MCGG's Next Friday Meeting is October 6

MCGG's next Friday meeting is on Friday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, Deborah Larson, assistant director of the Mount Clemens Public Library, will present Tracing the History of Your House. 

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

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

Finding Your Roots TV Show Returns to PBS on October 3, 2017, at 8 p.m.

Season four of Finding Your Roots will premiere Tuesday, October 3, 2017, on your local PBS station at 8 p.m. EST. This is the hour-long genealogy television show headed by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 

The season will spotlight 28 new guests including: Larry David, Bernie Sanders, Carly Simon, Christopher Walken, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, William H. Macy, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ava DuVernay, Janet Mock, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd, Bryant Gumbel, Tonya Lewis-Lee, Suzanne Malveaux, Lupita Nyong'o, Carmelo Anthony, Ana Narvarro, Téa Leoni, Gaby Hoffman, Questlove, Dr. Phil McGraw, Carlayne Hunter-Gault, Garrison Keillor, Amy Schumer, and three more.

 Everyone has different television delivery/provider systems. Use your television provider's schedule system or PBS Detroit's schedule system to find the PBS channel number on your provider system and to learn when the show will be re-aired again. (On PBS Detroit's schedule system you can customize the listing to your service provider by edit or change provider so the schedule generated reflects your television provider's channels and schedule.) 

See You Soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

A Word of Caution ...

Back in August we mentioned that some of the DNA for genealogy tests could be found for sale on the Amazon.com website. Even at sale prices, these tests usually meet the minimum purchase amount for free shipping. If you are an Amazon Prime Member you receive faster shipping.

We thought just to remind everyone to make sure you know what you are purchasing and who is selling it.

We recommend sticking to the known DNA tests from DNA testing companies that serve the genetic genealogy community such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, Family Tree DNA and MyHeritage. These companies vary in size and some services but all offer a match service (seeing who you match from those who have also tested.)

We also recommend verifying who is actually selling the test kit on Amazon. (View the item page and look under the price for the "sold by" which is right after the In Stock or Out of Stock.) Is it the actual DNA testing company or is it a third-party seller? If it is a third-party check out its ratings and reviews before making a purchase.


Stay safe out there.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Family Tree DNA's Family Finder (autosomal) Test on Sale for $69

Family Tree DNA is having a sale on its autosomal DNA test called Family Finder. Now regularly $89, the FamilyFinder test is on sale for $69 plus taxes and shipping. We have not seen yet when this sale price will end. 

During the month of September a portion of each sale (new tests, upgrades and paid transfers) will be donated to the Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts. Family Tree DNA is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and though email and phone support was hindered the back up generators protected the lab. Some FTDNA employees were personally effected by the hurricane.

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. 

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. Each kit is managed separately and multiple kits can be linked to one email address.

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 is free for a look at your matches and is just $19 to unlock the test to see/do more 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

AncestryDNA on Sale for $79

Ancestry.com is having a sale on its AncestryDNA (autosomal) Test. Regularly $99, it is on sale for $79 plus shipping and taxes. We have seen no indication of when this sale will end.

From what we understand that free shipping coupon code FREESHIPDNA listed at the RetailMeNot website will work with this sale so you will save on the $9.95 shipping cost too! Also reported is that if you buy additional AncestryDNA test kits at the same time, those additional test kits will cost just $69 each.

One thing to remember with AncestryDNA is that there are new rules/procedures for activating tests that are not your own DNA aka spit aka test. We reported on this with our July 14, 2017, post. Essentially each DNA tester needs to have a unique email address (because of the next requirement), have his/her own Ancestry.com account (it can be a free one), activate his/her own test kit, and then invite the test requester (often the person that paid for the test) to be a manager of that DNA tester's results.

It has been speculated a lot of these changes were to comply with European Union privacy laws so that perhaps Ancestry.com can expand its test sales into other countries.

But that said, it makes things a whole lot more difficult to get other relatives who don't, won't or can't have technology like email and internet; and who don't, won't or can't manage their own test results due to age, capability or finances. Many relatives are willing to test if that is all they have to do so you can share the results with them.

So Ancestry advised us to help the tester set up those things.

How much help (with the tester's informed consent and permission) you need to give will depend on each situation.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Family Tree Maker 2017 Discount Upgrade Pricing $39.95 Ends Oct. 1, 2017

Three days ago, Software MacKiev announced that it will end the discounted upgrade pricing for Family Tree Maker 2017 on October 1, 2017.

The discounted upgrade pricing is $39.95 to upgrade to Family Tree Maker 2017 from any previous version of Family Tree Maker. After the discount ends Oct. 1 the upgrade pricing will be $79.95 which is the same cost as a first-time purchaser would pay. 

The discounted upgrade pricing page is here and be sure to make your purchase before October 1. The software is delivered by download using a link in an email. It can be purchased on a CD or USB also, but you can can easily copy your download to your own USB or external drive for safe keeping. Make sure the computer you intend to use the software on meets the minimum system requirements.

If you have want to continue using features Family Tree Maker has been known for like: syncing between an online tree and a FTM desktop tree; web search and record merge from within FTM; and tree hints (those shaky leaves) as well as other features, you must upgrade to Family Tree Maker 2017. Many of these capabilities no longer work in previous versions.

To learn more about the upgrade see the MacKiev Family Tree Maker page or its FTM support page. MacKiev does not have phone support but you can initiate a Live Chat using a link on the FTM Live Chat support page.

There is currently only one other sync-capable genealogy software option that works with Ancestry online trees. It does work a bit differently than the FTM version of online tree syncing.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free Access to 15 Select Webinars at Family Tree Webinars Extended

Family Tree Webinars has extended its 7th Anniversary celebration by extending its free access to members-only webinars to Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. 

During this time non-members can watch 15 normally member-only webinars on a variety of topics. 

There are also quite a few always free webinars available during anytime of the year. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Thank You for Supporting the MCPL Used Book Sale and Mt Clemens Public Library

If you made a purchase at the MCPL Used Book Sale ...
If you passed the word of the MCPL Used Book Sale ...
If you volunteered to staff the MCPL Used Book Sale ...
If you volunteered to help set up the MCPL Used Book Sale ...
If you volunteered to help take down the MCPL Used Book Sale ...
If you volunteered to sort the donated books throughout the year for the MCPL Used Book Sale ...

We thank you for supporting the MCPL Used Book Sale and Mount Clemens Public Library!

As you can see there were a lot of people that made this happen. And, we did good.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Last Day of the MCPL Used Book Sale Shop Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hurry in before the MCPL Used Book Sale closes.

It is Day 3 of the Used Book Sale at the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale and there are less than two hours left. Today is the last day of the sale and it is Bag Day ... buy a paper grocery bag from us for $5 and fill it with anything you can fit in it. The Used Book Sale is hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group and proceeds support the library.

Sale hours today (Sat., Sept. 23) are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have shopped the MCPL Used Book Sale, thank you for supporting the library.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

It is Day 2 of the MCPL Used Book Sale Shop Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Amazingly we still have a good selection of used books
available. Please come buy a book or several books.

Day 2 of the Used Book Sale at the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale kicked off today a couple hours ago. There is still a great selection to pick from in a wide variety of categories. The Used Book Sale is hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

Sale hours today (Fri, Sept. 22) are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

It is Day 1 of the MCPL Used Book Sale Shop Today from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Lots of books to pick from at this sale.

Day 1 of the Used Book Sale at the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale kicked off today less than an hour ago. There is still a great selection to pick from in a wide variety of categories. The Used Book Sale is hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

Sale hours today (Thurs, Sept. 21) are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Day Two of the Sale. 

September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MCPL Used Book Sale Preview Night Tomorrow, Wed., Sept 20, 6 - 8 p.m.

2017 MCPL Used Book Sale ...
Just one day until Preview Night.

As you can see from this photo we are just about ready for Wednesday night's Preview Night of the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale. Again, hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

Our Preview Event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wed., Sep. 20th, in the Community Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Preview Event Admission is $10 per person at the door.

We thank everyone who helped with sale setup for their hard work.

Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the Preview Event. Preview Event Admission is $10 per person at the door. Shop the sale early for the best selection. 

September 21, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Day One of the Sale. 

September 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Day Two of the Sale. 

September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free One Week Access to 15 Select Webinars at Family Tree Webinars

Family Tree Webinars is celebrating its 7th Anniversary with a free access week from Thursday, Sep. 14, 2017, to Friday, Sep. 22, 2017.

During this time non-members can watch 15 normally member-only webinars on a variety of topics.

There are also quite a few always free webinars available during anytime of the year.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Get Ready! The Used Book Sale is Next Week at Mt. Clemens Public Library!

It is almost that time again ... the Mount Clemens Public Library's Used Book Sale. Again, hosted by the Macomb County Genealogy Group.

We have had a few very-dedicated volunteers sorting all year round to get us ready for this event. We thank them immensely for their hard work.

Used Book Sale Days and Hours are: 

September 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the Preview Event. Preview Event Admission is $10 per person at the door. Shop the sale early for the best selection. 

September 21, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Day One of the Sale. 

September 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Day Two of the Sale. 

September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Last Day of the Sale. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

This Wednesday is the First Let's Talk...Genealogy Meeting for Fall 2017

Wednesday, September 13, at 7 p.m. in the Local History & Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library is the first MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting for Fall 2017. Our topic for the night is ... Where Do I Go From Here?

Bring research questions, brick walls or new finds to share with the group. Let's share our challenges, maybe someone will have an idea to solve them.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

Lapeer County Genealogical Society will Meet on Sep 12, 2017 in Attica

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, September 12, at 7 p.m.

This month's meeting is a field trip to the Attica Township Museum. A tour will be conducted by Janet O'Donnell.


The museum is located behind the Attica Township Hall at 4350 Peppermill Road in Attica. From Lapeer, go east on Imlay City Road (M-21) to Lake Pleasant Road, right on Lake Pleasant Road; turn right on Peppermill Road, and follow short distance to the Township Hall located on the left. If arriving from I-69, get off at Lake Pleasant Road exit and go north into town. Turn left on Peppermill Road.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

September is Save Your Photos Month and Tomorrow's MCGG Friday Meeting Topic

September is the national month for ... Fall Hats, Hispanic Heritage (Sep. 15 - Oct 15), International Square Dancing, several foods like Chicken, Honey, Potatoes, Rice as well as some others, and Self Improvement to name just a few.

This year, September 2017, marks the fourth annual Save Your Photos Month which celebrates family history, memories and stories by promoting education of how to preserve photos and saving family photos. It it also a reminder to backup your digital photos, and to scan and save the vintage ones.

Tomorrow our Friday meeting topic is Organizing and Preserving Your Photos presented by Cheryl Warnock. Join us at 1 p.m., Friday, Sep. 8, at Mount Clemens Public Library.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Just a Few Days Left Until Our First Fall 2017 Friday Meeting on Fri., Sep. 8th

It is almost here! MCGG's first meeting of Fall 2017 is on Friday, September 8, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, Cheryl Warnock will present Organizing and Preserving Your Photos.

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

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

New York State Death Index on Internet Archive; Ancestry.com Adds "New York, Death Index, 1880-1956" Collection Today

Last year, the group Reclaim the Records won its petition to access the New York City Death Index and made digitized images of the microfilm/microfiche index available for free via the Internet Archive website < www.archive.org > which is a free website. Earlier this year, the Reclaim the Records received access to the New York State Death Index and immediately set to work adding those images to Internet Archive as well.

All of the Reclaim the Records digitized records from a variety of states can be found under the group's name here at Internet Archive. At this time the New York State Death Index collection is still empty showing 0 items. BUT if you search the Internet Archive (not the WayBackMachine) using "New York State Death Index" you will find the individual PDFs for each year are already on the website. Add a year to your search to find the PDF file quickly for that year.

There is a basic search with these PDFs but note it will show the specific characters you search anywhere in the document. So searching Smith will bring up not only Smith surnames but also Smithtown. The other option is to manually browse the images (click thru via entering a specific page/image number to jump ahead or back) in the PDF until you come to the surname you are seeking.

But today, it appears Ancestry.com has created and added an electronic index to images of the New York State Death Index. The collection at Ancestry is called New York, Death Index, 1880-1956, and it is not free. Ancestry's electronic index allows one to limit a search to surnames and craft searches with a variety of search filters. Search a first and last name; search just a last name and a year or range of years; search just a location without a surname and add a year or year range if needed ... the search filter options/combinations are endless.

It is not clear if Ancestry obtained the index microfilm from New York directly and created its own digital images downloadable as individual jpg files, or if it is using the same images created by Reclaim the Records viewable and downloadable as PDF "books." The image quality appears very similar but if you are having trouble reading an entry at one site check the other just in case.

For those without home access, remember many local libraries have Ancestry Library Edition available for patron use while in the library usually on the library's computers or your own via the library's wireless access. Of course, the Internet Archive is available for free to anyone as long as you have internet access from somewhere.

Have a safe holiday weekend and for those who are local we will see you soon at our first meeting of the Fall 2017.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free Access Weekend to Occupational Records at Ancestry.com & Ancestry.ca

Don't have an Ancestry subscription for home access to records?

This weekend is a free access weekends at Ancestry.com and Ancestry.ca (Canada) giving free access to occupational records in honor of Labor Day in the United States and in honor of Labour Day in Canada. Free Access lasts until 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, September 4, 2017. These are two separate free access weekends offers.

A lot of the records available during this free access time are census and directories. See a list of the featured collections available for free on this page for the Ancestry.com website and this page for the Ancestry.ca website. The accessible record collections are different and specific to each country so to see a US record use Ancestry.com website and to see a Canadian record use the Ancestry.ca website. To participate in the free access weekend you need to register for free with the Ancestry website to receive a username and password. (Yes, if you want to take part in both free access weekend offers you need to register for free at both websites.)

Be sure to download any of your finds because access to the records after the free access weekend will require a paid membership.

Have fun searching.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Free until Sunday, September 3, 2017, Legacy QuickGuide Disaster Planning for the Genealogist by Melissa Barker

Disasters around the world, be it as large as Texas or on a much smaller scale, usually makes one pause and think about their own family and "stuff" and what they would do or should do. And genealogists usually have a lot of "stuff."

Legacy's Family Tree Webinars is offering its Legacy QuickGuide Disaster Planning for the Genealogist by Melissa Barker aka "The Archive Lady" as a download for free through Sunday, September 3, 2017. Legacy's News Blog has a post explaining the reason behind the offer.

The guide is a combination of common sense advice; resources to more information and product types to use; and touches on paper to digital items.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE