Breaking Down Brick Walls

Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society 
January 13, 2018

General meeting begins at 10:30 in the lower classroom in the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. This is the first meeting and program of the year. All members are encouraged to attend, it is the first business meeting. Election of officers and other business matters will be discussed. The program for the month will be “Breaking Down Brick Walls”. This will be a round table discussion for all members to discuss and collaborate ways of finding answers to dead end research. Your encouraged to bring your brick wall or share your experience of success. 

Breaking Down Brick Walls
  What method, resource or event helped you break a brick wall in your research? 
Do you use social media for researching?
 Do you belong to special groups on the internet for collaborating?
 Have you found a winning method of researching?
 What would you like to accomplish in your research?

Visit our CGGS website for the latest newsletter and publication list!



The Columbia Gorge Genealogical society maintains a list of publications and books that is owned by the society. They is available on the main CGGS website. Also, a copies of our  present and past newsletters are posted for download. The list of publications are in PDF form under the STORE tab and may be downloaded and ordered from the address on that page.

Main CGGS website:
http://community.gorge.net/genealogy/about.html

Publications page here:
http://community.gorge.net/genealogy/store.html

Newsletters here:
http://community.gorge.net/genealogy/newsletter.html

Thousands of FREE ebooks for your reading and research !!





Researching? or just reading?
There are thousands of e-books available on the internet to view download or use on your reader, laptop, tablets or you can read online.

 Dick Eastman subject today on his free blog/newsletter is about the huge library out on the internet which provides FREE eBooks. Please visit his website to learn where you can find them and how to use them. 
And sign up for his email newsletter while your there .A great resource for current genealogy news!




Jamboree door prize winners!








We want to thank all the members and guests that attended our Genealogy Jamboree in October.
The attendaence was from a nimber of places in the gorge. Congratulations to the following winners of the wonderful door prizes that were given away.

Mark Adams - 2 T Portable Drive
Sandy Bisset - Book
Kay Wilson -  Membership
Jayne Burros - Membership
Ron Sisseck- Book
Nancy Barron - HP  Printer

Thank You !! See you again next year!

Upcoming 2018 Meeting and Program Schedule - Blog Update




The 2018 meeting and program schedule has been posted on our blog. Weather is a large factor in the winter months, any changes will be sent to you via email and posted here on the blog. 

We are looking for members and anyone that has a genealogy related story to give a program for our society.
We have had many volunteers give programs on history and historical events a s well. 
Please contact one of our members and let them know. We will gladly schedule you to give a one hour program on your subject. 

Also,  this is a reminder that annual dues is due. 





New Releases and Best Sellers in Genealogy from Amazon November 2017







Some new titles today in Genealogy at Amazon.Com :
1. It's All Relative by A.J. Jacobs

2. The Family Tree Italian Genealogy Guide by Melaine D. Holtz

3. French Roots by Lawrence Compagna

On the best sellers list is :


1. The History Of Everyone who Ever Lived by Adam Rutherford
( DNA )
2. Unofficial Guide to Ancestry By Nancy Hendrickson.

3. Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine Bettenger

4.Organize Your Genealogy by Drew Smith


https://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/11880 


We are not affiliated with Amazon . We offer this information for educational purposes only.


New Changes In Popular Genealogy Websites







In the coming months you will find many changes in popular genealogy websites such as RootsWeb, Find -A- Grave, FamilySearch and The General Land Office (BLM) sites. 
Some of these upgrades have already taken place. 

Here is what GenealogyInTime Magazine has to say about FamilySearch:

Starting 13 December 2017, all users of the FamilySearch.org website will have to use a registered account to access the records on the website. Previously, users could access many of the functions of the website without having to log in. The change was prompted by some of FamilySearch’s partners, who have insisted on authenticated accounts before providing data to FamilySearch. 

RootsWeb is also streamlining their site and has added and subtracted some of their features. 
They are in the process of updating user submitted records and documents. It is still a FREE site. 


Find--A-Grave has recently upgraded their website to a more sleek and easier to use format. However, the search function is a little more tricky and requires more location information according to some users of the new format.  

The General Land Office or The Bureau of Land Management has updated their site by adding millions of new land records and implementing the virtual map function to collaborate with the records within. You an now bring up a record and have the location map correspond with that record. 

And almost all the genealogy software companies have upgraded their software withing the last six months or offering new versions soon. 

Many new and exciting things coming in 2018!!





Year End Cultural Luncheon Review










The menu was delightful as members brought to the table a various layout of different foods from their heritage countries to our annual Cultural Luncheon. Countries represented were Scotland, Switzerland, Russia, Ireland, England and Norway. 
Scotch Eggs with Whisky Mustard , Amish Pie, Penuche Fudge, Soda Bread and Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust were some of the delicious recipes our members shared. 

The Very Best Research List!!! By Kathrine Willson Acclaimed Genealogist and Lecturer






If you haven't heard of Katherine Willson's research list on Facebook you are missing out on a fabulous resource. 
Katherine is a acclaimed professional genealogist and lecturer that has compiled a 11,200 link and growing research list on Facebook. 
You probably don't want to print it out ( its in PDF form) it amounts to 328 printed pages organized extremely well and is self searchable. 
Katherine's web  site is great too !
You will find the links to both below:


Need some technical help or learn a new program??



MUO
(Make Use Of)


Thomas MacEntee recently posted a article on his Facebook page about a great site called MakeUseOf.Com. This site is a collaborative authors site for technological instruction on how to use Apps, internet, IPhones , Television tech and pretty much everything HOW-TO in that area. 

His post specifically referred to the use of Google Forms and how to use it . The link to that page is below but check out the rest of the site too. 
There is also several sections related to Genealogy research.

http://www.makeuseof.com/?s=genealogy

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-guide-google-forms/


http://www.makeuseof.com/ 



 

 

Rootsweb changing in November






According to Ancestry in a business post, they will be rejuvenating Rootsweb by November 8, 2017. 
The site has not been maintained very well for some years and Ancestry will be reorganizing and removing a few features which have not been kept up to date . Recently you may have noticed advertising has been added to their site. For more information please visit Rootweb. 

Genealogical Forum Of Oregon On-line Catalog





If you haven't visited GFO website in a while, you will be amazed at the new on-line catalog.
A great search experience for history and genealogical materials to help you in your family history
research. All levels of research will enjoy the format . Links to how to use the catalog and a basic guide to publication materials is included on the main page.

Starting a Genealogy DNA Journey?




The International Society of Genetic Genealogy is a non profit society to promote DNA genealogy research. The site is very comprehensive and very well put together to offer all you need to get started in DNA . 

From their website:

Advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research while promoting a supportive network for genetic genealogists.



This society is a non-commercial non-profit organization. There are NO dues or fees to join, it is entirely self-supporting by its members. YOU choose what you wish to give. Whether it's your time to give a presentation or host a workshop at your local genealogical society, or create photocopies to promote the society at a convention, it is up to you. You will not be asked to spend your time or contribute in a way you do not wish to. You may never end up participating in that manner, but may just join to learn and network, and that is okay too.

https://isogg.org/

https://isogg.org/#ISOGGWiki









Jamboree!!





Come join us for the Genealogy Jamboree!

We have many genealogy enthusiasts that will be with us.
Emma Jean Smith will be here with DAR news. Emma Jean is our regional registrar for the mid -Columbia area. Linda Colton, who is the new  Lead Family History Consultant for the Family History Centers of the Columbia Gorge will be with us. Linda is a long time member of CGGS  and Linda is a expert in FamilySearch and  has worked with youth projects  throughout the Gorge area.
Sandy Bisset will be giving library tours of the William G. Dick Library at the Discovery Center and will be answering any questions you have about land records. Sandy is also a long time member of CGGS and a volunteer at the library.

Members of the Genealogy Forum of Oregon will be joining us . GFO is a long established organization to preserve and promote Genealogy and family history in Oregon.

The Basalt Cafe will be open for lunch and the don't forget to stop by the
Columbia River Trading Company Store. They have a great selection of books and souvenirs .

The speakers we had scheduled from Champoeg Founders Day have cancelled .
They will reschedule at a later date.








The Dalles - Wasco County Library Discontinues Ancestry and Heritage Quest






Due to budget concerns, The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library has suspended their online Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest programs. 
The library edition was distributed through ProQuest LLC to libraries, K-12 Schools and educational institutions.  
The program was formatted on a grade based learning format. 
Anyone wishing to access Ancestry free of charge is urged to contact your local Family History Center in your area. There are 4 Family History Centers in the Mid-Columbia area.
 Also, FamilySearch online is a free genealogy community offering thousands of records, databases and genealogical data.  It also offers a free genealogy software program in conjunction with the website.

Family History Centers

 1815 East 15th, The Dalles, Or.
104 W. McKinley St, Golderndale , Wa.
1825 May St. , Hood River, Or.
650 N.W. Gropper, Stevenson, Wa.

FamilySearch. Org
https://www.familysearch.org/

In addition, The Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society offers help with your genealogical questions.
If you would like to get started or become a member please call Diane Barkhimer at 1-509-493-3775
 Our meetings and programs are open to the public .




Genealogy Jamboree 2017




Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society
Genealogy Jamboree
October 21, 2017
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
10 – 4

For anyone interested in getting started in family history or experienced researchers.
The Jamboree takes place in the downstairs conference room starting at 10:00 am.
We will have special guests for the day from the Genealogical Forum Of Oregon, OrGenWeb, Daughters of The American Revolution, and a special guest from the upcoming Founders of Champoeg - Birth of Oregon Celebration.

We have great door prizes!
HP Envy Printer
Seagate Portable 1tb Backup Plus
SanDisk 32 GB Cruzer Flash Stick
2 Free 1 year memberships to CGGS
-2 outstanding books-
Organize Your Genealogy by Drew Smith
Guide to FamilySearch by Dana McCullough

There will be members available to answer your questions and offer suggestions for your research.
A no-host light buffet lunch will be served in the Basalt Cafe
Genealogy is a great hobby for any age and
theres no time like now to preserve your family history.

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
~ Marcus Garvey

Questions?
Georga Foster at 541 ..296 .2882 or Diane Barkheimer at 509 493 3775






Sept. Meeting and Program



The next meeting for CGGS will be Sept. 9, 2017 at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Sandy Bisset will be giving a presentation on Land Records. The general meeting and program begins at 1:00 pm in the Basalt Cafe. Public is welcome.

Who Sees Us?





Ever wondered who sees our web pages and where they came from??
Here are the stats to our blog and who has visited us. 

Countries Who Have Visited


Referrals To Blog From These Sites


We are seen by more people than you would think!



Anniversary Celebration Recap












The 40th Anniversary potluck was great! 
Good food and lots of stories of years past. 
We honored founding members and lifetime members. 
The society was formed on July 9, 1977. 

Great post from our friend Dick Eastman





Dick Eastman posted a update post on the Internet Archives and the Way Back Machine in his recent newsletter on Wednesday. If you haven't visited or used the Archive your missing out on some great history and genealogy content. Please read Dicks post here:


You can visit the Internet Archives genealogy section here:









GFO Fall and Spring Seminars posted



The Genealogical Forum of Oregon posted their Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 seminar schedule . 
Its a great line up. 


The fall seminar will feature CeCe Moore from DNA Detectives on  October 14-15, 2017. Ms. Moore will be covering DNA research and techniques. 


The spring seminar will feature Michael Strauss, AG, a well known lecturer and owner of the Genealogy Research Network. Mr. Strauss will be covering Military Records. He is a forensic researcher and a private investigator for the state of Virginia. 
This seminar is scheduled for April 14-15, 2018

Please refer to the GFO website for locations and updates on these two great program weekends.




Happy Anniversary Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society!!




The Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society will be celebrating their 40 anniversary on July 9. 
The society was founded on July 9, 1977. 
All past and present members are invited to a celebration potluck picnic at Sorosis Park starting at 1:00 pm. Were encouraging members to bring any memorabilia, photos and to share stories.








OrGenWeb visits us on June 10th








Our June meeting and program will be the visit of Jan Bony, state coordinator for OrGenWeb. 
Jan will update us on whats happening at OGW and upcoming events in the Oregon genealogical community.  Jan has always been welcome visitor and brings new and informative tips to our members and researchers.  
As a lover of history & genealogy, Jan will be presenting a power point on the USGenWeb Project, with an emphasis on some Special Projects, along with the ORGenWeb and WAGenWeb projects, to help those searching for their families and histories on the internet. She will also be sharing information on genealogy research through Social Media.




https://www.orgenweb.org/

2017 Wasco County Pioneer Woman Of The Year




Congratulations to Rose Denslinger a long time member of the Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society and the Wasco County Pioneer Association. Rose has in recent years been unable to attend meetings because she is the main caregiver for her husband. Rose was on the board of directors and held many offices. She also contributed transcripts to the surname card file for
 The Dalles-Wasco County Library. 
Again congrats to you!! 

100th Anniversary of WWI 1914-1917





The Library Of Congress "Echos Of The Great War" is viewable till January of 2019.  
stories, images and historic content of World War 1. 


Numerous events scheduled at GFO- Don't miss out!



Whats happening at GFO??

Half-Day Workshop , Sunday, June 4, 2017 _ Digging deeper into cenusu's of Scotland, Ireland,                                                                                   England and the US. ($)

Gen Talk, Bringing your farm ancestor to life, Saturday,  June 17, 2:00PM (Free)

Its the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WW1, OPB has a 3 part series from American Experience that can be viewed online at : http://www.pbs.org/video/3000013823/ Expires 5/8/2017

Oregon Marriage Index CD Volumes  1-4 are now available! Revised!

Oregon Marriage CD volumes Good news! The Oregon Marriage Index CD volumes 1–4 have been revised. They are now in PDF format and available on a CD, a USB drive, or as an electronic file by email. Volume 1 covers 1925-1929, Volume 2 covers 1930-1934, Volume 3. covers 1935-1939, and Volume 4 covers 1940-1945. Any or all of the four volumes may be acquired through the following: • Order at GFO library from the receptionist; or • Order with a check payable to GFO and send to: GFO – Oregon Marriages 2505 S.E. 11th Ave., Suite B-18 Portland, OR 97202-1061 Each volume is $10.00, please specify CD/USB/Email, and add $2 for shipping each CD or USB. If you would like more information or want to pay with PayPal, please send an email to research@gfo.org.

for more information on events, lectures and library news , visit the GFO website and Calendar at:
http://gfo.org/





Tennessee Puts Andrew Jackson Collection Online





The State of Tennessee, namely the Tennessee Library and Archives has put the Andrew Jackson Collection online. A wonderful collection of photos, documents, letters, and history writings of the Jackson presidency. 
Read about this at Dick Eastman's site or go directly to the Jackson Collection website at the Tennessee State Library and Archives. 





Happy 20th Anniversary CGDC!


May Program- A Grave Situation- Asylum Cemeteries of Oregon


GFO Day Trip Review






Four members of CGGS traveled to the Genealogical Forum Of Oregon on April 8, 2017. 
Fred Henchell, Juanaita Neitling, Lorna Elliot and Georga Foster got the grand tour and lots of research time. GFO offers a huge library of historical and well known reference books. They also have a large inventory of maps, city directories, microfishe and microfilm. The library is located in the the old Ford building, which at one time was the factory for the Model T Ford. The building also houses a restaurant and many other business's . 


OGS DNA Seminar April 1, 2017




Autosomal DNA Seminar
Saturday, April 1, 2017
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
presented by Oregon Genealogical Society

AUTOSOMAL DNA: TESTING FOR ALL GENEALOGICAL LINES: Autosomal DNA testing is the most complex to analyze, but it is often the most useful because we inherit autosomal DNA from all our ancestral lines. This session will instruct on understanding and analyzing results as well as strategies for test subject recruitment.
AUTOSOMAL DNA DATA: WORKING THE RESULTS: Many tools for analyzing autosomal DNA have become available. This session will instruct on how these tools can advance the identi􀏐ication of common ancestors. However, genuine success in DNA testing requires correlation of the test results with quality genealogical scholarship. Examples
will be presented.
GEDMATCH: AN INVALUABLE TOOL FOR AUTOSOMAL DNA ANALYSIS: All three DNA testing companies have some limitations. GEDmatch provides a means to compare DNA with testers from other companies. Not only does it enlarge the testing pool for comparison, it allows in-depth analysis of matching DNA segments to further possibilities
for con􀏐irming or identifying unknown ancestors.
ESSENTIAL RESEARCH: COLLATERAL LINES: Collateral lines are those people who descend from the same people you do, but are not your ancestors. They are your ancestors' siblings and their descendants. This presentation will provide examples of how researching collateral lines solved research problems and will inspire you to do the same.

Loca􀆟on: Wesley United Methodist Church
1355 Oakway Road, Eugene, Oregon 97401
Registra􀆟on: 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m.
For more information call 541-345-0399 or e-mail education@oregongs.org.