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THE GENCLASS NEWSLETTER - July 2008
http://www.genclass.com
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TOPICS:
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GenClass partners with WorldVitalRecords - FamilyLink
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Tip of the Month: Family history research on the road
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Demystifying Eastern European Research
by Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.
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Upcoming classes: July and August
NEW: Australian and New Zealand Genealogy
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Welcome
to the latest issue of the GenClass newsletter.
If
this is your first time reading this newsletter, welcome!
Our
monthly newsletter includes a featured article by
an expert GenClass instructor, a tip of the month,
and a list of upcoming courses.
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Dear GenClass user,
I
wanted to let you know of our recent partnership with
FamilyLink.com, Inc. Among other benefits, this partnership allows
us
to sell discounted membership to WorldVitalRecords.com to you
and
our other students and registered users.
You
can sign up for membership on World Vital Records for 2 years
of the U.S. Collection for only $39.95 (regular price is 1 year
for
$49.95) or one year of the World Membership for only $89
(regular price is $149.95). As you can tell this is a large savings!
WorldVitalRecords.com
now has over 1 billion names online that will
be very useful for your family history research. They have over
7,500
searchable databases and continue to add new databases each day.
WorldVitalRecords.com was recently recognized as one of the
10 most popular genealogy web sites. They have also received
many awards for their ease of use and fast searching.
For
more information go to this web page:
http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/genclass
If
you have been considering subscribing to a web site to research
your family history, this would be a great way to get started
for a
very low price. This is a special offer just for our GenClass
users,
so please don't email it to others or blog about it.
Thank
you,
Micha Reisel, Administrator GenClass
micha@genclass.com
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Demystifying Eastern European Research
by Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.
Anyone
who has attempted to trace their ancestors back
to Eastern Europe understands the special challenges
and frustrations associated with this seemingly daunting task.
Border changes, language differences, political considerations,
and exotic-sounding surnames often complicate the research
process. In addition, misconceptions and myths about the
research process often discourage even the most avid
of genealogists.
Here
are some of the most common myths about Eastern
European genealogical research and how to work around them.
Myth
#1 It’s too difficult. At one time, finding information
about an ancestor who hailed from a tiny town or village in
most Eastern European countries could be challenging and
perhaps impossible at times. However, thanks to the
changing political sphere, less restrictive access in
many countries, microfilming efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints Family History Library (FHL)
<www.familysearch.org>, and the Internet, many doors
once closed to researchers have now opened. This is not to say
that all records or archives in every locality in Eastern Europe
are completely accessible. There are still limitations on what
records are available and, in some cases, the method
by which researchers can obtain the information.
While
it is tempting to start over in Europe, actually it’s best
to
begin your research on this side of the Atlantic. First, you
need to learn details about the immigrant and identify the
town or village of origin. This information can often be
located in home and family sources. If not, then consult
vital records, census, immigration, naturalization, church
and other records. Many of these records can be
accessed online.
Myth
#2 You will find all of the information you seek online.
While it’s true that the Internet has greatly changed the
field
of genealogy, those seeking Eastern European ancestors
generally still need to refer to microfilmed records, photocopied
documents from archives, or other traditional means to obtain
key details. A good strategy is to utilize the Internet to gather
initial information, streamline the steps of the research process,
and to contact or network with others.
The
Federation of East European Family History Societies
conferences provide a perfect venue for networking with fellow
researchers. This year’s conference will take place August
1-3
at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA.
For more information go to: <www.feefhs.org>,
Myth
#3 You should search only on contemporary
spellings for names and places
Don’t
base your research solely on the way your name is
spelled or because a family member insists that a surname
has “always been spelled that way.” Surname spellings
often vary in grammatical context. Many immigrants “Americanized”
their names upon arrival. Some adopted the English equivalent,
while others made the spelling appear more American, or
chose a similar-sounding name. Despite common lore,
Ellis Island immigration officials did not purposely change people’s
names.
Furthermore, the two World Wars changed the face of Eastern Europe.
Invasions and other internal conflicts in countries also contributed
to
changing political and geographical borders. Towns and villages
were destroyed, redistricted and renamed. Therefore, current place
names may not have existed during your ancestor’s time.
Check maps and atlases, and gazetteers.
Myth
#4 “I know my ancestor came through Ellis Island…
and other false assumptions about immigration
More than 20 million immigrants passed through the Port of New
York
(or Ellis Island) during the years of 1892-1924.
But, Ellis Island was not the only port to process Eastern European
immigrants. If you can’t find your ancestor in the EIDB,
and you’ve
tried the search tools designed by Steve Morse <www.stevemorse.org>,
you should also consider searching another port, such as
Baltimore, Philadelphia, or New Orleans.
Myth
#5 For Eastern European research all countries
are created equal
While
many of the steps in the research process are universal,
the specifics on how and where to find the information may
vary from country to country. Finding information in Romania
may prove more difficult than doing so in Poland. Documents
or records in Slovakia may be more readily accessible than
those found in the Czech Republic. Always take account
of what was happening in a particular country when
your ancestor resided there in terms of geography,
government, religion and other factors.
To
find out more about the research process and learn
about key resources available for specific countries,
consider signing up for the Eastern European Genealogy
Research: Part 1 (Basic) class on GenClass for only $34.50.
The next class begins on August 1, 2008.
To sign up go to <www.genclass.com>.
In
summary, if you’re an Eastern European genealogist today
you should feel optimistic. The common myths that once stood
as roadblocks to your research no longer need hold you back.
With patience, persistence, and creative Web sleuthing,
you can demystify the process of finding your ancestors.
+---------------- TIP OF THE MONTH ----------------------+
Tip
of the Month:
Summer is the time for family reunions and vacations and a
great time to travel for genealogical pursuits. If you have the
opportunity to take your family history research on the road,
assemble a travel-friendly tote bag. Be sure to include:
a lightweight binder with copies of your pedigree charts and
family group sheets, your to-do list, a list of alternate spellings
for surnames and places, and note taking forms: pencils and
pens; coins for photocopiers and parking meters; a disposal
or digital camera, a map of the locality you are researching,
and some light snacks.
+---------------- UPCOMING CLASSES -------------------+
Register
for a class at http://www.genclass.com
or at http://classes.genclass.com
A
great addition: in August Kerry Farmer will start her course on
Australian and New Zealand Genealogy!
JULY
2008: Classes start July 1, 2008
...................................................................
* Adoption Investigative Class
Detailed search advice and assistance for successfully locating
and reuniting adoptees and birth families.
*
Canadian Research - Internet Resources - Part 1:
This course does more than get you started. It takes you deep
into
some of the country's best records - many on the Internet
*
Jumpstart Your Genealogy!
Just where do you start if you are interested in your family tree?
- detailed instructions
*
Lost Friends and Family Investigative Class
Detailed search advice and assistance on the methods
to use for successfully tracing "lost" relatives and
friends.
*
Native American Genealogy
Learn how to start your research for your Native American Ancestors.
*
Salt Lake City: Part 1
Access the largest genealogical library in the world. Perform
searches,
knowledgeably; and understand what you've found.
*
Scottish Genealogy
This extensive class will provide a detailed description of what
you
need to know to track your Scottish ancestry.
AUGUST
2008: Classes start August 1, 2008
...................................................................
* Adoption Investigative Class
Detailed search advice and assistance for successfully locating
and reuniting adoptees and birth families.
*
Australian and New Zealand Genealogy
Learn how to research your Australian and New Zealand family,
even from a distance
*
Basic English Research
Learn how to start researching your English ancestors -
historical background, geography, finding the "bones"
of your family.
*
Canadian Research - Internet Resources - Part 2:
Part 2 builds on Part 1 and advances your research using the
most helpful records – with lots of practical search tips,
tricks, and advice.
*
Eastern European Genealogy Research: Part 1 (Basic)
Getting started with ancestors from Eastern Europe,
- history, geography, languages.
*
Family Tree Maker 2008 - The Basics
Learn The Basics of FTM with an Expert
*
Jumpstart Your Genealogy!
Just where do you start if you are interested in your family tree?
- detailed instructions
*
Lost Friends and Family Investigative Class
Detailed search advice and assistance on the methods
to use for successfully tracing "lost" relatives and
friends.
*
Northeastern United States Genealogy
Research in the NE states is fundamental to
the trees of many Americans.
*
Salt Lake City: Part 1
Access the largest genealogical library in the world. Continuing
on
from Part 1, this course takes you into the sections that
most people never use - and what a mistake that is!
Register
for a class at http://www.genclass.com
or at http://classes.genclass.com
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That's
all for now, until next month!
-- LISA ALZO, Newsletter Editor
============[ GenClass Information ]==============
The
GenClass Newsletter is brought to you by
GenClass Online Genealogy Classes www.genclass.com
To
unsubscribe, or for any other question or suggestion,
contact Micha Reisel, GenClass Administrator
at micha@genclass.com
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