WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Trip to FHL

How to Start Your Family History

2009-06-17T12:50:00.002-06:00

Family history research involves 6 basic steps. Each step is briefly explained in the following article found here at Familysearch.org.

Resources

Select the link to go directly to the resources on FamilySearch.org.

Pedigree Chart—Download or print a form to list your pedigree: your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and so on.
Family Group Record Form—Download or print a form to list an entire family and their information.
Personal Ancestral File—Download a Windows®-based program to help you organize your family history information.
Search for Ancestors—Search for deceased individuals in the FamilySearch.org database.
Family History Library Catalog, Surname Search—Search for published histories of individuals in the Family History Library collection.
Family History Centers—Locate a family history center near you.
Web Sites—Locate other family history Web sites that may contain histories or information about your family.
Research Guidance—Search for records that may have information about your ancestors.
Research Helps—Access forms and other helps to download or print.
Go to a printable list with instructions for how to navigate to the resources in this guide.

A Genealogists Dream by Sue Seniawski

2009-06-17T07:05:00.003-06:00

Sue Seniawski writes this ... .

"Picture a whole week of looking for your ancestors in the world’s largest genealogy library from daylight to dusk with no distractions. "

"All the arrangements were made for you. The comfortable, clean bus picked you up Sunday morning, September 20, 2009. The bus was filled with genealogists from northeastern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. It made frequent stops so you could get up and stretch your legs. The bus dropped you off at your hotel. The driver even helped unload your bags. "

"On Sunday evening there was a pizza party and talk by George Ott, Getting the Most Out of Your Research at the Family History Library. Professional genealogist D. Jane Carpenter was there to greet you and sign you up for your first consultation on Monday."

"On Monday you had a choice of a library orientation at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m."

"All week long you had the individual assistance of professional genealogist D. Jane Carpenter to help you with your brick walls or to guide you where to look next."

"On Tuesday evening there was an informal “How Goes It” at the Plaza at 8:00 p.m. where you shared what you’d dug up on your ancestors."

"On Sunday, September 27, 2009 the bus picked you up at the hotel door and returned you home in the same comfortable fashion with the same congenial bunch of genealogists. "

"The Cheyenne (WY) Genealogical and Historical Society and the Larimer County (CO) Genealogical Society are sponsoring a research trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Everything mentioned above is included in the $159 early bird registration fee good until July 20. After that date the registration fee goes to $185 and is subject to availability."

"We’ve negotiated fantastic prices at the following hotels, be sure to mention WYCO 09 when you make your reservations at The Plaza Hotel, right next door to the Family History Library (Restaurant on premises.) http://www.plaza-hotel.com; or the Crystal Inn Hotel, 7 blocks from the Library, two blocks from the light rail, hotel shuttle available. (Free hot breakfast daily.) http://www.crystalinnsaltlake.com/ "

Registration forms are available at HTTP://wyco-09.blogspot.com

For more information contact Sue at sseniawski@aol.com or (307) 638-6519, Paul at phsmith@intergate.com or (970) 613-1930 or Ken at goldsdlf@lamar.colostate.edu

Church History Library

2009-06-15T09:38:00.003-06:00

Participants that have in interest in LDS history may like to see the new Church History Library on their research trip. (See Tom Kemp’s article “Church History Library Opens in Salt Lake City - June 12th & 13th” posted yesterday in the Official GenealogyBank.com Blog. ) Author Note: the Church History Library is not the same as the Family History Library.

Travel Insurance

2009-06-10T06:29:00.005-06:00

Travel insurance gives you the comfort that you are protected for emergency medical expense, trip cancellation, trip interrruption, lost luggage and emergency evacuation. Included in your reservation packet is a Travel Guard Essential insurance brochure provided by Rocky Mountain Travel King (RMTK) of Fort Collins that explains the benefits. Please take a few minutes to read and study it. You may easily obtain this coverage by calling Laura at RMTK (970)484-5566 (800)525-5306 at least 48 hours prior to departure. All the arrangements can be handled by phone.

A "one size fits all" approach to purchasing travel insurance may not be to your liking or you might want to find out more information about travel insurance and do some comparison shopping. I suggest you try InsureMyTrip.com -- a travel insurance comparison site at http://www.insuremytrip.com/. They have a a 24/7 chat line and an 800 number to get help (800-487-4722). Trip insurance may be purchased directly in a secure environment from this site.

For more information about Travel Guard Essential trip insurance, click on the following link:

http://www.insuremytrip.com/certificate/TGE/all.html

Who can go and why the non-member fee?

2009-06-07T21:53:00.003-06:00

Our trip is not limited to members of any particular genealogical society, ethnic group, or research interest. However, we do think that belonging to a local genealogical society is of great value and so we encourage membership by charging extra for non-members.

We would like you to check out the Cheyenne Genealogical & Historical Society and Larimer County Genealogical Society, who are the co-sponsors of this event, or any other that may be close to your residence.

Gone Researchin'

2009-06-04T08:17:00.003-06:00

WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Trip
20-27 September 2009
Family History Library (FHL), Salt Lake City, Utah

Gone Researchin’

Travel with a group of genealogists from southeastern Wyoming and northeastern Colorado to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. All the arrangements have been made for you. We’ve chartered a bus that’ll leave from Fort Collins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, September 20 and return Sunday evening, September 27. Special group rates are available for Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, right next door to the Family History Library (Restaurant on premises.) http://www.plaza-hotel.com; or the Crystal Inn Hotel, 7 blocks from the Library, two blocks from the light rail, hotel shuttle available. (Free hot breakfast daily.) http://www.crystalinnsaltlake.com/.

Research your family history at the world’s largest genealogy library with one-on-one assistance from professional genealogist, Jane Carpenter.

For more information contact Paul Smith, phsmith@intergate.com at (970) 613-1930 or Ken Goldsberry, goldsdlf@lamar.colostate.edu, at (970)227-5091. Sign up for the “Early Bird” rate now. Registration fees increase after 20 July.

Share this opportunity with your friends.

Family History Library Floor Plans

2009-06-01T21:16:00.008-06:00

The library has five floors for public use. Three floors are above ground and two are below ground. Each floor has a reference help desk, library attendants' window, copy center, restrooms, FamilySearch computers, and drinking fountain. Detailed floor plans show the location of services on each floor.

When you register for WYCO-09 (see the side bar for the registration form) you will receive a reservation packet containing maps of the Family History Library's Main Level, Level 2, Level B1, Level 3, and Level B2. This handy guide lists the library hours, rules and places to go for additional information.

Also included in your reservation packet is a Salt Lake City Visitors Map that shows prominant places to visit (museums, historical sites and the route for TRAX (Light Rail Line).

Classes at the Family History Library

2009-05-26T19:18:00.003-06:00

Sue Seniawski (CGHS) visited the FHL recently and brought back a flyer on classes offered at the Salt Lake FHL. At the bottom of the flyer was this notice: "For a list of monthly classes, visit our website: http://www.familysearch.org/. " I found a link to the classes offered in May.
Of course we are going to FHL to do research. Still, there might be something we are particularly interested in that would be of help in our research. As we get closer to September, I think I will check to see what's new. One class that caught my eye is Introduction to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.

I found the link to it at https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Main_Page. Wow! It looks like I found the Wikipedia for genealogists -- a free online encyclopedia for the compulsive.

Benefits of Attending the WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Tour

2009-05-12T23:29:00.010-06:00

The variety of records to research in the Family History Library is astounding. There are so many different record types available that I could never list them all. However, there are Probates, Vital Records, Parish Registers, Deeds, Federal and State Censuses and a thousand other kinds of records all just a few feet from where you can sit in the Family History Library.

Records from all over the world are available to search - old records - and new. Records are added to the collection on a daily basis. Records unattainable six months ago may be on the shelf and waiting for you today! Not only are millions of films available, but thousands of books - books that are non-circulating and can only be used within the library - all available for your research.

When you find your family in one record type in the library, you can quickly move on to other records, locating them all within a matter of minutes.

A Professional genealogist will help you every step of the way
Jane Carpenter of Carpenter Genealogical Services (CGS) is the group’s research consultant and “go-to” person for help. A Nebraska native, D. Jane Carpenter, principal owner of CGS, was raised in Southeast Wyoming. She and her daughters moved to Utah in 1978 where she has resided ever since. Educated at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Brigham Young University (BYU), she received a BA in Family & Local History, a BS in Historic Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology (minor in Museum Studies) and an MLS (Masters Library Science).

Jane Carpenter will be available to the group full-time during the week. She will be able to provide continuous one-on-one research consultations to participants, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. And in a recent Email to the organizing team, here is what Jane had to say. . .

"I have found over the years and years of research at the FHL that I would frequently run into new patrons who had used the Library all week and not found a thing. On those times that I would stop and work with them a short period [and] in most cases, they were or would be somewhat successful given their short time constraints. It is for this reason, my services will be useful to members of the WYCO research trip. "

"The Family History Library covers five floors with an extensive collection. Just walking into the building can be nerve racking and stressful, let alone determining where to go, what floor, where to sit, where is the BM, where's the copier etc., what books, what films and how to find them and where to begin to start hunting for their ancestral roots. It is Carpenter Genealogical Services ardent desire to be of any research assistance and to make the trip truly successful to all that attend. I also look forward to making many new friends."

The Camaraderie of the Group is Part of the Fun
Attendees at the WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Tour come not only to do research in the Family History Library, but many come to make new friends and enjoy the fun and fellowship that only a group experience can provide. Everyone will have an opportunity to discuss their research problems as well as their successes. On Saturday night, everyone will gather together for a farewell social event.

Many folks come on the tour with husbands or wives that aren't really into genealogy. Salt Lake City is a great area for activities other than family history.

Finally - You may find more ancestors than ever before!
By joining us in Salt Lake City on a WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Tour, you will be in the right place - at the right time - to locate more ancestors than you may have ever found before.

Stay next door and immerse yourself in your genealogy
The WYCO-09 Genealogy Research Tour uses the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel as our tour headquarters where we will have our Sunday evening meal and meet Jan Carpenter, our genealogical consultant. (The hotel is located across from the library.)

Microwaves and refrigerators are now in ALL the rooms at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel. This will be welcome news for those of us who need a two a.m. snack! For more information about the hotel and its amenities visit the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel website.

FLC Library Hours
The Library hours are from 8 am to 5 pm on Monday, but from Tuesday through Saturday, they run from 8 am to 9 pm.

Following the historic Overland Trail

2009-05-10T17:55:00.008-06:00

Historic Overland Trail

(Double click on map to enlarge)

"Overland to California: 1861"
Mark Twain's Travel by Coach Along the Overland Trail

Mark Twain rode the Overland Stage from St. Joseph, Missouri to California in 1861, the year Mark Twain's brother, Orion Clemens, was named Secretary of Nevada Territory. Twain joined his brother for the trip west. (Some have said that the young Mark deserted from the Confederate Army to do so.) Eleven years later Twain described his journey in the book Roughing It. Although its approach is humorous, the book's descriptions are accurate. As Twain notes in his preface, "...there is information in the volume; information concerning an interesting episode in the history of the Far West, about which no books have been written by persons who were on the ground in person, and saw the happenings of the time with their own eyes." [Enjoy the rest of this article at <http://www.over-land.com/marktwain.html>]

The route we will take to Salt Lake... .

2009-05-10T17:05:00.010-06:00

Route from Fort Collins, CO to Salt Lake City, UT

(Double Click on map to enlarge it)

After we leave Fort Collins, we will be traveling north along I25 where we will meet our fellow travelers in Cheyenne. After we leave Cheyenne we will travel west on I80 and make another stop in Larimie to pick up the last of our group before heading west to Salt Lake City and the our home away from home for the next 7 nights. We will be arriving in Rawlins about 11:30 a.m. where will stop and have some lunch. We will most likely arrive in Salt Lake around 6:00 p.m. in time for dinner.

You may not have known that I80 is not far from the historic Overland Trail. I will post a map of the stage route in my next blog.

SUMMARY

Driving distance: 487.6 miles

Trip duration: 10 hours, 9 minutes

Driving time: 7 hours, 9 minutes

2008-2009 Genealogy Planner

2009-04-30T21:26:00.005-06:00

While visiting the Salt Lake Convention and Visitor's Bureau at http://www.visitsaltlake.com/visit/ I discovered this 2008-2009 Genealogy Planner. It is a 12-page brochure that is interactive. Navigation can be a bit of a challenge but you can save it to your computer and you can print the pages you are interested in. You can also order a free copy at the main website.

Organizing your stuff!

2009-04-29T13:20:00.007-06:00

From Dear Myrtle (Pat Richley) at http://www.dearmyrtle.com/

According to Dear Myrtle, "We CAN get organized; it is just a matter of putting our collective minds to the task. Let's GET GOING!" Dear Myrtle explains how to get started on that elusive "finally getting organized" project in this 4-part series.

Part I explains how to make a surname notebook which is one of the things that Valerie Eichler Lair talked about when she gave her talk to LCGS in April.

Part II covers genealogical management programs (software) and how to organize your photos.

Part III covers many aspects of social networking with other genealogists so you can get the benefit of the research others have done or are doing. And Ol’ Myrt here is asking you to venture out and connect with other genealogists using a variety of methods. You know you’ve been meaning to do this, so no more dragging your feet! What have you got to lose? On the plus side, you are sure to find someone out there who can help you make progress getting around that genealogical brick wall.

Part IV cover the use of online catalogs (libraries), how to make a research folder and has many useful links to libraries that have large collections of genealogical reference material.

Part V Organizing and documenting photocopies, pedigree charts, old photo albums, folders, certificates, diaries, letters, faded lace fans, pocket watches, dust, flash drives and DVDs, homestead papers, family bibles, and maps.

Note: Clicking on these links will take you to her website and to a PDF file that you can read or download to your computer. The PDF files contain links to sites where you can order the recommended supplies.

Organizing-Part I January 2009 Organization Checklist by Dear Myrtle

Organizing-Part II February 2009 Organization Checklist by Dear Myrtle

Organizing-Part III March 2009 Organization Checklist by Dear Myrtle

Organizing-Part IV April, 2009 Organization Checklist by Dear Myrtle

Organizing-Part V May, 2009 Organization Checklist by Dear Myrtle

PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO THE FHL IN SLC

2009-04-28T23:33:00.002-06:00

PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO THE FHL IN SLC
© 2009 by Valerie Eichler Lair

1. Decide which Ancestors you want to research.

Create an alphabetical list of all Surnames. Name Soundex Locality Time Period
Create an alphabetical list of all Localities. State County Town Time Period
Create a Time Line for problem ancestor(s).

2. Decide what type of information you want.

Original Sources – obtain these first
Derivative Sources

3. Decide how to condense your materials, but not forget anything you need.
4. Start making TO-DO lists.
5. “Housekeeping” – Update Family Group Sheets with data and source citations. Review what records you already have.
6. You need to ensure what you’re taking to SLC is:
a. up-to-date
b. clear, concise, and accurate
c. analyze any problem not yet done
d. ensure all is complete
7. Start your search of the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) by Locality.

THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG (FHLC)

1. The online catalog at http://www.familysearch.org/ is updated daily.
2. Items are catalogued by: Locality, Surname, Subject, then by: Sub-categories
3. Search by Locality = STATE - COUNTY -SUBCATEGORY
STATE à COUNTY à TOWN/CITY à SUBCATEGORY
4. Print out the listings for each Locality. Go through each item on each listing to read each one word-for-word. The key here is “word-for-word.” Understand the description of the record.
a. record type
b. copyright date
c. dates included in the record
d. where are the original records
e. will you need more than one roll
f. is the item a Book and not on microfilm
5. Hi-light all the possibilities from your FHLC printouts. Put the ancestor’s name out in the margin.
6. Contact the FHL to order off-site microfilms in advance. It sometimes takes 2-4 weeks to arrive at the FHL.
7. Once your printouts are put into priority order, start compiling TO-DO lists. Use the Research Log.
8. Write the Ancestor’s Name, Locality, and Dates at the top of the Research Log.
9. You can also use a Daily Calendar.
Plan each day’s research and breaks:
i.e. Films – books – BREAK – films – LUNCH – books – films – DINNER – books
List supplies and equipment for each day.
Learn about YOU!
- how long can you sit at a reader?
- how fast can you look at an index vs. records?
- do you need a nap after lunch?

10. Once the final Research Logs are done, DO NOT CHANGE or ADD to them!!
11. Start a TO-DO BOX by putting things in it that you will need to take to SLC as you think of them.

SLC – FHL RESEARCH NOTEBOOK

1. Purchase a 3” D-ring binder.

Purchase tab dividers and sheet protectors. Purchase a zippered, three-hole pouch. Purchase the office supplies.
Arrangement of your Research Notebook:
Pouch for small supplies
Binder paper and Extract forms
Daily Calendar
Ancestor Chart
Research Logs – alphabetical order by Surname, then by 1st name
OR in priority order for each day of research
Family Group Sheets – alphabetical order by Surname, then by 1st name
Tab Dividers – alphabetical order by Locality
LABEL EVERYTHING
2. Prepare a SLC Packing List.

THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

1. Hours =
Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday–Saturday: 8:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday and Holidays: Closed
2. Floor Plan
Main (1st) Floor = Family Genealogies/Histories and Biographies, Orientation Video
2nd Floor = U.S. and Canada microfilms/microfiche
3rd Floor = U.S. and Canada books
B1 Floor = International books, microfilms/fiche
Germany, Scandinavian, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Latvia, Poland, Spain, and the Ukraine
B2 Floor = International books, microfilms/fiche
British Isles, Australia, and New Zealand
3. Copy Centers
Copy Cards for $1.00
$ .05 = books, paper, computer printouts
$ .23 = microfilm, microfiche
$1.00 = Color copies (Main floor only)
Forms (purchase)
5 copies at a time, if people are waiting
4. Microfilm
Get a reader first thing upon arrival
Can use readers on any floor
5 rolls at a time
Take both reels reader, one in each hand, and place onto microfilm copier
File your own boxes of film
5. Microfiche
Stored separate from microfilm
5 fiche at a time
Return fiche to specific boxes on top of cabinet
6. Books
U.S. and Canada books are on the 3rd floor
International books are on B1 and B2 floors
5 books at a time
Return books to the red shelf
Remember the number 5 =
5 microfilms
5 microfiche
5 books
5 copies at a time
7. Computer Workstations
All computers have the FamilySearch program and databases, FHLC, Subscription Databases, and the Internet . Printer for each 2 computers. Use copy card for printouts

F.H.L. TIPS

1. Bring Drivers License or Photo I.D. at all times.
2. No smoking or caffeine on premises.
3. No food or beverages at readers.
4. Lockers are 10 cents every time you open them. Use a fanny pack or backpack.
5. No cell phones while on each floor.
6. Take breaks!!!
7. Review and plan your day the night before.
8. Copy as you go. Cite sources as you go (or clip copies to appropriate Research Log).
9. No heavy perfumes, hairspray, aftershave.
10. Patience!

Val’s Roots Professional Genealogy Services
Valerie Eichler Lair
18120 E. Berry Avenue
Centennial, CO 80015
720-886-9096 ~ valsroots@yahoo.com ~ http://www.valsroots.com/

Top 25 Genealogy Blogs for 2009

2009-04-28T21:18:00.005-06:00

ProGenealogists listed the top 25 Genealogy Blogs for 2009. The top five blogs are listed below with the author in parenthesis. you can view the rest at http://www.progenealogists.com/top25blogs2009.htm.

1. About.com Genealogy (Kimberly Powell)
2. Eastman Online Newsletter (Dick Eastman)
3. Genea-Musings (Randy Seaver)
4. Creative Gene (Jasia)
5. Dear Myrtle (Pat Richely)

Be sure to check on these great blogs as they help you with great articles on research and other genealogy support.

2009-04-28T17:39:00.002-06:00

Valerie Eichler Lair presented April’s program on “Preparing for A Successful Trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake.” Her presentation was very timely since we're sponsoring a trip with the Cheyenne Genealogical and Historical Society to the Family History Library (FHL) on September 20-27.

Valerie stated that a successful trip begins long before the trip begins. She recommended the prospective researcher determine exactly which ancestors he/she wants to research and suggests organizing and updating all family files and researching what data might be found at the FHL.

The most important step is to access the FHL catalog online at http://www.familysearch.org/ and determine what books, microfilm and microfiche are available on specific ancestors. With this information, a research log (to-do list) can be organized and each item checked off after completion.

Valerie explained her method of using a notebook binder containing family group sheets, research logs, printouts of FHL listings and a pocket containing necessary supplies such as portable calculator, paperclips, magnifying glass, markers, etc. She invited anyone to email her at valsroots@yahoo.com, if they would like further help. Valerie has been a professional genealogist since 1990. She is a researcher, instructor, speaker, and an author who has made numerous trips to this popular genealogy library in Salt Lake City.

Source: Past Program Highlights by Caro Stetser, LCGS Newsletter: Volume 29, Number 3, May/June 2009 (online at www.lcgsco.org)

Book: Going to SLC to Do Family History Research

2009-04-27T22:14:00.006-06:00

Here is another book some researchers have recommended. The book is available used through Amazon.com. Check your local library first!

Going to Salt Lake City to Do Family History Research (Paperback) by J. Carlyle Parker (Author)

Getting Organized

2009-04-27T11:15:00.002-06:00

Be sure to check out Cyndi's List - Organizing Your Research

Free Genealogy Charts & Forms

2009-04-27T10:57:00.000-06:00

Free Genealogy Charts & Forms - Family Tree Chart
Download free family tree charts, pedigree charts research logs, and other free genealogy charts and forms to help you in your genealogy research and keep your family tree organized

2009-04-27T10:47:00.001-06:00

Lists of Notable Family History Blogs:
http://genealogy.alltop.com/
10 Genealogy Blogs Worth Reading
by Kimberly Powell at About.com
http://genealogy.about.com/od/blogs/tp/genealogy.htm
http://www.cyndislist.com/blogs.htm
Search for Family History Blogs:
http://blogfinder.genealogue.com/
http://www.blogsearch.google.com/

SLC Packing List (Cont'd)

2009-04-27T10:10:00.001-06:00

Clothing

clothes with pockets and comfortable
shoes - comfortable
sweater or light jacket (temperatures vary inside the FHL so dress in layers)
extra change of clothes (just in case you get stuck an extra night)
toiletries

Office

Laptop and cable lock
notebook paper
pens
pencils & erasers
liquid paper
bookmarks
sheet protectors
paper clips or small stapler
hi-lighter marker pens
rubber bands
blank forms
flat 3-hole punch
address labels
file folders

NO sticky notes!

SLC Packing List

2009-04-26T12:53:00.001-06:00

This is a sample list of things to pack for your trip to SLC. You may wish to add or remove items to make the list specific for you.

fanny pack
insulated lunch bag
water bottle
baggies
wet wipes
magnifying glass
prescriptions
Tylenol
ibuprophen
Rolaids
medical insurance card
umbrella
carry-on with wheels (brief case/backpack)
$1 and $5 dollar bills

If you want to make your lunches to save money, bring the following:

ice chest
knife-for-spoon
disposable containers
bread
cheese
lunch meat
chips
cookies
M & M's
granola bars
power bars

From handout by Valerie Eichler Lair, Val's Roots Professional Genealogy Services, http://www.valsroots.com/

Book: Your Guide to the Family History Library

2009-04-25T19:37:00.001-06:00

Your guide to the Family History Library by Paula Stuart Warren and James W. Warren is an exceptional guide that will help you use the library's resources effectively, both on-site and online. Written by professional genealogists, the Warren's provide the information you need, including:

Tips for making the most of your limited research time.
Guidelines for accessing the library collection, including FamilySearch online as well as other Family History Centers worldwide.
Overviews of FHL records, including major U.S. and world collections.
Guidelines for handling foreign records, including tips for getting one-on-one translation assistance and using FHL resources to do your own translations.
Research tips to help you locate resouces, and organize your workday and materials.
Atraveler's guide to Salt Lake city, including information on directions, weather, handicapped access, transportation services, accomodations, restaurants and much more.

The book is no longer in print but I was able to get a copy used for about $10 through Amazon.com. Your guide to the family History Library by Paula and James Warren.

Preparing for a Trip to the Family History Library

2009-04-25T16:54:00.000-06:00

Preparing for a Trip to the Family History Library
Ancestry Daily News
By Juliana Smith – 1/24/2000

This week I will be going out to Utah for business and I have scheduled a little time for some research at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. In today's article, I am going to share with you some of the steps I am taking to prepare for this rare opportunity.

Preparing My Data for the Trip
A light-weight three-ring binder, divided into sections for each branch of my family, is all that I'm bringing with me. I've printed pedigree charts for each of my four grandparents, on which each person is numbered. The pedigree charts are in plastic sleeves that begin each section. Behind the pedigree charts are family group sheets for each family on that chart, also numbered and in order. The family group sheets include all the vital information I have, as well as source information, and any notes I have added. I have also printed a blank research log from Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/researchcal.htm). Family group sheets are not in plastic sleeves so that I can make note of any findings on them as I go along. This will hopefully make inputting any findings in my genealogical software easy when I get home. As I update the pages, I will print out new ones right away so that my binder will stay current.

Using the Family History Library Catalog
The Family History Library with its large collection presents unique opportunities for research and I want to take advantage of records that are available there, but may be harder to find elsewhere. Once my notebook was organized, I surveyed the online FHL catalog at FamilySearch.org (http://www.familysearch.org) to see what actual records available on microfilm or in book form at the library. I don't want to waste precious library time using the catalog there. Since the catalog is set up by country, by state within the country, then by county, I wanted to make sure I was looking in the right places. Printouts of my findings in the online catalog will also accompany me in my binder so that I can go right to the films or records of interest.

While many of my ancestors lived in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, I have found several of them lived or worked in Manhattan so I will have to check records for New York County as well. The Ohio families were also in two counties so I will have to set some specific goals and priorities carefully to make the best of my time.

Setting My Goals
In reviewing my research, I immediately realize that I have very little information on my great-grandfather Jacques Meuller and would really like to learn more about him. Family records show his name as James Miller, yet a recent marriage record I found has him listed with the former spelling. Spelling alternatives will have to be considered. I checked the census indexes at Ancestry.com: http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/census/main.htm, and although I did not get any matches for Jacques, I did find a Jacob Meuller in the 17th Ward in New York City that I would like to check out.

We also recently found baptismal information for the children of William Huggins and his wife Anne (DWYER) and I would like to follow up on some of the siblings of my great-grandmother Catherine Huggins. Records show that Catherine was born in Ireland, but there were seven more children that we found in the baptismal records of St. Paul's R.C. Church in Brooklyn, NY ("St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn, New York: Baptism & Marriage Registers," by James Reilly. Salt Lake City: Redmond Press, ----). These children were born in New York. I am hoping that by finding U.S. vital records for some of the siblings I will discover the town or county of origin in Ireland for their parents.

I have discovered through the online catalog that marriage records for Jefferson County, Ohio are available for the time period that I am searching. I will check these for my great-grandparents marriage records and this will be the last goal that I set.
Once I have accomplished my goals, I am hopeful that I will still have time to explore a bit, but by meeting my goals first, I will have accomplished something. With my goals set in place, I am sure that when I arrive in the Library, I will feel like a kid set loose in a candy store!

Copyright 2000, MyFamily.com.
This article may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial purposes provided
that proper attribution (including author name) and copyright notices are included.

Research at the Family History Library (FHL)

2009-04-25T16:15:00.002-06:00

While browsing the Family History Library Website in Salt Lake, I found this page:

http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp

which is the "how to" learn to do research at the FHL. Of course start at the main page:

http://www.familysearch.org/ to find all about the FHL - it's collections, facilities, services and a lot more... .

WYCO-09 Announcement

2009-04-25T14:50:00.002-06:00

WYCO-09 Research Trip to theFamily History LibrarySeptember 20-27, 2009
Travel by Coach to Salt Lake City with a congenial group of genealogists from Fort Collins, Greeley, Estes Park, Cheyenne and Laramie.

Work one-on-one with Professional Genealogist D. Jane Carpenter, MLS, who has 35 years of family history experience. She knows which records are readily available and which will best meet your research goals.

Enjoy a light catered meal when we arrive Sunday night and a program at the Plaza Hotel
Registration is $159 for members of all genealogical societies. Registration received after 20 July 2009 is subject to availability and is $185. Non-members pay an additional $50.00.

Participants make own hotel reservations.

Stay at The Plaza Hotel, right next door to the Family History Library (Restaurant on premises.) http://www.plaza-hotel.com/; or the Crystal Inn Hotel, 7 blocks from the Library, two blocks from the light rail, hotel shuttle available. (Free hot breakfast daily.) http://www.crystalinnsaltlake.com/

Admission and use of the research records at the Family History Library are free.
Total cost per person for bus transportation, professional genealogist, Sunday evening meal and 7 nights double occupancy should be less than $485.00 per person; single, triple and quad rooms are available. This amount does not include meals, or personal expenses such as tips, beverages or telephone.

Registration forms will be available soon.

Questions? Contact: goldsdlf@lamar.colostate.edu , sseniawski@aol.com ,
phsmith80@gmail.com.

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides access to the world's largest collection of genealogical records.

INTRODUCTION TO WYCO-09

2009-04-25T13:39:00.001-06:00

Cheyenne Genealogical and Historical Society of Cheyenne, Wyoming (CGHS) and Larimer County Genealogical Society of Fort Collins, Colorado (LCGS) are non-profit organizations registered in the States of Wyoming and Colorado respectively. CGHS and LCGS were organized and chartered to provide and promote education and research opportunities for their respective memberships for the purpose of doing family histories and genealogical research.

In early March 2008, Sue Seniawski, then President of CGHS, contacted LCGS about co-sponsoring a joint research trip to the Family History Library (FHL) Salt Lake City, Utah. Subsequently, a fact finding committee, consisting of members from each Society: Sue Seniawski and Dr. Ken Goldsberry, Paul Smith and other interested parties, has investigated the possibility of co-sponsoring a research trip and tour of (FHL). It is the recommendation of this committee that an 8-day research trip, to FHL, hereafter referred to as WYCO-09, be planned for 20-27 September 2009. Furthermore, it is the recommendation of the committee that CGHS and LCGS co-sponsor this event for the purpose of inviting participation from members of genealogical and historical societies located in Fort Collins, Greeley, Estes Park, Colorado; Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming and other interested parties.

All those interested in following the planning of this event are welcome. We are especially interested in comments by others who may have a lot more experience in planning a research trip to the FHL to jump in with their comments and stories of problems they may have encountered on their voyage. We would like to hear about your research stories too - successes as well as lessons learned!