Last Wednesday evening our genealogical society had the honor to host Char McCargo Bah, owner-CEO of Finding Things for U, LLC. Ms. Bah educated those in attendance with her presentation: We Were Always in the Courthouse: What You Can Find on African American Court Records. Char’s Hints: You can’t research African American ancestors without tracing the white population. No one is an island; we are all part of a community. Don’t skip anything when researching genealogy. At some point you’ll come to a brick wall and you’ll need that piece of information you skipped over. If you’re using information that has… Continue Reading »
Meeting Notes
May 2014 Update
Good news on Fredericksburg Marriage Licenses database. The 335 marriages of 1942 are now indexed. We have been told an arrangement has been made for the originals to be available at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center instead of being archived. As stated in the past, Virginia was and still is an easy place to get married. Consequently couples from all over the U.S. were married in Fredericksburg. At the Wednesday 11 June 2014 meeting, Julie Nielsen Cabitto will explain Virginia Chancery Records. Visit Julie on her Polish genealogy blog: http://sanetra-genhistory.blogspot.com or for Virginia history: http://juliecabitto-preservinghistoryrecords.blogspot.com – The June meeting will be the last of the season. Join us… Continue Reading »
DNA
On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Church Branch Library, Shannon Combs-Bennett will present new information on DNA testing. Those who attended the FRGS spring genealogy series, Introductory Genealogy and Beyond, will know that Shannon presents this complex information in a manner that all can understand.
FamilySearch.org Presentation
FRGS member Ray Maki shared information on the updated Family Search website. He explained that once on the site, a search can immediately begin by clicking on, “Search.” But, he strongly advised that genealogists first go to the left and click on “Sign In.” By creating an account, researchers have access to more information, can begin their family tree in the cloud (which will be around forever as opposed to computer programs, CDs, DVDs, etc.). FamilySearch does not share/sell your email address, nor do they send account holders any emails. Mr. Maki explained each of the headers under the Search… Continue Reading »