The History of Indians of Northeast Mexico by John Schmal May 6, 2023 1pm PST

To join this presentation, hit here
 

How to date old wedding photographs

To read this article in full, hit here First published at  "Who Do You Think You Are" blog

Jayne Shrimpton, dress historian and portrait specialist, explains how to use clues to date old family photographs of your ancestors' weddings

From the earliest days of portraiture, paintings representing betrothal and marriage predominated. So when commercial photography developed in the 1840s, these important events continued as favoured pictorial themes. Most of us have old family wedding photographs in our collections, from paired or double Victorian studio portraits, to extended outdoor group scenes. Early studio marriage photos may go unnoticed, for newlyweds generally posed in their fashionable ‘Sunday best’, without flowers or other distinguishing attributes.

Wedding photographs are heirlooms to treasure, and to learn from. They provide an exact visual representation of the official marriage records on which we all depend to construct our family tree. Many portray groups of relatives all in one place, which is very helpful when making meaningful connections between various individuals. Some include the only known depiction of an otherwise camera-shy ancestor, or, conversely, portray forebears seen in other photographs, confirming suspected identities and forming a firm point on our ancestral visual timeline.

Photographs of weddings, whether economical and simple or grand and impressive, are also sentimental pictures that have been carefully preserved and retain a strong emotional value today. They often record the best times in our forebears’ lives, and sometimes details in wedding pictures demonstrate tangible links down the generations, like a beloved wedding dress or veil worn by successive brides over the years.

Some wedding photographs are firmly identified, while others survive without names or dates. This guide helps with successfully dating and contextualising some of our most beautiful, interesting and important family heirlooms.

Following technological advances facilitating outdoor photography, in the late 1860s wealthy families began to hire photographers to visit the reception venue. This ‘white wedding’ scene was taken at the home of the bride, the daughter of a railway engineer.

White bridal attire, attendants and flowers – the desirable ‘white wedding’ – were initially limited to affluent ancestors, occurring in outdoor photographs like this from the late 1860s onwards.

At an 1860s ‘white wedding’ the bride and bridesmaids all had white gowns, white veils and posy bouquets – a good dating clue, but hard to tell them apart!

Since this is an upper-middle-class wedding, these men all wear formal, knee-length frock coats with boutonnières (floral buttonholes) in their lapels and contrasting fashionable lighter trousers.

A young boy sitting on the floor in front wears a picturesque velvet costume. This knickerbockers suit was a new style established during the 1860s.

This photograph is identifiable as a classic studio wedding portrait. The couple’s intimate pose implies their relationship and the bride clearly displays her wedding band, highlighted in gold.

We can date this image to c1870–1874 because of the bride’s hairstyle incorporating thick chignon behind her head and her layered costume displaying bustle drapery at the back.

It looks as if the bride might be pregnant. Many brides were when they married, but rarely revealed the fact in photographs. Otherwise the bulge might possibly be bulky drapery!

The groom wears a high-fashion narrow-fitting suit, the coloured trim or piping outlining the outer trouser leg seams a dress detail associated mainly (but not exclusively) with the 1870s.

Advances in outdoor photography during the late 1800s encouraged wedding group scenes. Special bridal wear and costly ‘white weddings’ weren’t yet common, but ordinary brides often wore a veil and other white accessories.

This photograph can be firmly dated to the mid-1890s from the fashion clues, especially the women’s ‘leg-of-mutton’ sleeves, at their widest in 1895/1896.

Typically this bride wears a fashionable pastel-coloured day dress, accessorised with a special white veil, striking lace collar, white gloves and bodice corsage.

The bridesmaid (left) wears clothes and accessories similar or possibly identical to the bride, but, as usual around the century’s turn, a fashionable hat not a veil.

The men’s stiff bowler hats, starched winged shirt collars, white neckties, gloves and boutonnières are all typical of ordinary weddings of the era.

Understanding DNA Genetic Genealogy and Criminal Investigation

A big thank you to CeCe Moore for a great basic lesson Genetic Genealogy as a lead up to National DNA Day! This podcast was on "Getting Schooled Podcast"

To listen to this blog, hit here

How does genetic genealogy aid criminal investigations? Genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on genetic genealogy.

CeCe dissects how autosomal DNA has been used to aid criminal investigations, citing the November 2022 Idaho murders investigation. Later, CeCe reveals the limitations to genetic genealogy in criminal and familial research, while also highlighting how the science has evolved throughout the years.

Lunch and Learn Presentation Saturday, May 13, 2023 1pm

  In the past, our organization has helped with the promotion of webinars that the SCGS' Genealogy Lunch and Learn puts on for the general public. Even though we are a Hispanic genealogy group, we promote the education and knowledge that one may obtain from these presentations. Who knows if your ancestors may have some connection to these areas. Since they our free online via GoToMeeting, we are letting our members know that these courses are available to you if you register in advance. 

 

PLEASE NOTE INFORMATION BELOW:

Please register at least one-hour ahead for the FREE SCGS Lunch and Learn Education program - on May 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM PDT

Join this webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Please register at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8817691156668112984

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

GSHA-SC General Meeting Saturday, May 6, 2023 10am to 1pm PST Early Colonial and Northeastern Mexico Research

 Our Speaker: Moises Garza will present at 11:00am PST 

 Program Title: Early Colonial and Northeastern Mexico Research

 Brief Description of Program:

In this presentation you will learn about the current research that Moises Garza is doing on early Colonial and Northeastern Mexico. You will also learn where to access this research to help you find more ancestors.

 Bio: My passion for genealogy started in the cotton fields of west Texas. As a migrant worker I was blessed to work in the fields next to my father, Lauro Garza, who had a sharp memory and told countless stories about his own ancestors. I have been doing genealogy since 1998. Since then I have helped countless others in their own quest to find their ancestors. Today, I continue with this passion by publishing and creating resources to help you in your own search.

 No recording allowed.

This is the Place: Our Ancestors, Our History, Our Family

 The 2023 GSHA Conference

is happening as a hybrid event. In-Person and on Zoom in Salt Lake City, UT, August 24-26, hosted by the Utah Chapter of the GSHA.

A list of speakers is being made. Go to the GSHA website to for more information about Salt Lake City if you plan on being there in person. There will be a limit of 50 person for the in-person event. Registration for the event is coming soon'

https://www.gshaa.org/

671 Newspapers for Genealogy Research to research your ancestors in Texas

For those having ancestors living in Texas, a Newspaper search companies states they have a lot to seek from their data base. (Please note this is for information only-no ties to the marketing of this company.)

GenealogyBank’s online newspaper archives announced they have 671 titles to help you search your family history in the “Texas, the Lone Star State,. If you are researching your ancestry that leads into Texas, you will want to use them. They state they have coverage from 1813 to Today. There are millions of articles and records in their online Texas newspaper archives!

Celebrate DNA Day 2023 on April 25th, 2023

 Reminder, that this day, most DNA testing companies will have their sales. Be looking out for their advertisement.

Also, RootsTech Celebrates DNA Day 2023 with 8 Free Webinars

Celebrate DNA Day 2023 with RootsTech!

RootsTech is proud to celebrate DNA Day on April 25, 2023, with 8 free online classes led by DNA experts covering a wide variety of topics. DNA Day began in 2003 as an annual celebration of the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure and the important role that genetics play in our lives.

“We are excited to celebrate DNA Day and the important role that genetics play in our lives,” said Jen Allen, RootsTech event director. “This year’s online event will offer attendees a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field and explore the latest advances in DNA technology.”

Please note times listed are Mountain Standard Time. Subtract an hour for Pacific Standard Time,

Keynote speakers for RootsTech DNA Day include renowned genetic genealogist Diahan Southard, founder of Your DNA Guide and renowned author and educator. She will share her expertise and insights into the field of DNA testing and its applications for genealogy research.

Nonprofit DNAngels will present successful stories profiling some of their case work in helping individuals connect with biological family members through DNA.

RootsTech DNA Day will be live on Facebook, YouTube, and http://RootsTech.org and will be archived after April 25 for reference throughout the year.

For more information about RootsTech DNA Day and to RSVP for each class, please visit the RootsTech Facebook page, Upcoming Events.

How to Watch DNA Day 2025 Live Content (April 25, 2023. All times are mountain daylight time.) to Watch it live hit below

YouTube RootsTech DNA Day Playlist

GSHA-SC Writer's Workshop Sunday, April 23, 2023 2pm PST

 

Why Local Libraries and Archives Are Still Vital to Your Research

To read the article in full, hit here. Posted on Family History Blog by Patricia Hartley

Ever-growing access to online records means that many family history researchers aren’t taking advantage of physical repositories like they used to. But, as we discuss in this article about the important of offline records, a great deal of what we need to really understand our ancestors still cannot be found digitally.

That’s why taking advantage of libraries and record archives, in person, is still so critically important to building a successful family tree. And now that it is becoming safer and safer to travel in the covid era, most of these locations are again open to the public.

So, whether you’re doing research in your own town, making a trip to the home of an ancestor for records you can’t find (or order) online, or requesting a lookup and mailed copy of a record (this is a common service and usually not terribly expensive) make the most of the libraries and archives in the areas you are researching. This guide shares five different ways they can help you solve your family history mysteries.

And, when you’re done reading, don’t forget to find out how your local library can help you gain free access to genealogy resources online.

Hispanic Research with John Schmal Thursday July 20, 2023

Please follow the instruction below to receive an invitation to GSHA-SC Hispanic Research with John Schmal on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 6:30pm PST.

The Old Spanish Trail has a new marker

 

An OSTA marker is at Bonita and Walnut in San Dimas, CA and displayed about 4 miles north of the official NPS trail route. The Link can be access here

This plaque commemorates the 1200-mile Old Spanish Trail, an historic pack trail from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. This trail was used by Native Americans, explorers, trappers, immigrants, and Mexican traders who brought woolen goods from New Mexico in exchange for highly prized California mules and horses. In active use between 1829 and 1848, the portion passing through San Dimas became known as the “Upper San Bernardino Road” and was later used by wagons and stagecoaches.

Congress designated the routes as the Old Spanish National Historic Trail in 2002. Erected by City of San Dimas, San Dimas Historical Society, San Dimas Corral of Westerners, and Old Spanish Trail Association.

Canadian Genealogy Online in 2023 by Dave Obee – Wednesday, April 19, 6:00 PM PDT

  In the past, our organization has helped with the promotion of webinars that the SCGS' Genealogy Group puts on for the general public. Even though we are a Hispanic genealogy group, we promote the education and knowledge that one may obtain from these presentations. Who knows if your ancestors may have some connection to these areas. Since they are free online via their GoToMeeting, we are letting our members know that these courses are available to you if you sign in and register in advance by hitting here.

Webinars offer Jamboree-style seminars for up to 500 attendees per session, at no charge.  While the original webcasts are available to all genealogists, SCGS members will be able to review archived sessions at any time by accessing the SCGS members-only section of this website. Archived sessions will be available approximately three days following the webinar. To view the webinar, you will need a computer with audio speakers or a headset. Those persons with a fast Internet connection (either broadband or DSL) will have the most satisfactory experience. 

Genealogy Garage: The Changing Borders of Eastern Europe-- Saturday, April 15, 2023 11:00 AM PST

 In the past, our organization has helped with the promotion of webinars that the Los Angeles Public Library's Genealogy Garage puts on for the general public. Even though we are a Hispanic genealogy group, we promote the education and knowledge that one may obtain from these presentations. Who knows if your ancestors may have some connection to these areas. Since the courses are free in person and possibly online via YouTube or Facebook, we are letting our members know that these courses are available to you if you sign in to YouTube or Facebook. For more information, please communicate with the Library directly. 

 This upcoming Saturday, 4/15, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PST, the Los Angeles Public Library is having a wonderful speaker discuss the changing borders of eastern Europe (with a focus on the expansion of Russia to the west).  Presenter Hal Bookbinder has served as president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles and of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies.  I've seen Hal do this presentation before (at the SCGS Jamboree) and it was AMAZING and memorable.

This Genealogy Garage will NOT be recorded, so you'll have to tell your members to tune in LIVE.  On Saturday at 11, have them click this link: Genealogy Garage: The Changing Borders of Eastern Europe - YouTube or go to the Los Angeles Public Library's YouTube page.

Hispanic Heritage Project Update

To all those who have been following the progress from their fundraiser to purchase 10 scanners for placing in archives in Mexico. Our organization supports their effort by donating to their cause. We have donated this year $500 to purchase scanners. If you wish to donate separately, please go to their  website. https://panes.info/

They have placed three scanners last month in March.  One to the colonial archive at Patzcuaro Michoacan, one to the Arzobispado de Guadalajara and the third to the Archivo Municipal de Hidalgo de Parral de Chihuahua.  The following is a brief summary as to why this has taken so long from their website.

After we had ordered the scanners in April last year, it took several months for the shipment to reach the US.  When we finally received them, we opened the boxes, checked to make sure everytning was in working order then sent them on their way to Mexico where they were tied up several months more at the border.  Additionally there were more delays at the various archives due to changes in leadership and other matters that are common in Mexico.  We were finally able to take a much needed breath of relief to see these scanners placed.  We look forward to the great work to be done that will aid researchers far and wide as information from the above listed archives is made accessible.  Our negotiations continue  with other archives where the remaining scanners will be placed.

Finding your Roots in Mexico by John Schmal Saturday April 15, 2023 1pm PDT

 To access registration for the class via zoom, hit here

Native Bound-Unbound Archives of Indigenous American Enslaved --Saturday, April 8, 2023 10am PST Zoom broadcast

 You are invited to a FREE Zoom meeting.

When: Apr 8, 2023 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Estevan Rael-Galvez will speak about "Native Bound-Unbound: Archive of Indigenous Americans Enslaved, an unprecedented digital project centered on millions of Indigenous people whose lives were shaped by slavery.

Register in advance for this meeting by hitting here

Indigenous Mexico and the Spanish Language presented by John Schmal on zoom Saturday, April 8, 2023 10:30am PST

 

Covering Your Bases: An Introduction to Autosomal DNA Coverage Wednesday, April 5, 2023 11am PST

 Autosomal DNA tests are utilized in genetic genealogy to solve historic research questions by exploring the genetic traces left by deceased ancestors in the genomes of their living descendants. Any given descendant only inherits a portion of their ancestor’s DNA, and different descendants inherit different portions of that DNA. Based on the relationships between tested descendants of a research subject, it is possible to estimate how much of an ancestor’s DNA is represented in any given database. This information can help in prioritization of testing candidates and can also aid in interpretation of shared DNA between multiple groups of individuals. To register for free, hit here

Black Identity in the Ute Borderlands Wednesday, April 3 5pm PST

 

 

Online via Zoom

John Taylor & Black Identity in the Ute Borderlands

Louis Gregory McAllister, professor of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University

Join History Colorado for this free event that explores the story of John Taylor, a freed black man who enlisted as a Buffalo Soldier following the Civil War and was sent west. Louis Gregory McAllister, professor of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University, is discussing the history of how Taylor settled in southwestern Colorado, where he claimed to be “the first white man in the Pine River Valley." Taylor eventually married Kitty Cloud (Ute) and had four children before passing away in 1934 at the age of ninety-four.

This lecture is part of the build up to the opening of buffalo soldiers: reVision at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center on June 24, 2023. This new exhibit is being created in partnership with eight independent artists and unpacks themes of race, land, and the harm unleashed by westward expansion while providing an emotional testament to the difficult choices the all-Black Buffalo Soldiers regiments faced.

Louis Gregory McAllister holds a M.A in History from the Northern Arizona University and is a professor of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University. McAllister's specializations include: Race relations in the United State Southwest Borderlands; African American History; American Indian-Black relations in American History; Racial formation in American History; and Integrating film, art, music and literature into the fields of History and Ethnic Studies.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, hit here

Where to Search for Free Obituaries Online

 To read the article in full, hit here The article was on Family History Daily Blog.

An obituary can provide truly unique insights into your family’s past, and are a great way to add details and richness to the individuals in your family tree. They are also a wonderful way to discover more about a person who has passed more recently. And a surprising number of sites offer a free obituary search, along with access to original scanned records.

Whether you’re hoping to find the obituary, death or funeral notice of someone dear to you, or to uncover more facts about an ancestor, the following guide will help you locate the records you’re looking for.

Where can I search for free obituaries online?

Nearly all obituary databases, as well as collections containing them, will allow you to search their records at no cost. The real question is “How can I find free obituary records?” because this can be a bit more challenging.

While sites like Ancestry.com will allow you to search their obituary database for free, you’ll have to pay to view any actual notices you find. But there are many sites where you’ll be able to search and view records without a cost.

Why should I search for an obituary?

Whether you are looking for someone who died fairly recently, or far in the past, these records contain insights often found nowhere else and can help you connect the dots of a person’s life.

Dates and locations of birth, marriage and death, the names of living and deceased spouses, children, their spouses and children, occupations, hobbies, travels, accomplishments and religious or charitable activities are all often found in an obituary. You might even hit upon a photograph. If you can locate one, it can provide a wealth of information to help you feel more connected to the person you are researching.

Where can I search free obituaries for a person who died recently?

If you’re looking for recent records (in the last decade or two), there are a number of ways to find a person’s obituary, notice of death or funeral services online. The first is to search for their name, location and the word “obituary” in Google. This may sound simple but, often, this is all it takes to turn up the information you’re looking for.

The second way is to search the newspapers that are local to the person’s death or hometown. Many newspapers will allow you to freely search for obituaries in their main article search, while others will have a section for these entries on their website. If you’re lucky the information will be returned free of charge. Otherwise you may end up paying a fee to access it.

Remember to search multiple papers until you find what you need. This may mean the paper from the person’s last know residence, a larger paper near their city of last residence and papers from where their family is from or is currently located. Many retirees, for instance, move to new locations but their family may choose to publish an obituary in their original home town.

You can also check the website of the funeral home that serviced the family as they will sometimes post the records there. Find help with that in our courses.

Legacy.com also offers a free online obituary search and service that can be a great place to find recent entries (obituaries are submitted by family members, funeral homes and others). The site is packed full of ads but access to all records is openly available.

What if I am looking for an old obituary record for my family history research?

Finding older obituaries completely free can be a bit more challenging, but you would be surprised how many are available at no cost online.

Before beginning your search, arm yourself with as much information as possible. Know your ancestor’s full name, date and location of death and names of family members if possible. This will not only help you find the record you’re looking for but help you ensure that the obituary you are reading is for your ancestor and not that of a similarly named person.

Digitization of the Diocesan Archive of Salamanca

 Sign the petition! To read the article in full, hit here

More than thirty years ago, in most countries of the world, the parish books in which the births, marriages and deaths of our ancestors were registered were digitized and posted on the Internet, and they are so useful for learning more about our origins. , and more specifically essential to go back in our family trees.

In Spain, there are many dioceses that have joined this procedure and made this information available to everyone, which belongs to all of us. However, in Salamanca, the Bishopric did not allow the books belonging to said city and the towns that are included in its Diocese to be digitized, and therefore there is no access available to them from the network. They only allow them to be consulted in person, with a fairly small number of people per day, and they also charge exorbitant fees to take photographs of the items contained in those books (photographs that are free in the archives of other dioceses).

For this reason, I am leading this petition to finally get books digitized and put on the Internet for everyone to access.