Sunday, December 21, 2008

Broken Genealogy Links

I repaired 195 broken links on LiveRoots.com today. FYI... the changes are captured in a database, and if you search for an old link on Live Roots, it will let you know of the change and direct you to the current address for the resource. There are over 1,000 link change-of-address records currently cataloged.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Matching Genealogy & Geography at Live Roots

The first release of a new method for locating resources at Live Roots was made available today. When you click on geo-coded resources, you will now see that the Region and Location attributes are clickable and allow you to browse other resources for the same geographic area. You may also start with "United States" (other countries will be added) and navigate down to counties, cities, etc. The results listed in this new feature are limited by the quality of information provided to Live Roots. I have begun a review process of all un-coded resources, and am also working with the larger data providers to include more specific geo-coding information in the data feeds they provide. I also cataloged the databases at the Library and Archives Canada, which included a nice collection of city directories.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

German Parish Registers

I cataloged the books available at Family Roots Publishing, which included a series of German Parish Registers. Also, additional surname variations were added to the system. Live Roots was mentioned on Arlene H. Eakle's Genealogy Blog this week.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles, Part 2

If you feel like you have "too many irons in the fire" this Christmas season, you're not alone. But what does it all mean? In her second of two articles, "Lexicons of Lost Lifestyles: Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch, Part 2," Jean Wilcox Hibben explores the occupational foundations for some of our everyday expressions, many originating with the town blacksmith.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

How to Contact Living Relatives

Through various online communities, the Internet has made it possible for family history researchers to connect with other family members in a way that might never have been possible otherwise. The collaborative effort has done much to advance genealogical research and forge new relationships. Even so, many of us have had the experience of being rebuffed in our attempts to make contact, and, given our own enthusiasm, it may be difficult to understand people who do not wish to be contacted or who may not be overly anxious to discuss or share their own research. In her article, "How to Contact Living Relatives," Gena Philibert-Ortega addresses this problem and suggests ways of tactfully and respectfully reaching out to other family members.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Making a Living in New Orleans

In her article, "Making a Living in New Orleans, Judy Rosella Edwards explores business enterprises in the city as early as 1823, by some accounts, second only to New York City. "Many of the business houses bore the name of their owners," a fact that can help family history researchers, in addition to a number of little known sources cited and linked in the article.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

A face to scare the devil

I have long been admired beautiful and creative pottery -- this article from Pittsburgh Post, "Artist draws on family history to put unique spin on pottery," sheds light on the fascinating history of "jug art." Akin to quilt and song, the jug art provided expression in society not free to communicate openly.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Wreaths Across America journey begins Sunday

The annual Wreaths Across America escort is scheduled to depart Harrington, Maine this Sunday and travel through southern Maine on its way to Arlington National Cemetery, according to an article in Kennebunkport Post.

For 16 years, Morrill Worcester, president of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, has decorated graves at Arlington with wreaths made by volunteers. The project was known locally as the Arlington Wreath Project until 2006, when the project was taken to the national level and called Wreaths Across America. The wreaths will be escorted to Virginia by riders from the Patriot Guard.

From the Wreaths Across America web site:

We invite you to join us in 2008 at any of the wreath-laying ceremonies to be held concurrently on Saturday, December 13th, 2008 at 12:00 noon EST. Click here for a complete list of participating locations.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Genealogy Gifts for the Non-Genealogists

Ah, 'tis the season . . . what to buy for those hard to buy for people. In her article, "Genealogy Gifts for the Non-Genealogist," Gena Philibert-Ortega offers some ideas, at least for those hard to buy for family members. Many of us have family members that are less than excited about our latest research discoveries, but many of those same people love to hear the research "translated" into something meaningful. My son, for example, abhors the idea of researching dead people, but loves to hear the stories -- stories are something he can relate to. In this article, the focus is on creative gift ideas that are meaningful and economical -- a good combination for this year's gift giving.