While I was in Ireland last month I met up with a DNA cousin whom I matched on Family Tree DNA. I am not usually the one who contacts people but in this case, I did. David Malloy is my second cousin once removed. My grandmother and his great-grandmother are sisters. We exchanged a few emails and when he found out that I was visiting Ireland, he made reservations to come to Dublin and stay while I was there.
We met in the Den Bar at the Landsdowne Hotel. Did I recognize him at first sight? No, not really. I did look at him as he stood at the bar but since we hadn't exchanged pictures I didn't immediately recognize him. Luckily he came over to our table which had me jumping to my feet and into his arms.
We were immediately chatting away like we had always known each other. I have found this to be a common reaction. We know right away we have two things in common, ancestors and the love of genealogy. I have met quite a few of my cousins who I didn't know I had over the years and it has been the same every time.
We had some really interesting information that I didn't have and I have my knowledge of using DNA to nail down relationships.
We met again the next day for breakfast and then spent 5 hours figuring things out. We found that we have a lot in common and it is obvious that we share lots of DNA. I am not suggesting that it will always work out this well, but in my experience it has. Be sure to meet in a public place and if possible not alone.
I wish I had asked our friends to take a picture of us together but we were so busy talking that it never occurred to me.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
My Genealogy Road Trip to Cape Ann Massachusetts
I have been on many genealogy trips. For me, coming to Cape Ann was a journey of discovery. I have early New England ancestors who were residents in the area at about the time of the infamous Salem witch trials. That, of course, made me very curious. I had one ancestor who had died in Gloucester in 1728 but I had no idea where he was buried.
The Cape Anne Museum, in addition to some wonderful exhibits, has a genealogy library that is the ideal place to start any research into ancestors in the area. I checked in on Friday morning and began my quest to find out where Michael Webber was buried.
Staff is available to send you in the right direction and let you know what is available. Lots of people were searching that morning so it took me a while to get the help I needed. I was given the cemetery registers for all of the cemeteries in Gloucester. It was a painstaking search that yielded nothing. I was quite defeated. The death record was no help as it only said that he died not where he was buried.
I was looking through a book about the area when I came across a section about my ancestor Michael’s son of the same name and his wife. A minister was named who had visited their home. I mentioned it to one of the librarians and she immediately responded: "he is the minister from the First Parish". It seems inadvertently I had stumbled upon the information that I needed. As members of First Parish, they would have been buried in the First Parish Cemetery. Since they were not listed in that cemetery, they are unlikely to have a stone.
I immediately asked about the location of the cemetery and got a rather vague answer. Later that day, at the Sargent House Museum, the director looked it up for me and printed a map that showed me where it was. Even with that information, I was not able to find it on my first attempt.
I refused to leave town without finding it so returned to the street, driving very slowly and there it was. It is off the road, there is a small sign but the cemetery is completely overgrown. A few gravestones standing in a field of hay. Too bad because this is a very historic place and many of the early settlers of Gloucester are no doubt buried here.
Another piece of information I acquired at the Cape Anne Museum was the location of my ancestor's land. It seems he was quite well off and had a large holding in an area that is quite amazing today.
As I visited the Fisherman’s Memorial on the waterfront, I realized that I had a relative on the memorial. Michael Webber's grandson lost his life and is memorialized here. I really loved my visit to Gloucester and I feel very connected to the area.
Before you head off on your own genealogy road trip be sure that you have done the necessary research not only about the dates and places but about the possible sources of information in the area.
The Cape Anne Museum, in addition to some wonderful exhibits, has a genealogy library that is the ideal place to start any research into ancestors in the area. I checked in on Friday morning and began my quest to find out where Michael Webber was buried.
Staff is available to send you in the right direction and let you know what is available. Lots of people were searching that morning so it took me a while to get the help I needed. I was given the cemetery registers for all of the cemeteries in Gloucester. It was a painstaking search that yielded nothing. I was quite defeated. The death record was no help as it only said that he died not where he was buried.
I was looking through a book about the area when I came across a section about my ancestor Michael’s son of the same name and his wife. A minister was named who had visited their home. I mentioned it to one of the librarians and she immediately responded: "he is the minister from the First Parish". It seems inadvertently I had stumbled upon the information that I needed. As members of First Parish, they would have been buried in the First Parish Cemetery. Since they were not listed in that cemetery, they are unlikely to have a stone.
I immediately asked about the location of the cemetery and got a rather vague answer. Later that day, at the Sargent House Museum, the director looked it up for me and printed a map that showed me where it was. Even with that information, I was not able to find it on my first attempt.
I refused to leave town without finding it so returned to the street, driving very slowly and there it was. It is off the road, there is a small sign but the cemetery is completely overgrown. A few gravestones standing in a field of hay. Too bad because this is a very historic place and many of the early settlers of Gloucester are no doubt buried here.
Another piece of information I acquired at the Cape Anne Museum was the location of my ancestor's land. It seems he was quite well off and had a large holding in an area that is quite amazing today.
As I visited the Fisherman’s Memorial on the waterfront, I realized that I had a relative on the memorial. Michael Webber's grandson lost his life and is memorialized here. I really loved my visit to Gloucester and I feel very connected to the area.
Before you head off on your own genealogy road trip be sure that you have done the necessary research not only about the dates and places but about the possible sources of information in the area.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Ancestry Updates Your DNA Results
When I logged into Ancestry this past week and looked at my DNA results I saw that I had the option to look at and then accept updated results. I was naturally curious and couldn't wait to see what my new results said. It was not shocking but it was certainly much more in keeping with what I have always personally thought my DNA results should look like.
Current results:
Ireland and Scotland 49%
England, Wales and Northwestern Europe 31%
France 20%
Previous results:
Europe West 45%
Ireland 38%
Iberian Peninsula 11%
Great Britain 3%
Scandinavia 2%
Finland/Northwest Russia <1 %
Given the fact that my mother is half Irish and my father is half Irish, and the other halves are English and French, I think that the new results are much closer to reality.
Alfred's has really changed he is now 100% Portuguese, guess what, all 4 of his grandparents are Portuguese so this is not at all surprising and he is delighted that he is no longer Italian/Greek, English and Irish. He prefers to just be Portuguese.
Current results:
Ireland and Scotland 49%
England, Wales and Northwestern Europe 31%
France 20%
Previous results:
Europe West 45%
Ireland 38%
Iberian Peninsula 11%
Great Britain 3%
Scandinavia 2%
Finland/Northwest Russia <1 %
Given the fact that my mother is half Irish and my father is half Irish, and the other halves are English and French, I think that the new results are much closer to reality.
Alfred's has really changed he is now 100% Portuguese, guess what, all 4 of his grandparents are Portuguese so this is not at all surprising and he is delighted that he is no longer Italian/Greek, English and Irish. He prefers to just be Portuguese.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
More Finds with DNA
When I did my husband's DNA it was a pretty big shock to us. This man who is 100 percent Portuguese was 34 percent Southern European (Italian Greek), 27 percent Iberian which is Portuguese, 24 percent Great Britain and some other things. But the 24 percent Great Britain was the most shocking. My grandmother is from England and I am only 4 percent Great Britain.
We really had no idea where this came from. Al's father once told me that one of his sisters had blond hair and blue eyes which is pretty interesting. I have had contact with a DNA relative of Al's, their great-grandfathers are brothers, so they are 3rd cousins, I shot Danny off a message to ask him if he had any Great Britain in his DNA and he responded immediately, not one drop!!
I then contracted Trinda who is related to him on his mother's mother's side and asked her if she has any English. Not a drop but they do have Irish and Scottish, which Al also has.
Since their matches are on Al's mother's side, this tells me that Great Britain comes from his father's side. Now, of course, I still have no idea where and who but it at least is the first step in identifying this one aspect of his genealogy.
DNA can tell us things about ourselves that we never knew. Al was quite stunned by all this, he identifies as Portuguese and finding out that his roots are more Italian and Greek than Portuguese has confused him, to say the least. What I will do with this information I can't tell you yet but hopefully something.
We really had no idea where this came from. Al's father once told me that one of his sisters had blond hair and blue eyes which is pretty interesting. I have had contact with a DNA relative of Al's, their great-grandfathers are brothers, so they are 3rd cousins, I shot Danny off a message to ask him if he had any Great Britain in his DNA and he responded immediately, not one drop!!
I then contracted Trinda who is related to him on his mother's mother's side and asked her if she has any English. Not a drop but they do have Irish and Scottish, which Al also has.
Since their matches are on Al's mother's side, this tells me that Great Britain comes from his father's side. Now, of course, I still have no idea where and who but it at least is the first step in identifying this one aspect of his genealogy.
DNA can tell us things about ourselves that we never knew. Al was quite stunned by all this, he identifies as Portuguese and finding out that his roots are more Italian and Greek than Portuguese has confused him, to say the least. What I will do with this information I can't tell you yet but hopefully something.
Update: In the two years since I wrote this Ancestry has changed his DNA summary and he is now 100% Portuguese which is good news for him but I am 8% Welsh which has confused me. I think I will just wait and no doubt it will change again.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
New Genealogy Findings Using DNA Triangulation
DNA is fascinating, especially when used in conjunction with traditional genealogy techniques. When you look at all your matches, no matter which testing site you used, it can be a little intimidating. I have over 1,000 4th cousins. In some cases, it is pretty evident how we are related. Most of them have French Canadian names in their list of ancestors.
But if they don't have names that you recognize but they are still a match, maybe even a pretty close one, what then? If you had your DNA tested by Ancestry, you will need to move it over to another site and hopefully, the person you match will already be there or is willing to move theirs as well. Be prepared for the worst but hope for the best.
Once you are on another site like My Heritage or Gedmatch, or Family Tree (there is a $19 charge to get the reports you will want) you can then isolate the chromosome that you match on. While knowing the chromosome in and of itself is not the answer, it can lead to an answer.
It may take a few matches with the same Chromosome to identify which line you all have in common. This is triangulating. Of course, you will be counting on someone perhaps knowing more about the family than you do but it is very exciting when you realize that yes, that common match you have on your #4 or 12 or whatever chromosome belongs to the ........ family.
I have identified a couple of families through this method and it is very exciting. Let me know if you have any luck with this method.
It may take a few matches with the same Chromosome to identify which line you all have in common. This is triangulating. Of course, you will be counting on someone perhaps knowing more about the family than you do but it is very exciting when you realize that yes, that common match you have on your #4 or 12 or whatever chromosome belongs to the ........ family.
I have identified a couple of families through this method and it is very exciting. Let me know if you have any luck with this method.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Celtic Connection Conference: Pathways to our Past
Pathways to Our Past August 10 & 11 2018, at the Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Auburndale, MA. An impressive slate of speakers from Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and the U.S. will present lectures about irish, Scots-Irish, Scottish and Welsh genealogy, DNA, and culture. Learn about exciting new ways to discover and interpret your ancestral roots. Check out their website for details.
This is an absolutely amazing conference Co-Hosted by The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA) & The Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI)and so tempting that I have already signed up to attend myself. If you have ancestors in Ireland, Scotland or Wales this will be a perfect fit for you.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
SCGS 2018 46th Annual Summer Workshop July 13-14
Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
The Legal Genealogist is coming to South Carolina!
If you have already heard her, you know you want to hear her again, and if you haven’t heard her, you need to be at the South Carolina Genealogy Society, INC.
46th Annual Summer Workshop
South Carolina Dept. of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, S.C.
July 13-14, 2018
A genealogist with a law degree, Judy G. Russell is a lecturer; educator and writer who enjoys helping others understand a wide variety of genealogical issues, including the interplay between genealogy and the law. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, and holds Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials from the Board for Certification of Genealogists where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. She is the coordinator of the Advanced Genealogical Methods and Evidence Analysis course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at the University of Georgia. Judy is a Colorado native with roots deep in the American south on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side. Visit her website at www.legalgenealogist.com.
Judy will do 2 sessions each day!
2 Day Event
Total of 22 Sessions – 18 Speakers
Topics include: DNA, Law and Genealogy, Methodology, Native American, African American, CSI-Dixie, SC Records, and More
For the full schedule click here.
The Legal Genealogist is coming to South Carolina!
If you have already heard her, you know you want to hear her again, and if you haven’t heard her, you need to be at the South Carolina Genealogy Society, INC.
46th Annual Summer Workshop
South Carolina Dept. of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, S.C.
July 13-14, 2018
A genealogist with a law degree, Judy G. Russell is a lecturer; educator and writer who enjoys helping others understand a wide variety of genealogical issues, including the interplay between genealogy and the law. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, and holds Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials from the Board for Certification of Genealogists where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. She is the coordinator of the Advanced Genealogical Methods and Evidence Analysis course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at the University of Georgia. Judy is a Colorado native with roots deep in the American south on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side. Visit her website at www.legalgenealogist.com.
Judy will do 2 sessions each day!
2 Day Event
Total of 22 Sessions – 18 Speakers
Topics include: DNA, Law and Genealogy, Methodology, Native American, African American, CSI-Dixie, SC Records, and More
For the full schedule click here.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
June events at Godfrey Library
June Events
June 2nd - Genealogy Club 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at the library
Using Family Tree Software Recording your family tree is impossible without some kind of software. It can be used to create family trees and reports and to keep documents organized and connected to the correct people. Godfrey Director Beth Mariotti and board member Laura Hobbs will demonstrate and provide information on Family Tree Maker and Roots Magic. Participants will have time after the presentation to research at the library. Please bring your laptop. Genealogy Club is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.
Get help from an expert, sessions held at the library June 2nd, 11 a.m. to noon June 5th, 15th, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30
Whether you are just starting out or have hit a roadblock in research you’ve been conducting for a long time, we can help. Godfrey researchers will be available to consult on your research question and help you find resources and answers. For best results, bring your information with you. Bring your laptop to make the most out of this useful information. No pre-registration necessary. Free to Godfrey Members or $10 a session.
June 16th – Writing Group 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at the library Write Your Family History Discuss methods and ideas for gathering information and writing a history your family will cherish. Learn from examples of printed and published material by others. Share passages of your own writing and get feedback. Members will each have a chance to discuss what they are working and/or ask for advice and help from the group. Discussion can be about the writing process as well as the nuts and bolts of creating a book. Participants will have time after the group to research at the library. Writing Group is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.
Palatines to America Genealogy Conference
The Palatines to America German Genealogy Society will hold their 2018 National Conference on June 13-16 in the Adams Mark Hotel, Buffalo, NY. Titled "Willkommen to Buffalo - Gateway to a New Heimat (home)," the conference will feature a variety of nationally known speakers including John Philip Colletta, Ph.D. and Baerbel K. Johnson, AG.
Check their website to register and for additional information.
Check their website to register and for additional information.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
First Person: Jewish Stories, Jewish Lives: Searching for Jewish Heritage with Joseph Berger
Location: Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011
May 17, 2018 6:30 p.m.
Joseph Berger, a former New York Times reporter and author of Displaced Persons: Growing up American after the Holocaust, will share stories and photos from his fascinating journey to his parents' hometowns in Poland and offers tips for successful family searches abroad. Additionally, Mr. Berger, Jonathan Ornstein, Executive Director of the Krakow JCC, and Helise Lieberman, Director of the Taube Center for the Renewal of Jewish Life in Poland, will reflect on the current political climate in Poland and how it might impact a similar journey today.
Joseph Berger, a former New York Times reporter and author of Displaced Persons: Growing up American after the Holocaust, will share stories and photos from his fascinating journey to his parents' hometowns in Poland and offers tips for successful family searches abroad. Additionally, Mr. Berger, Jonathan Ornstein, Executive Director of the Krakow JCC, and Helise Lieberman, Director of the Taube Center for the Renewal of Jewish Life in Poland, will reflect on the current political climate in Poland and how it might impact a similar journey today.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
April Events at Godfrey Library Middletown, Conn.
Genealogy Club- Using Familysearch.org
April 7th, 9:30 - 10:30
Family Search is a treasure trove of digitized original records from the U.S. and all over the world. Most can be viewed from home, but some are only accessible in a Family History Center like ours. Family Search also offers searchable databases and a vast amount of information on the resources available in particular geographic locations.
Family History Center Director Al Fiacre will provide information on what you can find in Familysearch.org and how you can use it to find other resources.
Participants will have time after the presentation to research at the library.
Genealogy Club is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.
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Get Help from an Expert
April 7th, 11 - noon
April 3rd & 20th, 9:30 - 10:30
Whether you are just starting out or have hit a roadblock in research you've been conducting for a long time, we can help.
Godfrey researchers will be available to consult on your research question and help you find resources and answers. For best results, bring your information with you.
Bring your laptop to make the most out of this useful information.
No pre-registration necessary. Free to members or $10 a session.
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Write Your Family History
April 21st, 9:30 - 11
Discuss methods and ideas for gathering information and writing a history your family will cherish. Learn from examples of printed and published material by others. Share passages of your own writing and get feedback. Members will each have a chance to discuss what they are working and/or ask for advice and help from the group. Discussion can be about the writing process as well as the nuts and bolts of creating a book.
Participants will have time after the presentation to research at the library.
Genealogy Club is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.
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Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Godfrey Library March Events
Get help from an expert, session held at the library March 6th and 16th , 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 Research Your Irish Ancestors Our presenter, Kathy Gallagher has been researching her Irish family history for years, online and in Ireland. Kathy will provide information on what records are available and how you can access them. She will have detailed handouts and great stories. Come and see what you can find. Participants will have time after the presentation to research at the library. Please bring your laptop.'
Genealogy Club is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session. Whether you are just starting out or have hit a roadblock in research you’ve been conducting for a long time, we can help. Godfrey researchers will be available to consult on your research question and help you find resources and answers. For best results, bring your information with you. Bring your laptop to make the most out of this useful information. No pre-registration necessary. Free to Godfrey Members or $10 a session.
March 17th – Writing Group 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at the library March 17th – Get to know Godfrey 1:30 p.m. at the library Write Your Family History Discuss methods and ideas for gathering information and writing a history your family will cherish. Learn from examples of printed and published material by others. Share passages of your own writing and get feedback. Members will each have a chance to discuss what they are working and/or ask for advice and help from the group. Discussion can be about the writing process as well as the nuts and bolts of creating a book. Participants will have time after the group to research at the library. Writing Group is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.
Joint meeting with the Connecticut Society of Genealogists Godfrey and CSG are holding a joint meeting at Godfrey to highlight Godfreys many resources including our Family History Center and access to restricted images on Familysearch.org. Pre-register with CSG before March 14 by calling 860-569-0002.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
February Events at Godfrey Library
Febuary 3rd - Genealogy Club 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at the library
Genealogy Show & Tell Stuck in a rut with your research? Looking for some new ideas to help you break through a brick wall? Come hear examples from Godfrey staff and members of resources and techniques we’ve used to make a find. Bring your own examples. Participants will have time after the presentation to research at the library. Genealogy Club is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session.February 6th, 16th & 17th– Get help from an expert 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the library
Whether you are just starting out or have hit a roadblock in research you’ve been conducting for a long time, we can help. Godfrey researchers will be available to consult on your research question and help you find resources and answers. For best results, bring your information with you. Bring your laptop to make the most out of this useful information. No pre-registration necessary. Free to Godfrey Members or $10 a session.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
What's Happening at Godfrey Library in January
Get Help from an Expert
January 19 & 20 9:30 - 10:30
Whether you are just starting out or have hit a roadblock in research you've been conducting for a long time, we can help.
Godfrey researchers will be available to consult on your research question and help you find resources and answers. For best results, bring your information with you.
Bring your laptop to make the most out of this useful information.
No pre-registration necessary. Free to members or $10 a session.
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