Tuesday, May 29, 2012

There is a Multitude of Resources Available... We Must Keep on Searching..

The resources available are so many...
At times it seems daunting as we try to balance the contrast of time that we have versus the research list that we are perpetually making additions to.  Yet there is so much that needs to be done in order to make those resources available to the multitudes of people who have no idea that their ancestral connections are waiting to be discovered somewhere. Once found, then begins the important task of verifying to prove the source, before one can receive the information as fact.
Despite the fact that some resources attained, have unverified sources, much work still remains, to be done, nonetheless.
Here is an interesting article I came across...  written by Kevin Smith of Philly.com
A Place to Find History-and Ancestors

Sunday, May 27, 2012

New, Free Transcript Program Helps with Text on Digital Documents

Transcript 2.0    ~ Here is an interesting new,  free program that will help transcribe text on digital images and documents.
Have not tried it out yet...  but hope to, soon.
 ~ JacobBoerema.nl

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Good Article for Help With Genealogy Reports ~'Writing Tools for Genealogists' ~by Kimberly Powell, About.com

Finding the best 'fit' for me in the vast array of writing tools and software that I can use in my Genealogy research is an area that I am slowly learning about.  This is a really good article by Kimberly Powell of About.com.  She writes about the challenges in organizing and pulling together the materials we use in writing our genealogical reports.  She has some good suggestions and lists the links to several programs that are currently available that will offer assistance with the writing process.
Writing Tools for Genealogists ~ by Kimberly Powell, About.com

What programs or software do you use? Would like to hear your thoughts and comments.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Screenleap: A new Screen Share Company

Just an FYI: 
Have come across a new screen share company that is Free. 
I attended a business presentation using Screenleap and it worked very well.  A phone is used for audio although that did not present a problem. 
Screenleap:Share Your Screen to any Device

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Spanish, Portuguese & Basque Research Tips - Family Tree Magazine

This article came out in Family Tree Magazine in Sep 2009....
Spanish, Portuguese & Basque Research Tips - Family Tree Magazine

Hope to compile as much information on Spanish research as possible.  Any information or interesting links to sites on any Spanish research information is welcome!!  Thanks.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Sears Makes History: Opens Door to Archival Collection of Historical Homes Kits

Sears Makes History as it makes its archived Home Collection available for first time!

I came across this interesting website today about the history of Sears.  Not only does it hold a tremendous amount of information on the company's history, but it also has a wonderful Historical homes archive.

Sears has made available their archive of Sears Kit Homes, sold between 1908 and 1940.  If you are interested in the history and architecture of old houses, there are links to articles about the homes that are very interesting.  Particularly if you were raised in one, currently residing in one, or possibly know someone who does, then this would be an interesting read and source of reference.
http://www.searsarchives.com/
http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

We Can (try to) Do All Things


Earlier today I was reflecting on the challenges we all face attempting to find a balance between the variety of daily responsibilities in our lives, which consist of our family, home-life, work, outside commitments, and the list goes on and on.  
Somehow, however, in the midst of this dilemma, we desperately attempt to sequester time for our genealogical research.  Well, at least I do.  Although there are only twenty-four hours in a day and seven days in the week, it seems that everyone else has much more efficient and productive methods of balancing and expending this precious time.
As we all know, genealogy research can easily consume vast amounts of our time, which we readily and delightedly succumb without protest, especially as we are convinced that we are directly on the verge of that next ‘great discovery’ to our ‘brick wall’, which we have been awaiting for an eternity.  It seems that if we hang on just a bit longer, we will find what we are searching for.  Despite our focus and determination to ‘stay on track’ the other areas in our busy lives continue to demand our immediate attention.  
In this current era we live in, the availability of technology and knowledge is astounding, especially for those of us who did not grow up with home computers, now a common necessity in society. Okay, I really sound dated now.  
Knowledge can be a double-edged sword.  It is amazing to have an infinite amount of data available at the tips of our fingers, yet on the flip-side, all that valuable, informative technology we are witnessing in our lives today can sometimes lead to excess and inaccurate information, or as I like to refer to it, 'information overload'.  
 Truth be told, realistically, there is not one person who does not struggle with some facet of time constraint at some point in their life, in one area or another. 
I am continually discovering that it all comes down to priorities and balance in our daily lives versus others and our own expectations and demands.  
Overall, balance in all things is probably the best rule of thumb as well as realizing that we will always need to assess the moment as it presents itself to determine the best decision. 
Undoubtedly, we all have periods of time where things happen all at once and then through the grace of God, we have a time of ‘calm’ on the other side.  
Coincidentally, later on this afternoon I ran across an article  from My Heritage, titled 'International Day of Families: Balancing Work and Life', which of course, caught my immediate attention.  Here is the link: http://blog.myheritage.com/2012/05/international-day-of-families-balancing-work-and-life/  The article states that to achieve a healthy balance of personal life and work, it is important to prioritize and focus on what’s personally important in our lives.   At this point, I was assured I was on the right track. 

I believe this was my confirming word and encouragement for the day by Divine providence.
I try to remember that we can do all things, and we will not be given more than we can bear if we remain balanced and possess a positive frame of mind and keep our faith, of course.


'May your footprints today, leave a legacy tomorrow'
Marilyn







Copyright © 2012 Marilyn Poole /The Genealogy Gap




From Megan Smolenyak of 'Honoring Our Ancestors': '10 Things You Didn't Know About Martha Stewart's Family Tree' (www.huffingtonpost.com)

From Megan Smolenyak of Honoring Our Ancestors: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Martha Stewart's Family Tree ~ (www.huffingtonpost.com)


Good Article: Autosomal DNA Testing-Can it Really Predict Our Ancestors by Kimberly Powell of About.com

Autosomal DNA Testing-Can It Really Predict Our Ancestors? by Kimberly Powell of About.com
Good article.

Monday, May 14, 2012

'The Family History Show' ~Tracing the History of Your House in America

Interesting Article by Nick Barratt of 'The Family History Show'.
The Family History Show ~ Tracing The History of Your House in America

Ancestry.com Comments on Status of Who Do You Think You Are?

http://ir.ancestry.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=672829

This Friday!!! Paula Deen on NBC's 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

This Friday!!! Paula Deen on NBC's 'Who Do You Think You Are?'
Unfortunately, This is the last 'Who Do You Think You Are' for the season.  There's been question as to whether it will be renewed for next year and I sure hope it does.   I am almost certain the reruns of this season will probably air sometime this summer.  What are your thoughts about another season renewal?

Monday, May 7, 2012

Olive Tree Genealogy Blog: Determining the Accuracy of Census and Other Genea...

Olive Tree Genealogy Blog: Determining the Accuracy of Census and Other Genea...: Mariann asked Olive Tree Genealogy a great question about the accuracy of ages on census records. Do genealogists often find a lot of  ina...