tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15276135905299588012024-03-13T23:16:46.289-07:00Genealogy's StarYour guide to what's new in the genealogy universeJames Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.comBlogger6312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-9954218918528599972024-03-08T07:47:00.001-07:002024-03-08T07:47:59.755-07:00MyHeritage Tree Collaboration with FamilyTree DNA<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Vt_HgHKkryDd6IYzfwHfPV6OpySmhjxivips_R6IJ0a3PNV4J_Gby0oOwLSPJNRPCWrNvtrNIYiqXHlDLuRrRPBu2QENKXhw7Bgeeli6lIQ9iCC5evW1FnqnpBCPkAtRkPJq9gzVleGB1XJp6J6NfKvLieIO0RuQjgxG8MZnayiHmcu3BXppKX4NT-iV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="870" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Vt_HgHKkryDd6IYzfwHfPV6OpySmhjxivips_R6IJ0a3PNV4J_Gby0oOwLSPJNRPCWrNvtrNIYiqXHlDLuRrRPBu2QENKXhw7Bgeeli6lIQ9iCC5evW1FnqnpBCPkAtRkPJq9gzVleGB1XJp6J6NfKvLieIO0RuQjgxG8MZnayiHmcu3BXppKX4NT-iV=w640-h452" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://dna-explained.com/2024/03/07/rootstech-2024-myheritage-is-on-fire-with-13-announcements/#:~:text=Tree%20Collaboration%20with%20FamilyTreeDNA&text=Existing%20MyHeritage%20customers%20will%20simply,test%20to%20their%20MyHeritage%20tree." target="_blank">MyHeritage Tree Collaboration with FamilyTree DNA</a><p></p><div>At RootsTech 2024, Aaron Godfrey, MyHeritage Vice President of Marketing, announced the following as quoted by Robeta Estes in her blog post on <a href="https://dna-explained.com/2024/03/07/rootstech-2024-myheritage-is-on-fire-with-13-announcements/#:~:text=Tree%20Collaboration%20with%20FamilyTreeDNA&text=Existing%20MyHeritage%20customers%20will%20simply,test%20to%20their%20MyHeritage%20tree." target="_blank">DNAeXplained - Genetic Genealogy</a>, as follows:</div><div><blockquote>I don’t have specific details about how it works, as this won’t happen for a few months yet, but FamilyTreeDNA customers will port their trees to MyHeritage which allows them to take advantage of MyHeritage’s record collections and such. Existing MyHeritage customers will simply connect their FamilyTreeDNA test to their MyHeritage tree.</blockquote><p>You can read the details on the linked blog post. At the RootsTech conference I also talked to both <a href="http://myheritage.com" target="_blank">MyHeritage</a> and to Katy Rowe-Schurwanz, Product Owner at <a href="http://familytreedna.com" target="_blank">FamilyTree DNA</a> and she confirmed that the connection at an unspecified time in the future. I am sure there will be more about this at the appropriate time. I suggest you watch <a href="https://youtu.be/kLi65EnnKxk?si=mcWSM8ZRFanH93Ys" target="_blank">Aaron Godfrey's presentation at RootsTech </a>to hear the announcement for yourself. </p></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-58413911326823098642024-03-05T08:36:00.000-07:002024-03-05T08:36:07.732-07:00Introducing he FamilySearch Profile Quality Score<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguuT_3J8IjbaCvZk90vImmZ0wOa-AhWp4xTPHN1Wz15YUulOn7bKiM_XDKqKTMjBOO2r-t5WojVUJYaDrVahjdxxw6trhVWYiZxgnzy-8gHULgz9IgZ3FrVhxy4HuwoE_Qw0mNSlmjKtmbl-awGkL9vtAS63I6lKUoAsH9YoplHn_yrUdUoqTvk-XKOmMW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="2996" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguuT_3J8IjbaCvZk90vImmZ0wOa-AhWp4xTPHN1Wz15YUulOn7bKiM_XDKqKTMjBOO2r-t5WojVUJYaDrVahjdxxw6trhVWYiZxgnzy-8gHULgz9IgZ3FrVhxy4HuwoE_Qw0mNSlmjKtmbl-awGkL9vtAS63I6lKUoAsH9YoplHn_yrUdUoqTvk-XKOmMW=w640-h200" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>RootsTech 2024 was the forum for announcing a valuablefeature that helps with the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> Family Tree accuracy. FamilySearch announced the Profile Quality Score which is featured in the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org/Labs">FamilySearch.org/Labs</a> website. When this feature is activated by turning it on, it appears on Profile Page of entries in the Family Tree and when clicked on, it gives a break down of the accuracy and reliability of an entry. Here is an example from my own part of the Family Tree. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYQQXDNkp_EvTbGfn5W4I5ajljqF9wGOLLFj84mxAW_BYBL-4_5dmotjNneBMRgVU6JdxJfke6PUbJQ_tscEnMNDH1HRi-qTwGFDbaywIL1saQ5Qg2fuNnxM7yvYwwrT-H_HNnFFtrtfzQvFC4maFZXkd4y45TCuYo-uEk07IDevs-JBrcHKk7HxGw30I4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="3028" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYQQXDNkp_EvTbGfn5W4I5ajljqF9wGOLLFj84mxAW_BYBL-4_5dmotjNneBMRgVU6JdxJfke6PUbJQ_tscEnMNDH1HRi-qTwGFDbaywIL1saQ5Qg2fuNnxM7yvYwwrT-H_HNnFFtrtfzQvFC4maFZXkd4y45TCuYo-uEk07IDevs-JBrcHKk7HxGw30I4=w640-h240" width="640" /></a></div><br />The sidebar can be expanded to view additional evaluations. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpvsSyZ_BVAyEBNoF8RLTXlkKVY8AV4TIvA67Q_R2fznoOKyUT8FUYjicgURxEWPukrG0a2ElTvQaGjmLQHNlCmgyucFcQ2TsMplFUZk1yr6sfbm3B-TICSbzyD7TRii1vKF1_svaZJl86bD5jZprJUqwcVBVXyDL293hKhFd54FT_Hq3ZQENHcD4EMPr_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpvsSyZ_BVAyEBNoF8RLTXlkKVY8AV4TIvA67Q_R2fznoOKyUT8FUYjicgURxEWPukrG0a2ElTvQaGjmLQHNlCmgyucFcQ2TsMplFUZk1yr6sfbm3B-TICSbzyD7TRii1vKF1_svaZJl86bD5jZprJUqwcVBVXyDL293hKhFd54FT_Hq3ZQENHcD4EMPr_=w197-h640" width="197" /></a></div><br />You do not see anything unless this app is turned on using the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org/Labs">FamilySearch.org/Labs</a> page. I couldn't see any pattern to when the information appeared on an individual. <p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: "Google Sans"; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-87277075240290403662024-03-04T10:06:00.001-07:002024-03-04T10:06:10.452-07:00Impressive New Updates and Releases from MyHeritage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kLi65EnnKxk" width="320" youtube-src-id="kLi65EnnKxk"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/kLi65EnnKxk?si=a-jmyQKWC0LyV1hY">https://youtu.be/kLi65EnnKxk?si=a-jmyQKWC0LyV1hY</a><p></p><p>There is a long list of impressive new releases and updates from <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a>. Here is Aaron Godfrey on the main stage at RootsTech.org to give you a short insight into the latest news. </p><p>Here is a hopefully complete list of the updates and releases mentioned with links to the blog posts about the new products. </p><p><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/03/myheritage-adds-168-million-historical-records-in-february-2024/" target="_blank">Historical Records Added in February 2024</a></p><p><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/03/introducing-oldnews-com-a-new-website-for-exploring-historical-newspapers/" target="_blank">Introducing OldNews.com, A New Website for Exploring Historical Newspapers</a></p><p><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/02/introducing-all-new-profile-pages-with-hints/" target="_blank">Introducing All-New Profile Pages with Hints</a></p><p><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/01/new-ai-record-finder-chat-history/" target="_blank">New: AI Record Finder™Chat History</a></p><p><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/12/introducing-ai-biographer-create-a-wikipedia-like-biography-for-any-ancestor-using-ai-enriched-with-historical-context/" target="_blank">AI Biographer™</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ujN24xVjpto?si=w6y7jKMlUV7mh2l5" target="_blank">MyHeritage Documentary Part 1: The Early Years - A Dream Takes Root</a> This is the first of a six-part series made for the 20th anniversary of the founding of MyHeritage.com. The series will continue with links to the remaining videos. </p><p>Please take a few minutes to watch Aaron's information packed video above. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-44131318992110270782024-03-04T08:14:00.001-07:002024-03-04T08:14:48.166-07:00Full-Text and AI comes to FamilySearch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBRmUxQG5Vb4wdJTnkAHmPhsSlRHTLnWxfzu04lHS9UlD4Ka2vty6OZW-PfzNaljqez6XtWfDh-dCZh55lPdgFD_QJACiatVJaPnty2feEp2nZZt4UyGNQn87bzOqSGeHtuF7pQF3dT6zem_ctmqHfFXMMNlFyQcyelBpKSUV46-8bMTbjQWOos-tqOggI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3160" data-original-width="2994" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBRmUxQG5Vb4wdJTnkAHmPhsSlRHTLnWxfzu04lHS9UlD4Ka2vty6OZW-PfzNaljqez6XtWfDh-dCZh55lPdgFD_QJACiatVJaPnty2feEp2nZZt4UyGNQn87bzOqSGeHtuF7pQF3dT6zem_ctmqHfFXMMNlFyQcyelBpKSUV46-8bMTbjQWOos-tqOggI=w605-h640" width="605" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/Labs/">https://www.familysearch.org/Labs/</a><p></p><p>RootsTech 2024 was filled with technology with an emphasis on artificial intelligence or AI. One long anticipated announcement by FamilySearch was the beginning Full-Text. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtElCRDqjuqd-DF4In-mgBDZgJ95K7GMENJjo1NgFwnUgmX4WgBP8HUmzcz7Dm-rLDww7mCKfy-v3gQW_ZCTo6U_dX3YCB3nahjN1GW3npBC9C1Rwb_4pQDSWEH4BRqtkKb2-_bBEsqXTVRRRSrqQJ2DKpryBdZV3MlgljOPiie-arHDrHogl_8600iR9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2728" data-original-width="2982" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdtElCRDqjuqd-DF4In-mgBDZgJ95K7GMENJjo1NgFwnUgmX4WgBP8HUmzcz7Dm-rLDww7mCKfy-v3gQW_ZCTo6U_dX3YCB3nahjN1GW3npBC9C1Rwb_4pQDSWEH4BRqtkKb2-_bBEsqXTVRRRSrqQJ2DKpryBdZV3MlgljOPiie-arHDrHogl_8600iR9=w640-h586" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text">https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text</a><p></p><p>Full-Text is just what the name implies, the FamilySearch program can now search the full or complete text of historical documents. This opens up the ability to find more exact information. Previously and what is still the case with indexed records, the indexes only find records that matched the somewhat arbitrary index fields. With Full-Text searches, you can search for any possible word that may be in the document or record. Presently, there are only two large FamilySearch databases that are available to search; U.S. Land and Probate Records, a record dating from 1630 to 1975 and Mexico Notary Records, a set of records that is primarily dated before 1900 but with some records up to 1947. More additions are planned. </p><p>The records that will become available are those that that have been prepared by sophisticated handwriting recognition software and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. So the process is that the original documents are processed by the handwriting recognition and converted into text files and then the Full-Text search program can search every word in the documents for your "Keywords." The keywords can be any text string such as names, dates, and places. The challenge is choosing keywords for search that may be in the documents or records you are searching. </p><p>To test the system, I searched using the name of my great-grandfather, Henry Martin Tanner who was born in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, California in 1852 and died in Gilbert, Maricopa, Arizona in 1935. I immediately found the following deed that I had never seen before and was not attached as a FamilySearch Memory. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIWgQvXbAtF1JI2T5dT4eoMz2FFMRLd56jJ-6TdRBtExlZl9i0ng4Jc_a6tL5zdnz_h3lk5zF3_Z6FacSHFIiPdpx10N44WLCcHsMScyoB6PMzqrefcYEsD65ERCjwpZBx6_M08KdDtaEnMdldtziq-cS2JsrBjcFQ-dxjna6iq0yGN67rzgs9cx60Ewov" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3654" data-original-width="5078" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIWgQvXbAtF1JI2T5dT4eoMz2FFMRLd56jJ-6TdRBtExlZl9i0ng4Jc_a6tL5zdnz_h3lk5zF3_Z6FacSHFIiPdpx10N44WLCcHsMScyoB6PMzqrefcYEsD65ERCjwpZBx6_M08KdDtaEnMdldtziq-cS2JsrBjcFQ-dxjna6iq0yGN67rzgs9cx60Ewov=w640-h461" width="640" /></a></div><br />I would not know to even look for this document much less have found it in unindexed records previously. <p></p><p>These are full text searches and so you have to work with your search terms or keywords to get any specific results. </p><p>These new FamilySearch developments give me a lot to write about and additional topics for videos. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-68208153713739635232024-02-27T18:58:00.002-07:002024-02-27T18:58:38.200-07:00Upload DNA Data to MyHeritage and enjoy FREE access to all DNA features forever<p> Yes, forever. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuJwUmaWe1lFKuonuQ-6xglQ0DosNoyS0EAT0jPYWS6Xi4JyrSMvkMT_KlwFaBryT7eSmIJMhn5bK156F2kMOTi9-L_U4wSkuIVfAFn3g8iK68zTYTFwsSKhTUCDy1K0aoChKDpl5tzUae9Fu68xfnESAxYnaxe9a6XeA9IpRGnCcX9vHVsBCfaKLCm_4o" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="753" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuJwUmaWe1lFKuonuQ-6xglQ0DosNoyS0EAT0jPYWS6Xi4JyrSMvkMT_KlwFaBryT7eSmIJMhn5bK156F2kMOTi9-L_U4wSkuIVfAFn3g8iK68zTYTFwsSKhTUCDy1K0aoChKDpl5tzUae9Fu68xfnESAxYnaxe9a6XeA9IpRGnCcX9vHVsBCfaKLCm_4o=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/02/this-week-only-upload-your-dna-data-and-get-free-access-to-all-dna-features/">https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/02/this-week-only-upload-your-dna-data-and-get-free-access-to-all-dna-features/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Here is the announcement I received from MyHeritage:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;"></p><blockquote><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;">For each <strong>NEW </strong>DNA file uploaded this week (i.e. one that hasn’t been uploaded to MyHeritage in the past), the uploader will receive free access to all advanced DNA features, saving them the usual $29 unlock fee per file. This rare offer is valid for the next few days only, until <strong>March 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. </strong></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;">There are many great reasons to upload DNA data to MyHeritage. You’ll get new DNA matches from all over the world, ethnicity reports covering 2,114 geographic regions, and access to the most comprehensive set of tools for analyzing your relationships to your DNA matches. MyHeritage is the only DNA company that has committed never to sell or license users’ data to third parties, and we provide full privacy controls so only you can see your data.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;">Make sure to share the news with your friends and followers so they don’t miss out on this change to get free access to all MyHeritage DNA features! Feel free to use the graphic below, and read more about it on <span style="font-weight: bold;">our blog</span>.</p></blockquote><p>Read this carefully. This offer applies to DNA results, the raw data, from another company that hasn't been uploaded to <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> before. You can read more about the offer on the blog post linked above. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26.25px; margin: 0px;"></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-87810235291325522552024-02-25T19:56:00.001-07:002024-02-25T19:56:19.359-07:00Six-part 20 Year History of MyHeritage now on YouTube<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iWXZLL180z8" width="320" youtube-src-id="iWXZLL180z8"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/iWXZLL180z8?si=t29TP8usaI6lUCrv">https://youtu.be/iWXZLL180z8?si=t29TP8usaI6lUCrv</a><p></p><p>This is the trailer for this remarkable story of the 20-year growth of <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> one of the most successful genealogy website company in the world. It has been my privilege to have been associated with them for much of that time. If you watch <a href="https://youtu.be/caylFyrALUA?si=PNO0rIdRLNNXJorX" target="_blank">episode three</a> you will see a picture of me and my wife which was used to promote the Photo Animation program that is one of incredible features of the <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> website. I have hundreds of great memories from being involved with them and helping people learn about their own ancestral heritage from using MyHeritage. During the past year, I had a special experience help the MyHeritage engineers develop the MyHeritage Wiki. See <a href="https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Home" target="_blank">https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Home</a>. I am proud to claim them as my friends. </p><p>February 29th through March 2nd will be <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/" target="_blank">RootsTech 2024</a>. MyHeritage will once again be there on the Expo floor and will presenting a series of classes. If you come to MyHeritage in person check the schedule for all the classes being taught by MyHeritage and look at the schedule of classes at the MyHeritage booth. I will be there on Thursday and Friday teaching a class. </p><p>The most recent advanced programs released by MyHeritage are the AI Record Finder and the AI-Biographer™ </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnvpYq5gENnzUZYvEKTRdP_yJ9XVGOR9zNPNlnLLbJXGsQ_4R_Na7JwnncORvyul3fCNHCz-wlqT14H70WJucYXUvWQ5gu9wRSx-6oSBNg-QEgvielRCsyHvEz1TatZKcSxyQb85aCzn6-R2ee_B4ytiXNdu6XMaPtAgcmYg-Wy46Xoq_l1dqQ3otH0XvH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1506" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnvpYq5gENnzUZYvEKTRdP_yJ9XVGOR9zNPNlnLLbJXGsQ_4R_Na7JwnncORvyul3fCNHCz-wlqT14H70WJucYXUvWQ5gu9wRSx-6oSBNg-QEgvielRCsyHvEz1TatZKcSxyQb85aCzn6-R2ee_B4ytiXNdu6XMaPtAgcmYg-Wy46Xoq_l1dqQ3otH0XvH=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhfMMTBFXqZfi44mtx5mXSxLj3sSOGJu3_ttH4-kXfMtIpkdD06SyiBvDd_RLd1hj1JcLaGjTYGVusOsjGIyWQ5p5c1yuBPZSM_-l5mbG7QSJCq4o38l6oBPf8OasVjQtRCUvUhiwQCZumxn_9dmd6PeCsQrGkrH_cWOW-5f0NPbvqq7V6ato4-ErOoAR7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1506" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhfMMTBFXqZfi44mtx5mXSxLj3sSOGJu3_ttH4-kXfMtIpkdD06SyiBvDd_RLd1hj1JcLaGjTYGVusOsjGIyWQ5p5c1yuBPZSM_-l5mbG7QSJCq4o38l6oBPf8OasVjQtRCUvUhiwQCZumxn_9dmd6PeCsQrGkrH_cWOW-5f0NPbvqq7V6ato4-ErOoAR7=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am sure we can see more great tech advancements in the future. </div><br /><br /><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-61389876641032284032024-02-25T11:07:00.001-07:002024-02-25T11:07:54.767-07:00Family Trees are not Fractals: Why duplicates in family trees should not exist<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKHiKP_KzmC4XPFv6fTv8cVWJQqv0TEElO4suHAC6Houn68TNbeQWAWH2whHBazKm6BV2keNFkRYsur3uPx2qlyNsa_Mtxw2SEEHtsSAarxMD-RNyLIk1uQDehCrnYpKaU5kVPVJeY8j1Tq3ooRZIujmKpaYxpjtx4dMkTBEVw0nHcykA6_gIxtghaeGEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1280" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKHiKP_KzmC4XPFv6fTv8cVWJQqv0TEElO4suHAC6Houn68TNbeQWAWH2whHBazKm6BV2keNFkRYsur3uPx2qlyNsa_Mtxw2SEEHtsSAarxMD-RNyLIk1uQDehCrnYpKaU5kVPVJeY8j1Tq3ooRZIujmKpaYxpjtx4dMkTBEVw0nHcykA6_gIxtghaeGEF=w640-h517" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A fractal is a type of geometric shape that has a repeating pattern at different scales. Fractals are often very complex and beautiful, and they can be found in nature, art, and mathematics. Some examples of fractals are snowflakes, tree branches, coastlines, and the Mandelbrot set. The Mandelbrot set is one of the most famous fractals, named after the mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot who coined the term fractal. It is generated by a simple equation that produces an infinite variety of shapes and colors. See <a href="https://fractalfoundation.org/resources/what-are-fractals/">What are Fractals? – Fractal Foundation</a>. </p><p>Family trees are NOT fractals. So, what is a family tree? A human family tree is structured representation of the biological and cultural relationship of unique individuals. Fundamentally, each person is a unique node in the family tree structure. The basic concept is that individuals are biologically related in a unique pattern consisting of two biological parents. Because of cultural considerations this biological relationship has been modified to include other culturally defined relationships including adoption. foster parents, guardianships, and a variety of other relationships. </p><p>Presently, the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> Family Tree is possibly the largest unified family tree in existence. However, the Family Tree is plagued with duplicates, constant revolving door changes, and unconnected individuals among other problems. </p><p>I was reading about recent studies that are finding that despite the commonly held idea that trees and other natural objects are fractal in nature, forests are not fractal. Here are a few examples of what is being published. </p><ul><li>Bristol, University of. “Study Finds No Evidence for Fractal Scaling in Canopy Surfaces across a Diverse Range of Forest Types.” Accessed February 25, 2024. <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-01-evidence-fractal-scaling-canopy-surfaces.html">https://phys.org/news/2024-01-evidence-fractal-scaling-canopy-surfaces.html</a>.</li><li>“No Evidence for Fractal Scaling in Canopy Surfaces across a Diverse Range of Forest Types - Fischer - Journal of Ecology - Wiley Online Library.” Accessed February 25, 2024. <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2745.14244">https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2745.14244</a>.</li><li>Watson, Clare. “Forests Break a Mesmerizing Law Found Throughout Nature.” ScienceAlert, February 4, 2024. <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/forests-break-a-mesmerizing-law-found-throughout-nature">https://www.sciencealert.com/forests-break-a-mesmerizing-law-found-throughout-nature</a></li></ul><p>Why is it important to understand that a family tree is not fractal in nature? First, it is because of the word "tree" and secondly because of the unique nature of each node or individual. A family tree is a way to show the biological and cultural relationships between these unique individuals; all of us in the human family. </p><p>So, how does this affect the structure and maintenance of the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> Family Tree? Because each individual is uniqe, each family is also unique. So, if my family has a traditional structure of two biologic parents and a certain number of children, once those individuals and the family unit are identified, the family is not subject to addition added children or biological parents. Here is where the <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> Family Tree fails to adequately represent each family. Families in the FamilySearch.org Family Tree are not fractals, they are not subject to infinite expansion by mere mathematical formulas. Once all the actual members of the family are determined, the structure is frozen. However, there is another factor that is unpredictable: history and the further fact that the Family Tree is a wild-west free-for-all that allows changes by anyone at anytime except for a few restricted (Read Only) arbitrary and random individuals. </p><p>Even if we take into account that families in the Family Tree are largely constituted from historical records and therefore subject to possible change due to presently unknown discoveries, there is a time when the amount of research necessary to establish the family structure such as the number and identity of the children born to the family exceeds some reasonable limit. In these cases, the failure of the Family Tree is to fail to recognize this established limit and impose a higher level of restrictions on making changes. Why can't there be a limit to the changes that can be made to families once they meet some rational criteria? It would be fairly easy to freeze families and then allow additions only upon application. Lack of this type of limitation is the most damaging evidence that the information in the Family Tree is not completely reliable. </p><p>So, how could this happen? The simple method of establishing a threshold for freezing (or locking or restricting) a family would be to set a standard for documentation. For families in the United States for example, the required documentation could include census records, vital records where available, and other standard records. Further changes could only be made if a record was found such as a DNA test that showed additional family members. This could be structured to not limit the addition of sources, memories, or standardization but would severely avoid duplication. With the development of artificial intelligence programing, it is now possible to set these intelligent types of limits and avoid the constant changes made to established family units such as the Mayflower descendants and most of the families documents in New England. The changes could be avoided by requiring anyone trying to change the contents of the family to present historical sources showing a need to make a change with an explanation before any change would be allowed. In addition, some of the information in the Family Tree has been well established for over 100 years and yet is still being subject to constant change such as the Royal Families of Europe and other families structures.</p><p>More about this later, after RootsTech. </p><div class="csl-bib-body" style="line-height: 1.35; margin-left: 2em;"><span class="Z3988" title="url_ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fzotero.org%3A2&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Adc&rft.type=webpage&rft.title=Forests%20Break%20a%20Mesmerizing%20Law%20Found%20Throughout%20Nature&rft.description=The%20beautiful%20thing%20about%20fractals%2C%20the%20self-repeating%20patterns%20found%20throughout%20nature%2C%20is%20their%20enchanting%20repetition%20which%20runs%20infinitely%20deep.&rft.identifier=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencealert.com%2Fforests-break-a-mesmerizing-law-found-throughout-nature&rft.aufirst=Clare&rft.aulast=Watson&rft.au=Clare%20Watson&rft.date=2024-02-04&rft.language=en-US"></span></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-15401433115818664022024-02-18T08:19:00.002-07:002024-02-18T08:19:22.366-07:00Kristin Chenoweth to Keynote RootsTech 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif6eZ3peygH9rqEtArTC1FtinLls_xITm4-Fhq-rcoswx5mIPVCcnV6YFxB5QeQhbTy8y282PQdGV6yVqAinmhwcsbT-Rhpeymvw0ZIJWpy0P7faUmCuGeeQHoaEC23yTGvS-epRYtQHItHdn1Q9ruMGbfLLZtAIw4Q9T3iby52V8y1jrMp-feE9c0MRek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="2658" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif6eZ3peygH9rqEtArTC1FtinLls_xITm4-Fhq-rcoswx5mIPVCcnV6YFxB5QeQhbTy8y282PQdGV6yVqAinmhwcsbT-Rhpeymvw0ZIJWpy0P7faUmCuGeeQHoaEC23yTGvS-epRYtQHItHdn1Q9ruMGbfLLZtAIw4Q9T3iby52V8y1jrMp-feE9c0MRek=w640-h398" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/?icid=LIHP-00038782">https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/?icid=LIHP-00038782</a><p></p><p>Quoting from an email, </p><p></p><blockquote><p>SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—RootsTech by FamilySearch, a global celebration of family and genealogy, announced Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress, and singer, Kristin Chenoweth, as the final keynote speaker at RootsTech 2024. Chenoweth will take the main stage on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Chenoweth will share her personal family story with RootsTech’s global audience and showcase her renowned soprano voice as she performs a curated selection of songs. You won’t want to miss Kristin Chenoweth live in person or online. Register now at RootsTech.org.</p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote>Chenoweth has performed for sold-out audiences across the world and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is perhaps most famous for starring as Glinda in the original Broadway cast of Wicked. She has appeared in various television shows such as The West Wing, Pushing Daisies (Emmy® Award), Glee,Disney’s “Descendants”, and American Gods, a Starz Channel original. Kristin won a Tony Award for her role in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, and also played Velma Von Tussle in NBC’s Hairspray Live! in 2016. For her next major project, she will be starring in and producing the new musical “The Queen of Versailles”, based on the 2012 award-winning documentary. </blockquote><p>Look me up if you come in person to RootsTech 2024. </p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-86021808250887170242024-02-15T10:59:00.000-07:002024-02-15T10:59:01.560-07:00Relatives at RootsTech 2024 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM0FnxxT5SL_-o2cFGoFwmmNc9YroFbkldiCWPl3h7pCjSrnoIArfRdMJYRvvuHX1WmzZigVVNkaipSbJBdjpFGdqirehKjZZPK7sOxKL_rHaANMxGAtctpgAUX22gPZ-y6B46oS3H6u1gJKKT3QOPsDZWJlP2wDQVwaHihkS1AjexEaERMWZzElP7nWZj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="1260" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM0FnxxT5SL_-o2cFGoFwmmNc9YroFbkldiCWPl3h7pCjSrnoIArfRdMJYRvvuHX1WmzZigVVNkaipSbJBdjpFGdqirehKjZZPK7sOxKL_rHaANMxGAtctpgAUX22gPZ-y6B46oS3H6u1gJKKT3QOPsDZWJlP2wDQVwaHihkS1AjexEaERMWZzElP7nWZj=w528-h640" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess I am not going to be inviting my cousins over for dinner. This is an interesting number that came in an email to me. Here is the web version from a screen shot on <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a>. Obviously, your results might vary. You can click on the image to see a enlarged version. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfmjNzVAm447hPJOMrMrXK9eXc-sDFT9AiE1OyN1Ym7ymjlaJAj4bKoFbxM2Aib2-ef2jSwynGH4IjgayH2hri8ouxkGQMYWHFaeh_mDQln1rtAvLhrSOfg1AFApRJiFaQF8YGmiKXXRcNHdyRKV41lc9C44MN-GAo7UP0k9axg5M3ukjEsln8X7Nd_85n" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="7884" data-original-width="3064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfmjNzVAm447hPJOMrMrXK9eXc-sDFT9AiE1OyN1Ym7ymjlaJAj4bKoFbxM2Aib2-ef2jSwynGH4IjgayH2hri8ouxkGQMYWHFaeh_mDQln1rtAvLhrSOfg1AFApRJiFaQF8YGmiKXXRcNHdyRKV41lc9C44MN-GAo7UP0k9axg5M3ukjEsln8X7Nd_85n=w248-h640" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />it is also obvious that the numbers between the first image which arrived by email and the second image that is a screenshot done on the day of this post. Is there some way that this information can be processed? I know I can look at a list, but why and how would I look at 6,000+ names or much less the 39,000+ in the email notice sent to me. If there are 39,210 of my relatives registered for RootsTech 2024, and if the number of registrants is 108,064, then I am related to a little more than 36% of the attendees or about one out every three people at the conference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be at RootsTech 2024 in person and teaching 3 live classes see this link.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://rootstech-slc.familysearch.org/hub/events/937e1fd3-643a-4e3f-9550-e698c82776ea/sessions/9225133b-3de5-4f20-a4df-1f72db3d455a">https://rootstech-slc.familysearch.org/hub/events/937e1fd3-643a-4e3f-9550-e698c82776ea/sessions/9225133b-3de5-4f20-a4df-1f72db3d455a</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will also be teaching at the MyHeritage booth, the BYU booth, and The Family History Guide booth. Come and look me up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Relatives at RootsTech is on the website at <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a> and available as part of the RootsTech 2024 app for Android and iOS. </div><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-78352469687116973962024-02-12T07:05:00.001-07:002024-02-12T07:05:37.763-07:00RootsTech 2024 Family Discovery Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIvDL1vlCjX6JqZXTva2AJL_RLy4vX1CHETDIwUbfVPro_2b2WOTbDj8_wXDVDld0lEfHI3Hz4e2LiSV7vKuor5f75SWpf5GgEEvhgTxfhoBAirdE7sJLGOEhuWyeoECSbhfgYj28Edz49KaPOUn4xrW4zIGVA1dR5oVzwBMGaDrilC41TFG-QfV-HnQk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIvDL1vlCjX6JqZXTva2AJL_RLy4vX1CHETDIwUbfVPro_2b2WOTbDj8_wXDVDld0lEfHI3Hz4e2LiSV7vKuor5f75SWpf5GgEEvhgTxfhoBAirdE7sJLGOEhuWyeoECSbhfgYj28Edz49KaPOUn4xrW4zIGVA1dR5oVzwBMGaDrilC41TFG-QfV-HnQk=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/family-discovery-day-free-rootstech-2024#:~:text=A%20special%20Family%20Discovery%20Day,family%20story%20and%20pioneer%20heritage." target="_blank">RootsTech 2024 Family Discovery Day</a></p><p>Quoting from an email announcement:</p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"></p><blockquote><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">RootsTech 2024 is coming up soon, and we are looking forward to hosting our annual Family Discovery Day on <span style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">Saturday March 2, 2024</span>, during the conference.</p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 20px 0px;">Come visit the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and take part in a full day of free activities, games, and inspiration for you and your family! Remember, connect, and experience the impact of family with your loved ones this year at Family Discovery Day.</p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 20px 0px;"></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center="" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; width: 800px;"><div class="Enhancement-item" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="Cta" data-align-center="" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 18px;"><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/in-person/discovery-day">Register for Family Di</a><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/in-person/discovery-day">scovery Day for Free!</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/in-person/">Register for the Full 2024 RootsTech Conference</a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">If you cannot join us in person at Family Discovery Day 2024, participate online by tuning in to live-streamed events on the main stage.</span></div></div></div><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 20px 0px;"></p><h2 id="the-late-president-m-russell-ballards-family-discovery-day-message" style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: var(--primaryHeadlineFont),Verdana,Ayuthaya,HanaMinBFont,serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 20px 0px 0px;">The Late President M. Russell Ballard’s Family Discovery Day Message</h2><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4b4545; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 20px 0px;">A special Family Discovery Day message will be broadcast at <span style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;">1:30 PM MT on March 2, 2024</span>.<span style="background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"> </span>For both in-person and online attendees to RootsTech 2024, tune in to a never-before-seen film (produced in 2023) of the late President M. Russell Ballard recounting his own family story and pioneer heritage.</p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivz-488mNJWKZW-Rq_g5k500iDo_n75289qaJ5q0ShhqWJrb5bpbWPVMUJbsq0tjSZWmSBl4SCPiIYoddspBXTs0-MIduZ-SQKIf_hPBU2D4uwUzRV7Iv-iSICz3xPcoU_0i_hsqUKDr-_H_xaEJDANgZ5ql67VQyAPX8PMZqxNcL6gC-6nO5VUENmayE1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3192" data-original-width="2836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivz-488mNJWKZW-Rq_g5k500iDo_n75289qaJ5q0ShhqWJrb5bpbWPVMUJbsq0tjSZWmSBl4SCPiIYoddspBXTs0-MIduZ-SQKIf_hPBU2D4uwUzRV7Iv-iSICz3xPcoU_0i_hsqUKDr-_H_xaEJDANgZ5ql67VQyAPX8PMZqxNcL6gC-6nO5VUENmayE1=w568-h640" width="568" /></a></div><br /> <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/in-person/discovery-day?lang=eng">https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/in-person/discovery-day?lang=eng</a><p></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-34068672744201220632024-02-03T11:02:00.000-07:002024-02-03T11:02:48.680-07:00Announcing a new partnership between The Family History Guide and the National Genealogical Society<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidEWBXEqPYvv9JMzo-Rb4mGDc1qaqoaOheYjoo0msdUYLmNLi73sRCtoUMJwxtSxYfBlXA2yZvoTyZP-NuaPfx6atby24jCkj0oZX7G0I3Z-n8W_49r5mZmwq1rSu0jA0Q2QqHGVCyLnIy-FyBr79zM4CI5jJiFL-xLDhpcxzXmrZBpJcTEOEPK3CcAmXm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1344" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidEWBXEqPYvv9JMzo-Rb4mGDc1qaqoaOheYjoo0msdUYLmNLi73sRCtoUMJwxtSxYfBlXA2yZvoTyZP-NuaPfx6atby24jCkj0oZX7G0I3Z-n8W_49r5mZmwq1rSu0jA0Q2QqHGVCyLnIy-FyBr79zM4CI5jJiFL-xLDhpcxzXmrZBpJcTEOEPK3CcAmXm=w640-h584" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ngsgenealogy.org">ngsgenealogy.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The illustration above is part of an announcement of the new partnership between the <a href="https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/" target="_blank">National Genealogical Society</a> and <a href="https://www.thefhguide.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Family History Guide</a>. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmrn3hU_nA9Ho1lWYypPfhxlWy34F-Ba-rmaUMkas7whFXxLmWfrz3ljWGyBfspxhoWfHyiOribRhvsHfbaoIpdlICfQOCukSp2L4JA-o9cSjQ2oATCwKY2TqVdWxSo0VEW2cSjQQjm11iOmoF2CEC_PBq1GbYBUtxYanaXqSCTBxENoXKMSLvHPHFeuB" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="2936" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcmrn3hU_nA9Ho1lWYypPfhxlWy34F-Ba-rmaUMkas7whFXxLmWfrz3ljWGyBfspxhoWfHyiOribRhvsHfbaoIpdlICfQOCukSp2L4JA-o9cSjQ2oATCwKY2TqVdWxSo0VEW2cSjQQjm11iOmoF2CEC_PBq1GbYBUtxYanaXqSCTBxENoXKMSLvHPHFeuB=w640-h500" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thefhguide.com">thefhguide.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Here is some additional information from the announcement quoting from a Facebook post by The Family History Guide:</div><div><div></div></div><blockquote><div><div>Today we are excited to announce an official partnership between The Family History Guide Association and the National Genealogical Society (https://www.ngsgenealogy.org). The Family History Guide Association will provide educational materials and training to the National Genealogical Society, enabling their members to accelerate their learning and research skills in genealogy. </div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div><div>"We are thrilled to connect our organization members with the wealth of information provided by The Family History Guide website. The website offers an incredible selection of resources that make genealogy more accessible, particularly to those just starting their journey. By partnering with The Family History Guide Association, we can point societies, libraries, archives, and museums to tools that will enhance their programs and services and help them develop education that sparks a love of family history research and discoveries for more people." - Matt Menashes, CAE, National Genealogical Society executive director</div></div></blockquote><blockquote><div><div>"The Family History Guide website debuted in 2015 with the goal of making everyone's family history journey easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable (and free!). An educational partnership with the National Genealogical Society is a match made in heaven, as it provides their organization members with training and research tools that will take their members and patrons to the next level of success in genealogy. I couldn't be more excited about the future of genealogy learning and doing with The Family History Guide Association and the National Genealogical Society joining forces now."</div><div>- Bob Taylor, originator of The Family History Guide website</div><div></div></div></blockquote><p>As the Chairman of the <a href="https://www.thefhguide.com/association.html" target="_blank">Board of Directors of The Family History Guide Association</a>, the sponsoring 501(c)3 charitable organization of <a href="http://thefhguide.com" target="_blank">The Family History Guide</a> website, I am thrilled to join this important and significant partnership with the <a href="https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA5fetBhC9ARIsAP1UMgGUxCTXD1tVWNDdjz_6TIWQJPFudHfSWOkRP9Y7d3x2JWHRsjpkKk0aAmGyEALw_wcB" target="_blank">National Genealogical Society</a>. This partnership will expand our mutual goals of helping people discover, explore and feel better through their family history and genealogical research and advance each of our missions to provide high-quality, online family history education and resources. I am honored to be part of this collaboration and I will do my best to promote this mutually beneficial partnership.</p><div><p></p></div></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-69177939247613582402024-02-02T07:20:00.000-07:002024-02-02T07:20:01.289-07:00RootsTech: Keynote Speakers and Special Guests<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBvmdRSAYzvKeL1OaLiKsikvU8hE5fT8fwd-Nt5ts_16eoixdxiqd9vOFpYPHjcByoYmxFaGNcNQZzyO8yqo1vjIKQkPGSpHxkm8gtvPLD0XPR4IkLPHUyKTlmsvYw75Q0VLVXH44jEwunuLPmc_WhhNsxea-UHq0V8EwOiHsZo_6kBDy5NQPzr287AZln" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2920" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBvmdRSAYzvKeL1OaLiKsikvU8hE5fT8fwd-Nt5ts_16eoixdxiqd9vOFpYPHjcByoYmxFaGNcNQZzyO8yqo1vjIKQkPGSpHxkm8gtvPLD0XPR4IkLPHUyKTlmsvYw75Q0VLVXH44jEwunuLPmc_WhhNsxea-UHq0V8EwOiHsZo_6kBDy5NQPzr287AZln=w640-h350" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://RootsTech.org" target="_blank">RootsTech.org 2024</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to this lineup of Keynote Speakers, Saturday, we will have a class and a visit from local basketball celebrity, Jimmer Fredette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaq0hZ_BHTRO2V9KbukSL0tNi1-xQlYwauyVCFvPeEYxhOOgo8iejjq_EXzNDhRPoMnBPS4gEJS4L1k6NIG4XGJdBsG45jtImbkLOZ-GnWsz7WUAsCw4f7pNbzKdYcp1IhsTIsfV2vwiMpJFXl1XfS_QOis1sLV1SNrq3K5yoACqHSIIvTpNKUy_-m8XKp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1200" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaq0hZ_BHTRO2V9KbukSL0tNi1-xQlYwauyVCFvPeEYxhOOgo8iejjq_EXzNDhRPoMnBPS4gEJS4L1k6NIG4XGJdBsG45jtImbkLOZ-GnWsz7WUAsCw4f7pNbzKdYcp1IhsTIsfV2vwiMpJFXl1XfS_QOis1sLV1SNrq3K5yoACqHSIIvTpNKUy_-m8XKp=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/events/jimmer-and-whitney-fredette/?cid=EM-00037417&mkt_tok=NTkwLUJVSy03MjYAAAGRA5AhZcDXct3-Fzbzvmkl_0HIUk5S62yoFueczq9FfULd-vRPKn1VQxcN9MJWqVabE0x1wR52UaBF81CSNHFPFsVKCpyIOK4IvEheCWsP7g" target="_blank">Learn more about Jimmer Fredette</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the planned schedule.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spend the day with the Fredettes on Saturday, March 2, 2024!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">9:30 - 10:30 am: Take part in a beginners class alongside Jimmer and Whitney Fredette. Learn how to use the memories feature in the FamilySearch app while hearing stories about the Fredette family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: After class, join the meet-and-greet and take a picture with Jimmer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">12:45 pm - 1:15 pm: Youth ages 8 – 14 can participate in a shoot-around with Jimmer himself! (Registration required, use the link above to sign up!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meanwhile, here is my own in-person, live class schedule (for now). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Dz0mcKwZJ9_I62mDRc_iAIiJKrMwB4ih6oG0JMjAdvw43mdwBRoP6bGtznQ-Nu6-VphedXWSaIbJyK5fC6tqKqej_202Z1abucmltxFBziifPcQUyf7RqifPDPt_3dkjAcWiuJpHeUcGmgBxyvZkao-MpfS741qtQjOy_nLkGWzDyrxsfGhbvSeCxLAp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1892" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_Dz0mcKwZJ9_I62mDRc_iAIiJKrMwB4ih6oG0JMjAdvw43mdwBRoP6bGtznQ-Nu6-VphedXWSaIbJyK5fC6tqKqej_202Z1abucmltxFBziifPcQUyf7RqifPDPt_3dkjAcWiuJpHeUcGmgBxyvZkao-MpfS741qtQjOy_nLkGWzDyrxsfGhbvSeCxLAp=w640-h174" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr8mXuyFucYcqYponVwL24ZNCC7KpMSSmZL7sT6I1mpY-RzCVtPIEcnQ_OZLet-DQ3bYUSWbJf9pq1SaOoREW-uhvGrEaMs1ego00ybN0VwcDyB7JpcN2eT_62kcsdzdt3Q02q6bMdeZrUoD2hCe8p4HD3-k0dDcNqQA1IJGHwx2XLtgEjoetRYy4aXV-q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1890" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr8mXuyFucYcqYponVwL24ZNCC7KpMSSmZL7sT6I1mpY-RzCVtPIEcnQ_OZLet-DQ3bYUSWbJf9pq1SaOoREW-uhvGrEaMs1ego00ybN0VwcDyB7JpcN2eT_62kcsdzdt3Q02q6bMdeZrUoD2hCe8p4HD3-k0dDcNqQA1IJGHwx2XLtgEjoetRYy4aXV-q=w640-h172" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5SLTAviEZuWunQYedVnHmf2HW4gO41t_Fb12Q5QeLBwxRiGx8FEgokJaCGG_64tgEKnLpW91v75M-SM4PZnCd3nDyvNjghJbAt6oowNNm64Ft_AIGmvFjQ2x_SSpJwL4XIGufQlQTy5622ueSZndP0siriveYOVOq8m1qpZRhRIdyBnpmT9JVNeZ63uYk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1890" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5SLTAviEZuWunQYedVnHmf2HW4gO41t_Fb12Q5QeLBwxRiGx8FEgokJaCGG_64tgEKnLpW91v75M-SM4PZnCd3nDyvNjghJbAt6oowNNm64Ft_AIGmvFjQ2x_SSpJwL4XIGufQlQTy5622ueSZndP0siriveYOVOq8m1qpZRhRIdyBnpmT9JVNeZ63uYk=w640-h174" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-14677665483728952512024-01-30T06:37:00.003-07:002024-01-30T06:37:35.147-07:00Check out the full list of RootsTech sessions both live and online<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCg4yl67rwf61-0KRnWbbUZsCEs50oxl83KjUF5kILe21jETvNRuzkOoeP8ECBlAUysZdmraz9sXoo9xfAG5sPSIDyf1ysrtKUMBAVeECEIMPsiTh94Y8owLwyKZWxxJnmG8kJoTGME8yHU6b6Oil9XswniJYTJlvI9VHOB5HbWeXOdZrm46CYoKuTrEYV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCg4yl67rwf61-0KRnWbbUZsCEs50oxl83KjUF5kILe21jETvNRuzkOoeP8ECBlAUysZdmraz9sXoo9xfAG5sPSIDyf1ysrtKUMBAVeECEIMPsiTh94Y8owLwyKZWxxJnmG8kJoTGME8yHU6b6Oil9XswniJYTJlvI9VHOB5HbWeXOdZrm46CYoKuTrEYV=w640-h362" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, the schedule of classes including rooms and times for the live classes is online on the <a href="http://RootsTech.org" target="_blank">RootsTech 2024 website</a>. The schedule is divided into the In-person schedule and the Online Schedule. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi02_yaGZsAGwoF1QVvPyv-03_ZCpwg11N9-jPSmfsafkIrUEljroFw5LP_KFZdXnWWrDTVCPLG2XWE3w3EBSw5OIJsCE71Mro8jknd_EFcoYNpbfbFEQFTaS9zmfHVxCmFuQLLn7QkeJ6LJdsiku7joGjjphyvMTnfpAqd9z4izN5YenAEmgPbnV3K5Sba" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="2044" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi02_yaGZsAGwoF1QVvPyv-03_ZCpwg11N9-jPSmfsafkIrUEljroFw5LP_KFZdXnWWrDTVCPLG2XWE3w3EBSw5OIJsCE71Mro8jknd_EFcoYNpbfbFEQFTaS9zmfHVxCmFuQLLn7QkeJ6LJdsiku7joGjjphyvMTnfpAqd9z4izN5YenAEmgPbnV3K5Sba=w640-h160" width="640" /></a></div><br />There are 222 speakers scheduled over the three day conference. You can still register for the in-person conference from the website. I am presenting three classes. Here is a screenshot of the classes that are all three scheduled for the afternoon of the first day, Thursday, February 29th of the conference. You can check out a video preview of the classes on YouTube.com <a href="https://youtu.be/F8t8NK-PkN4?si=H3txpVFH5dVrClYV">https://youtu.be/F8t8NK-PkN4?si=H3txpVFH5dVrClYV</a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F8t8NK-PkN4" width="320" youtube-src-id="F8t8NK-PkN4"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/F8t8NK-PkN4?si=H3txpVFH5dVrClYV">https://youtu.be/F8t8NK-PkN4?si=H3txpVFH5dVrClYV</a><br /><p>You can view the class schedule by hour and day.<a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/schedule" target="_blank"> https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/schedule</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIw3iA8k6aeCQdJKliy7ytaDM-Xvmr4Y1AP_LbfLwtiMMJGLBssdFv9xn9udBlVl3zufiu80y1FeKGildb6Kze5zP4f2Ol7MhoF6V6JU-rrJvA38KIHnhy4UAix-msdfBwV1rMkg9HZubsv5IyZsw4Gg98nxphF0mo5HImpHvcof-oyj6BVaAIQ3HfaK19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3148" data-original-width="3070" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIw3iA8k6aeCQdJKliy7ytaDM-Xvmr4Y1AP_LbfLwtiMMJGLBssdFv9xn9udBlVl3zufiu80y1FeKGildb6Kze5zP4f2Ol7MhoF6V6JU-rrJvA38KIHnhy4UAix-msdfBwV1rMkg9HZubsv5IyZsw4Gg98nxphF0mo5HImpHvcof-oyj6BVaAIQ3HfaK19=w624-h640" width="624" /></a></div><br />But you have to click around on the website for a while to see all the different lists and offerings. My classes are at 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm. <p></p><p>I will also be presenting in the Expo Hall for The Family History Guide, MyHeritage.com, and at the Brigham Young University booth. You can look for the schedule at the booths in the Expo Hall. </p><p>Hope to see you there. </p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-41542211799576071782024-01-26T18:27:00.001-07:002024-01-26T18:27:53.424-07:00World-renowned photographer Nancy Borowick -- RootsTech Keynote Speaker<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ9a2rP5GFPCLjuUpcYRnonRck-ZszcHRI5RdkXMS6Pmm2tHVpvjPcC4htFyb5X3YIZ0QMzzZSC4GyfnY9OZ9N8xh5mNYW0dkgI0nUdd62yeXaLBzrKRH_97VSm_e_iHf-z-rmH5OKw5By5VyeiXV0lE-ANVppTAFgaOyDh2Pl8AN68HGzKceG59GSCIWT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="3098" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZ9a2rP5GFPCLjuUpcYRnonRck-ZszcHRI5RdkXMS6Pmm2tHVpvjPcC4htFyb5X3YIZ0QMzzZSC4GyfnY9OZ9N8xh5mNYW0dkgI0nUdd62yeXaLBzrKRH_97VSm_e_iHf-z-rmH5OKw5By5VyeiXV0lE-ANVppTAFgaOyDh2Pl8AN68HGzKceG59GSCIWT=w640-h358" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/">https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/</a><p></p><p>Quoting from an email announcement:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH—RootsTech by FamilySearch, the world’s largest family discovery and genealogy conference, and <a href="https://www.pictureline.com/" target="_blank">Pictureline</a>, a gold sponsor at RootsTech 2024, are excited to announce Nancy Borowick as a main-stage keynote on Friday, March 1, 2024, and part of the globally broadcasted event. Pictureline is sponsoring Nancy Borowick, a world-renowned Sony Artisan photographer, speaker, and teacher, with a unique gift and talent for capturing the moments to not be forgotten—a great fit for RootsTech’s global audience and this year’s theme of “Remember.” Learn more at <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a>. </p><p>RootsTech invites a wide range of talented celebrities to its annual event’s main stage. Each one has offered different perspectives and inspiration regarding the importance, diversity, and yet uniqueness, of each family, and the importance of uniting with your family and remembering who you are. Nancy Borowick will continue that strong tradition as she takes to the main stage at RootsTech 2024 on Friday, March 1, 2024. </p></blockquote><p>You can read more about <a href="https://www.nancyborowick.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Borowick on her website.</a> </p><p>Here is a further quote from the email announcement:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Borowick’s family has left an indelible imprint upon her life. They taught her that life is precious, to live it on her own terms, and to face uncertainties courageously. She saw both her parents struggle with stage 4 cancer together, passing away just a year apart. She honored them with a special photography tribute and book that celebrates their strength and grace while illustrating the simultaneity of life (see <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=XRV9iUJtib-2FXPsf5qOJoBjbh1yttedvoxDdzNrGpaZeucNQ0OHzWecWeR902zMjIUZWPQRdD-2FhCyu0qiEbQCkQ-3D-3DwRzn_R8qhBzmgeiqVp2IjdjHOLxL3clstX-2F-2FMGe4oCj97l1t9toKgTSooYbngzlaRJ8UBWYnk7bYntYRXJn-2FIkDhMq5qDtIhvMsCAfBs0lEzCIizvLpcEf2VH47rriKdCjfS174vMu0nE668qzdFE1xPYT5mf9pUyUg6Up9w9kSyk4spWPE9f0jbL-2FWe5sofFPxpwlEO2BcLaN1L6JkiNdj8TFgMrzL-2FdBF5QmObptfnxG-2Fj2f-2FlPf3Nj7bG03MBEEnhw1dPZNc8DDHFrDgOzGvTdjY6x2tDKCZqjgu3bJKIwkhn2UgazH5K-2FAXflHwjRbubTe6nzUgYZNujkbztQ33MfEpZSr6oboNwSdDSGFI-2FdQvr0tRXoLzc9NnhGh8tiZV2f4Rey7GiarRoxtH1aDtT4nA-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Family Imprint</a>: A Daughter’s Portrait of Love and Loss).</p><p>"I'm so excited to speak at RootsTech 2024! Family, memory, and storytelling through photography is an integral part of my life and work, and I can't wait to share my personal family journey and story in Salt Lake City at RootsTech 2024." Nancy Borowick, RootsTech 2024 Keynote </p><p>Nancy Borowick graduated from the International Center of Photography and has made a career as a photojournalist, author, teacher, and speaker. Borowick’s work has been exhibited in more than 100 cities worldwide, as well as in many notable publications such as National Geographic, Time Magazine, O the Oprah Magazine, Glamour magazine, Le Monde, Stern magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and outlets such as CNN and Bloomberg. A few of her many renowned accolades and awards include World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year International, and the 2018 Humanitarian Award from the organization Women That Sour. </p><p>While teaching photography classes to children in rural Ghana, Borowick learned of the villagers’ need for a fresh water well and spearheaded a project to raise the monies needed to provide one. She also sponsors an initiative to honor and help mothers heal from the trauma and grief of losing a stillborn child and to reduce public bias regarding pregnancy care and infant mortality.</p><p>"Pictureline is pleased to be a part of RootsTech 2024 and to sponsor renowned Sony Artisan Nancy Borowick as the Friday morning keynote speaker. Photography has a way to foster memories, bring together communities, and strengthen relationships. Our camera store has been part of RootsTech for over 10 years, and we love seeing how passionate RootsTech attendees are about helping bring life to their genealogy through photos and videos. We are excited to see how RootsTech will inspire all of us again this year.” —Jens Nielsen, founder, Pictureline</p></blockquote><p></p><p><b>Meet Nancy Borowick in Person</b></p><p>Join Nancy Borowick on the RootsTech main stage as she shares her enthralling family story of what family and memories mean to her, and her personal perspective on the RootsTech theme “Remember.” Following her keynote address in Salt Lake City, Utah, Nancy will hold a meet and greet and book signing. </p><p>Attend RootsTech 2024 in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center, or online for free. Learn more or register at <a href="http://RootsTech.org" target="_blank">RootsTech.org</a>. </p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-46747639226831758062024-01-16T06:15:00.000-07:002024-01-16T06:15:51.283-07:00On Enjoying Your RootsTech 2024 Experience<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGL4_35Us--i2Nj3pzBB4VDKl8o2esudj1XoOYxlLu-AdOkU0EGAXGVb5Jpf1TXbMjeHZyK_dyE5munIXxqpfxZWRrEA5-Ur_QfzZKSRJeX4EsUGFLjTY9A-x1M81ALHatibVRLtdU3FlFz35QKgZFM_NzUQaxxhknk3m8TBFlwUVfRqSXnkY1mDOHgK08" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="2980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGL4_35Us--i2Nj3pzBB4VDKl8o2esudj1XoOYxlLu-AdOkU0EGAXGVb5Jpf1TXbMjeHZyK_dyE5munIXxqpfxZWRrEA5-Ur_QfzZKSRJeX4EsUGFLjTY9A-x1M81ALHatibVRLtdU3FlFz35QKgZFM_NzUQaxxhknk3m8TBFlwUVfRqSXnkY1mDOHgK08=w605-h640" width="605" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Coming to Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of February and the first of March for the <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a> conference can be a weather challenge. It could be snowing and/or raining or cold or not-so-cold. Whether you are a local and drive to the <a href="https://www.visitsaltlake.com/salt-palace-convention-center/" target="_blank">Salt Lake Salt Palace Convention Center</a> or fly into town to the newer <a href="https://slcairport.com/" target="_blank">Salt Lake City Airport</a>, the weather is always a factor and it is a good idea to prepare for the alternatives. Here is a <a href="https://www.visitsaltlake.com/salt-palace-convention-center/attend/venue-directory-map/" target="_blank">link to a map of the Salt Palace</a>. </p><p>RootsTech is worth the time and expense of attending in person. However, there are two options. You can attend in person or view hundred of online classes for free. The website, <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a>, is the source for what information is available about the event with two tracks for those who choose to come in person and those online. I have been to every RootsTech conference either in person or online since the first one in 2011. Quoting from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RootsTech" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, </p><p></p><blockquote>While some claim that RootsTech is an outgrowth of three former conferences, the Conference on Computerized Family History and Genealogy, the Family History Technology Workshop and the FamilySearch Developers Conference, these three conferences were invited to participate in the original 2011 RootsTech, but some of them remain in existence today. The RootsTech conference was an entirely new and different event.</blockquote><p>Actually, the <a href="https://fhtw.byu.edu/" target="_blank">BYU Family History Technology Workshop</a> is alive and well and is being held this year on February 27th at the BYU Hinckley Alumni Center in Provo, Utah. I will be presenting at both the workshop and the RootsTech conference. </p><p>Here is <a href="https://rootstech-slc.familysearch.org/event/937e1fd3-643a-4e3f-9550-e698c82776ea/websitePage:30716a17-5b17-440c-a1c5-28984d5dcae3" target="_blank">a link to my classes at the RootsTech 2024 Conference</a>. This link might or might not work, but you can search the class list online by presenter to find me. I am a media representative, a speaker, and an exhibitor at RootsTech so you can find my by asking around. In past years, I have found that internet connections in the Expo Hall are spotty to non-existent. Perhaps this year will be different. </p><p>There is also a booth in the Expo Hall for the <a href="https://lib.byu.edu/" target="_blank">BYU Library</a> which includes the <a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/" target="_blank">BYU Library Family History Center</a>. A number of the BYU Library Family History Center missionary volunteers with be working at the booth. </p><p>What else do you need to know in order to enjoy the RootsTech 2024 conference in person? You need to know that there is a lot going on during the conference besides classes and presentations. For some, the main attraction is the Expo Hall. Although there will be 250+ class sessions that are available only in Salt Lake City, there are an additional 120+ exhibitors/sponsors in the Expo Hall. My wife and I will spend most of our time in the Expo Hall. We are involved in <a href="http://thefhguide.com" target="_blank">The Family History Guide</a> booth and my wife is in charge of all the volunteer workers at the booth. I will be involved in presenting some short classes at the <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> booth and wandering around talking to people and learning about the updates to all the developers and vendors at the conference. </p><p>Salt Lake is a good place to visit any time of the year, regardless of the weather. There are hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the Salt Palace. But if you want to stay close to the Salt Palace, you may have to make a reservation far in advance. By the time this blog post appears, hotel space near the convention center will be at a premium.</p><p>Oh, did I say walking distance? Yes, you will find that Salt Lake City is a walking city. The blocks in the downtown area are 660 feet long and the streets are 130 feet wide. The Salt Palace is large and you will spend a lot of time walking. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and your feet are ready for the exercise. The Salt Palace Convention Center is "across the street" from a major shopping mall called the <a href="https://shopcitycreekcenter.com/" target="_blank">City Creek Center</a>. There is a lot of parking available but be prepared to pay for parking. There are a number of good hotels within walking distance also. About hotels, you need to realize that Salt Lake City is a major metropolitan area with traffic challenges and parking challenges. Here is a link to the <a href="http://SLC.gov">SLC.gov</a> <a href="https://www.slc.gov/mystreet/parking/" target="_blank">website about parking</a>. </p><p>If you come to <a href="https://slcairport.com/" target="_blank">Salt Lake City by air</a>, there is transportation by light rail called the <a href="https://shopcitycreekcenter.com/" target="_blank">TRAX</a> from the airport to downtown Salt Lake City. The price of the TRAX is very reasonable and free in the downtown area. We live in Provo, Utah 45 miles (approximately) south of Salt Lake City and there is train service from Provo to Salt Lake on the <a href="https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Tools/Schedules-and-Maps/750-FrontRunner" target="_blank">FrontRunner</a>. Even though we could stay in our home and commute (as many people do every day) from Provo to Salt Lake City, we find that staying closer to the Salt Palace helps us survive being at the conference and walking all day into the night. </p><p>Of course, the RootsTech conference is right down the street from the world famous <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/" target="_blank">Salt Lake City, Utah FamilySearch Library</a>. During the day, there are free ATV shuttles back and forth to the FamilySearch Library. There is a lot to see in downtown Salt Lake City and a lot of construction. Fortunately, the major hotel construction around the Salt Palace is finished but there will likely be construction in the area. </p><p>Since I spend so much of my time online. Attending the RootsTech conference in person is not to be missed. It is the only opportunity I have to meet some of the people I talk to online in person. Find me if you can, I am glad to meet and talk to as many people as possible. </p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-73297539343199290312024-01-11T07:27:00.000-07:002024-01-11T07:27:00.646-07:00Keynote Speaker Henry Cho at RootsTech 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLfcwVt7Sa7nz313pusFGJC2t0Ex-KrzuPXPCw8_npcZTJoIcrHWXDCynQ1GnF9tCroV3oG5RjETkEnEzOBdtzcM7bd3yVeH4Pu7UxvcxyGAlZvGwXddVr2d2lK5nKmkCKPSFXHUzFgFFyd1XejId1PdAX174wMlIEWIx3wsBlFAqzwvo8-AQChY68zy3W" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1200" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLfcwVt7Sa7nz313pusFGJC2t0Ex-KrzuPXPCw8_npcZTJoIcrHWXDCynQ1GnF9tCroV3oG5RjETkEnEzOBdtzcM7bd3yVeH4Pu7UxvcxyGAlZvGwXddVr2d2lK5nKmkCKPSFXHUzFgFFyd1XejId1PdAX174wMlIEWIx3wsBlFAqzwvo8-AQChY68zy3W=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div>RootsTech.org 2024 has announced a the distinguished comedian, Henry Cho, to the stage as our keynote speaker on February 29, 2024. Here is some additional information about Henry Cho from RootsTech. <p></p><p></p><blockquote>RootsTech 2024 is gearing up to host a truly unique and unforgettable mainstage experience as it welcomes the distinguished comedian Henry Cho as its keynote speaker on February 29, 2024. This year’s conference theme “Remember” has the ability to elicit a wide range of emotions from longing to laughter—and Henry Cho is no stranger to laughter. Born to Korean parents and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Cho draws upon the memories of his life and upbringing to spread joy to his large audiences. Cho brings a wealth of laughter and a rich tapestry of life experiences to the main stage.</blockquote><p></p><blockquote>Henry Cho’s story is one of a kind. “I’m an Asian with a Southern accent,” remarks Cho. “To a lot of people, that right there is funny.” So funny, he’s currently working on the development of a sitcom based on his life. Known as “Mr. Clean” within the comedic stand-up industry, Cho has gained a reputation to make audiences roll with laughter without compromising his desire to only use wholesome comedy. Cho's unique identity as an "Asian with a Southern accent" has become a trademark of his comedic style. His ability to draw humor from his cultural background, upbringing, and life experiences has endeared him to audiences across the country. </blockquote><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3wfoKIZCFyxMj-FJ_T2WPoKAbu2BXs5F03VsVfgo5UbiqglhzrizwsfupoX9Ujl8qeSxEORuRw-6zKG45qmxRIRIvw7FfA4mdLEBizPZmoCcThwigdEGUTpTXLL_VSUE4Xxq6ULDVhVumGqeh5Goh9vG5FZEE5AcU6d4w-ajPeAFPtJpTyXpgUW5Fs86" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3wfoKIZCFyxMj-FJ_T2WPoKAbu2BXs5F03VsVfgo5UbiqglhzrizwsfupoX9Ujl8qeSxEORuRw-6zKG45qmxRIRIvw7FfA4mdLEBizPZmoCcThwigdEGUTpTXLL_VSUE4Xxq6ULDVhVumGqeh5Goh9vG5FZEE5AcU6d4w-ajPeAFPtJpTyXpgUW5Fs86=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://RootsTech.com" target="_blank">Register for RootsTech 2024 by clicking here. </a><p></p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-83689485572733064752024-01-06T19:18:00.002-07:002024-01-06T19:18:46.160-07:00FamilySearch Year-in-Review 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIWzrieu-TP9E4Rad3XPthZFTD8gjjNoBLFgM6NrVq9Ft9_XawdlxcH3cE4jccZNvcbLfqUnS3g6a7YxO0PYRX6UI5tObY3kPdzi3DKqPLh1vElXkeA8OflK5UfzMUvBLgiLnqAke0v5SQ32UvuzNQ9PeLNyncV39WT3zK5kfnbPrARP4nFRuHavlAXVRa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3122" data-original-width="2770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIWzrieu-TP9E4Rad3XPthZFTD8gjjNoBLFgM6NrVq9Ft9_XawdlxcH3cE4jccZNvcbLfqUnS3g6a7YxO0PYRX6UI5tObY3kPdzi3DKqPLh1vElXkeA8OflK5UfzMUvBLgiLnqAke0v5SQ32UvuzNQ9PeLNyncV39WT3zK5kfnbPrARP4nFRuHavlAXVRa=w568-h640" width="568" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/2023-familysearch-year-in-review">https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/2023-familysearch-year-in-review</a><br /><p></p><p>One interesting observation from this year-end report from <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> is the extent to which artificial intelligence or AI is having on the website's records. The searchable names and records continue rapidly increase, due in part, to the use of AI based handwriting recognition and AI assited Computer Aided Indexing or CAI. </p><p>The FamilySearch Family Tree grew by more than 80 million people and contributors added 450 million sources. The rest of the statics are equally as interesting. You can click on the link above to read the entire article. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-91207857739330146012024-01-05T11:12:00.002-07:002024-01-05T11:12:53.997-07:00Impressive MyHeritage 2023 Review<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfjHu79Gqb6eJ-Bl8tzG-Y6pKqSEGFxXr9fjIZuim07OzGn0r3NSdUwlEgHo11JHrPtPi3bLl_AeESXN870EIYsv0L6qKu08pgC-5u2lSleNyTbBGzBo-tdH07ngJWuMgqfuzB00sVceTEjE-f9clFGxFq5315zzUY98D5yUTgEMeaXhY6sXdUvcry13xr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="753" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfjHu79Gqb6eJ-Bl8tzG-Y6pKqSEGFxXr9fjIZuim07OzGn0r3NSdUwlEgHo11JHrPtPi3bLl_AeESXN870EIYsv0L6qKu08pgC-5u2lSleNyTbBGzBo-tdH07ngJWuMgqfuzB00sVceTEjE-f9clFGxFq5315zzUY98D5yUTgEMeaXhY6sXdUvcry13xr=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The highlight of the year for <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> was the last minute, December 26th, introduction of their AI Biographer™ and AI Record Finder™. You can read about the details of all of the above accomplishments in this blog article:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3F-dT_vm7gv2a0JfEdkY2psUrJPEVtRoB5u5BkyWlN-8Ao2FYqtnliLT_S3SH0tYHk2xxV8w0yNg-aagvdW27x2A-aTCs2htLgP3L296yiYQwtKGLFzEGwMJXm67gyKsC84UaXylDPhR-6_MfSYO00j_5BIeuF0yiKbyFdDICmoShdi9tvwQqi581PYbW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="1592" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3F-dT_vm7gv2a0JfEdkY2psUrJPEVtRoB5u5BkyWlN-8Ao2FYqtnliLT_S3SH0tYHk2xxV8w0yNg-aagvdW27x2A-aTCs2htLgP3L296yiYQwtKGLFzEGwMJXm67gyKsC84UaXylDPhR-6_MfSYO00j_5BIeuF0yiKbyFdDICmoShdi9tvwQqi581PYbW=w560-h640" width="560" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/01/2023-myheritage-year-in-review/">https://blog.myheritage.com/2024/01/2023-myheritage-year-in-review/</a><p></p><p>Another major accomplishment was the introduction of the <a href="http://MyHeritage.com/Wiki" target="_blank">MyHeritage.com Wiki</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidO19U9u2HzdNLt4sS1Itqyq0sX1lWJMKZw2MdxoHrCBZ2F10UFrBz6-99UiHNl0yajSWatEXoGj6HdZDGD_DGN_B02ghYJUtG2IZiHmGyFQnLIwf6QDGoSjBNRl_b3_za6yV6aQY5AXyxswyDp5UgGK07uYfKqdXPrZa09dXhP9L2NgySyyXsGkp8GScL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="753" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidO19U9u2HzdNLt4sS1Itqyq0sX1lWJMKZw2MdxoHrCBZ2F10UFrBz6-99UiHNl0yajSWatEXoGj6HdZDGD_DGN_B02ghYJUtG2IZiHmGyFQnLIwf6QDGoSjBNRl_b3_za6yV6aQY5AXyxswyDp5UgGK07uYfKqdXPrZa09dXhP9L2NgySyyXsGkp8GScL=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div>Remember, this is what happened in 2023 and we are now in a new year. </div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-52610960140329946272024-01-02T07:35:00.005-07:002024-01-02T07:35:35.531-07:00MyHeritage Two Part Movie Kate's DNA Journey; My Secret Egyptian Father<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2QhP8ZGVKf8" width="320" youtube-src-id="2QhP8ZGVKf8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2QhP8ZGVKf8?si=SEUfUA6XOzponex1" target="_blank">A MyHeritage DNA Match: Uncovering Kate’s Hidden Egyptian Heritage</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V95TIZJRiwQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="V95TIZJRiwQ"></iframe></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://youtu.be/V95TIZJRiwQ?si=_5YW2IrhMHZ7erOk" target="_blank">Part Two - Unveiling the Mystery: Kate's Journey to Her True Heritage</a></h3><div>The MyHeritage.com YouTube Channel is filled with remarkable stories about family relationships found from MyHeritage DNA testing in partnership with the huge MyHeritage database and user base. Take a few minutes to watch this two-part remarkable story. Here are some links for more information and more stories. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_enUFr_ZjlfuA6s55y_Lw" target="_blank">The MyHeritage YouTube Channel</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.myheritage.com/dna" target="_blank">MyHeritage DNA </a></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Home" target="_blank">MyHeritage Wiki</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://education.myheritage.com/" target="_blank">MyHeritage Knowledge Base</a></h3><div><br /></div><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-31438610795552487932023-12-27T13:50:00.001-07:002023-12-27T13:50:15.622-07:00Who owns government records? Work Product, Ancestry, Reclaim the Records, Freedom of Information Acts, Copyright, and lots of other issues. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQnMV9sv6UcSl1Q5B6ZFQGfeO6lhDBn8IqcXHrRJmlWsXScMR0-Wy4bpGuWKD4SiBETOh0K5vod79veG7H9sNQ5DxzQAK83uMSxd_aECqeRxUKQuPs96Wvf1aLg4u2eQP23oziwuWsCuFD91cMAWuzs6EI5OxJ983VNQj2PIsCwmebpsqXr1EerbZtxcwo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="640" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQnMV9sv6UcSl1Q5B6ZFQGfeO6lhDBn8IqcXHrRJmlWsXScMR0-Wy4bpGuWKD4SiBETOh0K5vod79veG7H9sNQ5DxzQAK83uMSxd_aECqeRxUKQuPs96Wvf1aLg4u2eQP23oziwuWsCuFD91cMAWuzs6EI5OxJ983VNQj2PIsCwmebpsqXr1EerbZtxcwo=w640-h492" width="640" /></a></div><br />I recently ran across three news articles focusing on the efforts of <a href="http://ReclaimTheRecords.org">ReclaimTheRecords.org</a> to obtain copies of public records in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The issues discussed in the articles can be summarized with two questions:<p></p><p>Can a state acting through any state agent or agency contract to sell exclusive rights of access to what would otherwise be public documents and records?</p><p>When a third-party contractor pays for or is otherwise given permission to digitize public records, does the third-party contractor accrue any proprietary right due to any theory of its claim to ownership through work product?</p><p>Here are links to the three articles. </p><p>Reclaim The Records. “The Maryland Motherlode: Births, Marriages, Deaths, and Naturalizations.” Accessed December 25, 2023. <a href="https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/records-request/31/">https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/records-request/31/</a>.</p><p>Moyer, Justin Wm. “How Genealogists Got Millions of Md. Records Online for All to See.” Washington Post, December 24, 2023. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/25/maryland-genealogical-records/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/25/maryland-genealogical-records/</a>.</p><p>PennLive.com, Spotlight PA | For. “Inside the Pa. Court Case Pitting a Genealogist against Ancestry.Com.” pennlive, December 25, 2023. <a href="https://www.pennlive.com/news/2023/12/inside-the-pa-court-case-pitting-a-genealogist-against-ancestrycom.html">https://www.pennlive.com/news/2023/12/inside-the-pa-court-case-pitting-a-genealogist-against-ancestrycom.html</a></p><p>These and many other issues are raised in the context of the efforts of Ancestry.com and other companies to assert ownership over public domain works and public documents and records. A particularly egregious example is when a publisher or an online graphics website "republishes" works that are clearly in the public domain and then pretends to have copyright in order to charge for copies. Another example that is closer to genealogist's interest is when a large genealogy company "buys" the right to digitized records and then charges a fee to view those same records by asserting either a copyright interest or a "work product" interest or both. </p><p>Genealogists benefit from the more available digital copies but the conflict comes when the same records supplied to the large genealogy company are otherwise public records and should be freely available to the public under almost all state Freedom of Information Acts. all 50 states and the District of Columbia have freedom of information laws. These laws are also known as Sunshine Laws, Public Records Laws, and Open Records Laws but those laws are meaningless if the state sells the right to control access to the covered records to a third party company that then claims ownership of the documents. </p><p>Billions of records are presently in this category. One illustrative example of the manufactured complexity of this issue can be viewed in Ancestry.com's 7,166 words long Terms and Conditions. See <a href="https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/termsandconditions#:~:text=You%20agree%20that%20you%20will,your%20use%20of%20the%20Services">https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/termsandconditions#:~:text=You%20agree%20that%20you%20will,your%20use%20of%20the%20Services</a> You might be surprised and perhaps concerned about your own personal liability for using the Ancestry.com website. I should also add that every other large online genealogy website has similar terms and conditions. You might also want to look at section 3.2 of the Terms and Conditions about Ancestry.com's use of what information you supply to the website.</p><p>Paragraph 2.1 of the Ancestry.com Terms and Conditions, entitled Intellectual Property Rights to Ancestry Content, simply restates basic copyright law. It is also interesting that despite the fact that the vast majority of the actual records hosted by Ancestry.com are not subject to copyright claims, a copyright notice is placed on each collection of records including U.S. Census Records. </p><p>There is no mention of any claim to "work product" in any part of the Ancestry.com website. This is not surprising since the only legal meaning of the term "work product" is as follows:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>The legal term “work product” refers to materials such as writings, notes, memoranda, reports on conversations with the client or witness, research, and confidential materials that an attorney has developed in anticipation of litigation or for trial.</p><p>Work product is generally privileged, meaning it is exempt from discovery. However, there are exceptions1. Work product is divided into two categories: ordinary and opinion.</p><p>Ordinary work product is the result of gathering basic facts or conducting interviews with witnesses, and is discoverable if there is a showing of substantial need, like a witness that becomes unavailable.</p><p>Opinion work product is the record of an attorney’s mental impressions, ideas or strategies, and is almost never subject to discovery.</p></blockquote><p>For reference see <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/work_product">https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/work_product</a></p><p>Despite the legal issues involved, genealogists benefit from the online access of records from around the world. But it is sad that both governments and some large online genealogy databases claim ownership of otherwise public domain or public records merely from having paid to digitize the records under claim of contracts. </p><p>More about this later.</p><p></p><div><br /></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-51245745885934246272023-12-26T14:29:00.000-07:002023-12-26T14:29:24.746-07:00MyHeritage Releases AI Record Finder™ and AI Biographer™ — Two Groundbreaking Features That Transform Genealogy Using Artificial Intelligence<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwSz6nAIxKAgf7SL5qLobx_ROmL1Iswkr1pyhtpPipgG0kRHlGuw-hDJeKdMCFlq4a105tgTJNIAqJuCw61hRG1Hr-oQSfqizAdjfzxJmNcq2DWcz0Fo3791yBqzgH4WZkhWrHZvVgF1kyG-2v2XOnjHbplkEAXmhZKD37aRhgadNK4l68jOfn8tnU2n_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwSz6nAIxKAgf7SL5qLobx_ROmL1Iswkr1pyhtpPipgG0kRHlGuw-hDJeKdMCFlq4a105tgTJNIAqJuCw61hRG1Hr-oQSfqizAdjfzxJmNcq2DWcz0Fo3791yBqzgH4WZkhWrHZvVgF1kyG-2v2XOnjHbplkEAXmhZKD37aRhgadNK4l68jOfn8tnU2n_A=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you have been following the online news about artificial intelligence or AI, you will already know that AI applications are expanding at a astronomical rate. Some of the AI features that have been implemented over the past few years by <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a> include Record Matches, <span style="background-color: white; color: #5f6368; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Smart Matching</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">™, DNA tools and a bundle of photo enhancement programs. But now, there is a giant leap in even more sophisticated chatbot features for <a href="http://MyHeritage.com">MyHeritage.com</a>. I will be presenting three live classes at RootsTech 2024 on "</span><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Using Artificial Intelligence Tools to Expand Your Genealogical Research Universe</b>." You can see from this announcement, by February 29th, 2024, I will probably have a lot more to talk about than I had previously began planning. See <a href="http://RootsTech.org">RootsTech.org</a>. The schedule of the classes will be posted in the next few weeks. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I fortunately had a sneak preview of the features and now they have been announced. Here are some of the features as set out in an email to me for release to the public.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah, December 27, 2023 — MyHeritage, the leading global family history service, announced today the release of two groundbreaking features that mark the next frontier in family history research: AI Record Finder™ and AI Biographer™. AI Record Finder™ revolutionizes genealogy like ChatGPT revolutionized searching the internet: it is an interactive, intelligent, free-text chat to help the user locate relevant historical records about a person of interest in MyHeritage’s vast database of 20 billion records. AI Biographer™ automatically compiles a rich narrative about an individual’s life using information from historical records that match the person, creating a Wikipedia-like biography about anyone. Narratives are enriched with relevant historical context using AI and are easy to share. MyHeritage is the only service to offer such groundbreaking features for family history, and the first to leverage conversational AI for searching historical records. The two features are integrated, allowing users to generate an AI Biography™ for individuals they find using AI Record Finder™. AI Biographies™ may also be generated directly for individuals in family trees on MyHeritage.</span></blockquote><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">It has not been hard to predict using chatbot technology for a data intensive pursuit such as genealogy. The only issue once the landslide of chatbots became available in the last year was when it would happen. It is also predictable that MyHeritage.com the technological leader of the large, online genealogy websites would be the first to implement chatbots. </span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">Here are some more detailed decriptions of the two new products from my email notification. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b></b></span></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>AI Record FinderTM</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Until now, searching for historical records on online genealogy platforms like MyHeritage has been very similar to using a regular internet search engine. One entered names and other terms into dedicated fields in a search form, and the search engine returned a large number of search results. Then, it was necessary to comb through the results to discover relevant information. AI Record Finder™ transforms this experience by enabling users to converse with an AI assistant in a chat to quickly find records about their ancestors, relatives, or other deceased individuals. Users can still use the traditional search engine on MyHeritage, but AI Record Finder™ adds an additional chat mode that increases the chances that users may be able to find elusive records they have never found before, thanks to the power of AI.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The chat is like an interview with a friendly concierge that the user can converse with in one of two modes: casual or formal. AI Record Finder™ processes the information the user enters, and understands what additional details are necessary to help narrow down the search results. It guides the user by asking the relevant questions according to the context and information provided by the user, to find the most relevant records about the person the user is searching for. Once located, the records can be reviewed and the details saved to the user’s family tree. AI Record Finder™ includes a seamless user interface, where historical records that are found appear directly within the chat.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>AI BiographerTM</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">AI Biographer™ creates a rich Wikipedia-like biography summarizing a person’s life. This is especially useful for creating biographies about the billions of individuals who were not famous, and therefore do not appear in Wikipedia. An AI Biography™ can be created from historical records found via AI Record Finder™ and for deceased individuals within a user’s family tree on MyHeritage. AI Biographer™ utilizes MyHeritage’s acclaimed matching technologies to curate historical records and family tree profiles that pertain to the selected individual. All information from the pertinent records is then compiled into an biography that is enriched with photos and scanned documents, and in some cases, additional information from the web. The resulting biography includes the person’s immediate family, describes the main events of their life, and includes rich historical context and the origins of their surname. Each biography is a unique narrative that can be shared with family and friends, and saved for posterity. Facts listed in AI Biographies™ include footnotes and source citations, and link to the records from which they were obtained. Any inconsistencies within the information listed are noted. AI Biographies™ are saved as PDF files that are emailed to the user.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When created from the user’s family tree, an AI Biography™ is added to the family tree as a media item and tagged with the individual’s name, so that it is accessible through the MyHeritage mobile app and Family Tree Builder desktop software. The biography is included whenever the family tree is exported in GEDCOM format, ensuring that the enriched biographical information remains an integral part of the family tree. Biographies can easily be regenerated whenever new information becomes available. Additional entry points for generating an AI Biography™ such as from MyHeritage’s traditional form-based search engine, and from family tree profile pages, will be added soon.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">“We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of genealogy to reinvent the way people can discover their family history as we implement a bold vision for genealogy in the 21st century” said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage. “AI Record Finder™ is a disruptive feature that simplifies the way people can find information about their ancestors by making the search easier and more intuitive. AI Biographer™ curates the details about a person’s life into a compelling story. Not all our ancestors were famous, but they all deserve to be remembered! Together, these cutting-edge features strengthen MyHeritage’s position as the industry leader for innovative genealogy and continue our mission to make family history easier, more accessible, and more fun for everyone.”</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">AI Record Finder™ and AI Biographer™ both use automated third-party technology powered by OpenAI.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Availability, Cost, and Language Support</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">AI Record Finder™ and AI Biographer™ are currently accessible from desktop and mobile web browsers. Support for both features on the MyHeritage mobile app will be added soon.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">AI Record Finder™ is free for limited use. To submit an unlimited number of chat messages, and to view and save historical records to the family tree, a Data or Complete subscription is required. Users can create a few AI Biographies™ for free. Beyond that, additional use of AI Biographer™ requires a Complete subscription.</span></p><p><span style="color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">AI Record Finder™ and AI Biographer™ are initially available in English and will support additional languages in the near future. It is possible to converse with AI Record Finder™ in multiple languages, but at launch, it responds in English only.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></p></blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-71094775576093606222023-12-16T19:54:00.005-07:002023-12-16T19:54:58.491-07:00RootsTech is Coming! You will want to come to the live conference <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixT8CaqRo3dYobYs_ZFCkyXHWc8laSaq9qIPdn65K9yUK1L5kzSojZQfxVRKR_5DTN6ssQjPd5nT54ZSW9N-MhtWEEmBojRIVFtK3iRVvkgeCIYwVPsV8dXaEYAHVXTvx5gW1VjfoJwrdN2N6wVI_-BbiyhJzokDk9T0vBTrh0EDyPapo4PKRVXEY4JEkF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="2658" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixT8CaqRo3dYobYs_ZFCkyXHWc8laSaq9qIPdn65K9yUK1L5kzSojZQfxVRKR_5DTN6ssQjPd5nT54ZSW9N-MhtWEEmBojRIVFtK3iRVvkgeCIYwVPsV8dXaEYAHVXTvx5gW1VjfoJwrdN2N6wVI_-BbiyhJzokDk9T0vBTrh0EDyPapo4PKRVXEY4JEkF=w640-h619" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/">https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/</a><p></p><p>We are quickly coming to the end of 2023 and now RootsTech February 29th through March 2nd is right around the corner. If you have never been to a genealoogy conference, RootsTech 2024 will be your chance to come to largest and most memorable genealogy conference of all time. </p><p>RootsTech 2024 is the premier event to celebrate your heritage and other meaningful connections through a deeper understanding of family history and genealogy1. Here are some reasons why you should attend:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Exclusive Sessions: Over 250 exclusive sessions are only available in Salt Lake City.</li><li>Expo Hall: More than 120 exhibitors/sponsors will be present in the Expo Hall.</li><li>Industry Innovations: Be the first to learn about industry innovations.</li><li>Networking: Develop new friendships and reunite with old friends.</li><li>Personalized Help: Get personalized help at the FamilySearch library.</li><li>Keynote Speakers: Hear from various talents from industries around the world who share their own family experiences and inspiring messages of hope and resiliency.</li></ul><p></p><p>RootsTech 2024 is gearing up for a special year with the theme “Remember”, highlighting the essence of RootsTech, which is honoring and cherishing our families and ourselves while creating new relationships that transcend time. So, come join us and discover your story at RootsTech 20241 Register today to save your spot.</p><p>Here is the link to register <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/">https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/</a></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-46452320703221824082023-12-16T10:39:00.003-07:002023-12-16T12:16:18.305-07:00Why is the FamilySearch tree an unmoderated wiki and what happens because it is not moderated?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEsQAD7k1b1h53jRUdIT-z65rn10ZJp0LKzsW87m2wok5Z1keZR40lN3SE19d4vha4bjwTPEcPx4OltMbHdJJoiPA2-bR9YlmOY4iAXehpkUnYUlFokDxSpcqGHFeDjfODR2YJigkXI2CE4EgEN5yexNEnDW_ZW1aa7K8EnUIv5e3JAr-cCfoT2YGGPQr4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEsQAD7k1b1h53jRUdIT-z65rn10ZJp0LKzsW87m2wok5Z1keZR40lN3SE19d4vha4bjwTPEcPx4OltMbHdJJoiPA2-bR9YlmOY4iAXehpkUnYUlFokDxSpcqGHFeDjfODR2YJigkXI2CE4EgEN5yexNEnDW_ZW1aa7K8EnUIv5e3JAr-cCfoT2YGGPQr4=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Imagine a major city with no traffic rules, no traffic control devices, and no policemen. This would probably seem to be ideal for an ararchist. So why would you think that a complex wiki program or app would not eventually end up chaotic also? The <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> Family Tree is a wiki-based program or app. </p><p></p><blockquote>A wiki is a form of online hypertext publication, collaboratively edited and managed by its own audience, using a web browser. It typically contains multiple pages for the subjects or scope of the project, and could be either open to the public or limited to use within an organization for maintaining its internal knowledge base. (quote from Bing Chat)</blockquote><p>A moderated wiki is a type of wiki where changes and contributions are reviewed by designated moderators or administrators before they are published. This process helps to ensure that the content aligns with the wiki’s guidelines and standards. The purpose of content moderation is to remove or apply a warning label to problematic content or allow users to block and filter content themselves. Major platforms use a combination of algorithmic tools, user reporting, and human review. Is the FamilySearch Family Tree a "moderated wiki?" </p><p>Here are the general guidelines for using the FamilySearch Family Tree:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Appropriate Content: Content should support appropriate standards of modesty and virtue.</li><li>Relevance: Content should support a family history purpose.</li><li>Heart-turning: Content should support individuals coming to know and love their ancestors.</li><li>Noncommercial: Content should not advertise or promote products.</li><li>Intellectual Property Rights: They should not infringe on intellectual property rights.</li><li>Accuracy: Photos, Documents, and Audio Recordings may not be edited in such a way as to make them inaccurate, false, or misleading.</li></ul><div>See <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/legal/familysearch-upload-guidelines-and-policies">Upload Guidelines and Policies — FamilySearch.org</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The glaring failure of the list and therefore the Family Tree is the lack of any sort of external moderation. This lack allows millions of entries to be added with no review or moderation at all. The idea of using a wiki format for the Family Tree was sound and valuable. But allowing the Family Tree to be changed on the whim of a user has lead to wholesale duplication, inaccuracies, and lack of reliability. There are significant numbers of potential users who refuse to use the Family Tree to store their own genealogical information or stop using the Family Tree because there are really no restrictions on the accuracy of the content. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two very damaging ways that wholesale duplicates and inaccurate information is being added to the Family Tree include projects that add millions of names without providing a minimum of supervision as to duplication or accuracies and the ability of any and all users to upload unsupervised GEDCOM files. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not going to take the time in this post to review all of the possible, previously proposed modration suggestions that have been made over the years because to do so would essentially be a waste of time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the 1960s and onward, FamilySearch or its predecessor the Genealogical Society of Utah, sponsored vast extraction programs where records were add to the existing data bases such as the International Genealogical Index and the Ancestral File with no limits on duplication of entries to an individual person. From my own personal ancestral lines, this allowed the same information about some of my ancestors to be added to the Family Tree hundreds of times. The present situation is no different with some areas of the Family Tree such as ancestors in New England being changed and duplicated sometimes dozens of times a week or even many times every day. This rampant lack of moderation or control results in what I call "revolving door ancestors" and futher results in my abandoning any research or additions to any one of my New England ancestral lines. Many of the bad entries and some of the corrections are being done by unresponsive and in many cases anonymous users. Those who do the research and try to get these people to add sources or even collaborate are frequently ignored. Some of these people are notorious for their disregard for propriety. </div><div><br /></div><div>The common user solution to the problem is to abandon adding information to the Family Tree and moving to an individually owned family tree either online or in a desktop programs. </div><div><br /></div><div>The basic motivation seems to be adding the numbers of entries while disregarding any attempts and limiting duplication or inaccuracy. Leaving the process of moderation entirely to the users results in some users spending more time correcting existing entries than actually doing the research needed to add new entries. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you need a prime example of this lack of control, here are a few individuals to look at with hundreds of changes. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dvid Kenyon I KNQL-7VM</li><li>John Kenyon II KNH4-2LX with 14 changes in the last two weeks</li><li>John Kenyon 273D-VZ6 with only four sources and 22 changes in the last two months</li><li>Philip Taber Jr. 945B-5CS with 28 sources but probably more than 200+ changes</li><li>Lydia Masters 9XPZ-KMZ with 13 sources but 9 changes in the last week and possibly hundreds of cumulative changes. </li></ul><div>The list could go on and on. The amount of time wasted on these revolving door entries is probably into the millions of hours. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I could also spend a great deal of time explaining exact why and how this situation exists. The problem is that many really good genealogists have quit using the Family Tree or are close to quitting. I have chosen to ignore any entry that shows a tendency to change frequently. I no longer care if those entries are accurate or not. Meanwhile almost entirely ignores these entries and continues to allow wholesale addition of millions of duplicates. I spend a significant time merging duplicates that officially do not exist. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have read this far, you probably know exactly what I am writing about. Can the Family Tree continue exist despite this condition? Yes, if it used merely as a dumping gound but it will also continue to lose confidence in its reliability as a place to do real genealogy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do I need to list all the times I have written about this subject? By the way, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of FamilySearch and the Family Tree. I just wish there were some movement towards controlling the uncontrolled. </div><p></p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-81507927996032699492023-12-11T13:25:00.003-07:002023-12-11T13:25:59.670-07:00Reclaim the Records Liberates Millions of Records from the State of Maryland<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBpQhhkIlLlQ8yjTz_QrrI0MDIhal8qFHFxH_LOoNk9cOR22YAByX4wc98wr1WcSewcPKnZIrAiqnatLtwOWwB5YF4NCVzuhJ5bwL7wBaEByX6pkC3ku4azH2W52q1wN4ZZDciIuuSeRgt7BvPXwMGxhecR7Wrd39UFMmMMbEVWP_XT7Oi5HeRBsG-ypzg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="1530" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBpQhhkIlLlQ8yjTz_QrrI0MDIhal8qFHFxH_LOoNk9cOR22YAByX4wc98wr1WcSewcPKnZIrAiqnatLtwOWwB5YF4NCVzuhJ5bwL7wBaEByX6pkC3ku4azH2W52q1wN4ZZDciIuuSeRgt7BvPXwMGxhecR7Wrd39UFMmMMbEVWP_XT7Oi5HeRBsG-ypzg=w605-h640" width="605" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://archive.org/details/maryland-state-archives?sort=title">https://archive.org/details/maryland-state-archives?sort=title</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Because this is so important, I am going to copy some of the text of the above email. Here it is. </p><p></p><blockquote><p>GOOD MORNING, BALTIMORE!</p><p>RECLAIM THE RECORDS PUTS MILLIONS OF MARYLAND BIRTH, MARRIAGE, DEATH, AND NATURALIZATION RECORDS ONLINE (MANY OF THEM NEVER AVAILABLE BEFORE ANYWHERE) and yes this time we got FULL VITAL RECORDS CERTIFICATES too</p><p>Hi. Please excuse the all-caps, but we're currently hyped up on a sugar high from the pumpkin pie, and a records-high from OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF NEW AND TOTALLY FREE GENEALOGY RECORDS THAT WE JUST PUT ONLINE and we're all pretty darn excited.</p><p>Ahem. We at Reclaim The Records are so proud to finally announce one of our largest record acquisitions to date: millions of vital records spanning over one hundred years of history for the state of Maryland.</p><p>These records have never previously been publicly available online anywhere else — not on FamilySearch and not on Ancestry and not on MyHeritage and not on [insert some other genealogy website here] — except for some records that had only been available at the Maryland State Archives' internal website, if you happened to be sitting in their building in Annapolis and using their in-house computers, or on their external website, but only if those records were more than a hundred years old.</p><p>This announcement is groundbreaking for us at RTR. Not only is this an unusually large cache of materials for one of our records projects, but this time, our acquisition was not limited to a basic name and date index — although we did get those, too! — but in addition to the decades of vital records indices, we also got the digital images of the actual birth, marriage, and death certificates for the state of Maryland. Yep, the real certificates. And now we've put them online, free!</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Because my wife and I served as missionaries with FamilySearch.org in digitizing records from the Maryland State Archive, we are extremely happy to see more of the records being made available outside of the Maryland State Archives. </p><p>See more liberated records on the <a href="https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/" target="_blank">Reclaim the Records website</a>.</p><p>The Records are now freely available on Archive.org, the Internet Archive. See<a href="https://archive.org/details/maryland-state-archives?sort=title" target="_blank"> https://archive.org/details/maryland-state-archives?sort=title </a></p><p>All of the records on the Internet Archive or archive.org are searchable by Google. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-78834743237315178402023-12-11T13:12:00.003-07:002023-12-11T13:12:52.322-07:00Welcome to the Brand New MyHeritage Wiki<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmRBIQQ0Z4H3iOp3w4JbMLuJdGQUKZTyBnjYrP9c80M6qHo5v7vHgCBw4p6HqcNBIN3_HevyGevk5FYgyL51_6RegzLFmaNT3t9pq_BT274h0cjjo35R2ulUM0wgYG9kvx2aqjsM01NmO019aMYV6AaJq0cyQk_6JYzRYTWHzBat7Lz87LCwtgPJo8Gfob" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2530" data-original-width="2478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmRBIQQ0Z4H3iOp3w4JbMLuJdGQUKZTyBnjYrP9c80M6qHo5v7vHgCBw4p6HqcNBIN3_HevyGevk5FYgyL51_6RegzLFmaNT3t9pq_BT274h0cjjo35R2ulUM0wgYG9kvx2aqjsM01NmO019aMYV6AaJq0cyQk_6JYzRYTWHzBat7Lz87LCwtgPJo8Gfob=w627-h640" width="627" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Home">https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Home</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPxAfN3qFOA" width="320" youtube-src-id="hPxAfN3qFOA"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/hPxAfN3qFOA?si=L4_6bnZT-9NXZG1g">https://youtu.be/hPxAfN3qFOA?si=L4_6bnZT-9NXZG1g</a><div><br /></div><div>During this past year, it was my honor and privilege to assist in developing the new MyHeritage Wiki, along with other talented writers and software developers. As with all wikis, you have to start with a concept and a design. The new MyHeritage wiki has both an outstanding concept and clean an uncluttered design. Take some time to explore the content and rest assured that there will be more content. There is a simple was to apply to be a contributor also. I am sure there will be a lot more I will be writing about this very useful addition to the greater genealogical, worldwide, community. </div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0