State Research, Genealogy Seminars and the CCC

Sorry for not blogging for the last 10 days!

Last week was the Florida State Genealogical Conference and my genealogy blogging buddy Pam and I were both attendees and speakers! Our friend Cathy always comes and it ends up being a genalogy pajama party!

It was great seeing old friends, attend informative presentations and make new friends. One of the benefits of belonging to a genealogy society is not only interacting with others who share your interest in 'hunting dead people' but also the educational opportunities.

The keynote speak was nationally known professional genealogist Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck. He gave many lectures over the two days but the one I enjoyed the most was on the War of 1812. Did you know that Peoria Illinois was burnt to the ground? Check out the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Site.

Here are this week's tips.

Sunday November 13

• The Association for Gravestone Studies can help you learn about the significance of your family gravestones.
• Visit their website: http://www.gravestonestudies.org/

Monday November 14

• The Civilian Conservation Corporation was a New Deal public work relief program similar to the WPA.
• It provided work for unskilled young men who could not find work during the Great Depression.
• The CCC created 800 parks, planted over 3 million trees and updated state parks
• Check out Cyndi's List for more information on the CCC.

Tuesday November 15

• Researching Pennsylvania ancestors who served in the military?
• Check out the Pennsylvania State Archives online records.

Wednesday November 16

• Oklahoma became a state on this date in 1907
• Did you know that there are 18 Oklahoma counties that no longer exist? 
• Check out the Oklahoma GenWeb Site for the list and more!

Thursday November 17

• South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union.
• Read the story "Why did the South Secede?"

Friday November 18

• Starting to research in South Dakota?
• Check out the State Archives a variety of records including Civil War ancestors who fought for the North or the South.

Saturday November 19

• There are four basic types of French records
• Vital
• Notarial
• Military
• Emigration 

My biggest tip this week is to find a local genealogy society meeting to attend, you will not be sorry.

Take Care,
Pattie

Minnesota, George G. Morgan and the Rough Riders

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching and vacation plans are in place. I am preparing for a trip to Minnesota to spend a long weekend on Lake Mille Lacs with Chuck's family. While the family is busy playing cards, corn toss and cruising the lake I plan on kicking back with my fully loaded Kindle.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, but if you decide to do some research, here are this week's tips, with a Minnesota twist.

Sunday August 28
* Have an Minnesota Ancestor with a 'checkered' past? The Minnesota Historical Society can help you access their prison records.
* To obtain information about Prison Records visit: The Minnesota Historical Society

Monday August 29
* South Dakota was a part of Minnesota until Minnesota became a state in 1858.

Tuesday August 30
* Cemetery Tip - Once you find an ancestor's grave it is important to record everyone in the family plot whether you think they are related or not.
* Record the names of the graves near by - sisters, brothers, or cousins may have bought plots near each other.

Wednesday August 31
* Looking for an out of print book? Check the following sites:
* Amazon.com
* Abesbook.com
* Alibris
* World Cat

Thursday September 1
* A Brief History of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry - aka Rough Riders. The site contains a rooster, biographies and more.
* Visit: The Rough Riders Website
* The Rough Riders - A Public Domain Book

Friday September 2
* Genealogy Books - Quicksheet Citing Online Historical Resources - Elizabeth Shown Mills

Saturday September 3
* Attend a State or Local Genealogy Conference!
* Minnesota Genealogical Society Presents the 4th Annual North Star Conference Featuring: George G. Morgan, International Speaker, half of the Genealogy Guys Podcast and author of How to Do Everything: Genealogy and the first two editions of The Official Guide to Ancestry


The picture below is Chuck and his younger brother Billy with some fish they caught! I hope everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend!

Take Care,
Pattie