Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Free Webchat on Friday Oct 29 Answers Your Archiving Questions

Are you an Accidental Archivist with questions?  An Accidental Archivist is someone who inherits a large family photo collection and is unsure what to do next.  Read on about the upcoming free webchat that may just provide you with some answers:


Madison, WI October 25, 2010 - The Practical Archivist announced a new Q&A web chat happening on Friday, October 29, 2010 from Noon-1pm Central Time. The chat will be hosted on Sally's Practical Archivist blog, http://practicalarchivist.com/accidentalarchivist2010

There is no charge to participate, no pre-registration required, and no software to download.


Keepers of ancestor photos are encouraged to bring questions about how to organize, preserve and scan these treasures. Not sure what kind of box to use? Wondering whether slip-in sleeves are a good idea? Skeptical about whether an ink pen is the right tool to mark the back of a photo? Confused about the difference between ppi and dpi? Sally can help.


"I'm offering this no-cost session to celebrate Family History Month and Archives Month while educating Family Archivist and encouraging them to do the best job they can," explains Sally J. (The Practical Archivist).


"Early in my career as an archivist, I realized the vast majority of historical documents would never be cared for by a professionally trained archivist. I took it as a personal challenge to reach out to family historians and help become better family archivists."

Ermadene Able is currently enrolled in Sally's Joy of Organizing Photos program, and wants other family archivists to hear her tale of narrowly-avoided disaster: "Before, my precious ancestor and family photos, movies, videos and linen heirlooms were vulnerable to damage due to the way I was storing them. Sally taught me how to store them all properly. This was good because not long after I moved them to a new location, our hot water heater flooded where some of the photos had been. How is that for timing? Thank you, Sally!"

Sally Jacobs has a Master's in Library Science with a Specialization in Archives Management, and has worked at the Library of Congress Prints and Photos Division, the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, and American Girl. Her online CV is here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjacobs

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

How to Access Records at Universities and other Non-Genealogy Archives

Have you ever come across a great reference book or photo collection that you were really excited about, and then been deflated to learn the only access was through a large university or other non-genealogy archive that you are unfamiliar with?   The questions rush into your mind:

  • Where do I start when I want to access their collections?
  • Who do I contact?
  • Would I even be allowed to access these collections if I don't attend the University?

As genealogists we feel pretty comfortable in our own territory - the Family History Library, our local public library, genealogy and historical society archives, the county courthouse, etc.  But the idea of figuring out how to maneuver our way through the unknown territory of a library at a university we didn't attend or another archive where the focus is not genealogy (gasp!) can cause us to click away from that exciting find, and all the gems it may contain.

In the newest Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast episode we give you the answer to this dilemma:  Think like an archivist! 

In episode #56 archivist and genealogist Nancy Loe MA, MLS gives you the inside scoop on how to bridge the communication gap and get access to the records you want in unfamiliar territory.  She'll answer some of our most common questions and empower us to take the plunge and ask for what we want.  Nancy has been featured on the Travel Channel, PBS, CNBC providing her archival expertise, and now she's on the Premium show to assist you!

Also in this episode I have a bunch of gems for you: 
  • The latest news on the Library of Congress and FamilySearch
  • Updates on Google Earth Street View and how to locate videos that will enrich your family history with almost no effort on your part!
  • and a fabulous example of what can be accomplished in Google Earth - a Premium Member shares her personal family history KMZ file and I take you on a video tour of it!
Not a Premium Member yet?  There's never been a better time.  Sign up today and use the coupon code SAVE20 to save 20% on the annual membership. 

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Free Webinar on Saturday: 10 Steps to Discover Your Roots

There's a lot going on at Family Tree Magazine for Family History Month.  I'll be part of the upcoming free webinar and hope to see you there. Here's the latest:

Curious about your family’s past? Begin exploring your family tree this Family History Month with free programs from Family Tree Magazine.


On Oct. 16 at 2 p.m., EDT the magazine will present 10 Steps to Discover Your Roots, an hour-long online workshop to help people get started in genealogy. Part of a national Family History Month event, the program will be broadcast live over the internet to libraries and genealogical societies across the country.


“Most people get curious about their family history at some point in their lives,” says Allison Stacy, publisher/editorial director of Family Tree Magazine and the host of 10 Steps to Discover Your Roots. “The goal of this event is to give people the guidance they need to make discoveries about their family.


Stacy will be joined by Diane Haddad, managing editor of Family Tree Magazine, David A. Fryxell and Nancy Hendrickson, both contributing editors to the magazine, and Lisa Louise Cooke, producer of the popular Genealogy Gems Podcast. They’ll offer tips for gathering information, searching online, finding historical records and more. Registration is free.

Those interested in digging deeper will want to take advantage of a two-week online course from Family Tree University. Enrollment for Discover Your Family Tree: Genealogy for the Absolute Beginner, which begins Oct. 11, is free in honor of Family History Month.


Beginners also can enter a contest to become Family Tree Magazine’s “Family Tree Firsts” blogger. One newbie will be selected to write about their experiences on FamilyTreeUniversity.com and be featured in the magazine.


All family tree buffs will appreciate the Ultimate Family History Giveaway—one lucky person will win a genealogy prize package worth more than $2,000. The prize includes products and services from many family history companies. Learn more and enter at http://win.familytreemagazine.com/


For more information about Family History Month resources and programs from Family Tree Magazine, visit http://familytreemagazine.com/info/family-history-month


About Family Tree Magazine

Family Tree Magazine, America’s leading family history publication, is part of the Genealogy Community at F+W Media, Inc. which also encompasses Family Tree University online courses and webinars , the Family Tree Books imprint and the ShopFamilyTree.com online store. These publications and products are devoted to providing engaging, easy-to-understand instruction that makes genealogy a hobby anyone can do.