The Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) is hosting its 53rd annual Summit of Excellence, a must-attend event for genealogists of all levels. This year’s virtual conference, running from September 5-7, 2024, promises to deliver top-notch genealogical education with presentations from distinguished speakers across the field. One highlight of this year’s conference is my presentation, “A Closer Look at the 1850-1950 U.S. Census Records in Genealogy.” This session will delve into the U.S. Census records from 1850 to 1950, a vital resource for genealogists. Whether you’re new to census research or have been using these records for years, my presentation will offer fresh insights, tips, and a closer examination of details you may have missed. The Summit of Excellence is designed to cater to a wide range of genealogical interests and expertise levels. On Thursday, their FREE “Getting-Started” day, September 5th, beginners can get started with foundational courses. My presentation, though part of the Getting-Started track, is tailored for intermediate researchers looking to deepen their understanding of census records. On Friday, September 6th, the focus shifts to DNA, records, ethnic research, and writing, with sessions for all skill levels. The conference wraps up on Saturday, September 7th, with topics on technology, international research, migration, and military records. One of the great benefits of this virtual conference is the flexibility it offers. If you miss any sessions, you’ll have access to digital recordings until December 31, 2024, allowing you to revisit or catch up on presentations at your own pace. Registration has been open since May 1st, and there’s still time to secure your spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your genealogical skills and knowledge. To view the full schedule and register, visit the UGA Website, under Summit of Excellence. I look forward to seeing you at the conference and sharing my insights on U.S. Census records with you! UGA Summit of Excellence 2024 SummaryDay 1:
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8/25/2024 Unlock the Secrets of Genetic Genealogy with the Southern California Genealogical Society's DNA Interest GroupRead NowExploring the DNA Interest Group Host, the Southern California Genealogical SocietyFounded in 1964, the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) has been a strong and reliable resource for genealogical research, education, and community. As the largest genealogical society in Southern California, SCGS serves a diverse and dynamic membership, providing invaluable resources and support for those delving into their family histories. The Society’s mission is to help individuals understand and appreciate the unique histories, cultures, and traditions of our diverse communities, fostering an appreciation for the collective contributions to society. With an extensive library of over 40,000 volumes, including 6,000 family histories, SCGS offers a wide variety of research resources that go beyond regional boundaries to include materials from every state and several countries. The DNA Interest Group: Pioneering Genetic Genealogy EducationIn 2005, SCGS formed the DNA Interest Group, one of the first of its kind in the United States, dedicated to educating and assisting members in understanding the complexities of DNA testing and interpreting their results. This group, a cornerstone of SCGS’s educational offerings, has become an essential resource for anyone interested in genetic genealogy—a field that has revolutionized the way we explore our ancestry and connect with biological relatives. DNA analysis and genetic genealogy are powerful tools that have not only helped countless individuals discover previously unknown relatives but have also been important in solving historical mysteries and even aiding criminal investigations. The SCGS DNA Interest Group provides a community where members can learn about the latest developments in DNA testing, discuss their results, and receive personalized assistance in interpreting their data. Hybrid Meetings: A Blend of Learning and Personalized HelpThe DNA Interest Group holds quarterly hybrid meetings on the 5th Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These meetings offer a unique blend of education and personalized support. Typically, each meeting features a speaker or lecture on a relevant topic, followed by dedicated time for individualized help, where attendees can work with experts to better understand their DNA results and genealogical research. The next meeting, scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2024, promises to be particularly enlightening. The event will be held at the SCGS Library in Burbank, with both in-person and online participation available, reflecting the Society’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Upcoming Presentation: "Who Is That Mystery DNA Match?" by Diane HenriksThis quarter’s featured speaker is me, Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist specializing in solving for unknown parentage and brick walls, which heavily incorporates genetic genealogy. I will present "Who Is That Mystery DNA Match? Solving a Genetic Genealogy Brick Wall" from 10:10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. My presentation will tackle one of the more perplexing challenges in genetic genealogy—identifying unexpected DNA matches. Many individuals are surprised when they encounter a DNA match they can’t immediately place within their known family tree. My presentation will equip attendees with a comprehensive methodology for investigating these mystery matches. I will demonstrate how to incorporate various resources—such as matches across different DNA testing platforms, photographs, public records, Google searches, social media, and geographical locations—into a cohesive strategy for uncovering the identity of these unknown relatives. Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with me and gain further insights into their own genealogical puzzles. The Value of Attending DNA Interest Group Meetings Attending a DNA Interest Group meeting at SCGS offers numerous benefits for anyone interested in genetic genealogy, whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher. Participants gain access to:
Join Us on August 31, 2024 Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from me, Diane Henriks, at the next DNA Interest Group meeting on Saturday, August 31. Whether you attend in person at the SCGS Library in Burbank or join online, this event is sure to provide you with the tools and insights needed to tackle your most challenging DNA matches. For more information about the Southern California Genealogical Society, the DNA Interest Group, or to register for the upcoming meeting, visit the SCGS website. Join us and unlock the mysteries hidden within your DNA! More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
The Evolution of Genealogy: From Paper to Pixels Genealogy research has transformed dramatically over the years. Once upon a time, tracing your family history meant hours spent in dusty archives, poring over paper records, and scrolling through reels of microfilm. It was a slow, methodical process that required patience and persistence. Today, the world of genealogy has shifted with the arrival of digital technology. Online databases like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast have made accessing records easier than ever before, allowing genealogists to search vast collections from the comfort of their homes. DNA testing from companies like AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Living DNA has opened new doors, providing insights into ancestry and helping break down brick walls that traditional records couldn’t. Most recently, AI has entered the scene, offering tools that can analyze patterns in data, transcribe historical documents, and even predict family connections. For example, MyHeritage's Smart Matching™ uses AI to automatically match your tree with historical records and other trees, while their Photo Enhancer and Deep Nostalgia™ tools sharpen old photos and animate faces. Additionally, AI-driven transcription software like Ancestry’s “Handwriting Recognition” quickly digitizes and searches old handwritten documents, and translation tools like Google Translate help genealogists translate foreign records instantly. These are just a few examples of the vast amount of what AI has helped to accomplish! These advancements have made genealogy more accessible and efficient, revolutionizing the way we connect with our past. As we move forward, it’s exciting to imagine how genealogy will continue to evolve, bringing our ancestors’ stories into sharper focus with each new technological breakthrough! Relevant TopicsLocal histories can provide context and clues about your ancestors. Check county histories, local newspapers, and town records for hidden gems. 😉 More Genealogy TipsFind more quick tips under the Genealogy Quick Tips category and other tips under the Genealogy Research Tips category!
Top 5 Genealogy Software ProgramsChoosing the right genealogy software can significantly enhance your research capabilities, organization, and presentation of your family history. Here are the top 5 genealogy software programs that provide robust features for genealogists of all levels. 1. Family Tree MakerFamily Tree Maker is one of the most popular genealogy software programs, known for its comprehensive features and ease of use.
2. RootsMagic RootsMagic is a versatile genealogy software program known for its powerful tools and flexibility.
3. Legacy Family Tree Legacy Family Tree is a feature-rich program that offers extensive options for organizing and sharing your genealogical research.
4. MyHeritage Family Tree Builder MyHeritage Family Tree Builder is a free genealogy software program that offers robust features and integrates seamlessly with MyHeritage.com.
5. Reunion for MacReunion for Mac is a powerful genealogy software program specifically designed for Mac users.
These top 5 genealogy software programs offer a range of features to help you organize, analyze, and present your family history research. Whether you need robust source management, detailed charting, or seamless online integration, these programs provide the tools necessary to enhance your genealogical journey. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top GenealogyDon't assume every record is accurate. Verify all sources against other records. Mistakes happen, and verification ensures you're on the right track. 😉 More Genealogy TipsFind more quick tips under the Genealogy Quick Tips category and other tips under the Genealogy Research Tips category!
Exciting News: MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA Announce New Collaboration!I am excited to share some fantastic news for all you genealogy enthusiasts and DNA researchers! MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA, two biggies in the genealogy world, have launched a new collaboration that will bring even more value to your family history research. What’s New? Seamless Family Tree Transfer: FamilyTreeDNA users can now transfer their family trees to MyHeritage for free! This integration allows you to continue building and expanding your family tree on MyHeritage, taking advantage of its super powerful genealogy tools and features. Access to MyHeritage’s Robust Tools: By transferring your family tree to MyHeritage, you gain access to a wide range of advanced genealogy tools and technologies that are not available on FamilyTreeDNA. This includes tools for record matching, automatic matches to other family trees, photo enhancements, and much more. Voluntary Transfer: While transferring your tree data to MyHeritage is voluntary, it is HIGHLY encouraged. FamilyTreeDNA will officially phase out their family tree builder on September 9, 2024. After this date, family trees on FamilyTreeDNA will become read-only, although you can still transfer them to MyHeritage. Focus on DNA Testing: This collaboration allows FamilyTreeDNA to focus on what they do best – DNA testing services and reporting – while providing their users with access to MyHeritage’s top-notch family tree tools. How to Transfer Your Family Tree
Why Transfer Now? Transferring your family tree data as soon as possible ensures you won’t lose any functionality when FamilyTreeDNA phases out their tree builder. Plus, early transfer gives you immediate access to all the fantastic tools MyHeritage offers. For more details about this exciting integration, check out the official blog post on MyHeritage. Let’s spread the word and make the most of this new collaboration to enhance our genealogy research! Happy researching! More MyHeritage Update, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more of the latest MyHeritage updates, tools, and features under the MyHeritage category. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
Exciting news for genealogists and family historians! Ancestry.com has introduced a new BETA feature, Community Groups, set to transform how we connect, share, and collaborate in our genealogical journeys. While still in its testing phase and available to select users, this feature promises to be a valuable addition to Ancestry's toolkit. What Are Community Groups? Currently, the Community Groups feature showcases three public groups:
First Impressions and Potential Though still in BETA and not fully accessible, the feature appears to be aimed at fostering community engagement and collaboration. Users can join groups, but full functionality—including viewing and participating in discussions—is not yet available. The placeholder message reads: "Coming soon: Community groups. We’re building a space for you to connect with others, celebrate your milestones, ask for help, and uncover more about your family history. Check back soon for updates." Why This Matters As a professional genealogist, the prospect of these community groups is incredibly promising. Here’s why:
Final Thoughts While we await the full rollout, the anticipation surrounding Ancestry’s Community Groups is Real. This feature has the potential to enhance our research by providing a supportive community where we can share knowledge, seek assistance, and celebrate our genealogical achievements together. Stay tuned for further updates as Ancestry.com continues to develop and refine this exciting new feature. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, Community Groups could soon become an invaluable part of your research toolkit. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
Top 5 Free Genealogy Resources Exploring genealogy can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing costs. Thankfully, there are numerous free resources available that provide tons of information and tools for genealogical research. Here are my top 5 free genealogy resources that every genealogist should explore, if you don’t want to break the bank. 1. FamilySearch FamilySearch is one of the most extensive free genealogy websites, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. National Archives (NARA)The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is a treasure trove of historical records, many of which are available online for free.
3. Find a Grave Find a Grave is a community-driven website that provides access to cemetery records and photographs of gravestones.
4. USGenWeb Project The USGenWeb Project is a volunteer-driven website that offers free genealogical resources for every state and county in the United States.
5. Ancestry.com - Free Collections While Ancestry.com is primarily a subscription site, it offers several free collections that can be invaluable for genealogical research.
These free resources provide a strong foundation for genealogical research, offering access to records, tools, and community support without the need for expensive subscriptions. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your research, these websites can help you uncover valuable information about your family's history. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top GenealogyTop 5 DNA Genealogy Testing SitesAre you ready to take the plunge and take a DNA test whether it be to enhance your genealogy, find biological family, break down a genealogy brick wall, or just to know who you are and where you came from? In the rapidly advancing field of genetic genealogy, choosing the right DNA testing service is crucial for uncovering your ancestral roots and connecting with relatives. Let's explore the top five DNA genealogy testing sites: AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Living DNA. Each of these services offers unique features and strengths that cater to different aspects of genealogical research. Let's take a quick look into what each has to offer. 1. Ancestry.com/AncestryDNAAncestryDNA is one of the most popular DNA testing services, especially among those looking to build and expand their family trees.
2. FamilyTreeDNAFamilyTreeDNA is a pioneer in the field of genetic genealogy and offers a comprehensive range of DNA tests.
3. 23andMe23andMe is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and a combination of ancestry and health insights.
4. MyHeritage/MyHeritage DNAMyHeritage is a robust platform for genealogical research, offering a strong combination of DNA testing and family tree building.
5. Living DNALiving DNA offers a unique and detailed approach to genetic ancestry testing with a focus on regional breakdowns.
Choosing the right DNA testing service depends on your specific genealogical goals. Whether you are looking for a detailed ethnicity breakdown, connections with relatives, deep paternal or maternal lineage insights, or health-related genetic information, one of these top five DNA genealogy testing sites will meet your needs. Each offers unique features and strengths, ensuring that you can uncover the rich tapestry of your ancestry and build a more complete picture of your family history. More Genetic Genealogy/DNA Resources Find more DNA genealogy resources, tips, and other info under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA category. More Genealogy Resources Learn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top Genealogy
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BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Come visit me at Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family if you're interested in starting your family history journey, booking me for your next speaking event, or family history and genealogy heirloom products!
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