NEWS
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain is holding its 9th Annual Northern Conference in Manchester on Sunday 8th May. To learn more, visit the website and click on the link on the right-hand side of the page, which will take you to the conference's dedicated newsletter and booking form. I couldn't help but notice, too, that the homepage has a link to the 1851 Anglo-Jewry Database which is open to everyone. No luck for my surname, but there might be for yours!
The Ulster Historical Foundation (aka AncestryIreland) has a couple of items of interest on their website. Click on the link above, then you'll see further links to its Autumn School in October, and its Ulster-Scots Luxury Tour in September. I only mention them now as they're likely to fill up rather quickly. Also, the Foundation's sister site, BooksIreland, is running a free p&p week during 14th-21st April.
WEBSITES
This comes to me third-hand via Chris Paton's ScottishGENES blog: a splendid website dedicated to British Military Nurses from 1875. Hidden in its pages are to be found an index or two, so look carefully.
ARTICLES
TNA's website is looking back at the Festival of Britain, which opened almost 60 years ago on 3rd May 1951. There are some interesting links to move through, including a special Podcast to lend your ear to.
The Family Recorder blog has an interesting and unusual piece on the historical treatment of ailments and diseases, here.
And a couple of posts on the MyHeritage blog contain some content of note. Firstly, there's an interview with Mark Pearsall of The National Archives; and there's a moving piece concerning a reunion in the USA in their regular 'Families Around the World' feature.
ON THIS DAY
1931: The Highway Code is first issued;
1983: First cordless telephone goes on sale in the UK.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
FFHS's New President
NEWS
The Federation of Family History Societies has announced its new president: Dr Nick Barratt. Nick will be familiar to many of you due to his occasional media appearances, and he succeeds Lady Teviot in the hot seat. Full story here.
The Scottish Association of FHS has published its April 2011 Bulletin online, here. There's the usual round-up from the nation's FH societies, plus news of the SAFHS's Conference in Edinburgh on Saturday 25th June.
Always a likely haunt for the keen family historian is the antiquarian and second-hand book fair. Check out the forthcoming events at the PBFA's website, here. This weekend there will be fairs at Dunblane, Stoneleigh (Warks), and Glasgow.
The WDYTYA? Magazine website has enjoyed a flurry of activity. Notable stories are the launch of a Holocaust Identification Project, updates to the Deceased Online website (covering Hertfordshire and Aberdeen City), and ...
MEDIA NEWS
... forthcoming TV & Radio shows of interest.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
Richard Trevithick, English engineer, in 1771 in Cornwall.
1829: The Catholic Emancipation Act passed by the British Government.
The Federation of Family History Societies has announced its new president: Dr Nick Barratt. Nick will be familiar to many of you due to his occasional media appearances, and he succeeds Lady Teviot in the hot seat. Full story here.
The Scottish Association of FHS has published its April 2011 Bulletin online, here. There's the usual round-up from the nation's FH societies, plus news of the SAFHS's Conference in Edinburgh on Saturday 25th June.
Always a likely haunt for the keen family historian is the antiquarian and second-hand book fair. Check out the forthcoming events at the PBFA's website, here. This weekend there will be fairs at Dunblane, Stoneleigh (Warks), and Glasgow.
The WDYTYA? Magazine website has enjoyed a flurry of activity. Notable stories are the launch of a Holocaust Identification Project, updates to the Deceased Online website (covering Hertfordshire and Aberdeen City), and ...
MEDIA NEWS
... forthcoming TV & Radio shows of interest.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
Richard Trevithick, English engineer, in 1771 in Cornwall.
1829: The Catholic Emancipation Act passed by the British Government.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
'Urgent' FMP / British Library News
NEWS
Off the top of my head I can't remember if I've mentioned this previously, but FindMyPast and the British Library are holding a day of talks at the British Library's Conference Centre on Saturday 16th April - so move fast! See here, where you will find the relevant 'booking' link. There must be places left, or they wouldn't still be advertising it.
FMP has also added more than 1 million new parish records for Cambridgeshire to its database - see here.
TNA has launched a beta (or 'test') version of its new search facility, and is keen to garner feedback from users - so why not give it a go! See the press release here, where you will find the relevant link to the so called 'Discovery' service.
And those of you with research interests in Wicklow, Ireland, will want to have a look at this post from the Irish Genealogy News blog.
WEBSITES
Whilst fiddling about with the British Library website, I fell upon an excellent collection of Podcasts, here. Yet more for us all to listen to!
ON THIS DAY
A big day for space exploration...
1961: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space;
1981: First space shuttle, Columbia, launched for the first time.
Off the top of my head I can't remember if I've mentioned this previously, but FindMyPast and the British Library are holding a day of talks at the British Library's Conference Centre on Saturday 16th April - so move fast! See here, where you will find the relevant 'booking' link. There must be places left, or they wouldn't still be advertising it.
FMP has also added more than 1 million new parish records for Cambridgeshire to its database - see here.
TNA has launched a beta (or 'test') version of its new search facility, and is keen to garner feedback from users - so why not give it a go! See the press release here, where you will find the relevant link to the so called 'Discovery' service.
And those of you with research interests in Wicklow, Ireland, will want to have a look at this post from the Irish Genealogy News blog.
WEBSITES
Whilst fiddling about with the British Library website, I fell upon an excellent collection of Podcasts, here. Yet more for us all to listen to!
ON THIS DAY
A big day for space exploration...
1961: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space;
1981: First space shuttle, Columbia, launched for the first time.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Irish Roadshow
NEWS
RootsIreland have fell upon the news that RTE Television are to conduct a Genealogy Roadshow throughout Ireland during late May and June. Click here for the full story.
TheGenealogist website has unveiled a few new bits and bobs of late. Information on Pre-1841 Census info for London, Australian Convict Records, and some 1851 Scottish Census stuff can be found here.
WEBSITES
Your Family History's Facebook page has flagged this interesting website: Victorian Crime & Punishment.
You may wish to have a browse of the website of The Historical Association. These guys are co-ordinating next month's Local History Month, of course, though the website's diary seems a little empty (best visit your local library for this sort of info, anyway). Also on the HA's website can be found a scattering of Podcasts (some require you to subscribe, though), and news of the forthcoming HA Annual Conference during 13th-14th May in Manchester.
ARTICLES
Liam Byrne's Roscommon History Facebook page mentions a curious little story about an image of Christ. (Thanks for the mention of BI-Gen, too, Liam!).
ON THIS DAY
1814: Napoleon abdicated as Emperor, and was exiled to the island of Elba - Louis XVIII becoming king of France;
1855: Pillar boxes were introduced - a total of six were erected in London ... and were painted green.
RootsIreland have fell upon the news that RTE Television are to conduct a Genealogy Roadshow throughout Ireland during late May and June. Click here for the full story.
TheGenealogist website has unveiled a few new bits and bobs of late. Information on Pre-1841 Census info for London, Australian Convict Records, and some 1851 Scottish Census stuff can be found here.
WEBSITES
Your Family History's Facebook page has flagged this interesting website: Victorian Crime & Punishment.
You may wish to have a browse of the website of The Historical Association. These guys are co-ordinating next month's Local History Month, of course, though the website's diary seems a little empty (best visit your local library for this sort of info, anyway). Also on the HA's website can be found a scattering of Podcasts (some require you to subscribe, though), and news of the forthcoming HA Annual Conference during 13th-14th May in Manchester.
ARTICLES
Liam Byrne's Roscommon History Facebook page mentions a curious little story about an image of Christ. (Thanks for the mention of BI-Gen, too, Liam!).
ON THIS DAY
1814: Napoleon abdicated as Emperor, and was exiled to the island of Elba - Louis XVIII becoming king of France;
1855: Pillar boxes were introduced - a total of six were erected in London ... and were painted green.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Irish Census Day
ARTICLES
It's Irish Census Day today. I haven't noticed quite as much historical hullabaloo as that which surrounded the UK equivalent a couple of weeks ago, but Irish Genealogy News has kindly marked the occasion with a few short articles.
Yet another instalment of 'Researching Family in Jersey' (part 7) has appeared on the Nosey Genealogist's blog, here.
NEWS
Some big news for Norfolk researchers from the FamilySearch website. I noticed this on John Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections blog, so I shall let him explain, here.
WEBSITES
First mentioned on this blog on 5th April, the brand new 'Connected Histories' website is starting to make a bit more of a splash now. The site itself can be found here; comment by the SoG appears here; and a video about how to use the site has popped up here.
Those of you eagerly awaiting the launch proper of FindMyPast Ireland will want to have a read of Chris Paton's post on the topic, here. Seems like they're getting there... eventually!
It's Irish Census Day today. I haven't noticed quite as much historical hullabaloo as that which surrounded the UK equivalent a couple of weeks ago, but Irish Genealogy News has kindly marked the occasion with a few short articles.
Yet another instalment of 'Researching Family in Jersey' (part 7) has appeared on the Nosey Genealogist's blog, here.
NEWS
Some big news for Norfolk researchers from the FamilySearch website. I noticed this on John Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections blog, so I shall let him explain, here.
WEBSITES
First mentioned on this blog on 5th April, the brand new 'Connected Histories' website is starting to make a bit more of a splash now. The site itself can be found here; comment by the SoG appears here; and a video about how to use the site has popped up here.
Those of you eagerly awaiting the launch proper of FindMyPast Ireland will want to have a read of Chris Paton's post on the topic, here. Seems like they're getting there... eventually!
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Military Stuff from FMP
NEWS
Not a big day, news-wise - well, no major issues to raise - but there are plenty of little bits and pieces to report on. First up is FindMyPast and a new batch of military goodies, namely, the 'Royal Navy Officers Medal Roll 1914-20', and 'New Zealand WWI Soldiers'. See blog post, here.
Other news items are limited to the latest TNA Podcast (Escape and Evasion in Occupied Europe); and the following forthcoming fairs/open days:-
ARTICLES
This lengthy post on The Family Recorder blog may be handy for those with interests in and around Glasgow.
WEBSITES
Wasn't aware of this one - TNA's Image Library.
OTHER STUFF
An offer has popped up on the SoG blog for those who subscribe to Family History Monthly.
And a fun poll has appeared on the MyHeritage blog.
Not a big day, news-wise - well, no major issues to raise - but there are plenty of little bits and pieces to report on. First up is FindMyPast and a new batch of military goodies, namely, the 'Royal Navy Officers Medal Roll 1914-20', and 'New Zealand WWI Soldiers'. See blog post, here.
Other news items are limited to the latest TNA Podcast (Escape and Evasion in Occupied Europe); and the following forthcoming fairs/open days:-
- Saturday 16th April - Gloucestershire FHS Open Day at Gloucester;
- Sunday 17th April - Oxfordshire & Bucks Family History Fair at Kidlington;
- Sunday 17th April - Sussex FHG Family & Local History Day at Worthing.
ARTICLES
This lengthy post on The Family Recorder blog may be handy for those with interests in and around Glasgow.
WEBSITES
Wasn't aware of this one - TNA's Image Library.
OTHER STUFF
An offer has popped up on the SoG blog for those who subscribe to Family History Monthly.
And a fun poll has appeared on the MyHeritage blog.
Friday, 8 April 2011
Not Another One!
NEWS
Oh, but yes! It's the Irish Census on Sunday 10th April, so you're gonna hear a fair bit about it over the next few days. The latest newsletter from Eneclann will get you in the mood.
Irish researchers may also be interested in this special lecture session at the National Museum of Ireland on the subject of 'The Irish in the American Civil War'.
A couple of other conferences/meetings of interest:-
FindMyPast have also improved the search facility for their Overseas, At Sea and Army death records - see here.
ARTICLES
The BBC has delivered its weekly instalment of 'History Headlines', here. And there's a witty little tale, here.
MEDIA NEWS
TV & Radio of a historical nature for the coming week can be found here.
Oh, but yes! It's the Irish Census on Sunday 10th April, so you're gonna hear a fair bit about it over the next few days. The latest newsletter from Eneclann will get you in the mood.
Irish researchers may also be interested in this special lecture session at the National Museum of Ireland on the subject of 'The Irish in the American Civil War'.
A couple of other conferences/meetings of interest:-
- GOONS Conference & AGM at Warrington over 15th-17th April (sorry for the late notice);
- A special 'Family Tree Maker' session at Pudsey on 11th April (again, you'll have to be quick).
FindMyPast have also improved the search facility for their Overseas, At Sea and Army death records - see here.
ARTICLES
The BBC has delivered its weekly instalment of 'History Headlines', here. And there's a witty little tale, here.
MEDIA NEWS
TV & Radio of a historical nature for the coming week can be found here.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
OGA Causing a Stir
NEWS
Regular readers of this blog will be no strangers to the OGA - the Open Genealogy Alliance - who are campaigning for free (or at least cheaper) access to major online genealogical datasets. For the full story, see their website. Anyway, it seems that they are beginning to make an impact in the genealogical world, for the SoG blog has passed comment on the goings-on, here. The SoG's blog is not one to feature much in the way of comment of this sort, so this story could get a good deal bigger in the coming months.
Spotted on Alan Stewart's blog is mention of an important addition to the British History Online website, here - big news indeed if you've got London ancestors pre-1700. In case you just feel like skipping over this one, we're talking about (among other things) the Hearth Tax records for London, Westminster and Middlesex - wow!
WEBSITES
An interesting collection of facts on the 1911 Scottish Census can be found here.
The Europeana website has branched out with a sister site called Europeana Libraries - a two-year project to get 5million items from 19 continental repositories online. Lovely.
ARTICLES
Blogger John Reid has also flagged this interesting BBC article about shortage of burial space in Wales. Well, folk will keep dying.
MEDIA NEWS
Sorry, a bit late with this one. TV & Radio stuff here. If you've missed anything on the BBC, there's always the iPlayer, of course.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
William Wordsworth, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in 1770.
Death of...
Dick Turpin, highwayman - hung in York in 1739.
1827: Inventor John Walker of Stockton-on-Tees sells the first friction matches.
Regular readers of this blog will be no strangers to the OGA - the Open Genealogy Alliance - who are campaigning for free (or at least cheaper) access to major online genealogical datasets. For the full story, see their website. Anyway, it seems that they are beginning to make an impact in the genealogical world, for the SoG blog has passed comment on the goings-on, here. The SoG's blog is not one to feature much in the way of comment of this sort, so this story could get a good deal bigger in the coming months.
Spotted on Alan Stewart's blog is mention of an important addition to the British History Online website, here - big news indeed if you've got London ancestors pre-1700. In case you just feel like skipping over this one, we're talking about (among other things) the Hearth Tax records for London, Westminster and Middlesex - wow!
WEBSITES
An interesting collection of facts on the 1911 Scottish Census can be found here.
The Europeana website has branched out with a sister site called Europeana Libraries - a two-year project to get 5million items from 19 continental repositories online. Lovely.
ARTICLES
Blogger John Reid has also flagged this interesting BBC article about shortage of burial space in Wales. Well, folk will keep dying.
MEDIA NEWS
Sorry, a bit late with this one. TV & Radio stuff here. If you've missed anything on the BBC, there's always the iPlayer, of course.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
William Wordsworth, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in 1770.
Death of...
Dick Turpin, highwayman - hung in York in 1739.
1827: Inventor John Walker of Stockton-on-Tees sells the first friction matches.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
More on the 1911 Scottish Census
NEWS
Folk are still talking about the release of the 1911 Census north of the border. Apart from what I have already mentioned, you can find find several items of interest on the BBC's WDYTYA? Magazine website - including a chance to win a 'Scottish reference guide package worth £70'.
Audrey Collins has also written a lengthy post on the subject, here, which covers not only the Scottish returns but those from England and Wales, too.
Devon researchers may wish to participate in the following survey:-
It's all to do with collecting views and opinions prior to the big get-together on 15th April regarding the future of the county's record offices - so it's important to take part!
Coincidentally, there are some important developments nearby concerning the Plymouth & West Devon Record Office set-up, here.
WEBSITES
The aforementioned Audrey Collins has provided a useful list of mapping websites, here.
ARTICLES
FindMyPast have posted the first of a series of articles on understanding and interpreting old family photographs, here. I think I must be one of the few genealogists who don't have any pre-WWI family images - but the write-ups are sure to be very interesting all the same!
OTHER STUFF
The excellent Parish Chest have posted their latest update, here. Towards the very end of the newsletter there is mention of a new mystery website, thus:
I was surprised recently to see that someone else has launched a web site called British Genealogy. Well, they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Do they mean BI-Gen, I wonder? Can't be sure, because the website title doesn't quite match up.
ON THIS DAY
1830: Mormon Movement founded in the USA by Joseph Smith;
1896: Modern Olympic Games revived in Athens;
1909: American Robert Peary claims to have become the first man to reach the North Pole.
Folk are still talking about the release of the 1911 Census north of the border. Apart from what I have already mentioned, you can find find several items of interest on the BBC's WDYTYA? Magazine website - including a chance to win a 'Scottish reference guide package worth £70'.
Audrey Collins has also written a lengthy post on the subject, here, which covers not only the Scottish returns but those from England and Wales, too.
Devon researchers may wish to participate in the following survey:-
It's all to do with collecting views and opinions prior to the big get-together on 15th April regarding the future of the county's record offices - so it's important to take part!
Coincidentally, there are some important developments nearby concerning the Plymouth & West Devon Record Office set-up, here.
WEBSITES
The aforementioned Audrey Collins has provided a useful list of mapping websites, here.
ARTICLES
FindMyPast have posted the first of a series of articles on understanding and interpreting old family photographs, here. I think I must be one of the few genealogists who don't have any pre-WWI family images - but the write-ups are sure to be very interesting all the same!
OTHER STUFF
The excellent Parish Chest have posted their latest update, here. Towards the very end of the newsletter there is mention of a new mystery website, thus:
I was surprised recently to see that someone else has launched a web site called British Genealogy. Well, they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Do they mean BI-Gen, I wonder? Can't be sure, because the website title doesn't quite match up.
ON THIS DAY
1830: Mormon Movement founded in the USA by Joseph Smith;
1896: Modern Olympic Games revived in Athens;
1909: American Robert Peary claims to have become the first man to reach the North Pole.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
1911 Scottish Census Released
NEWS
Great news for Scottish researchers with the release of the 1911 Census for the nation this morning. As ever, Chris Paton's blog is bang up to date with the latest - his site can be found here, where there are several entries on the subject. Chris's lengthy blog of today's date includes many other links of interest - do have a look before you plunge into the data itself.
The latest news release from TNA is not of any great interest to family historians, but here it is anyway. There is a related podcast here.
WEBSITES
Another of TNA's news releases, here, points us to another new resource - namely the 'Connected Histories' website. One to add to your bookmarks list, I reckon.
FindMyPast Ireland may not have properly launched yet, but they've set up a Facebook page, here.
ARTICLES
MyHeritage's blog asks the question of how a baby's gender affects family planning in an interesting little article, here. The statistics are hardly surprising, I suppose, but it's fascinating to see how couples make decisions about whether or not to try for a 3rd or 4th child.
Great news for Scottish researchers with the release of the 1911 Census for the nation this morning. As ever, Chris Paton's blog is bang up to date with the latest - his site can be found here, where there are several entries on the subject. Chris's lengthy blog of today's date includes many other links of interest - do have a look before you plunge into the data itself.
The latest news release from TNA is not of any great interest to family historians, but here it is anyway. There is a related podcast here.
WEBSITES
Another of TNA's news releases, here, points us to another new resource - namely the 'Connected Histories' website. One to add to your bookmarks list, I reckon.
FindMyPast Ireland may not have properly launched yet, but they've set up a Facebook page, here.
ARTICLES
MyHeritage's blog asks the question of how a baby's gender affects family planning in an interesting little article, here. The statistics are hardly surprising, I suppose, but it's fascinating to see how couples make decisions about whether or not to try for a 3rd or 4th child.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Scarlet Fever
One of the most virulent diseases to hit Scotland
While on holiday to Loch Leven in July of 1878, William Edward Dowden and his wife, Alice Stark, of Lambeth, London
and
John Ferguson, of Drumskeoch, and his wife, Annie Bond, lost their whole family of five young children in the space of a few days in November of 1877. The children were Margaret Boag, died 1 November, aged 6 years 9 months; James, died 15 November, aged 8 years and 1 month; Annie, died 17 November, aged 2 years and 8 months; Elizabeth, died 18 November, aged 4 years and 6 months; and Charles Bond, also died 18 November, aged 7 months.
In the latter case, a memorial stone at New Monkland Churchyard, Glenmavis, near Airdrie, records the same details. One can barely comprehend losing five children in the space of eighteen days.
Scarlet fever is now easily treatable. In the 1920s a vaccine was developed, but since the 1940s penicillin has been used. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, a body rash and a distinctive strawberry-red tongue.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
News from Ireland & Abroad
NEWS
A little rush of news from Ireland in the last day or two has kept bloggers there busy. Irish Genealogy News is worth a visit, with several posts of interest. Click on the link to find out about 'Updates to Ireland Genealogy Projects', 'Dates for Your Diary' and a link to a newspaper report about the possible early release of the 1926 Irish Census.
I see that FamilySearch has added more than 20 million free records for overseas countries, including Hungary, Brazil, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, USA, Venezuela, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Philippines, Spain and Zimbabwe. The total includes 9 million from Hungary and 5 million from Mexico.
Ancestry.com are having a 'Free Access Week' for US records from the Civil War era, 1860-70, including Census records. Offer spans 7th-14th April.
Those of you following Europeana's efforts to get German memories of WWI online will want to check out this blog entry. OK, so it's nothing to do with British/Irish genealogy, but it gives an interesting new angle on events that shaped our ancestors lives.
And, coming back to the UK, have a listen to the latest Podcast from the folk at BBC History Magazine. Subjects covered are Britain's war machine, the history of hairstyles, and 'slavery after abolition'. There's also a competition to win an iPad woven into the talk.
ARTICLES
Can't let this item slip by, either. I hope Audrey Collins isn't making this one up! If so, then I've got egg on my face!!
A little rush of news from Ireland in the last day or two has kept bloggers there busy. Irish Genealogy News is worth a visit, with several posts of interest. Click on the link to find out about 'Updates to Ireland Genealogy Projects', 'Dates for Your Diary' and a link to a newspaper report about the possible early release of the 1926 Irish Census.
I see that FamilySearch has added more than 20 million free records for overseas countries, including Hungary, Brazil, Canada, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, USA, Venezuela, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Philippines, Spain and Zimbabwe. The total includes 9 million from Hungary and 5 million from Mexico.
Ancestry.com are having a 'Free Access Week' for US records from the Civil War era, 1860-70, including Census records. Offer spans 7th-14th April.
Those of you following Europeana's efforts to get German memories of WWI online will want to check out this blog entry. OK, so it's nothing to do with British/Irish genealogy, but it gives an interesting new angle on events that shaped our ancestors lives.
And, coming back to the UK, have a listen to the latest Podcast from the folk at BBC History Magazine. Subjects covered are Britain's war machine, the history of hairstyles, and 'slavery after abolition'. There's also a competition to win an iPad woven into the talk.
ARTICLES
Can't let this item slip by, either. I hope Audrey Collins isn't making this one up! If so, then I've got egg on my face!!
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Record Office Changes
NEWS
I try to keep the news items featured on this blog of a 'major' nature, and not have too much in the way of 'local' material - unless, of course, such items are a little out-of-the-ordinary in themselves. However, I have noticed an awful lot of our county record offices and archives are changing their opening hours of late - generally, it seems, around the beginning of April. All to do with 'the cuts', I suppose, but also a little to do with the changing habits of archive users (more online activity, email queries, etc.). Anyway, my point is that you should check out the opening hours of your local office before your next visit - chances are there have been some changes!
The big change in Scotland, of course, is the merger of the National Archives of Scotland and the General Register Office for Scotland into the new 'National Records of Scotland' (from 1st April). Both of the old websites remain unchanged and operational, and no proper news has yet been forthcoming regarding how the merger will affect us researchers. If there are any dramatic announcements, I'll let you know.
PRONI's recent re-opening continues to make the news. Chris Paton has reported heavily on the topic, and has even uploaded a neat little video report on the institution's new search room, here. Chris's blog also has a lot of minor Scottish news which has come to light over the past couple of days - check it out here. One special item worth mentioning is the release of the latest issue of Discover My Past - Scotland.
WEBSITES
DIPPAM (Documenting Ireland: Parliament, People & Migration) is a new, free online resource which brings together three existing record sets and ... well, if you've got Irish interests check it out for yourself - the homepage tells you all you need to know. Looks like an outstanding resource.
ON THIS DAY
1977: Red Rum wins the Grand National for a third time;
1982: Argentina invades the Falklands;
2005: Pope John Paul II dies.
I try to keep the news items featured on this blog of a 'major' nature, and not have too much in the way of 'local' material - unless, of course, such items are a little out-of-the-ordinary in themselves. However, I have noticed an awful lot of our county record offices and archives are changing their opening hours of late - generally, it seems, around the beginning of April. All to do with 'the cuts', I suppose, but also a little to do with the changing habits of archive users (more online activity, email queries, etc.). Anyway, my point is that you should check out the opening hours of your local office before your next visit - chances are there have been some changes!
The big change in Scotland, of course, is the merger of the National Archives of Scotland and the General Register Office for Scotland into the new 'National Records of Scotland' (from 1st April). Both of the old websites remain unchanged and operational, and no proper news has yet been forthcoming regarding how the merger will affect us researchers. If there are any dramatic announcements, I'll let you know.
PRONI's recent re-opening continues to make the news. Chris Paton has reported heavily on the topic, and has even uploaded a neat little video report on the institution's new search room, here. Chris's blog also has a lot of minor Scottish news which has come to light over the past couple of days - check it out here. One special item worth mentioning is the release of the latest issue of Discover My Past - Scotland.
WEBSITES
DIPPAM (Documenting Ireland: Parliament, People & Migration) is a new, free online resource which brings together three existing record sets and ... well, if you've got Irish interests check it out for yourself - the homepage tells you all you need to know. Looks like an outstanding resource.
ON THIS DAY
1977: Red Rum wins the Grand National for a third time;
1982: Argentina invades the Falklands;
2005: Pope John Paul II dies.
Friday, 1 April 2011
More on PRONI
NEWS
A great post on the Scottish GENES blog by Chris Paton about the PRONI opening on 30th March can be found here. A must for all interested parties. Well done, Mr Paton!
S&N Genealogy Supplies have brought out another update, here. Obviously, most of the reading concerns their own services and goods, but I would urge you to have a quick look all the same.
And the latest issue of BBC History Magazine is out now - see here. Oh, and the same guys have just published their Out and About guide to April, too.
ARTICLES
Well, we might as well stay with the BBC History website for their weekly History Headlines, and a look at classic hoaxes on this, April Fools' Day! No one seems to know when the April Fool thing began (see here and here) - but a 'Top 100 hoaxes' can be found here.
If you have ancestors involved in the cotton industry, then you'll want to have a read of this piece by Audrey Collins.
MEDIA NEWS
And here's more TV & radio to look out for in the week ahead.
A great post on the Scottish GENES blog by Chris Paton about the PRONI opening on 30th March can be found here. A must for all interested parties. Well done, Mr Paton!
S&N Genealogy Supplies have brought out another update, here. Obviously, most of the reading concerns their own services and goods, but I would urge you to have a quick look all the same.
And the latest issue of BBC History Magazine is out now - see here. Oh, and the same guys have just published their Out and About guide to April, too.
ARTICLES
Well, we might as well stay with the BBC History website for their weekly History Headlines, and a look at classic hoaxes on this, April Fools' Day! No one seems to know when the April Fool thing began (see here and here) - but a 'Top 100 hoaxes' can be found here.
If you have ancestors involved in the cotton industry, then you'll want to have a read of this piece by Audrey Collins.
MEDIA NEWS
And here's more TV & radio to look out for in the week ahead.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Openings & Closures
NEWS
Yesterday's opening of the new PRONI reminded me that there have been a number of major institutions opening and closing of late, or who plan to do so soon. The ones that spring to mind are listed below - follow the links for more information:-
RootsIreland have made a couple of announcements. The first concerns the 1901 Census for Leitrim; the second relates to Irish Ship Passenger Lists.
A new set of records has appeared on Ancestry - namely, the UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919.
FindMyPast have added 14,000 new baptismal records from London Docklands to their database.
And the SoG have added substantially to their own online datasets, here.
Yesterday's opening of the new PRONI reminded me that there have been a number of major institutions opening and closing of late, or who plan to do so soon. The ones that spring to mind are listed below - follow the links for more information:-
- The Cardiff Story opens tomorrow, 1st April 2011;
- Anglesey Archive Service closure this summer;
- National Archives of Ireland partial closure;
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich - Library closure.
RootsIreland have made a couple of announcements. The first concerns the 1901 Census for Leitrim; the second relates to Irish Ship Passenger Lists.
A new set of records has appeared on Ancestry - namely, the UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919.
FindMyPast have added 14,000 new baptismal records from London Docklands to their database.
And the SoG have added substantially to their own online datasets, here.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
PRONI Re-opens
NEWS
The big news today is, without doubt, the re-opening of PRONI - the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. The spanking new premises at 2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9HQ, threw open its doors at 9.00am this morning - with the event dominating the Irish blogs, including here and here (where you will find all the juicy detail).
Hampshire researchers will be interested to learn that 1.4million new parish records for the county have gone online at FindMyPast.
And TNA's new gaffer, Oliver Morley, has announced the organisation's business plan for 2011-15.
MEDIA NEWS
Some TV & Radio highlights can be found here.
OTHER STUFF
The Nosey Genealogist has posted a short interview with Maureen Selley, Chairman of the Devon FHS, here, in which she briefly tells us of their project to encourage youngsters to get into genealogy. For more on this interesting idea, see the society's website and click on 'Acorn Club'.
ON THIS DAY
1856: Treaty of Paris signed, ending the Crimean War;
1981: Attempted assassination of President Reagan in Washington DC by John Hinckley
.
The big news today is, without doubt, the re-opening of PRONI - the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. The spanking new premises at 2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9HQ, threw open its doors at 9.00am this morning - with the event dominating the Irish blogs, including here and here (where you will find all the juicy detail).
Hampshire researchers will be interested to learn that 1.4million new parish records for the county have gone online at FindMyPast.
And TNA's new gaffer, Oliver Morley, has announced the organisation's business plan for 2011-15.
MEDIA NEWS
Some TV & Radio highlights can be found here.
OTHER STUFF
The Nosey Genealogist has posted a short interview with Maureen Selley, Chairman of the Devon FHS, here, in which she briefly tells us of their project to encourage youngsters to get into genealogy. For more on this interesting idea, see the society's website and click on 'Acorn Club'.
ON THIS DAY
1856: Treaty of Paris signed, ending the Crimean War;
1981: Attempted assassination of President Reagan in Washington DC by John Hinckley
.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
The Census: Recent History
WEBSITES
Came across this the other day: a website listing copies of the Census forms from 1971-2001. In fact, if you're really into background information on the topic, then the rest of the site may be of interest to you, too. Wonder how many of us have kept copies of our completed returns for the last few decades?
John Reid has pointed out the existence of the Churches of Ireland Flickr Group. Great resource this - but then again, so is Flickr, full stop.
NEWS
Chris Paton has pointed out an update to the Scottish Monumental Inscriptions website - see here.
And how about these offers from BooksIreland.org.uk:-
ARTICLES
Here's Part 6 of 'Researching Family in Jersey' from The Nosey Genealogist.
ON THIS DAY
1461: Battle of Towton, the bloodiest battle on British soil, was fought, in which 28,000-38,000 died;
1912: Captain Scott perished in Antarctica on his way back from the South Pole.
Came across this the other day: a website listing copies of the Census forms from 1971-2001. In fact, if you're really into background information on the topic, then the rest of the site may be of interest to you, too. Wonder how many of us have kept copies of our completed returns for the last few decades?
John Reid has pointed out the existence of the Churches of Ireland Flickr Group. Great resource this - but then again, so is Flickr, full stop.
NEWS
Chris Paton has pointed out an update to the Scottish Monumental Inscriptions website - see here.
And how about these offers from BooksIreland.org.uk:-
- Family Research Starter Kit CD-ROM Edition;
- Irish Libraries: Archives, Museums & Genealogical Centres: A Visitor's Guide.
ARTICLES
Here's Part 6 of 'Researching Family in Jersey' from The Nosey Genealogist.
ON THIS DAY
1461: Battle of Towton, the bloodiest battle on British soil, was fought, in which 28,000-38,000 died;
1912: Captain Scott perished in Antarctica on his way back from the South Pole.
Monday, 28 March 2011
Census Mania!
ARTICLES
Before you ask, no, I don't have a special story to tell surrounding the filling in of my census form. I completed the paper version, copied it, and sent it off this morning. Many of the bloggers of the genealogical world, however, took advantage of the occasion to publicise their thoughts. The Wandering Genealogist pondered what future generations would make of his answers; Chris Paton decided to slip in a few bits of further information for a bit of fun; and The Family Recorder (Audrey Collins) couldn't resist looking back at her very hands-on experience of a previous census (with some links to other interesting articles, too).
It all makes me wonder if us genealogists shouldn't have got together and organised some sort of 'alternative census', which could have included some much more interesting questions than the official questionnaire. Hang on a minute, maybe we could do that in 2021 when the official census is no more (as rumours would have us believe). Mmm...
NEWS
There is, of course, the release of the 1911 Scottish Census coming up, too. Have a look at another of Chris Paton's posts, here, for the latest news on this important topic.
Before you ask, no, I don't have a special story to tell surrounding the filling in of my census form. I completed the paper version, copied it, and sent it off this morning. Many of the bloggers of the genealogical world, however, took advantage of the occasion to publicise their thoughts. The Wandering Genealogist pondered what future generations would make of his answers; Chris Paton decided to slip in a few bits of further information for a bit of fun; and The Family Recorder (Audrey Collins) couldn't resist looking back at her very hands-on experience of a previous census (with some links to other interesting articles, too).
It all makes me wonder if us genealogists shouldn't have got together and organised some sort of 'alternative census', which could have included some much more interesting questions than the official questionnaire. Hang on a minute, maybe we could do that in 2021 when the official census is no more (as rumours would have us believe). Mmm...
NEWS
There is, of course, the release of the 1911 Scottish Census coming up, too. Have a look at another of Chris Paton's posts, here, for the latest news on this important topic.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Census Day!
NEWS
I'll keep it brief, because I know all you UK residents have got some paperwork to do today. Yes, it's Census Day! And quite possibly (probably, in fact) the very last one we'll ever have - so savour it.
Many of you will be flocking to Ancestry's website today for the freebie census offer. I see that they've encountered the usual problems associated with this sort of offer - probably due to overload - but that they have kindly extended the offer to the end of Monday 28th. You can find all you need to know on the Ancestry.co.uk blog - including a few other articles of interest (look out for posts on the 'The History of the Census' and 'From Archive to Web: Getting a Census Online').
If you can tear yourself away from the form-filling (oh, and remember to keep a copy for posterity!), there is the latest newsletter release from the National Library of Ireland to have a look at, here.
And I'd better point this out before it's too late: the Pudsey Local & Family History Fair is taking place on Saturday 2nd April (10am-4pm) - see here.
I'll keep it brief, because I know all you UK residents have got some paperwork to do today. Yes, it's Census Day! And quite possibly (probably, in fact) the very last one we'll ever have - so savour it.
Many of you will be flocking to Ancestry's website today for the freebie census offer. I see that they've encountered the usual problems associated with this sort of offer - probably due to overload - but that they have kindly extended the offer to the end of Monday 28th. You can find all you need to know on the Ancestry.co.uk blog - including a few other articles of interest (look out for posts on the 'The History of the Census' and 'From Archive to Web: Getting a Census Online').
If you can tear yourself away from the form-filling (oh, and remember to keep a copy for posterity!), there is the latest newsletter release from the National Library of Ireland to have a look at, here.
And I'd better point this out before it's too late: the Pudsey Local & Family History Fair is taking place on Saturday 2nd April (10am-4pm) - see here.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
New Mag
NEWS
I thought I should point out the existence of a magazine which I haven't previously mentioned, namely History Today. It may be of interest to many of you, though I suppose you already know of its existence as it's been around since 1951! Anyway, the website is here, and news of the recently-released April issue is here.
The latest TNA podcast can be found here ('Heralds & Heraldry at TNA').
There's a competition for you to have a go at here.
And just a reminder of the offer from Ancestry of free census access for tomorrow - see here. I thought there may have been some more offers from the genealogical big-boys for 'census weekend', but it wasn't to be.
ARTICLES
The usual weekly round-up of 'History Headlines' from the BBC can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
David Lloyd George, in 1945, aged 82;
Noel Coward, in 1973, aged 73.
1885: UK's first official legal cremation, in Woking;
1934: Driving tests introduced in the UK.
I thought I should point out the existence of a magazine which I haven't previously mentioned, namely History Today. It may be of interest to many of you, though I suppose you already know of its existence as it's been around since 1951! Anyway, the website is here, and news of the recently-released April issue is here.
The latest TNA podcast can be found here ('Heralds & Heraldry at TNA').
There's a competition for you to have a go at here.
And just a reminder of the offer from Ancestry of free census access for tomorrow - see here. I thought there may have been some more offers from the genealogical big-boys for 'census weekend', but it wasn't to be.
ARTICLES
The usual weekly round-up of 'History Headlines' from the BBC can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
David Lloyd George, in 1945, aged 82;
Noel Coward, in 1973, aged 73.
1885: UK's first official legal cremation, in Woking;
1934: Driving tests introduced in the UK.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Heritage At Risk
NEWS
Though it's not directly family history news, we all have an interest in old buildings. All of us at some point in our research must have sought out an old house or factory which our ancestors lived or worked in - or perhaps lamented such a structure's demolition. Well, this year, English Heritage are concentrating their 'At Risk' programme on our industrial heritage, and are on the lookout for any likely targets, buildings-wise. Maybe you can help them out? See here. The 'List' will be published in October.
The Europeana website has launched its First World War in Everyday Documents project - see their blog entry, here, where you can follow the link to the dedicated site. It is, at the minute, concentrating on the German side of the war (to add to the existent British collections) - but I suspect that it will grow to become a priceless online archive in time for the centenary of the beginning of the conflict in three years time.
News of the release of the April issue of the Who Do You Think You Are? magazine can be found here.
ARTICLES
The Nosey Genealogist (or rather his guest blogger) has turned out another instalment relating to Jersey research (pt 5), here.
MEDIA NEWS
Talking of Jersey, Mont Orgueil Castle features on this weekend's Time Team. In fact, you can check out forthcoming TV & radio history programmes here.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of ...
Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight), in 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex;
1807: Britain abolishes the slave trade;
1957: Treaty of Rome signed, launching the European Communty ('The Common Market'). Naturally, the UK remains aloof, leaving France, Belgium, Luxembourg, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands to deal with the paperwork.
Though it's not directly family history news, we all have an interest in old buildings. All of us at some point in our research must have sought out an old house or factory which our ancestors lived or worked in - or perhaps lamented such a structure's demolition. Well, this year, English Heritage are concentrating their 'At Risk' programme on our industrial heritage, and are on the lookout for any likely targets, buildings-wise. Maybe you can help them out? See here. The 'List' will be published in October.
The Europeana website has launched its First World War in Everyday Documents project - see their blog entry, here, where you can follow the link to the dedicated site. It is, at the minute, concentrating on the German side of the war (to add to the existent British collections) - but I suspect that it will grow to become a priceless online archive in time for the centenary of the beginning of the conflict in three years time.
News of the release of the April issue of the Who Do You Think You Are? magazine can be found here.
ARTICLES
The Nosey Genealogist (or rather his guest blogger) has turned out another instalment relating to Jersey research (pt 5), here.
MEDIA NEWS
Talking of Jersey, Mont Orgueil Castle features on this weekend's Time Team. In fact, you can check out forthcoming TV & radio history programmes here.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of ...
Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight), in 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex;
1807: Britain abolishes the slave trade;
1957: Treaty of Rome signed, launching the European Communty ('The Common Market'). Naturally, the UK remains aloof, leaving France, Belgium, Luxembourg, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands to deal with the paperwork.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
George's New Box
ARTICLES
You may have noticed Chancellor George Osborne flashing off his new 'Budget Box' yesterday (video here). Well, TNA got into the swing of things, too, with a short article on the item, here. Like many of you, I suspect, I had no idea the famous old dispatch box was quite so ancient!
On the subject of TNA, Audrey Collins provides a short piece, here, on using TNA's online catalogue. A useful starter piece if you're planning a visit.
And if you use Ancestry's Family Tree Maker package you will want to have a look at this substantial post on the subject.
NEWS
Thanks to Chris Paton's recent post, here, a good deal more of us are now aware of the Scottish Council on Archives new newsletter, Broadsheet (direct link here). One for the connoisseur, I think, but definitely worth keeping an eye on if you're a serious Scottish researcher.
And Irish researchers may wish to have a quick look at this recent update concerning the indexing and computerisation of Irish parish records.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Queen Elizabeth I, in 1603, aged 69, at Richmond Palace;
Viscount (Field Marshal) Montgomery, in 1976, aged 88.
1958: Elvis Presley joins the US Army;
1989: Exxon Valdez oil disaster.
You may have noticed Chancellor George Osborne flashing off his new 'Budget Box' yesterday (video here). Well, TNA got into the swing of things, too, with a short article on the item, here. Like many of you, I suspect, I had no idea the famous old dispatch box was quite so ancient!
On the subject of TNA, Audrey Collins provides a short piece, here, on using TNA's online catalogue. A useful starter piece if you're planning a visit.
And if you use Ancestry's Family Tree Maker package you will want to have a look at this substantial post on the subject.
NEWS
Thanks to Chris Paton's recent post, here, a good deal more of us are now aware of the Scottish Council on Archives new newsletter, Broadsheet (direct link here). One for the connoisseur, I think, but definitely worth keeping an eye on if you're a serious Scottish researcher.
And Irish researchers may wish to have a quick look at this recent update concerning the indexing and computerisation of Irish parish records.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Queen Elizabeth I, in 1603, aged 69, at Richmond Palace;
Viscount (Field Marshal) Montgomery, in 1976, aged 88.
1958: Elvis Presley joins the US Army;
1989: Exxon Valdez oil disaster.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Glasgow's Genealogy Centre
NEWS
Important news from Glasgow, where the city's Genealogy Centre has completed its move to the Mitchell Library. This will make genealogical research a lot easier for those in and around Glasgow and the west of Scotland - and may save making so many trips to Edinburgh! Who better to fill in the detail than Scots expert Chris Paton, here.
The folk at TheGenealogist have added loads of new records to their databases pertaining to Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire - see here.
There's been an update to Ancestry's 1841 Census holdings (there's also a little bit of background information on the 1841 census contained within the blog entry).
And here's a forthcoming event which I haven't yet mentioned: the East Anglia Family History Fair, on Sunday 27th March in Norwich (you have to fish around the website to find it, but I'm sure you can manage).
MEDIA NEWS
The historical/genealogical week ahead on TV & radio can be found here.
Important news from Glasgow, where the city's Genealogy Centre has completed its move to the Mitchell Library. This will make genealogical research a lot easier for those in and around Glasgow and the west of Scotland - and may save making so many trips to Edinburgh! Who better to fill in the detail than Scots expert Chris Paton, here.
The folk at TheGenealogist have added loads of new records to their databases pertaining to Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire - see here.
There's been an update to Ancestry's 1841 Census holdings (there's also a little bit of background information on the 1841 census contained within the blog entry).
And here's a forthcoming event which I haven't yet mentioned: the East Anglia Family History Fair, on Sunday 27th March in Norwich (you have to fish around the website to find it, but I'm sure you can manage).
MEDIA NEWS
The historical/genealogical week ahead on TV & radio can be found here.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Mocavo.com
WEBSITES
Thanks to this post on the Irish Genealogy News blog, we now all know about Mocavo.com, an exciting new genealogy search engine. It's only been up and running for a week, and is overwhelmingly biased towards the US at the moment, but I suspect we shall all be giving the website a fair old bash over the coming months and years. Looks promising.
NEWS
Issue 102 of Your Family Tree is coming out soon - there's a preview here.
Audrey Collins' blog, The Family Recorder, brings to our attention an interesting exhibition currently showing in Manchester. Death is a subject particularly 'dear' to the hearts of us family historians, so it'll be well worth a look if you're in the neighbourhood.
ARTICLES
Part 4 of The Nosey Genealogist's guide to Jersey research can be found here.
The National Library of Wales has a lengthy blog post here about research into Welsh deeds, estate records, and the like.
Thanks to this post on the Irish Genealogy News blog, we now all know about Mocavo.com, an exciting new genealogy search engine. It's only been up and running for a week, and is overwhelmingly biased towards the US at the moment, but I suspect we shall all be giving the website a fair old bash over the coming months and years. Looks promising.
NEWS
Issue 102 of Your Family Tree is coming out soon - there's a preview here.
Audrey Collins' blog, The Family Recorder, brings to our attention an interesting exhibition currently showing in Manchester. Death is a subject particularly 'dear' to the hearts of us family historians, so it'll be well worth a look if you're in the neighbourhood.
ARTICLES
Part 4 of The Nosey Genealogist's guide to Jersey research can be found here.
The National Library of Wales has a lengthy blog post here about research into Welsh deeds, estate records, and the like.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Census Giveaways 1
NEWS
What's that? I hear you say, 'Census Giveaways'? Well, I actually only know of one so far, but with the big day less that a week away, I am making the assumption that a few more special - and topical - offers will come along via the genealogical big-boys. Ancestry.co.uk is first off the mark with this offer. If previous 'open access' offers are anything to go by it may prove to be difficult to get much out of the occasion due to high amounts of traffic, but I'm sure there'll be other opportunities to indulge ourselves, too, from the other major players. Watch this space.
Irish researchers may be interested in the latest news from Eneclann, here (a few new publications, their sale, President Obama's Irish roots, and news of their Facebook site).
WEBSITES
Thanks to this post on the Anglo-Celtic Connections blog, I am able to pass on news of a maps website which you may not be aware of (MAPCO). Not a huge amount of British / Irish material on the site yet, but it's free and is worth keeping an eye on.
MEDIA NEWS
This post on the FindMyPast blog offers an interesting story about the famous suffragette, Emily Wilding Davison - with a link to this morning's BBC Radio 4 slot about her 1911 act of defiance.
What's that? I hear you say, 'Census Giveaways'? Well, I actually only know of one so far, but with the big day less that a week away, I am making the assumption that a few more special - and topical - offers will come along via the genealogical big-boys. Ancestry.co.uk is first off the mark with this offer. If previous 'open access' offers are anything to go by it may prove to be difficult to get much out of the occasion due to high amounts of traffic, but I'm sure there'll be other opportunities to indulge ourselves, too, from the other major players. Watch this space.
Irish researchers may be interested in the latest news from Eneclann, here (a few new publications, their sale, President Obama's Irish roots, and news of their Facebook site).
WEBSITES
Thanks to this post on the Anglo-Celtic Connections blog, I am able to pass on news of a maps website which you may not be aware of (MAPCO). Not a huge amount of British / Irish material on the site yet, but it's free and is worth keeping an eye on.
MEDIA NEWS
This post on the FindMyPast blog offers an interesting story about the famous suffragette, Emily Wilding Davison - with a link to this morning's BBC Radio 4 slot about her 1911 act of defiance.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Are You Sure You Know Who You Are?
This story came my way back in the mid-1990s. It concerns a Mr R Davies of Cheshire - if you're still around, sir, I trust you will not mind me giving the story an airing...
... And a lesson to us all, perhaps, that we should never take anything for granted.
I am now a senior citizen, but throughout my life I have taken it for granted that the family name was Davies. I worked for 51 years, and even with 27 years of military service I have never had this doubted. Just about the time of my retirement I began to research my father's family history and wrote to the Shrewsbury Record Office where my request, with a copy of my father's birth certificate, was dealt with by a Mrs Healey. Imagine my surprise when she told me that the family name was, in reality, Whittingham! It appears that my grandfather had his eight children baptised with the middle name of Davies (his step-father's name), but when he registered them he had reversed it to Whittingham Davies, as my father's certificate shows. On my grandmother's 1928 burial record at Wistanstow is the comment to the effect that Davies is not her true name, and the change is not understood. Since my initial enquiry I have got back to William B.Whittingham, c.1750, in Montgomery, Wales. A strange but fascinating story after some 90 years.
... And a lesson to us all, perhaps, that we should never take anything for granted.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Public Records (Scotland) Bill
NEWS
Legislation has been passed this week in Scotland to improve record keeping across the public sector - essentially the result of problems encountered by folk in the past trying to find out about their parentage, etc., after passing through residential homes and the like (aka 'vulnerable people'). All good stuff - and if you'd like it from the horse's mouth, then check out the National Archives of Scotland's post here.
The City of York and District FHS Family History Fair takes place on 26th March - see here.
The latest TNA podcast can be found here ('Family History Resources at TNA').
ARTICLES
A couple of short pieces for you to muse over. The first is from The Wandering Genealogist, who wonders if he is the only family historian who has been finding it difficult to get excited over the recent RootsTech furore. And a post from the MyHeritage blog ponders the question of the world's longest lineages and biggest family trees.
Legislation has been passed this week in Scotland to improve record keeping across the public sector - essentially the result of problems encountered by folk in the past trying to find out about their parentage, etc., after passing through residential homes and the like (aka 'vulnerable people'). All good stuff - and if you'd like it from the horse's mouth, then check out the National Archives of Scotland's post here.
The City of York and District FHS Family History Fair takes place on 26th March - see here.
The latest TNA podcast can be found here ('Family History Resources at TNA').
ARTICLES
A couple of short pieces for you to muse over. The first is from The Wandering Genealogist, who wonders if he is the only family historian who has been finding it difficult to get excited over the recent RootsTech furore. And a post from the MyHeritage blog ponders the question of the world's longest lineages and biggest family trees.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Ancestry's March Newsletter
NEWS
Ancestry have turned out their March eNewsletter, which can be found here. Nothing too challenging for the brain in there, with the same being little more than an advertisement for their wares (which is understandable), but there you have it.
A little Irish fallout from yesterday's national day has appeared on The Family Recorder blog, with some useful recommendations of some lesser known Irish sources.
And though you've got loads of time to get your pen into gear, here's a competition for you to have a go at from those nice people at the FFHS.
ARTICLES
Part 3 of The Nosey Genealogist's series of articles on research in Jersey can be found here.
The BBC's History Headlines for the week are always worth a look, too.
And a short but sweet piece on William Wallace may interest Scottish readers (click on the link in the article for extra info).
MEDIA NEWS
A nice selection of TV / Radio stuff coming our way can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
1834: Tolpuddle Martyrs sentenced to transportation to Australia for forming a trade union;
Ancestry have turned out their March eNewsletter, which can be found here. Nothing too challenging for the brain in there, with the same being little more than an advertisement for their wares (which is understandable), but there you have it.
A little Irish fallout from yesterday's national day has appeared on The Family Recorder blog, with some useful recommendations of some lesser known Irish sources.
And though you've got loads of time to get your pen into gear, here's a competition for you to have a go at from those nice people at the FFHS.
ARTICLES
Part 3 of The Nosey Genealogist's series of articles on research in Jersey can be found here.
The BBC's History Headlines for the week are always worth a look, too.
And a short but sweet piece on William Wallace may interest Scottish readers (click on the link in the article for extra info).
MEDIA NEWS
A nice selection of TV / Radio stuff coming our way can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
1834: Tolpuddle Martyrs sentenced to transportation to Australia for forming a trade union;
Thursday, 17 March 2011
St Patrick's Day Bonanza
NEWS
As you would expect, there has been a flurry of Irish news today. Ancestry seem keen to push out their Irish stuff, for one thing - see a neat listing here (most of the new material has already been mentioned over the past few days). The Irish Genealogy News blog has two posts from today which are of considerable interest, too (they really are important items, too, but I'll not steal their thunder, so check them out direct). There are also special offers from both Eneclann and Irish Origins (for the latter you can follow the Facebook link, or just use the code STPATS2011 in the Promotional Code box on the Sign Up page via here or in your Cart before checkout, to take advantage of 20% off all Origins.net subscriptions). Finally, there's a major announcement, here, about the forthcoming launch of FindMyPast.ie ! Phew!!
Elsewhere, an interesting post by John Reid on recent progress in genetic genealogy can be found here.
Also, if you want to further immerse yourself under the weight of recent articles, and the like, concerning the forthcoming Census, then check out the SoG's post here.
And I really should have mentioned this a while ago, but the latest edition of The Family & Local History Handbook (No.13) is now available for purchase.
As you would expect, there has been a flurry of Irish news today. Ancestry seem keen to push out their Irish stuff, for one thing - see a neat listing here (most of the new material has already been mentioned over the past few days). The Irish Genealogy News blog has two posts from today which are of considerable interest, too (they really are important items, too, but I'll not steal their thunder, so check them out direct). There are also special offers from both Eneclann and Irish Origins (for the latter you can follow the Facebook link, or just use the code STPATS2011 in the Promotional Code box on the Sign Up page via here or in your Cart before checkout, to take advantage of 20% off all Origins.net subscriptions). Finally, there's a major announcement, here, about the forthcoming launch of FindMyPast.ie ! Phew!!
Elsewhere, an interesting post by John Reid on recent progress in genetic genealogy can be found here.
Also, if you want to further immerse yourself under the weight of recent articles, and the like, concerning the forthcoming Census, then check out the SoG's post here.
And I really should have mentioned this a while ago, but the latest edition of The Family & Local History Handbook (No.13) is now available for purchase.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
The Company Behind the Websites
MEDIA NEWS
You may, or may not, have heard of Brightsolid, the Internet company behind the ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk, GenesReunited and FindMyPast websites. The Scottish GENES blog has helpfully pointed us in the direction of a 15-minute interview with one of the company's top dogs, here, which is quite interesting.
And whilst we're on the subject of the media, here's a selection of TV & Radio shows for the week ahead.
NEWS
FindMyPast has "vastly improved" user access to its overseas, at-sea, and army births & marriages records, many of you will be pleased to learn. So if you've encountered frustration in the past with these areas of research, check out this post on their blog for the full story.
With St.Patrick's Day almost upon us, Ancestry.com has a related competition on the go, here, where there's a World Deluxe Annual Membership to their site as the prize.
ARTICLES
MyHeritage blog has produced a cracker of a post, here. Among the worldwide stories featured are the proclamation of the world's latest oldest person, the identification of a Canadian soldier's remains from WWI, and the extraordinary story of a very close friend of Queen Victoria's.
You may, or may not, have heard of Brightsolid, the Internet company behind the ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk, GenesReunited and FindMyPast websites. The Scottish GENES blog has helpfully pointed us in the direction of a 15-minute interview with one of the company's top dogs, here, which is quite interesting.
And whilst we're on the subject of the media, here's a selection of TV & Radio shows for the week ahead.
NEWS
FindMyPast has "vastly improved" user access to its overseas, at-sea, and army births & marriages records, many of you will be pleased to learn. So if you've encountered frustration in the past with these areas of research, check out this post on their blog for the full story.
With St.Patrick's Day almost upon us, Ancestry.com has a related competition on the go, here, where there's a World Deluxe Annual Membership to their site as the prize.
ARTICLES
MyHeritage blog has produced a cracker of a post, here. Among the worldwide stories featured are the proclamation of the world's latest oldest person, the identification of a Canadian soldier's remains from WWI, and the extraordinary story of a very close friend of Queen Victoria's.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
New Book
NEWS
Chris Paton's Scottish GENES blog is a regular haunt of mine - a well respected expert in his field, is Mr Paton, and an excellent 'passer-on' of genealogical news. Though I've not seen it myself, Chris has a new book on the market which may interest many of you entitled Tracing Your Family History on the Internet. Another esteemed blogger, John Reid, gives the publication a review, here.
There's more on the 'Save Our Workhouse' success of yesterday to be found on the English Heritage website, here.
A couple of little updates have been uploaded onto Ancestry's website (British Army WWI Pension Records and Eng/Wales BMD Index).
And thanks to The Family Recorder blog for pointing out David Schneider's sideways look at the Census forms, here (you might have to flick back through his blog entries a bit).
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Julius Caesar, in 44BC - stabbed to death at the Theatre of Pompey in Rome.
1877: First ever international cricket Test Match begins - Australia v.England in Melbourne. Australia were to win by 45 runs.
Chris Paton's Scottish GENES blog is a regular haunt of mine - a well respected expert in his field, is Mr Paton, and an excellent 'passer-on' of genealogical news. Though I've not seen it myself, Chris has a new book on the market which may interest many of you entitled Tracing Your Family History on the Internet. Another esteemed blogger, John Reid, gives the publication a review, here.
There's more on the 'Save Our Workhouse' success of yesterday to be found on the English Heritage website, here.
A couple of little updates have been uploaded onto Ancestry's website (British Army WWI Pension Records and Eng/Wales BMD Index).
And thanks to The Family Recorder blog for pointing out David Schneider's sideways look at the Census forms, here (you might have to flick back through his blog entries a bit).
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Julius Caesar, in 44BC - stabbed to death at the Theatre of Pompey in Rome.
1877: First ever international cricket Test Match begins - Australia v.England in Melbourne. Australia were to win by 45 runs.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Famous Workhouse Saved
NEWS
The campaign to save an historic London workhouse has been successful! The Strand Union Workhouse (aka the Cleveland Street Workhouse) seemed destined for demolition until the announcement this lunchtime - see the BBC report here. Its links with Charles Dickens most probably helped save its skin, but most of the praise must surely go to this lot.
On Thursday 10th March I directed you to Part 1 of a research tips feature/series for Jersey/Channel Islands. Well, here's Part 2, as promised. Thanks to The Nosey Genealogist and his guest blogger. Not sure if there are any more to come, but I'll let you know if anything else pops up.
There's another decent batch of Irish news to bring you, too. They've been busy at the Irish Genealogy News blog over the past few days trying to keep us all up to date - so if you've got Irish roots then pay the site a visit. Some of the items have been mentioned by myself over the past week or so, but many haven't.
I was going to keep this news for tomorrow, but I can't help myself from blurting it out. It's the release of the March edition of the FFHS's Ezine, which has plenty of items of interest for us all. I haven't really digested it all properly yet, but I did find their 'Really Useful Information Leaflet' quite, er, useful - so look out for that.
The campaign to save an historic London workhouse has been successful! The Strand Union Workhouse (aka the Cleveland Street Workhouse) seemed destined for demolition until the announcement this lunchtime - see the BBC report here. Its links with Charles Dickens most probably helped save its skin, but most of the praise must surely go to this lot.
On Thursday 10th March I directed you to Part 1 of a research tips feature/series for Jersey/Channel Islands. Well, here's Part 2, as promised. Thanks to The Nosey Genealogist and his guest blogger. Not sure if there are any more to come, but I'll let you know if anything else pops up.
There's another decent batch of Irish news to bring you, too. They've been busy at the Irish Genealogy News blog over the past few days trying to keep us all up to date - so if you've got Irish roots then pay the site a visit. Some of the items have been mentioned by myself over the past week or so, but many haven't.
I was going to keep this news for tomorrow, but I can't help myself from blurting it out. It's the release of the March edition of the FFHS's Ezine, which has plenty of items of interest for us all. I haven't really digested it all properly yet, but I did find their 'Really Useful Information Leaflet' quite, er, useful - so look out for that.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
BMD Quotes 2
Birth is much, but breeding is more.
(Proverb)
To wed unequally is to suffer equally.
(Anon)
Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.
(Jane Austin, British novelist, Pride and Prejudice)
Marriage is a wonderful invention; but then again so is a bicycle repair kit.
(Billy Connolly, British comedian)
I think women are basically quite lazy. Marriage is still a woman’s best investment, because she can con some man into supporting her for the rest of his life.
(Alan Whicker, British TV broadcaster & writer)
An archaeologist is the best husband any woman can have: the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.
(Agatha Christie, British writer)
It's not that I'm afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.
(Woody Allen, US actor and director)
He’d make a lovely corpse.
(Charles Dickens, British novelist, Martin Chuzzlewit)
Death comes equally to us all, and makes us all equal when it comes.
(J.Donne, poet)
Oh well, no matter what happens, there’s always death.
(Napoleon Bonaparte)
Bugger Bognor.
(Alleged last words of George V on his doctor’s informing him that he would soon be well enough to visit Bognor Regis)
All my possessions for a moment of time.
(Last words of Elizabeth I)
Saturday, 12 March 2011
More on the NRS
NEWS
Further to my post of 7th March, more news has trickled through about the forthcoming merger of the GRO for Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland into the new-fangled 'National Records of Scotland'. But, again, I think it far better that it comes from the pen of an acknowledged Scottish expert, so have a read of this post on Chris Paton's excellent Scottish GENES blog.
TNA's website has just made an announcement about the release of a new catalogue pertaining to 20,000 soldiers' records held at the Kilmainham Hospital in Dublin from 1783-1822 - see here.
MEDIA NEWS
Many of you may like to be made aware of the existence of Ancestry.com's 'Webinar Service'. Now I must confess that I haven't myself indulged, but it does look quite promising. As far as I can tell, the seminars are free to everyone and you don't have to be a member of Ancestry to view them - though you do have to register. You can actually participate in the seminars, or just catch up on them afterwards via their archive. I guess there'll be a certain amount of US bias, but they you go.
I also spotted an interesting interview with professional genealogist Anthony Adolph on The Nosey Genealogist's blog, in which he articulates his enthusiasm for genealogy and genetics. Read the intro (and then click on the video link) here.
Further to my post of 7th March, more news has trickled through about the forthcoming merger of the GRO for Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland into the new-fangled 'National Records of Scotland'. But, again, I think it far better that it comes from the pen of an acknowledged Scottish expert, so have a read of this post on Chris Paton's excellent Scottish GENES blog.
TNA's website has just made an announcement about the release of a new catalogue pertaining to 20,000 soldiers' records held at the Kilmainham Hospital in Dublin from 1783-1822 - see here.
MEDIA NEWS
Many of you may like to be made aware of the existence of Ancestry.com's 'Webinar Service'. Now I must confess that I haven't myself indulged, but it does look quite promising. As far as I can tell, the seminars are free to everyone and you don't have to be a member of Ancestry to view them - though you do have to register. You can actually participate in the seminars, or just catch up on them afterwards via their archive. I guess there'll be a certain amount of US bias, but they you go.
I also spotted an interesting interview with professional genealogist Anthony Adolph on The Nosey Genealogist's blog, in which he articulates his enthusiasm for genealogy and genetics. Read the intro (and then click on the video link) here.
Friday, 11 March 2011
Euro Developments
NEWS
It may not have hit the headlines elsewhere, or be of relevance to most of us, but if you yearn for access to overseas archives then check out this recent post on the MyHeritage blog. Not sure how APEnet will turn out, but there will be many of you out there who will want to keep tabs on the situation. The Europeana website will no doubt also be featuring this development on a regular basis.
I've just got wind of this, too: an exhibition at the British Library about the history of the Census. It runs until 29th May.
On the subject of the capital, the SoG have this talk coming up about Records of the City of London. OK, so it's just another talk among dozens given across the country, but I thought the subject matter may be of interest to a lot of you.
The latest TNA Podcast can be found here ('Sources for Ag.Labs').
ARTICLES
Ancestry's blog has thrown up an interesting piece on London's Foundling Hospital - complete with useful and very interesting links to other bits and pieces. It's enough to make you cry.
The BBC provides its weekly round-up of History Headlines, here. And there's a witty little effort here, too (but I should warn you that it's a bit rude).
MEDIA NEWS
More TV & Radio here.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Sir Alexander Fleming, Scottish scientist, in London, in 1955, aged 73.
1702: Britain's first national daily newspaper first published: The Daily Courant;
1985: Gorbachev becomes leader of the Soviet Union.
It may not have hit the headlines elsewhere, or be of relevance to most of us, but if you yearn for access to overseas archives then check out this recent post on the MyHeritage blog. Not sure how APEnet will turn out, but there will be many of you out there who will want to keep tabs on the situation. The Europeana website will no doubt also be featuring this development on a regular basis.
I've just got wind of this, too: an exhibition at the British Library about the history of the Census. It runs until 29th May.
On the subject of the capital, the SoG have this talk coming up about Records of the City of London. OK, so it's just another talk among dozens given across the country, but I thought the subject matter may be of interest to a lot of you.
The latest TNA Podcast can be found here ('Sources for Ag.Labs').
ARTICLES
Ancestry's blog has thrown up an interesting piece on London's Foundling Hospital - complete with useful and very interesting links to other bits and pieces. It's enough to make you cry.
The BBC provides its weekly round-up of History Headlines, here. And there's a witty little effort here, too (but I should warn you that it's a bit rude).
MEDIA NEWS
More TV & Radio here.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Sir Alexander Fleming, Scottish scientist, in London, in 1955, aged 73.
1702: Britain's first national daily newspaper first published: The Daily Courant;
1985: Gorbachev becomes leader of the Soviet Union.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Channel Islands Research Tips
ARTICLES
If you have research interests in the Channel Islands or, perhaps more importantly, are just starting out on your investigations in this part of the world, then take a look at the first part of a series of helpful little articles at The Nosey Genealogist (yes, I know the title just says 'Jersey', but the information seems to pertain to the Islands generally). I'll let you know of any further postings on the topic.
OK, so International Women's Day has passed us by, but I've just spotted this interesting piece on history's pioneering women.
NEWS
Ancestry has unveiled a new 'Living Relative Search' facility on its website, being a "fast and convenient way of finding living relatives living in the UK". Some aspects of it are free, others require the purchasing of credits - and it doesn't seem to be included in any of the subscription packages. There are summaries to be found here and here, and the search page itself is here.
MEDIA NEWS
Forthcoming TV & Radio programmes of interest can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
1801: First British Census is taken. Learn more about it here.
1876: Alexander Graham Bell makes the first successful telephone call by uttering the immortal words: "Mr Watson, come here, I want to see you."
If you have research interests in the Channel Islands or, perhaps more importantly, are just starting out on your investigations in this part of the world, then take a look at the first part of a series of helpful little articles at The Nosey Genealogist (yes, I know the title just says 'Jersey', but the information seems to pertain to the Islands generally). I'll let you know of any further postings on the topic.
OK, so International Women's Day has passed us by, but I've just spotted this interesting piece on history's pioneering women.
NEWS
Ancestry has unveiled a new 'Living Relative Search' facility on its website, being a "fast and convenient way of finding living relatives living in the UK". Some aspects of it are free, others require the purchasing of credits - and it doesn't seem to be included in any of the subscription packages. There are summaries to be found here and here, and the search page itself is here.
MEDIA NEWS
Forthcoming TV & Radio programmes of interest can be found here.
ON THIS DAY
1801: First British Census is taken. Learn more about it here.
1876: Alexander Graham Bell makes the first successful telephone call by uttering the immortal words: "Mr Watson, come here, I want to see you."
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Acts of God
I'm off for a lie down today. And rather than miss a day's posting and leave you all with nothing to do, I thought I'd provide a bit of reading.
I came across the following article on The Northern Echo website a few days ago. It tells the tragic story of a single family, the Slacks, of Shildon, Co.Durham. Doesn't it just put all our woes into perspective? Shame that the article cuts off at the end, but if you examine the original newspaper article at the top of the piece I think you get the picture.
The Slack Family of Shildon
Of course the family then had the little matter of the Great War to get through, too.
Note:-
If anyone has anything they consider worth posting - interesting or unusual stories, major national family or local history news, etc (you know the sort of material this blog carries), then do get in touch with me at micksouthwick@blueyonder.co.uk . Remember, I'm especially keen to receive odd and unusual record entries to put on the blog on quiet news days.
I came across the following article on The Northern Echo website a few days ago. It tells the tragic story of a single family, the Slacks, of Shildon, Co.Durham. Doesn't it just put all our woes into perspective? Shame that the article cuts off at the end, but if you examine the original newspaper article at the top of the piece I think you get the picture.
The Slack Family of Shildon
Of course the family then had the little matter of the Great War to get through, too.
Note:-
If anyone has anything they consider worth posting - interesting or unusual stories, major national family or local history news, etc (you know the sort of material this blog carries), then do get in touch with me at micksouthwick@blueyonder.co.uk . Remember, I'm especially keen to receive odd and unusual record entries to put on the blog on quiet news days.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Yes, Again!
NEWS
... Irish news, that is. I shall keep it brief for fear of boring those of you out there with no Irish ancestry - so here goes:-
Elsewhere, an interesting little piece on Manorial Records has been posted on The Family Recorder blog, here. I am largely ignorant of this archive source, and was certainly not aware that several English counties, as well as the whole of Wales, can be found on TNA's Manorial Documents Register.
And if you're the lucky owner of an iPad or iPhone and you have your family tree on Ancestry, then you will be pleased to know that a new (free) 'App' is available for download - see here. Apps for other phones will be forthcoming in due course.
ON THIS DAY
1979: Philips demonstrates the Compact Disc publicly for the first time.
... Irish news, that is. I shall keep it brief for fear of boring those of you out there with no Irish ancestry - so here goes:-
- A new raft of material pertaining to Ireland has appeared on Ancestry, namely, well, never mind, it's all listed here;
- A new Northern Irish emigration resource is reported on the Scottish GENES blog, here;
- And it has been reported on a number of blogs and websites (including here) that the new Irish government seems keen on pushing through its semi-pledge regarding the early release of the 1926 Irish Census.
Elsewhere, an interesting little piece on Manorial Records has been posted on The Family Recorder blog, here. I am largely ignorant of this archive source, and was certainly not aware that several English counties, as well as the whole of Wales, can be found on TNA's Manorial Documents Register.
And if you're the lucky owner of an iPad or iPhone and you have your family tree on Ancestry, then you will be pleased to know that a new (free) 'App' is available for download - see here. Apps for other phones will be forthcoming in due course.
ON THIS DAY
1979: Philips demonstrates the Compact Disc publicly for the first time.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Scots Merger
NEWS
Scottish researchers will probably already be aware of the forthcoming merger of the National Archives of Scotland and the General Register Office for Scotland. The new body will be known as the National Records of Scotland, its official birthday being 1st April 2011. Rather than have me blabbering on about it, take a look at Alan Stewart's tidy summary here.
Lingering news from the RootsTech Conference in the US can be found at the blog of someone who was actually there, namely, Audrey Collins, here. If you're interested in the link to the videos of the talks, I hope you have more luck than I did trying to open them - but that could be my ancient PC playing up. Audrey also flagged up this curious little fella. I've had a very quick look at it (you need a Facebook account to play it), and wasn't sure what to make of it. If anyone decides to give it a whirl and provide me with some feedback, then that'd be great. Could it be the next big thing in family history? (well, apart from BI-Gen, of course!)
Your Family History magazine's monthly 'Web Watch Extra' feature can be found here. I think most of the important stuff has already been mentioned on this blog, but have a quick look all the same.
As for Irish news, well, there is a little bit more on the launch of the 'Irish Archives Resource' here - which I originally mentioned a couple of days ago.
And also, a special mention for Irish Roots Magazine, with whom I have been exchanging some friendly chat of late. They have promised to keep me appraised of their issue releases, so here are the contents of the latest edition.
Scottish researchers will probably already be aware of the forthcoming merger of the National Archives of Scotland and the General Register Office for Scotland. The new body will be known as the National Records of Scotland, its official birthday being 1st April 2011. Rather than have me blabbering on about it, take a look at Alan Stewart's tidy summary here.
Lingering news from the RootsTech Conference in the US can be found at the blog of someone who was actually there, namely, Audrey Collins, here. If you're interested in the link to the videos of the talks, I hope you have more luck than I did trying to open them - but that could be my ancient PC playing up. Audrey also flagged up this curious little fella. I've had a very quick look at it (you need a Facebook account to play it), and wasn't sure what to make of it. If anyone decides to give it a whirl and provide me with some feedback, then that'd be great. Could it be the next big thing in family history? (well, apart from BI-Gen, of course!)
Your Family History magazine's monthly 'Web Watch Extra' feature can be found here. I think most of the important stuff has already been mentioned on this blog, but have a quick look all the same.
As for Irish news, well, there is a little bit more on the launch of the 'Irish Archives Resource' here - which I originally mentioned a couple of days ago.
And also, a special mention for Irish Roots Magazine, with whom I have been exchanging some friendly chat of late. They have promised to keep me appraised of their issue releases, so here are the contents of the latest edition.Sunday, 6 March 2011
HOD Build-up Begins
NEWS
OK, so it's not family history news, but us genealogists all love the Heritage Open Days, don't we? Well, this year the event is to be held over 8th-11th September - and if you're closely involved with the goings-on then you may wish to pop along to one of the forthcoming workshops at Morpeth, St.Helens or London - see here. Booking deadline is 11th March.
International Women's Day is almost upon us (8th March) - and it's celebrating its centenary this year. A couple of places to start if you're interested in learning more are here and here.
And WDYTYA? Magazine has a new Facebook page.
ARTICLES
An interview with Neil Fraser from BBC's Heir Hunters can be found here.
And an interesting illustrative piece from The Wandering Genealogist can be found here. A lesson for us all, I think.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
George Formby, aged 56, in Liverpool, in 1961. 100,000 line the streets at his funeral.
1902: British soldiers were granted the right to wear spectacles on or off duty;
1987: Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster claims the lives of 193 people.
OK, so it's not family history news, but us genealogists all love the Heritage Open Days, don't we? Well, this year the event is to be held over 8th-11th September - and if you're closely involved with the goings-on then you may wish to pop along to one of the forthcoming workshops at Morpeth, St.Helens or London - see here. Booking deadline is 11th March.
International Women's Day is almost upon us (8th March) - and it's celebrating its centenary this year. A couple of places to start if you're interested in learning more are here and here.
And WDYTYA? Magazine has a new Facebook page.
ARTICLES
An interview with Neil Fraser from BBC's Heir Hunters can be found here.
And an interesting illustrative piece from The Wandering Genealogist can be found here. A lesson for us all, I think.
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
George Formby, aged 56, in Liverpool, in 1961. 100,000 line the streets at his funeral.
1902: British soldiers were granted the right to wear spectacles on or off duty;
1987: Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster claims the lives of 193 people.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
The Irish (again) & Some Weekend Listening
NEWS
There does seem to be a lot of Irish news around at the minute. Here's the latest batch of goodies:-
Check back in tomorrow for some non-Irish stuff! In the meantime, though, why not have a listen to the following:-
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Stalin, in 1953.
1946: Churchill delivers his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech in the US.
There does seem to be a lot of Irish news around at the minute. Here's the latest batch of goodies:-
- Some major Belfast City cemetery records have appeared online. Several blogs have featured the news in the last day or so - the relevant Scottish GENES post is as good a place as any to start;
- The same blog also carried this story a short while ago pertaining to the Irish Archives Resource, a major new online presence for Irish researchers to get stuck into;
- A reminder that the Dublin Family History Day is looming on Saturday 12th March - though I'm not sure if there are still places available (booking essential);
- And here's a freebie up for grabs at BooksIreland.
Check back in tomorrow for some non-Irish stuff! In the meantime, though, why not have a listen to the following:-
- BBC History Magazine Podcast (the 'download' button seems to be playing up a bit - well, it is for me, anyway!);
- TNA Podcast x 2! - two very different subjects: High Court records and ... UFOs!
ON THIS DAY
Death of...
Stalin, in 1953.
1946: Churchill delivers his famous 'Iron Curtain' speech in the US.
Friday, 4 March 2011
More about the OGA
NEWS
On 23rd February I reported on the launch of an important new organisation called the Open Genealogy Alliance. Well, the group is now up and running and I just wanted to remind you all of what an important development this is for the future of our hobby.
What the OGA is all about, essentially, is maintaining open access to major genealogical datasets that are becoming increasingly commercialised. This will be a tricky process. Commercial big-boys such as Ancestry, FindMyPast, and the like are pouring an awful lot of cash into our once impoverished pastime, yet the very same organisations are making it quite expensive for us to get at the most sought after data collections. Most of our major bodies - government institutions included - are being seduced by the major players, and the smaller commercial concerns are finding it difficult to compete.
Anyway, I would urge you all to take a close look at recent developments here and here, to keep an eye on the situation - and to offer your support, or otherwise, when required. The OGA website is a little underdeveloped at present, but stick with it.
I'll quickly run through a few other bits and pieces:-
The SoG has placed this useful list online - being the Handouts for the presentations and workshops at the WDYTYA? Live! fair. Some are pretty good, others don't make a lot of sense - but, hey-ho, there you go.
The FFHS now has a Facebook page.
Oh, and...
MEDIA NEWS
... a list of forthcoming TV & Radio shows for us all.
On 23rd February I reported on the launch of an important new organisation called the Open Genealogy Alliance. Well, the group is now up and running and I just wanted to remind you all of what an important development this is for the future of our hobby.
What the OGA is all about, essentially, is maintaining open access to major genealogical datasets that are becoming increasingly commercialised. This will be a tricky process. Commercial big-boys such as Ancestry, FindMyPast, and the like are pouring an awful lot of cash into our once impoverished pastime, yet the very same organisations are making it quite expensive for us to get at the most sought after data collections. Most of our major bodies - government institutions included - are being seduced by the major players, and the smaller commercial concerns are finding it difficult to compete.
Anyway, I would urge you all to take a close look at recent developments here and here, to keep an eye on the situation - and to offer your support, or otherwise, when required. The OGA website is a little underdeveloped at present, but stick with it.
I'll quickly run through a few other bits and pieces:-
The SoG has placed this useful list online - being the Handouts for the presentations and workshops at the WDYTYA? Live! fair. Some are pretty good, others don't make a lot of sense - but, hey-ho, there you go.
The FFHS now has a Facebook page.
Oh, and...
MEDIA NEWS
... a list of forthcoming TV & Radio shows for us all.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
New Records & a Census Campaign
NEWS
A few new records have popped up online - well, one lot, anyway, with the promise of some important stuff to come ... eventually. Ancestry have updated their UK Incoming Passenger Lists for 1878-1960, for one thing; and take a look at this from FindMyPast/The British Library - UK Electoral Registers going online early next year? Great! To say nothing of the other bits and pieces. Another report on the news appears here.
With Fine Gael's victory in the Irish General Election, Irish researchers will be hoping that they are able push through their half-promise of releasing the 1926 Irish Census ahead of schedule. Don't forget to add your name to the online petition, here.
If you want to offer some feedback on the WDYTYA? Live! fair then click here. The next event of note is the Merseyside & Cheshire Family History Fair on Sunday 6th March - organisers website here.
And more interesting historical reading is provided by BBC History Magazine's website here.
MEDIA NEWS
A few family and local history programmes to look out for are listed here.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor, in Edinburgh, in 1847.
Death of...
Robert Hooke, English polymath, in London, aged 67, in 1703.
1985: The year-long Miners' Strike is called off.
A few new records have popped up online - well, one lot, anyway, with the promise of some important stuff to come ... eventually. Ancestry have updated their UK Incoming Passenger Lists for 1878-1960, for one thing; and take a look at this from FindMyPast/The British Library - UK Electoral Registers going online early next year? Great! To say nothing of the other bits and pieces. Another report on the news appears here.
With Fine Gael's victory in the Irish General Election, Irish researchers will be hoping that they are able push through their half-promise of releasing the 1926 Irish Census ahead of schedule. Don't forget to add your name to the online petition, here.
If you want to offer some feedback on the WDYTYA? Live! fair then click here. The next event of note is the Merseyside & Cheshire Family History Fair on Sunday 6th March - organisers website here.
And more interesting historical reading is provided by BBC History Magazine's website here.
MEDIA NEWS
A few family and local history programmes to look out for are listed here.
ON THIS DAY
Birth of...
Alexander Graham Bell, inventor, in Edinburgh, in 1847.
Death of...
Robert Hooke, English polymath, in London, aged 67, in 1703.
1985: The year-long Miners' Strike is called off.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Breeding Ground
NEWS
As is so often the case, an event like WDYTYA? Live! tends to bring new developments and partnerships in the genealogical world. As the major players in the industry mix and mingle ('networking', I think they call it), ideas are exchanged and, occasionally, new advances made in the field. One such move seems to be Ancestry.co.uk's partnership with Cassini Maps, which may be worth keeping an eye on.
Another perspective on the weekend's fair can be found on the SoG's blog. Take note of the closing words regarding the event's takeover by the BBC. The SoG have now released their new book, The Society of Genealogists, 1911-2011: A Century of Family History.
Just spotted this one, too: last call for Chris Paton's Scottish Research Online course.
ARTICLES
Elsewhere, you can take a celebratory look at St.David's Day (which was yesterday); or, perhaps, examine another angle on the movie of the moment, The King's Speech, here.
OTHER STUFF
An unusual posting on the MyHeritage blog can be found here. How many of us have home movies from the 1920s, I wonder? If you have, I want to know about it - and get them online!
ON THIS DAY
1797: The first £1 note is issued;
1882: Roderick McLean tries to assassinate Queen Victoria at Windsor with a pistol. He is declared insane and banged up in Broadmoor Asylum until his death 39 years later;
1969: Concorde makes its maiden flight.
As is so often the case, an event like WDYTYA? Live! tends to bring new developments and partnerships in the genealogical world. As the major players in the industry mix and mingle ('networking', I think they call it), ideas are exchanged and, occasionally, new advances made in the field. One such move seems to be Ancestry.co.uk's partnership with Cassini Maps, which may be worth keeping an eye on.
Another perspective on the weekend's fair can be found on the SoG's blog. Take note of the closing words regarding the event's takeover by the BBC. The SoG have now released their new book, The Society of Genealogists, 1911-2011: A Century of Family History.
Just spotted this one, too: last call for Chris Paton's Scottish Research Online course.
ARTICLES
Elsewhere, you can take a celebratory look at St.David's Day (which was yesterday); or, perhaps, examine another angle on the movie of the moment, The King's Speech, here.
OTHER STUFF
An unusual posting on the MyHeritage blog can be found here. How many of us have home movies from the 1920s, I wonder? If you have, I want to know about it - and get them online!
ON THIS DAY
1797: The first £1 note is issued;
1882: Roderick McLean tries to assassinate Queen Victoria at Windsor with a pistol. He is declared insane and banged up in Broadmoor Asylum until his death 39 years later;
1969: Concorde makes its maiden flight.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Fair Fallout... & the Irish
NEWS
So much for the expected lull I was anticipating after WDYTYA? Live! There has been a surge of genealogical news in the last 24 hours - so much so, in fact, that it'll probably take me the rest of the week to catch up! Anyway, here goes...
Chris Paton of Scottish GENES has gone blog-crazy. By clicking on the link you will see just how busy he has been uploading interviews, photos and the like - marvellous stuff! I would urge you to go at least as far down his lengthy list of blog entries as that entitled 'WDYTYA - some news!', which outlines a few exciting bits and pieces to come. Mainly Scottish stuff, but not all.
Some awards were dished out at the fair, too. There was Your Family History's 'Archive of the Year Award'. And then there was Family Tree Magazine's 'Websites of the Decade Awards'.
Moving swiftly away from the fair, there has also been a glut of Irish genealogical news lately. Donegal researchers will want to know about these newly-available civil death records. Then there is the launch of a new project/website relating to Irish graveyards, here.
When you've finished with the above, you can move onto the latest glut of news from the National Archives of Ireland, then have a browse of the latest book releases relating to Ireland at ReadIreland (and click on 'ReadIreland Book News').
And just in case those of you on mainland Britain are beginning to feel left out, check out the latest edition of Out and About on the BBC History Magazine's website (exhibitions, events, lectures, etc.). Oh, and the March edition of the magazine itself is also now available - see here.
Phew!
So much for the expected lull I was anticipating after WDYTYA? Live! There has been a surge of genealogical news in the last 24 hours - so much so, in fact, that it'll probably take me the rest of the week to catch up! Anyway, here goes...
Chris Paton of Scottish GENES has gone blog-crazy. By clicking on the link you will see just how busy he has been uploading interviews, photos and the like - marvellous stuff! I would urge you to go at least as far down his lengthy list of blog entries as that entitled 'WDYTYA - some news!', which outlines a few exciting bits and pieces to come. Mainly Scottish stuff, but not all.
Some awards were dished out at the fair, too. There was Your Family History's 'Archive of the Year Award'. And then there was Family Tree Magazine's 'Websites of the Decade Awards'.
Moving swiftly away from the fair, there has also been a glut of Irish genealogical news lately. Donegal researchers will want to know about these newly-available civil death records. Then there is the launch of a new project/website relating to Irish graveyards, here.
When you've finished with the above, you can move onto the latest glut of news from the National Archives of Ireland, then have a browse of the latest book releases relating to Ireland at ReadIreland (and click on 'ReadIreland Book News').
And just in case those of you on mainland Britain are beginning to feel left out, check out the latest edition of Out and About on the BBC History Magazine's website (exhibitions, events, lectures, etc.). Oh, and the March edition of the magazine itself is also now available - see here.
Phew!
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