Genealogy Gems - Your Family History Channel

Published Sept 8, 2010 Upcoming MilestoneGenealogy Gems Podcast Listener Denise Coughlin posted on Lisa's Facebook wall the other day and said "I realized as I was filling up my mp3 player for the rest of the work week Genealogy Gems Podcast is about to hit 100!!  Congrats and keep 'em coming!!"  To celebrate, call the voice mail line - 925-272-4021 - or record and email an mp3 file with a message for the 100th episode.  We can have a sort of virtual birthday party for the podcast! Coming Soon!Google Earth for Genealogy Volume II DVD is coming October 1, 2010.  Kick off Family History Month by rockin' your ancestors world with Google Earth!  Grab Volume I today at www.google4genealogy.com    NEWSPodcast Interview with Lisa:Listen to Marion Vermanzen's interview with Lisa on the Marion Vermazen Podcast. Records Website News:Ancestry recently announced that 10,000 yearbooks are now in the U.S. School Yearbook collection from almost every state in the U.S. spanning 1875-1988. FamilySearch announced the addition of over 200 million new searchable historic records online representing 18 countries.  Read Major Updates to FamilySearch Beta Site at the Genealogy Insider blog. Listen to the September episode of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast coming out about 9/15/10 Lisa's upcoming classes at Family Tree University start 9/13/10: - Reverse Genealogy- Mastering Google Search MAILBOX Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems Email Newsletter and receive the free e-book 5 Fabulous Google Search Strategies for the Family Historian.  "It's very good information!  This is a terrific tool to have up my sleeve."  - Karen   GEM: Why a Podcast Listener Turned Genealogy Blogger Premium Podcast Member Mary Lohr recently took the plunge and began her own genealogy blog.http://www.maryjlohr.wordpress.com Mary writes: "Thank you for encouraging your listeners to blog!"   Mark Your Calendar for Lisa's Upcoming Speaking Engagements: Oct. 8 & 9, 2010Family History ExpoPleasanton, CA  Oct. 23, 20109am to 3:30pm at the Hemet Library in Hemet, CAHemet-San Jacinto Genealogical Society SeminarPre-register at www.hsjgs.org by Oct. 13 Oct. 30, 2010California Genealogical SocietyGoogle All the Way SeminarRegistration   Book Lisa for a presentation, webinar or seminar at your Genealogy Society or event.  More information.   null

Published June 20, 2011 Get ready to be inspired while you listen to kids embracing their family history at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree Kid's Camp lead by Charlotte Bocage.  In this episode you'll hear from the instructors, kids, parents and grandparents that all shared a very special day exploring the joy of genealogy. Genealogy Gems Podcast App users can also check out Bonus Content:  Genealogy Blogger Elyse Doerflinger of Elyse's Genealogy Blog shares with the kids her favorite place to go digging for records Get the iPhone / iPad App Get the Android App

Published June 17, 2010 On Saturday June 12, 2010 we presented the Genealogy Gems Podcast show in front of a live audience at the Southern California Genealogy Society Jamboree 2010.  Our intention was to record the audio through the sound system, but alas there was a glitch.  However, all was not lost.  I did hand our volunteer helper and Premium listener Susan Moss my Flip Video Camera and thankfully she captured much of the show.  (Thank you Susan!!)  So please keep in mind that this is videotaping on the fly, in an outdoor Pavilion with no extra lighting and planes flying overhead!  But regardless of the challenges, we had a wonderful time, a packed house, and I'm so happy that we can bring this videocast presentation to you to give you a glimpse of the fun.  Not captured on video, but snapped with my digital camera by listener Jamie Mayhew (my gals are the BEST!) was my special surprise guest, my Grandson Davy!!

Published Jan 5, 2011 NEWS: 1916 Candian census of the Prairie Provinces at the Library and Archives Canada You can access the digitized images of the 1916 census online in two different ways: Searchable database by Province, District Name, District Number, and Sub-district Number. Using the Research tool "microform digitization," you can browse the microfilm reels page by page.   New Video on the Civil War from NARA  VIDEO LINK To WATCH IN YOUTUBE  Inside the Vaults: Discover the Civil War In this video just under 4 minutes the creators of NARA’s Discovering the Civil War exhibition  share little-known facts and extraordinary discoveries found in the fantastic Civil War holdings at the National Archives.   For more inforamtion on the  Discovering the Civil War exhibition, head on over to archives.gov/exhibits/civil-war.   BBC iPlayer To Go International Now if you’re like me, and you live outside of Great Britain,  at some point you probably popped in on the BBC website to check out the British version of the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? Only to discover that the video is shown on the BBC iPlayer and it’s blocked to international visitors to the site.  The scoop is that the BBC plans to offer overseas access to the BBC iPlayer.  However, it’s not going to be free.   MacWorld Website on the BBC iPlayer for iPad So for now, stay tuned.   On the blogging front A.C. Ivory announced right after the new year that he has launched a new version of his Find My Ancestors Blog.   Google Gadgets Update Updated Genealogy Google Gadges from Sirius Genealogy   Cemetery Justice The Article Search Tip:  When it comes to newspapers, Webpage addresses change a lot. In cases like this where you have some of the original text, just type a sentence or two exactly as it appeared in the article.  Or how it appears in the snippet that came with the search result where the link is now bad.  In this case I just typed a sentence or two exactly as kathy quoted it to me in the email and the new webpage for the article was the first item in the search results list.  That’s little gem that works nearly every time.   Mailbox: New Genealogy Blogger Cynthia DeBock   Genealogist, Archivist, Researcher Check out her first post entitled How I Got Started.  It's always fun to hear how folks got bit by the genealogy bug.     Jen Alford writes: I just wanted to thank you for the great how-to videos that you did for the family history wreath.  I made one for my mom for Christmas this year and I can't wait to see her reaction!  I've also started a genealogy blog http://jen-gen.blogspot.com and have been enjoying the responses from the family that read it.  Thanks for all the inspiration!  I'm a premium member and love all the extras you have on there.  Keep up the good work! It doesn’t get much nicer than that!  Thanks Jen!   GEM: The New Google EBooks Google eBooks is now available in the U.S. from a new Google eBookstore. You can browse and search through the largest ebooks collection in the world with more than three million titles including hundreds of thousands for sale. VIDEO: Introducing Google eBooks VIDEO LINK To WATCH IN YOUTUBE Adobe ebook Platform supported devices Google eBooks Web Reader But even if you aren’t interested in buying ebooks don’t overlook Google eBooks.   Try this: Go to google.com/ebooks Search on the word Genealogy, In the upper left corner under price click the Free Only Link.   Try searches on topics of interest to you and you’ll probably be surprised at what you find.  And since this is just getting off the ground, you will definitely want to check back periodically to see what’s been added.    APP USERS: Check out the Bonus Content PDF for 2 more Google Books Search Strategies!   GEM:  The New Google Earth 6 To download the new version just go to www.google.com/earth   The big difference you will notice is that Street View has changed. Instead of finding it in the Layers Panel, you will now find a person icon, or what’s referred to as the Pegman, in the upper right corner by the navigation tools. Zoom in, click and drag the Pegman icon on to the area where you want to see Street View and after a second or two thick blue lines will  pop up if street View is available in that area.  Just drop the icon and you’ll immediately be flown in to street view.  I guess the pegman icon is to represent that the view will be from a person’s perspective, at street level.   Another...

Published May 17, 2011 In this episode we cover little white lies told at the turn-of=-the-century about divorce, and The Photo Detective Maureen Taylor joins us from Who Do You Think You Are? Live in London.   “Cooincidence or Genealogical Serendipity?”   "Like" the Genealogy Gems Podcast at Facebook.   NEWS:    National Archives EStore Opens Online “Bargain Vault” Click the Bargain Vault link in the menu    The National Archives UK 9 June 2011, they will be taking part in #AskArchivists Day along with other archives from around the world. #AskArchivists on Twitter    AncestorSync™ A new service helps you synchronize between your computer desktop family tree database programs and some of the popular online family tree websites.   Ancestry.com WebSearch Example of WebSearch:  Louise M. Chrisman who died in Indiana.       MAILBOX: Genealogy Gems Premium Membership includes the webinar recording of Getting the Scoop on Your Ancestors From Old Newspapers   Google Search Tips and Tricks webinar recording at Rootsmagic    Sale at the Genealogy Gems store at Lulu Now through 5/20/11 15% off the book the Genealogist’s Google Toolbox and all Genealogy Gems products Open publication - Free publishing - More google   Sign up for the free webinar coming up with RootsMagic Tuesday, May 24, 2011 5pm Pacific / 6pm MDT / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern Google Earth for Genealogy 90 minute webinar that will introdudce you to the wonderful world of Google Earth and specifically how it can do amazing things for your family history research.  If you are ready to rock your ancestors world.     Upcoming webinar The Story County Genealogical Society Webinar Getting the Scoop on Your Ancestors from Old Newspapers August 27, 2011.    If you would like to talk to Lisa about possibly doing a webinar for your group, email genealogygemspodcast@gmail.com Lisa’s Seminars and Webinars at Genealogy Gems   Juliana asks about PAF and records from Brazil FamilySearch has been adding records from Brazil recently. Search the FamilySearch Wiki on brazil research.    Elizabeth has a question about turn of the century divorces:  “I have found a handful of couples that around the turn of the century that had separated or divorced, but one or both of the people told the census taker they were "widowed".   Until I realized this was happening I simply took the "widowed" at face value and moved on. Are there resources you might suggest for finding divorce information around the turn of the last century?”   Marriage and Divorce, 1867-1906 Volume I by the Department of Commerce and Labor Bureau of the Census from 1909.  This is an incredibly comprehensive book covering marriage and divorce statstics for not only the U.S. but around the world.    On page 50 the report comes right out and states:   “It should be remembered, however, that in th eUnit3ed States the number of divorced persons reported by the general census of population is grossly deficient, because many persons who are divorced, being sensitive in regard to the fact, report themselves as single or widowed.”    Search “Divorce” in the Family Search Wki     GEM:  The Photo Detective at WDYTYA in London Interview with Maureen and some of the folks waiting in line Websites mentioned in this episode: http://www.maureentaylor.com/ http://www.whatsthatpicture.com Photos through the Ages using http://www.flickr.com) free signup     Lisa’s upcoming appearances:   The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree June 9-11, 2011 teaching classes and presenting the Genealogy Gems Podcast Live! http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/2011jam-home.htm   Get the free Jamboree App   The Colorado Family History Expo June 24 & 25, 2011.   Midwest Family History Expo in Overland Park, Kansas on July 29 & 30, 2011  

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:  You can see the photo of Michelle standing in the spot of her ancestor's homestead on the Genealogy Gems Podcast Listeners Page  Lisa at the ranch my 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 - MayAlameda, CA - Alameda Town Center - May Noblesville, IN  - Hamilton Town Center - May Southbury, CT - Southbury Plaza - MayMira Loma, CA - Eastvale Gateway Mall -  MayLone 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   Genealogy Gems Crossword Puzzle Sign up for the FREE monthly Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter TODAY

Published April 30, 2011 In this episode listeners chime in on Ancestry online trees, Lisa shares an inspiring story, and talks with Mike Litterst of the National Parks Service about the Civil War 150th Anniversary web site.       NEWS:   FamilySearch Over at Family Search, with their most recent additions to the website they are now up to 600 free    Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree App iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad: you get the app from the iTunes app store by searching for "genealogy" or 'jamboree" or point your iPhone's mobile browser to http://bit.ly/SCGS2011 All other phones like the Android, and BlackBerry: point your mobile browser to http://m.core-apps.com/scgs2011 Check out the Jamboree app   The Genealogy Gems Podcast APP for Android is now also available in the Amazon App Store.   Jamboree Webinar Extension Series These are a great way to get to not only preview what’s coming at Jambopree, but also you get to  participate in some of the great presentations that happen at Jamboree even if you can’t make it there in person this year   View the the complete list http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/JamboreeExtensionSeries2011.htm   Getting Your Notes and Sources Right in Your Genealogy Software presented by Janet Hovorka of Generation Maps  The Chartchick.com blog   Saturday, May 7, 2011   90 minues 10:00 AM  PDT 11:00 AM MDT 12:00 PM CDT 1:00 PM  EDT   Space is limited, so reserve your space now for the free webinar   RootsMagic Upcoming Free Webinars Google Earth for Genealogy with Lisa Louise Cooke Tuesday, May 24, 2011 5pm Pacific / 6pm MDT / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern   Watch the recording of Google Search Tips and Tricks with Lisa Louise Cooke http://rootsmagic.com/Webinars/   Home After 94 Years, a Fallen Hero’s Bible Lost in the Hell of the First World War by an unnamed Daily Mail reporter published on April 13, 2011    Learn more about the Great War in Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast episode 67 The Western Front Association at the Who Do You think You Are? Live conference 2011 in London Become a Premium member      MAILBOX:   Many listeners write in about Ancestry online trees.   Pam and Roxanne comment on the fact that the women in Steve Buscemi’s family tree on an episode of WDYTYA? were listed with their married names and not their maiden names.   "Thank you Lisa for all these wonderful podcasts, they are a highlight to my week and I always look forward to them.' Roxanne, Vancouver BC   And finally, I always LOVE to hear when someone out there discovers the podcast, and Karen in Vermont did recently and wrote in:   "A few weeks ago I was delighted to find your two podcasts: Family History and Genealogy Gems.  I am a self-taught family historian who has been working on the genealogy of my husband and myself for the past several years.  I wish I had found your podcasts when they first came out.  They would have undoubtedly made my job much easier!…Thank you so much for your podcasts and I can't wait to work my way through them all to see what other discoveries I can make!"     GEM:  Interview with Mike Litterst of the National Parks Service   The Civil war Solders and Sailors System   The Civil War: 150 Years     NEWSLETTER: Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems Podcast Newsletter and receive the free ebook – 5 Fabulous Google Search Strategies for the Family Historian.     

Published March 25, 2010   Dick Eastman joins Lisa in this episode to discuss Cloud Computing.   Free Webinars: Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree Extension Series   Lisa Louise Cooke Getting the Scoop on Your Ancestors From Old Newspapers Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern   Janet Hovorka of Generation Maps Getting Your Notes and Sources Right in Your Genealogy Software Saturday, 7 May, at 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern   Michael Booth of RootsMagic Genealogy on the Go Wednesday, July 20 at 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern   Saturday, 6 Aug at 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern Maureen Taylor, Photo Treasures Discovered at Jamboree - A Closer Look The Photo Detective   Register for free    Season 2 of the Generations Project is coming this March 28, 2011   Genealogy Gems YouTube channel featuring interviews with many of the experts who attended the RootsTech conference.    Curt Witcher's visionary look at "The Changing Face of Genealogy."   The Virtual Presentations Roundtable Video    Brian Pugh of FamilySearch called Cloud Computing: What It Is and How It Has Been Used   Rootstech Website Videos     Big Thank Yous To: Kim von Aspern-Parker The Amazing Things I Learned This Last Weekend Le Maison Duchamp    The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox Book Reviews: Available at the Genealogy Gems Store at Lulu press: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=1074851   Craig Manson of the GeneaBlogie blog If You Knew Google Like She Knows Google   Ian Hadden at Ian Hadden’s Family History Book Review: Genealogist’s Google Toolbox   1911 Scotland Census Scotland's People web site          MAILBOX:   Jennifer in CA wrote in about how much she enjoyed the premium podcast about Evernote.      Brandt asked a question about Fraternal Organizations:   From Mutual Aid to the Welfare State: Fraternal Societies and Social Services, 1890-1967 by David T. Beito a professor of history at the University of Alabama         GEM: Interview with Dick Eastman on Cloud Computing Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter http://blog.eogn.com/    

Published Nov 7, 2010 In this episode we take a sentimental journey back over the first 100 episodes of The Genealogy Gems Podcast including some of Lisa's favorite gems and interviews, show milestones, and listener messages.       Fave Gems: Google Site Search - Episode 1 Vehicular Forensics - Episode 18 The Band Venice - Episode 38 Lisa's story and Heritage quilts - Episode 39 Handwriting Analysis and Leatherheads - Episode 46 Irene Johnson, Genealogist and star of the Ancestors series on PBS - Episode 80 and 82 Lisa Kudrow, Who Do You Think You Are? - Episode 81 Kendall Wilcox, the Generations Project - Episode 86 Forensic Linguistics for Genealogy with Dr. Robert Leonard - episode 89 & 90   Thanks to the following folks for the messages of congratulations: The Staff at Family Tree Magazine Lisa Alzo, Genealogist, Author and Speaker Holly Hansen, President of Family History Expos Sean Lamb, The Rip Track Podcast and Finding the Flock Blog A.C. Ivory, Find My Ancestors Blog Denise Levenick, "Penelope Dreadful" of the Shades of the Departed online magazine Paula Hinkel, Chair of the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree Bruce Buzbee, President, Rootsmagic Amy Coffin, We Tree Blog Elizabeth O'Neal, Little Bytes of Life Blog Roger Grua Brandt Gibson Teri Chaffin Maureen Taylor  Dot Elder   Emails from Connie, Teresa, Simona, Chris and Crystal Blogs mentioned:  http://keoughcorner.blogspot.com and http://scandiamusings.blogspot.com Happy 10th Episode Blog Post Journals of Nils Lindgren   Milestones: Newsletter (Sign up today and get the free Google Search Strategies e-book) Premium Membership Launched (Become a Member) The Genealogy Gems Toolbar - UPDATE The toolbar has been discontinued. The Genealogy Gems App Launch   The first podcast in front of a live audience - episode 79   Sharing Gems: Christmas in July (Sweet Memories Candy Bars) Episode 20 Family History Dislay - Episode 3 Mother's Day Plate - Episode 11   Video Gems: Subscribe free to the Genealogy Gems Channel at YouTube Socks to America - Episode 26 Sweet Land with Ali Selim - Episode 30 Heritage Quilts - Episode 39 Video: Using the Google News Timeline for Genealogy and Family History   Support the show by shopping online through the Amazon and website links on the Genealogy Gems website.   Thank you to our sponsor:  Rootsmagic   Listen to Crystal Bell's story in Episode 44 of the Family History: Genealogy Made Easy Podcast      

NEWS:Findmypast.comwww.Findmypast.co.ukhas expanded its collection of British military records with the release of the Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914-1920.They have also announced their take over of www.worldvitalrecords.com.au It will be relaunched as www.findmypast.com.au (using this linked image helps makes this free podcast possible - thank you!)Ancestry has launched a new wiki that includes two books - The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy and Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.  The wiki can be found at the Ancestry Wiki.The Family Search Wiki Ancestry also has announced that it plans on releasing Family Tree Maker for the Mac later this year.FamilySearchOver 300 Million new names have been added online at the FamilySearch Record Search Pilot1. Go to www.familysearch.org 2. Click Search Records3. Click Record Search PilotGenealogy GemsMy article Undercover Genealogy appears in the July 2010 issue of Family Tree MagazineSubscribe now in Amazon (and you'll also be supporting this free podcast - thank you!)For those of you searching in the United Kingdom:Upcoming Classes:I'm also teaching classes for Family Tree UniversityNext class:   Reverse Genealogy Starts:  May 10, 2010CLICK TO REGISTERI'm also now a contributing blogger for the Visit Salt Lake City website. Read my first post on Newspaper Research.My book Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies is now available for download to your iPad from the iBookstore!iPhone / iTouch / iPad users be sure and download the Genealogy Gems Podcast App MAILBOX:New Listener Blogs:Maria Northcote, Australia.  Wishful LinkingTry out the free Shapes tool for creating collages like Marie didwww.shapecollage.com Connie Williams, Califonia.  Constance CommentChalle Talbot wrote in asking about how to approach incorrect data in online family trees.  I have some thoughts on that. GEM: A Criminal PastInterview with author Ron Arons about his book Wanted! U.S. Criminal RecordsGEM: Google Look AlikesCheck out the new features of Google SearchBe sure and scroll all the way to the bottom of your search results page.Watch my video on the Google News TimelineBe sure and Subscribe for free to my YouTube channel while you are there!Related Search - in the search box type related:keyword Get your copy of the new DVD showing you how to harness the power of the free Google Earth program for your family history research(PC compatible only)

Today's gem focuses on a challenge that we all face as family historians – getting organized, archiving all of our stuff, and digitizing materials an d photos. I know that’s biting off a big chunk, but it’s such an important one. And in this episode I’m going to start to break it down for your with the help of the Family Curator, Denise Levenick who has written a book called How to Archive Family Keepsakes.  She’s got lots of practical advice to share. NEWS: FamilySearch recently announced that their U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Community Project is Half-way to its 2012 Goal of 30 Million Records In August of this year, FamilySearch announced its next major U.S. community project-U.S. Immigration and Naturalization. The project will create an extensive, free, online collection of U.S. passenger lists, border crossing records, naturalization records, and more-invaluable to genealogy researchers. See what U.S. Immigration and Naturalization projects are currently underway, or check on their status at FamilySearch.org/immigration.  You can join the community of online indexers and arbitrators helping to make passenger lists and naturalization records freely searchable on familysearch.org. Current and Completed Projects  To view a list of currently available indexing projects, along with their record language and completion percentage, visit the FamilySearch indexing updates page. To learn more about individual projects, view the FamilySearch projects page.    Canadian Military RecordsAncestry.ca has also announced that they have launched some New Canadian Military Records CollectionsRead about it on my Blog: Limited Time Free Access to Canadian Military Records, and New Records Online Google recently announced that  Google Maps just got the biggest Street View update ever, doubling the number of special collections and updating over 250,000 miles of roads around the world. Google has increased Street View coverage in Macau, Singapore, Sweden, the U.S., Thailand, Taiwan, Italy, Great Britain, Denmark, Norway and Canada. And they are launching special collections in South Africa, Japan, Spain, France, Brazil and Mexico, among others. . They’ve also recently updated the Google Earth satellite imagery database. This refresh to the imagery has now been updated for 17 cities and 112 countries/regions.  So Google Earth has never been better for genealogy research. And of course if you would like to learn more about what Google Earth can do for you as a genealogist, check out my free YouTube videos which show you what you can learn in my video CD series called Google Earth for Genealogy which is available at the Genealogygems.com store.  Google Earth for Genealogy Video Volume I Google Earth for Genealogy Video: Volume II   Genealogy Gems Premium Membership UpdateI’m happy to let all of you Premium members know that I’ve put together a quick little video that will walk you through the process of setting up your Premium podcast feed in iTunes.You’ll find a link on the premium episodes page once you’ve signed in that will take you to the video and instructions for setting up your Premium iTunes subscription. I have also added a video recording of one my most popular classes to the Premium Videos collection. It’s called How the Genealogist Can Remember Everything with Evernote. From Premium Member Kelly: “Thank you so much for your podcast on Evernote. I've been on YouTube watching videos about it but they were hard to follow and more advanced or to techie. Your podcast was easy to follow and went over the basics and I really appreciate that. I think I finally ready to try it.” If you would like to be able to watch the Evernote class from the comfort of your own home please join us as a Genealogy Gems Premium Member which you can do at www.genealogygems.com   MAILBOX: From Patience: “I have noticed in your podcast, other's podcasts, blogs, and at workshops I have attended that there is a concern about the next generation.  I do understand, but I wanted to share with you my experience in hopes of easing everyone's worries.  I am 23 years old, and let me tell you I stick out like a sore thumb at workshops as I usually am the youngest by at least 30 years.  That being said when I started researching I met one of my cousins on ancestry.com, and we really hit it off we have all the same interests, and are like long lost twins.  For a while I assumed that she was retired, and much much older than I, but after several emails I found out she is only two years older than me!!! I too worry about my generation, but I think after some maturing, most will at least have an appreciation for the past, and everything it has to offer, or at...

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:                                                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.  Email Lisa with comments, suggestions and requests for the website and I'll be forwarding all the information to the Director of History at the U. S. Census. 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?  Visit the Genealogy Gems Website now - New stuff: movie recommendation, genealogy videos.   Book: Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategies from Season One of the Genealogy Gems Podcast.  The book has everything covered in  the first 20 episodes and lots more including photos, website addresses and step-by-step how to information.  It's available in paperback as well as immediate digital download.   Contact Lisa at Genealogy Gems

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.  Venice Upcoming Live Shows:Saturday, March 8, 2008: Acoustic Music San Diego - an acoustic Venice show.  (619) 303-8176  Friday, April 4, 2008: Pine Mountain Logs show at the SohO Restaurant and Music Club (805) 962-7776  The Logs are Venice's alter ego - they perform only cover tunes! Saturday, April 5, 2008: Pine Mountain Logs show at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA (858)481-8140  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 Oct 7, 2010 Episode 98 - The Journey Takers   NEWS: Thank you to the Genealogy Bloggers who blogged about the new Google Earth for Genealogy Volume II DVD: Dick Eastman - EOGN Randy Seaver - Genea-Musings Thomas MacEntee - Geneabloggers DearMRTYLE  Diane Haddad The Genealogy Insider Joan Miller   Elyse Doerflinger     Jenna posted on Facebook about the recent Google Earth for Genealogy edition of the Premium Podcast: "Premium Episode 55...two thumbs up!"   Become a Premium Member Today   Liquid Galaxy for Google Earth     ULTIMATE FAMILY HISTORY SWEEPSTAKES Enter every day between Oct. 1 and 31 for a chance to win the Ultimate Family History Giveaway  -- worth more than $2,000!     FGS is looking for a new editor for their electronic quarterly magazine the FGS Forum  Request information from application@fgs.org. Applicants may then submit a detailed résumé for consideration, along with several examples of publications for which they have been responsible as editor. These should be sent electronically to application@fgs.org.  The deadline for applications is November 1, 2010.     Illinois State Genealogical Society 2010 Award Winners Announced On Saturday, October 23, 2010, five individuals will be honored by the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) with awards for their outstanding achievements in the field of genealogy. ISGS will present the awards at the upcoming ISGS Fall Conference  “You Have Family – You Have History” – held at the historic Hotel Père Marquette in Peoria, Illinois.  For more information on the Fall Conference  Genealogy Gems: Ultimate Research Strategy now available in the iBookstore Available on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch   Follow up on interview with Susan Kitchens  Episode 97     MAILBOX:   Simona MacAngus wrote in to say she loves the Genealogy Gems Podcast iTunes App “You have a fantastic podcast!  And I have to say, you have such a clear pleasant speaking style that is a pleasure to listen to.  You keep a "smile" in your voice throughout the podcast.  Wonderfully refreshing and one can catch every word you speak.”   “We have been spending a lot of time together lately Lisa Louise.  You have been going with me on walks with my dog, on drives into the town and even talking me to sleep at night! Finally I went to your www.GenealogyGemsPodcast.tv  site today to subscribe to your newsletter.  Its like I can't get enough of what you have to teach.”      “Hi Lisa, I've only recently started my genealogy and listening to your various podcasts has been a huge help with my research. You're so warm and friendly that it makes it a pleasure to listen.” Kirsty Martin on Genealogy Wise      Brandt asked about Buffered Paper: Go to the Amazon link on the Genealogy Gems site and do a search on: Archival Methods 8 x 10" White Archival Paper, Package of 100 Sheets Buffer paper is not always called "Buffered" - in fact you tend to get a lot of other types of results.  What you're looking for is Paper buffered with calcium carbonate 2-3% alkaline reserve, pH 9 ±0.5, acid-free      Ann and Barbara were wondering the same thing: do you have to have a Paypal account to sign up for Premium Membership?   Answer: No,You can pay with a credit card through paypal without having to have a paypal account.  You will see in the bottom left corner of the check out page (where it also asks you to log in to Paypal) "Don't have a Paypal account?" and you just click the CONTINUE link to pay with a major credit card.  It's the same as swiping it at any store.  I've been using Paypal for 4 years now and have never ever had a problem.  It's is very safe and secure!     GEM: The Journey Takers   Interview with Leslie Albrecht Huber The Journey Takers

In this episode we discuss the latest genealogy news, one listener's fabulous use of Google Alerts, and Maureen Taylor's new history film project.    NEWS: Google Earth 7Google as just released Google Earth version 7. Google Earth is an amazing tool for genealogy so new enhancements are always welcome! This new version enables you to explore a number of cities around the world in 3D, from Long Beach, California, to Rome, Italy. The 3D imagery uses the enhanced modeling capabilities, previously found on only mobile devices. In my video CD Google Earth for Genealogy Volume II I go into detail about 3D models and even give you resources for how you can get your own 3D models of everything from your house, to your ancestor’s home.  Download the new Google Earth 7 and get even more 3D imagery.  You’ll find comprehensive and accurate tours of more than 11,000 popular sites around the world, including our growing list of cities where new 3D imagery is available. A big change with this new version is the tour guide feature which serves as sort of a virtual local expert that suggests places nearby that you might want to explore and providing you with background information on the location.  You’ll find the tour guide along the bottom of the screen, and it looks like sort of a film strip of thumbnail images representing various tours that are available. These change based on where you are on the Google Earth globe. List of updated Google Earth imagery   What’s new in RootsMagic 6 VideoAnd there a favorite genealogy program that just got a new fresh update. RootsMagic 6 is now available, and you can see what’s new in the newest version of the genealogy database program in a brand new video they’ve published on their website at http://www.rootsmagic.com/webinars/ In the video you will see new features in action such as: Online Publishing  Find Everywhere feature Live Timeline View WebTags CountyCheck Explorer If you are a current paid user of RootsMagic, you can upgrade for just $19.95.  New users may purchase RootsMagic 6 for only $29.95. Order online at http://rootsmagic.com/RootsMagic/ Special Holiday Offer Now through Dec. 20, 2012 Order gift copies of RootsMagic 6 for just $19.95 (plus shipping).  You can also order other RootsMagic products at that same $19.95 price. Order the special holiday at http://www.rootsmagic.com/holidayoffer or order by phone at 1-800-ROOTSMAGIC (1-800-766-8762).   The next item here is that the Family Tree Service coming soon to FamilySearch.orgAccording to a FamilySearch press release, “Within the next few months, FamilySearch will make Family Tree available to everyone on its website. The first of many updates planned for FamilySearch.org, Family Tree will provide a free and engaging way to discover, preserve, and share your family history. Family Tree will also offer specialized tools to make temple work for your ancestors even easier and more convenient. Watch an Introduction to Family Tree that shows 7 reasons to be excited about Family Tree. Family Tree will enable you to: Save family information into a genealogy tree Edit and delete incorrect data, including relationships Connect and collaborate with others on shared family lines Show where information came from Link to online photos and documents If you have questions about what Family Tree will be like or how it will work, you can log in to a special training website that offers online courses, how-to videos, informational handouts, and step-by-step training. Get started with Family Tree today by watching the introductory video or reading about it on the training website. Family Tree will be open to everyone in the next few months.    RootsTech conference in Salt Lake CityThe Early Bird price for the full 3-Day Pass which gives you everything RootsTech has to offer is $149, discounted from the regular full price of $219 Students: One-day only pass for $89 and students can get a 3 day pass with their student ID for just $39 Getting Started 3 Day Pass for beginners:  gives you access to over 30 classes in the Beginner track is just $39 for the early bird price, and the regular price will be $49 Getting Started one-day pass giving you access to a selection of fundamental classes for just $19 I will be at RootsTech 2013 teaching a variety of classes in addition to my booth in the exhibit hall, and some free demo classes I’ll be doing in the Demonstration Area of the Expo hall. So I hope you get RootsTech 2013 on your calendar because I look forward to seeing you there. Ireland - National Archives launches new website The National Archives of Ireland has launched a new genealogy website at http://www.genealogy.nationalarchives.ie/  which will...

Published August 29, 2012 Let's get ready to go back to school - family history school! And I've got some exciting new to tell you about! Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode #139 brought to you by two times Grandma Lisa Louise Cooke.  Yes, indeed my second little Grandson was born on August 15, 2012 about 2 ½ weeks early, and he and his mommy my daughter Vienna are doing marvelously. His name is Joseph, and we’ll all be calling him Joey which I absolutely adore, and even better his middle name is Cooke. Life is good, and being a Sha Sha as Davy calls me is heaven on earth that’s for sure. Genealogy News: This month Ancestry announced that it has completed the records indexing process for the 1940 U.S. Federal Census, which you can find at www.ancestry.com/1940census. Since the initial release of the 1940 U.S. Census by the National Archives in April, Ancestry.com has progressively published information state by state.  But now, no longer will you have to look up enumeration districts.  Now all 134 million records are now searchable for free by name, date, place of birth and other key information recorded in the census. You’ll also be able to make corrections or update information that is incomplete, leading to a better overall database of information. Assisting you with navigating the 1940 U.S. Census is Ancestry.com’s Interactive Image Viewer, which enables users to browse document pages with simple graphical overlays. The viewer adds highlights, transcriptions and other functionality directly on the Census page. This enables users to access small census fields by scrolling over them and getting a pop up that magnifies the information that was recorded by census takers. In the 1940 census you find information on whether your ancestor’s owned or rented their home, the value of the residence and how many people lived there. For the first time, census takers in 1940 also asked questions specific to income and education. And you may be surprised what you will not find, like details on military service, whether they could read or write, and whether they spoke English which were all questions that were asked in prior censuses. You will find the 1940 census in its entirety at www.ancestry.com/1940census FamilySearch Volunteer Opportunity: US Immigration & Naturalization Genealogy Project FamilySearch also has indexed the 1940 Census with the help of more than 160,000 volunteers, and they are launching a new volunteer opportunity. Now they are turning their attention to the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Community Project, an indexing effort to make passenger lists, naturalization records, and other immigration related records freely searchable online. Hundreds of thousands of North American volunteers are expected to contribute over the next 18-24 months, focusing initially on passenger lists from the major US ports. If you of your genealogy society wants to pitch in you can visit familysearch.org/immigration for all the details. Read more about it: Indexing Volunteers Invited by FamilySearch to Join new US Immigration and Naturalization Community Genealogy Project Bids to Buy Ancestry Reported by Reuters to be Lower than Hoped   In my last Premium podcast, I mentioned that Chronicling America, the Library of Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov Congress’ historical newspaper website, sent out a newsletter on using Civil War maps printed in the New York Daily Tribune. I just have to share more on this with everyone!   Civil War Maps for Genealogy Available in Online Newspapers And finally, here’s something fun from George Mason’s University’s History News Network website: If you have teens in your family then chances are you have heard the phrase OMG which stands for oh my God. But have you ever wondered who started it? You may have thought it was Alicia Silverstone in the 1995 movie Clueless, but actually you have to dig much further back in history to find its origins. All the way back to 1917 in fact.  Read the rest of the story In Google Books: MAILBOX: Amy in Santa Rosa, CA posted the following question on the Genealogy Gems Facebook Fan page:"On your podcast, I hear you recommend Roots Magic for genealogy software, but I have a Mac and as far as I can tell, it only works with PCs. I thought at one point you mentioned you were starting to use a Mac, so I'm wondering if you use different software on the Mac or if you use a PC for your genealogy software. I used to use Family Tree Maker before my PC crashed, but thought I'd do some research before buying software for the new Mac …Just thought I'd get your opinion, since I value your expertise on the podcast. It is probably just as well that my PC crashed because I never did any source...

Published June 19, 2012 In this episode we’re going to follow up on Episode #133 and my interview with Henry Louis Gates about his show Finding Your Roots with an conversation with one of the celebrities profiled on the show, Linda Chavez. Lisa Recommends the Flip Pal Scanner. Click the image below for more information:   NEWS: FamilySearch FamilySearch announced that it hit the halfway point for creating a searchable index for the 1940 U.S. census, which has been an unprecedented genealogical community effort made up of more than 125,000 volunteers More states will be added in the coming weeks. You can follow the day-to-day indexing status at the1940census.com dashboard and search completed states at www.familysearch.org/1940census However, the 1940 census is not the only record collection that FamilySearch has been working on .  They have recently added project for records from Argentina, Mecklenburg, Germany, Italy, Norway—1875 Federal Census [Part F], Panamá, Slovensko, and Venezuela   Find My Past TV Series As you know by now the TV series Who Do You Think You Are? in the US has been cancelled. However, genealogy themed television in the UK seems to continue to thrive.  According to an article on the UKTV website called “UKTV signs deal with Brightsolid for second series of AFP Find My Past on Yesterday” Read the article here   My Heritage On June 11, 2012: MyHeritage held an international online press conference and  announced that it has reached the milestone of one billion profiles. The billion individuals in nearly 23 million family trees, created by the millions of families using MyHeritage worldwide, constitute a gigantic network for discovering family heritage and connecting to relatives. Read more about it here   MAILBOX: Janelle Collins in Australia: “Thanks to your podcast on creating a Google blog I’ve started one of my own! … Do I need to have my ancestors’ names in the blog title rather than in the text of the post itself for a search to bring up my blog post?” “Also, LOVED the 10 Minutes More song...Do you know if there are lyrics available so I can show it to my husband to read instead? Many thanks for all your hard work in making so many podcasts. I listen to them daily while I drive to college and back most days.” Lisa’s Answer: Congratulations on your blog!  When it comes to optimizing your blog for search, you want keywords included that other genealogists will be searching for.  So include them when possible in both the title and the body of the blog post. Consider also adding location names or other significant keywords that people will be looking for, and links to relevant websites.  You can find lyrics on the Genealogy Widower Facebook fan page. Alvie in Florida: “I just got back from my morning bike ride - usually an hour - and I enjoyed listening to your interview with Dr. Gates.  He is such a fascinating man. Of course, I would never take away from the whole the fact that your interview skills played an enormous role in eliciting the right responses.  You were keenly aware of your audience and their desires. Thank you for this fantastic podcast.” Richard in Sacramento, CA: “I was wondering when someone would do it, and you did. Thanks. As all of the various genealogy blogs concerned themselves for three years with “Who Do You Think You Are”, Henry Louis Gates Jr. competed against two of those years. In both cases, I personally believe that he did a much better job than the NBC series.” Jay in Brisbane, Australia is New to Genealogy: "I really want to thank you for your show. Not only have I found each and every episode informative and inspiring (and, yes, I've downloaded every single episode in iTunes!), helping me get starting growing my fledgling family tree, but you've also inspired me to start a blog to document my efforts and share the stories I discover." If you are new to genealogy like Jay is, listen to my Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast.  If you haven't already discovered it, you've got another 46 episodes ahead of you. :-) Also New to Genealogy From Ricky: “I got totally hooked on Genealogy research this past January. In this short amount of time, I have gained A LOT of information and documents. I have listened to your podcasts. ALL of the Family History Made Easy, ALL of the Genealogy Gems and now I've started the Family Tree Magazine podcasts. I just can't get enough. I've subscribed to GG and FTM on iTunes, and I am a Premium GG subscriber. Now that I'm learning how I SHOULD HAVE been doing my research, I have a question. Should I, STOP and go back and try to do good source citations to all of the information I currently...

Published Mar 31, 2008 Episode 45 SHOW NOTES Sign up for Newsletter: mailto:genealogygemspodcast@gmail.com with your name, state or country and how you first heard about the podcast.   I encourage you to do that today so you won't miss a thing! 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 Radioâs 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.  Email me with your thoughts or comments on the Ghost of Bobby Dunbar. 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: Step-by-step instructions for Google Gadget customization can be found at the Genealogy Gems - Google Genealogy Research Strategies page. GEM: Free digitised British newspapers access 1600-1900 Scottish Genealogy News and Events.  Temporary free trial to 17th, 18th and 19th Century British and Irish newspapers at the Gale Digital Collections website. You will need the following details to log in:E-mail: rcc1934@aol.comLogin: virtual Password: books "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.

Happy New Year!! Contest Winners Announced: The winner of the FTM Organize Your Genealogy Life CD: Carroll Berryman The winner of the 2 day admission ticket to the Mesa, AZ Family History Expo: A.C. Ivory of UT 2nd winner: Patty Mitchell of AZ. Get more information about the conference and banquet at Family History Expos Lisa will be speaking at the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference in Toronto, Canada May 14 through the 16th of 2010 at the Doubletree Hilton at the Toronto Airport The Armchair Genealogist: Follow Friday - My Top Five, A Year In ... By Lynn Palermo  Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episodes can now be automatically downloaded to iTunes. For more information sign in and go to the main Podcast page. Sign up for the free Genealogy Gems e-newsletter and receive the downloadable e-book 5 Fabulous Google Research Strategies for the Family Historian. BRAND NEW: The Genealogy Gems Podcast iPhone app is now available for the iPhone and ipod iTouch. Get it at the iTunes App Store   NEWS: ANCESTRY Ancestry's new online family trees website, Mundia  Also at ancestry they've announced the release of new and improved images for U.S. Federal Censuses. They’ve got clearer images for 1790-1900, and are working on 1910 through 1930. They’ve also posted better indexes for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1900 FAMILYSEARCH They have some New Projects you may want to know about. Canada, British Columbia—Deaths, 1872-1986 [Part 3] U.S., Indiana, Clark County—Marriages, 1811–1959 U.S., Minnesota—1875 State Census U.S., Rhode Island—1905 State Census [Part 2] U.S., South Dakota—1935 State Census [Part 2] Genealogy Bank Added newspaper pages online from 117 newspapers and 32 states including:Augusta Chronicle (GA) Seattle Daily Times (WA) City Gazette (SC) New York Herald (NY) New York Herald-Tribune (NY) North Philly Free Press (PA) Political Digest (PA) MAILBOX: Premium Feed: Premium Member Patti Wilcox writes in: "Thank you thank you! I'm so happy with the iTunes feed for Premium members. I love being able to easily add to iTunes and now maybe I'll be the first to listen to new episodes!” and recommends Mac users use Safari rather Firefox to initially subscribe to the feed. Genealogy Questions: Long time listeners Richard Yehle has a question about adoption research He writes: "An ex-brother–in-law’s father had two brothers born in 1914 and 1916 who were placed in an orphanage in Stockton CA in an unknown year (I’d guess between 1920 and 1930). The family is looking for information on these two brothers but don’t know where to start. I can’t find either of them in the 1920 or 1930 census, nor their parents for that matter. They moved from New Mexico to Bakersfield CA by 1910 and apparently to Stockton CA at some point later, again my guess is after the death of the mother – but we don’t have that date. The location of the two orphans are not known. I suppose it’s possible that they took the name of their adoptive parents which could be a problem. The original surname is Torres which is also reasonably common. Any suggestions on where to start looking for these two?" Do a search on Google Books - here's one on San Joaquin County orphanages Here's a Benevolent Institutions publication from 1910. Full text of "Benevolent institutions. 1910" The San Joaquin County US Gen Web site is currently under construction but it looks like they plan on providing information about adoptions in the county. Resources at Cyndis List If you have strategies for Richard email Lisa. Toolbar Emails: Genealogy Gems Podcast Toolbar Kathy Ott asks how to remove and hide the new toolbar. How to remove the toolbar from a Mac: In the Finder click on Applications (under Places menu) There will likely be a "Toolbar" folder - click on that There you should find the Genealogy Gems Podcast Toolbar folder - click on that Click on the Uninstall icon On a PC: Open the Add or Remove Programs folder in the Control Panel Click on the Genealogy Gems Podcast Toolbar Click the Remove button To temporarily hide the Toolbar on a PC:Click on View from the menu Unclick the toolbar The Toolbar Search Box can be designated as a search box for the following sites: - World Cat - Google Books - Google News Archive - Library of Congress - David Rumsey Historical Maps - US Bureau of Land Management - Wikipedia - US National Archives - UK National Archives - Australia National Archives Download the free toolbar GEM: Mona Golabek Listener Belinda Slocumb recommended a video to Lisa featuring pianist Mona Golabek and her unique presentation of her family history.   Listen to: The Romantic Hours Become a Premium Member CLOSING: Lisa bids goodbye to the origins of her given name – the world’s...

(INTERVIEW BEGINS 36:39) This is a genealogy variety show covering a number of topics including: FamilySearch NARA (National Archives) listener email Ancestry for Mac the genealogy industry Visit the Genealogy Gems website at https://lisalouisecooke.com My guest: professional genealogist Alvie Davidson Learn more about certification through the Board of Certification of Genealogists

Published April 8, 2011 In this episode we cover Census Records Tips and Tricks, and announce Lisa's upcoming FREE webinars!   MAILBOX:   "Keep coming up with these gems, you never know where they may lead!" from Angela who asks about Date Discrepanies and Lookalikes  “All of her life my grandmother was sure that she hadn't been told the whole truth about her birth.”   Garry in British Columbia wrote in about A Gem Found in the Library and Archives Canada    Letitia in Ashford, England writes “Picnic: Problem In Chair Not In Computer!”    Phyllis from Porland OR is a new blogger and has a question about the Android app "First I want you to know how much I enjoy your podcasts.  I really appreciate all the hard work you put into getting information to us about how to successfully trace our family roots and for encouraging us to start a blog.    I started my blog last October.  The site name is www.delprincipefamilytree.com and once word got out about the site, family members that I never knew I had contacted me to give me information about our ancestors.  I was even able to find a relative of my great grandmother and my great grandfather in Pescasseroli, Italy and have begun corresponding with them!  So exciting."   APP TIP:  If your iPhone or Android Genealogy Gems Podcast app is acting up check for app and phone updates    Genelaogy Gems Podcast iPhone App     Genealogy Gems Podcast Android App   In each episode we usually upload a few extra bonus goodies.  With the last episode I included a video version of my interview with Dick Eastman, and I often include photos and other documents, and those are unique to the apps, so be sure and click on Bonus or Extras once you’ve selected a particular episode.   Sean writes in about Citing Wikipedia Sources in your family history research Sean recommends using the text "Permanent Link."  Read more about it at the Finding the Flock Blog   Ken in Washington DC has a beef with Ancestry "First, thank you for the time and effort in putting together your podcasts.  I walk several miles to work each day and find the podcasts a wonderful way to pass the time.  I started with all of your archived episodes when I found the series early last year, finished those up last summer, and now eagerly await each new one."   Tammy in Oklahoma asks about old WAC Broadcasts "I'm a long time listener and happy to say that I am now a Premium Member as well!" I was recently transcribing letters that my grandmother sent home while she served as a WAC in London and Paris during WWII.  Her name was Louise Liberty Osborne.  She was quite a character.   One of the last letters I was working on mentioned that she appeared on the National Broadcast of the U.S. Army Hour which was on Sundays from 12 to 1:30.  The letter is dated May 14, 1944.  Do you know if recordings of these broadcasts still exist?  Here's a website that specializes in old radio logs Library of Congress Sound Recordings  Set up some Google Alerts ("army hour" + 1944 for example) and Ebay Favorite Searches.  There are also several Old Time Radio podcasts in iTunes  Here’s an article I found in Ancestry about the broadcast that your grandmother participated in.   (click image to enlarge) Susan writes: I love listening to your podcasts. You have so many great ideas for family research. I learn something new with every broadcast.  I was wondering if you or any of your listeners have had any luck in finding family records at a church in Germany.  Lisa's Suggestions: The best way to start is with familysearch.org.  Look up Osnabruck in the Family History Center library catalogue online.  Under the location you'll find a large number of record collections.  Click on Church records and follow the links to the records you need.  You can then order the microfilm from your local Family History Center (or if the records have been digitized and are online that should be indicated on the page) and view them at the center.  If you're new to using Family History Centers I've done several podcast episodes in my Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast on them and how to use their records. The Family Search wiki is also a tremendous online free resource to learn more about doing German research and answer questions that pop up along the way.   GEM: Census Tips and Tricks Lisa interviews Jason Harrison of Familysearch   GEM: Free Webinars featuring Lisa Louise Cooke Jamboree Extension Series Webinar featuring Lisa Louise Cooke April 20,...

Published August 8, 2012 In the last episode we took a big bite of food family history, and in today’s episode I’ve got part 2 of my interview with Gena Philibert Ortega, author of From the Family Kitchen: Discover your Food Heritage and Preserve Favorite Recipes. MAILBOX: From Alvie in Lakeland Florida: “Would it be possible to share the recipe for the cookie - was it a sour cream cookie?  The one your husband loves.  My wife loves to bake cookies to share and she has all sorts of recipes and folks rave about her cookies.” Lisa’s Answer: You'll find the sour cream cookie recipe that I talked about in the interview at the bottom of a blog post that I did a while back called “Family History Never Tasted So Good”  You’ll see a picture there of my husband with his Nanna, and at the bottom of the post just click the image of the cook book page and it will be large enough to read the recipe. http://lisalouisecooke.com/?s=sour+cream From Tina: “I've just been watching your video about the Toast-tite.  I remember we had something similar (although it wasn't called a Toast-tite) when I was growing up in Brazil - except that it was square (kind of makes more sense when the bread is square ...) and it made simply the best toasted cheese sandwiches ever! And when I went back to Brazil in the mid-1980s, you could STILL buy them!  I wish I still had one - they were far better than the electric toasted sandwich maker that I bought later on ... I love foodie memories!”  From Laurie in Ridgefield, WA: “I want to share with you a craft project that I created for my two grown sons.  I didn’t realize at the time that what I created fit into the topic you have discussed about how to get the family involved in history.  At the time I not even created a family tree yet!  As I am sure you are aware we pass down recipes within a family and as it grows and moves away those tastes of “home” are often missed. It could be Grandmas bread baking or an aunts cookies. Memories etched deep in our senses.  Both of my boys have called me from the grocery store to ask how to cook a favorite dish. This got me to thinking close to the holidays about a homemade cook book filled with family favorites.  I scoured the old copy of the church fund raiser, a cookbook my mother in law submitted recipes too.  Digging up more favorites from my recipe box and contacting family members asking them for a favorite recipe along with any story that went with it.  I then purchased blank cookbooks in a binder style.  Transcribed onto the computer as documents printed to PDF, each recipe has its own page that lists the person’s name and any story & tips.  This gift turned out to be the highlight of the day and they poured over it and then I heard them talking about the food and memories.  Now, my boys tell me when I cook something new and very good… that’s one for the book.  It has turned out to not be just a book on a shelf but one they use often.” From Carol in Flagstaff, AZ: “I have several interesting cookbooks pertaining to my history. One is a Joy of Cooking, published during WWII, which includes a section on meal planning during rationing. The other is from a Norwegian heritage society in Seattle…What would be good ways to share this information with other Family Historians?  (I could scan portions of the books.)” Lisa’s Answer: Be sure to check the copyright of the old cook books you have. Do a Google Search on “copyright guidelines” for more information.  I think a great way to share them would be to blog about them.  And if you want a quick and easy way to start blogging for free watch my How to Blog Your Family History Videos at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/genealogygems Blogging is not only a great way to share with your family and friends, but your articles will be searchable by Google which means other folks out there who are interested in the same things can find your blog and comment. And chances are you could possibly use brief excerpts of the books in an editorial fashion in a blog, but again just read through some of the copyright guidelines available online. You could also create a book where you share the original recipe, then include “your take” on the recipe, and include photos of you making the dish and old family photos that tie in.  I have a series of Premium Podcast Episodes with videos that show you how to use print on demand services to create your book quickly and easily online, and affordably. The beauty of print on demand is that you only pay for exactly the number of books you want.  There’s no minimum order number. And if your family and friends want a copy than can buy...

In this episode you will hear how one man’s passion for geography and history were saved from destruction, and you’ll find out what a portable scanner can do for your genealogy research and mobility. My Latest Travels I wrapped up my recent round of travels last week with a trip to Sumner, Washington where I spoke at the Autumn Quest Annual Seminar sponsored by the Heritage Quest Library. It was a packed room and we spent the day talking about how to find your family history in newspapers, using Google Earth for Genealogy, how to find living relatives and most importantly how to save your research from destruction. There seemed to be a bit of serendipity involved in this particular speaking engagement, which was booked many many months ago. Recently Bill’s mom made the big move to a lovely retirement home and she really wanted her kids to get together and go through the house and pick up the items they wanted to keep, and then prepare the house to be rented out. As it turned out, amazingly enough, this was the ideal weekend to corral all four kids together to do that before the renovations on the house started. So after Saturday’s seminar, on Sunday we all got together and although my mother in law was very happy to have moved and really wanted to the kids to do this, it was just hard to get started. Since I didn’t grow up in the house it was a little easier for me to see the task at hand from more of a practical point of view, and I was sort of nominated to guide the process. And it actually worked out really well. Everyone was very comfortable with how the remaining items were divided up, and there were lots of family photos to go around. I was fortunate enough to receive my mother-in-laws father’s original Royal Typewriter. I think it’s probably from about 1910 and is in pristine condition. It’s all cleaned up and in my studio now inspiring me to continuing writing and blogging. And I also received a small journal with the handwritten life stories of her parents. So I have my work cut out assembling the stories and photos and I hope to get some coffee table books printed as well as do a video that the family can enjoy. We’ll see if I can get that done in time for Christmas. I’m sure many of you listening have also gone through this process of closing down a parent’s household. If you have an interesting story, or came across an unexpected gem email me or call and leave your story on the voice mail line at 925-272-4021 and I might just share it on an upcoming episode. Geographic History Saved Now I mentioned to you that I taught the class Save Your Research from Destruction, and though that title may sound a bit over dramatic, time and time again it proves accurate. One example is a story I recently came across originally in the LA Times Quote: "I think there are at least a million maps here," he said. "This dwarfs our collection — and we've been collecting for 100 years." Thank goodness there are folks like Matthew Greenberg, who came to the rescue of a century of old maps. He’s my hero! Click Here to See it for Yourself     GEM: Interview with Gordon Nuttall of Couragent, Inc. and the Flip-Pal I’ve been a longtime fan of the Flip-Pal portable scanner and I use mine all the time. You’ve probably heard me mention it before on the show, and I often have specials on the Support the Podcast page on my website where you can save money, and at the same time your purchase helps to support this free podcast. Over the years I have received questions from many of you who are trying to decide if it really makes sense to get a portable scanner, and wanting to better understand what it can do for you and how to use it. So I decided it is about time to get all the answers together for you in one podcast gem. And who better to get those answers from than the inventor himself, Gordon Nuttall, CEO of Couragent, Inc., the company behind the Flip-Pal. Use this link to Flip-Pal and use the special codes below: “Carry On!” promotion: Save $20 when you purchase a Flip-Pal mobile scanner plus a Deluxe Flip-Pal mobile scanner Carry Case with Pocket, valid October 1-December 31, 2012. Promotion Code: C412A (Please place both items in your shopping cart first before using the promotion code) “The Suite Life!” special: Purchase a Flip-Pal mobile scanner with Digital Creativity Suite 3.0 DVD and get a Flip-Pal mobile scanner Cleaning Cloth and Flip-Pal Window Protector Sheets 3-Pk FREE!, valid October 1-December 31, 2012. Promotion Code: TSL12A (Please place all items in your shopping cart first before using the promotion code) These promotional codes cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Thank you for helping make the free Genealogy Gems Podcast possible! Just a Few...

Published July 22, 2012 In this episode author Gena Philibert Ortega and I talk about her new book From the Family Kitchen: Discover your Food Heritage and Preserve Favorite Recipes. Who doesn’t love yummy home cooking? There is a lot to be learned about our ancestors, and in particular those elusive female ancestors, through a study of our culinary history.    We’ll be talking about the invaluable genealogical records that are so often over looked, ways that you can really dig in to your fabulous food family history, and I’m even going to share a recipe and utensil that our grandmother’s use and that you can still use today to make super scrumptious treats for your family. (Video coming to the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel!)     NEWS: Speaking of grandmas, I finally found my awesome grandma in California in the 1940 census and it was a snap because the California index along with several other states on July 13, 2012 by Ancestry.  Grandma and Grandpa were just 3 months away from moving in to their first real home which they were in the process of having built, and from the birth of their first child, my mom.    FamilySearch FamilySearch continues to add records to the free familysearch.org website. They just announced that they have added the 1881 and 1891 Scotland Census Indexes and Millions More records for Brazil, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Other Countries.   Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems website: We’ve got an entirely new website for you, and thanks again to all of you who have been writing in. I know we’ve had some hiccups along the way getting the Premium feed switched over, but that’s up and running now, and let me remind you, Premium Members are now getting all 88 Premium Episodes published to date.   In the past you would get the most recent 6 episodes and then a new one each month. But now, you have a wealth of episodes available to you.  I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be able to make all of the content available to you Premium Members, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but the old site just couldn’t handle it.   Premium Membership is now a HUGE value – same price, at least for now - $29.95 gets you one whole year’s access to all of those episodes.   Donna wrote: “My question is how do I access the early premium episodes, I always listen to Genealogy Gems / Premium via iTunes?”   Lisa’s Answer: Sign in to your premium membership. From the menu go to Premium Episodes and there you will find instructions for updating your premium podcast feed.  It’s important to delete your current premium feed in iTunes first and add the new feed. The need feed will download all the episodes for you and then bring you the new ones as they are published.   Mike wrote in to say: “The new website looks great.  Having recently redesigned one at work, I know how much time it can take.  I particularly appreciate the back catalog of premium podcasts and have started listening to them.  And I hope that your video on hard drive organization will finally motivate me to get electronically organized. Keep up the good work!”   Lisa’s Answer: Thank you very much Mike I really appreciate it!   I am really tickledthat the new site was Randy Seaver’s Tuesday Tips on July 10, 2012 on his wonderful Genea-Musings blog which you will find at www.geneamusings.com   Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems website his Tuesday's Tip - Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems Website Thank you Randy!   Life After iGoogle Follow up In Genealogy Gems podcast episode #136 I gave you a neat solution to the demise of iGoogle. As you know Google has announced it will be discontinuing iGoogle which is the way you can customize the Google homepage just for you, and here on the podcast we’ve talked many times about how to customize it specifically for genealogy research. Now while it won’t go away until later in 2013, there’s no time like the present to make a switch and Netvibes.com is a great alternative. So in our last episode I walked you through a special process for converting your tabs and your RSS feed gadgets to a new free Netvibes account to get you started in the transition.  And I also published a video at the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel to show it to you step by step.   VIDEO:  Life After iGoogle – How to Convert Your Genealogy Homepage to Netvibes    I’ve heard from many of you that you love the Netvibes solution:   Nanby said: “Thanks for saving our iGoogle pages. I am...

In this episode I’ve got another blast from the past for you.  We have reached deep into the podcast archive and retrieved episodes 5 and 6. In Episode 5 we touch on using the video website YouTube for genealogy, and then I walk you through how to Bring Sites Back From the Dead with Google. Then we wrap things up with a cool little way to Spice Up Your Genealogy Database. In episode 6 I have a gem for you called Cast a Shadow on Your Ancestors, and we cover the free genealogy website US GenWeb  Episode: # 05  Original Publish Date:  March 25, 2007 MAILBOX      Email this week from   Mike O'Laughlin of the Irish Roots Cafe: “Congratulations on your podcast!  I am sure it will help many folks out there. I was glad to see the fine Irish families of Scully and Lynch on your latest show notes!”   GEM:  You Tube Follow UpNote: The Genealogy Tech Podcast is no longer published or available. YouTube in the news – the concern was raised by Viacom this month about YouTube benefiting from their programming without compensating them, which could mean copyright infringement.  While the course of YouTube could change depending on the outcome of this suit, the attraction for family historians remains strong because of the nature of the content. Software mentioned: Pinnacle.  Final Cut for MAC.  Limits with Movie Maker I posted 2 videos – A Nurse In Training Part 1 & 2 Genealogy Gems YouTube Channel  Click the Subscribe button to receive notification of new videos   GEM:  Bring Sites Back From the Dead with Google                                                     When you get a "File Not Found" error when clicking on a link, it doesn't mean the information is always gone forever.  You may be able to find it in the Cache version.    Google takes a snapshot of each page it examines and caches (stores) that version as a back-up. It’s what Google uses to judge if a page is a good match for your query.  In the case of a website that no longer exists, the cache copy us a snapshot of the website when it was still active hidden away or cached.    Practically every search result includes a Cached link. Clicking on that link takes you to the Google cached version of that web page, instead of the current version of the page. This is useful if the original page is unavailable because of: 1.      Internet congestion 2.      A down, overloaded, or just slow website - Since Google’s servers are typically faster than many web servers, you can often access a page’s cached version faster than the page itself. 3.      The owner’s recently removing the page from the Web   Sometimes you can even access the cached version from a site that otherwise require registration or a subscription.    If Google returns a link to a page that appears to have little to do with your query, or if you can’t find the information you’re seeking on the current version of the page, take a look at the cached version.   Hit the Back button and look for a link to a "cached" copy at the end of the URL at the end of the search result. Clicking on the "cached" link should bring up a copy of the page as it appeared at the time that Google indexed that page, with your search terms highlighted in yellow.   If you don’t see a cached link, it may have been omitted because the owners of the site have requested that Google remove the cached version or not cache their content.  Also, any sites Google hasn’t indexed won’t have a cache version.   Limit:  If the original page contains more than 101 kilobytes of text, the cached version of the page will consist of the first 101 Kbytes (120 Kbytes for pdf files).   Really looking for an oldie but a goody?  Try the Wayback Machine  It allows you to browse through 85 billion web pages archived from 1996 to a few months ago.   To start surfing the Wayback, type in the web address of a site or page where you would like to start, and press enter. Then select from the archived dates available. The resulting pages point to other archived pages at as close a date as possible. Keyword searching is not currently supported.   GEM:  Spice up your database Search Google Images, then Right click and save to your hard drive. Use Silhouettes Find something that represents what you...