PGSM 47th Annual Genealogy Seminar Registration Now Open; Closes Oct. 5 for Postal Mail Or Oct. 8 for Online

Registration is now open for the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan's 47th Annual Genealogy Seminar on Saturday, October 18, 2024, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Eastern Time. See the PGSM website to register or download the registration form.

Speaker Dr. Anna Muller will present “The People of Hamtramck: Reflections on Belonging, Agency, and Being Polish American.” Speaker Nancy Loe, M.A., MLS will present “Researching Ancestral Locations in Prussian Genealogy Records” and “Finding Prussian Ancestors in Online Archives.” And, Dr. John Radzilowski will present “Fr. Leopold Moczygemba and Fr. Jozef Dabrowski: Pioneers in Polish American Education.”

Available as a virtual meeting (zoom) for $20.00, or as in-person for $45.00 with continental breakfast and Polish lunch at a new location:
Polish Institute of Culture & Research, 3535 Commerce Rd., Orchard Lake Village, Michigan. In-person seating is limited so register early.

In-person registration on event day is from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The seminar runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is an optional In-Person Walking Tour 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (All times U.S. Eastern Time.)

Visit pgsm.org to register and pay by credit or debit card. Online registration closes October 8.

To register and pay by check, fill out the form at the PGSM website and mail it with your payment to: PGSM, P.O. Box 85987, Westland, MI 48185-6087. Registrations paid by check must be postmarked by October 5.

For more information about PGSM or the seminar, visit the pgsm.org website.

It looks like another interesting seminar on Polish research.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MyHeritage August Cyber Sale: $29 DNA Tests -- The Lowest Price Returns

MyHeritage is running an August Cyber DNA Sale. MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests now regularly $89 each are on sale for the returning lowest price ever just $29 each (plus taxes and shipping.) Orders of two or more DNA kits receive free shipping. This sale ends in two days per the ad on the website which means about August 10th. We don't see a specific time listed, we are guessing the usual 11:59 p.m.

There are two options for this sale. Just the MyHeritage DNA kit where you pay shipping unless you buy two or more kits. Or the MyHeritage DNA kit and a 30-day Complete free trial* of the MyHeritage website subscription and free shipping even if you order only one test kit.

The trial subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel it before the renewal date. Here are the * details: *After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime. So, you get a 50 percent discount the first year of renewal but additional renewals will be charged at the current regular price.

 

MyHeritageDNA is becoming a "must be at" for its DNA tools. Its customer base is more international. MyHeritage has chromosome browser feature and 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 including its AutoCluster feature. A few additional features were added last year -- like an update to its ethnicity estimates and genetic groups including viewing the genetic groups of your match and seeing what you have in common.

 

As a reminder, MyHeritageDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale the MyHeritageDNA test on Amazon it is NOT at the same sale price rather it is $49. If you do find a sale as good as from the website at some point in the future, make sure the seller shown is MyHeritage fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller. Non-Amazon Prime members usually 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. But it looks like this sale on the MyHeritage website is not to be beat.

 

Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Genealogists Prepare! It's Back-to-School Sale Time! Time to Restock Your Genealogy Supplies AND IT'S PRIME DAY TIME July 8-11, 2025, with Associated Sales by Various Competitors

 It's time for our annual reminder ...
Back-to-School Sales on school supplies are not just for kids! These sales are for genealogists too!

Just a few of the many supplies a genealogist would use.

They're here ... Back-to-School sales are out there. So prepare yourself for these sales AND for Amazon Prime Day 2025 which is July 8 through 11 this year.

Anyone who uses a lot of common office supplies should keep their eyes and ears open for some extreme savings that are only around this time year for certain supplies. So be smart and pay attention to those Back-to-School Sales going on for the next couple months so you can partake in the savings too. 

What would interest a genealogist? The first things that come to mind are USB Flash drives (large sizes at great prices and small sizes at even better prices); printer/copier paper; pens and pencils; pencil lead (for those mechanical pencils); highlighters; file folders or pocket folders; paper and binder clips; index cards for those that like old school ways; plastic file boxes (keep that water damage away); sticky notes; binders; paper; computer accessories (like mice, computer bags, external hard drives for backups and backups for the backups or to just expand your file storage capacity, printers, software, large monitors, and more); etc. Even office desks and chairs can be found on sale. 

Yes, for some things it is best to make sure you get acid-free versions, but that can get expensive and sometimes compromises must be made. Note acid-free copier/printer paper is much easier to find nowadays. 

Computers and Associated Electronics
Also, at about this time of year (July/August/September) computer manufacturers are about to release their new models so good to great prices can often be found on this past year's models. (If your computer is really old and can not upgrade to Windows 10 11 because of old hardware or low-memory issues consider these sales. Also if your computer is more than five years old consider the changes currently taking place in Windows 10  11 updates that will not account for older hardware.) Why risk continuing to use old hardware -- step into the modern technology world. Just remember to get as large of hard drive and as much memory as you are able to afford, and keep an eye on processor speed/power. There are other factors to consider when buying a computer -- these are three key ones. While desktop computers are a little less expensive, laptops have the advantage of portability meaning you can take them with you to the library or researching. 

Laptops with DVD/CD readers/burners are getting harder to find but you can find them though it may mean a larger laptop. Or consider getting a stand-alone DVD/CD drive to go with the laptop. Chrome books and tablet/laptop conversions can be cheaper but may not run your programs/applications. Make sure the device you are considering can handle your must-have program/applications. 

A new thing to consider is the number of USB ports included in the laptop/desktop and even which other ports are included. Many of today's computers are now using USB-C (that smaller port) rather than traditional USB so you also want to keep an eye out for a USB hub or docking station which allows you to expand your plugin options using just one USB-C port. Some hubs simply give you more USB ports others also add HDMI ports, SD-card ports, ethernet ports, audio/mic port, etc. there are many combinations out there. Also, look out for adapter/converter pack that change USB-A to USB-C and/or the other way around. Or even ones that besides converting A and C also add USB slots. 

And, do not forget about those external hard drives for additional storage space AND for backing up all your data. Lastly, you can always add a large-size monitor to make viewing the screen easier.

And for those who shop Amazon. Hopefully, you see this before the 2025 Prime Day begins. This time, Prime Day is July 8 through 11 -- four days of savings. You can also use this tip for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.  Put what you are eyeing in a shopping list and watch it for a while to see how the price drops or rises. Great deals can be found so keep an eye out for those short term deals but remember to do your due diligence and make sure your sale price is indeed a good one.

And, don't forget to check out those "competition" stores that are holding similar sales during Prime Day time too -- Costco, Target, Walmart, Kohls, Best Buy, etc.  -- you may find the best deal at one of those sites.

May you find the deals on what you need, not on what you don't need. 

See you at our favorite library! 
LE

DNA Clustering is Coming to AncestryDNA

We just heard that DNA Clustering is rolling out for AncestryDNA users who have the extra DNA ProTools subscription. If you already have ProTools you may or may not have clustering added at this time. As we said, it is being rolled out so it may take a little time to get it. [Note: LE who has ProTools at this time does not yet have the clustering feature.]

 

Since it is Ancestry, there are some limitations compared to the clustering available at MyHeritageDNA.

Want to learn more? Watch the new (released today) YouTube video on the Ancestry DNA Clustering presented by Dana Leeds.

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Free Access to OldNews.com from MyHeritage July 3 to 5, 2025

MyHeritage is offering free access to the entire collection of 151,432,486 U.S. newspaper pages on OldNews.com from July 3 to 5, 2025!

 

There is a post on the MyHeritage Blog for more information. But you can jump into search at the OldNews.com website. At the bottom of the home page is a list of US States where you can explore what newspapers OldNews has for each state.

Enjoy some time on your genealogy searches this holiday time.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

Our MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy Meeting is This Wed., June 11, at 6:30 pm; Get Ready, Set ... for a Summer of Genealogy

MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets in-person (hybrid) this Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History & Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Get Ready, Set ... for a Summer of Genealogy.

Let's share our ideas and plans for continuing our genealogy pursuits during this summer break. 

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

Our MCGG Friday Meeting is This Friday; 4th Annual MCGG Member Medley

 MCGG Friday group meets in-person (hybrid) this Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1 p.m.
in the Board Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is the ... 4th Annual MCGG Member Medley.

Through short (five to twenty-minute) presentations/stories we will learn about the research efforts our fellow members and resources used which might give us ideas to help our own research.

This year Alicia, Ashley, Coryne, Karen and Lisa, both in-person and hybrid, will share stories from their own research.

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

Memorial Day Weekend

First, we thank and remember those that died while serving our country.

The unofficial start of Summer, Memorial Day Weekend also comes with a variety of sales including sales on genealogy and local history products.

"American Flag" by JeepersMedia is
licensed under CC BY 2.0. Altered: cropped.

Various events throughout the Summer can often tie into genealogy and result in various sales and free offers in the genealogical and family history community.

So, keep an eye for those DNA sales to name just one type of sale.

Look out for any free access weekends that may appear. Check those favorite websites or those you would like to have access to but don't yet because maybe you don't have enough research to do to justify the cost.

And keep an eye out for those other genealogy products. These are just two sales we already spotted.

Ancestry.com is having a 40% off sale on 6-month memberships for those without a current active membership. The sale ends Wed., May 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET. These will auto-renew so remember to cancel a few days before the subscription end date if you don't want renew at full-price.

 

RootsMagic is having a sale this weekend from now through Monday, May 26. Save up to 50 percent off the cost of RootsMagic 10 with the code MEMORIAL2025. New users will pay $24.95 instead of regular price $39.95 and upgrading users (of previous versions of RootsMagic or FamilyOrigins) will pay $20.00 instead of the $29.95 regular price. There are no shipping costs if you pick the download version. (Just save a copy of the file to an external drive or USB in case you need to reinstall the program.)

RootsMagic 10 works with  Windows 8, 10, or 11 OR
macOS High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11), Monterey (12), Ventura (13), Sonoma (14), or Sequoia (15.)

Have fun researching your ancestors!

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Our June Meetings are Just Around the Corner and so is the End of the Season!

A reminder about our Macomb County Genealogy Group June 2025 meetings.

MCGG Friday group meets in-person (hybrid) on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1 p.m.
in the Board Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is the ... 4th Annual MCGG Member Medley.

Through short (five to twenty-minute) presentations/stories we will learn about the research efforts our fellow members and resources used which might give us ideas to help our own research.

This year Alicia, Ashley, Coryne, Karen and Lisa, both in-person and hybrid, will share stories from their own research.

MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets in-person (hybrid) Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History & Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Get Ready, Set ... for a Summer of Genealogy.

Let's share our ideas and plans for continuing our genealogy pursuits during this summer break. 

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

Software MacKiev Releases Family Tree Maker 2024 on 11 May 2025

Good News Everyone!

Software MacKiev released Family Tree Maker 2024 today! Sort of a Mother's Day present.

If you pre-ordered, you will receive an ftm-news email with the announcement and a special link for you based on your pre-order purchase. Use that to get to the order download link. Remember, Software MacKiev sends its news announcements out in email batches so if you have not yet got your email you will likely get yours soon.

Yes, you will have to rotate through the various sale add-ons that Software MacKiev offers in its online storefront. If you don't purchase anything else, and you pre-ordered then at the end of the process the total will be $0. You can then download the version you want -- PC/Windows or Mac. (Remember, to copy/backup up your downloaded file to an external device, just in case.)

Note that if you have been thinking about either of the plug-ins (Family Book Creator or Charting Companion) both of those do have a discount price in the Software MacKiev online storefront.

Remember, to make a full manual backup of your tree files with at least one backup copy on an external device or in the cloud before installing FTM2024 and converting your tree files. That way if something goes awry you have a copy of your tree files before the oops.

If you are nervous about the change, then a wait a few weeks and see how everything goes for others making the upgrade to FTM2014.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Intro to Genetic Genealogy on Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. -- Hybrid

We mentioned this back on February 19, so just a reminder that there are programs going on at the Mount Clemens Public Library too!

On Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Auditorium A
Intro to Genetic Genealogy with Kate Penney Howard
Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and has presented at Rootstech, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, NAAP/RTK's Untangling Our Roots, and the International Congress on Medieval Studies. She will introduce patrons to genetic genealogy and how to use it in one's one genealogy journey.

This is a hybrid event, both in person and virtual. Kate will present remotely. If you want to attend virtually, Get the link on the Mount Clemens Public Library's Events Calendar.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

This Friday MCGG takes you Beyond Research; Join Us May 2 at 1 p.m.

 MCGG Friday group meets in-person (hybrid) this Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1 p.m.
in the Board Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Beyond Research: Elements to Add & End Products presented by Lisa Eschenburg.

An overview of elements/projects to add to your research and ideas of end products/projects to create from your research

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.
New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

MCGG Releases 2025 Winter/Spring Schedule -- Join Us at Our Meetings -- Everyone Welcome!

The Macomb County Genealogy Group has been meeting for 51 years at the Mount Clemens Public Library.

While our meetings have changed a bit over the years, they still come down to sharing and learning this wonderful hobby of genealogy and family history. We are still hosting hybrid meetings which have mostly worked out though we are constantly tweaking them to make them better each time.

See our Let's Talk and MCGG Friday meeting pages for the actual 2025 Winter/Spring schedule PDF. The above image of the schedule is just a low-res image. 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCGG Releases its May 2025 Meetings -- Join Us!

A reminder about our Macomb County Genealogy Group May 2025 meetings.

MCGG Friday group meets in-person (hybrid) on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1 p.m.
in the Board Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Beyond Research: Elements to Add & End Products presented by Lisa Eschenburg.

An overview of elements/projects to add to your research and ideas of end products/projects to create from your research

MCGG Combined Friday Group and Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion groups meet in-person (only) Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library. for our Annual Summer Potluck and Silent Auction.

Bring a dish to share and join the fun! For this meeting we start at 5 p.m.; dinner at 5:30 p.m. The silent auction is of genealogy and local history books.

Note: This meeting will be in-person only. 

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

 

Family Tree Webinars Celebrates 15 Years with Half-Off Sale for New Subscribers

Legacy Family Tree Webinars is celebrating its 15th Anniversary with a half-off sale for new members to the webinar subscription service. NEW subscribers only can get a one year membership for just $25 instead of the regular price of $49.95 per year. Note that Sales Tax/VAT/GST may apply on top of the sale price.

This anniversary sale runs through April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The sale price should be automatic but just in case spring25 is the coupon code.

Family Tree Webinars Membership gets you 24/7 access to over 2,300 full-length webinars/classes covering a very wide variety of genealogy-related subjects and the handouts/syllabus to those webinars/classes which currently number at 9,400+ pages.

That is besides all the new webinars held each week, keeping the service on top of the genealogy/family history communities current developments.

These quality webinars are great way to deep dive into any new genealogy or family history subject you need to learn to move your genealogy/family history forward ... or backward in time as the case may be.

• Need to learn about a new area of research or new ethnicity research? There are likely webinars to help you. 
• Need to learn how to use a new to you source/record type? There are webinars for that.
• Want some ideas on writing or presenting your family history? There are webinars for that too. 
• Looking for some tips on tech? They are some of those too.

See you at our favorite library!
LE 

MCPL's Local History & Genealogy Room to have Shortened Hours April 21 - 25

Attention: The Mount Clemens Public Library's Local History and Genealogy Room has temporary shortened hours for the week after Easter. From April 21 to April 25 the Local History & Genealogy Room is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library itself will operate under its normal hours.

If you are just seeking to use the Genealogy and Local History databases, you are free to access the databases using the library's wi-fi from anywhere in the library.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

DNA Sales for April 2025

Though the main DNA sales take place from Black Friday through the New Year holiday season, there are DNA sales at other times of the year. Usually holidays (from the U.S. perspective) and, of course, DNA Day on April 25 of each year. Sometimes they start early and sometimes they pop-up when you are not expecting them. The tip is to check websites often.

 

MyHeritage DNA

MyHeritage DNA is having a flash sale that ends today, Sunday April 13, 2025. For this Flash DNA Sale the price is $33 (regularly $89) plus shipping. If you order two kits, there is free shipping. You have the choice of just the DNA kit or the DNA kit with a 30-day Complete free trial*. 

*After 30 days, you'll enjoy a 50% discount and be charged $299 $149 for the first year. The Complete subscription renews annually. You can cancel anytime.

 

AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA has no sale at this time but keep an eye out for either an Easter Sale or DNA Day Sale in the near future.

 

LivingDNA

LivingDNA has started its DNA Day Sale. Its DNA Ancestry Kit is regularly $124 and is on sale for $69 plus shipping.

LivingDNA is based in the United Kingdom so 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.

BUT remember that LivingDNA is now requiring that your LivingDNA test be taken/used and sent in within one year of the date of purchase. They will not process tests older than that despite the swab test tube saying its expiration date is well after that. Based on a LivingDNA Support article this change may have been implemented in early 2019. However, we are not sure when its Terms of Services was changed to reflect this. So if you have a LivingDNA test sitting around you might want to check its purchase date. Hopefully you still have time, or you may need to pay for shipping on a replacement test kit.

Family Tree DNA

Family Tree DNA began its DNA Day Sale early as it celebrates its 25th birthday. This sale goes through April 30, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of the DNA testing companies also sell their basic tests on Amazon but when they hold a sale on their own website, it may or may not be on sale on Amazon. So check there (usually shipping is free on Amazon but make sure the seller is indeed the testing company and not a third-party entity.

Remember you can look at past DNA sales by selecting the post label in the left-hand column to compare sale prices. Useful ones are DNA, AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, LivingDNA and 23andMe. 

A note about 23andMe, the company is in bankruptcy and at this time it is not known who/what the potential buyers are and their plans. If you have DNA there, keep a close eye on the situation so you can decide if you want to delete your DNA test at 23andMe. You should download you DNA data and screen capture any ethnicity and match information so you have it for the future.

 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar is May 9-10; Registration is Open

Registration for the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar on May 9 to 10, 2025, is now open.

Every year the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council host a seminar to promote family history awareness and teach genealogy research skills. The event is generously supported by the Abrams Foundation in loving memory of Barbara J. Brown. The seminar is hosting Kelvin L. Meyers, who will be joining the seminar onsite in Lansing and via Zoom.

The Archives of Michigan is pleased to continue offering this flagship annual gathering as a hybrid event. In addition, the Archives of Michigan will offer the following additions to this year’s seminar:

• A free pre-seminar session on military records on Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. (For online access, please register separately).
• A continental breakfast for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
• Lunch for onsite attendees on both Friday and Saturday at no additional charge.
• Extended research hours in the Archives of Michigan reading room.
• Recordings of seminar sessions available to registrants for 30 days following the event.

The seminar registration Fee is $55. Register now for the 2025 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar!

Friday, May 9, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Continental breakfast (onsite only)
Join us early for a complimentary continental breakfast. Stay for the pre-seminar or get in a few extra hours of research before the seminar starts.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended open hours at the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
The Archives of Michigan's reading room will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dive into research before and after the seminar.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pre-seminar Session: Military Records at the Archives of Michigan (separate registration, hybrid)
Interested in learning more about military records at the Archives of Michigan? Join us for this pre-seminar offering. The presentation will be open to the public as well as seminar attendees.

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Seminar Registration
Lunch provided by the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)

1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Session 1. Welcome and Remarks
Mark Harvey, State Archivist and Judy Nimer Muhn, Genealogical Council

1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Session 2. Seeking A Higher Source: The Resources of Faith Communities (hybrid)
Judy Nimer Muhn, Michigan Genealogical Council
Key events in our ancestors’ lives were often documented in the faith communities in which they worshiped. Exploring the records and their importance across faith communities, Judy will provide information on the types of records, locations of archives and access to records, and the key ways that these records can enrich your family’s history.

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Session 3. Dealing with Record Loss: Fire, Flood, or Theft, Strategies to Overcome the Loss (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
We all face it: record loss. Whether the courthouse burned, the clerk tossed them, the relative, autograph hunter, lawyer or surveyor took them, they succumbed to heat, humidity, insects or fading ink or war or distance from the courthouse which was a barrier to their creation – the records that we want – the records that could answer our questions aren’t there. The solution: In many cases it’s possible to overcome the problem, but it requires diligence, perseverance, and willingness to look beyond the obvious.

4:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Session 4a. New Updates to Michiganology (hybrid)
There are many exciting changes on Michiganology! Archives of Michigan staff will highlight these updates and share information about future improvements coming this summer.

Session 4b. Behind-the-scenes tour of the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
Are you curious about where records are kept in the archives? Join staff at the Archives of Michigan for a behind-the-scenes look of the archives and its holdings. 

 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Seminar registration and continental breakfast (onsite only)

8:50 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Session 5. Digitizing Michigan’s Probate Records (hybrid)
Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan
This session will explore the Archives of Michigan’s efforts to digitize historic probate records from across the state, including a project overview, current status, future counties, and an exciting update on Wayne County records. Attendees will also see how to navigate the FamilySearch web site and search in the online collections there.

10:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
Session 6. The Hand That Rocked the Cradle Could Rule the World (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
Half the people on your pedigree chart are female and may be the most difficult to identify. Identifying female ancestors is a challenge for all genealogists. She changes her name when she gets married and identifying her parents may become time-consuming. With the basic knowledge of sources created about and by women, and how to locate these sources, finding the females in your family may not be so hard after all.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 7. “City Directory Under the Counter”: Exploring an Underutilized Resource (hybrid)
Jessica Trotter, Researcher & blogger
City directories are an amazing resource to track urban dwellers between the Census years, but many researchers do not realize the fabulous range of information about communities that can potentially be gleaned from them.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch provided by the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Session 8. My Ancestor in Court (hybrid)
Kelvin L. Meyers, Featured speaker
From the County Court to the Supreme Court, court records may hold clues and answers to questions that you have about your ancestor. Suits in equity, trespass to try title, a suit brought by next friend, what do these terms mean and what can you learn from these suits? Case studies will be used to illustrate the types of records found and their use in solving problems.

2:50 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Session 9. Resources for Researching Michigan’s Roots (hybrid)
Matt Pacer, Library of Michigan
The roots of Michigan’s heritage often intersect with the migration of people coming from other states and foreign countries. Explore the origin points for the settlers that transitioned Michigan through the founding of the United States, the acquisition of the Northwest Territory, the organization of the Michigan Territory, and the decades following statehood. Discover online resources that retrace Michigan’s story back to its earlier roots.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended open hours at the Archives of Michigan (onsite only)
The reading room will remain open until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

For speaker bios, see the seminar webpage.

 

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy Meets THIS Wed., April 9; The Meeting is Hybrid

 MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets in-person (hybrid) THIS Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History & Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Libraries That Have Helped Me.

It is National Library Week, let's talk about the libraries that have helped us further our research. Who knows it might help a fellow researcher research the same area.

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

PGSM's April 26 Meeting is via Zoom; Topic is Polish Research in Michigan

The Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan's April meeting is a webinar format that is open to the public. Hosted in partnership with the Polish Genealogy Society of Connecticut and the Northeast, the meeting takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Valerie Koselka will present Polish Research in Michigan via Zoom. Invitations will be emailed to PGSM members.
Registration will be open to everyone at www.pgsm.org starting April 1. Pre-registration for this webinar meeting is required

Koselka will review Michigan libraries and archives as well as discuss other sources for performing Polish research in Michigan.

Valerie Koselka has served as a PGSM officer since 2007. She is the current vice president and has served as corresponding secretary and president. She also represents PGSM as a delegate to the Michigan Genealogical Council. Valerie belongs to several local genealogical societies, including the Downriver Genealogical Society, Dearborn Genealogical Society, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, and Western Wayne County Genealogical Society. She is on the Board of Directors of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society and is a member of the Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast. Valerie is a consultant at the Westland FamilySearch Center twice a month and admins several Polish genealogical groups on Facebook.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

2025 Lansing FamilySearch Seminar (Free) on April 26; Register by April 23

The Lansing FamilySearch Center is hosting a 2025 Lansing FamilySearch Center Seminar on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The them of the seminar is Get to Know Your Family History!

You can find a information on the various sessions offered at this link. The online registration form can be found with this link. Regular registration closes April 23. Session availability after this date are not guaranteed.

This seminar is free. Syllabus will be emailed in mid-April after registration.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCGG Meets This Friday at Noon for an On-Site Tour of FamilySearch Center in Bloomfield Hills

 MCGG Friday group meets in-person this Friday, April 4, 2025, at 12 p.m.
at the LDS FamilySearch Center, in Bloomfield Hills. Our topic is ... On-Site Tour of the FamilySearch Center in Bloomfield Hills.

Join us at a different time and place for an on-site tour.

Our meeting starts at Noon at the Bloomfield Hills FamilySearch Center located at 37425 Woodward Avenue. (Attendees are responsible for themselves getting to and from the tour site.)

After the tour you are free to explore the resources available and do some personal research. The FSC closes at 4 p.m. on Friday. We have learned that the center now has wireless internet for patrons' use. If you don't have a tablet/laptop, bring a USB drive in case you have a record find. There are about nine computers for patron use.

Note: This meeting will be in-person only.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCGG's Bev Bishop to Present on April 25; Where There's Smoke ... There's Fire

MCGG Board Member Beverly Bishop will present Volunteer Firefighters 1880 – 2000: Where There’s Smoke … There’s Fire, on Friday, April 25th, at 6:00 pm in the Ray Township Community Center at 64255 Wolcott Road, north of 29 Mile Road, for the Friends of the Ray Township Library and Historical Society's special Now & Then event.

Beverly Bishop, RPh, PhD, pharmacist, historian, and speaker, will present findings from her deep dive into Macomb County’s firefighting history and will bring along a few artifacts, such as a Sanborn Fire Map and a Gamewell Alarm. In addition to MCGG, Bishop is active with the Roseville Historical Society.

Everyone is welcome to join this free event. Light refreshments will be served. Registrations preferred by April 21, 2025, at raylibrary.org/calendar/events. Drop-ins are also welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

MCGG Releases its April 2025 Meetings -- Join Us!

A reminder about our Macomb County Genealogy Group April 2025 meetings. We will release the rest of our 2025 Winter/Spring schedule when everything is set -- we are down to one meeting to lock in place.

MCGG Friday group meets in-person on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 12 p.m.
at the Bloomfield Hills FamilySearch Center, in Bloomfield Hills. Our topic is ... On-Site Tour of the FamilySearch Center in Bloomfield Hills.

Join us at a different time and place for an on-site tour. Our meeting starts at Noon at the Bloomfield Hills FamilySearch Center located at 37425 Woodward Avenue. (Attendees are responsible for themselves getting to and from the tour site.) After the tour you are free to explore the resources available and do some personal research. We have learned that the center now has wireless internet for patrons' use. If you don't have a tablet/laptop, bring a USB drive in case you have a record find.

Note: This meeting will be in-person only.

MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets in-person (hybrid) Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History & Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Our topic is ... Libraries That Have Helped Me.

It is National Library Week, let's talk about the libraries that have helped us further our research. Who knows it might help a fellow researcher research the same area.

Our plan is that our meetings will be hybrid meaning the meeting will be in-person with a virtual Zoom option. The Zoom meeting link (or registration link) will now be found on our Southeast Michigan Genealogy Events Calendar and our Facebook page. The link will usually be added the night before or morning of the meeting. Members will receive a reminder email with the Zoom invite or a reminder that registration is required for a meeting.

New attendees are always welcome.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Congrats to the 2025 #DigMichNews Grant Winners ... 2023 & 2024 Too!

Originally posted Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:54 a.m. Edited to include more information on St. Clair County's newspaper plans.

Congratulations to the 2025 Digital Michigan Newspaper Grant winners! 

Possibly as early as late this year, these organizations' chosen newspapers should begin appearing in Central Michigan University's Clarke Historical Library's Digital Michigan Newspapers site. This year's winners who will share the grant include: Bessemer, Eastpointe, Elk Rapids, Fennville, Pentwater, the Polish Institute of Culture and Research (Orchard Lake), and the St. Clair County Library System.

We have learned that St. Clair is planning to have the St Clair Republican from the years 1865-1871, 1877-1878, 1890-1893 and 1919-1922 digitized.

So, if you are interested in these locations find your patience and keep it at hand while we wait for the fruits of this grant.

In writing this post, we realized we had not mentioned on this blog the prior winners of the 2024 and 2023 grants since Mount Clemens won the grant in 2022 along with East Lansing. So congratulations to: Bellaire and Lansing (Capital Area) for their win in 2023; and Ishpeming, Midland, Lapeer, Zeeland, Dewitt and Alma for their win in 2024.

These digitized newspapers are every word OCRd (Optical Character Recognition) documents. Meaning it was done via a computer program. Digitizing makes these newspapers accessible to you where ever you are around the world and OCRing makes finding and pulling information in these historical galleys so much easier.

We would like to point out a few things. See our prior posts on the Digital Michigan Newspapers Grant for tips on how to better use the website when searching. Use the label #DigMichNews to find our prior posts.

Also, note that there are two lists of newspapers on the website.

The first is labeled Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal. You can clearly identify it because is has a golden map of Michigan followed below by a list of the Michigan counties and a list of newspapers under each county. This newspaper list is ... "from a variety of sources. Among these links are papers held by the Clarke Historical Library and also Michigan newspapers found in Chronicling America, a database maintained by the Library of Congress."

This is what is listed for Lapeer county on this list. This list is not up-to-date. It does not include what was digitized for last year's win.

The second list can be found from the gold menu bar at the top of the Digital Michigan Newspaper search.

Just select Counties from the gold menu bar. And then select the county you want to view.

 

Here is where you can see what was digitized for Lapeer's win. This capture also happens to show what was digitized for Midland and of course Macomb County. The staff at Mount Clemens Public Library has continued having additional newspapers and/or years digitized. So this list shows what is currently included and if you compare this second list to the first list for Macomb County you can see much has been added.

Have fun searching!

See you at our favorite library!
LE