Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Catchup: Genealogy Educational Opportunites in 2020

So with just hours to go until the clock rings in the new year of 2020, have you made any genealogy education goals for yourself? If so, read this post!

2020 Genealogy Webinar Schedules Released by a Variety of Providers
There are lots of genealogy learning opportunities via webinars -- a live presentation you view using services on your computer/device. Many of these webinars are free to view live. If you want to watch one later it may require a membership fee. If you really like the webinars of a particular host or want to see an older, archived webinar the cost of membership is usually not very high for many of these webinar hosts.

Legacy Family Tree Webinars has released its 2020 webinar schedule. (The website looks/acts more like a tablet/smartphone app.) Click on the Upcoming Webinars to see the future webinars listed by month but you'll have to click on each webinar to learn more and to register. Or, click the Register for Multiple Webinars at Once to see the future webinars in one list. (Click the top check box to automatically check all webinars at one time.)

Legacy Family Tree webinars are mostly held at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays though there are a few Friday afternoon and Wednesday evening webinars. They are free to view live and for almost a week afterwards at which time they become accessible to webinar subscribers only. (Some archived webinars remain free for all to view.) Handouts are available only to webinar subscribers/members. Legacy webinar membership is currently $49.95/year. (Note: If you view a webinar, there is often a discount code word which will get you 10 percent off items from the store, including webinar memberships.) Webinar members get an additional 5 percent off when signed-in.


The Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) has released its 2020 webinar schedule. The webinars, held the first Saturday and third Monday of the month, are free to live viewers and handouts are included. After the live webinar, only SCGS members can view the archived webinars. SCGS membership is $40/year and includes other benefits. You have to register for each webinar separately but it takes less than ten minutes to sign up for all of them.

The Illinois State Genealogical Society has not released its 2020 webinar schedule yet.  The webinars are held the second Tuesday of the month at 9 p.m. ET and are free to live viewers and handouts are included. After the live webinar, only ISGS members can view the archived webinars. ISGS membership starts at $40/year. 

The Wisconsin State Genealogical Society has released its 2020 webinar schedule. The webinars are held the third Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. ET and are free to live viewers and handouts are included. After the live webinar, only WSGS members can view the archived webinars. WSGS membership starts at $35/year. 

The Florida State Genealogical Society also hosts webinars. The society will announce its 2020 webinar schedule on its upcoming webinars page on January 1, 2020. The webinars are held the third Thursday of the month at 8 p.m. ET and are free to pre-registered live viewers. Handouts are usually for members only. After the live webinar, only FSGS members can view the archived webinars. FSGS membership is $25/year.

The Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City, Utah, began broadcasting the genealogy classes held in the library about five years ago. Information about these free webinars are located at the FHL's wiki classes and webinars page on FamilySearch. This schedule has not been updated for 2020 yet so check back again. Sometimes additional webinars are added to the current month. Most of these webinars include handouts. Previously recorded webinars are listed under Past Webinars. (Scroll down the page to see them.) You also may find some archived in the FamilySearch Learning Center.

The societies and company listed above are not the only online webinar opportunities out there. GeneaWebinars is a blog that hosts a calendar specializing in keeping track of the numerous genealogy webinars being held. About 35 organizers/hosts list their webinars in the calendar. Organizers/Hosts use a variety of webinar delivery systems from GoToWebinar to Google Hangouts to Twitter. Most entries have links taking you to the registration page for that webinar or the website of the host.


RootsTech 2020 Right Around the Corner
Another webinar learning opportunity is the live-broadcast of selected sessions from the RootsTech 2020 conference held February 26 - February 29, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Live-Stream sessions will be announced a few weeks before the conference.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE

Monday, December 30, 2019

MCGG's First Friday Group Meeting of 2020 is Jan. 10; the topic is Beginning Italian Genealogy Research -- Join Us!

MCGG's first meeting of 2020 is on Friday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library. Mary Hojacki, president of the Michigan Italian Genealogy Society, will present Beginning Italian Genealogy Research.

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

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

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Don't Miss Out! Completely Free DNA Uploads to MyHeritage Until Dec. 18, 2019

We learned about this the other day and finally got to post it today.

MyHeritage announced on its blog December 11, 2019, that for this week only DNA Uploads to MyHeritage DNA would be completely free forever including all advanced DNA features. This free upload/transfer offer ends at midnight on December 18, 2019.

There is a link in the MyHeritage December 11th blog post, to get to the MyHeritage DNA Upload Page -- just remember to click the pink start button not the purchase a test link. If you are not sure how to download your DNA data from another website, there is a download wizard to help once you click on the start button. In the MyHeritage Help there is an upload guide article.

MyHeritageDNA's normal pricing structure returns after this "sale" which was inspired by the recent sale of the GedMatch.com third-party DNA website to a forensic genomics company that sells services to law enforcement.

In December 2018, one year ago, MyHeritage implemented a DNA uploads aka transfers pricing structure similar to another genealogy/DNA testing company. DNA data uploads also called transfers are initially free which allows one to see DNA matches including receiving, exporting and the ability to contact matches. But to access advanced features/tools there is a $29 per kit unlock fee. These advanced features include an ethnicity estimate; a chromosome browser; viewing family trees and pedigree charts of your matches; shared DNA matches; shared ethnicities; shared ancestral places; AutoClusters; and the Theory of Relativity.

So if you have tested your autosomal DNA at another genealogy/DNA testing site, consider uploading your data to MyHeritageDNA. You never know where that DNA match you seek has tested.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Living DNA Holiday Sale Save Up to 20%

For its 2019 Holiday sale, three of the four DNA tests at LivingDNA are on sale for up to 20 percent off. There is no specific end date given for this "Limited Time Holiday Sale," and taxes and shipping are extra. There is free shipping for purchases of three or more test kits for this sale.

Living DNA's current lineup of autosomal DNA tests are:

LivingDNA Starter Kit is regularly priced at $49 and is not on sale at this time. It is described as a taster experience of ancestry and wellbeing reports to get started. It includes your global ancestry report (eight regions), DNA matches along with sample nutrition (nutrition and Vitamin D) and fitness (muscle performance) reports.

LivingDNA Full Ancestry Kit regularly priced at $99 is on sale for $79. It is described as the full ancestry experience from your deep ancestry to DNA matching. It includes recent ancestry, sub-regional ancestry breakdown, your DNA today, extended ancestry, DNA matching and free ancestry updates.

The LivingDNA Full Ancestry Kit is the original LivingDNA test comparable to autosomal DNA tests at other genealogy/DNA testing companies.

LivingDNA Wellbeing Kit regularly priced at $129 is on sale for $99. It is described with "understand your body's response to nutrition and fitness." It includes Vitamin Response, Food Metabolism, Nutrition Ideas, Exercise, Recovery and Exercise Ideas.

At this time LivingDNA does not test for genetically inherited diseases. 

LivingDNA Wellbeing & Ancestry Kit regularly priced at $179 is on sale for $149. It is described as advanced ancestry reports and your body's fitness and nutritional responses. Essentially combining the LivingDNA Full Ancestry Kit with the Wellbeing Kit.

There is a kit comparison chart here at LivingDNA's website. None of the test types appear to have the option of downloading a test's Raw DNA data file.

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. (Part of the now LivingDNA Full Ancestry Kit.) 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 we have become aware 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.

As a reminder, LivingDNA sometimes sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, for this sale LivingDNA is not selling its tests at matching sale prices on Amazon at this time. (At the times when LivingDNA does, make sure the seller shown is LivingDNA fulfilled by Amazon and not sold by a third-party unauthorized seller.) Non-Amazon Prime members get free shipping due to the total cost if the kit is fulfilled by Amazon; prime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free.
Look for this before adding your item to your cart.

Happy Holidays Everyone!
See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE



Deadline Extended to Dec. 30, to Voice Opposition to Outrageous Fee Increase

The Legal Genealogist Blog
Note: Originally posted on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at 11:26 am ET. The link was corrected.

In case you have not heard, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is proposing a rule that would raise the fee for genealogical records by nearly 500%. 

The deadline is now extended to December 30, 2019, to make your opinion known regarding this proposed change and to add your voice to those opposing the increase.

Just the first step (getting a record search) will raise from $65 to $240 and that is not all. Read The Legal Genealogist's Blog to learn more.

The Legal Genealogist points out even if you think you are not affected you need to voice your opposition -- it is about record access. She also reminds everyone to copy your letter/comments to your house member and senator so that the issue and its opposition shows up on his/her radar and does not slide thru unnoticed.

The Legal Genealogist's earlier post is located here.

Also, to learn more about this issue check out the Records Not Revenue website.

So go add your voice to those that are opposing the increase.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

FamilyTreeDNA Holiday Sale Ends Dec. 26

Family Tree DNA's Holiday Sale picked up right after its Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale continuing its sale on a variety of its tests and upgrades. This Holiday Day Sale ends December 26, 2019, and taxes and shipping are extra. But for this sale standard shipping is free! 

Here are the Holiday Sale prices.

Autosomal DNA (male or female can take)FamilyFinder is now $49, regularly $79 save $30

mtDNA (male or female can take, mother's direct female line)
mtFull Sequence is now $139, regularly $199 save $60. It is now the only mtDNA test offered.

Want to upgrade your mtDNA test?
mtDNA (HVR1) to mtFull is now $99, regularly $159 save $60
mtPLUS (HVR1+ HVR2) to mtFull is now $99, regularly $159 save $60

Y-DNA Test (male-only, father's direct male line) 
Y37 test is now $99, regularly $169 save $70

Y67 is not on sale due to the Y111 test sale matching the usual sale price of the Y67. So more markers for less money.

Y111 test is now $199, regularly $359 save $160

Big Y-700* test is now $399, regularly $649 save $250
Expert Level. Note: formerly the Big Y-500 now the Big Y-700 includes the Y111 test which gets added to your cart as part of buying the Big Y-700. *Does not include the Big Y BAM file product.

Already have a YDNA test that you want to upgrade to more markers? Sign into that test and see what upgrade options you have available. Some upgrade options are on sale but remember if the person who supplied the DNA sample is deceased the amount of sample itself is limited so you might need to wait until the exact upgrade you want is on sale or when you are able afford it.

Y12 to Y37 upgrade sale for $79, regular price is $109
Y12 to Y67 upgrade sale for $149, regular price is $199
Y12 to Y111 upgrade sale for $169, regular price is $359

Y25 to Y37 upgrade sale for $49, regular price is $59
Y25 to Y67 upgrade sale for $119, regular price is $159
Y25 to Y111 upgrade sale for $149, regular price is $269

Y37 to Y67 upgrade sale for $69, regular price is $109
Y37 to Y111 upgrade sale for $119, regular price is $228

Y67 to Y111 upgrade sale for $69, regular price is $99

Y12 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $359, regular price is $629
Y25 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $349, regular price is $599
Y37 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $319, regular price is $569 
Y67 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $259, regular price is $499 
Y111 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $229, regular price is $449
Big Y-500 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $189, regular price is $249

Need more than one test type for the same -- meaning a single person? These bundles are on sale too.

FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence is now $179, regularly $278 save $99
FamilyFinder with Y37 is now $139, regularly $248 save $198
FamilyFinder with Y111 is now $239, regularly $438 save $199
Y37 with mtFull Sequence is now $229, regularly $368 save $139
Y111 with mtFull Sequence is now $329, regularly $558 save $229
FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence and Y37 is now $269, regularly $447 save $180
FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence and Y111 is now $369, regularly $637 save $268

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 $49 at Amazon so if you don't need a YDNA or mtDNA test for the same person buying from Amazon eliminates the shipping costs (but remember the FTDNA website is giving free shipping with this sale.) (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.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE



AncestryDNA Holiday Sale until Dec. 31

Ancestry.com's Holiday Sale on its DNA autosomal tests kits runs through December 31, 2019, and taxes and shipping are extra. 

The AncestryDNA (autosomal) test regularly $99 is on sale for $59, a savings of 40 percent or $40 dollars.

Quite a while back, Ancestry.com introduced its AncestryDNA Traits feature. Traits can be added on to an existing test or purchased at the same time as an AncestryDNA test. But for this sale, the AncestryDNA Traits can be added to the purchase of AncestryDNA test for just $10 instead of its regular price of $20. Free gift wrap with Traits purchase is available while supplies last. (This particular gift wrap offer ends December 31, 2019.)

We have not seen if the sale price on the AncestryDNA Traits add-on will be offered to those with existing AncestryDNA tests.

With Ancestry.com jumping further into the genealogy/DNA/health market it now offers an AncestryHealth Core test which includes the AncestryDNA test along with actionable health and wellness reports, support from genetic counselors, and family health history tree. The AncestryHealth Core test is not available in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Guam.

The AncestryHealth Core test regularly $149 is on sale for $99, a savings of $50 dollars.

Nearly 15 million AncestryDNA test kits have been sold now according to reports at the end of February during the RootsTech 2019 conference and a press release on February 28, 2019, by Ancestry. As the testing company with the largest "pool" of potential DNA matches it is a good place to start.
AncestryDNA test results provide an ethnicity/admixture report, a AncestryDNA match list, shared matches, an internal member messaging system, and automatic updates to results. As well as some basic information from ThruLines which is Ancestry's replacement or next generation of New Ancestor Discoveries and DNA Circles. See the chart below.

Be aware that with an active paid subscription to Ancestry, there is fuller access to some DNA features such as all available information about people is shown in ThruLines; Matches' public family trees are viewable instead of just a preview of five generations; and up to seven generations of surnames instead of up to five surnames are shown for direct ancestor surnames from your matches' trees.

From Ancestry.com, a look at AncestryDNA with and without a data membership/subscription.

Access to these extra features end if you discontinue your data subscription. Some of these extra features require a public family tree linked to the AncestryDNA kit.

AncestryDNA Traits now gives a look at 26 personal traits. These traits are: Sweet Sensitivity, Savory (Umami) Sensitivity, Bitter Sensitivity, Cilantro Aversion, Asparagus Metabolite Detection, Eye Color, Male Hair Loss, Hair Type, Hair Color, Hair Strand Thickness, Iris Patterns, Freckles, Cleft Chin, Unibrow, Finger Length, Skin Pigmentation, Earlobe Shape, and Earwax Type. New traits added are Birth Weight, Facial Hair Thickness, Omega-3, Photic Sneeze Reflex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitaman E, Wisdom Teeth. There is also a Compare Feature and Around the World Feature. 
From Ancestry.com


AncestryDNA is the one DNA/genealogy testing site that does not provide a chromosome browser tool which allows you to see the chromosome segments you share in common with a match which is one of the scientific ways to confirm a match is a true match and not a match by chance. To access a chromosome browser you would need to download your kit's DNA data and upload that data to one of the three companies that do provide a chromosome browser: MyHeritageDNA, Family Tree DNA, and the third-party GedMatch.com website.

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

Want to save on shipping costs? Remember AncestryDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale, the prices for all three test versions -- the AncestryDNA test, the AncestryDNA+Traits bundle test, and the AncestryHealth Core test -- at Amazon are also at the sale prices. Non-AmazonPrime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon while AmazonPrime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. But be cautious and make sure the test kit you are buying is "sold by AncestryDNAOfficial and fulfilled by Amazon" to insure you are buying a genuine test kit. You will find this information just below the price. See the image below.


Look for this before adding your item to your cart.


Happy Holidays Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Ancestry Gift Memberships 20% Off untill Dec. 31, 2019, for Holiday Sale

For its Holiday Sale, Ancestry.com is also having a 20 percent sale on its Gift Subscription Memberships until Tuesday, December 31, 2019. While supplies last these Gift Subscriptions will come with a free family conversation game called TableTopics via a redemption code.

Gift memberships are one-time, non-renewing memberships. You pick the start date of the gift membership and it arrives to via recipient's email. Recipients are not supposed to have active, paid subscription. See the Questions and Answers towards the bottom of the gift membership page.

U.S. Discovery GIFT Membership
Access to U.S. records
6-months reg. $99.99 ... sale $79.99 ... save $20 
12-months reg. $189 ... sale $151 ... save $38

World Explorer GIFT Membership
Access to records across the globe.
6-months reg. $149 ... sale $119 ... save $30
12-months reg. $299 ... sale $239 ... save $60


See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

23andMe's Holiday Sale Ends Dec. 26

23andMe's Holiday Sale ends December 26, 2019 and taxes and shipping are extra.

23andMe's Ancestry Only DNA test now includes 30+ Trait Reports. This test is regularly $99 but is on sale for $79.

23andMe's Health + Ancestry Service is regularly priced $199 but is on sale for $129. 

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.

23andMe now has a VIP Health + Ancestry Service which is regularly priced $499 and is on sale for $429. 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.

As a reminder, 23andMe also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. However, at this time is does not have any tests for sale on Amazon. The two offerings currently there are by a third-party seller.

(In the future 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.


Happy Holidays Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library! 
LE



MyHeritageDNA Holiday Sale Ends Dec. 16

The Holiday DNA Sale at MyHeritage that has been running since the end of Black Friday/Cyber Monday has just two days left -- it ends December 16, 2019. Orders of two or more DNA kits receive free shipping.

MyHeritageDNA (autosomal) tests regularly $79 each are on sale for just $49 each plus taxes and shipping thru November 30, 2019. This test is sometimes referred to now as the MyHeritageDNA Ancestry Only test.
MyHeritageDNA's customer base seems to be more international. The test includes free internal member messaging feature, an ethnicity/admixture report, and of course, a list of DNA matches. No data subscription is needed to use/see all the DNA matching features. Additional features include a chromosome browser and the automatic DNA AutoClusters tool. And with test results linked to a family tree on MyHeritage the Theory of Family Relativity feature can scan the linked trees and create theories of the tested individuals are related using both DNA and linked trees.


MyHeritage also has a MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry test regularly priced $199 that is now on sale for $99 each plus taxes and shipping.

The MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry tests includes what you get with the MyHeritageDNA Ancestry only test. It also includes 18  Genetic Risk Reports, and 18 Carrier Status Reports. The test includes independent physician oversight. A questionnaire about your health history is required before taking the test. Your answers will be confidentially reviewed by a physician. After your results are generated, your reports will be reviewed by the clinical team from PWNHealth, who will determine whether genetic counseling is advised. If genetic counseling is recommended, it is included as part of the PWNHealth services. 

As a reminder, MyHeritageDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale the prices on Amazon match the sale prices at the MyHeritage website.

BUT Make sure the seller shown is MyHeritage 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.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

December 14, 2019, is Free Shipping Day!

 Hey, it is Free Shipping Day today -- December 14, 2019!

So if you have been waiting to purchase something check out your favorite websites and see if they are taking part.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Tomorrow is Our Let's Talk...Genealogy Meeting; Topic: This Year.../Next Year...

Tomorrow the MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Local History and Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library.  

Due to the Michiganology.org website (our topic) being not ready for prime time, our topic this month is changed to ... This Year .../Next Year...  Let's all share a genealogy accomplishment or defeat we experienced this year and share a genealogy goal for next year. Everyone participates!

Note: We have talked to the Archives of Michigan and will reschedule the Michiganology.org website topic for next season's Let's Talk...Genealogy topics. Hopefully all the digital collections that were moved from the SeekingMichigan.org website will be up and searchable by the rescheduled meeting date.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

Friday, December 6, 2019

There is still Time Left to Add Your Voice, Fight the Outrageous Fee Hikes at USCIS

Note: Originally posted Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at 5:17 p.m. ET. Additional information added.

In case you have not heard, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
The Legal Genealogist Blog
Services is proposing a rule that would raise the fee for genealogical records by nearly 500%.


The deadline is December 16, 2019, to make your opinion known regarding this proposed change and to add your voice to those opposing the increase.

Just the first step (getting a record search) will raise from $65 to $240 and that is not all. Read The Legal Genealogist's Blog to learn more. She clears up a few points that have been circulating out there on the internet.

Then go add you voice to those that are opposing the increase.

In addition there is more information in a recent Washington Post Article.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Sunday, December 1, 2019

MCGG Meets This Friday, Dec. 6, at Noon -- It's the Annual Holiday Party!

This Friday is MCGG's next Friday meeting is this Friday, December 6, at 12:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Mount Clemens Public Library, it is our Annual Holiday Party which is a joint-meeting of the MCGG Friday and Wednesday Let's Talk...Genealogy groups.

Bring a dish to share and join the fun.

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

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

Meeting Change: Dec. 11, 2019, at 7pm Our MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy Meets with New Topic This Year.../Next Year...

The MCGG Let's Talk...Genealogy discussion group meets, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Local History and Genealogy Room of the Mount Clemens Public Library.  

Due to the Michiganology.org website (our topic) being not ready for prime time, our topic this month is changed to ... This Year .../Next Year.  Let's all share a genealogy accomplishment or defeat we experienced this year and share a genealogy goal for next year. Everyone participates!

Note: We have talked to the Archives of Michigan and will reschedule the Michiganology.org website topic for next season's Let's Talk...Genealogy topics. Hopefully all the digitial collections that were moved from the SeekingMichigan.org website will be up and searchable by the rescheduled meeting date.

New attendees are always welcome.

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

Friday, November 29, 2019

Family Tree DNA's Thanksgiving Sale Becomes Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale with FamilyFinder Now $49 and Now Standard Shipping is Free thru Dec. 3

Note: Originally posted Friday, November 29, 2019, at 11:26 a.m. ET. Edited to add image.

Family Tree DNA has released its 2019 Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. Essentially it has continued its Thanksgiving sale but with FamilyFinder pricing even lower and free standard shipping.

This Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale ends December 3, 2019, and taxes are extra. This time standard shipping is free.

Note: We called part of this yesterday. We'll see if the morphing sale (from Thanksgiving to Black Friday/CyberMonday) becomes the Holiday Sale like last year. So stay tuned.

Autosomal DNA (male or female can take)
FamilyFinder is now $49, regularly $79 save $30

mtDNA (male or female can take, mother's direct female line)
mtFull Sequence is now $139, regularly $199 save $60. It is now the only mtDNA test offered.

Want to upgrade your mtDNA test?
mtDNA (HVR1) to mtFull is now $99, regularly $159 save $60
mtPLUS (HVR1+ HVR2) to mtFull is now $99, regularly $159 save $60


Y-DNA Test (male-only, father's direct male line) 
Y37 test is now $99, regularly $169 save $70

Y67 is not on sale due to the Y111 test sale matching the usual sale price of the Y67. So more markers for less money.

Y111 test is now $199, regularly $359 save $160

Big Y-700 test is now $399, regularly $649 save $250
Expert Level. Note: formerly the Big Y-500 now the Big Y-700 includes the Y111 test which gets added to your cart as part of buying the Big Y-700.

Already have a YDNA test that you want to upgrade to more markers? Sign into that test and see what upgrade options you have available. Some upgrade options are on sale but remember if the person who supplied the DNA sample is deceased the amount of sample itself is limited so you might need to wait until the exact upgrade you want is on sale or when you are able afford it.

Y12 to Y37 upgrade sale for $79, regular price is $109
Y12 to Y67 upgrade sale for $149, regular price is $199
Y12 to Y111 upgrade sale for $169, regular price is $359

Y25 to Y37 upgrade sale for $49, regular price is $59
Y25 to Y67 upgrade sale for $119, regular price is $159
Y25 to Y111 upgrade sale for $149, regular price is $269

Y37 to Y67 upgrade sale for $69, regular price is $109
Y37 to Y111 upgrade sale for $118, regular price is $228

Y67 to Y111 upgrade sale for $69, regular price is $99

Y12 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $359, regular price is $629
Y25 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $349, regular price is $599
Y37 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $319, regular price is $569 
Y67 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $259, regular price is $499 
Y111 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $229, regular price is $449
Big Y-500 to Big Y-700 upgrade sale for $189, regular price is $249

Need more than one test type for the same -- meaning a single person? These bundles are on sale too.

FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence is now $189, regularly $278 save $89
FamilyFinder with Y37 is now $149, regularly $248 save $188
FamilyFinder with Y111 is now $249, regularly $438 save $189
Y37 with mtFull Sequence is now $229, regularly $368 save $139
Y111 with mtFull Sequence is now $329, regularly $558 save $229
FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence and Y37 is now $279, regularly $447 save $170
FamilyFinder with mtFull Sequence and Y111 is now $379, regularly $637 save $258

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 it is $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.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE



Thursday, November 28, 2019

Save 40% on Fold3 Annual Membership; Save $20 on 6-month Newspapers.com

Here are a couple more!

Fold3 is having a Black Friday Special on Fold3 annual memberships. Until December 1, 2019, pay just $47.95 instead of the regular price of $79.95 for a savings of 40 percent. This offer is for new subscribers only and not renewal of current subscriptions.

Fold3's sister company Newspapers.com is also having a Black Friday Special. At Newspapers.com save $20 on a 6-month Subscription. until December 1, 2019. Again, this offer is for new subscribers only and not renewal of current subscriptions.

A 6-Month Subscription to:
Newspapers.com Basic regularly $44.95 is on sale for $24.95
Newspapers.com Publishers Extra regularly $74.90 is on sale for $54.90

Both of these offers are automatic renewing at regular price once the initial subscription offer time has expired.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales are for Genealogy Items Too -- They Make Great Holiday Gifts for Genealogists!

'Tis the time of year. As you are shopping and saving online or locally do not forget that genealogy-related items are on sale too!

In some recent blog posts, we have highlighted some already like DNA sales and savings on subscriptions. There are likely more sales to come too because the holiday weekend is just getting started.

Based on past years, sales that are often repeated each year and may happen this year too are things like:
  • a coupon at Amazon.com for saving on any printed book that is shipped by Amazon. You do recall that there are a lot of genealogy and genealogy-related publications for sale on Amazon right? Do remember to compare pricing and shipping of items also available at other websites to get the best deal;
  • savings on new membership and sometimes even membership renewals at genealogical/historical societies like the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society or the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Sometimes there are even sales of publications by those societies;
  • publishers of genealogy books often hold Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales too. One that comes to mind is FamilyRootsPublishing.com that has various publications on sale (some a little, some a lot) and is offering free USA shipping on internet sales over $25 thru December 25, 2019;
  • and, of course, there are technology and office items on sale in a variety of places.
So keep an eye out and do not be afraid to drop hints to loved ones regarding your wish list.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Save 50% on Family Tree Webinars and Legacy 9.0 Deluxe until Dec. 2, 2019

Legacy Family Tree Webinars is having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale. It is offering a one-year membership to the webinar subscription service (regularly $49.95 per year) for first-time members aka new subscribers for $24.98 -- that is 50 percent off! (Note: This sale can not be combined with other discounts.)

Also 50 percent off is Legacy 9.0 Deluxe genealogy software with a PDF manual for PCs. Regularly $34.95 the sale price is $17.48

This sale is thru December 2, 2019, at the Family Tree Webinars Store.

Family Tree Webinars Membership gets you 24/7 access to over 1,000 full-length webinars/classes covering a very wide variety of genealogy-related subjects and the handouts/syllabus to those webinars/classes.


See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale: Ancestry.com Gift Memberships Save 50%

For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Ancestry.com is also having a 50 percent sale on its Gift Subscription Memberships until Monday, December 2, 2019. While supplies last these Gift Subscriptions will come with a free family conversation game called TableTopics via a redemption code.

Gift memberships are one-time, non-renewing memberships. You pick the start date of the gift membership and it arrives to via recipient's email. Recipients are not supposed to have active, paid subscription. See the Questions and Answers towards the bottom of the gift membership page.

U.S. Discovery GIFT Membership
Access to U.S. records
6-months reg. $99.99 ... sale $49.99 ... save $50 
12-months reg. $189 ... sale $94 ... save $95

World Explorer GIFT Membership
Access to records across the globe.
6-months reg. $149 ... sale $74 ... save $75
12-months reg. $299 ... sale $149 ... save $150


See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale at AncestryDNA -- Save Up to 50%

There have been some changes in the genealogy/DNA marketplace so it has taken us a bit longer to write about them. The changes are that a few more of the Genealogy/DNA testing companies are offering health components to their testing options.

Ancestry.com is one of the genealogy/DNA testing companies that has added a health component to its offerings.

For 2019's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, the AncestryDNA tests at Ancestry.com are up to 50 percent off. This sale ends December 2, 2019, and taxes and shipping are extra. 

The AncestryDNA (autosomal) test regularly $99 is now on sale for $49, a savings of $50 dollars.

Quite a while back, Ancestry.com introduced its AncestryDNA Traits feature. Traits can be added on to an existing test or purchased at the same time as an AncestryDNA test. But for this sale, the AncestryDNA Traits can be added to the purchase of AncestryDNA test for just $10 instead of its regular price of $20. Free gift wrap with Traits purchase is available while supplies last. (This particular gift wrap offer ends December 31, 2019.)

We have not seen if the sale price on the AncestryDNA Traits add-on will be offered to those with existing AncestryDNA tests.

With Ancestry.com jumping further into the genealogy/DNA/health market it now offers an AncestryHealth Core test which includes the AncestryDNA test along with actionable health and wellness reports, support from genetic counselors, and family health history tree. The AncestryHealth Core test is not available in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Guam.

The AncestryHealth Core test regularly $149 is now on sale for $79, a savings of $70 dollars.

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

Nearly 15 million AncestryDNA test kits have been sold now according to reports at the end of February during the RootsTech 2019 conference and a press release on February 28, 2019, by Ancestry. As the testing company with the largest "pool" of potential DNA matches it is a good place to start.

AncestryDNA test results provide an ethnicity/admixture report, a AncestryDNA match list, shared matches, an internal member messaging system, and automatic updates to results. As well as some basic information from ThruLines which is Ancestry's replacement or next generation of New Ancestor Discoveries and DNA Circles. See the chart below.

Be aware that with an active paid subscription to Ancestry, there is fuller access to some DNA features such as all available information about people is shown in ThruLines; Matches' public family trees are viewable instead of just a preview of five generations; and up to seven generations of surnames instead of up to five surnames are shown for direct ancestor surnames from your matches' trees.

From Ancestry.com, a look at AncestryDNA with and without a data membership/subscription.

Access to these extra features end if you discontinue your data subscription. Some of these extra features require a public family tree linked to the AncestryDNA kit.

AncestryDNA Traits now gives a look at 26 personal traits. These traits are: Sweet Sensitivity, Savory (Umami) Sensitivity, Bitter Sensitivity, Cilantro Aversion, Asparagus Metabolite Detection, Eye Color, Male Hair Loss, Hair Type, Hair Color, Hair Strand Thickness, Iris Patterns, Freckles, Cleft Chin, Unibrow, Finger Length, Skin Pigmentation, Earlobe Shape, and Earwax Type. New traits added are Birth Weight, Facial Hair Thickness, Omega-3, Photic Sneeze Reflex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitaman E, Wisdom Teeth. There is also a Compare Feature and Around the World Feature. 
From Ancestry.com


AncestryDNA is the one DNA/genealogy testing site that does not provide a chromosome browser tool which allows you to see the chromosome segments you share in common with a match which is one of the scientific ways to confirm a match is a true match and not a match by chance. To access a chromosome browser you would need to download your kit's DNA data and upload that data to one of the three companies that do provide a chromosome browser: MyHeritageDNA, Family Tree DNA, and the third-party GedMatch.com website.

Want to save on shipping costs? Remember AncestryDNA also sells its test kits on Amazon.com and often at sale prices when it is having a sale. For this sale, the prices for an AncestryDNA test and the AncestryHealth Core test at Amazon are also at the sale prices. BUT the AncestryDNA+Traits bundle is not on sale at Amazon. Non-AmazonPrime members get free shipping due to the total cost and because it is fulfilled by Amazon while AmazonPrime members just get quicker 2-day shipping for free. But be cautious and make sure the test kit you are buying is "sold by AncestryDNAOfficial and fulfilled by Amazon" to insure you are buying a genuine test kit. You will find this information just below the price. See the image below.


Look for this before adding your item to your cart.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE