Don't Miss Out! Sons of the American Revolution and MCGG to Host Free Genealogy & Lineage Workshop April 29

The Detroit Metro Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the Macomb County Genealogy Group (MCGG) are hosting a free Genealogy Workshop: Pathway to Membership in a Lineage Society at Mt. Clemens Public Library on April 29, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Basic genealogy research and other topics will be covered including how to apply to various lineage societies like the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution. You will also learn of the genealogy resources of the Mount Clemens Public Library.

Bring your documents and laptop (if you have one) so one of the volunteers can help you review what you have done and give advice on what to do next. Not sure if you have a Revolutionary Patriot? A volunteer can help with that too. Representatives of the SAR, DAR and MCGG will be present.

To register contact Tom or Barb Reardon at 586-465-4021 tbreardon at comcast.net [note replace the " at " with @

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

News on RootsMagic Syncing with Ancestry.com Website and Online Trees

This afternoon MCGG Bob McGarry spotted this on the RootsMagic FaceBook page.

RootsMagic has posted to its blog information about its upcoming new features (syncing, etc.) with the Ancestry.com website. The post is titled, "Questions about upcoming Ancestry features? We've got answers!"

As we suspected once the change is made and working with Family Tree Maker, then the other genealogy programs will roll out their new features. RootsMagic expects Ancestry integration to happen by the end of April 2017 for its RootsMagic program. In RootsMagic the syncing feature will be called TreeShare for Ancestry.

Read the Questions and Answers in the RootsMagic blog post, link provided above, to learn more. TreeShare for Ancestry and WebHints will be released in a free update for RootsMagic 7 when it is released. When you the software it will check for updates.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

In 2 Days Family Tree Maker TreeSync Ends; Upgrade to FTM 2017 Needed

Okay Everyone

If all goes as they (Ancestry.com and Software MacKiev) plan, this is the week — two days from now on March 29 at midnight Mountain Time (2 a.m. ET) — the TreeSync feature in Family Tree Maker 2014 (any version) and earlier editions of FTM with the feature will be shutdown forever.

The FTM 2014.1 and earlier editions will continue to operate as a stand-alone genealogy program but the sync with online trees, search, merge, hints and tips will not function.

From March 29 to March 31 Ancestry.com and Software MacKiev will make changes to the Ancestry.com website that will enable the new FamilySync to operate in Family Tree Maker 2017.

FamilySync will only be available in Family Tree Maker 2017 which will be released on March 31, 2017.

How you can get FTM 2017 depends on when/what you purchased prior.

If you paid for Family Tree Maker 2014.1 or Mac 3.1 from Software MacKiev, your upgrade to the FTM 2017 edition will be free. An email with a download link will be sent to you when FTM 2017 is released. (Make sure you are on the Family Tree Maker mailing list.)

If you own any previous edition of Family Tree Maker 2014 or earlier, you qualify for upgrade pricing. To take part in the pre-order upgrade pricing make sure you sign up for the Family Tree Maker mailing list before March 29, 2017. On the Software MacKiev FTM page, click on the green News circle located on the left side of the Family Tree Maker banner to get to the mailing list sign-up.

So at current pre-order US upgrade pricing which is good until March 31, 2017, you can purchase:

• The download of the software for $29.95 distributed via download link sent by email. (Remember to copy the installer file to another location like a USB drive, the cloud or an external hard drive for a backup copy.);
• The software download and the software on DVD for $39.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling;
• Or the software download and the software on a wood covered USB drive for $49.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

But take note! Though the graphics are for the FTM 2017 edition the current wording on the Special Pre-Order Upgrade Offer page actually reads:

"All choices include a download of the current FTM edition and a free download of FTM 2017 when it is released. But you can also order a FTM 2017 DVD or FTM 2017 USB edition."

So don't be surprised when the initial download link you get via email is for FTM 2014.1 (or Mac 3.1) and not FTM 2017 (Windows and Mac) which will not be released until March 31, 2017. The actual software download of FTM 2017 will not be active/available until March 31at which time you will be sent a download link via email.

Yes technically if you had Ancestry FTM 2014 and downloaded your free promised upgrade to 2014.1 that was released a couple months ago, technically you already have 2014.1 but this is a way to save $10 on upgrade pricing to FTM 2017.


After pre-order upgrade pricing expires for the software download, the cost will be $39.95 to upgrade from previous editions for a limited time. Of course, the DVD and USB options are still extra.

If you are just buying Family Tree Maker for the first time, the cost is $79.95 for the download.

Software MacKiev has a page of Family Tree Maker 2017 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which answers some questions and also has a link to the upgrade pricing page. 
See earlier posts on the Ancestry.com blog, our own blog ( post 1 and post 2) or the Software MacKiev Family Tree Maker 2017 FAQ page for upgrade pricing qualifications.

So what about the sync capability between Ancestry.com online trees and the genealogy programs RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree? We suspect that will happen after this change occurs at the Ancestry.com website. Unfortunately, Family Tree Maker may receive more bumps and bruises reputation-wise for being the first genealogy program to implement the new sync technology. We suggest everyone exercise patience.

Technology changes. We all have to face that at some point. Part of this change, we believe is because the built-in browser used by search and merge inside Family Tree Maker is an older version of Microsoft Internet Explorer which is a program that is no longer supported by Microsoft. To implement another internal browser that works with the website changes Ancestry.com wants to implement requires some major work, too much for a simple version update (x.1 to x.2) thus requiring an upgrade to a new edition.

Finally, backup your Family Tree Maker trees. If you sync to an online tree, make sure that sync is up-to-date and then backup your files. Software MacKiev recommends making a manual backup. Backup once with images included and backup once without images included (so yes we mean do it twice) before March 29 as a safety precaution. A backup with images is great if you ever have a hard drive problem because it saves your data, your links and your linked images. A backup without images is great when it is just a program issue because it saves your data and just your links to the images that are still safe on your hard drive.

If we hear more we will let you know.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Update on the March 2017 News on Family Tree Maker 2017 Release

We have a few more details on the Family Tree Maker 2017 release on March 31, 2017, but not every question (see the comments on yesterday's Ancestry Blog post) has been answered.

Software MacKiev will be sending out an email to its Family Tree Maker mailing list that will have a link to the pre-order upgrade pricing. If we recall correctly, the mailing list is sent out in a rolling manner meaning they send the message out in batches until everyone subscribed to the list are sent the message. If you qualify for the upgrade pricing and want to take part in the pre-order pricing make sure you sign up for the Family Tree Maker mailing list before March 29, 2017. On the Software MacKiev FTM page, click on the green News circle located on the left side of the Family Tree Maker banner to get to the mailing list sign-up.

Software MacKiev now has a page of Family Tree Maker 2017 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which answers some questions. 

One question Software MacKiev answers is how do you continue to connect FTM to the Ancestry.com website. The answer given is:

A: You will need to upgrade to FTM 2017. After March 29, 2017 Ancestry will shut off the their TreeSync technology and we will together deploy MacKiev's new FamilySync technology over the following two days. FamilySync, which is built into FTM 2017, will allow you to continue syncing with your Ancestry trees, use Ancestry Search and get Ancestry Hints. These functions will no longer work in older FTM editions after March 29th.

For those who do not want to wait for the mailing list email to arrive, links to the upgrade pricing, including the pre-order pricing are on that FTM 2017 FAQ page. There are links to pricing for the US, Canada, Europe and Australia customers. Remember you must meet the requirements to qualify for upgrade pricing. See yesterday's posts on the Ancestry.com blog or our own blog or the Software MacKiev Family Tree Maker 2017 FAQ page for upgrade pricing qualifications.

But take note! Though the graphics are for the FTM 2017 edition the current wording on the Special Offer page actually reads:

"All choices include a download of the current FTM edition and a free download of FTM 2017 when it is released. But you can also order a FTM 2017 DVD or FTM 2017 USB edition."

So don't be surprised when the initial download link you get via email is for FTM 2014.1 (or Mac 3.1) and not FTM 2017 (Windows and Mac) which will not be released until March 31, 2017.

So at current pre-order US pricing you can purchase:

• The download of the software for $29.95 distributed via download link sent by email. (Remember to copy the installer file to another location like a USB drive, the cloud or an external hard drive for a backup copy.);
• The software download and the software on DVD for $39.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling;
• Or the software download and the software on a wood covered USB drive for $49.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

Please note that the actual software download of FTM 2017 will not be active/available until March 31at which time you will be sent a download link via email.

Remember if you paid for FTM 2014.1 or FTM Mac 3.1 from Software MacKiev your upgrade to the FTM 2017 edition will be free. (Make sure you are on the mailing list.)

Again, if we hear more we will let you know. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

News on the FamilyTree Maker 2017 Release Date and Ancestry.com

Today's post on the Ancestry.com Blog brings news regarding Software MacKiev Family Tree Maker and the online trees at the Ancestry.com website.

We suggest reading that blog post (including the comments where additional information is often provided) and keeping an eye out for updated news information from Software MacKiev itself via its mailing list news/updates. If you have/use Family Tree Maker you really should subscribe to the MacKiev mailing list emails. Why? Those on the mailing list get the latest information sent directly to them AND those on the list get access to special offers regarding Family Tree Maker.

Here are some of the key points from Ancestry's blog post.

• TreeSync (Ancestry.com's Family Tree Maker) will be replaced by Software MacKiev's FamilySync.
• FamilySync will only be available in Software MacKiev's Family Tree Maker 2017 edition.
• Family Tree Maker 2017 will be released on March 31, 2017.
• If you purchased an edition of Family Tree Maker from Software MacKiev since March 1, 2016, your upgrade to Family Tree Maker 2017 is free.
• If you have a previous edition of Family Tree Maker OR got the free update of Family Tree Maker 2014.1 or Mac 3.1 from Software MacKiev, you are eligible for discounted upgrades.
• For those who sign up for Software MacKiev's mailing list before March 29, 2017, the pre-order upgrade price will be $29.95 US. The upgrade will continued to be discounted ($39.95) for a limited time after March 29.

Clearly there is value to signing up for the Software MacKiev Family Tree Maker mailing list. As of today, March 20, the Software MacKiev store does not show Family Tree Maker 2017 in the store. It is possible there will be a special link in the Software MacKiev Family Tree Maker mailing list email for subscribers but we will have to wait and see how "pre-order" will be handled.

So what is going to happen at Ancestry.com when the new FTM2017 is released?

• Between Wednesday, March 29, and Friday, March 31, Ancestry.com says there will be a "short period" when the syncing function may be interrupted as Software MacKiev rolls out its new syncing technology.
• As of March 29, 2017, Ancestry.com will no longer support TreeSync due to the introduction of Software MacKiev's FamilySync.

It is not clear if "will no longer support" means TreeSync help will not be provided or TreeSync will no longer work. So based on this news if TreeSync will not longer work, it appears to us that there might be a few days where no one will be able to sync (with the old TreeSync or new FamilySync) because Family Tree Maker 2017 will not be released until March 31.

When we spot any additional news, we will be sure to relay it.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MCGG's Church Book Scanning Project: Moves on to Scanning the Next Church

Two HoverCams setup and ready to go.

Recently Macomb County Genealogy Group's Church Book Scanning Project wrapped up photographing one local church and began a new church a little farther afield last week. Learn a few mysterious details about the church on the Macomb County Genealogy Group's FaceBook page.
 
Do you realize that photographing the books of a church is just the first step? The digital files must be processed meaning each of the numerous images are corrected if needed, given identifying file names, and organized. Then the images are made into PDF files and indexing can begin. But rather than wait until the indexes are done, public versions of the PDF files are placed onto the local database computer in Mount Clemens Public Library's Local History and Genealogy Room so patrons can start researching.

These behind the scenes steps can vary in how much time they take to complete before the PDFs are made. So remember, we will announce when new church records are actually placed on the local database computer for patron use.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Lapeer County Genealogical Society will Meet on April 4, 2017 in Lapeer

The Lapeer County Genealogical Society is still without a website so as a courtesy MCGG would like to let you know that LCGS's next meeting is on Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lapeer. Please note that this is the first Tuesday of the month rather than the normal second Tuesday.

Bruce Patterson is presenting "Nineteenth Century Photographic Processes and Images."

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free Access Mar. 15-22 to All Irish Databases at AmericanAncestors.org

Stepping into the St. Patrick's Day free-access dance, AmericanAncestors.org website has announced free access to all Irish databases on its website from March 15 - March 22.

To access the free databases simply create a free guest user account if you do not already have one. If you are an New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEGHS) member, simply sign into your account.

Registered guest users get access to a limited suite of databases; access to webinars, how-to videos and downloads; and can make purchases from the online store. Did you know that guest users also get free access to other new databases for the first 30 days that database is online? There are lots of great reasons to register as a guest user or become a member of the NEGHS society.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Ancestry.com gives Free Access to its Irish Records 'til March 19, 2017

Ancestry.com is stepping further into the St. Patrick's Day celebration by giving free access to its Irish Records collection until March 19, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

There is a St. Patrick's Day Free Access page to start your search and a list of included collections. On the access page there is also a downloadable guide with 10 tips for finding your Irish ancestors.

If you are not a member (pay or free account) already, you need a free Ancestry account in order to participate. 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.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

St. Patrick's Day Sale: AncestryDNA Tests Now 10 Percent Off Until March 19th

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, Ancestry.com is having a little sale on its AncestryDNA (autosomal) test. Regularly $99 in the United States, the test will be 10 percent off meaning the sale price will be $89. Shipping costs are about $9.95 to one address.

This sale runs until March 19, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

In the past we have mentioned that there is also a free shipping coupon code FREESHIPDNA listed at the RetailMeNot website. Please note that sometimes this code works meaning Ancestry lets you stack discounts together and sometimes the code does not meaning Ancestry only allows one discount at a time. It doesn't hurt to see if it works for this sale.

If any other St. Patrick's Day or March Madness DNA sales appear, we'll post the details as soon as we know them.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Free Access at FindMyPast on Mar. 13-17 Get Ready to Research Your Irish!

FindMyPast is making all of its Irish records (116 million) free for five days, Monday, March 13. to Friday, March 17.

And as you know March 17th happens to be St. Patrick's Day.

The free access period begins at 10 a.m. GMT on Monday, Mar. 13. For us in the Eastern Time Zone that means 5 a.m. ET.

During this free access time period, you will need to sign into either your subscription account or free account. 

If you do not have a free account at FindMyPast already, simply create one. (A free account is not the same as a free trial subscription so do not click on the link to sign up for a free trial subscription.) The simplest way to create a free account is to do a search, click to view a result image and the website will ask you to sign into your account or create a free account.

There are special search pages set up for this free access time period for each of the Find My Past websites -- US and Canada FindMyPast.com's Irish search, United Kingdom FindMyPast.co.uk's Irish search, Ireland FindMyPast.ie's Irish search or Australia FindMyPast.com.au's Irish search. You can access all the Irish records from any of the FindMyPast websites.
Have fun searching.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

A Busy Week for Our Local Genealogists: Let's Talk...Genealogy is This Wednesday, MCGG Friday Meeting is This Friday

This Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. in the Genealogy/Local History Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library is the next MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting. Our topic for the night is ... Basics: Keeping Track of Records.

There are various ways to keep track of things. We'll cover paper and computer including some basics for setting up a word processing or spreadsheet file. Learn and share tips on these are other methods.We'll share our favorite sites or new things we have seen that have helped us with our research. 

Also ....

This Friday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, De Witt S. Dykes, Jr., associate professor of History at Oakland University, will present The Underground Railroad in History and Memory.

New attendees are always welcome. If you are in the Mt. Clemens area, PLEASE JOIN US. 

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

Trace the History of Property Workshop, Learn about the City's Historical Homes, Sign Up for March 15 MCPL Workshop

Check out the article in The Macomb Daily.

Our favorite library and one of our favorite librarians was in the news the other day. Did you see it?

If not you can check out The Macomb Daily article online (or in the paper) from the March 3, 2017, edition titled Mount Clemens library workshop explains the methods of property research.

Mount Clemens Public Library Assistant Director Deborah Larsen is presenting a workshop on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. on tracing the history of your house or property, and how to apply for a historic plaque from the Mount Clemens Historical Commission. The program is a joint effort of the Mount Clemens Historical Commission and the Mount Clemens Public Library.

Because seating is limited, advanced registration on the library's events calendar is required. As of Sunday, seats are still available.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Are You Ready for Some Indexing? Archives of Michigan's Naturalization Index Project is Ready to Get Started

The Archives of Michigan has announced that its Naturalization Index Project is ready for everyone to start indexing.

The project, in partnership with FamilySearch with the support of the Michigan Genealogical Council, aims to have citizen genealogists transcribe key genealogical information from the naturalization records of 70 Michigan counties whose records are at the Archives of Michigan.

Once completed the record images and index will be available for free at SeekingMichigan.org which is the Archives of Michigan website. How soon will that be? That depends on how fast and accurately us the citizen genealogists take to index these records.

If you want to participate, you can learn more about the project and how to index at the Naturalization Index Project page at SeekingMichigan. Essentially you will need to download the indexing software from FamilySearch; create a FamilySearch free account if you do not already have one; and then locate the project from a list of all available indexing projects.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE