Friday, 28 June 2013

Genealogy News - 28th June


FindMyPast have added 1.2 million records to their Wales Collection. More comment here.

More price reductions from FamilyTreeDNA - as outlined here by blogger Debbie Kennett (BTW, don't worry about the prices in US dollars, as you can still order from the UK).

For Scottish researchers: the latest issue of Broadsheet.

Here's an interesting option from Forces War Records.

I see English Heritage is to become a charity (thanks to @SueWilkesauthor on Twitter).

Here's a great story about an accidental find in the rafters of an old building.

As for the rest of the week's news, well, I'm going to be a bit lazy and divert you elsewhere! Seriously, though, it provides me with an excellent opportunity to give a little plug to two other excellent sources of British & Irish genealogy news...

Claire Santry's Irish Genealogy News blog is, of course, essential reading for Irish researchers, and there has been a mini rush of news from this corner of the world. Rather than me steal all her stories, why not have a browse for yourself - there are items on PRONI, Co.Clare, Irish newspapers, as well as a reminder about free access to the Irish BMD records this weekend.

Similarly, you are probably familiar with Chris Paton's British GENES blog. Chris specialises in Scottish and Northern Irish matters, but actually covers all things UK & Irish on his blog - and there has been plenty to take in this week, too. So, again, why not have a wander through his recent posts, which include the latest 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette', Ancestry's search features, and alternative comment on many of the stories also covered by Claire Santry's blog - and there is much more besides.

And then there are the usual Friday bits and pieces from the BBC:

More news, etc., can be found at the BI-Gen Twitter feed.



Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Genealogy News - 25th June


Potentially explosive news for us genealogists from the legal corridors of the EU (thanks to @YourFamTreemag on Twitter).

From the keyboard of Chris Paton: a useful report on the PRONI User Forum Meeting (note the very last item - a major fair and a conference!). Thanks for that, Chris. And thanks, too, for this useful and informal guide to visiting PRONI.

Fancy meeting the top dog at The National Archives next month? Click here for more info.

TNA's online bookshop is to be re-vamped - see here.

Those of you who follow the adventures of the Scottish Genealogy Network will wish to take in this blog post.

A little update from the British Newspaper Archive.

Here's the latest (and very impressive) newsletter from the Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies.

I see that PAF (Personal Ancestral File), the family tree programme launched by FamilySearch in 1984, is to be discontinued.

If you think you might be interested in Derry's Great Parchment Book, then check out this blog post.

The latest Eneclann newsletter can be found here. As you can see, the first story indicates that the Genealogy Advisory Service at the NLI is set to continue.

The National Library of Wales has put out an appeal entitled 'Calling all clubs & societies'.

Those of us who are fans of the Europeana website/blog may wish to sign the petition to keep the organisation alive.

And here's your weekly round-up of entertaining history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Forthcoming events:
And I hope you don't mind an advance 'plug' for a major event in September which is right on my doorstep:
at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

More news and articles at the BI-Gen Twitter feed.



Friday, 21 June 2013

Genealogy News - 21st June


Want some free online genealogy reading? You can have all you want here (thanks to @SueWilkesauthor on Twitter for the tip-off).

The same source (Dick Eastman) also provides interesting food for thought here.

Oh, I see the latest Lost Cousins newsletter is out, too. Another great read!

For those of you keeping up with the shenanigans surrounding the release of the 1926 Irish Census, see here.

A good spot by Chris Paton re. free access to Irish BMD indexes from FindMyPast.com (we're all assuming that the other FMP formats will fall into line in due course - co.uk, ie, au).

Chris also nicely summarises developments at Origins.net - including lots of things to come.

A newspaper update from FindMyPast.

Latest issue of Your Family Tree Magazine.

Here's a decent-looking offer from WDYTYA? Magazine.

A selection of Irish events over the coming weeks and months.

Latest offers from Pen & Sword Books. And some special offers from TNA.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC:

And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed.




Thanks to @HistoryforGirls on Twitter...

(then click on image to enlarge)

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Genealogy News - 18th June


As the popular family history TV series Long Lost Family returns to our screens here in the UK, look out, too, for the forthcoming Secrets from the Workhouse which begins next week - preview here.

The latest repository to suffer at the hands of the Europe-wide recession is the Irish Architectural Archive.

Latest from FindMyPast: London Volunteer Soldiers, 1859-1955.

Check out the latest from TheGenealogist.

For those with an interest in President Obama's Irish ancestry, then check this out.

Get to grips with GenealogyInTime's worldwide genealogy news.

Here's the latest e-bulletin for Family Historian users.

Fancy a free Family History guide from GenesReunited?

A couple of items via Chris Paton's blog:



Here's an online exhibition from PRONI relating to Co.Fermanagh.

Claire Santry brings us another IGP Archives update from Ireland.

The usual history links round-up from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

And, of course, here are your forthcoming events for the next few days:



And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed.


 

Friday, 14 June 2013

Genealogy News - 14th June


At last we have a surge of genealogy news!

Most of you will, I'm sure, be interested to know about the line-up for the next series of WDYTYA?

Big news from FindMyPast for Lincolnshire researchers.

It seems that MyHeritage have started producing e-newsletters - well, this is the first one I've received from them!

World's oldest person dies (thanks to @MyHeritage on Twitter).

Sussex researchers - get a sneak peek of your new record office.

There's a little bit more info on the recent wills/probate release at GenesReunited to be found here.

Quite a bit of recent activity at Ancestry - check out their 'updates page' for the low-down.

Here's a major forthcoming event for those interested in Ulster.

More Irish stuff from Ireland Reaching Out.

The latest issue of S&N's Genealogy 'E-mail News' can be found here (inc. TheGenealogist's latest releases).

Here's what looks like DeceasedOnline's final announcement re. Brompton Cemetery in London (related blog post here).

An event I omitted from Tuesday's listing: Lincolnshire Archives Family History Day (15th) (thanks to @GenealogyGent on Twitter).

And it'll be a big weekend in Co.Carlow, Ireland!

Here's a review of a handy-looking book.

The July issue of 'Family Tree' magazine is now available.

The latest FamilySearch news release includes some Irish stuff.

And yet more Irish news re. everyday procedures at the National Library of Ireland.

From TNA's blog: part 2 of their series of posts on the Bevin Boys.

US blogger, Dick Eastman, flags an interesting new development for (literally) recording our everyday lives.

Another new online source which may be of interest: The Spectator magazine archive.

A history crossword.

The usual bits and bobs from the BBC:

More news items at the BI-Gen Twitter feed.






Thanks to @VictorianLondon and @SocialhistoryPS on Twitter for...


Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Genealogy News - 11th June


Once more I'm struggling for news. Has everyone gone on holiday? Never mind, here's what I've got...

The latest news from The Parish Chest.

Platinum members at GenesReunited have an additional database to browse: the Bank of England Wills Extracts 1717-1845.

FindMyPast looks at the family tree of Clare Balding.

Audrey Collins has penned an informative piece on Armed Forces Birth, Marriage & Death Records.

A fabulous early map of London (thanks to @CharlotteFrost1 on Twitter).

Interesting info is provided by Chris Paton on the subject of the 1926 Census for Northern Ireland (and related issues). Here's Claire Santry's take on the news.

Thanks to @DebbieKennett on Twitter for flagging this article on 'What happened when I had my genome sequenced.'

Here's the weekly collection of entertaining history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Forthcoming events...


And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed.




Friday, 7 June 2013

Genealogy News - 7th June


FindMyPast have added 2.5 million more Irish Petty Session Court records to their collection.

The damage caused by the fire at the National Library of Wales is summarised here.

There's more on Ancestry's recent Engineers' records release at their blog, here.

Quite a bit of reading is up for grabs...

June issue of Irish Lives Remembered.

The latest Essex Record Office e-Bulletin.

The June e-newsletter from TNA.

The latest Pharos Bulletin.

Lovers of London's cemeteries may wish to read this.

Thanks to blogger Claire Santry for these upcoming Irish events (also here).

Special offers from BooksIreland can be found here.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC:

And remember to visit the BI-Gen Twitter feed.



Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Genealogy News - 4th June


It's the end of an era for Sussex researchers as the Maltings shuts its doors.

Another Lost Cousins newsletter has popped up - excellent reading as ever.

Here's the latest Eneclann newsletter.

Then there's the June newsletter from the CWGC.

Oh, and there's one more newsletter: the FFHS E-Zine (bit late with this one - sorry).

There's been a little flurry of action at Ancestry's updates page (those with engineer ancestors may be especially interested).

A couple of Irish news items:

And from Scotland ... the new National Records of Scotland website (via Chris Paton's blog).

The latest TNA Podcast is especially relevant to genealogists.

The latest round-up of history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

As for forthcoming events:

Don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed, too, of course ... though it's been a bit quiet lately due to a lack of genealogy news!




From the Abroad in the Yard blog...


And finally, a century ago today...


Friday, 31 May 2013

Genealogy News - 31st May


Recent releases by Ancestry include great news for Surrey researchers - see their 'updates page' and follow the links.

Live near London and fancy a free lecture or three? Then check out the June listing for the excellent Gresham College. The talks are free and open to all (and most of the old ones are online at their website, too)

Scots may wish to take a look at this major forthcoming conference in October which is being organised by the Scottish Genealogy Society ... who have also released a few new publications.

Are you into community archives &/or heritage? Then you should check this newsletter out.

A couple of new podcasts have popped up at TNA's dedicated website.

Those of us with Bevin Boy ancestors may be interested in this.

An interesting story about a bid to identify Belfast soldiers.

Lots of Irish news, as usual, is available at Claire Santry's 'Irish Genealogy News' blog - so much of late, in fact, that I'm simply going to ask you to click through to her website and have a browse for yourself. In short, there's news on NLI's 'Summer of Genealogy', Derry's Great Parchment Book, an Irish Famine Conference, and lots, lots more.

A couple of items for Scottish researchers via blogger Chris Paton:

Check out a list of 10 free parish register websites.

Many genealogists may wish to follow blogger John D Reid's advice and take an online course.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC...
  • The week's 'History Headlines' will soon pop up here (where you can also peruse previous instalments);
  • Latest Podcast;
  • Upcoming history TV & radio.

More to be found at the BI-Gen Twitter feed.




Questionable advice...


Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Genealogy News - 28th May


The Spring Bank Holiday seems to have temporarily choked the flow of genealogy news. Oh well, let's see what we can dig out...

Some reading to begin with, and the latest Lost Cousins Newsletter + the Bank Holiday edition from S&N Genealogy Supplies.

Big news for Scottish researchers: the launch of the 1895 Valuation Rolls at ScotlandsPeople.

More Scottish news via Chris Paton: Scottish Monumental Inscriptions update.

And yet more for the Scots: don't forget to keep tabs on Electric Scotland's newsletters.

You may wish to catch up with recent developments at TheGenealogist.

Here's the regular history links collection from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

And that's about it. Well, apart from the usual forthcoming events listing...

And remember that there are other oddments to be found via the BI-Gen Twitter feed.



Friday, 24 May 2013

Genealogy News - 24th May


Once again, we begin with blogger of all things Irish, Claire Santry, and her report on the terrific news about the island's Civil Registration Indexes. Chris Paton's take on the news is here. Claire also fills us in on more available Church of Ireland records.

Not long before I published this post news broke of the release of over 450,000 new parish records from FindMyPast. The new datasets cover several parts of England, so do at least have a quick look just in case your area of interest is included.

I've been sent a link to a handy 'Interactive People Finder' which genealogists may find useful.

Here's an interesting project from Northumberland, and more specifically Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Thanks to @NLIreland on Twitter (among others) for pointing out this great resource for Irish history.

A little news item re. Wales and its libraries can be perused here.

Think you may have an interest in Brompton Cemetery, London? Try this.

Yorkshire researchers may wish to take a look at Chris Paton's post on the subject of Bradford's planned new library.

Latest issue of Irish Roots Magazine.

Interesting theory: our ancestors were smarter than us (thanks to @FamilySearch on Twitter).

Blogger Christine Woodcock has flagged another couple of useful general websites - the first recommendation (for Scots) can be found here and the second (for the whole of the world!) is here.

A tale of conservation from the NLI.

There's a half price offer on historical maps from Ordnance Survey.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC HistoryExtra website:

And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed!



Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Genealogy News - 21st May


As is prone to happen from time to time, we have a distinct lull in genealogy-related news at the moment. But here goes anyway...

We'll begin with blogger Claire Santry and her further observations re. the release of the 1926 Irish Census.

The latest GOONS Newsflash is now available.

Here's news of a DNA project for Caithness and Sutherland (thanks to @DebbieKennett on Twitter).

And here are details of an Oxfordshire DNA project (related posts here and here).

There's also an interesting DNA Native Indians-in-Iceland tale here.

Chris Paton informs us of the latest news on the 'Family Tree' TV comedy show, currently airing in the US and due 'over here' in July.

Now available: the latest Offaly History newsletter.

Christine Woodcock points to a couple of avenues for those of us with Scottish rural ancestors.

As for Northern Ireland (and its GRO records), take a look at this post from Chris Paton. And here's some new material for County Down.

Forthcoming events (not a great deal happening!):

And don't forget about the BI-Gen Twitter feed.




Way too complicated...


Friday, 17 May 2013

Genealogy News - 17th May


It appears that the organisers of next year's WDYTYA? Fair have tinkered with the dates. The show will now run from Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd February 2014 - see the official site.

Seafaring ancestors? Then check this out from FMP.

More on that interesting-looking development from MyHeritage - namely their 'Record Detective' feature. Oh, and there's mention of something else from MyHeritage here.

Good news for Peterborough researchers. And there's more from DeceasedOnline here (inc. London news).

If you've English Catholic interests then you should have a look at this useful post.

Those of you with RAF ancestors may be interested in this from TNA.

Need Irish news? Then you'll know that the place to go is Claire Santry's 'Irish Genealogy News' blog. Some of the more prominent stories of late are...


The results of the 2013 Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence can be found here (thanks to @familytreemaguk on Twitter).

The June issue of Family Tree magazine is now out.

Ah, here are some free resources from Your Family Tree magazine!

A history crossword.

Latest from the BBC...

And two more important things to remember:
  • If you need a family history researcher or any other genealogical service/product then don't forget to peruse the category tabs at the top of this blog (and please mention that you came via the BI-Gen Blog!);
  • And please pop in to visit the BI-Gen Twitter feed for all the latest genealogy news & stories ... and you don't have to be a registered Twitter user to do so!




Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Genealogy News - 14th May


The latest Lost Cousins newsletter is up for grabs.

Thanks to Claire Santry for the latest on the Irish 1926 Census release.

A major WWI project is in the offing - see Chris Paton's take on the news here.

MyHeritage subscribers will probably already know about the new 'Record Detective' feature of their website - but if not, here's a YouTube clip. Looks pretty neat.

If you're Scottish based and interested in historical newspapers, then please take note of this.

DNA research fans will want to take a look at this from Debbie Kennett's blog.

It's about time we had a look at worldwide genealogy news via the GenealogyInTime newsletter.

Here's the latest batch of history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Interesting piece on child migrants from TNA's blog.

Here's a brief history of the Huguenots.

Many of you may remember an appeal by genealogist Anthony Adolph for British folk related to Abraham Lincoln ... well, here's how it panned out!

And, of course, here's your forthcoming events:


Remember to also keep an eye on the BI-Gen Twitter feed for the latest news.



 


And please, PLEASE follow the link to some wonderful old colour footage from the 1920s...


Friday, 10 May 2013

Genealogy News - 10th May


Not a great deal happening this week. Enough, though, to keep us ticking over...

Irish researchers may wish to check out FindMyPast Ireland's online memorial to the Irish Famine.

The ScotlandsPeople May newsletter is available here.

Ever wondered about Northern Ireland and the 1926 Census?

FindMyPast have posted an article on the ancestry of actor Michael Kitchen.

The National Archives' May e-newsletter is here. One of the more prominent news items is the release of 19th century immigration records (see also here).

New exhibition at the National Records of Scotland.

Here's Essex Record Office's May e-bulletin.

Monaghan researchers ... check this out.

Latest TNA Podcast.

Here's a good 'spot' by @GuildOneName on Twitter: a surname distribution tool.

The very latest issue of the completely free Irish Lives Remembered is now available.

And more Irish news via Claire Santry:

Thanks to @DebbieKennett on Twitter for flagging this article on 'What Makes the British'. Debbie also highlights this article about our inter-relatedness.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC:

And the BI-Gen Twitter feed can be found here.



Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Genealogy News - 7th May


I'd almost forgotten about this, but of course May is 'Local History Month'. The best there is on offer as regards a central website is (as far as I know) this effort from The Historical Association. Even better ... just pop along to your local library for a booklet and/or relevant guidance. There's lots going on!

Still thinking about joining The National Archives' 'Community' website/forum? Read all about it here.

Here's a regular read that gets better and better: the Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies newsletter.

Have a historical interest in the Essex police force? See here.

Latest newsletter from the Community Archives & Heritage Group.

Here's a useful list which has just been updated: GenealogyInTime's 'First Name Abbreviations'.

Latest Podcast from TNA.

Two useful posts from blogger Chris Paton:


London map enthusiasts may be interested in this from the British Library (thanks to @CharlotteFrost1 on Twitter).

The latest Eneclann newsletter is now available.

Scots Italian? See here (thanks to @ScotlandsPeople on Twitter).

More Scots stuff: the latest issue of 'Broadsheet'.

Need research help or wanna give it? See Mocavo's new service, here.

Here's your weekly collection of history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Forthcoming events:

And don't forget about the BI-Gen Twitter feed.





Thanks, again, to the Two Nerdy History Girls for...


Friday, 3 May 2013

Genealogy News - 3rd May


The May newsletter from S&N Genealogy Supplies is now out - see here. This issue includes some important news items, so don't miss out.

Talking of newsletters, here's the latest effort from the Parish Chest.

Oh, and here's another: the CWGC May e-newsletter.

And there's serious reading to be had with the launch on 1st May of this new genealogy e-mag.

DeceasedOnline have added records for Altrincham to their datasets. Some info can be found here, and no doubt an article will pop up on their blog in due course.

Here's something for Scottish diaries for August.

Ancestry have added a new collection of 'UK City & County Directories' to their website - see here and follow the links.

News re. Oxford wills from Origins.net.

Sad news: Salford Heritage Services to be slashed (via @SpeakUp4Libs on Twitter).

Royal Navy interests? Check this out.

This looks interesting for Irish researchers.

More Irish stuff: updates to the Ireland Genealogy Projects Archives.

Latest from the BBC:

And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed !


I do hope you haven't just eaten...


On a lighter note (I think), more confusion for future genealogists...


Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Genealogy News - 30th April


Many of you may have heard about the fire at the National Library of Wales. For a neat overview check out Chris Paton's short post on the topic. Chris also highlights an important recent press release from the NLW re. copyright issues.

Here's a fascinating story via blogger Dick Eastman (thanks also to @SueWilkesauthor on Twitter).

The 'Abroad in theYard' blog has an interesting piece on red-heads.

If you're deeply into Scottish genealogical research - especially as a profession - then you'll want to keep tabs on these recent developments.

There have been a few updates made to Ancestry's records - have a quick look here (1911 Census + Liverpool stuff).

For NEW customers only: use discount code TELLY when registering at FindMyPast.co.uk to secure 40 free credits.

Want to know about Inquisitions Post Mortem? Here's a good spot by @CharlotteFrost1 via Twitter.

Dabbled in genetic genealogy lately? Then take this survey by John D Reid.

Thanks to @MyHeritage on Twitter for this story about three sisters born in nine months ... and they're not triplets!

A couple of new podcasts have appeared on TNA's website. Click here, and browse through all they have to offer.

Here's your weekly dose of history links from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Forthcoming events...


Don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed.




Via @AncestryUK on Twitter...

Friday, 26 April 2013

Genealogy News - 26th April


FindMyPast have released new WWI Swansea records.

Don't miss out on the latest Lost Cousins newsletter. Great stuff, as always.

DeceasedOnline's recent efforts concerning the cemetery records of Trafford Council (Manchester) can be examined here.

Tyrone & Fermanagh researchers should check this out.

Northumberland researchers should take note of the latest from FamilySearch. FamilySearch have also posted some new training videos.

More from the North-East of England: TNA have released more County Durham Home Guard records.

Here's an interesting 'remote' transcription project/idea from the National Railway Museum.

This is a good spot by Chris Paton: a TNA talks session on the subject of DNA. And here's a nice DNA-related article from the Wellcome Library.

Check out this idea from The National Archives. As they themselves say on Twitter: 'Sign up to our new community to join discussions, make suggestions and help develop & shape our online services'. Sounds promising.

Yet more from TNA: 5th tranche of colonial records has been released.

An important announcement from the National Library of Scotland and Wikipedia can be found here.

Thanks to @GenealogyGent on Twitter (among others) for this interactive surname map of the UK.

Check out Dick Eastman's post on the subject of the latest genealogy TV effort. Should find its way over to the UK & Ireland eventually.

Latest issue of Your Family Tree magazine (check out this subscription offer, too).

If you're still looking for a bit of reading then check out Chris Paton's report from an ongoing conference in Scotland which is of interest to us all regarding the general issue of archiving.

The usual Friday stuff from the BBC:

Remember to keep an eye on the BI-Gen Twitter feed over the weekend.





Completely non-genealogical, but thanks to the Two Nerdy History Girls for...


Also, you'll love this story via the Abroad in the Yard blog...


Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Genealogy News - 23rd April


A very happy Saint George's Day to you all (well, the English among you!). The BNA celebrate the occasion with this interesting post.

The FamilySearch indexing project, launched in 2006, has reached a major milestone with the processing of its one billionth record.

TNA catalogue users: beware the 30th April deadline date.

And here are a couple of TNA Podcasts:


Thanks to Beryl Evans of the FFHS for this piece of news about a proposed Huguenot Heritage Centre in Rochester. Associated survey here.

The May issue of Family Tree magazine is now available.

Chris Paton's blog features an interesting story about Humanist weddings in Scotland - amazing!

Latest newsletter from the Community Archives & Heritage Group.

For Irish researchers: the latest newsletter from Eneclann. Also, PRONI acquire the Londonderry Papers.

Latest history links round-up from the Two Nerdy History Girls.

Forthcoming events...


And don't forget the BI-Gen Twitter feed.


Genes Reunited has over 13 million members and growing...
 


Thanks to @litreactor & @WellcomeLibrary on Twitter...