Better Know Your Chapter! - Challenge #4 - Twitter

You may not have a twitter account -- you may have no desire to "tweet." But I'm sure you've heard of twitter. It seems as if you can't watch a news program without being invited to "follow us on facebook and twitter."

Although I use twitter, I certainly don't use it to its potential, and I'm probably not the best one to write this post. On the other hand, I can probably give you enough information for you to be tweeting in no time, should you desire.

To explore twitter or set up an account, go to http://twitter.com You will see a screen that looks like this:

You can view our twitter page by going to http://twitter.com/hcgsohio. You will be able to view the page and use the search box, but you will be unable to post a message or "tweet."

 If you already have an account, you will see a tool bar that looks like this once you have logged in.

As a new user (and for this challenge) we are going to focus on the search box, and the blue box with a pen to the right. You can use the search box to look for people you may know, societies that may interest you, or topics of interest. I searched on HCGS and our Society came right up. We are listed as @HCGSOhio. If you have an account, you can "tweet" right away. A "tweet" can not be longer than 140 characters -- and they will let you know when you get close to 140 characters.

You've also probably heard of the term #hashtag. A hashtag is nothing more than a key word. For instance, if you wanted to tweet something about genealogy, you may use the hashtag #genealogy or #familyhistory. Hashtags are important because they can be used to find others who are interested in genealogy or, conversely, allow them to find you. Like most social media, twitter can be as easy or as complicated as you like. If you want to know more about it, you can go to the twitter help page.

Challenge #4

1. Click on the link to twitter.com/search.

2. Search for HCGS in the search box.

3. If you have an account, tweet something using the #HCGSOhio hashtag.

4. Search for #genealogy in the search box and see what other contacts you could find who share an interest in genealogy.

5. Remember, if you want to "follow" someone, you have to have an account. For these, and other questions, go to the twitter help page linked above. The nice thing about these tools is that they are available if you want them and can just be ignored when you don't.

Our Social Media Coordinator, Jenny Moorman Davis, set up our Twitter page with its wonderful background. She manages this page and would be happy to help you should you have questions. Just leave your questions in the comment box for this post.

We really appreciate those who chose to accept one or more of these challenges. The wonderful thing is that they will always be here, should you want to come back and find the information again. Just use the blog search box and type in technology challenge.

If you haven't made that genealogical resolution for 2013, perhaps you can consider becoming more familiar with the Chapter website, blog, facebook page, or twitter page. Hopefully, you realize that we have a lot to offer each other, and that together we will be a much stronger Chapter as we move ahead together.

Happy 2013!

Submitted by:
Kathy Reed

Better Know Your Chapter! - Challenge #3

This one should be fun. As 2012 comes to a close and 2013 promises a new beginning, I'm sure we all consider what we would like to accomplish genealogically in the new year. This time, we're going to make use of our Chapter's facebook page. Note: You do NOT have to join facebook to view our society's page. Read further down the post to read about Challenge #3. You can access our society's facebook page in several ways.

#1 - Login to www.facebook.com
       Look for the search box at the top of the page. 

       In the search box, type Hamilton County Genealogical Society until you see our society's logo.

Click on the page and you will be able to see the society's page. If you do not have a facebook account, you will not be able to interact with the page or leave a comment. You can, however, read the posts of others and see the "About" section. 

If you DO have a facebook account, you can access the page in several ways.

Follow the procedure outlined in #1 above.  Or if you are viewing the blog as a web page, go to the left sidebar and click on the link pictured below. (Note: you may not see this link if you are looking at the blog on your phone, tablet or as an email).

You can also access facebook through a link on the Chapter website by clicking on the button that says "Find Us on facebook."

If you do have a facebook account, look for the box in the upper right-hand corner that says "Like" and click on this. "Liking" the page will automatically place any new content in your facebook stream. 

Challenge #3

Think about one of your genealogical resolutions for 2013. If you have a facebook account, tell us of your resolution by posting it on facebook. If you don't have a facebook account, scroll down to the comments box below and post it there. Remember, you can choose "anonymous" when the menu asks you to select a profile. Just write your name at the end of the comment.

Jenny Davis is our Social Media Coordinator and is responsible for both our facebook and twitter pages. Should you have any concerns, I'm sure Jenny would love to help you out. Just post them on facebook or in the comments box below.

Kathy Reed

Better Know Your Chapter! - Challenge #2

If you are reading this, you've already made your way to our Chapter's blog. The blog makes it easy to keep members informed of events as they happen. We can post pictures of the Heritage Luncheon, for instance, the day it happens. Pictures, in color, can easily be included. Upcoming events are listed in our calendar. And best of all -- it's free! So here is today's challenge:

Challenge #2

1. Focus on the bar at the top of the post that looks like this:



This bar is a list of "pages" in blogger language, each containing different information. Move your cursor over the "Calendar" page and click on it. You will get an image that looks like this:

Explore the options that allow you display events by the week or month and allow you to move forward and backward. Click on one of the events that looks interesting to you and see where it takes you. Did you have any idea that so many resources were at your fingertips? For other calendar options, go to the left hand column where three separate calendars are found. 

Chapter members including Liz Stratton, Linda Dietrich and Gail Burkholz work to keep these calendars updated. The calendar listed on the page you just explored combines all of these calendars into one. If you're only interested in Hamilton County Events, you may prefer using this calendar.

#2 - Click on the page that says "Links to Member Blogs."  To be listed on this page, you must have a blog with a genealogy focus and you must be a member of this chapter. You may want to check out the blogs of a Chapter member and leave them a message. One of our members, Carol MacKay, lives in British Columbia, Canada! I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. Click on her blog, Family Photo Reunion.

#3 - Click on the "Events" page. We often collaborate with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Chris Smith regularly sends us fliers of specially-developed programs. In addition to being posted on the blog, these fliers and other Chapter-developed fliers are posted here. If you scroll down the page, you can view a nice history of some of the programs from the past year.

#4 - Click on Books, CDs and DVDs tab. Did you know that you can order a few of our more popular Chapter resources online? I placed an order this way and could not believe how easy it was. Liz Stratton, Chapter Treasurer, created this page.

#5 - There are several ways for you can keep up with new blog posts without having to check in. You can sign up to receive any updates on this blog by typing your email address in the box. You can also have new posts sent to you if you have a "reader."  You can sign up to be a "member" or "follower" by clicking on the "join this site" button. We currently have 43 members and would love to increase that number.

#6 - Finally, like the HCGS website, you can search on this blog. Do you want to find a post that contained some information but you can't remember where it was? Just search! For example, try searching for "Sanborn" or "1865 Births" and see what comes up.

If you've accepted this challenge, consider posting something you learned about this blog that you didn't know before. Just leave a comment in the box below. And again -- if you need help, feel free to email Kathy Reed at khreed@cinci.rr.com. 

Tomorrow's challenge -- facebook!

Better Know Your Chapter! - Challenge #1

During 2012, our Chapter has made great strides in embracing technology and moving our Chapter into the 21st Century. As we come to the end of this year, I thought it might be fun to "Better Know Your Chapter" by taking the time to explore some of the wonderful changes that are available to our members and others interested in the genealogical resources available in Hamilton County. This will be the first of four daily posts challenging you to "up your game" and try something new. 


Challenge #1:

1. Look for the Hamilton County Genealogical Society logo on the top of the left-hand side of this blog. This is what is known as a "hot link." When you click on the logo, it will redirect you to our Chapter Web Site (http://hcgsohio.org). (Note: If you are receiving this post by email, you may not see the logo on the left hand menu.)


2. Once on the site, look at the top of the page to see the new "search" feature. It looks like what is pictured below, only it is much larger.



3. Enter one of your Hamilton County surnames. See how many results come up. Spend a few minutes clicking on the links to see if there is something there that may help you with your research.


4. On the website, look for this image. Note the orange blog symbol and click on the word "Blog" in "Read Our Blog." That will bring you back to the blog page.

5. Finally, and this is where you have to be really brave, scroll down to the bottom of this post and look for the box where you can post a comment. You can either post anonymously or with your own identity if you have a google account. Tell us how many "hits" you got on your particular surname. Let Jim Dempsey and Liz Stratton know that you love this new capability. Share any thoughts you'd like and come back tomorrow for a second challenge.

Submitted by:
Kathy Reed
Email me if you have any problems: khreed@cinci.rr.com

DNA and Genealogy at the OGS Conference

Note: This post is a copy of a post written for the OGS Conference Blog. 

You can visit the Conference Blog at http://ogs.org/blog.

Have you considered using DNA to support your genealogical research? Have you had success? Are you overwhelmed by the science? Afraid of possible revelations about your health? I can answer yes to all of these questions. However, it's something that I think will become an increasingly useful tool in our genealogical toolbox -- and something I want to understand better.

In keeping with the theme of this conference, the planners included a track on DNA and genealogy.

Colleen Fitzpatrick is leading half of the sessions in this track. As I was not familiar with her, I was led to do a little research. Colleen is the author of Genetic Genealogy and DNA and Genealogy, two best-sellers in genetic genealogy. Despite her expertise, she lists her talks as appropriate for "all levels."  Her talks are "appropriate for you whether you are having trouble spelling DNA or are an old hand at genetic genealogy." She has been involved in the ID of an unknown child on the Titanic, and work related  to Amelia Earhart and Abraham Lincoln. To quote her bio, she has done "extensive professional work on DNA identification with the military, law enforcement, the Center for Human Identification, Harvard University, and many other well-known organizations."

Ugo Allesandro Perego is presenting two sessions. I was able to find a link to his site. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. He, too, has an extensive resume. Nora Galvin will discuss DNA testing for genealogical purposes, the testing process, what the results look like and what they mean.

There will also be a DNA Roundtable sponsored by Family Tree DNA. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn which DNA test to take, decide how many markers to test and determine how to best utilize the results.

All for the price of one conference admission!  Hope to see you there.

Submitted by:
Kathy Reed

Comments? I encourage you to leave a question or comment. I will do my best to find the answer.

Update on the OGS Conference - The Technology Track

Note: This is a copy of a post to the Ohio Genealogical Society's OGS Conference Blog.

Technology, and its applicability to genealogical research, will play a central role in this year's OGS Conference. When it comes to planning your schedule, you can't beat the conference "tracks" that have been outlined by the planners.  Interested in technology? Here is a list of what is being offered with a technology focus.

You can easily review the listings and determine what may be of interest to you. In addition, you can refer to the program to see if the presentation is appropriate for beginner, intermediate or advanced users of the technology. Numerous tracks have been identified. Over the next several weeks, I hope to feature each one of the tracks to assist you in planning. If you've not yet seen a copy of the conference booklet, click on this link and download a copy. Do you have friends and family asking you for a gift suggestion? Maybe a conference registration is just the ticket. Hope to see you there.

Kathy Reed  

Tuesday's Tip: Photoduplication Goes Digital!

Who said 'nothing in life is free?' One of the great services offered by the Family History Library is their "photoduplication" service. Simply fill out the request for photocopies, enclose a check and 4-6 weeks later the copies return in the mail. Imagine my surprise and joy when I received an email in early November from the Photoduplication Unit of FamilySearch. Now, instead of returning the copies by mail, the Family History Library (FHL) is emailing scanned versions of the documents for FREE! Yes, you read that right, free.

Request for Photoduplication

So what are good candidates for the photoduplication unit? First, the copies must meet copyright restrictions as noted on the request form. You must also be able to specify a particular record. The FHL is not able to conduct research for you. There are many ways to obtain the specific item reference including online indexes, prior research in deed index book microfilms, etc. You may request up to eight records on a single form or three book copy requests. Requests can be submitted as frequently as every two weeks.

General Micro/fiche and Census Copies

Censuses and many microfilm and microfiche records are now available on the FamilySearch website. Check for online availability either by browsing their collection or searching for the specific microfilm in the FamilySearch Catalog. Once you have found the item description, scroll down to 'Notes' section to see if the microfilm is available online. Examples of the screens you will see on the website are shown below.

Select "Film Numbers" from the search options, enter in the film number and click search.

If the film is available online, it will be noted in the 'Notes' section of the film record.

If the record you are interested in is not online, complete the request for photo copies form and mail or fax it to the FHL. Below is a portion of the form I recently submitted that demonstrates how different types of records might be requested. Generally records such as a deed or naturalization petition work well for photo duplication since you rarely need multiple records from any one film. Since many related families might be included in a church record microfilm, it would likely be best to order the microfilm so you can review it for all familial connections (see FHL Film Online Ordering Now Available in Cincinnati).

Photocopies of Book Pages

The FHL has a vast collection of books available for family history research. To locate a specific title, use their online catalog. You can search by Title, Author or even place name. For example, The Diaries of John M. Miller of Westwood/Cincinnati, Ohio: Excerpts from 1869-1870 and 1881-1894, was found in Ohio, Hamilton, Cincinnati - History - Sources.

The FHL cannot copy all the pages in a book. Copies are restricted to 10 pages or 10% of the book, whichever is less. You can complete a request for photocopies of a book index or even a portion of an index. After reviewing the index, submit a second request for the pages of interest. Not all books are indexed. Look for the notation "includes index" in the "Notes" section of the book description as shown below.

If the book is not indexed, don't despair, the FHL has microfilmed many books making it possible for you order the microfilm and read the book at a local Family History Center, see FHL Film Online Ordering Now Available in Cincinnati and It's Not All Online: Ordering Family History Library Microfilm for more information.

(Not so) Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

The FHL provides the photoduplication service free of charge. Consider passing along their kindness by returning the effort in kind - photocopy a local record for someone who lives afar. There are many requests for copies and help in online message boards. Alternatively, join the Worldwide Indexing project sponsored by FamilySearch and make more records searchable online for free.

This article was submitted by Liz Stratton. As always, underlined text indicates links to other websites or articles of interest. If you are receiving this message by email, you may need to go to the blog, hcgsohio.blogspot.com to see images.

Tri-State Germans in the Civil War

 In honor of Veterans Day and commemorating the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War, the Hamilton County Genealogical Society will present a program by  Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann titled Tri-State Germans in the Civil War.

German-Americans played an important role in the Civil War. German regiments were dubbed the “Dutch devils” by the Confederates and Robert E. Lee was reported to have said, “Take the Dutch out of the Union Army and we could whip the Yankees easily.”

Dr. Tolzmann will explore the contributions made by area German-Americans to the Union cause. He recently published a translation from German of Gustav Tafel’s The Cincinnati Germans in the Civil War (Little Miami Pub. Co.), providing it with additional supplements with information he uncovered dealing with Germans from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana in the Civil War.

Don Heinrich Tolzmann is President of the German-American Citizens League of Greater Cincinnati, Curator of the German Heritage Museum, and Historian for the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee.   The HCGS is honored to present Dr. Tolzmann and this topical program on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00am in the Huenefeld Tower Room at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Main Branch, 800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.

For further information about HCGS or this program, please contact Program Director, Linda Dietrich at lindabelle@lcs.net

2012 Heritage Luncheon

Scenes from the Heritage Luncheon

On Saturday, November 3rd, the Hamilton County Genealogical Society held its annual Heritage Luncheon. First Families, established to pay tribute to pioneers who resided in Hamilton County by 1820, welcomed seven new members and their 27 ancestors to the society: William H. Hammitt, Gene Baker, Mary McConnell, Jennifer Carver, Jennifer Bornemann, Sharon Kay Allen Michael, and Joyce Ann Brecount Wolf.

Karen Klaene Welcomes New Members
Photo Credit: John Tholking

The Settlers and Builders lineage group recognizes ancestors who lived in Hamilton County between 1 January 1821 and 31 December 1860. Five new members were welcomed into the group with an additional two members identifying additional ancestors who qualified for inclusion. Five new members and their 36  ancestors were inducted into the group: Robert Raymond Hare, Mary Elizabeth Weiland Benko, James William Rettig, Jeffrey Gerard Herbert, and Mary Louise Reese Inwood. Kathleen Jones Reed and Dolores Jean Christopher D'Errico added seven additional ancestors to their ancestors previously accepted.

Settlers and Builders
Photo Credit: John Tholking

The Century Families lineage group recognizes families who arrived in Hamilton County between January 1, 1861 and 100 years prior to today. New members include: Peter Timothy Frame, James Joseph Christen, Joanne Mary Kriege Nie, and Barbara Jean Kaiser Pharo. These four members added 27 ancestors to the rosters. Four members submitted supplemental applications acknowledging nine additional ancestors. Those submitting supplemental applications included: Kathleen Jones Reed, Joseph Roger Poppel, Donna Marie White Mancini and Mary Louise McElfresh Strickley. 

Century Families Recipients
Photo Credit: John Tholking

Craig Heimbach

The Guest Speaker for the event was Craig Heimbuch, an award-winning journalist and author of "Chasing Oliver Hazard Perry, Travels in the Footsteps of the Commodore Who Saved America."  His talk was timely, as this year marks the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in which Ohio played a significant role. Commodore Perry's role in the naval battle on Lake Erie against a previously undefeated British Navy, does not get the recognition it deserves in the American consciousness.

Thanks to the members of the Hamilton County Lineage Groups who work throughout the year to encourage and assist applicants, review applications, and plan for the annual Heritage Luncheon. Should you have ancestors who qualify, consider submitting an application.

Submitted by Kathy Reed

Library Lock-In, Saturday, October 27th, 2012

Taste of Tech Programs in the PLCH Computer Lab

Last Saturday was the annual Lock-In for genealogists at the Main Library. Registered genealogists had the opportunity to do their research from 6:30 - 11:30 PM with the aid of our fine library staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department. About 45 people attended this year's event.

The HCGS Tech Team provided another option for attendees this year. The Tech Team offered five mini-technology programs in the Computer Lab adjacent to the Genealogy Department. Each program lasted about 15 minutes, with participants free to select from a menu of opportunities and come and go as they pleased. At the end of each session, members of the Tech Team offered assistance as needed.

This was the first time we had tried something like this, and the Team was very excited about the number of people who chose to participate. The number of participants ranged from 9 - 17 with an additional five Tech Team members available for assistance. Since the Computer Lab has only 18 computers, we couldn't have been happier with the turnout. Some members stayed for all five sessions.

At the end of the evening, the group was surveyed as to Tech Programs they would like us to sponsor in the future.  Three requests included using newspapers for genealogical research, scanning and photo editing. All three of these programs are in the pipeline for the future.

We would like to thank Chris Smith, Patricia VanSkaik and the other librarians who made this after-hours opportunity available to our members. As a first-time attendee, I'm already looking forward to next year's event.

Meeting with the African-American Genealogy Group of the Miami Valley (AAGGMV)

Meeting of the African-American Genealogy Group of the Miami Valley

Last January, several members of the society met to try to come up with a Long-Range Plan for HCGS.

Several committees were formed and tasks assigned.

It was felt that our society could do a better job of reaching out to other genealogists in under-served communities. We have an African-American interest group that has been largely inactive. We do, however, have about 20 members who expressed an interest in African-American genealogy. 

Gail Burkholz was one of the members who offered to be a liaison between our society and other genealogical communities, including the Jewish and African-American communities. One of our goals is to see if there are ways that we could work together without duplicating each others efforts.

At the "Ask the Experts" Day, Kathy Reed spoke with Joyce Coleman who has been a member of HCGS. Kathy had not been aware of the existence of a regional genealogical group serving the African-American community for the past 12 years. The African-American Genealogy Group of the Miami Valley serves not only Cincinnati, but Dayton, Springfield, Yellow Springs and other towns within the region. In subsequent conversations, Joyce invited Kathy Reed, Gail Burkholz and Linda Dietrich to attend their monthly meeting that was being held at the Main Library this past Saturday.

What a vibrant group! In discussions with group members, we agreed that we did not want to "reinvent the wheel," but rather collaborate in a way that would be of benefit to both groups. One of the members, author Larry Hamilton, readily agreed to speak to HCGS at a program in February. Several members stayed for the Library Lock-In and attended some of the Tech sessions in the Computer Lab. 

Gail, Linda and I became members of AAGGMV. Some of their members are already members of HCGS, and others may potentially join. I, for one, look forward to what we can do together. If you are one of the HCGS members who has expressed an interest in African-American genealogy, leave a comment. Together, we can assist you with your research goals.

Submitted by Kathy Reed

The OGS Conference Program Is Now Available!

As you may be aware, the Ohio Genealogical Society is holding its 2013 annual conference in Cincinnati next April.The conference is co-sponsored by the Hamilton Co. Genealogical Society and the Warren Co. Genealogical Society. Kenny Burck and Dana Palmer are coordinating the event. The program for the conference is now available online at http://www.ogs.org Look on the left-hand menu and click on the link to the Conference Program.

In addition, I'd like to encourage you to sign up to receive regular updates on the conference blog. Like this blog, you can receive updates automatically by supplying your email address. I know when you look at the program and/or the blog, you will be excited about the lineup and diversity of offerings at this conference.  The focus is on how technology can support your genealogical pursuits.

Should you wish to submit articles for this blog or the conference blog, please contact Kathy Reed at khreed@cinci.rr.com.

Submitted by Kathy Reed

Annual "Lock-In" at the Library

The annual "Lock-In" at the Main Branch of the Library will take place on Saturday, October 27th from 6:30 - 11:30 PM. This year, in addition to an opportunity to do personal research, members of the HCGS Tech Team will be presenting a Taste of Tech. In the Computer Lab adjacent to the Genealogy and History Department, participants will have the chance to explore up to five different tools that could be useful to genealogists.

Participants of the Lock-In can look over the schedule and decide if one or more of the topics is of interest to them. Those interested in presentations by Kathy Reed or Gail Burkholz will need to have a Google Account in advance should they want to try out these applications in the lab. You can create a Google Account by "googling" create a google account and following the directions. The page will look similar to the one pictured below.  Don't forget to confirm the email that is sent to you and make sure you remember your password.

The Library Friends' Shop is also staying open until 8PM during the Genealogy Lock-In. Buyers can get a 10% discount on the items they purchase.

Unfortunately, a check of the library's registration site shows that there already is a waiting list for this year's Lock-In. Should you be one of the forty who pre-registered, I look forward to seeing you there.

Goettke and Murray Families Find Their Past

Sr. Lois Goettke exclaimed, “We’re related?” as researcher Marian Dietrich revealed the connections between their two families.  Actually Lois and Marian are related on both sides of Marian’s family, a fact only discovered after Marian agreed to do some research for Sr. Lois for a family history program for the Hamilton County Genealogical Society.  Marian’s research revealed connections to Sr. Lois’s family on both her mother and fathers sides of the family.  Marian revealed another connection between the Goettke family and John A Schehl organist and choirmaster at St. Francis Seraph for 33 years and St. Leo for 20 years and Joseph A Schehl violinist with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and composer; Assistant Director of May Festival whom they had known all their lives, without knowing about the familial connection.  Marian presented Sr. Lois with a thick notebook filled with reports and documents supporting her research; she had documented all four of Lois’ main lines back to their immigration from Germany.

During the second part of the program, the decendants of Michael Murray learned that some of the various addresses that the Murray family called home in the Queensgate area of Cincinnati were actually the same physical place.  Street name changes and house numbering changes led to the misconception that the family had moved more often than they actually did.  The area is now covered with industrial sites, railroad tracks, and interstates.  The family had a picture of the saloon that Michael established in 1884 at 571 W. Fifth St., opposite the passenger depot for the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad.  They did not know when it was taken or who the people were, other than proprietor Michael Murray.  Through her detective work and use of city directories, census records, and Sanborn fire insurance maps, genealogist Linda Dietrich dated the photo and made tentative identification of the people as other members of the Murray family. 

Murray’s Place, 571 W. Fifth St., established in1884.  Because of street number changes, this picture was prior to street numbering changes made in 1886.  With that in mind, the people in the photo are tentatively identified as - right to left - son Thomas, 12; son Michael, Jr. 7; twin daughters Mary Jane and Ellen, 5; bartender, possibly Michael’s brother Johnny’ Michael Murray, 47;  and daughter Catherine 2 years old.

Do you have pictures of mystery relatives?  Do you know where your family lived 100 years ago?  History is fun when you have a personal connection to the time and place.  Join the largest growing group in America and start researching your family history today.  Staff at the Cincinnati Public Library and the Cincinnati Historical Archives are waiting to help you in your search.