The Genealogy Gems Podcast with Lisa Louise Cooke - Your Family History Show

Published March 2, 2009 In this 60th episode we celebrate the two year birthday of the Genealogy Gems Podcast. And Lisa's very special guest is Darby Hinton who played the son of Daniel Boone on the hit TV series Daniel Boone that ran from 1964 to 1970. Darby is currently working on a television pilot for a new series called Hinton Living History. In today's episode is part one of Lisa's interview with Darby, who talks about his TV career which started before he could even walk. Darby has appeared in in movies like the Son of Flubber, and classic TV shows like Mr. Ed, Wagon Train, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Big Valley. But of course we all know him as Isreal the son of Daniel Boone, played by the wonderful Fess Parker. He had a fascinating childhood meeting the likes of Walt Disney and having Charleton Heston for a godfather. GEN CLASS WINNER: Linda Scham of Illinois is the winner of the two free genealogy classes courtesy of Congratulations Linda! MAILBOX: Listener Teresa Redway emailed a brickway about her ancestor Isaac Lovell born in 1844 in Bristol, England. Lisa recommends investigating both Isaac and Alfred further in England. Look in church records for Alfred as a witness to the events of others in the church. Locate birth records in Allegheny County, PA: Start with the US GenWeb site to find out more about the records available in that county as well as the history of county. Allegheny County US Gen Web site Another option is the vitalrec.com website. Click through to Pennsylvania and Allegheny County to find more information on the vital records for the county. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, PA hold birth records for Pittsburg from 1870 to 1905. Fee: $5 US which is a non-refundable fee for search and copy of a Birth record. For Historical Context, Teresa can check out what was going on in Pennsylvania from 1869-1874 at the Explore PA History website. About.com website has a timeline on Pittsburgh history. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburg also has a chronology of the cityâs history and lots of other great info. The March 2009 issue of Family Tree Magazine article called "Hard Times" by Fern Glazer on page 29. GEM: Interview with Darby Hinton of Daniel Boone Fame Darby Hinton was just seven years old when he signed on to play Isreal, the son of Daniel Boone which ran from Sept 24, 1964 to September 10, 1970 on NBC. And over 165 episodes he worked and played alongside the 6 foot 6" actor Fess Parker on the film sets in California and Utah. In this episode you'll hear part 1 of my three part interview with Darby Hinton and his lovely wife Shan. Today we're going to start back at the beginning as Darby shares his memories of how he broke into the TV business, and what it was like to be working on the set of Daniel Boone. Watch The TV Legends 7 part interview with Fess Parker on YouTube

Published Feb 15, 2008 Family Reunions I'd love to hear from you if you've held a family reunion. What kinds of activities did you plan, and what kinds of things did you wish you had thought of back in the planning stage? I've been toying with the idea of having a family reunion on my mom's side of the family, but I could really use some good advice on the subject. So drop me a line if you've organized a family reunion before and tell me about your experiences. Conferences: The Southern California Genealogical Society is well into their planning for their 40th Annual Genealogy Jamboree which will be held June 26-28, 2009, at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, in Burbank, California Who Do You Think You Are TV Update I wrote about Amazon.com's recent announcement that the New Kindle 2 is ready for pre-order. I would really like to hear from you if you have or have used a Kindle. Any time you go to Amazon from one of our website links and purchase something you help keep this genealogy podcast free. Thank you very much for your support! Lincoln's Birthday: 8 Civil War Era Records Coming Online in Feb. 2009 Ancestry has just announced that they have posted five of those databases: 1. Abraham Lincoln Papers (from the Library of Congress) 2. The New Orleans Slave Manifests, covering 1807 3. The Confederate Pension Applications from Georgia 4. The Confederate Applications for Presidential Pardons 5. The U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Ancestry's Civil War Collection Family History: Genealogy Made Easy Episode 16: The Family History Library including catalog research tips that will help you get even better search results! GEM: Profile America - The First U.S. Presidential Picture Become a Genealogy Gems Premium Member GEM: Interview with Holly Hansen - Family History Expos Watch videos at The Family History Expos TV channel at YouTube Listen to the conference speakers and exhibitors at podcast. Feb 27 & 28, 2009: St. George, UT |May 9, 2009: Logan, UT June 12 & 13, 2009: Colorado Aug 28 & 29, 2009: Salt Lake City, UT Oct 16 & 17, 2009: Redding, California Jan. 22 & 23, 2010: Mesa, AZ GEM: GenClass with Lisa Alzo GEM: Profile America - Number Please? Sign up for the FREE Genealogy Gems e-newsletter

Published Jan 31, 2009 #1 Diane Haddad's Family Tree Magazine Genealogy Insider Blog The latest edition of the Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture has been published over at Small-leaved Shamrock http://www.small-leavedshamrock.blogspot.com The next edition of the Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture will be a St. Patrick's Day "virtual parade" online. Anyone who would like to particiate is welcome, whether or not they have Irish roots. For more information on how to participate or to check out the latest carnival head over to http://www.irishheritagecarnival.blogspot.com. Recent Genealogy Gems News Blog postings: I wrapped up my ten genealogy strategies for the new year on Jan 21, 2009 I also posted about the new American version of the television show Who Do You Think You Are? Set your recorders to Monday nights at 8PM on NBC starting April 20. Genealogy Gems Blog There are some milestones going on these days as well. The Library of Congress just crossed the 25,000 mark for books digitized. A good article appeared about that on the Voice of America website: Scanning Project Digitizes 25,000 US Library of Congress Book What's new at Lisa's Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast. Episode 12: I you a comprehensive overview of online family trees. And then we go straight to the source with an in depth interview with Kenny Freestone, Senior Product Manager at Ancestry.com whose primary responsibility is their online family tree tool. Episode 13: We continue exploring our tree options with Scott Huskey of Photoloom.com. They offer an incredible online visual approach to trees and research that centers around your own personal family photos. Then I talk to Sasha Masick of GeneTree, who spices up their family tree tool with a DNA testing component. Episode 14: You've got to tune in to hear how to go from one name and birth year, to three generations of family in 1 hour or less. It's absolutely possible, and I'll show you how in this episode. Then as we finish up with online family trees, I thought it was important to go over the techniques for following up on all those great connections you can make by posting your family tree online. We'll get started in Episode 14 talking about how to locate telephone numbers online, the prep work you need to do before you start to dial, breaking the ice and conducting the interview. Then we'll finish up in Episode 15 on Feb 6 with what we as the interviewer should be doing during the call, what to do if No Answers, we'll cover the "Must Ask" Questions, and how to wrap up the call. NEW RECORDS ONLINE The folks over at the 1911census.co.uk officially launched their website this month. And they have added many of the counties that were unavailable during beta testing including Lancashire, Essex, Kent, Yorkshire (West Riding), Nottinghamshire and Herefordshire so you can now access those British census records from 1911. Update: World Vital Records is now part of MyHeritage. Recently added 20 newspaper databases from Mexico and Canada ranging from 1833-1994: Agricultor Mexicano y Hogar (Ciudad JuÃrez, Chihuahua, Mexico) Apuntes Viejos (General, Mexico) Arte (Mocorito, Sinaloa, Mexico) British Columbian (New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) Bytown Gazette (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) Cambridge Daily Reporter (Cambridge(Galt, Hespeler, Preston), Ontario, Canada) Canada Gazette (Ottawa, Federal Government Publications, Canada) Canadian Correspondent (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) Charlottetown Examiner (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada) Correo Espanol (General, Mexico) Correspondent and Advocate (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) Daily Mirror (London, England - London Area, UK) Diario del Hogar (Mexico D.F., Mexico) Drumheller Mail (Drumheller, Alberta, Canada) Edmonton Bulletin (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) Educador Practico Ilustrado (Mexico D.F., Mexico) Fin de Siglo (General, Mexico) Grand River Sachem (Caledonia, Ontario, Canada) Halifax British Colonist (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) Halifax Citizen (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) MAILBOX:Lisa answers an email from Rollei in Australia about photo preservation and Maria asks for advice on how to inquire about delicate subjects with an elderly relative. FAMILY HISTORY: Genealogy Made Easy GEM: Profile AmericaFeb 3: Income Tax History Gem: Family History ValentineReview Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 20 The gem was called Christmas in July and I showed you how to make cover a store bought candy bar with a home made Christmas Label that would evoke genealogical memories. The candy bar made a great stocking stuffer. Well, I'm up for chocolate any time of year, and Valentines day is a perfect time I think to take a new twist on that idea. printable publishing template This time we have a new theme to inspire us - the theme of Valentines Day and love. I'm guessing thereâs a romantic couple or two in your family tree. Perhaps your bar could pay tribute to one of them or to a few couples. You could give these candy bars celebrati

GEM: Profile America Jan 12 Frisbees GEM: Profile America Jan 13 Fuller Brush GEM: Interview with Sally Jacobs, The Practical Archivist PHOTO Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcastBe sure and listen to my other family history podcast called Family History: Genealogy Made Easy where in each episode what you need to know step-by-step to climb your family tree. Also in iTunes The Genealogy Gems TV Channel at YouTube

Published Dec 13, 2008 GEM: Name That Tune I'll See You In My Dreams was a big hit for Cliff Edwards who also performed it on the ukuele. In fact he was known as "Uulele Ike." If you think you know the name of today's mystery song, please email me call and leave the answer on the voice mail line at 925-272-4021. Dec. 24, 1968 In 1968 the three man crew of Apollo 8 became the first humans in history to orbit the moon. Their hastily-planned mission saw them enter lunar orbit on Christmas Eve after a three day voyage from earth. In one of a number of scheduled live TV broadcasts from the spacecrafts, the crew pointed their black and white camera at the lunar horizon and read the first ten verses of the Bible's book of Genesis. History of British Christmas Traditions I thought it would be fun to ask my friend James Mowatt of the Historyzine Podcast to tell us alittle bit about the history of Christmas in Britain, and describe how our British ancestors might have celebrated the holiday. From 1940: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret's Christmas Speech (Below: Princess Elizabeth along with her younger sister Margaret sending Christmas Greetings over the radio airwaves.) From 1917: Christmas, Christmas, Blessed Blessed Day From 1916: Christmas Eve Music Box A solo performed by Robert Gayler on the Celesta - Fantasie on old German Christmas Carols. A celesta is a struck idiophone operated by a keyboard. It looks very much like a miniature upright piano or a large wooden music box. From 1913: The Bells of Christmasa collection of Christmas carols performed by the Edison Band (below) From 1911: A Christmas Classic - The Awakening of Scrooge Music Hall Performer Bransby Williams (b. 1870 - d.1961) recorded this for Edison Records.

Published Dec 1, 2008 Welcome all the NEW listeners who discovered the show at the Family History Expo in Mesa, AZ. We're so glad you"re on board! Watch this video to learn how to use the free iTunes software (you don't need an iPod to use it!), and subscribe to this podcast for free. Then watch this video to learn more about how to use the podcast website. Family History Expos TV Watching Family History Expo TV is like your own Video Conference! If you were lucky enough to go youâll get to see the folks you may have missed and get refresher info from those you did hear, and if you weren't able to attend, this is your chance to get some great tips and ideas from the experts who were there. The next Family History Expo will be in St. George Feb 27 & 28, 2009 Lisaâs Classes: Genealogy Podcasts 101 What You Must Know To Save Your Research From Destruction Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems Part I Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems Part II And while I was in Mesa AZ, I finally got a chance to sit down and interview Dick Eastman. Dick is always the one doing the interviewing and blogging, and I just thought it was about time I sat him down and got him to tell us his story. And you can hear that interview in itâs entirety in Episode 5 of my other podcast Family History: Genealogy Made Easy. I love getting to talk to genealogy experts up close and personal and I also have really gotten a lot out of going through the genealogy research process step-by-step. It's a great refresher for me as well as hopefully will help folks new to genealogy get started. It's a lot of fun! Fun at The Genealogy Gems News Blog The Genealogy Hoe Down featuring genealogy blogger Miriam Robbins Midkiff, Genealogy Podcaster DearMYRTLE, Family Tree Magazine Editor Allison Stacy, and managing editor Diane Haddad. Blog Post: Genealogists Run, Don't Walk, to Google! Houston Public Library's Fantastic Collection Coming Online. Listen to my interview with Susan Kaufman manager, Houston Public Library's Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in the October 2008 episode of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast. Subscribe to The Family Tree Magazine Podcast free in iTunes. New at Ancestry: Search the U.S. City Directories database Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter Calling all Norwegian researchers! The folks at Family Search are going to start indexing the 1875 Norway Census! In the first week of December, they will start indexing the 1875 Norway Census. This will be a large segment of the census for rural areas of Norway, but not the entire census. FamilySearchâs Historical Family Reconstitution unit has joined forces with the University of Troms in Norway to complete this project. The university is indexing the census records for the urban areas of Norway. Pass the word along that anyone interested in Norwegian genealogical research is encouraged to help by volunteering as a FamilySearch indexer. New Google Gadgets: iGoogle has been discontinued Read Listener Phil Hayes's blog post about his musical mom Jeanne T. Lewis. GEM: Interview with Curt Witcher, of the Allen County Library I got a chance to talk to Curt while attending the Federation of Genealogy Societies Conference in Philadelphia, PA this last Sept. 2008. Curt explains about the wide range of census records that many genealogists aren't taking advantage of. Name That Tune! The Darktown Strutter Ball Sheet MusicThe Darktown Strutter Ball Sheet Music You can even watch Guy Lombardo and Royal Canadians doing the Darktown Strutters Ball in the 1950s (video below) If you think you know the name of Mystery Song #3 that Lisa played on this podcast episode email the answer or call and leave the answer on the voice mail line at 925-272-4021 so your answer can be played on the show. A No Cost Way to Support the free Genealogy Gems Podcast. The holidays approaching and thereâs an easy way for you to get your online shopping done while supporting this show. By accessing websites like Amazon.com through the links on the Genealogy Gems homepage and throughout the website, Amazon gives The Genealogy Gems Podcast credit for your purchases. It doesn't cost you anything more, but by using the links on our website, you do a lot to help keep the free Genealogy Gems Podcast coming. Thank you! Visit the the Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel where you can watch lots of great genealogy themed videos. Join the Genealogy Gems Podcast fan page at Facebook. Catch up on what's going on in the world of genealogy at The Genealogy Gems News Blog.

Published Nov 2, 2008 I am very happy to announce that I just launched my brand new podcast called Family History: Genealogy Made Easy. The new show really captures two areas of focus that are really sort of outside the focus of this show. First, I wanted to do a show that anybody could stumble upon and with absolutely no prior experience in genealogy be able to listen to and enjoy and that would walk them step by step through the process of doing family history research. It's like a long term free seminar that you can listen to and work along with! The other area I've wanted to focus on is success stories and words of wisdom from experienced genealogists. As I travel around going to conferences and as I read my email, I hear so many great stories. I wanted to have a show where I could really showcase these stories and the wisdom of experienced genealogists. Newbies to genealogy will get a sense of what they can look forward to, and more experienced genealogists like you guys can enjoy hearing personal stories from those that you have probably heard of in the world of genealogy. So that's what you'll find at Family History: Genealogy Made Easy - Personal conversations and stories from the experts, and a genealogy how to course all wrapped in to one. Flash video issue has been resolved. GEM: Profile AmericaCash Register History The James Ritty Patent at Google Patents. GEM: Interview with Colleen Fitzpatrick, The Forensic Genealogist Forensic Genealogist Website GEM: MacGenealogistBen Sayer reviews genealogy software for the Macintosh computer: MacFamily Tree. GEM: Quilting Family Traditions The ladies in our family are Connie Drew, Stacie Sanders, Steffanie Wicker, Shannon Stewart, Shellie Ireland and Brooke Drew Lee wrote me to say "Seeing your own love of quilts, you know how precious these handmade creations will be to our descendants throughout the generations. And so it goes, passing on skills, love and enjoyment across the generations through the use of sewing needles..." Great Family Tradition & Heirloom Ideas from Lee and Connie Drew: Sister Quilts - Round up relatives from the neighborhood or around the country and start a tradition that will create lasting heirlooms. If you don't have a lot of quilters in your family, how about doing cross stitch or scrapbook pages. Create a family tree wall hanging. There are so many mediums you could use. Quilting, applique, cross stitch, painting, the options are pretty limitless. I love how Connie incorporated family silhouettes into the tree. Create unique heirloom clothing. Not artistic or handy with a needle? How about creating custom shirts on a website like Cafe Press. Just upload your images and add text if you like. How about a shirt for each person with the photo of the ancestor they remind you of most? And you could still sew in a little tag that says it was created with love from grandma like Connie did. Whether you're really artsy or don't have a creative bone in your body, there's a project out there for you that will allow you to express yourself, and promote lasting family traditions. More Resources: Genealogy Gems Episode 39 on Heritage Quilts Genealogy Gems Presents Heritage Quilts Video at the Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel American Quilterâs Society Website GEM: Linguistic Bit by James MowattHistoryzine Podcast Website GEM: Name That TuneAs you'll remember last episode (episode 53) I told you that I had recently inherited a reel to reel tape that was recorded in the 1960s by my husband's Grandfather and Grandmother Cooke. I played this first of several songs on the tape for you The Library of Congress American Memory Website had the old original sheet music. The song is entitled Hush-a-bye, Ma Baby with a subtitle of the Missouri Waltz. Lyric by J. R. Shannon. music from an original melody procured by John Valentine Eppel, and arranged by Frederic Knight Logan. Thanks to those who wrote and called in for identifying the song for me!In this episode I play another song in the hopes that you'll be able to do it again. Mystery Song #2 - NAME THAT TUNE! If you think you know the name of that song, please email me or better yet call and leave the answer on the voice mail line at 925-272-4021. There are lots of ways to contact me: Join the Genealogy Gems Facebook Group Catch up on what's going on in the world of genealogy at The Genealogy Gems News Blog.Visit the the Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel where you can watch lots of great genealogy themed videos

Published Oct 20, 2008 October is Family History Month Lisa with her prized pumpkin Genealogy Gems Halloween Greetings Halloween Haunts Podcast by WHRO FM radio: Stories based on ghostly legends and lore of Hampton Roads, Virginia. Thanks to my friend Michelle Gabriele-Harrell producer off the Halloween Haunts podcast. In iTunes: Halloween Haunts 2006 Audio Podcast Series and the 2008 series Halloween Haunts Fright Bytes Video Podcast in iTunes iGoogle UpdateiGoogle has been discontinued. WorldCat: I also wrote a blog recently called Getting the Most Out of WorldCat and I wanted to mention that there is going to be a Free seminar Oct 28 at 2PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific online sponsored by WorldCat so I'll have a link to that posting so you can read all about it. MAILBOX: Kerry Steward called in about some comments I made on Genealogy Gems podcast Episode #40. Here are two articles about Henrietta Pruisner Tesch and Katherine Tesch Rugg's families. "Somewhat of a Record" and "Homer Woman Has Given Birth to 15 Children" GEM: Profile America - Oct. 13 Navy Month "Hit hard, hit fast, hit often" Admiral "Bull" Halsey (above) GEM: Interview with Yvette Arts, Director of Content Partnerships at World Vital Records Update: World Vital Records is now part of MyHeritage.com Strategies for getting the most out of World Vital Records from Yvette Arts: First-time users/browsing: Perform a Basic Search. You'll get the largest search results by just searching by last name. Look over the results to narrow down all the possibilities. Try adding first name next. Some combinations of first and last names are more difficult to find exact matches for than others (e.g., John Smith). But if you have an unusual name like Jared Quackenbush the search will only return a few results. Next, if you know the location enter a full state name in the Place search. There are some results in their databases, such as for Google Books, that may not come up via the geographic. Don't forget to try alternative spelling for a surname. Additional Search Tips: Entering a date is best when you only give a year. If you already know a lot about an ancestor and now want to know specific information, try the Advanced Search. Use broad search terms, not an exact year of birth. Although you may know this information, mistakes may have been made in a document, or a first name may be abbreviated (e.g., Geo* is a good search term for George or J* may bring up a John that is otherwise listed as Jn). Excluding a source from a search because you have exact knowledge about an ancestor could lead to less accurate search results. Sign Up For Genealogy Gems Premium Members Only Podcast Episodes & Videos GEM: Profile America - Oct 24 is the anniversary of Chips the U.S. War Dog being awared the Distinguished Service Medal Interview with Mary Ann Whitley who's father Herson Lamont Whitley served with Chips the US War Dog A Dog Called Chips by Mary Ann Whitley at the U.S. War Dogs Website GEM: The MacGenealogist - In today's MacGenealogist Minute with Ben Sayer, Ben's continues his reviews of Genealogy software for the Macintosh computer with a review of iFamily for Leopard. GEM: Name That Tune - I need your help. Several months ago I received a reel to reel tape that was recorded by my husband's Grandfather and Grandmother Cooke. I'm going to play one song on each episode in the hopes that one of you dear listener's will recognize the tune and email me with the name. Or leave a voice mail at 925-272-4021. Thanks! Support the Show: With the holidays approaching thereâs a wonderful way for you to do your online shopping while supporting this show. By accessing websites like Amazon.com through the links on the Genealogy Gems homepage and through the website, Amazon gives The Genealogy Gems Podcast credit for your purchases. It doesn't cost you anything more, but by using the links on our website, you do a lot to help keep the free Genealogy Gems Podcast coming. Thank you! Visit the the Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel where you can watch lots of great genealogy themed videos. Join the Genealogy Gems Group on Facebook Catch up on what's going on in the world of genealogy at The Genealogy Gems News Blog.

Published Oct 6, 2008 "And this year I hit the jackpot when I was able to track down one of his long lost cousins who had a treasure trove of family history tucked away in the rafters of her garage." (Below: Bill and cousin) Premium episode all about how to tap into your inner private eye to find those long lost living relatives. Albert Farrington and chorus from 1914 sing "Rule Britannia" GEM: Interview with Rick Crume Websites Rick refers to in the show: British National Archives and in itunes Find My Past Ancestral Quest - new interface with New Family Search. Family Tree Magazine Podcast military records interview Roots Ireland Genealogy Gems Premium: Sign Up Now and use Coupon code SAVE20 to get 20% off the anual membership GEM: Interview with Dr. Christopher Watts Below: Harry Cooke's Apprenticeship Record, 1872 Additional Gems From Over The Pond: Lisa's Interview with Feargal O'Donnell of the Irish Family History Foundation. View the 2 part video series: Part 1 Video Part 2 Video British History Podcasts: Binge Thinking History with Tony Cocks Historyzine Podcast with James Mowatt More Ways To Stay In Touch: Genealogy Gems on Facebook The Genealogy Gems News Blog The Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel

Published Sept 22, 2008 Sept 16, 2008 Blog about my trip to FGS. Sign up for the FREE Genealogy Gems Newsletter I enjoyed hanging out at the Family Tree Magazine booth in the Exhibit Hall with editor Allison Stacy and Managing Editor Diane Haddad. September 2008 Family Tree Magazine podcast News from the Blogosphere VideoWhile you're at the Genealogy Gems News Channel you might want to click the SUBSCRIBE button which allows you to be notified when new videos are published so you donât have to check periodically. My article "Hitting the Heirwaves" is now out in the November 2008 issue of Family Tree Magazine. GEM: Interview with Jim Beidler - Chair of FGS 2008 Conference Jim & Lisa GEM: Profile America - ice cream cone Become a Premium Member Today:Use the Coupon code: SAVE20 to save 20% off annual membership GEM: MacMinutes with Ben Sayer, The MacGenealogist In today's MacGenealogist Minute with Ben Sayer, Ben's reviews Reunion 9, the leading Mac genealogy application. GEM: Podcaster Favorite Sayings Montage GEM: Census Abbreviations - Census Abbreviations page at the Ancestors Search website.

Published Aug 15, 2008 Welcome to the 50th Episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast! The Louise Carousel - Read the Blog GEM: Profile America August 16, 1862 Birthdate of Amos Alonzo Stagg GEM: A Little DayDreaming with Genealogy PodcastersThe Genealogy Guys DearMYRTLEBill Puller of the Genealogy Tech Podcast Anna-Karin Shander Mike O'Loughlin of Irish Roots Cafe GEM: Interview with Tim Russell of the Prairie Home Companion Tim Russel of A Prairie Home Companion radio show Prairie Home Companion's News From Lake Wobegon podcast Tim Russellâs website Listen to Tim on Minnesota's news station, 830 WCCO Radio website where he is the entertainment editor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Tim and Lily Tomlin on the set of the movie A Prairie Home Companion Profile America â August 20, 1920: One of the nationâs first radio stations began broadcasting in Detroit GEM: Handwriting Analysis with Paula Sassi Alice McManus Genealogy Gems Premium Members are eligible to submit their ancestors handwriting for possible analysis by Paula on the show. Members should email a handwriting sample, a paragraph telling about the ancestor and why they would like to have the handwriting analyzed, and a photo of the ancestor if itâs available. Minnesota State Fair Podcast presented by MN Public Radio Minnesota State Fair Website Announce Best Bals Dolls Winner: Melissa Barker Join the Genealogy Gems Facebook Fan Page Subscribe Today to the FREE Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter for genealogy news & tips, and sneak peeks at upcoming episodes. The Song: The Family Tree featured on this episode is courtesy of the band Venice. See Venice LIVE at one of the following Concert Dates:

Published June 12, 2008 Episode 49 SHOW NOTES Coming in August: Want to know what it was like to work with Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, and one of my favorites Lily Tomlin? Then tune in next month to episode 50. I'll be chatting with Tim Russell the wonderful voice actor from the radio show and movie A Prairie Home Companion. Above: Tim Russell and Garrison Keillor We talk about his love of family history and antiques, his amazing career in a very nostaligic profession of being a radio actor and of course his work with Garrison Keillor and al the folks at A Prairie Home Companion. YUMMY GEM: Lisa's Peach Pie...Just out of the oven... GEM: Genealogy Society Booth at County and State Fairs. There are many things we do as members of genealogy societies, but I think this was one of the best activities I've come across. Genealogy society members from neighboring areas come together to introduce the public to the joy of family history. NEW: Family Tree Magazine July 2008 podcast episode Podcasting Primer article including instructional video by Lisa Louise Cooke. The article will appear in the November 2008 issue, but is available now free online. All together it's a great resource for your friends who haven't yet tried podcasts. Share these resources with your friends and genealogy society. MAILBOX: Premium Member Maureen Stephan shares a valuable Gem she recently found. GEM: Train Robberies 7/18 U.S. Census Bureau GEM: Part Two of my Interview with Kathy LennonIn Episode 48 we got started on my interview with Kathy Lennon of the Lennon Sisters. Kathy is such a sweetheart and so fun to talk to that I just couldn't edit any of our conversation. So Iâm bringing it to you in two parts, and today is part two of our conversation. The Lennon Sisters In this episode Kathy talks about the tragic death of her father, and the strength of character of her mother and the values she passed on to her eleven children. She also shares some insight into being a famous Lennon sister, and tells us all about her newest venture which has a family history twist to it. Premium Members can submit ancestor handwriting samples to be considered for an upcoming handwriting analysis by Paula Sassi, Certified Graphologist. Iâll be selecting ones that I think will be interesting to all the listeners. More information in Premium Episode #7.

July 4, 2008 EPISODE SHOW NOTES: This special episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast is dedicated to the men and women serving in the U.S. military Patrick Henry's speech performerd by Harry E. Humphrey on Edison Blue Amberol, 1912 The Continental Congress - The You Are There radio show took historic events and dramatized them with "live radio" coverage style. C1947-1950 The Star Spangled Banner performed by Thomas Chalmers and chorus (including Elizabeth Spencer). Edison Records, 1915 Washington's Farewell Address performed by Harry E. Humphrey for Edison Blue Amberol 1912 If Washington Should Come To Life performed by Billy Murray on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1906 Thomas Jefferson March performed by United States Marine Band on Edison Standard Record, 1909 Under Freedom's Flag performed by Edison Military Band on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1908 Fourth Of July Address at Hyde Park, NY by President Roosevelt (4 Jul 1941 My Country 'Tis Of Thee performed by Edison Male Quartette on Edison Gold Moulded Record, 1903 Edison recordings courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara

Published June 14, 2008 GEM: Another look at the Handwriting of Our Ancestors Paula Sassi, Certified Graphologist Genealogy Gems Premium Member Melissa Roberge's great grandfather Robert W Hicks GEM: An Interview with Kathy Lennon Listen to Part One of my exclusive interview with one of America's Sweethearts, and let me tell you, she is a gem! You know Kathy Lennon from her more than 50 years with the Lennon Sisters, but you may not know that she is also an avid family historian. The Lennon Sisters Website Best Pals Website Lennon Sister Paper Dolls CONTEST - Premium Members post your stories in the Forum for a chance to win a pair of Best Pals Dolls! Who Were Your Best Childhood Pals? Genealogy Gems Premium Members are invited to come share your stories of childhood best pals, your own story or perhaps one about an ancestor, and be entered in our Best Pals contest for a chance to win a beautiful pair of Best Pals dolls, each with their own signed certificate of authenticity, and delivered in a Best Pals Tote Bag. It's over a $60 value! You may enter as many stories as you wish. The winner will be contacted by email on July 31, 2008. Kathy and Janet as children with dolls Best Pals Dolls Kathy & Janet & The Best Pals The Lennon Sisters upcoming performances: November 1 - December 6, 2008Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Show Welk Resort Center, Branson, MO. The Welk Resort at Branson NEWSLETTER UPDATE: The free Genealogy Gems Podcast newsletter will soon see a new, colorful email publication. I'm so happy to finally get the newsletter updated and I hope you enjoy the photos and the much easier to read format. Subscribe to the Genealogy Gems Newsletter here.

Published May 15, 2008 The Free Monthly Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 47 SHOW NOTES... The University of Wisconsin digital Collection "Great aunt Polly" is at the top of page The University of Wisconsin / The nineteen hundred and eight badger Volume XXII (1908) Book II: classes, pp. 122 GEM: Childhood Memories TVParty Website Captain Kangaroo... ...and more recently.... Captain Satellite on TVParty.com The "DOO BEE SONG" came from this album from my childhood collection GEM: Family Tree & MeInterview with Shirlene Dymock Family Tree and Me website GEM: Girding Your Loins with James MowattYou can find The Historyzine Podcast at Jim's website and in iTunes GEM: Birthday AlarmIdeas for Strengthening Your Family Using Birthday Alarm Enter ancestor birthdays into Birthday Alarm to help you make note of it in your family blog, or family newsletter. Use it as a prompt to send a an email to a list of contacts that you've worked with over the years to research that ancestor. Use the ancestor"s birthday alarm to generate a dinner time conversation about that ancestor on their special day. Display a photo on the table, tell stories about them, and teach you children about the history of that side of your family. GEM: Paula Sassiâs analysis of Lars Johan Larsonâs signatureCongratulations to Genealogy Gems Premium Member Melissa Roberge, the winner is of the handwriting analysis by Paula Sass, Certified Graphologist. And a special prize has been awarded to Premium Member Diana Larson for her terrific post in the Message Forum. Lars signed his name as the enumerator on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Sibley County Minnesota. GEM: Premium UpdateHereâs whatâs new in the Genealogy Gems Premium Membership areaâ Premium Episode #1 - I willl walk you through step by step on how to set up the Google Toolbar and use the features that will speed up your online searches tremendously! Premium Episode #2 - We do an in depth study of the records of the Works Progress Administration - the WPA â with certified genealogist and national speaker Paula Stuart Warren. And as a special BONUS feature for members, Paulaâs 4 page reference guide on the WPA called The WPA Era: What It Created For Genealogists is available for download in the Premium Episode #2 show notes. Premium Episode #3 - You will get 7 Key Strategies From A Professional Private Investigator that will help you find your living relatives. Strategies that brought me fantastic results! Sign Up Today for Premium membership. GEM: Special AnnouncementI'm very excited to announce that I've signed on as the Producer and Host of the new Family Tree Magazine Podcast. It will be a free monthly half hour show available at the Family Tree Magazine website. Episode One is jammed packed with great information and interviews, so stay tuned for the upcoming launch date. Sign Up for the FREE Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter

Published Apr 16, 2008 Episode 46 Bogus Websites: To quote their email "The Generations Network, Inc. is encouraging consumers to validate and verify the legitimacy of a website before providing credit card information or paying for services." This is good advice. You know the rules on the Internet really shouldn't be much different than the rules in our daily lives. Find out about someone"s character and background before you hang out with them, and get referrals for unknown companies from people you trust. Family Tree Kids: Diane Haddad on NBC San Diego Family Tree Kids Website Tama Generations Movie Gem: Leatherheads: I'll have a link to the official website in the show notes as well as a video preview of the movie. Leatherheads Website MAILBOX: Pat Dalpiaz's grandfather "Weenie" Flynn was a star quarterback on the St. Bonaventure University (Alleghany NY) football team for 3 years. He appeared in Ripley's Believe It or Not for his football leadership weighing only 117 pounds and leading the team to impressive victories. Randy Borkowski's website Deanna Bullock wrote in to give a very good reason why you should subscribe to the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter. SUBSCRIBE NOW GEM: Analyzing Your Ancestors Handwriting Story of how Grandmpa JB and Grandma Pauline's letters came into my possession: Episode 39. Listen to some of the letters in Episode 41. Paula Sassi, Certified Graphologist. Email. Website www.handwritingconsultants.com VIDEO: Paula Sassi featured on San Diego's Fox 6 News Learn more about Handwriting Analysis at http://www.handwriting.org/ GEM: Genealogy Gems Premium I am VERY excited to announce that we are launching a new service: Genealogy Gems PREMIUM. If you enjoy the free podcast episodes that we've made available, your gonna LOVE Genealogy Gems PREMIUM! Premium Members are going to have access to an exciting new area of the website available only to Premium members. There you'll find Members-only premium podcast episodes. You won't be able to hear these anywhere else! It will be everything you love about the episodes you've heard so far, and much more. For about the cost of a gallon of gas or a gourmet coffee a month you'll get all of these exclusive podcasts and videos! You won't find them on iTunes. Paula Sassi certified graphologist has graciously agreed to analyze some lucky premium members ancestor's handwriting. So once you are a Premium member, you will be entered for a chance to win an analysis of an ancestor's handwriting to be featured on a Premium episode. So won't you join me, and become a Genealogy Gems premium member today! I guarantee you're gonna love it, or your money back.

Published Mar 31, 2008 Episode 45 SHOW NOTES Sign up for Newsletter MAILBOX: Email from Linda Kvist in Sweden that includes a fun story about an immigrant who didn"t immigrate: "They were somewhat surprised that my father did contact them. In the church examine rolls it said that my dads grandfather emigrated to the US! He left the place and never came back. We know he never got to the US though. He met he's wife and the settled down in the area where she was born. So, in a way, we solved a clue for them as well!" GEM: Mar 22, 2008 was the anniversary of the First Bank Robbery Profile America is brought to you by the U.S. Census Bureau. CBSNews.com that takes a look at the precedent for bank robbery that Edward Smith set by profiling some of the most famous robbers in history. 48 Hours Mystery Article GEM: Kidnapped! Listener Greg Norland sent me a note to let me know about an intriguing podcast episode of the Chicago Public Radio's This American Life show that he had recently heard. The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar Song: Mystery of the Dunbarâs Child by Richard "Rabbitt" Brown. Here are a few pieces of the puzzle that Bobby Dunbar's granddaughter, Margaret Dunbar Cutright likely looked to when working on finding the truth about her grandfather. From The Constitution newspaper, in Atlanta, GA. On April 25, 1913 "Have the Parents Got Wrong Child?" The 1920 census of Opelusas City, in Fort Landry, Louisianna Look for Percy and Lessie Dunbar, and their two children Robert age 11 and Alonozo age 9. Or were they both their children? Be sure and take a look at the census during the last few minutes of The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar as they give the ending to the story and what happened to the people involved. GEM: Prison Records: My cousin Carolyn Ender shares her journey in locating the prison records for a man named George Jump who married her grand father's sister. Carolyn's Research Approach: Try to determine the facility / town where you think they served their time. Locate birth & death dates & the county where they lived during the suspected timeframe. Contact the Genealogical & Historical Society for that county and ask where you might find inmate records. Possibly the closest Corrections Dept. Send a letter to the Corrections Dept. You may be directed to the Bureau of Prisons (www.bop.gov) if it is a federal crime. Complete a Freedom of Information Act request form & provide copy of the death certificate. (Listen to Episode 27 and Episode 32 for more information of the FOIA.) The BOP may refer you to NARA. They gave Carolyn a particular file # to ask for. NARA requires written consent from the inmate's family members or they black out the info regarding family members. They will require payment for copying. If you know the inmate served in a Federal institution for a Federal crime, you can go straight to the Bureau of Prisons. Consideration will have to be given to whether or not the inmate is deceased, how long he's been deceased, are his children living etc. For State records, you could probably start with that state's Department of Corrections. GEM: Blog And Podcast Gadgets: Update: iGoogle has been discontinued. GEM: Free digitised British newspapers access 1600-1900 Scottish Genealogy News and Events. "Bonnie Scotland" was performer:Alexander Prince circa 1914 for Edison Amberol and it is courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara Library. Thank You! We appreciate when you support this free podcast by doing your Amazon shopping through the Amazon search boxes on the Genealogy Gems website.

Published Mar 14, 2008 Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter where you'll also find out what's coming up on future episodes and get announcements first. My Own Grandpa Video: at YouTube The Family History Silhouette Cake My facebook page MAILBOX: Roxanne Diakow Moos wrote to say that she visited an aunt and uncle in Saskatchewan Canada, and they took her to visit the old homesteads of two sets of great grandparents. "To others who look at my family history album and see those pictures they see a picture of land with nothing on it but a field but to me I can picture an old building that used to be there that raised a family and can almost picture the kids (my grandmother and her siblings) running around playing." Learn about Tyler MacNiven's journey to find his father's birthplace in Japan in the March 4 Genealogy Gems News Blog GEM: Canadian Border Crossings with Kathyrn Lake Hogan - Kathryn shares with us about Canadian Border Crossings into the United States and how many of our ancestors used this economic route to immigrate. GEM: Digital Preservation Tips from the Library of Congress - Digital preservation Cheat Sheet. covering Computer files, finding Digital Materials, Digital Photos, email, and storage disks. And the Digital Preservation Quiz GEM: Interview with Richard Black of the Godfrey Memorial Library GEM: U.S. Census Bureau - Flu Epidemic's 90th Anniversary, and the new U.S. Census History website (listen to interview: Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode #43) Genealogy Gems News Blog on March 10. New at the Genealogy Gems News Blog: A tribute to Women's history month, the new TV series Who Do You Think You Are being developed for American audiences by NBC, and Senior Moments Anyone? Book: Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies is out of print. Visit the Genealogy Gems Store for Lisa's newest books, guides and videos.

Published Mar 1, 2008 Thank you to Genealogy columnist Kimberly Powell of About.com for listing the Genealogy Gems Podcast in her recent column called Genealogy Podcasts for Your Listening Pleasure. The newest addition to the Cooke household: Vinney Genealogy Gems News Blog : The British newspaper the Daily Mirror will soon be making available online newspaper issues back to 1903. MAILBOX: Lisa at the ranch her great grandparents worked it in 1918. GEM: Interview with Dylan Barrell, Director of Digital Business for Borders Books about the new Borders Concept stores that will feature genealogy. Upcoming Borders Concept Stores in 2008: Las Vegas, NV - Town Square - April Panama City Beach, FL - Pier Park - May National City, CA - Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza Bonita - May Alameda, CA - Alameda Town Center - May Noblesville, IN - Hamilton Town Center - May Southbury, CT - Southbury Plaza - May Mira Loma, CA - Eastvale Gateway Mall - May Lone Tree, CO - Park Meadows Mall - May Wareham, MA - Wareham Crossing - June Baton Rouge, LA - Mall of Louisiana - July Allen, TX - Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms - July Tukwila, WA - Westfield Southcenter Mall - July New Orleans, LA - Garden District - October GEM: New History Web Site from the U.S. Census Bureau Interview with Bill Maury, Chief of History Staff at the U.S. Census Bureau Sign up for the FREE monthly Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter TODAY

Published Feb 21, 2008 Episode 42 SHOW NOTES Dear MYRTLE's interview with Lisa Louise Cooke of Genealogy Gems on her Feb. 12, 2008 episode. And Dear old Myrt also listed Episode 15 of the Genealogy Gems podcast in her weekly Best of the Internet blog column under Podcast. Visit Venice at http://www.venicecentral.com/ MAILBOX: Gary Falsken recommends the history podcast "Napoleon 101" hosted by The Podcast Network. GEM: Interview with Allison Stacy, editor of Family Tree MagazineThe Genealogy Insider Blog featuring the Family History Expo GEN: Interview with Kathy Mead of Genline.com You know this episode is very special to me because it fall on the first birthday of the Genealogy Gems Podcast. There are several exciting things in the works for Genealogy Gems this coming year. Genealogy Gems Newsletter Sign Up. What was your favorite gem this last year? Email Lisa Thank you for listening. You guys are awesome! We have no intentions of having Genealogy Gems podfade, and it"s because of you that we're still here! Venice song: We're Still Here

Published Feb 13, 2008 Episode 41 SHOW NOTES A table full of listeners joined me at the Friday night banquet. Jack Duffy and his daughter Anna Marie, Mark Baldwin, and Sue and Albert Sevy all joined my husband and I and we had a grand time. - Day of the week at the Search for ancestors website - Thanks to George Morgan of the Genealogy Guys Podcast for talking about the Genealogy Gems Podcast on their Jan 16, 2008 podcast. MAILBOXFrom Betty: Abbott & Costello Christmas DVD features several spots for Christmas Seals featuring celebrities such as Rosemary Clooney. From Melissa: a silhouette done 30 years ago in Paris by a street vendor. Jim Mowatt of HistoryZine Podcast in Britain GEM: Lulu.comMy book Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies from Season One of the Genealogy Gems Podcast The book is now out of print. Please visit the Genealogy Gems Store. GEM: Valentines SpecialSit back and enjoy these yesteryear stories of loveâand perhaps they will inspire you to ask around your family for the origins of the ties that bind in your tree. First, a Depression era story of love between Pauline Herring &JB Moore Nov. 2, 1934 Remember me and donât forget, the blue eyed Girl is my pick yet. (Below: Valentine JB sent to Pauline) Next, is the story of Raymond Cooke and Isabelle Osborne. Raymond was born in Tunbridge Wells, England in 1894. He immigrated from England to Saskatchewan Canada in 1912, and in his autobiography he tells the story of how his love of music led to his finding the love of his lifeâ "Take your girlie to the movies" was performed by Irving Kaufman on May 19, 1919. Story read by Jim Mowatt of the Historyzine Podcast.Ragtime music by Frederick Hodges available on CD. Raymond Cooke and Isabelle Osborne 50th wedding anniversary Happy Valentines Day! Take Your Girlie to the Movies When the show is over And its time to leave Don't forget to brush the powder From your sleeve... Take your girlie to the movies if you can't make love at home (Original sheet music at the Indiana University Sheet Music Collections website! Take Your Girlie to the Movies Sheet Music)

Published Jan 30, 2008 PODCAST SHOW NOTES The Genealogy Gems News Blog: "Why should Lou Dobbs Care?". And be sure and vote on the new poll question: How do you listen to the podcast? Thanks to the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre and DearMYRTLE for their recent acknowledgements of The Socks To America Video. Watch The Socks To America MAILBOX: (Left to right they are Guy M. Denton, Gladys V. Denton, Dorothy J. Denton and Guy V. Denton.) "Guy V. Denton 1895-1959 purchased this quilt from a lady from Arkansas who was traveling through Howard, KS. It's obvious that it was not made with new materials as it did not wear well." Kevin Clark, Cedar Park, Texas From Deb Atchley: "my quilters only gave me initials - not full names and birth dates. I think I've solved most of the puzzle though." From: Linda Kvist - Pod Cards in Reunion 9 genealogy software I don't know if this is possible to do in any other genealogy software, perhaps you or any listener know? GEM: Traits Handed DownAfrican American Lives African American Lives the book Chris Rock and Oprah arenât the only ones who have found significant tendencies and traits surface in their family history. I feel compelled in this episode to share my top 10 list of important traits that I inherited from my ancestors! GEM: Care, Storage & Display of Heritage Quilts with Ellen Koehn Quilt by Ellen Louise Koehn that hangs in Lisa's home... PLEASE NOTE: All of the recommendations in this gem are "Use at your own risk." While they are things that have worked successfully for our guest, you must use your own judgment as to who to proceed with your own unique quilt. At the grocery store: Orvis Soap & Easy Wash. Ellen also recommended the book Clues in the Calico by Barbara Brackman

Published Jan 20, 2008 SHOW NOTES iTunes: If you are new to the podcast, be sure that you go back to the new Genealogy Gems subscription listing that you created in your podcast directory and click that GET ALL button. Clicking the SUBSCRIBE button will only give you the most recent show and future shows. By clicking GET ALL all the previous episodes will download for you. Go to the official Genealogy Gems Website and be sure and sign up for the FREE Genealogy Gems Monthly Newsletter 1890 census: visit the National Archives pages MAILBOX: Diana Larson wrote to recommend the American Girl Collection: "The American Girls Collection books are a great way for children (and adults) to learn about children living through different periods in American historyâAlthough the stories themselves are fictional, they are thoroughly researched, and each book concludes with a brief section containing factual information, photographs, and artwork about that particular time period..." Cathy Paris wrote in about the podcast. View her family history videos about her dad, Gil Merrill born in 1913 in Franklin, NH EMAIL LISA at the Genealogy Gems Podcast GEM: Lisa's History Podcast Picks Binge Thinking HistoryBy Tony Cocks Website: http://bingethinkinghistory.libsyn.com/ Dan Carlin's Hardcore History Website: http://www.dancarlin.com/ Digging for the Truth by the History Channel Josh Bernstein is the host of this series on the History Channel. Season One. 2005. 4 episodes. http://www.history.com/minisites/diggingforthetruth/ Season Two 2006. 12 episodes History According to Bob Website: http://www.summahistorica.com/Bob's website devoted to WWI history: The History Capsule - discontinued History Center - From the History Channel Website: http://www.history.com/media.do?id=hc_podcast213_immigration&action=clip History In Our Time - BBC Radio 4 Historyzine: The History Podcast by Jim Mowatt You Are There by Dennis Humphrey presents history through Old Time Radio programs. Just Another Day - The History Channel videocast hosted by Adam Hart-Davis. Matt's Today in HistoryWebsite: http://mattstodayinhistory.blogspot.com/ My History Can Beat Up Your Politics PodcastWebsite: http://myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.blogspot.com/ BRITISH HISTORY: The National Archives Podcast SeriesPodcast Website National Archives Website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Tudor Cast by Laura Eakins Website: http://tudorhistory.org/podcast/ REGIONAL SPECIFIC: Abilene and Taylor County, Texas History PodcastStories , legends, and tales b David Gibson Website: http://abilenetexashistory.com/ DELWARE: This Day in Delaware History. Brief historical facts from the first state in the Union compiled by the Deleware Archives. INDIANA: Moments of Indiana History Produced by WFIU Public Media in Bloomington, IN. Website: http://momentofindianahistory.org/ MINNESOTA: Almanac: Hands on History Twin Cities Public Television Website: http://tpt.org/history/ MISSOURI: Missouri Irish History and Legend: Ireland to AmericaWebsite Michael O'Laughlin of the Irish Roots Podcast OZARKS: Shiloh Museum of Ozark HistoryThe Museum is located in Springdale, Arkansas Website: http://shilohcast.blogspot.com/ PENNSYLVANIA: Explore PA History Produced by WITF radio in Pennsylvania, this podcast covers a wide range of topics and at last count had 66 episodes! SAN FRANCISCO: Sparkletack The San Francisco History PodcastWebsite: http://www.sparkletack.com/ Valley Forge History & CultureBy the National Park Service. Website: http://www.nps.gov/vafo GEM: Heritage Quilts Lenora HERRING William Jefferson MOORE The Quilt found in the suitcase "This quilt is for Ronald L. Moore. It is the last quilt his Grandmother Herring made before her stroke and death. She loved him so much. I love you so very much Ron. I am so proud of you as a son. All My Love, Mother" A job started really by her mother Lenora Herring who had made the quilt. From great grandmother Herring to my young daughters, the quilt had spanned five generations of us stubborn Moores, and brought us all back together again. Here's a photo of the flour sack quilt that Carolyn refers to in the video: The quilts have always cared for the family - first warming them and then bringing them together, and now leading us to other ancestors we didn't know. Women may not have had a lot of time to use the power of the pen to document history, but they did have some mighty powerful sewing needles! Coming Soon: An expert quilter who will pass on some ideas for all of us on how to properly care for our heritage quilts.

Published Jan 6, 2008 We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years and my wish for you is that you and your family are happy and healthy. Sequence and Dutch Blitz:It's is a fast-paced card game that I understand was created by Werner Ernst George Muller, a German immigrant from Bucks County,Pennsylvania. The game is supposed to be very popular among the Pennsylvania Amish and Dutch community. It's a lot like playing speed solitare with three other people all at the same time. The Genealogy Gems video about the history of the Christmas seal called "The History of Christmas Seals" It is also now being featured on the RootsTube Channel at Rootstelevision. Genealogy Gems Blog Update: iGoogle has been discontinued Subscribe to the free Genealogy Gems Newsletter. Maureen Taylor's blog about what to do with your Christmas cards when Christmas is over. MAILBOX: Richard Yehle wrote in about Genealogy Gems Episode 36 where I talked about the passport database at Ancestry and finding the back of the original form with the picture. He gives some great examples of how, sometimes, there is even more to be discovered! Richard's experience with the passports is such a great example of not just looking for what you expect to find, but looking for the unexpected. GEM: Venice Interview"May You Always" was sung by The Lennon Sisters on the Lawrence Welk Show. Lennon Sisters Website The Lennon Sisters are the eldest of 12 siblings in the Lennon family, and certainly NOT the only ones with musical talent. I recently had an opportunity to meet with their younger brothers Pat and Kipp and first cousins Michael and Mark who musically merge as the group Venice. Watch a video of Venice performing "The Family Tree" "The Family Tree" debuted in 1999 on the band's album entitled Spin Art. The Lennon Family Tree: all the guys are the grandchildren of Herbert Lennon who was born in Wisconsin. His father John died in his thirties from a heart attack at a community picnic just before the turn of the century. Herbert was raised by his mother Minnie under the roof of his grandparents, James and Kate Lennon. Judge James Lennon of Appleton Wisconsin was born in Ireland in 1840 and immigrated in 1849 to America with his parents James and Mary Lennon. James and Mary would be the great great great grandparents of the guys. Kipp Lennon, Lisa Cooke & Pat Lennon - Dec. 2007 (c2007 Lisa Louise Cooke all rights reserved) Irish Roots Cafe Podcast Jimmy Lennon Jr., Mike Tyson & boxing announcer Jimmy Lennon. Video: Adobe Hacienda Video (Live) Be sure and visit the Venice website!

Published Dec 19, 2007 THE MAILBOX: Follow up to Episode 26 & the Passport Database at Ancestry...Will Haskell told us about his grandfather, Merrill Haskell, traveled to Russia in 1919 in his work as a public accountant for the YMCA. Merrill Haskell's Passport application - but the woman's photo on the left doesn't match. A turn of the page reveals his grandfather! GEM: itunes GET ALLWhen you subscribe in iTunes to the podcast, only the most recent episode will download to your computer or iPod, so be sure to remember to go back to the Genealogy Gems Podcast listing in iTunes and click the GET ALL button so that all of the back episodes will download. You don't want to miss a thing! Gem: Search Yahoo and Google at the same time with POLYCOLA.COM GEM: The History of the Christmas Seal - How Our Ancestors Made A Difference!It's very likely that your great grandparents, grandparents and parents put Christmas Seals on the Christmas cards and packages. It all started on a stormy December night in 1903 a postman named Einar Holboell was working late in a post office sorting large piles of Christmas mail: Put this stamp with message bright On every Christmas letter; Help the tuberculosis fight, And make the New Year better. The American Lung Association . Thank you so very much for supporting the podcast! iTunes Goal: If you have an iTunes account and are enjoying the podcast, please go to the Genealogy Gems listing in iTunes and leave your positive review now. Thanks! Watch the Song: End of a Perfect Day from the Christmas Movie Remember the Night

Published Dec 10, 2007 SHOW NOTES Exclusive Kodak Gallery Discount: 20% OFF Photo books, Calendars & Cards through Dec. 11, 2007! Go to the Genealogy Gems Store for more information and to find the link to Kodak Gallery. Got an iTunes Account? If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd appreciate it if you left a 5 Star positive review at the Genealogy Gems iTunes page. This link will take you there: Genealogy Gems at iTunes. Thanks! NEW: The Book Has Gone Digital! Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies is now out of print. GEM: U.S. Passport Applications on Ancestry.comMy Genealogy Gems News Blog from December 5, 2007 continued...Not wanting to leave the database empty handed, I decided to search for some of my favorite Hollywood film stars: Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Lesson 1: Be sure when you are searching the database to click the NEXT button and check the backside of the application page for a photo. Douglas Fairbanks & Mary Pickford Passport Photos Lesson #2: If your ancestors were servants or employees of those that may have traveled, it would be worth searching for those employers. GEM: The History of Sound RecordingsYou know the invention of sound recording was quite a milestone in genealogy if you think about it. Never before had we had documentation of our ancestors voices. There is certainly something very special about hearing not just the words, but the tone, and inflections. Well, all of this sound recording was made possible by Thomas Edison, who 130 years ago this week . University of California, Santa Barbara Book: Innovate Like EdisonA new book by Edison's Great Grand-niece Sarah Miller Caldicott and Michael Gelb. The Life of Thomas A. Edison at the Library of Congress Recorded Sound Reference Center at the Library of Congress LISA'S 10 GOLDEN RULES for making your own family history sound recordings. #1 Get a reliable and affordable method of digital recording. Free recording/editing software: Audacity For portable recording you could use a handheld digital recorder, but I like to use my iPod with the Micro Memo Digital Voice Recorder Using your iPod as a Family History Tool from Episode 22 of the Genealogy Gems Podcast. #2 Make A List of Those You Would Like to Interview #3 Prepare Your Questions Ahead of Time #4 Keep The Interview Relaxed And Comfortable. #5 Don't Worry About Getting Everything The First Time #6 Respect the interviewees wishes #7 Take The Time To Edit #8 Make Cataloguing A Priority #9 Get Written Permission If You Plan On Sharing The Recording #10 Follow up with a thank you

Published Nov 30, 2007 Episode 35 Show Notes Genealogy Gems News Blog "What's in a Name?" "Like" The Genealogy Gems Facebook page. Check out the genealogy quizzes at FunTrivia.com YAHOOOOO - there's a genealogy gal on the Genealogy Gems Listener page! Beth Green answered my call on Episode 30 and emailed a Simpsonized Version of herself. GEM: A Little Help From Your FriendsMy Top Three Tips for Tapping into the Strengths of Others: Tip #1 Swap brick walls Try swapping brick walls with another researcher and look them over with a fresh pair of eyes. I like to think of it as being a cold case detective. Someone who pulls out an old file and goes over it with a fine tooth comb to see if anything's been missed. Tip #2 - Assess your weaknessesLook honestly at your office and your research and make a list of areas where you could improve. Then set out to find someone in your local genealogical society who has a strength in that area. Tip # 3 - Two heads are better than oneTry working alongside a fellow genealogist. Two heads are always better than one, and having someone that you can share the journey with is a wonderful thing. There are over 500 genealogy groups on Facebook alone! Or try one of the new genealogy social networking sites that have been popping up lately. GEM: The Library of Congress Webcasts:Jewish Washington: Scrapbook of an American CommunityPresented by Laura Cohen Appelbaum and Wendy Turman of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. Library's Map Treasures are Highlighted in "Cartographia a book and presentation by Vincent Virga GEM: Genealogy through the Looking Glass I've enjoyed using children's books for many years to become acquainted with new and sometimes complex subjects. They are little gems just waiting to help you take on a new area of genealogical research. For instance, does the subject of DNA still seem a bit foggy to you? Try "Genes & DNA" by Richard Walker, and "DNA is Here to Stay" by Fran Balkwill. "Coming to Canada: Building a new life in a new land" by Susan Hughes is a great first timers introduction to the subject. The Irish Potato Famine: Irish Immigrants Come to America (1845-1850) by Jeremy Thornton . "Feed the Children First: Irish memories of the Great Hunger" edited by Mary E. Lyons. (Disclosure: As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the free Genealogy Gems Podcast) Juvenile Books can also be a great quick resource for the history of states and countries that you are unfamiliar with and have just discovered your ancestors spent time in. So when you stumble into new territory, try taking a child's eye view and perhaps a child's curiousity as you approach the situation. GEM: Now for a little Pixie DustUpdate: iGoogle has been discontinued. Free monthly Genealogy Gems Newsletter

Published Nov 18, 2007 EPISODE 34 SHOW NOTES: Genealogy Gems News Blog New videos for you at the Genealogy Gems website: Genealogy for the next generation: "Family History Research - Child Detectives"Genealogy Junction Getting started documents for free download "Family Tree" & "Circle of Life" by Venice. A very moving video highlighting a collection of photographs at the Library of Congress' American Memory collection taken by Lewis Hines of child labor in the early 19th century. MAILBOX: Wreath by creative podcast listener Linda Kvist, Sweden "The Emigrants" movie review Create your own Family History Christmas Wreath by watching the 4 part video how-to series An email from Beverly Shaw : (my apology to Beverly - I mistakenly credited her email to Barbara Murphy in the show & didn't catch the error in time) "I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your Candy Bar idea. Last month my husband's family had a reunion to honor his mother who passed away last year. I created candy bars for the reunion using your idea. Since Momma was an avid crocheter, I found a background of a crocheted doily and added 2 different photos that fit the theme. I designed it so that I could fit 2 on each 8 1/2 x 11 sheet and printed a master copy. I then took my master to Office Max and had them make 50 copies. After wrapping a mixture of Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars and Hershey Milk Chocolate with Almond Bars, I filled a basket with the 100 Candy Bars, tied a bow on the basket handle and they were given out as mementos. I am attaching a picture of the filled basket. Thank you again. I received many complements." If you're looking for stocking stuffer ideas, there's still plenty of time to make the Sweet Memories candy bars. Beverly Shaw's beautiful Swee Memories candy bars From Barbara Murphy: The German, Irish and Italian groups of the genealogy societies on Long Island have put together new genealogy databases online. www.theggg.org and www.italiangen.org Follow up on Google Gadgets: iGoogle has been discontinued. GEM: A Thanksgiving Celebration Thanksgiving at the Library of Congress What Shall the Harvest Be? Sowing the seed by the daylight fair, Sowing the seed by the noonday glare, Sowing the seed by the fading light, Sowing the seed in the solemn night: O what shall the harvest be? Refrain Sown in the darkness or sown in the light, Sown in our weakness or sown in our might, Gathered in time or eternity, Sure, ah, sure will the harvest be. Sowing the seed by the wayside high, Sowing the seed on the rocks to die. Sowing the seed where the thorns will spoil, Sowing the seed in the fertile soil: O what shall the harvest be? courtesy of the University of California, Santa Barbara Sarah Josepha Hale "OUR NATIONAL THANKSGIVING by Sarah Josepha Hale We are most happy to agree with the large majority of the governors of the different States -- as shown in their unanimity of action for several past years, and which, we hope, will this year be adopted by all -- that the LAST THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER shall be the DAY Of NATIONAL THANKSGIVING for the American people." Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems E-mail Newletter

Published Nov 11, 2007 Episode 33 Show Notes The New Genealogy Gems News Blog Newsletter: Subscribe to the free monthly Genealogy Gems email newsletter iGoogle: Update: iGoogle has been discontinued Upcoming Conference Appearance: FamilySearch and My Ancestors Found have just announced that they are co-sponsoring the Family History EXPO at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George UT on Feb. 8 & 9 2008. I'm very excited to let you know that I'll be teaching a class on how to use Google for your family history research. GEM: This old dog learned a new trick or how I got in touch with my own podcast:Update: iGoogle has been discontinued. The easiest way to subscribe and listen to all the past and new podcast episodes is now through the Genealogy Gems app GEM: Google Gadget for American Memory: Although iGoogle has been discontinued, the American Memory Project is still thriving and can be visited at https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html GEM: Genealogy Podfading:I really appreciate your partnering with me to keep the Genealogy Gems Podcast from podfading as so many others have done. Christmas is a great time to lend your support. Our sponsors are established, trusted and secure, and your information is ALWAYS private. Thank you friends! GEM: Silhouettes by Kathryn Flocken: Here's another little blast from the past gem in Episode 6. I got an email from Kathryn recently which included a really neat short video about the silhouette work that she does: Video: Kathryn Flockens Paper Portraits webpage Silhouette of genealogy podcaster Lisa Louise Cooke by Kathryn Flocken GEM: History of the Census and Its Samples:There are 2 areas to explore: Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790-2000It contains a record of all census questions, enumerators instructions, and brief histories of every census. And... Histories of Enumeration Procedures for Each Census: The procedural histories provide detailed information on the collection and processing of each item on the questionnaire. You will learn how enumerators were selected, how they were trained and supervised, and how the public was prepared for the census takerâs visit. I hope you're busily working on your Family History Christmas Wreath from episode 32. There are 4 videos there on the website to walk you through how to do that. Have fun!

Published Nov 4, 2007 Episode 32 Show Notes Listener Mailbox, and Invite Your Ancestors to Christmas! DearMYRTLE Website Episode 27 The Mailbox: Email From Dave Green: "Attached (is) a find on ebay. I hadn't thought to look there for family mementos. I typed in the tiny town of Fiat, IN and it came back with a matchbook from the store my grandparents had owned there! Thanks for the valuable gem." Email from Judy in Memphis: Hi, Lisa, a few weeks ago I contacted you and said I was going to do the Sweet Memories candy bars this Christmas. I thought you would enjoy seeing how they turned out! I have only actually put the candy in two to try it out but will wait until closer to Christmas so the candy will be fresh. I used the 3.5 oz Dove Bars, dark chocolate. I will send them to 47 people in the family who will enjoy the candy and hopefully the memories. The front says: "In Memory of Daddy, (Kenneth) who gave us our love of chocolate and Mother (Mildred) who made all those wonderful desserts. Love, Judy." The three children on the front are my two sisters and me at Christmas about 1946. The picture on the back is of the same children and our parents, about 1960. I hope they enjoy this little gift. Thanks so much for the idea. Again, I love the podcast and have gotten a lot of useful information. You make it really fun. GEM: Invite Your Ancestors to Christmas - Create A Family History Christmas Wreath Joy to the World Edison Records 1906 This week, I"m very please to be publishing my first Christmas project instructional video sharing with you how to create your own family history Christmas Wreath. This wreath is so beautiful, and I'm really excited to have found a way to incorporate more wonderful family photos into our holiday decorations. I've done my best to give you step by step instructions so that you can make your wreath right along with me. Watch the four part video which in total runs about 35 minutes - Here's an example: Part 1 I really hope that you will take the time to create this lovely wreath. I had so much fun making it, and I've already gotten oos and ahs from people who have seen it. I guarantee if you invest your love and time into making it, it will be appreciated by everyone who sees it. And I would love to see your finished projects! So email me a photo as Judy from Memphis did with her Christmas candy bars. It would be inspiration for us all!

Published Oct 28, 2007 EPISODE 31 SHOW NOTES Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies. The book has been discontinued . A special little Halloween hello from Genealogy Gems. Update: iGoogle has been discontinued. The website is evolving every day with new content, so be sure and visit regularly at www.genealogygems.com Be sure to click on the Google Research Gems Link. And you'll also find lots of other great tips that we've talked about to make Google work harder for your genealogy research. Please do let your research friends and your local genealogy society know about it as a resource for them too, even if they don't listen to the podcast. Gem: The Library of Congress The Irish Jig performed by the National Promenade Band in 1914 for Edison Records AMERICAN MEMORY American Memory provides free and open access through the Internet to over 9 million items of written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience. These materials chronicle historical events, people, places, and ideas that continue to shape America. Browse American Memory Advertising 1850-1920 Architecture and Interior Design 1935-1955 Baseball Cards 1887-1914 Broadsides and Printed Ephemera 1600-2000 Chicago Daily News - Photographs 1902-1933 7 different Civil War collections with many, many photographs Daguerreotype Photographs 1839-1864 Depression Era to World War II FSA/OWI Photographs 1935-1945 Film, Animated 1900-1921 There are several Folk Music Collections Great Plains Photographs 1880-1920 Maps and Cartographic Items 1500-Present New York City Films 1898-1906 Nineteenth-Century Books 1850-1877 Nineteenth-Century Periodicals 1815-1900 Ohio River Valley 1750-1820 Panoramic Photographs 1851-1991 Pearl Harbor and Public Reactions Audio Interviews 1941-1942 Posters, WPA 1936-1943 Prairie Settlement, Nebraska Photographs and Letters 1862-1912 Railroads Maps 1828-1900 Revolutionary Era Maps 1750-1789 San Francisco and 1906 Earthquake Films 1897-1916 Sheet Music 1820-1860 & 1870-1885 Slave Narratives Audio Interviews 1932-1975 Small Town Life, Mid-Atlantic Stereoscopic Photographs ~ 1850-1920 Southern U.S. Personal Narratives 1860-1920 Traveling in America Books ca. 1750-1920 Turn-of-the-Century America Detroit Publishing Company Photographs 1880-1920 Upper Midwest Books ca. 1820-1910 Utah and Western Migration 1846-1869 American Variety Stage - Vaudeville 1870-1920 Western U.S. Photographs 1860-1920 World War I Military Newspapers 1918-1919 World War I Rotogravures 1914-1919 World War II Maps Military Situation Maps 1944-1945 Some of my other favorite areas of the Collections and Programs are: The VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT The NATIONAL DIGITAL NEWSPAPER PROGRAM CHRONICALING AMERICA â HISTORIC AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS The PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ONLINE CATALOG Prints & Photos LOC online database: 20s Fads Ellis Island prints & photos WWII women working Civil War Soldiers Entertainment Americana LOC WEBCASTS Start by browsing the Biography and History listings. The library website also offers RSS feeds and email Subscriptions on a variety of subjects. The future: the library just signed a World Digital Library Agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization pledging cooperative efforts to build a World Digital Library website. World Digital Library at the Worlddigitallibrary.org. GEM: Genealogy for the Next Generation To get the attention of the next generation for genealogy I Simposonized myself. Simpsonize Me is no longer available.

SHOW NOTES for Episode 30 Published October 21, 2007 Website News: New this week you will find a search box on the left side of the Genealogy Gems homepage under the navigation menu. I hope that you will use it and find it helpful in getting to where you want to go. GEM: Interview with Ali Selim, Director of Sweet Land? In episode 29 I told you about a wonderful movie that I saw recently called Sweet Land. It's a film about Norwegian immigrants in rural Minnesota following WWI. I feel so passionate about it not only because it's about family history, but because it's such a rare thing to find a gem like this that you can watch with your entire family. Ali's Grandparents William and Sophie Niemeier of Minnesota. This week I had a chance to talk to Ali Selim, award-winning director of Sweet Land, and we chatted about his immigrant parents, the power of memories and some of the terrific actors that he features in the film. Ali Selim, Director When you're done listening to the audio podcast, you can watch the Videocast below. Just double click on the Play button. More "SWEET LAND" film clips

Published Oct 7, 2007 Episode 29 SHOW NOTES GEM: Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation I had the opportunity to talk with Anna Swayne of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation recently. Listen as we walk through this emerging area of genealogy step-by-step and get a solid overview of how DNA testing can assist us in our family history research. Suggested Reading: Trace Your Roots with DNA: Use Your DNA to Complete Your Family Tree Megan Smolenyak & Ann Turner DNA & Genealogy by Colleen Fitzpatrick USA TODAY article - SMGF's founder, James LeVoy Sorenson, was featured in a USA Today article in June. The article focuses on Mr. Sorenson's work in genetic genealogy as well as his other companies. Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems Newsletter Check out what's new at the Genealogy Gems Website Get Lisa's new book: Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies is out of print. Visit the Genealogy Gems store for her latest books.

Published Oct 2, 2007 Episode 28 Show Notes The first Genealogy Gems videocast was published last week: The Socks to America. Also available in the Genealogy Gems app. Subscribe to the FREE Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter! Logitech WebcamNot only can you send video emails super quick and easy, but you can select one of their animated characters that you supply the voice for. Anytime you access Amazon through the links on my website and purchase any item on the Amazon site, you are supporting this podcast which I really appreciate! Thanks to you guys I was able this week to double my podcast storage space which means I can create longer podcasts and also publish videocasts for you. I hope you'll keep this in mind as we approach the holidays and you start doing your Christmas shopping. It's because of you that the Genealogy Gems Podcast, website and videocasts are possible. Thank you! GEM: GENEALOGY "COLD CALLS? My Lady of the Telephone was performed by Joseph A. Phillips and chorus for Edison Records in 1915 Interview with Carolyn Ender from Texas who has conducted dozens of cold call research calls. 1) Identify the person you want to call 2) Locate the Person's Phone Number Anywho.com People.yahoo.com Google.com 3) Plan ahead Consider recording the conversation Consider getting a hands free phone Consider time zones. Choose a time when you are not rushed Briefly review the family you are researching Make note of specific questions you would like to ask. Have your genealogy software program open 4) Get up the "nerve" to call - Be prepared. Say to yourself: "I can do this. This is important." Remember, all they can do is say "no thank you." 5) Introduce Yourself - Immediately identify yourself with first & last name & town. Indicate any family connection. Indicate who referred you to them. 6) Where to Begin - Talk about the family line you are researching Explain how you thought you might be related. 7) Reluctant Relatives - Share what youâve learned. Share your own memories of a shared relative. Mention something of particular interest in the family tree that might pique their interest. Offer to mail them some information and call again once theyâve had a chance to look at it. 8) During the Call - Take notes during the phone call. Confirm information that you already have 9) When There's No Answer - Leave a voice mail your name, number, why you are calling, & offer to call back. 10) Must Ask? Questions Mailing address Their birth date Family photos, bible, documents? Copies only of course! Can I keep in touch? Can you suggest anyone else I might contact? 11) Wrapping up the call - Thank them for their time. Ask for email address. Offer to give them your address and phone number. 12) Create Documentation Be sure to include the person's name, address, phone number and date of conversation. 13) Enter data into your genealogy database - This is a must. Do it right away while it's on your mind 14) Create a To Do List - Go through the notes you typed with a highlighter pen to mark items you will want to research further. 15) Follow-up Thank you card Birthday cards & Christmas card Follow up calls GEM: Sweet Land

The First Genealogy Gems Videocast: The Socks to America.(click POD icon at left or the mp4 file at end of this posting to view.Please allow a few extra moments video file to load) This is the documentary spoof (or should I say "sockumentary") video about the immigration of the fictitious Sockish-Americans. Currently featured on Roots Television, the video is now available for FREE download onto your video ipod exclusively with this unique video podcast. Now you can "Sock It To Yourself" anytime you like! Due to the Socks huge popularity, I'm pleased to offer Socks mugs & posters, which are only available through the Genealogy Gems Cafepress Store. The Socks to America Mugs: Immigration Story & I'm A Genealogist (Caution: Don't drink & watch the video at the same time as you will be in danger of laughing which causes spitting!) And the Poster...

Published Sept 22, 2007 EPISODE 27 SHOW NOTES MAILBOX RE: WorldVitalRecords - is now part of MyHeritage.com RE: Judy's email Rootstelevision chose "The Socks to America" as their homepage video last weekend. Burning podcast episodes to CD: You can still do this, but why not just show folks at your genealogy society how to download the Genealogy Gems Podcast app so that they can enjoy it too? Thanks! Genealogy Societies are also welcome to use excerpts from my newsletter in their society newsletter when they include the following author credit "by Lisa L. Cooke, The Genealogy Gems Podcast at www.genealogygems.com". GEM: Interview with DearMYRTLE - DearMYRTLE WebsiteDearMYRTLE's Book "The Joy of Genealogy" DearMYRTLE's Family History Hour has been discontinued.

Published Sept 10, 2007 EPISODE 26 SHOW NOTES I'll be at the Northern Utah Genealogy Jamboree in Ogden this Saturday September 15, 2007. (Listen to Episode 25) Gem: Organizing Your Internet Favorite BookmarksTo Rename Bookmarked Websites in your Internet Explorer Favorites: In Internet Explorer click the yellow star with the green plus sign Click Organize Favorites Click to highlight the website link that you want to rename Click the RENAME button. Type the new name Press Enter key A more comprehensive organization strategy: First Level example: FUNNY STUFF GENEALOGY RECIPES STOCK TRADING, etc. Within the GENEALOGY folder you could have: Blogs Libraries Podcasts Societies Military Resources Surnames - containing folders for each major surname I'm researching. Etc... To Alphabetize Your Favorites: Click the yellow star favorites button on your Internet browser This will open up the window so you can see the folders in your Favorites list Right click you mouse anywhere in the white space of that window click SORT BY NAME And all your folders will snap back into alphabetical order. Be sure and subscribe to the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter Announcing the premiere of the newest Genealogy Gems Production: The Socks to America. This video is a documentary spoof (a la Ken Burns) chronicling the immigration of the fictitious "Sockish" people (aka Sock Puppets). I invite Genealogists & Historians alike to sit back and enjoy a chuckle at our favorite pastime.

Published Sept 4, 2007 Book Announcement: Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies from Season One of the Genealogy Gems Podcast is out of print. Please visit the Genealogy Gems store for current book titles. Allen county Library Newspapers: The genealogy databases once included in World Vital Records is now part of MyHeritage. Gem: Some newspapers carry a history section or a 'looking back' column where they run old articles. World Vital Records only had a sampling of years from the past newspapers that are digitized. But the columns like "Twice Told Tales" that can be found in more recent newspapers, may include articles about the family that the website didn't have the originals of. So don't dismiss those new issues - you may find some real gems! To subscribe to the Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter CLICK HERE. The newsletter is absolutely free.

SHOW NOTES Episode 24 Published August 26, 2007 The National Archives and Records Administration has taken the leap and raised their record reproduction fees. The new fees don't become effective until October 1, 2007, so youâve go a window of opportunity to order records at the old lower prices. Presidential Archives Uncovered. KodakGallery has closed. Now visit Shutterfly - Create a Family History Calendar. Consider highlighting an ancestor each month. It would make a wonderful holiday gift. My book Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies from Season One of the Genealogy Gems Podcast is now out of print. Please visit the Genealogy Gems Store for my latest book titles. Correction: The title of the book I mentioned in Episode 19 called Papa's Way is incorrect. The title of the book by Thyra Ferre Bjorn is Papa's Wife. Here's another Swedish Book recommendation that I received from Anna-karin Shander who lives in Sweden and is host of Anna-Karin's Genealogical Podcast. The book is called The Emigrants - The Emigrant Novels Book 1 by Wilhelm Moberg. ordered my copy. With Fall coming, doesnât it sound wonderful to curl up on the couch with some hot coffee and a novel called "The Emigrants"? The Emigrants by Wilhelm Moberg GEMS: A Tour of Genealogy Gems TV Genealogy Gems TV pages have been replaced. Now you will find all of our videos at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel. Please click the red SUBSCRIBE button while you're there. That way you'll be notified of each new video as it's published. COMING SOON! InternationalVideos from Germany, England and Sweden. Attention Podcast Listeners: Take a picture of yourself listening on your computer or listening to the podcast on your ipod and email it to me at [email protected]. You can make it funny, make it serious, you can hold up a sign saying that you're listening to the show or what you think of it. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. Include your name and let me know in the email if it's ok to use or not. You may find your photo on the upcoming Listeners page where I can show off my awesome audience.

Published August 19, 2007 Episode 23 SHOW NOTES The Mailbox: According to alert listener Richard, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can receive acknowledgement letters from the US Dept. of Homeland Security / US Citizen and Immigration Services in just two weeks. Richard's requests were placed on a speedier "simple track." This means that response time has been drastically cut from the six months it took me to receive answers about 5 years ago. This is good news for genealogists! Better yet, you now have the option of requesting a CD with pdf file, instead of paper files, if the number of pages is over 15. We"re all waiting with bated breath to hear back from Richard when he receives the final results from his request for his great grandfather's records. GEM: Follow up - Using Your Video iPod As A Genealogy Tool Proactive listener Donna wrote this week to ask what the best format and resolution was for saving pictures to be viewed on the Video iPod For photos to be viewed on a television screen, save them as JPEG files at 300 dpi resolution. Update: Reduce the size of images quickly by running them through TinyPNG. Supply Checklist Video iPod MicroMemo Digital Recorder for Video iPod A/V Cable for viewing iPod through your TV Photo Slideshow Troubleshooting Checklist When plugging A/V cable the into your TV make sure each jack is firmly plugged in. To begin slideshow, be sure to press the center iPod ENTER button TWICE when selecting the first image. Make sure the TV Out feature under Photo Slideshow settings is set to ON. Make sure your digital TV tuner is set to the appropriate input for the signal coming from the jacks that your iPod is plugged into. GEM: Home Movie Hint Please permit me to share a suggestion you may find useful... I recently took a number of old movie reels (from the 1940s) out to be transferred to DVD, as I'd long intended to do. As much fun and as enlightening as these reels were to watch, I realized an unexpected bonus: the scenes in these reels helped me identify my great grandmother and her sister in a photo I had sitting by. Of course, I recognized my great grandmother and I suspected the other was her sister but these movies put that photograph in a context that allowed me to make that identification. The clothing was the same and the background matched so I was able to put names and approximate dates on these pictures! The fuller context of the movie allowed me to identify the names, place and time for the photograph. I hurried down to the store with the rest of the movie reels. I will remember that often photos are taken at the same events as movies were taken and that a single picture is merely a moment in time but movies can provide larger context. Thank you for your podcast and sharing your ideas. I look forward to them." Pat Regarding Brick Walls: If you're ready to give up you're probably closer than you think. Or as they said in Galaxy Quest: "Never Give Up, Never Surrender!"

Published August 12, 2007 THE MAILBOX "I also wanted to share a couple of photographs with you, she says. During your third episode, you talked about creative ways to display your family history treasures, and I wanted to share with you something absolutely wonderful my aunt did for me. When my grandmother had to downsize and move into an assisted living facility, my aunt stumbled upon a beautiful silk baby dress and a pair of leather button-up baby shoes that had belonged to my grandmother. She had these framed for me along with a photograph of my grandmother on her 1st birthday wearing them! She gave the finished product to me because she knew how much I am fascinated by our family's history. Sincerely, Diana Eleanor Mae Lees - 1st birthday Email from Barbara Murphy, NY: "On this weeks episode #21 you were talking about writing your memories. I received a book from my daughter last Christmas that does just what you are talking about. It is "A Mother's LegacyYour life story in your own words. I think it is terrific because there was no way I was going to write anything anytime. This book is a month by month calendar book. Each month has questions to write about" Update: Anna-Karin's Swedish Genealogical Podcast is no longer being published. Use the time while you"re downloading podcasts to make a few entries into a memory book! That's a gem of an idea! GEM: Turn Your Video iPodInto A Family History Tool MicroMemo High-Fidelity Digital Audio Recorder for the Video iPod by XtremeMac The Micro memo snaps easily into the connector at the base of the video ipod. It has a flexible microphone and built in speaker. When you plug it into your ipod it automatically puts your ipod in Voice Memo mode with the option to start recording. How To Record From Voice Memo mode Select RECORD When you're done you just select STOP AND SAVE How To Download Recordings to Your Computer Plug iPod into your computer Open up iTunes (it will detect that you have new recorded voice memos on your iPod, and will ask you if you would like to download them into iTunes.) Click OK How Two Use Two Desktop Microphones For An Interview UnPlug the MicroMemo microphone from the MicroMemo unit Plug in a Microphone & Headphone Splitter Plug two computer desktop microphones into the splitter How To Record With An External Microphone Or Other Source In Stereo UnPlug the MicroMemo microphone from the MicroMemo unit Flip the switch above the microphone jack on the Micro Memo to LINE. Plug in your stereo microphone or cable from other source into MicroMemo Record as usual How To Load Images Onto Your Video iPod: Create a IPOD IMAGES file folder on your computer Scan or copy photos and documents and save them to the file Plug your iPod into your computer Open up iTunes. From the gray menu tabs Click PHOTOS Click the SYNC PHOTOS FROM box Click the gray box to choose a folder from your hard drive. (This will open a window called BROWSE FOR FOLDER. Navigate your way to your IPOD IMAGES folder.) Click on the IPOD IMAGES folder (the folder icon will open but you won't see image files) Click the OK button. Click the ALL PHOTO button Click the INCLUDE FULL RESOLUTION BUTTON. Click the gray APPLY at the bottom right corner of the screen. ITunes has now copied all of the photos from that folder onto your iPod. You'll see that happening in the box at the top of the Itunes screen. How To View Your Images On Your iPod Eject your iPod from iTunes. The main menu will appear on iPod video screen. Select PHOTOS from iPod menu Select PHOTO LIBRARY to view thumbnail images Scroll to the image you want to view and select it How To View Your iPod Photos And Videos On Your Television You will need: A/V Cable for the video iPod Plug one end of the cable into the headphone jack of your iPod Plug the three plugs into the corresponding yellow, white & red jacks on your TV. Turn on your ipod From menu select VIDEOS Select VIDEO SETTINGS Select TV OUT and set it to âONâ? Click the MENU button and go back and select the video you want to watch Press play You will probably need to change your TV tuner to an AV input How To Create A Photo Slideshows In Your iPod Start at PHOTOS menu Select Slideshow Settings. Set the time per slide (I suggest 5 seconds) Select MUSIC. Select a music Playlist, or Random. Set the REPEAT and SHUFFLE PHOTOS settings to OFF. Select TRANSITIONS (I like Dissolve) Navigate your way back to the PHOTOS page Select the folder of photos you want to play as your slide show. When you see the list of thumbnails and the yellow box is around the first image youâre ready to go so hit play. So now you can gather the family around the television set and share your photos, and videos in big, living color with your Video iPod I hope if you do purchase any of the items I mentioned today, you'll do it through the links on my website. The links simply tell the vendor who referred you. The price is the same and your personal information goes ONLY to the vendor. By purchasing t

SHOW NOTES Published August 5, 2007 Lisa's Movie Pick: Full of Life (1957). It's a really heartwarming movie about immigrants and their American born children that you can watch comfortably with your kids and your grandkids. The novel by John Fante is still available: Full of Life by John Fante Turner Classic Movies GEM: Freedom of Information Act Follow Up Email from Richard Hrazanek: "I loved the tip about requesting your ancestor's immigration file through the Freedom of Information Act. Do you know if you can do the same thing with a person's military record." FOIA can assist you in obtaining military records. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Website article: How to use the Freedom of Information Act. Rod Powers of About.com does a great job outlining how to obtain military records The National Archives website article: Access to Military Records by the General Public, including genealogists who are not next-of-kin Timothy E. Blaise's website devoted to the 4th Infantry Division 224th Infantry Regiment Company "D" which his uncle served in. Timothy outlines his experience with obtaining military records. GEM: Thanks for the Memories Get a piece of paper or pull up a word document. Close your eyes for a second, and visualize a favorite memory from your childhood. In my case I started with a favorite place, my maternal grandma's house. But perhaps yours is the back alley where you and your friends played baseball, or your great uncle's garage where he showed you how to work on cars. Whatever is meaningful to you. Now, open your eyes, and write your thoughts one at a time. Just free flow it. They don't have to be complete sentences. Later you can try your hand at writing more of your actual experiences or memories of a person. Again, it doesn't have to be a novel or sound really professional. It's just the memories from you heart. Tie together this gem with episode 20's Sweet Memories gem where we made a family history chocolate bar label for a candy bar that could be tucked in a Christmas Stocking as a gift. Replace the Ingredient's list on the back label with a text box that includes these free flowing memories about the photo that appears on the front label.

What is a podcast? Podcasting, a word combining a reference to Apple's "iPod" and "broadcasting", is a method of publishing audio files to the Internet, and allowing folks like you to subscribe (usually free) so you can receive new shows automatically. (More on how to do that below) It first became popular in late 2004, and has grown tremendously in popularity since then. The beauty of a podcast show is that, unlike a radio show, you can listen whenever and wherever you want to. And if you miss something good, you can rewind and go over it again. It puts you in control of your listening while getting current and useful information on exactly what you want to hear about - which is of course GENEALOGY! Does it cost money to subscribe the Genealogy Gems Podcast? Nope - It's absolutely FREE! What is the Genealogy Gems Podcast about? My goal is to provide folks who are researching their family history with nuggets of inspiration and innovation to help them get the most of out their research time. Episodes are published on a weekly basis, and run from approximately 25 minutes long. Show Notes with "how to" info, photos, and reliable resources are also published weekly at www.genealogygemspodcast.com. So how do I subscribe to the Genealogy Gems Podcast? If you don't already have iTunes installed on your computer? Go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ Enter your email address in the box on the left & click the Download itunes button Follow the prompts. Once installed, open up itunes on your computer Now you are ready to subscribe to Genealogy Gems Podcast. Use your curser to highlight the following address: http://genealogygemspodcast.com/rss Press the Control key and the letter C key on your keyboard at the same time to COPY the address to your computerâs clipboard In itunes, Select ADVANCED and SUBSCRIBE TO PODCAST from the menu A small window will open. Press the Control key & the letter V key at the same time on your keyboard to PASTE http://genealogygemspodcast.com/rss into the box. Click OK The podcast will automatically load into the Podcasts section of your itunes Library. You will now receive new episodes whenever they are published, & be able to listen to them in itunes anytime you want! Do I have to have an ipod to listen? Absolutely not. You have lots of options to listen, but here are the easiest: In Itunes (where you have subscribed to this podcast. See "How do I subscribe" FAQ above.) Open itunes on your computer by clicking on your desktop icon. In the left column under LIBRARY click Podcasts (these are the podcasts that are in your library file on your computer) All your podcasts will be listed on the screen Click the triangle to the left of the name "Genealogy Gems Podcast". This will "open" the podcast so you can see all the episodes. Double click the episode you want and it will begin to play in itunes. On this website - just click the media player in the upper right corner of each show. Of course I love using my ipod to listen whenever and wherever I want. I just plug it into my computer's USB plug, open up itunes and itunes automatically loads my ipod with new episodes it has "caught" for me since the last time I plugged it in. Hence the term "podcatcher"! How can I get started in researching my family tree? No point in reinventing the wheel here. Click on this link: A Guide to Research