AncestryDNA Lowest Price Ever -- Black Friday, Nov. 27 thru Monday, Nov. 30

If you have been waiting for a good sale for AncestryDNA this weekend is probably it.

From 12 a.m. EST, Friday, Nov. 27 (Black Friday) until Monday, Nov. 30 (Cyber Monday) at 11:59 p.m. EST, an AncestryDNA test will cost just $69. The test's regular price is $99 so this is a 30 percent savings. Shipping and any taxes are extra. This sale is ten dollars less than the normal "good" sale we usually see.

From another blogger's report, that FREESHIPDNA code for free shipping may not work. Shipping of one DNA test costs about $10 or less.

AncestryDNA is an autosomal test which can be taken by both males and females. It is DNA that is randomly passed down from both father and mother -- 50 percent from each -- to a child.

Benefits Chart For AncestryDNA Tests with and without Subsciptions

Ancestry.com made some changes to AncestryDNA within the past year. Now there are a few levels of benefits depending on if you have or don't have an Ancestry subscription. Read the support center article for more details. 

Remember, you can take an AncestryDNA test and then do an autosomal transfer to Family Tree DNA where there are more tools to analyze your DNA and a different pool of potential matches. To do an autosomal transfer you simply download your DNA data from AncestryDNA and upload that data to Family Tree DNA. The initial transfer is free which gets you your top 20 matches. To unlock the rest of the match results and features, it costs just $39. So with AncestryDNA being on sale and an autosomal transfer -- you get the benefits of your DNA at two different sites for just a few dollars more than the regular price of a test at either company. That's a good deal and a lot of potential matches.

Lastly, remember Family Tree DNA is running its 2015 Holiday Sale until December 31, 2015. Family Tree DNA is the only DNA company that tests Y-DNA and mtDNA for genealogical purposes.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Looking for Deals? Check GeneaBlogger's Deal List for Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Looking for Black Friday and Cyber Monday genealogy related deals?

One place to keep an eye on for these deals is the GeneaBloggers Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals list.

Among the deals (which are many) listed, is a savings code for 30 percent off any one print book at Amazon. (Maximum savings value is $10.) And yes, this means a physical book not an ebook. Have you been debating getting the new third edition of Evidence Explained that came out this summer? This savings code just might make the decision easier. Of course there are lots of other options out there too.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

The Pilgrims: American Experience Airs Tonight on Your Local PBS Station

Tonight, November 24th, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on your local PBS station, The Pilgrims: American Experience will air for the first time.

The synopsis says, "The story of the Pilgrims, who founded Plymouth Colony in what's now Plymouth, Mass., in 1620, is told via insights from historians and dramatic recreations. Often seen as the founding fathers of America, the small group of religious separatists (they opposed the Church of England) faced much hardship in the New World: starvation, disease and death were commonplace."

This episode will air again: on WTVS (Detroit) Nov. 25 1:30-3:30 a.m.; and on WTVS2 Nov. 27 7-9 p.m.; Nov. 28 12-2 a.m.; Nov. 28 8-10 a.m. and Nov. 28 2-4 p.m.

Of course, check the schedule/channel listing of your local television/cable/satellite provider. Also, check the PBS website to see if the episode can be viewed online later.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Mount Clemens Public Library has Float in this Saturday's Santa Parade and #ThrowbackThursday

#ThrowbackThurday

From the 1984 Santa Claus Parade via the Digital Archive.

Our favorite library, Mount Clemens Public Library, is continuing its 150th Anniversary celebration with a float in the Macomb County Santa Parade in downtown Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

The Santa Parade is celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year. Though traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year the Santa Parade will be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving which is this Saturday, November 21.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street at Church Street and continues six blocks to Clinton Street.

So if you're looking for something to do with your kids or grandkids, bundle up (they expect some possible snow) and get ready to wave to some familiar faces on the library's float, and of course, Santa Claus. There is a meet and greet Santa at ABC Magic Shop at 69 N. Walnut. The official arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus happens at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 20.

The Santa Claus Parade was an event my brothers and I looked forward to each year with our Grandmother. Walking from her house to the corner of Church and Main to watch the parade from its starting point and then, if we weren't too frozen, a walk downtown to the Priehs Department Store and its toy department downstairs. We didn't usually get in that long line in the store to visit with Santa on parade day that was saved for another weekend at Grandma's house.

Have a good Thanksgiving this year and enjoy the parade.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

They're Here ... 2015 Holiday DNA Sales at Family Tree DNA

Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) has started its Holiday DNA Sales by putting its most popular tests on sale.

And if you currently have a DNA test, each week you will receive a mystery reward that can be used on any test OR on top of the already reduced sale prices. The mystery reward could be worth up to $75. To get your mystery reward you need to log into your FTDNA account or check your email.

Shipping and taxes are extra which vary depending on where the test is being shipped.

Family Tree DNA 2015 Holiday Sales include:
Family Finder Test (autosomal for male or female) regular price $99 ... now $89

Y37 Test (Y-DNA for males only) regular price $169 ... now $139
Y67 Test (Y-DNA for males only) regular price $268 ... now $228
Y111 Test (Y-DNA for males only) regular price $359 ... now $309

mtFull-Sequence Test (for males or females) regular price $199 ... now $169

Here's a summary about Family Tree DNA and some basics about DNA.

Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) has a large pool of potential matches which are somewhat international but not everyone is doing genealogy. FTDNA gives users a chromosome browser so you can compare and see which segments of DNA you have in common with a match or matches. And if you decide you want to add a different test from what you have taken (autosomal, Y-DNA or mtDNA test) the sample already submitted can be utilized, assuming no problems, without having to do another swab sample. Family Tree DNA is the only one of the three DNA companies doing Y-DNA (direct male-to-male) and mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA inherited from mother to child, also direct female-to-female) testing in addition to autosomal DNA testing. It also has user-administered testing/study groups for surname and geographic projects. FTDNA is also the only company accepting Autosomal DNA Transfers.

Generally, you only need to test one person for each maternal line. (If you test your Mom you don't need to test the mtDNA of you or your siblings unless there is question about maternity.) Males can take an mtDNA also because they inherited the mtDNA of their mother who inherited her mother's mtDNA, and she inherited her mother's mtDNA, etc. Males just don't pass on that mtDNA to their children.

Click on our label DNA to review past DNA sales announcements to compare this sale's savings offers with prior ones.

We will let you know if we hear of any other Holiday DNA sales.
 
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

December 15th is the Date the Old Ancestry format Dies

Ancestry.com has announced the death date of the "Old Ancestry" format. If you signed in recently you likely saw a splash message.

It is December 15, 2015. As of that date, the only Ancestry.com will be the "New Ancestry" format.

Detail of the Ancestry message.

Ancestry's recent message when signing in appears only once.

You can share your feedback at newancestry@ancestry.com about the change.

If you are using the Ancestry LibraryEdition at the library, it already uses the "New Ancestry" format. Personal subscriptions have had the option to switch back and forth between the old and new formats using an option located in the drop down menu that activates by hovering over your username.

This change has been discussed at some of our meetings. Many have found the new format harder to read, with less information presented on the screen at one time which results in more clicking and scrolling to get around. Some like and some dislike the changes to the online Ancestry member family trees. Ancestry has done some tweaking to its "New Ancestry" design. Hopefully a few more tweaks will happen before Old Ancestry bites the dust.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

The MCGG Resource Development Session is this Friday, November 20th

Databased created with volunteer help.

On Friday, November 20, at 1:00 pm in the auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, we are holding one of our MCGG Resource Development Sessions. 

What is a Resource Development Session? It is where those of us who want to contribute back index circuit court and other Macomb County records to create databases to help other researchers. It does not matter if you have Macomb County ancestors or not. It's a nice way to help others; learn what is involved in an indexing projects; and if you do have Macomb County ancestors ... who knows you might just find one.

So for those of you who are in the Mount Clemens area, PLEASE JOIN US.  

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!  LE

Updates to Two Databases at Mount Clemens Public Library

There have been some updates recently to two databases on the Mount Clemens Public Library website.

First, additional Funeral Memorial Cards have been added to the Funeral Memorial Card collection on the Suburban Library Cooperative Digital Media Archive bringing the total up to 1,829 cards.

Second, an additional 2,666 entries have been added to the Macomb County Obituary database bringing the total up to 232,694 obituaries indexed.

Thank you volunteers for all of your efforts.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Got Swedish Heritage? Search this Weekend for Free at ArkivDigital

It is another free access weekend, this time ArkivDigital, a subscription website for Swedish genealogy/history, is hosting a free access weekend, November 14 and 15th.

The website has a great page devoted to what is required for free access (registration and downloading some software) and how to use the site/software including a user guide.

So if you have Swedish heritage take some time this weekend and see what you can learn.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

It's November 11, 2015 -- Veterans Day

Thank you to those who served.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Ancestry.com offers Free Access to Global Military Collection through Nov. 11

Just as we thought, Ancestry.com -- the United States website -- is now giving free access to its global military collection through November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

To take part, go to Ancestry.com and then click on the neat little box towards the bottom right which will take you to the free access military collection. Or go straight to the special access page and start a search.

The pop-up window for free access.

Remember, for free access you do not need to subscribe, do a free-trial or provide your credit card. If you see any of this, you have clicked on the wrong thing. Simply register for a free username. You do this by going to the link above and starting a search. Then a pop-up window will show asking for your name and email address. Fill that in and as it says a username and password will be sent to your email.

There is a list of what is included in the military collection for those that are curious.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Ancestry.ca offers Free Access to Global Military Collection Nov. 6 - Nov. 11

Here's another free access offer. Ancestry.ca -- that is the Ancestry Canada website not the .com United States website -- is giving free access to its global military collection from November 6 through November 11 in honor of Remembrance Day

To take part, go to Ancestry.ca and when the message comes up regarding which site you want the .com or .ca simply click on the continue to ancestry.ca website. From the initial homepage there is a neat little box towards the right which will take you to the free access military collection.

From there it should work like the free access collections at Ancestry.com website.

The pop-up window for free access.

Remember, for free access you do not need to subscribe, do a free-trial or provide your credit card. If you see any of this, you have clicked on the wrong thing. Simply register for a free username. You do this by going to the link above and starting a search. Then a pop-up window will show asking for your name and email address. Fill that in and as it says a username and password will be sent to your email.

There is a list of what is included in the military collection for those that are curious.

Ancestry.com probably will have a similar or another free access offer in honor of Veterans Day. Keep tuned and we'll let you know.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Join Us for Friday's Meeting: Capturing, Organizing and Sharing Digital Images -- Best Practices for Genealogists

Just a reminder, tonight is MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group. We meet at 7 p.m. in the Genealogy/Local History Room at Mount Clemens Public Library. Tonight's topic is Organization. We are meeting a week earlier due to the library's closure for Veterans Day next Wednesday which would have been our normal meeting day.
 
AND, this Friday, November 6, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, MCGG member Robert McGarry will present Capturing, Organizing and Sharing Digital Images -- Best Practices for Genealogists.

If you are in the Mt. Clemens area, PLEASE JOIN US. 

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Saints & Strangers to air on National Geographic Channel on November 22 & 23

National Geographic Channel to air Saints & Strangers

If you are not planning to do a lot of Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday shopping (or plan to have it all done by evening time) and you have an interest in the Plymouth Colony settlers, then you might want to sit down and watch the National Geographic Channel's Saints & Strangers which will air on November 22 and 23.

The four hour movie (split into two parts) is described as "gritty" and "will break myths about Thanksgiving." You can check out a trailer/preview at the cable channel's website. Check your cable provider's schedule for the exact air time and channel number.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Fold 3 Free Acess to Native American Records November 1 - 15

Fold3 announced free access to its Native American Records from November 1 through November 15. You can read the announcement from the website's blog here.

The Native American Collection can be accessed from a special access page. (Start your search on the right side of the page.)

Or the collection can be found by browsing. Ancestry changed the look of the Fold3 website recently so scroll down to click on one of the categories. Then the page will change to the familiar browse set up. Click on Non-Military Records in the category column then click on Native American Collection in the publication column. Do a search from above to search the entire collection or click on a particular entry in the third column to search just that publication.

To view a record, simply register for a free basic membership if you do not already have one. You do not need to start a free trial or have a premium membership. If you have a premium membership, you can access this collection at any time.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

This Wednesday's Let's Talk...Genealogy is Organization ... Are you The Silencer or Sorcerer's Apprentice or In Between?

This Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. in the Genealogy/Local History Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library is MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting. 

The discussion topic of the night is Organization ... Are you The Silencer or Sorcerer's Apprentice or In Between? From military precision with no speck left behind to scattered mess, our organization skills vary for both paper and digital. We will all share our tips and techniques for finding what works for you.

Please note that this month's meeting is a week ahead of our normal second Wednesday of the month due to the library closure on November 11 for Veterans Day. 

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE