Don't Forget the Genealogy Open House on June 1 at Mt. Clemens Public Library

Don't forget this Friday, June 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Macomb County Genealogy Group (MCGG) will hold a Genealogy Open House in the Local History and Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library.
 
What is happening at the Open House?

• Learn about the library's Local History and Genealogy Collection upstairs;
• Learn about (and use) our MCGG Special Collections located downstairs;
• Learn how to use the various equipment available in the Gene Room and get any questions you have about the equipment answered;
• Get research assistance from our volunteers -- bring your questions and problems whether they are with your family research or with using a particular genealogy website;
• Get help with ethnic research questions -- we have experts in several areas such as Polish, German, English, Scottish, Canadian, French-Canadian, etc.;
• Work station tables will be set up near electrical outlets in the Auditorium for attendees who bring their laptops;
• Just starting out? We have a beginner's table in the Auditorium with a moderator to give you some starting advice and answer questions. (Don't worry you will have time to explore our collections and work with our volunteers.);
• Light refreshments will be available in the auditorium too!

Please note that unlike our Open House last year which was held when the library was closed due to staff training, this year the library will be open to all patrons during the Open House.

Do you need to bring anything? If you have a question/problem make sure to bring your information so our volunteers can see what you have done already. Bring a USB drive in case you want to copy/digitize a found record. Bring your laptop if you want. 

Get help with your research and socialize with other family historians/genealogists too. The cost? Free! MCGG members and anyone who is curious about researching their family tree are welcome to attend.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 

LE

This Friday, June 1, is the MCGG Open House at Mt. Clemens Public Library

This Friday, June 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Macomb County Genealogy Group (MCGG) will hold a Genealogy Open House in the Local History and Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. (Yes, we decided to reschedule our Open House that got cancelled due to the burst pipe back in January.)

Come learn about this great collection. Take a tour upstairs and down. Watch demonstrations on how to use the scanning equipment. Learn tips for using the local database computer. We will have a beginner's table as well as consultations.

Get help with your research and socialize with other family historians/genealogists too. The cost? Free! If you have a laptop feel free to bring it to use the library's in-house resources and pick up some tips and tricks.

MCGG members and anyone who is curious about researching their family tree are welcome to attend.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Memorial Day Sale on AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA
It is Memorial Day weekend and AncestryDNA autosomal DNA test kits, regular price $99, are on sale for $69 plus taxes and shipping until May 28 at 11:59 p.m. E.T.
 
AncestryDNA without a data/records membership subscription provides an ethnicity estimate, migrations, DNA matches, contacting matches, automatic updates to results, and shared matches. AncestryDNA with a data/records membership subscription also gives you New Ancestor Discoveries, DNA Circles, Shared Ancestor Hints, Full access to matches' public trees, List of surnames in matches' trees, and list of birth locations in matches' trees. AncestryDNA does not provide a chromosome browser tool.

Don't have an Ancestry data/records subscription? Ancestry offers an AncestryDNA Insights subscription for about $59/year which would give access to all of the DNA tools but not any data/records but you must call Ancestry.com's customer service to request the AncestryDNA Insights subscription.

We are not sure if the FREESHIPDNA code will work with this sale but it does not hurt to try it.

Remember, AncestryDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and at sale prices when it is having a sale. Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MCGG Adds Privacy Policy to this Website

Just in case, the Macomb County Genealogy Group has added a Privacy Policy to inform readers how this site and MCGG handles your information. The European Union has enacted a very complicated regulation today called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that potentially effects those located anywhere who may have contact with European Union residents.

We have created a standing webpage for so our Privacy Policy will always be easy to locate. (See the page tabs at the top of this website.) As needed our Privacy Policy will be updated so if you have any concerns check our Privacy Policy page occasionally.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

We've Added the MCGG Open House at Mount Clemens Public Library for June

Our Genealogy Elements Tree from the Gene Room bulletin
board replicated itself to make a seminar appearance today.

Guess What? On Friday, June 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. the Macomb County Genealogy Group (MCGG) will hold a Genealogy Open House in the Local History and Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. (Yes, we decided to reschedule our Open House that got cancelled due to the burst pipe back in January.)

Come learn about this great collection. Take a tour upstairs and down. Watch demonstrations on how to use the scanning equipment. Learn tips for using the local database computer.

Get help with your research and socialize with other family historians/genealogists too. If you have a laptop feel free to bring it to use the library's in-house resources and pick up some tips and tricks.

MCGG members and anyone who is curious about researching their family tree are welcome to attend.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Mother's Day Sales on Genealogy-Related Items like Memberships, Books, DNA

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Hint, hint it is this Sunday, May 13, 2018. If your Mom, or you yourself regardless of your gender, are interested in genealogy there are a bunch of sales out there to save on your favorite hobby!

Ancestry
Until May 13th at 11:59 p.m., save 30% on a gift membership to Ancestry.com website. A gift membership is a one-time, non-renewing membership. At the time of purchase you can choose the start date of the gift membership as any date between the date of purchase and August 31.

U.S. Discovery (Access All U.S. Records)
6 months regularly $99, sale price $69
12 months regularly $189, sale price $129

World Explorer (Access U.S. and International Records)
6 months regularly $149, sale price $99
12 months regularly $299, sale price $209

We missed announcing the Mother's Day Sale on AncestryDNA but remember, Father's Day is just a month away.

FamilyTree DNA
At Family Tree DNA the Mother's Day sale runs until May 14, 2018. Shipping and taxes are extra which vary depending on where the test is shipped. From a while back the shipping cost to Michigan was about $12.95 for one kit which covers the receiving and sending the test. On sale for Mother's Day are:

FamilyFinder (autosomal for male or female) regular price $79 ... now $59
FamilyFinder and mtFull Sequence bundle (for one male or female) regular price $278 ... now $199 
mtFull Sequence (for one male or female) regular price $199 ... now $149
Big Y-500 bundle of the Y-111 + Big Y tests (for one male) regular price $799 ... now $649

Family Tree DNA autosomal DNA test (Family Finder) provides an ethnicity (admixture) report, list of DNA matches, chromosome browser and allows DNA matches to contact a match directly if that match allows it. Once tested, DNA samples are stored so that additional test types (upgrades) can be added if desired. Family Tree DNA is the only genealogy DNA testing company that offers all three DNA test types: autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA. No subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features.

Family Tree DNA also offers autosomal DNA transfers. So if you have already tested at another genealogy DNA testing company you can upload your RAW DNA data to get your test into another "pool" of potential DNA matches. The transfer is initially free which lets you see all your matches and use the FamilyFinder-Matrix to compare up to 10 matches. To access additional FamilyFinder tools the cost is just $19 to unlock them.

Family Tree DNA currently accepts autosomal transfers from:

• Ancestry DNA (V1 and V2 chips)
• 23andME (V3 and V4 chips) but not its V5 chip in use since Aug. 2017
• MyHeritageDNA (Transfers from kits tested directly at MyHeritage are completely free with no unlock fee.) 

One thing to note is that transfers of tests on the AncestryDNA V2 chip and the 23andMe V4 chip receive all but the most speculative matches (6th cousin to remote cousins) because these chips are not fully compatible.

23andMe
For this year's Mother's Day, 23andMe has put its tests on sale for 20 percent off plus free gift wrapping until Sunday, May 13th.

The Ancestry Service (autosomal DNA test) regularly $99 is now $79.20. The Health+Ancestry Service regularly $199 is now $159.20. Taxes and Shipping are extra.

Or there is the Family Offer of buy 2 Kits at regular price and Get 1 Kit Free. Customers can mix and match kits. One free kit per order, additional tests are 20 percent off. See specific offer details at the 23andMe website.

23andMe Ancestry Service (autosomal DNA) provides an ethnicity (admixture) report, list of DNA matches, chromosome browser and an internal member messaging system. 23andMe also provides a general look at your Y-DNA haplogroup (if male) and mtDNA haplogroup. No subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features. See the 23andMe website to learn more about the Health service option.

23andMe also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and at sale prices when they are having a sale. (Make sure the seller shown is 23andMe fulfilled by Amazon and not a third-party.) Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.

MyHeritage
MyHeritage has also put its autosomal DNA test on sale too. MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests regularly $99 each are on sale for $59 each until May 14, 2018. Shipping and taxes are extra.

MyHeritageDNA is one of the newer players in the DNA and genealogy testing niche. Its customer base is more international. As of earlier this year, the company has added a chromosome browser feature and has made its internal member messaging feature free. It also offers an ethnicity/admixture report and a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features.

MyHeritageDNA is still offering free DNA transfers so if you already tested at another DNA testing company you can download your RAW DNA data from that site and upload it to MyHeritage. MyHeritageDNA accepts raw DNA data from Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA (V1 and V2 version chips), and 23andMe (V2, V3 and V4 chips.)

MyHeritageDNA can also be found on Amazon.com sold and shipped by Amazon. But at this time the current price (as of today) is similar to the regular price and not the sale price. Non-AmazonPrime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. So for this sale it is cheaper to buy it directly from MyHeritage.

LivingDNA
LivingDNA is a newer genealogy testing company based in the United Kingdom. It is also an autosomal DNA test that males and females can take. The regular price of the LivingDNA test is $159 but is on sale for $99.99. Taxes and Shipping are extra. According to the website, shipping takes 7-10 working days to get to the USA, longer during the holiday season, and is about $9.95. [Note: an MCGG member recently ordered a LivingDNA test kit during a previous sale and it was sent from Kentucky.]

LivingDNA (autosomal DNA) offers an ethnicity estimate (80 world regions including 21 in Britain and Ireland); a general look at your Y-DNA haplogroup (if male) and mtDNA haplogroup; and a view of your ancestry in the context of history and the migration of them. LivingDNA results are updated for free as the system and technology are updated. Later this year it is expected that Family Matches (seeing your DNA matches among those who have tested) will be released.

If you have a lot of English and Irish ancestry the more detailed regions for Britain and Ireland in the ethnicity may be of interest to you. The company is still building itself so at a sale price it may be worth a try perhaps you will find a clue to direct your search.

Where to Test?
Testing in as many "ponds" as possible is the advice genetic genealogists often give because you never know where someone has tested. Sale times and DNA data transfers are ways to make it easier to fish in multiple ponds to find your DNA matches.

Other Sales
Family Tree Magazine is having a sale on genealogy books.  There are also genealogy e-books on sale at the Amazon.com website. Find these under Kindle e-books>Reference>Genealogy and then sort matches Low to High. You can learn about which books at the GenealogyBargains.com website and at the website learn of additional sales on genealogy-related items like electronic devices, including one-day only sales.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Wednesday is Our Annual Pot-Luck and Silent Auction -- Bring a Dish to Share, the Event Starts at 5 p.m., Dinner at 6 p.m.

A reminder to all MCGG Friday Group and MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy members that Wednesday, May 9, is our Annual Pot-luck and Silent Auction combined meeting. Bidding starts at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Bring a dish (homemade or store bought) to share and some money if you plan to place a bid.


The silent auction is primarily of genealogical materials with some history items.


Remember, to let Ann know if you are attending so we have an idea of how many tables/seats we will need. Reply to her recent email or use the Macomb email on our contact page. Of course, if you find you can attend at the last minute, don't worry we always have a few extra seats.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MCPL Used Book Sale in Need of Office/Paper Case Boxes with Lids

Boxes with Lids are vital to the organization
of the MCPL Used Book Sale.

ATTENTION, ATTENTION:  We are in need of good/decent condition office/paper case boxes with lids so we can store the donated books after we sort them on the shelves. 

It does not matter what brand box ... any office/paper case box with a lid will work. We have less shelf space so these boxes are vital to our organization process. They also come in handy for the book sale itself.

Donated boxes can be dropped off at the Information Desk of the Mount Clemens Public Library with a note that the boxes are for the used book sale. 

We thank you for your support. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

"Theme" Your Research Today and Tomorrow

Research Themes for Today and Tomorrow.

For our October Family History Month posts we highlight daily or weekly research themes based on national or international days of honor. Today and tomorrow offer researchers some themes to try for a change of pace.

May 4th
"May the Fourth Be With You." Today is Star Wars Day with theme events being held world-wide and television/cable stations airing the different episodes back to back all day long. What has Star Wars to do with your research? Spend today (while watching Star Wars of course) searching your rebels, heroes, and military/militia ancestors.

If that does not inspire you, it is also National Bird Day; Rhode Island Independence Day (research your Rhode Island ancestors); National Orange Candied Peel Day and National Orange Juice Day (research your bakers and ancestors/relatives with Florida connections); as well as National Weather Observers Day so research those ancestors who helped report the weather. The first Friday of May is also School Lunch Hero Day (research your school related ancestors); Tuba Day (research your musician ancestors); as well as International Space Day.

May 5th
"Revenge of the Fifth." Star Wars Day has expanded with a day themed on "Revenge of the Sith" celebrating the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the movie series. Spend today searching your black sheep, convict, and military/militia ancestors.

Cinco de Mayo. Commemorating the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over Napoleon III's French forces at the Battle of Peubla in 1862. Spend today researching your Mexican ancestors or relations. A margarita with or without alcohol is optional

The Kentucky Derby. Tomorrow also happens to be the 144th annual running of the Kentucky Derby. Though the race lasts just minutes, spend today searching your Kentucky ancestors or those who worked with horses. A mint julep with or without alcohol is optional.

If none of those inspire you the first Saturday of the May is also: Free Comic Book Day so take your grandchildren and find a participating store to make some memories; National Scrapbooking Day so gather your grandchildren and record some memories; Beer Pong Day (research your brewer ancestors); International Midwives Day (research your midwife ancestors); National Herb Day; as well as National Hoagie Day and National Chocolate Custard Day.

Regardless of what you research, have FUN!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE