Celebration Sunday~Genealogy Happy Dance!

You know the dance. You know you've done it. The one every researcher does after finding something new. The one where you want to jump up and down and shout to everyone around that you found the document, contacted a cousin who has the family Bible, made a DNA connection or found a whole new branch to your tree. The one that is met with glazed stares and eye rolls.
                                                          Celebration Sunday is a place to share your discoveries. 
This is a weekly series to enable everyone to tell about their Genealogy Happy Dance moment. This can be done by scrolling down and adding your story to the comments section. You may also put a link to a blog post.

My Happy Dance This Week:  
First,  more than a happy dance, I am grateful for the safety of friends and family during Hurricane Irma this week. Several had damage to property but all came through unharmed. 
The second was the release of the long-awaited video of LeVar Burton's keynote address at RootsTech in February.  If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to take the time to do so.
It is inspiring.  You can watch it straight from the post I wrote about it by clicking on here.
So, how was your week? 

                                                                                     
                                                                        Share your discovery!

                                                                                   Let the dancing commence!

Share the fun! Click below to tweet this post! 

Looking forward to reading about your Happy Dance moment!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Helping you climb your family tree,

Get Out Your Tissues and Get Comfortable. The Video We Have Been Waiting for Is Finally Here!

Listening to Levar Burton at RootsTech 2017

RootsTech 2017 was such a fun experience for me.
I learned during classes, met and made new friends, enjoyed parties and special events. The keynote speakers were inspiring.
Many of the presentations were videoed and placed on the RootsTech web page to view for free.

Except for one. The one that brought us all laughter and tears. The one we all were looking forward to watching again. To relive an amazing moment. To experience and share with others the moving words and emotion from LeVar Burton as he spoke about his mother, family stories, and his participation in Alex Haley's Roots.
It was Friday morning and LeVar was to kick off the first ever African Heritage Day held at this conference.
He had us laughing, crying and then sobbing as he was gifted with his family history courtesy of FamilySearch. We blogged about it, came home and told our family and friends how wonderful it was and recommended it as one to watch. But, sadly it wasn't available.

And now? Issues that held it back before have now been resolved and 7 months later the video is up and available to everyone!

Click above to watch

So go grab some tissues, get comfortable in your favorite chair and click on the photo above to watch.
Then, to get the rest of the story, watch the YouTube video below. This news clip shares the emotions felt as LeVar was shown unknown information on some of his ancestors.

 You won't be the same afterward.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Helping you climb your family tree,

Using PERSI-An Interview with Jen Baldwin

During RootsTech 2017 I was pleased to be able to interview Jen Baldwin from FindMyPast.com and talk to her about PERSI (Periodical Source Index) which is now available on their site.
Jen talked about PERSI's past and future as well as the benefits for users and publishers. 

Jen Baldwin
Data Aquisition Manager, North America
Findmypast.com

PERSI has been a wealth of genealogy information for many years. This subject index of genealogy and local history periodicals is maintained at the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
For years the Library has been collecting materials from local, state and regional genealogy and historical societies. Articles are indexed into a searchable database.
Until recently, utilizing the vast collection meant a trip to the library or searching the index via Heritage Quest Online then submitting a form to request a copy of an article. 
Although you may still visit the ACPL, Heritage Quest Online is no longer partnered with PERSI.

Today, thanks to Findmypast.com, PERSI is being updated, digitized and made available to search and view online. Currently, there are tens of thousands of articles available with more added every quarter. For those that have not yet been digitized the index leads to a form to send for a copy of the article from the ACPL. 
For Findmypast to film this vast resource, permission needs to be obtained from the publishers of the materials to avoid violating copyright. By agreeing to allow Findmypast to digitize and publish their periodicals each receives a copy of the images and royalties. A win/win for societies and the public.
It is important to know searching the PERSI database is free. A membership to Findmypast is only required to view a digitized record.
There are free ways to access the images. 
Your local LDS Family History Center and many local libraries have findmypast.com available for free. 
If these options are not in your area, take advantage of Findmypast's free trials and free weekends throughout the year.

How do you find PERSI on Findmypast? There are two places. 
The first is from the search drop-down list on the main page. 
Click on Search, Newspapers, and Periodicals and then PERSI.

New PERSI Landing Page
Search Button

For a better search experience use the new PERSI search landing page at http://www.findmypast.com/persi
This leads you to the search button at the top right and links to tutorials on how to use the resource below.

New PERSI Landing Page
Tutorial Links
Findmypasts.com

New PERSI Search Box
Findmypast.com

PERSI Search Results Screen
Findmypast.com

What can you find using PERSI?
-How to articles
-Record transcriptions
-Family Histories
-Social Histories
-Local Histories
-Obituaries
-Military service
-Occupation information
-Family stories
-Church records
The list goes on and on. Think about the newsletters and periodicals you have seen from the areas your ancestors lived. The articles contain various topics about the area and people who lived there. Imagine being able to search them all, from everywhere your people lived. 
A bonus is getting a hit on an article you never thought of searching! Descendants may have written articles about your ancestors and placed them in their local publications.
Without PERSI, you may never have known they existed.

Here is an example of what you may find. 
A search of South Carolina records with images produced several results including this 1906 issue of The Confederate Veteran.
The column is called "The Last Roll" and contains obituaries of Confederate veterans and their widows. Many are long and include interesting details of the person's life. Photos are often included.

Confederate Veteran
Spring 1909, pg. 128
PERSI
findmypast.com

Confederate Veteran
Spring 1909, pg. 129
PERSI
findmypast.com

Imagine if one of these was your ancestor. What would it help you learn about them?
Thanks, Jen, for talking to us about this incredible source!

Take some time to go through the tutorials to get acquainted with the best practices for searching the PERSI database. The tips and tricks will help you locate information on your family that you may not be able to find anywhere else.
And who knows, perhaps break down a brick wall! 
Let me know what you find!
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Helping you climb your family tree,

Saturday at RootsTech-Keynotes, Vendors and Genfriends

Ready for another day of learning and fun!

With Judy Russell 

With Scot and Maureen Proctor

There was a buzz in the air as we gathered for the opening session of the last day of RootsTech 2017. Buddy Valastro,"The Cake Boss" was to be the keynote speaker.
Another confession:
I have never watched his show, but my 14 year old son has. And he was excited for me. He requested a picture and a full report.
Buddy talked about his family, especially the influence of his father and the beginnings of his restaurant.
The recording can be found here.

I fulfilled Josh's request and was able to get these pictures.

The Cake Boss

With Buddy Valastro

In the media hub, I was impressed at the warmth and the caring for those who were there to speak to him. He stopped the official media several times in order to reach out to those who were beyond the barriers. One elderly lady was pushed in her wheelchair up to the outside of the media hub in order to give Buddy a basket of Italian goodies. He stopped in the middle of our interview to reach over, give her a hug and thank her for her gift. He did this with several fans. It was done with sincerity from the heart and not out of any sense of duty.
I may not have watched "The Cake Boss" but I became a fan of Buddy.

Speaking of "The Cake Boss"-what a great opportunity to have a cake contest! The entries were incredible.
Here are just a few of them.

Genetic Genealogist, Cece Moore was also part of the Saturday opening session. Her words on what lesson had been learned so far from DNA testing were moving. She described identities reexamined, families redefined and secrets unlocked.

Cece Moore

 Cece's presentation can be viewed here.

Meeting with Cece Moore in the Media Hub

One of my favorite places to hang out during the week was the Media Hub. Thanks to the folks at RootsTech media and ambassadors had a place to relax, interview and report on the events of the day. They even provided free lunch and snacks!
Pictures show just a few of those who used it each day.

I spy DearMYRT, Angela Walton-Raji,
and Michelle Roos Goodrum

Jill Ball, Ruth Blair, Marie Cappart, Lara Diamond,
Jennie Fairs, Amy Lenertz, Amy Johnson Crow, and Kirsty Gray

Kirsty Gray, Peggy Lauritzen, and Jennie Fairs

Dick Eastman

The Annual RootsTech Genealogy Bloggers Photo!

Some of the Bloggers at RootsTech 2107

Time for helping out with another booth!

Helen Smith finds me at the APG booth          

A Progen meet up

Then a trip around the Expo Hall

Twile

I visited Twile.com which produces online timelines from your pictures.They also take your family tree via .gedcom file and print out a graphic called Family Tree by the Numbers. 
Ambassadors were able send in their information ahead of time so we could pick our up at the booth.
Here's mine:

My Family in Numbers produced by Twile.com

Thanks Twile.com!

Scenes from the Expo Hall

Finding friends 

Gordon Erickson and Roger Moffat

Lisa Louise Cooke and
Amie Bowser Tennant

Toni Carrier and Angela Walton-Raji

Louis Kessler, Alona Tester,
 Judy Russell, and Helen Smith 

Can't pass up a picture with Alona and Helen!

A big part of the Saturday schedule at RootsTech is Family Discovery Day sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Three of the keynote speakers were Sheri Dew -CEO of Deseret Book, speaker and author, Vai Sikahema -BYU and NFL football player, NBC affiliate sports director, and Reno Mahe-NFL football player, assistant coach for BYU.
Each is well known in the church community.
I was able to participate in an interview with them in the media hub following their talk which they presented together. They spoke of the love of families, traditions and what family history work means to each of them. I was touched as Reno Mahi spoke to our small group about his young daughter who passed away from a tragic accident.  All three spoke of loved ones beyond the veil whose presence can be felt during important events in their lives.
As we took pictures at the end of the interview, Reno and I consoled each other briefly for being part of the club no parent wants to be in. We both lost children in tragic circumstances a little over a year apart.
Interested in hearing their presentation? Click here.

Interview with Reno Mahi, Sheri Dew and Vai Sikahema

 Sheri Dew

 Reno Mahe and Vai Sikahema

Before I knew it, RootsTech 2017 had come to an end.
Those of us who were headed to a Genealogy Blogger party at the home of DearMYRT (Pat Richley-Erickson) headed out to catch our rides.
A special thanks to Thomas MacEntee for providing the transportation.

Pat and Gordon's hospitality provided just what we needed to unwind from a hectic week. We talked, ate, laughed and enjoyed each other's company.

Party Pictures

A great group of Bloggers!

One last thought from RootsTech 2017
A favorite quote from this year.

Steve Rockwood, President of FamilySearch International

 A special thank you to all those who worked so hard to put this amazing conference together! 
Your efforts are recognized and appreciated! 

RootsTech 2017 Bling

Friday at RootsTech 2017~Laughter,Tears and Smiles

Every morning as we came into the hall for the opening session of RootsTech, we were treated to the comedy of Jason Hewlett. He warmed up the crowd with jokes, impressions, songs and facial expressions.
 On Friday he treated us to hits from Motown and had us up and dancing!

Jason Hewlett

Bernice Bennett getting her Motown on!

The Catholic Heritage Archive Announcement

 Exciting news came from Findmypast  The Catholic Heritage Archive was announced. This initiative to digitize Catholic Records is a first in the United States. To learn more visit their website with the link above.

The first African American Day was held this year at RootsTech.
The keynote speaker was LeVar Burton of Roots, Star Trek, and Reading Rainbow fame.

LeVar had us in tears after his touching words, but that was just the beginning of one of the most memorial moments from the conference.
 Thom Reed from FamilySearch came on stage and presented him with several generations of his genealogy.
 LeVar asked "Is that what y'all do all day?", to which the audience yelled "Yes!". 
 Then, while looking at the pedigree chart on the screen he exclaimed "Those are my people!"
 LeVar was visibly touched with the gift of discovering his ancestors.

Genealogy presented by Thom Reed

Unfortunately, LeVar Burton's Keynote address, although live streamed is not available now. Contract issues may be to blame. For those who were not there or missed the live broadcast, there are some excellent blog posts that capture the eloquence and emotion of his words.
The RootsTech Blog, Michelle Goodrum's Turning of the Generations and Jenny Joyce on Jennyalogy all contain a good recap of this inspirational talk. 

LeVar Burton Interviewing in the Media Hub

  Next up: The Innovator Summit Finals!

Innovator Summit Finals

With 5 still in the running, the judges listened again to each of the short presentations of each contestant and then deliberated.
 The audience was able to tweet and vote for the People's Choice Award.
And the winners:

There were some fantastic entries this year. You can learn more about all this year's entries by visiting the RootsTech Innovator Summit page and watch Jason Hewlett as he hosts this year's finals by clicking here.

Interviews with the Winners and the Judges
Yep, that's me sitting on the left edge of the far couch!

Winners and Judges Interview

Talking to the winners was fun, but I especially loved being able to ask the judges a few questions. My question of what is lacking in the genealogy tech community brought interesting answers.
Thomas MacEntee shared his thoughts on the need for the desire to search for our ancestors and would like to see products that would light that fire and interest more people. 
 The others discussed apps to help understand DNA results. They also wanted ways to make doing genealogy easier but with a clear understanding that "easy" also means correctly.

Helping out in the FGS (Federation of Genealogy Societies) Booth was next on my agenda, and once again, friends found me there!

Lottie Johnson from home!

Eowyn Langholf from WikiTree

After a packed day, it was time for the infamous MyHeritage Party!
My post about the much talked about event and to watch the video click on the link
MyHeritage After Party 2017-The Video!  Enjoy!