Effective Immediately: Comments Feature to Our Blog has been Disabled

Effective immediately, the Comments ability of this blog have been disabled.

Despite the comments feature always being moderated so that spam junk ads and inappropriate comments never make their way onto this blog/website, the actions of a few spammers have necessitated turning off the Comments feature. One would think that after a couple attempts the person(s) would realize their junk will never make it to our readers, but no, they continue to persist their unproductive efforts.

Our time wasted in management of this problem can be better spent elsewhere. MCGG members you know how to get a hold of us. For everyone else, maybe sometime in the future we can return the feature but unfortunately not for some time.

Have a good weekend everyone and stay safe with safe actions! Wear a mask for yourself, your family and everyone.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Assorted Catchup ... Free Access Offers Are Still Accessible -- Get Searching!

Do not forget there are a variety of free access offers still going on out there in the genealogy world. Here are the links to our prior posts.

See our Assorted Catchup... Part 2 on April 24, Assorted Catchup ... Some Extensions on May 4, Extension of free remote access to Ancestry Library Edition and free access to NARA records on Ancestry.com on May 1, Michigan Residents can get remote access with a Library of Michigan library card on May 5, and Assorted Catchup ... More Access on May 9.

A new, short-term offer was spotted today.

Newspapers.com Publisher's Extra Free Access Now until May, 17, 2020

Newspapers.com does not give free access to its newespapers very often. This weekend from now until May 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. MT, is one of those times and it is to the Newspapers.com Publisher's Extra collection.

If you go straight to the website you will not see the offer. Instead it appears it might be an affiliate-linked offer. (Affiliate offers do not cost you the customer anything extra but pays the site whose link was used to get to the offer.) So to get to the free access go through the Genealogy Bargains website post on the free access offer. Do not forget to save/download you newspapers finds because when the free access period is over you will lose access to your newspaper finds.

We decided to include this information so that those who do not have access to that Publisher's Extra collection can take advantage of the free access offer. Remember having a Library of Michigan library card will get you some remote access to Newspapers.com during this COVID-19 time. See our earlier post on Michigan residents getting a Library of Michigan library card.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE



 

Assorted Catchup ... More Access from Genealogy-Related Websites

Are you looking for more archived webinars to keep expanding your genealogy knowledge? The Ontario Ancestors (Ontario Genealogical Society) has opened up its webinar archives for free non-member viewing until August 31, 2020.

Currently there are 23 archived webinars available. There is also a list of webinars (those with no live link yet) they are working on receiving permission from the presenter/author. So additional webinars could become available.

These webinar presentations do not only cover Canadian research topics but general topics like search strategies, DNA but also ethnic topics such a s German and Polish archives, Italian research, African American research, East European research, and United Kingdom (and Irish and Scottish) research just to name a few.

JSTOR Remote Access until June 30, 2020
Because schools and libraries are closed or operating off-site remotely due to COVID-19, JSTOR (short for Journal Storage which is a digital library of digitized back issues of academic journals, and now books and current issues) is providing access remotely. There is an article to help guide you through accessing JSTOR depending on your situation such as university student, high school student, faculty, librarian and independent researchers.

For Independent Researchers with the Register and Read Program (those not affiliated with a subscribing school, library, etc.), the number of free articles that can be read online has been expanded from six to 100 per month until June 30, 2020. There is a list of the open and free content here. If you find an article you really want a download of there is the option to purchase a JSTOR pass which gives the ability for unlimited online reading and a certain number of PDF downloads. So, if there is an academic journal article you have heard of but not seen, check to see if it is part of the free access items.

Pilgrim Documents Online
This access is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic but something in which we thought some of our readers might be interested. The Erfgoed Leiden en Omstreken (Heritage Leiden and Environs which is a literal translation) has been digitizing documents related the the Pilgrims' time spent in Leiden, Holland, between 1609 and 1620. Though most of the website is in Dutch there are some pages in English regarding the Pilgrims. The Meet Your Ancestor page is sort of a landing page for information on planning a visit, learning about the Pilgrims time in Leiden and a link to the digitized "Pilgrim Documents." The digitized Pilgrim Documents search page can be accessed in English. And, even if we can't/won't visit the location in person there is enough information and photos available to give you a "virtual tour" of where some of the Plymouth Colony/Mayflower ancestors resided for a time.

Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project
Another non-COVID-19 pandemic item. Are you interested in the Salem Witch Trial? The University of Virginia is hosting the Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project that has brought digitized primary documents online in one place and resulted in new transcription project (scholarly, chronological) of the court records.
  
From it's introduction page: 

The Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project consists of an electronic collection of primary source materials relating to the Salem witch trials of 1692 and a new transcription of the court records.
The Documentary Archive is created under the supervision of Professor Benjamin C. Ray, University of Virginia. The Transcription project is supervised by Professor Bernard Rosenthal, University of Binghamton. Together with a team of scholars, Professor Rosenthal is undertaking a new transcription of the original court records, titled Records of
the Salem Witch-Hunt, to be published by Cambridge University Press. See Transcription Updates for an ongoing report of corrections to the published transcriptions, Salem Witchcraft Papers (De Capo Press,1977).

For a brief description of the Salem witch trials, go to Overview of the Salem Witch Trials. This summary describes the main events of the witchcraft trials, all of which are documented in the Archive's collections of primary resources. These resources include court records, contemporary books, and record books, as well as images of the original court documents, indexed according to various archival collections. The overview also refers to some of the notable people who played important roles in the trials and in the debate about the legitimacy of the trials. Users of the Archive may search the court records and contemporary books and letters for names of people involved, aided by a list of notable people and by a complete alphabetical list of everyone mentioned in the court documents."

There are also historical maps and educational overviews on the project website. Historians and genealogists interested in the Salem witch trials should find plenty to occupy some time.

The resulting book, Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt, edited by Bernard Rosenthal and originally published in 2009 with later reprints, is available at Allen County Public Library and mostly at university/college law libraries. It is available for purchase at a few online resources like Amazon. The book is described as representing "... the first comprehensive record of all legal documents pertaining to the Salem witch trials, in chronological order. ..."

Got a witch in your lineage? Did you know there is a lineage society for that? Check out the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches society if you are a woman "at least 16 years of age and able to prove direct lineal descent from an ancestor who was officially (by authority, government or church) accused OR tried OR convicted/executed for the practice of witchcraft or wizardry in Colonial America prior to 31 December 1699. The society has an Ancestor page of potential ancestors.

Again, if we spot any other free access or interesting items we will bring you another Assorted Catchup ... post. 

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Michigan Residents: Do You have a Library of Michigan Library Card?

Note: Originally posted on May 5, 2020, at 2:49 p.m. EDT. Edited to clarify what type of student is also eligible.

Are you a Michigan resident or an out-of-state student enrolled in a Michigan college or university? Have you ever thought of getting a Library of Michigan library card? Even if you haven't you might want to if you are a genealogist. It is free!

Like the other libraries in Michigan, the Library of Michigan is closed during these COVID-19 times. Which means besides the library itself being closed, the Library of Michigan card services: LM Collections circulating collections at Lansing; MeLCat borrowing of materials from other Michigan libraries for pickup at the Library of Michigan; and LM Databases access to specialized subscription databases while visiting the library are currently not operating.

BUT the LM Databases services, during these COVID-19 times, is now giving access to some of these specialized subscription databases from home!

Learn about Family History research through the Library of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory and apply at www.michigan.gov/librarycard for a Library of Michigan library card. (Remember, this is for Michigan residents and out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.) The Library of Michigan will send you your library card information using email and send the physical card at a later date. One of our members applied on this Sunday and one on Monday (yesterday) and both got their cards this afternoon (Tuesday) so it does not take long. Since applications are done online, you do need to supply your Michigan driver license number.

What database can you access from home?  They are Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3 by Ancestry, Michigan History Magazine, MyHeritage Library Edition (also available thru MeL.org the Michigan Electronic Library), NewspaperArchive, Newspapers.com by Ancestry World Edition, ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Detroit Free Press, 1831-1999.

The Library of Michigan's list of databases accessible from home during these times.

This is a fantastic opportunity for genealogists. So, hold off on planting (it is a little too early yet as we have frost warnings this weekend) and make sure to spend some time working on your family tree. There is lots to explore, search and find.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Assorted Catchup... Some Extensions of Access

Note: Originally posted on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 4:45 p.m. EDT

If you have some extra time for genealogy here are somethings to note going on in the genealogy world. Some items are new and some have been extended due to many states extending variations of stay at home orders. If we hear of some more free access or sales we will add another post.

DNA
There are various Mother's Day Sales of DNA tests for genealogy. See our individual posts on those.

Family Tree Webinars 
Family Tree Webinars has extended until May 31, 2020, making one of its 1,000+ archived webinars free each day. This is in addition to the new webinars that are free to view Live while it is being recorded and for the first week after being recorded.

MyHeritage 
Remember MyHeritage website is giving free access through May 23, 2020, to its U.S. Yearbook collection to which it applied its MyHeritage in Color tool to colorize black and white yearbooks.

Do not forget that Michigan residents have remote access to MyHeritage Library Edition through the Michigan Electronic Library (mel.org) for free

National Genealogical Society
Until July 31, 2020, The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is giving non-members access to five years of its NGS Monthly Archives.

According to the NGS's announcement, "Edited and authored by Aaron Goodwin, an award-winning genealogist, NGS Monthly’s articles help researchers of all levels. The articles offer family historians invaluable insights on methodology and digestible recommendations on genealogical research by considering the techniques of skilled researchers and scholars, and how they solved difficult research problems. Topics often examine valuable lessons in case studies published in the scholarly NGS Quarterly to help readers understand how to apply new concepts to their own work."

Access the NGS website > Learning Center > NGS Monthly & Archive then click on the NGS Monthly Archives link.
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Family Tree DNA Mother's Day Sale

The Mother's Day Sale at Family Tree DNA goes thru May 10, 2020. Taxes and shipping are extra.

Here are the tests on sale.
Autosomal DNA (male or female can take) 
FamilyFinder is now $59, regularly $79 save $20

mtDNA (male or female can take, mother's direct female line)
mtFull Sequence is now $139, regularly $159 save $20. It is now the only mtDNA test offered.

Want to upgrade your mtDNA test?
mtDNA (HVR1) to mtFull is now $79, regularly $119 save $40
mtPLUS (HVR1+ HVR2) to mtFull is now $79, regularly $119 save $40

Need more than one test type for the same -- meaning a single person? These bundles are on sale too. According to an email sent to those who currently have tested, there is an additional $9 off each additional test added to a bundle.

Family Tree DNA for its autosomal DNA tests called FamilyFinder 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. See our previous post containing some Reminders and Cautions regarding changes that happened earlier this year with Family Tree DNA.
As a reminder, Family Tree DNA sometimes sells its autosomal DNAtest kits (called FamilyFinder) on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale the FamilyFinder test is at the sale price of $59 at Amazon so if you don't need a YDNA or mtDNA test for the same person buying from Amazon eliminates the shipping costs. (Make sure the seller shown is FamilyTreeDNA fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) 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.

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

If you are buying more than one type (autosomal, Y-DNA or mtDNA) of test for one person, you will need to purchase from Family Tree DNA directly. If you are buying an upgrade test, be sure to sign into the test kit you are upgrading. If you are buying tests for more than one person, you may need to purchase them separately.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

23andMe's Health + Ancestry Service DNA Test on Sale for Mother's Day unil May 10

The 23andMe Mother's Day Sale runs through May 10, 2020. On sale this time is its Health+Ancestry Service. 

23andMe's Health + Ancestry Service is regularly priced $199 but is on sale for $149.

23andMe also has a VIP Health + Ancestry Service is regularly priced $398 but is on sale for $248. This VIP Health + Ancestry is actually a bundle package which includes two Ancestry + Health test kits, overnight shipping, priority lab processing, premium customer support and 1-on-1 Ancestry results walkthrough.

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 a general look at your mtDNA haplogroup. No subscription is needed to see/use all the DNA matching features. A newer feature is the Family Tree feature which is automatically built from your DNA relationships

See the 23andMe website to learn more about the Health service features which includes 10+ Health Pre-disposition reports, 5+ Wellness reports, and 40+ Carrier Status reports.

As a reminder, 23andMe also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale period the Ancestry+Traits is at regular price but the Health+Ancestry is on sale for $149 which is the same as at the 23andMe website. 

(If you do buy these tests on the Amazon website, make sure the seller shown is 23andMe fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) 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.

Above: Look for this when buying on Amazon.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

It is May 4th aka Star Wars Day!

Watch the Star Wars movies, or as many as you can, and get inspired to research the stories in your own family tree.

There are many free online resources and quite a few more now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your library card to take advantage of them. Read our earlier posts to learn about these various free online resources.

Do not know where to begin? See our Beginner's Packet located on our Research Help page. Need some help with Ancestry Library Edtion? See our YouTube channel with our new video, An Overview of Ancestry Library Edition.

Have fun researching your family tree!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Mt. Clemens Public Library Closed thru May 28, 2020; Temporary Free Remote Access to Ancestry Library Edition Extended thru End of May 2020; MCGG Releases Ancestry Library Edition Overview Video on its YouTube Channel

Our favorite library, Mount Clemens Public Library.
Note: this photo is from a prior year not this year so
we do not have an open house scheduled this year.

Our favorite library, Mount Clemens Public Library, will be closed until at least May 28, 2020, due to State of Michigan efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Like many libraries around the world, our favorite library and the rest of the libraries in the Suburban Library Cooperative are working to bring alternative online resources to its patrons. So do not forget to take a look at the website of the library that issued your library card to see all the online resources offered during this time.

One of these online resources is ProQuest and Ancestry's temporary free remote access offer to Ancestry Library Edition which is extended to the end of May. So, patrons of the Suburban Library Cooperative libraries can keep on researching!

You can access Ancestry Library Edition by signing into the website of the library that issued your library card and then clicking the link to Ancestry Library Edition. You will be taken to the Ancestry Library Edition home page and from there you can search to your heart's content. Ancestry Library Edition has no personalized features so among other things you can not access your personal Ancestry online tree or link records to it if you have one. So you will need to remember to download your record image finds and add the information to your genealogy trees manually.

To compliment this online resource, the Macomb County Genealogy Group has created and finally released a new video on our YouTube channel. This video is An Overview of Ancestry Library Edition. After explaining the differences between Ancestry Library Edition and a personal home Ancestry.com subscription, we walk you around the Ancestry Library Edition website and some different ways to start searching for your ancestors.

We hope you are able to utilize this genealogy resource (Ancestry Library Edition) and learn something new about your ancestors.

If you need help starting genealogy see our MCGG Beginner's Packet for Family Research on our Research Help page.

Remember to have fun researching your ancestors everyone. And stay safe.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE