amazingly, the earmark lists date back to 1791 with other notations beginning in 1801. An 1833 indenture gives the flavor of the times with the indentured man agreeing “not [to] contract in matrimony during said term. Taverns or alehouse or places of gaming he shall not frequent . . .” This will be a fun set of records to index!

We are experimenting with a new indexing process for MADD. Rather than index on paper and typing the entries later, we will be using computers in the technology room to directly enter the information using online forms. (Paper will be on hand just in case there are problems!) This will also make it possible for people to participate from home or use their own laptop computer at the library. If you are interested in participating from a distance, please contact Liz Stratton at HCOGSIndexing@gmail.com.

HCGS Annual Seminar with Craig Roberts Scott

2011-04-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

Earlier today at the Mill Race Center in Winton Woods, the Hamilton County Genealogical Society, in conjunction with the Butler and Clermont County Genealogical Societies, sponsored its Annual Seminar. Craig Roberts Scott, a nationally-recognized speaker on military topics, discussed how to trace your Civil War ancestor. He also helped us understand the records that are available for compiling a military service record and how to obtain records that go beyond the information available in a Pension Record.

The Hamilton County Genealogical Society also presented several awards. Judge James Cissell was recognized for his leadership in making Probate Court and other records available online.

Jim Dempsey presents certificate to Judge James Cissell

Several others were presented with Certificates of Appreciation by Chapter President Kenny Burck. Among those in attendance were: Doug Magee and Colleen Phillips of the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton Co. Library, David Pittinger and John Tholking.

Kenny Burck and Doug Magee

Kenny Burck and Colleen Phillips

Kenny Burck and David Pittinger


Kenny Burck and John Tholking

Taking the Plunge -- Becoming a Blog Contributor

2011-04-15T15:22:00.000-04:00

Two years ago, the Hamilton County Genealogical Society invited John Philip Coletta to speak at its Annual Chapter Seminar. John shared so much with us that day, but the takeaway message for me was to try to figure out a way to share my family's history. On his website, John states:

My goal is to help family historians optimize their efforts to uncover and write the stories of their forebears, and to enjoy all along the way the pleasure and humor of the journey.

As I listened to the presentations that day, I was challenged to consider the best way that I could share my family history with my extended family and friends. I had been researching my family for about eight years by now and was in possession of numerous documents, pictures and artifacts. With a fair amount of fear and uncertainty, I decided that a "blog" may be the perfect vehicle. But how do you go about it?

In the two years since I began blogging, much more help is available. I recently discovered Lisa Louise Cook and her website Genealogy Gems. Lisa has made a series of youtube videos that explain exactly how to go about creating your own blog. One of the advantages of a video is that you can play parts of it over and over until you are comfortable with the content. After you are up and running, you can move onto parts 2, 3 and 4.

As a relatively new member of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society, I am constantly impressed with the expertise of its members. It is my hope that this blog will become one more vehicle for sharing that expertise. I encourage you to leave comments, ask for help and sign up to be a contributor.

Kathy Reed

April 2011 Gazette Now Available!

2011-04-12T19:56:00.000-04:00

The April, 2011 issue of The Gazette is now available in the members-only area of the Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogical Society website. Electronic memberships in the society are $10 and give members all the benefits of full membership except printed and mailed copies of the The Gazette and The Tracer. All members can view these publications on the website.

Welcome to the Hamilton County Genealogical Society Blog!

2011-03-26T10:02:00.000-04:00

Over the years, genealogy has evolved. Increasingly more and more information is available to the genealogist online. There are opportunities to discover "cousins" through lists, and contact those researching common ancestors through Ancestry. Blogs and wikis have enabled family historians to share their stories and collaborate with other family members. But all of this new technology, while opening doors, can be intimidating to the uninitiated.

It was felt by a few of us that the time was right to create a blog dedicated to supporting the interests and needs of members of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society. Many of our Chapter's members do not live in Hamilton County and may find a blog the perfect vehicle for sharing interests and working with other members of the Chapter. Others may have created family history blogs of their own featuring Hamilton County ancestors and want to share them with others. Some may want to increase their comfort level with these new technologies and want to learn from others who may have navigated the waters before them. Still others may wonder what a "blog" is and have no idea how it could be useful. We hope to address many of those needs.

Liz Stratton and Kathy Reed have volunteered to facilitate this effort. We are seeking "authors" who would like to contribute articles to this blog pertaining to their own research, the use of technology in genealogy, or links to their own family history blogs. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the tabs at the top of the blog, still under construction. Should you want to join us, please contact Kathy Reed at khreed@cinci.rr.com and put HCGS in the subject line.

Both Liz and I are interested in your feedback and open to your ideas. Liz has also volunteered to chair an interest group for members interested in how technology can contribute to genealogy. We are looking for other like-minded members to join us in this effort.

Welcome aboard as together we navigate the world that is 21st Century genealogy.

Kathy Reed
khreed@cinci.rr.com
513-936-8494

January 2011 Gazette Now Online

2011-01-13T14:08:00.000-05:00

The January, 2011 issue of The Gazette is now available in the members-only area of the Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogical Society website. Electronic memberships in the society are $10 and give members all the benefits of full membership except printed and mailed copies of the The Gazette and The Tracer. All members can view these publications on the website.