Happy Independence Day and Canada Day: Enjoy Genealogy Sales and Free Access!

As most genealogists know, if there's a holiday or recognition day approaching there is usually a genealogy sale or free access offer around the corner too. This holiday weekend is no different.

Here's a few of them that we think will help a variety of genealogists.

AmericanAncestors.org Free Access for One Week
The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is celebrating Independence Day with free access from midnight, Thursday, June 29 to 11:59 p.m. EDT, Thursday July 6. For those who are not NEHGS members, all you need to do is use your guest account and if you don't have one just create one.

Genealogical Publishing Company All Print Publications 30 Percent Off
Genealogical.com the parent website of Genealogical Publishing Company and Clearfield Company is having and Independence Day Sale until 11:59 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, July 5. Order any publication (book or CD) and use a holiday discount code on the "Shipping and Handling" page during the checkout process to receive 30 percent off. The code can be used multiple times (just in case you change your mind about ordering something) before the end of the sale. Note: eBooks are not included in this sale.

If you haven't visited some of your own favorite genealogy vendors lately, take a few minutes to in the next few days to revisit them. Though they may not be advertising big sales for the holiday weekend, you might find a few things on sale.

For our Canadian neighbors ONLY across the river/lake:
AncestryDNA Sale at Ancestry.ca Save $30 for Canadian Residents
Ancestry.ca (that is the Ancestry Canada website) is having a sale on its AncestryDNA test until July 4, 2017. Canadians can save $30 on the AncestryDNA test which is regularly $129 (Canadian) plus taxes and shipping. Note: this is the same test as in the United States but different costs because of a different country.

Do not worry we keep an eye out for any DNA sales in the United States and will let you know when we spot any.

If we spot any other genealogy sales of note, we will be sure to let you know.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free Access Weekend June 22-26 to FindMyPast's British & Irish Collections

It is a FREE ACCESS "weekend" or to be more specific FIVE DAYS from Thursday, June 22, 4 a.m. EDT to Monday, June 26, 6:59 p.m. EDT of free access to the British and Irish collections at the various FindMyPast websites.

During this free access time period, you will need to sign-in to 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 most of the Find My Past websites -- FindMyPast.com's search for US and Canada, FindMyPast.co.uk's free search for UK, or FindMyPast.com.au's free search. You can access all the British and Irish records regardless of country from any of these FindMyPast websites. 

Included are the UK Parish Registers, Irish family history records, British Military service records (all three service branches -- Army, Navy and Air Force), British WWI records and over 2.7 million Foreign Office Prisoner of War records covering both World Wars, England & Wales Crime, Prisons & Punishments records and over 13 million Roman Catholic Sacramental Registers covering Ireland, Scotland, England and the U.S. This free access does not include the 1939 Register, the UK Electoral Registers (2002-2013), the UK Companies House Directors (2002-2013), newspapers and periodicals, and all non-Britain & Ireland records.

Have fun searching.
 
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Update: Family Tree Maker 2017's Release

It has been quite a while since we updated everyone on the status of Family Tree Maker 2017 so here goes with what we know ...

Software MacKiev is about to release TestDrive 2.0 at which time the pre-order discount upgrade pricing of Family Tree Maker 2017 comes to an end, likely this weekend. So if you have not pre-ordered your FTM 2017 upgrade for $29.95 (download version) then you might want to do so very soon before the upgrade price goes up.

If you have not been receiving emails from Software MacKiev, make sure you are on the Family Tree Maker mailing list. The mailing list is where you will get you link to the upgrade pricing (though see above) and the current news from Software MacKiev. If you are signed up but not getting the email, check your spam folder just in case the messages are ending up there. (They do not send a lot of emails so don't worry about that aspect.)

What is TestDrive 2.0? No, it is not a special version of the FTM 2017 program nor is it their Beta Test program. TestDrive is a way of releasing the program (the current build) slowly with some "training wheels" as they referred to it once. TestDrive participants receive the FTM 2017 download, use the program and after two days a diagnostic test is done and the participant answers some questions about the experience. If the participant wants to continue using FTM 2017 he/she downloads and runs a reset program to use FTM 2017 for another two days and repeats the reset process as often as he/she wants to continue using FTM 2017. Software MacKiev thought it might release a new build during TestDrive 1.0 but has not had to do so. TestDrive 2.0 will be a new build based on participants experiences with TestDrive 1.0 and those in the Beta Testing program.

It has been a long road since March 31 the initial expected release date of Family Tree Maker 2017. At that time, the interactive features of earlier versions of Family Tree Maker were shut off by Ancestry.com which meant no web merging, hints, and tree syncing among other things. Yes, this frustrated users but this had to be done because of changes Ancestry was making to its interface and to truly test some aspects of the new syncing experience with FTM 2017.

What was found at the time was syncing issues for those with very large trees and that there might be problems with Ancestry.com when large numbers of users try to sync at the same time. Thus the delay in the official release of Family Tree Maker 2017.

Software MacKiev has been working non-stop tweaking its program coding so that everyone no matter the size of the tree will be able to sync with Ancestry online trees without problems. This tweaking involved more than just Software MacKiev. Ancestry.com also had to make adjustments to its website environment.

Because of the delay, Ancestry turned the interactive hints, search and web merge back on so FTM 2014.1 and earlier version users of could continue to work on their trees. TreeSync was not turned back on. A couple weeks ago syncing for all versions of 2017 (TestDrive and Beta) had to be shut off to fix an issue that had developed. Syncing is now back on for beta testers. For TestDrive participants, syncing will likely resume by Monday with implementation of TestDrive 2.0 release.

Because FTM 2014.1 and earlier versions have not had the capability to sync trees between online and FTM, at the end of May Ancestry temporarily revived uploading and downloading of online trees with media for just the FTM 2014.1 and Mac 3.1 versions. What this did was give the user the capability to download or upload a backup of the tree(s) the user has been working on since March 31. This is not a sync nor just a GEDCOM. Read the May 25 update on the Release of FTM 2017 MacKiev Family Tree Maker Support page that more fully explains how this feature could help.

Eventually this summer all the interactive features for FTM 2014.1 and earlier versions (including Mac 3.1 and earlier) will be shut off again.

Obviously this process has taken time and required the patience of all involved -- the developers, the website people and most of all the Family Tree Maker users. Some users have been understanding of the situation and give Software MacKiev credit for not releasing a program that would not work for all right out of the box. But as you expect, there are others that are not understanding.
 
Just remember, the first company to tackle the new syncing system is the one that takes the most hits as some of the problems they solve the next guys won't have to deal with. Give them a break. Without Software MacKiev, Family Tree Maker would not exist anymore.
 
We hope as we suggested in our earlier posts (click on the Family Tree Maker label so see those), that you are checking the Family Tree Maker User Group FaceBook page and the Family Tree Maker Support page at Software MacKiev's website for official information from Software MacKiev.
 
Unlike Beta Testers who are under a strict no tell policy, TestDrive participants can say a tiny bit but not much. We have a TestDrive 1.0 participant who is an MCGG member and can report that "the overall look of FTM 2017 is the same as FTM 2014 and FTM 2014.1 versions so do not worry about having to get used to a 'new look.' The new color coding in FTM 2017 is discrete compared to other genealogy programs using it. The newly implemented 'weather report' on tree syncing status is a helpful feature. So if problems are noted with the sync system you can hold off and sync at a later time when 'the weather is better.' Have not had any syncing issues but the tree being used is a smaller one. As far as web search/merge with Ancestry, FTM 2017 is only using basic search not advanced but not sure if that is intended or oversight. We'll see what TestDrive 2.0 brings."
 
Again, remember to pay more attention to "official voices" and not the complaining if you want to learn the status of the release.

And with any genealogy program you are using, backup often and save those backups elsewhere not just on your hard drive. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Tonight's Let's Talk...Genealogy is a Go!

See You Tonight!

Tonight Wednesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library is the next MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting. Our topic for the night is ... DNA and Genealogy 2017.

We'll review the various tests; testing companies and their features; and review some third-party companies. If you've already tested, share your experience — what have you learned so far? If you are considering testing or have tested, bring your questions.

*PLEASE NOTE: Tonight's meeting will take place as scheduled. Due to the library building's HVAC problem it will be warm in the auditorium but not as warm as the main floor.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

The Next Let's Talk...Genealogy Meeting is this Wednesday, June 14, 2017*

This Wednesday!

On Wednesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library is the next MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting. Our topic for the night is ... DNA and Genealogy 2017.

We'll review the various tests; testing companies and their features; and review some third-party companies. If you've already tested, share your experience — what have you learned so far? If you are considering testing or have tested, bring your questions.

*PLEASE NOTE: Last week the compressor on the our favorite library's HVAC system broke down and due to age it is not an easy, quick fix. So that means the library will be quite warm. It is a good thing we had already moved our meeting downstairs where it is a little cooler. But that said depending on each day's temperature and how the library is effected inside, there is a chance the library will adjust its operating hours (close early) due to the heat. This decision will be made on a day-to-day basis. As soon as we know about Wednesday, we will let everyone know here and through our email list. If this meeting has to be cancelled we will hold it in September. So stay tuned everyone.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

SCGS 2017 Genealogy Jamboree Live Streaming Starts Today, Runs until Sunday

Just a reminder, in just a short while the SCGS 2017 Genealogy Jamboree Live Streaming of selected sessions gets started. See our previous posts for how to register and the live stream schedule and how to find the session handouts.

Have Fun Everyone! It's going to be a hot, humid weekend so its a good reason (besides learning) to stay inside with the air conditioning.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Sign of Summer: Next Week is Our Last Let's Talk...Genealogy Meeting 'til Sept.

See you there on June 14.

On Wednesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library is the next MCGG's Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting. Our topic for the night is ... DNA and Genealogy 2017. 

We'll review the various tests; testing companies and their features; and review some third-party companies. If you've already tested, share your experience — what have you learned so far? If you are considering testing or have tested, bring your questions.

As you can see from the photo, our meeting made the library's sign on Cass Avenue. So just in case we have a larger turnout, we have moved the meeting from the Local History and Genealogy Room to downstairs in the auditorium. We will keep the seating setup similar to that in the gene room.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

Father's Day Sale at Family Tree DNA: Y-DNA, Family Finder & Bundles on Sale

Family Tree DNA is having a Father's Day Sale on a few of its DNA tests. The sale prices are good until June 18, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Central Time which is 12:59 a.m. Eastern Time. Taxes and shipping are extra. 

So which tests are on sale?

Autosomal Test (male or female) 
Family Finder is now $69, regularly $89 

Y-DNA Tests (male-only, father's line)
Y37 test is now $139, regularly $169 

Autosomal Test with Y-DNA Test (multiple tests package for one male)
Family Finder with Y37 test package is now $199, regularly $258 
Family Finder with Y67 test package is now $337, regularly $357 
Family Finder with Y111 test package is now $208, regularly $278

Autosomal Test with mtDNA Test (multiple tests package for one male OR one female, mother's line)
Family Finder with mtFull Sequence test is now $268, regularly $288

Family Tree DNA is the only DNA testing company that tests Y-DNA and mtDNA in addition to autosomal DNA. At a later date, you can always add/upgrade another test type to the DNA sample already submitted. There is no annual subscription fee at Family Tree DNA. 

Remember, the sale price is not just for "fathers." Any one (male or female) can take an autosomal DNA test. So if there is some elderly cousin or any relation really you hope to test, now is a good time to pick up a test kit or two. 

Also, remember that Family Tree DNA also has a DNA Automsomal Transfer option. Autosomal DNA Transfers can be done with 23andMe V3 or V4 tests and AncestryDNA V1 and V2 tests. The initial transfer lets you see all your matches for free. It is just $19 to unlock the test to see/do more (like ethnicity) and be able to contact matches. We have two posts here and here that explain DNA Autosomal Transfers. 

Some of our other previous posts can explain a little bit about the difference between autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Click the labels to the left using either DNA, DNA Day, or FamilyTreeDNA. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Father's Day Sale, AncestryDNA Now $79

It's a Father's Day Sale!

AncestryDNA is on sale for $79 plus taxes and shipping until June 18, 2017, at 11:59 p.m ET. That is a 20 percent savings off the regular price of $99 for the test. Shipping costs are about $9.95 to one address. 

AncestryDNA is an Autosomal DNA test that both males and females can take to learn their ethnicity mixture and aid in their search for relatives. 

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.

Though we haven't always mentioned in these posts but we have at meetings for some time now to see some features of AncestryDNA you will need an Ancestry.com subscription. (For AncestryDNA tests bought after October 2014.) As an alternative to a database subscription, you can call Ancestry.com for an AncestryDNA Insights subscription which is about $49/year as of 2016 (and does not include the databases) to obtain access to the more than basic DNA features like access to DNA trees, New Ancestor Discoveries, DNA Circles, Shared Ancestor Hints, Full Access to Matches' public trees, lists of surnames and birth locations in matches' trees. The AncestryDNA Insights subscription is only available by calling Ancestry.com, it is not available online. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Father's Day Sale: Save $20 on 23andMe DNA Tests (limit 2) until June 18, 2017

23andMe is having a Father's Day sale on its Autosomal DNA tests. You can save $20 on each DNA test kit with a limit of two kits per person. 23andMe has two versions of its test now. The sale ends June 18, 2017.

There is its Health + Ancestry Service which is on sale for $179 instead of $199 which is its regular price. This is the test version that 23andMe started with. Besides giving you DNA matches and an ethnicity breakdown, it will give you more than 65 online reports on your ancestry traits and health.

The other test version is just the Ancestry Service which is on sale for $79 instead of its $99 regular price. This version of the test gives you your ethnicity percentage breakdown and DNA matches (similar to the other DNA companies) but no health information.

Shipping is extra which will be approximately $9.95 for one kit and $14.95 for two kits.

If you are an adoptee the standard advice is to test at all three DNA testing companies because they each have differing customer pools. Of the three companies, the 23andMe DNA match service has been more difficult to use but the company has been making some changes. Regardless of where you test, read the terms and opt outs to make sure you don't accidentally agree to something (like researchers using your data) that you personally don't want to happen.

This is the only confirmed DNA sale at the moment. The websites of Ancestry.com and FamilyTreeDNA.com do not show any sales on their websites at this time.  

However, there seems to be a small sale advertised through various affiliates like genealogybargains.com etc. Affiliates are individuals or companies who promote products while doing what they do. By clicking on a link at an affiliate website that affiliate earns some money but it does not raise the cost of the sale price you pay. If we spot any other general sales of DNA tests we will let you know.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE