April 2022 Newsletter

Didn't get to attend Rootstech?  Like to review sessions you did see?

Click here:  RootsTech 2022

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!

April Closures: The Burley Family History Center will be closed on Sunday, April 3, 2022, for General Conference and on Sunday, April 17, 2022, for Easter!

Monthly Spotlight - What does the center offer?

Much of family history has moved online and a lot of things can be done in the comfort of your own home.  So why would one want to come to the center?  Here's our top ten reasons:

10 - Treats.  We always have a candy dish of treats for everyone coming through our doors!  Watch for special treat days during our Youth Summer Program June 14th- August 10th!

9 - Happy smiling faces!  Come and spend some time with our consultants.  Our consultants have a variety of training and can assist in whatever your questions might be.  And, if they don't know personally how to assist you, they will direct you to someone who can help you.  

8 - Camaraderie.  Not everyone loves family history the way we do at the center.  Sometimes it's fun to share your "new family history find" with someone that can really understand your love of family history or the excitement of finding that long lost document!  We'll cheer with you. 

7 - Another set of eyes.  Sometimes we have looked at our own research so much  that we can't even see anything else or have any idea where to look next.  It's amazing what another set of eyes can see.  Something we missed on the document, or a new way of looking at the information we have.  Or a thought of a different way to approach your situation.  Or another someone else to validate what you are thinking about a record or a merge/separation, or any other difficult FamilySearch issue.  

6 - Help for Ward and Stake Temple and Family History Consultants and Leaders.   We have put together a training that we use at the center for teaching our consultants everything FamilySearch related.  The links to this guide are shown in the Temple and Family History Consultant Page on this blog.  But we offer assistance to individuals or groups seeking to learn more about their callings and the specific components of the Ward Temple and Family History Plans, Coordination Meetings, and how it all fits together.  Consultants/Assistants can help on Mondays and Wednesday AM and Wednesday PM with Ward Consultants.  If groups are seeking to have a training, they should contact Tammy for more information.

5 - Specialized Research Assistance.  We have consultants who are proficient in the following areas: Germany, England, French Canadian, Old English, Danish, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, England, Netherlands and DNA.   Also, we can offer translating for records in many of these languages.  

4 - Free access to the Portal (over $400 worth of websites) only available at the Family History Center.  Access includes: British Newspapers, Newspapers.com, Ancestry, Find My Past, My Heritage, American Ancestors, American Civil War, Fold 3, Kinpoint, Paper Trail, Puzzilla, and others.

3 - Evening groups.  We are available on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm for group appointments.  These must be made at least one week in advance.  Groups of all sizes; we recently had a ward come with 75 people for an evening group.  Call the center to schedule your Wednesday, or contact Celia for more specific information.   Groups for other times are available as well- contact Tammy for information on those options. 

2 - Several classes every month.  We offer classes up to four days a week on a multitude of topics and skill levels.  If you don't see a class that you would like to have offered, just reach out and we'll do our best to find someone to teach that class.  We also offer evening classes on a limited basis.  Contact Tammy for more information.    

1 - Top reason would be to digitize.  Do you have any of those things shown in the picture above?  Do you wish there was an inexpensive way to share them with family and friends in a digital format?  Come to the center and see what we can do for you for FREE!  We have the capability to digitize everything shown in the photo, plus more:  photos, negatives, slides, audio cassettes, 8 mm movies on reels, VHS tapes, VHS-C tapes, 8 mm tapes, mini DV tapes, audio reels, and documents of all sizes and shapes. 

We're well into 2022; however, here's a link for 2021 FamilySearch Year in Review.  Check out all that was accomplished in 2021, even with a pandemic in full force!

Here's another interesting link and family history tips from November's Church News: How a Chinese-speaking ward in Utah found dozens of family names last month to take to the temple.

LINKS TO THE BURLEY FAMILY HISTORY CENTER'S MEDIA PAGES

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January 2022 Newsletter

 

Exciting Happenings at the Center

We are excited to welcome in the new year with some new offerings at the center.   Starting January 4th, we will be opening for our regular days and hours, with limited closures for holidays.   

Sunday 2 pm to 6 pm 

Monday 12 pm to 4 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 6 pm

Wednesday evening for groups by appointment only 6 pm to 9 pm

These new offerings include classes four days a week.  Hoping to offer more classes for a greater variety of options for patrons of all research levels.  Check out our calendar for all of the classes and closures.  For weekly reminders of the coming classes, sign up for our newsletter/class at the center on the sign up sheet.  Or email id_burley@familyhistorymail.org  to be added to the list. 

New options starting this month include:

1.  Basic Computer Classes.  This is a six week course, meeting once a week, taught by Heather Woodland.  This is a hands on class.  Feel free to bring your own laptop if you prefer to work on your own computer.   A basic class on how to operate a computer from the very basics of how to use to a mouse, navigating through files and folders, using links, opening multiple windows/tabs, using flash drives and etc.   It will be on Mondays starting on January 10 at 1:30 p.m.  This class will be offered a number of times in 2022, so if one can't make the class now, look for additional offerings later in the year. 

  

2.  An Indexing Class.   Pat Cahoon has offered to teach an indexing class monthly on the third Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.. This is a hands-on class, bring your FamilySearch username and password so you can fully participate in the class.   If you are looking to start doing indexing, this is a great chance to come and learn some tips and tricks.  But it's also a great opportunity to just come and work on indexing with any assistance needed for some of those tricky batches.   Starting on January 20th at 10:30 a.m.

3.  Research Like a Pro.  This will be a four month class, a hands on two hour class, meeting once a month, taught by Shaura Miller and Tammy Stevenson.   This is a repeat of the class we started in January 2020 and were unable to conclude due to covid closures in 2020.  It is not necessary to have attended in 2020.  We will be starting the class from the beginning.  It is based on the book "Research Like a Pro" by Nicole Dyer and Diana Elder.  We have permission from them to use their book and their templates for teaching this class.  It is helpful if you have a copy of the book for yourself as there are monthly reading assignments from the book.  The center does have a few copies that can be loaned out for the duration of this class. This class is for the intermediate or advanced researchers.   Each person will select their own research objective and work on it from month to month. Homework assignments will be given each month. If you are interested in joining this class and would like the first class reading assignment prior to class, please send an email to the center and get put on the list.  id_burley@familyhistorymail.org   Not necessary to pre-register for the class, just if you wish to have the first week's reading assignment prior to class.  Classes will be on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. starting on January 19th.  

4. City Directories- taught by Shaura Miller.  U.S. City Directories- the precursor to the phone book. What are they and how to use them.  Learn the exact years your ancestor inhabited a place. Helpful for tracking families between censuses.  January 25 at 10:30 a.m.

 

5. Yes! You Can Write Your Life Story- taught by Jolene Hunsaker.  Want to write your life story, but feel overwhelmed or think no one would want to hear about you?  I believe in the power of writing. Let's get started on the journey of brining your story to life.  Your loved ones will thank you for it. Even a small amount of writing will encourage you to take the next step.  January 26 at 1:00 p.m.  

Other exciting things in 2022

1950 Census

The 1950 Census will be released on April 1, 2022.  Not a lot of information has been published about the release of the census.  But Diana Elder published a recent blogpost giving some limited information.  She indicated that FamilySearch will be releasing more information about the census at RootsTech including an option to become involved with indexing the census.   Check out her blog.

RootsTech

RootsTech will be virtual again this year.  March 3-5, 2022.   Registration is again free this year.  Go to their website to register.   And we are planning to do some fun activities at the center in connection with RootsTech this year.  Watch for more information in February's newsletter about our activities.  Also be sure to watch those sessions from last year you might have missed or haven't viewed yet.  Some of the sessions were limited to viewing for one year from the time of publishing. 

Basic FamilySearch Classes continue

Anna Marie Davis started doing a two part FamilySearch 101 class last fall.  They have been so successfully, we will be continuing those classes in 2022.   Classes are held each 2nd and 4th Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and repeated each month.  These classes are hands-on and start with the basics of how to create an account,  how to navigate FamilySearch, and make minor changes.   New options to this class will include how to add sources.   Great for those just wishing to start doing family history, and also helpful for those wishing for a review of how to work within FamilySearch. 

New memory devices options

We are excited to announce we have recently acquired a mini DV camcorder and an 8 mm cassette camcorder for digitizing old family movies of those formats.  Additionally we have purchased a second movie digitizer device and computer so patrons may digitize more than one at a time using both stations. If using the new camcorder options, one will still be limited to one movie at a time, as we only have one of each.   Note: these are recorded in real time.  A 2 hour movie takes 2 hours to digitize.

The addition of these camcorders has about completed our digitizing capabilities.   We have machines for digitizing photos, documents, negatives, slides, audio cassettes, audio reels, 8mm reel movies, VHS tapes and VHS-C tapes. Come check it out and see how we can save you hundreds of dollars in digitizing things yourself.  These devices can be reserved in advance to ensure they are available when one comes to the center, including Sundays.  Reservations are not required.  Call the center to reserve them 208-878-7286

Appointments available for individualized research

These are by appointment only:

Swedish Research with Kathleen Hedberg- Wednesdays 2 pm to 4 pm, and 4 pm to 6 pm 

Swedish Research with Kristi Thompson- Wednesdays 2 pm to  4 pm

Spanish Research with Sharon Bowers- Tuesdays 3 pm to 5 pm

Danish Research with Carla Carson- Tuesdays 11 am to 1 pm

Call the center to make an appointment.  208-878-7286

Other research specialists are show on this page. 

Things to check out

1. Legacy Family Tree Webinars is a free option for viewing live or recordings for one week from the live date.  Check out their blog for more information.  

2. Fifteen Freebies for Genealogy by Lisa Louise Cooke 

Link found here

3. French Records published on MyHeritage- 22 million records.

More information here

4. The complete guide to US censuses by Family History Daily

Click here for blog

5. How Family History work can aid with Depression and Anxiety

A three part article by Church News

6. Six surprising benefits of doing family history

Check it out

7.  Nine different death records to check for more information

Article by Family Tree magazine

8. Unique ways to gather family history by Maureen Taylor

For ideas click here

9. Chart of Search Tips for MyHeritage (general information could be used for other websites)

Infographic here

10. New Research Goals: Learn the Basics

From thefamilyguide.com

November 2021 Newsletter

November- A Time of Thanks

We have been open for almost six months now.  It's been great!  We are so excited to have opened back up.  It's been great to meet together as assistants and consultants.  And especially exciting to visit and assist the patrons who come and go each day.   We have been blessed in so many ways!   Thanks to all of you!

 Spotlight for November
Beginning and Intermediate Family Search Classes by BYU Family History Library

Are you looking for some assistance in learning more about how to do Temple and Family History?  You are always welcome to come into the center for assistance and for our classes.  If you aren't able to come in to the center right now,  BYU Family History Library has been broadcasting "Sunday Classes" for some time.   Earlier this year they were given permission to record the classes and they are available on their website.   Each is about one hour long and contains a lot of great information.   Kathryn Grant is one of Tammy's favorite webinar presenters.  Check her out and see if she becomes one your favorites as well.

FamilySearch Beginner Series – Kathryn Grant

1. Getting to Know FamilySearch.org

2. Adding and Correcting Information in Family Tree

3. Finding People to Add in Family Tree

4. Tending Your Tree Basic Research Skills  

FamilySearch Intermediate Series – Kathryn Grant

1. Duplicates in Family Tree (Part 1 of 2)

2. Duplicates in Family Tree (Part 2 of 2)

3. Mysteries of the Change Log Revealed

4. Pruning Your Family Tree

Classes for November

November 3, Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Computer Tips and Tricks- Part Two

        Taught by Sharon Bowers.  This is part two of a two part class.   Work smarter not harder.  Learn some great computer tips and tricks including some shortcuts to use while doing family history. Handouts on the calendar.

November 4, Thursday 10:30 a.m.  Family Search 101 Part One

         Taught by Anna Marie Davis.   This is a repeat of the class from previous months.  It is a two part hands on class learning how to do the basics in FamilySearch.   A great place for beginners to start, also a potential review for those who want just a little refresher on how to use FamilySearch.

November 9, Tuesday 10:30 a.m.  Merging/Duplicates and Unfinished Attachments- Part Two

        Taught by Tammy Stevenson.  This is part two of a previous class.   Finishing up some of the more complex merges we looked at during the previous class.   It's not necessary to have attended the previous class to get something out of this class.

November 10,  Wednesday 1:00 p.m.  Is there a Research Trip in your Future?

        Taught by Sharon Bowers.  She recently went to Boston for a research trip and found some very interesting and unexpected things.  She will share what she learned and how you can prepare better for your own research trips.

November 11, Thursday 10:30 a.m. Source Analysis (Merging/Duplicate&Unfinished Attachments-Part 3)

        Taught by Tammy Stevenson.   Ever looked at a source and tried to figure out who it belongs to?  Ever seen sources on FamilySearch attached to one person which apply to a different person?   Ever wondered if this is the correct marriage or death record for your person?   Come to this class and learn some tips and tricks in source analysis.

November 16, Tuesday 10:30 a.m.  Collect Family Stories this Holiday Season

        Taught by Shaura Miller.   Bring a short favorite story to share with the class.  Why stories are important.  How to preserve them.  Questions to ask family members.  How to use the apps to assist in preserving stories and photos.  Something for everyone, come enjoy this class together.  

November 17, Wednesday 1:00 p.m.   Webinar Class- Basics of Using Ancestry.com 

        This is a webinar presented by Nancy Busby as part of the Ancestry Series on BYU Family History Library.   Come learn more about a basic overview of using Ancestry.com and how to link your FamilySearch account to your Ancestry account. 

November 18, Thursday 10:30 a.m.  FamilySearch 101 Part Two

        Taught by Anna Marie Davis.  This is a repeat of the class from previous months.  It is a two part hands on class learning how to do the basics in FamilySearch.   A great place for beginners to start, also a potential review for those who want just a little refresher on how to use FamilySearch.

A link to the full calendar appears in to the right in the "Burley Family History Center Links"

Weekly email reminders of the classes are sent to those on our email list.  If you wish to be included on the email reminder list, please send your contact information to the center.  id_burley@familyhistorymail.org

New opportunities for Personalized Research Assistance

By appointment only with Kathleen Hedberg for Swedish research has been tremendously successful since we re-opened the center.  Kathleen is available for appointments on Wednesdays from 2 pm  to 4 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm.  We are pleased to announce three more options for specific research have opened as well.  Kristy Thompson will be available on Wednesdays 2 pm to 4 pm for Swedish research.   Carla Carson will be available on Tuesdays 11 am to 1 pm for Danish research.  Sharon Bowers will be available on Tuesdays 3 pm to 5 pm for Spanish research. Each appointment is two hours long and allows for plenty of time to work through easy or complex issues in your family history.  Call the center, or stop by to make an appointment.   

Spotlight of New Assistants

My name is Charlotte Reedy, I was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. My parents were converts and were baptized when I was seven. I served a full time mission in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission (best mission in the world!). I've lived in Rupert, Idaho, for the past 36 years. I spent my entire career in Juvenile Justice since moving to Rupert. I worked 7 years at the Idaho Youth Ranch and then moved to the Mini-Cassia Juvenile Detention Center. I retired August 31, 2021, after 29 years at the Detention Center. I currently serve as a Primary Teacher for the CTR 7 class in the Rupert 5th Ward and LOVE it! 

Hi! I am Jolene Hunsaker. I was born and raised in Rupert. I graduated from both Ricks College and BYU. I served a mission in the great Ohio, Columbus Mission. I taught first grade in Minidoka County Schools for 32 years, retiring in 2015. I attend the Rupert 5th ward where I am the choir director with no choir. 

Heads Up for Upcoming Events

We will be closed from November 22 to November 28 so our assistants and consultants can enjoy the Thanksgiving week with their families.

We will be open limited week days in December.   Dec 1, 2, 6, 8, 13, and 15.   Closed from December 20 to January 4th so our assistants and consultants can enjoy the Christmas season with their families.  

Sundays, December 5, 12, and 19 will be "Learn More About Your Ancestors's Christmas Traditions"   More information will be coming in next month's newsletter. 

Remember the "Research Like a Pro" class that was cut short because of the center closing due to Covid?  We are going to try it again in January 2022.   Third Wednesdays in January - April from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Taught by Tammy Stevenson and Shaura Miller.   We have permission from Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer to use their process, their book and their research charts/guides for this class.   It is helpful if you have a copy of the book to use during the class.   We do have a few copies of the book at the center if you need to borrow one for the duration of this class.  It's not necessary to have attended in 2020.  We will start at the beginning of the process and work our way through the whole process over those four months. 

Top Ten Tips for November

1- Six Baby Steps to Organize your Genealogy Work

2- Genealogy for Beginners- 3 Easy Ways to Start Now

3- Ten Most Common Mistakes with Online Trees

4- Where to Look for Great Ancestor Stories

5- Keeping a Gratitude Journal

6-  15 Essential Google Tools for Genealogy

7- I Got Stuck with Grandma's Stuff

8- Native American Research- Roots Tech Series

9- Getting the Most out of Ancestry - Roots Tech Series

10- New Country Pages on The Family History Guide If you haven't checked out The Countries tab on The Family History Guide, you are missing out. Check it out today.