The GENES Blog: March 2015

Monday, 30 March 2015

Latest Discover NLS edition now available

From the National Library of Scotland (via Facebook):

Latest edition of 'Discover NLS' out now

The latest issue of our award-winning magazine 'Discover NLS' is now available online.
Highlights in this issue include:

• Ian Rankin delving into the archive of Dame Muriel Spark
• Brian Cox, Michael Palin and Lorraine Kelly sharing their influences as they celebrate the Library’s Inspirations programme
• Mapping a life - the life and work of a forgotten Scottish mapmaker who helped make ocean navigation safer
• A man of letters - the acclaimed author James Kelman gives Michael Tierney a lesson in grammar

Read now: http://www.nls.uk/about-us/publications/discover-nls

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

TNA podcast - Tracing Railway Ancestors

The latest podcast from the National Archives in England is entitled Tracing Railway Ancestors, a 36 minute talk given by Chris Heather.

The podcasts can be listened to at http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/tracing-railway-ancestors/ or downloaded for free from iTunes.

Don't forget also that the new edition of the British GENES podcast is also now available online! For more details visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/second-british-genes-monthly-podcast.html

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Scottish chapbooks digitised and made available online

The University of Guelph in Ontario, supported by the Scottish Studies Foundation and the Jane Grier Family Fund, has digitised a series of Scottish chapbooks from its substantial collection and placed them online at a new dedicated platform at http://scottishchapbooks.org. Chapbooks, or 'cheap books', were pamphlets of eight to twenty-four pages that were created and sold in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Scottish Chapbooks site does not appear to place the chapbooks into categories, but each has been given a series of tags (e.g. ballads, beauty, femininity, gender, Highlands, lordship, love, marriage, masculinity, songs, violence etc), with these tags acting as a means to sort them into categories. They can also be searched by keyword.

Canadian based Christine Woodcock has blogged more on the release at http://scottishgenealogytipsntricks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/scottish-chapbooks-now-available-online.html

Incidentally, if you find he chapbooks of interest, don't forget to visit the National Library of Scotland's Word on the Street project at http://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/, which has a series of digitised historic broadsides also available to read, covering similar territory.

(With thanks to Christine)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Friday, 27 March 2015

British Army WW1 service records on FamilySearch

FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org) has added the surviving British Army First World War service returns from the the English based National Archives' War Office (collections WO363 and WO364) to its site, in a collection entitled United Kingdom, World War I Service Records, 1914-1920. Although the index is accessible, the images can only be viewed at an LDS family history centre or to 'signed-in members of supporting organisations'.

On the available index, my first search hasn't boded well with regard to its accuracy. I did a search for my wife's great uncle Martin Colleton. He is there, but the site tells me he is from 'Carrick, Fife, Scotland'. No, he really, really wasn't. He came from Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary in Ireland. Tread carefully!

(With thanks to John Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections blog)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Unlocking Your Past - Cleveland FHS Family History Day

A quick heads up for an event in 2 weeks time that I am looking forward to immensely, not least because it will actually be the first time ever that I will be speaking to a family history society south of the border (excluding the SoG based in London!) - and also because it just happens to be in my favourite part of England (Yorkshire!). The following are the details and programme for the family history day being organised by Cleveland Family History Society (www.clevelandfhs.org.uk) at Scotch Corner on Saturday April 11th:

UNLOCKING YOUR PAST
Spring Family History Day 2015

Scotch Corner Holiday Inn, Saturday 11 April 2015
Venue: Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner, Richmond DL10 6NR, North Yorkshire, Junction A1M/A66

Cleveland, North Yorkshire & South Durham Family History Society invite beginners and experienced family historians to their 16th Family History Day.

We will have specialists on hand to give assistance together with bookstands and displays.

Ben Sanderson is Head of Press, Social Media and Internal Communications at the British Library Boston Spa.

The presentation A Treasure Trove for Historians Ben will be giving will provide some background information on the history of the British Library and its collections, then goes into some detail about what people can do at the Boston Spa reading room, with some practical information on registration and ordering. Ben also delves into some of the online resources on the British Library website which are available as soon as you open your laptop.

Chris Paton was formerly a Television Producer & Director of History Programmes and now works as a Professional Genealogist running the Scotlands Greatest Story Research Service. Chris is a published author of several books and also a regular contributor to genealogy magazines such as Your Family Tree, Family History Monthly, Family Tree Magazine, Your Family History and many more publications.

Tracing your Irish Family History on the Internet is his first talk and Chris will guide you through the many exciting developments now allowing us an opportunity to reclaim our ancestral past. The second subject Chris will talk about is Scottish Marriage, where a quick trip over the border offered a good opportunity for English folk to get married under Scots Law after 1753, without parental permission and all the other restrictions that Hardwicke introduced to stop irregular marriage, which actually remained legal in Scotland up to 1939 hence Gretna Green etc.

PROGRAMME

9.45 – 10.30 Registration & Coffee

10.30 – 12.00 Ben Sanderson : “A Treasure Trove for Historians - Using the British Library at Boston Spa”

12.00 – 1.00 Buffet Lunch

1.00 – 2.30 Chris Paton “Tracing your Irish Family History on the Internet”

2.30 – 3.00 Coffee Break

3.00 – 4.30 Chris Paton “Scottish Marriage: Instantly Buckled for Life”

There is ample car parking close to the main reception entrance.
For those requiring accommodation please contact Scotch Corner Hotel Reception.
If you require accommodation please contact Holiday Inn Reception: Tel: 01748 850900

Talks including lunch and refreshments £15:00 per person.

The booking form for the event is available at the bottom of this page: www.clevelandfhs.org.uk/Articles/SFHD%20Events/SFHD%20Event%202015.html

Hopefully see you there!

(With thanks to Cleveland FHS)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Discover Your Ancestors 4th annual bookazine now on sale

From Discover Your Ancestors magazine:

The 4th annual print edition of Discover Your Ancestors is a unique collection of original articles, written by experts, on a wide range of family and social history themes. Inside you’ll find a wealth of information and inspiration, helping you to trace your ancestors back through time and understand what their lives were actually like.

Each issue of Discover Your Ancestors - which also has a digital edition, the Periodical, published online every month - is different, much bigger than a standard magazine, and amazing value. Issue 4 is packed with almost 200 pages, with well over 30 features covering everything from medieval records to life in a Victorian asylum, from DNA research to the history of spa towns. We also have an exclusive on the swashbuckling ancestry of James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

Not only that, Issue 4 (now available in branches of WHSmiths, Sainsburys, Morrisons, Easons and Martin McColl as well as larger groups in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) has our first-ever cover DVD, with an amazing collection of resources and offers - including a FREE three-month subscription to TheGenealogist.co.uk - worth more than £130 in total.

Find out more at www.discoveryourancestors.co.uk!

(With thanks to Andrew Chapman)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Historic Scotland properties opening this April

From Historic Scotland (www.historic-scotland.gov.uk):

Historic sites’ doors spring open for visitors

One of the Lothian’s most well-known historical sites will re-open its doors next month (1 April).

Crichton Castle, near Pathhead in Midlothian, is one of over 30 Historic Scotland properties across Scotland that will be reopening to the public after the winter months.

Built as the lordly residence of the Crichtons and later home to the earls of Bothwell, the castle is notable for its stunning 16th century courtyard facade.

Across the country, Historic Scotland’s seasonal staff are back at their posts and ready to welcome visitors, from Kisimul Castle in the Western Isles, known as the ‘Castle on the Sea’, to Smailholm Tower in the Borders.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Operations and Community Engagement at Historic Scotland said: “Our seasonal sites include castles, abbeys, churches and museums and it’s always exciting when they reopen after the long winter months. With longer days and warmer weather, spring is the perfect time to explore properties such as Crichton Castle and take advantage of the truly stunning sites we have across Scotland. No matter where you are in Scotland, history is never too far away.”

Properties opening on Wednesday 1 April include:

Lochleven Castle, near Kinross, where Mary Queen of Scots had the most traumatic year of her life – imprisoned and forced to abdicate, she managed to escape after a year of being held there
Hermitage Castle in the Borders, with its history of intrigue, murders, trysts, torture, and treason.
Cambuskenneth Abbey, near Stirling, once where Robert the Bruce held his parliament, now accessed across a field (watch out for roaming cattle)
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum, Fraserburgh, which is still in working order and offers a challenging climb

For further information on opening hours, access and locations, visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

(With thanks to Grant Thomson)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Scottish hearth tax records 1691-96 now fully transcribed

The surviving 43 volumes of Scottish Hearth Tax records from 1691-1695 have now been fully transcribed on the ScotlandsPlaces website (www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk). The transcripts are free to access, although a subscription to the platform is required to see the original records.

For further information visit www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/historical-tax-rolls/hearth-tax-records-1691-1695.

(With thanks to @NatRecordsScot)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Ancestry uploads records for Bexley in Kent

The following databases for Bexley in the the English county of Kent have now been uploaded to Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk):

Bexley, Kent, England, Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1558-1812
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60572

Bexley, Kent, England, Births and Baptisms, 1813-1925
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60635

Bexley, Kent, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60636

Bexley, Kent, England, Deaths and Burials, 1813-1985
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60637

Bexley, Kent, England, Cemetery Registers, 1879-1985
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=60571

The records have been sourced from Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre, Bexleyheath, Kent, England, with images reproduced by courtesy of The Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Bexley, London, England (www.bexley.gov.uk). Full details via the links.

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

More BMD records added to Ancestry Ireland for Antrim and Down

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com), news of new additions from Counties Antrim and Down, including for St Nicholas Church in my home town of Carrickfergus:

We are pleased to announce the addition to our online databases of over 27,000 new Church of Ireland records for Counties Antrim and Down!

These new baptism, marriage and burial records are from 24 parishes across Antrim and Down and were transcribed by our Emeritus Research Director, Dr Brian Trainor.

Name of Church	County	Type of record	Years covered	No. of entries
Aghalee CI	Antrim	Marriages	1811 – 1844	475
Ardkeen CI	Down	Burials	1746 – 1875	109
Ballinderry CI	Antrim	Marriages	1840 – 1845	40
Ballyclug CI	Antrim	Marriages	1841 – 1844	12
Ballyculter CI	Down	Burials	1812 – 1871	716
Ballyhalbert CI	Down	Burials	1855 – 1922	321
Ballymacarrett CI	Down	Marriages	1827 – 1844	112
Ballymoney CI	Antrim	Marriages	1807 – 1844	370
Ballyphilip CI	Down	Burials	1831 – 1883	428
Bangor CI	Down	Burials	1814 – 1829, 1841 – 1846	1912
Blaris (Lisburn) CI	Antrim	Burials	1661 – 1720	3220
Blaris (Lisburn) CI	Antrim	Marriages	1663 – 1735	1546
Carrickfergus CI	Antrim	Burials	1740 – 1870	3457
Comber CI	Down	Burials	1683 – 1881 (with gaps)	2807
Comber CI	Down	Marriages	1683 – 1845	845
Donaghadee CI	Down	Burials	1771 – 1786, 1817, 1818, 1820 – 1841	852
Down CI	Down	Burials	1752 – 1785, 1795 – 1829, 1837 – 1871	1450
Dromore CI	Down	Marriages	1784 – 1845	832
Drumballyroney CI	Down	Burials	1839 – 1873	39
Finvoy CI	Antrim	Marriages	1812 – 1845	241
Glenavy CI	Antrim	Marriages	1708 – 1845 (with gaps)	618
Inver (Larne) CI	Antrim	Baptisms	1806 – 1826, 1836 – 1864	1333
Inver (Larne) CI	Antrim	Marriages	1817 – 1845	51
Kilkeel CI	Down	Burials	1816 – 1884	778
Kilmore CI	Down	Burials	1822 – 1856	221
Kirkinriola (Ballymena) CI	Antrim	Marriages	1807, 1809, 1819, 1822, 1823 – 1841	131
Magheralin CI	Down	Burials	1783 – 1865	3818
Magheralin CI	Down	Marriages	1783 – 1845	545

These new records contain a wealth of information of use to both the family and local historian and the burial registers, in particular, are full of interesting entries.

For example in Ardkeen CI there was noted the burial entry of Henry Cleland, aged around four months old, in 1823 with a note by the minister that stated that he was “found dead in a field with a letter mentioning his name. Perished from cold and hunger; Coroner's inquest wilful murder.”

Occupations were sometimes recorded, especially if the deceased was in the military or the clergy. Ballyculter CI’s burial register occasionally contained the occupation of the deceased, particularly if they were servants, for example in 1818 Daniel Kain “Lord Bangor’s man”, William Wilson “gardener to Mr Price” and Roger Wade “steward to Mr Hoey” were all buried. This may be the only record of their employment which now exists.

Carrickfergus CI’s register contained an entry of the burial in May 1776 of Mr McCracken, “the buckle beggar”. A buckle beggar was someone who performed marriage ceremonies “in a clandestine and irregular manner”.

The history of a local area can also be seen through the Church records. For example one can see in the Blaris (Lisburn) CI register the arrival of the Duke of Schomberg’s army in September 1689 by the increase of the deceased who were serving in that army. These were not only soldiers, for example in December 1689 John Redbird “master baker to [the] Duke of Schomberg” died and in January 1690 Thomas Mansfield, “one of King William’s bakers” was buried.

In coastal parishes, we find the burial records of sailors, fishermen and those who had drowned. For example in Ballyhalbert CI, in January 1864 there was the burial of three men who were shipwrecked including John Morrison from Douglas on the Isle of Man. In this register we also find the burials of two men from the HM Cruiser Bayano which was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1915. Donaghadee CI’s burial register contains an entry for James Conlin, a tide-waiter (customs officer) who was “killed by a fall on the quay” in October 1783.

In the majority of entries the cause of death was not recorded, but unusual incidents were often noted by the minister. For example in Ballyphilip CI we find Patrick Kelly, aged 15 years from Portaferry who died in June 1876 from “a fall from a velocipede” (an early bicycle). Carrickfergus CI’s register details the burials of four men in October 1752 who were “killed with the bursting of a cannon”. Magheralin CI’s records contain an entry for Edward Lunn, an innkeeper who was buried in July 1817; he “died suddenly at Maze races”. Down CI’s burial register contains information on John McKenzie, the son of Prudence Coslett, who was buried in June 1765 after he “fell off the Abbey”.

In the majority of entries the cause of death was not recorded, but unusual incidents were often noted by the minister. For example in Ballyphilip CI we find Patrick Kelly, aged 15 years from Portaferry who died in June 1876 from “a fall from a velocipede” (an early bicycle). Carrickfergus CI’s register details the burials of four men in October 1752 who were “killed with the bursting of a cannon”. Magheralin CI’s records contain an entry for Edward Lunn, an innkeeper who was buried in July 1817; he “died suddenly at Maze races”. Down CI’s burial register contains information on John McKenzie, the son of Prudence Coslett, who was buried in June 1765 after he “fell off the Abbey”.

Many of the burial records also contain the name of the father, husband or next of kin of the deceased, providing additional information on each family. Some also record ages at death and occasionally occupations.

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Genetic genealogy online course from the University of Strathclyde

News of an online genetic genealogy course being offered later this year by the University of Strathclyde:

Genetic genealogy: an introduction
10 credit points (at Level SCQF 7)

This new online class aims to impart a working knowledge of the scientific and technological aspects of genetic genealogy and teach the skills needed to interpret DNA test results for genealogy.

The course will cover the following topics, amongst others

• understanding DNA for genetic genealogy
• Y-chromosome, mtDNA, and atDNA tests
• analysing test results
• future of genetic genealogy

For those interested in gaining accreditation, there is an option to gain 10 credits at SCQF level 7 on the satisfactory completion of 2 assessments.

From Monday 06 October 2014 & Monday 13 April 2015
for 8 weeks

Fee: £145 (ILA eligible)

Further details or to participate at http://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/yourfamilyhistory/

(With thanks to Ali MacDonald)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Second British GENES monthly podcast now available

The second edition of my new monthly British GENES podcast is now available, and I've tried to step things up a wee bit!

In this month's edition, loosely themed on the topic of co-operation and collaboration, I'm running with the following - there are two interviews recorded in Portugal at the second Genealogy in the Sunshine event, with Peter Calver of Lost Cousins (www.lostcousins.com), and Else Churchill of the Society of Genealogists (www.sog.org.uk); information on the Scottish Genealogy Network; and why you should use family history societies, and where to find them.

Oh, and of course, most importantly, my congratulations to Ireland for winning the Six Nations (apologies - includes my really bad bodhrán playing)!

This podcast, at just over 30 minutes in length, is presented below:

It can also be directly accessed at https://soundcloud.com/chrismpaton/genes-podcast-02-25-mar-2015, where you can listen to it or download it to your device.

As well as being hosted on Soundcloud, the British GENES podcasts are also now available on iTunes, again, free of charge. Simply search for British GENES and it should be found in the podcasts category - or you can subscribe directly with the following RSS feed - http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:100412349/sounds.rss

Enjoy, and please do let me know what you think!

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Coleraine FHS monumental inscriptions collection online

A huge thanks to Eddie Connolly (of Eddie's Extracts fame) for sharing a link via Facebook to a series of monumental inscriptions that have been placed online for several graveyards in the greater Coleraine area in Northern Ireland, as recorded by the Coleraine branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society.

I have a few connections to the region and have already found a few Watton named stones of potential interest. The link to the collection is at http://colerainefhs.org.uk/?page_id=110864

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

University of Strathclyde’s Summer Institute of Genealogical Studies

From the University of Strathclyde's genealogical studies programme (www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy)

University of Strathclyde’s Summer Institute of Genealogical Studies
29 June-3 July 2015

Join us at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow for this first annual event aimed at intermediate to advanced level family history researchers. Choose from a variety of 1-day classes or go in-depth with a 5-day long course. Learn new skills, experience something different and enjoy meeting fellow genealogists.

Classes include:

· Practical Application of Genetic Genealogy (5-day course)
· Scottish Land Records: inheritance, buying/selling and putting a place on the map
· Irish records: beyond the basics
· Eastern European resources: focusing on Poland and Jewish research
· Scottish Highlands and Islands research
· A Genealogical Treasure Hunt: come test your research skills!

Courses will be taught by well-known and respected genealogical lecturers and experts from around the UK.

Registration is ongoing, get in quick before early bird rates end on the 1st of May; University of Strathclyde postgraduate genealogy programme alumni discounts are available.

For more information and to register, see:
www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy/summerinstitute or call 0141 548 2392

COMMENT: I'll be participating as one of the tutors on the Irish records day, should be a good event. Book now, or forever hold your peace...!

(With thanks to Tahitia McCabe)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Monday, 23 March 2015

Global Family Reunion Festival in New York

News of a major worldwide DNA conference being run by FamilyTreeDNA (www.familytreedna.com) and Global Family Reunion (http://globalfamilyreunion.com) in New York:

Family Tree DNA is proud to offer you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of your genetic past and meet your cousins from around the world - and have a blast doing it!

Family Tree DNA has partnered with The Global Family Reunion to put on a unique event: the first-ever gathering that brings together genetically linked people. While at the gathering, you will get to hear from top scientists and entertainers on all aspects of DNA and family.

All Family Tree DNA members are being offered a limited-time early-bird price of $25 for the event.

Event Details

When: June 6, 2015
Where: New York Hall of Science, New York City

Click here for early bird tickets and more information.
Click here for exclusive reward packages!

This offer is only available until April 1, 2015.

All proceeds from the Global Family Reunion go to benefit the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and the Alzheimer's Association NYC.

If you can't make it to New York, there will be simultaneous festivals around the world with a livestream of the speakers.

The Global Family Reunion will be an entertaining, eye-opening festival for all ages - a TED conference meets a World's Fair - so bring your kids, nephews, grandkids, and grandparents. All proceeds from the event go toward fighting Alzheimer's Disease.

What can you expect at Global Family Reunion?

See more than 30 top speakers with fascinating presentations on genetics and family heritage, including Henry Louis Gates of PBS's Finding Your Roots, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, NPR host Scott Simon, and Family Tree DNA President Bennett Greenspan
Meet thousands of cousins and figure out how you are related
Explore more than 450 interactive science exhibits from the New York Hall of Science
Enjoy live entertainment, including music by Sister Sledge, who will be singing "We Are Family," of course. There will also be comedy from The New Yorker's Andy Borowitz and comedian Nick Kroll
Take part in family-themed trivia contests, scavenger hunts, games, and potato sack races for those who are bold
Help build the biggest family tree ever
Meet the staff from Family Tree DNA, as well as Family Tree DNA partners such as MyHeritage and Findmypast, and get exclusive tutorials
Break world records, including the biggest family photo ever

(With thanks to FamilyTreeDNA)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

The greater WW1 threat - bullets or bacteria?

The blog of the National Archives in England has an interesting piece by Sarah Castagnetti about what the bigger threat to a soldier might have been in the First World War - bullets or bacteria? It's an interesting read offering a different perspective to what we normally think about when it comes to the nature of military casualties from the conflict, and can be accessed at http://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/blog/bullets-bacteria/. There will be further medically themed blog posts on the way soon also, tied into the conflict.

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Genealogy in the Sunshine - and an eclipse!

On Saturday I flew back from Portugal with my family after a week at the second successful Genealogy in the Sunshine event at Rocha Brava, on the Algarve, organised by Peter Calvers from Lost Cousins (www.lostcousins.com). I have already previously blogged about the first two days at the event at http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/genealogy-in-sunshine-conference-day-1.html and http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/genealogy-in-sunshine-day-2-report.html. On day 3, Wednesday, I had the day off - each of the main speakers got one day off for good behaviour! - and so I took my family to a local attraction called ZooMarina, where we watched dolphin shows, rode on rollercoasters, watched 3D movies about...err, sea turtles, and more besides.

Thursday and Friday were quite busy. On Thursday morning I gave a talk about writing articles for genealogy magazines (commercially based magazines and society journals), discussing how to approach writing articles and publishers, as well as a basic overview on some associated issues such as copyright. John Hanson provided a follow on talk, at which point I then headed to John's apartment to join Else Churchill and several delegates for another brainstorming session to try to push through a few genealogical brick walls. The afternoon session then started with a session presented jointly by Donald Davis and his cousin Donna Fraser about their research into identifying a common English ancestor, followed by a talk by Rebecca Probert on divorce, bigamy and bereavement in England and Wales. There were a couple of interesting points I gleaned from this, firstly that divorce wasn't available in England and Wales until 1660, when it had been available over a century earlier in Scotland, and secondly that the words "single and unmarried" in an English marriage certificate circa the mid-20th century, as opposed to the word "bachelor", may in fact mean the intended was previously "divorced". I gave the final talk on the day about Scottish land records.

On Friday morning, my family and I got up early to observe the eclipse from Portugal! Thanks to some cloud cover, we actually got a brilliant view of the proceedings with the naked eye, as the cloud blocked most of the extraneous light from the sun, allowing us a perfect glimpse of the proceedings, as can be seen here!

(See https://youtu.be/LPbnz4J5bi4)

For a variety of reasons to do with talks scheduling, an away day on Wednesday, and the much more changeable weather this year (we had a couple of days of rain), Friday morning was the one and only time where I was able to make a brief visit into the village of Carveiro and to then visit the beach at Rocha Brava, but fortunately the sun played ball for both, and we had a great final morning in the region. From 2pm we then had the final sessions of the week, with John Hanson discussing the use of maps in genealogy, Else discussing 17th century sources and strategies for English research, myself discussing how I researched the Scottish based Mount Stewart Murder of 1866 (the victim was an ancestor in what is Scotland's longest official cold case), and then Rebecca ending the week with a talk about the diary of a soldier's wife from the Peninsula Wars of the early 19th century. The week then finally ended with a meal at a restaurant within the resort.

In summary, the programme this year was much more varied with many more speakers than last year, and we had many more attendees, who all seemed to enjoy themselves. The scheduling was perhaps a wee bit too late into the day each day, although there were logistical reasons for that, but it was another highly enjoyable week - albeit with the sunshine a tad less prominent than last year! As well as the official programme, I was able to record interviews with both the SoG's Else Churchill and event organiser, and Lost Cousins (www.lostcousins.com) founder Peter Calver, which I will hopefully be able to include in my next podcast in a few days time.

(With thanks to Peter Calver and all who attended)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

The new Forces War Records Magazine launches

Forces War Records has launched a new monthly e-magazine for those interested in military matters. The first issue is free for all members, including those signed up to the free Basic Membership, although the next issue will go to Fully Subscribed Members only.

Issue 1 is 29 pages in length cover to cover, and includes a variety of features including one on the UK's World War 2 Auxiliary Units, a guide to the Keep Military Museum in Dorset, a genealogy research primer, the latest military events news, a guide on how to use the Forces War Records website, an ask the experts Q&A feature, and much more.

To sign up for the first issue, please visit https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/register

(With thanks to Forces War Records Magazine editor Nicki Giles)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Who Do You Think You Are Live 2015 exhibitor list

Who Do You Think You Are Live has announced the exhibitor list for the 2015 event to be held at the Birmingham NEC from April 16th-18th. To access the list visit http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com/exhibitor-a-z.

I'll be attending the event again this year and will be working on the Unlock the Past Cruises (www.unlockthepastcruises.com) stall at Stand 126 with the company's owner Alan Phillips, where we will also be promoting the range of Unlock the Past genealogy guide books and ebooks. So if you're interested in genealogy cruises, genealogy books, read my blog or have started listening to the new podcast, do pop over to say hi!

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

Friday, 20 March 2015

Forthcoming events at PRONI

From the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk):

PRONI is pleased to announce...

WORKSHOP: “Stand Up and Be Counted!”Does ‘having the right to vote’ and ‘democracy’ mean the same thing?
When: Tuesday 24th March 2015 – 9.30am to 1.30pm
Where: PRONI

Cafe-conversation style workshop exploring suffrage in relation to gender, citizenship and democracy - past, present and future.

Jointly organised by PRONI, Community Relations Council and the Ethical and Shared Remembering project, this event is aimed at community group members and facilitators.
Using evidence from historic documents at PRONI, this workshop will consider how far we have come in terms of democracy? What does suffrage mean and what factors influence who has the right to vote and how we use our vote? How can exploring the successes and challenges of the past further the conversation on where we are going in the future, and how can we creatively engage society in this debate?

A tour of PRONI and an introductory workshop on ‘using the records’ will be available after the workshop.

Contact PRONI to reserve a place

EVENING LECTURE: 'The rise and fall of the Irish Manor Courts 1785 - 1859’ by John Larkin QC
When: Thursday 16th April 2015 at 7pm
Where: PRONI

PRONI is delighted to welcome the Attorney General, John Larkin QC, who will be delivering a presentation entitled ‘The rise and fall of the Irish Manor Courts 1785-1859’.

Belfast-born John F Larkin was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1986 and later appointed Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penal Law at Trinity College, Dublin. Returning to Northern Ireland in the 1990s, he specialised in administrative law, civil liberties and human rights, competition and constitutional law, defamation and judicial review. He took silk in 2001 and for ten years his practice was mainly in Constitutional and Administrative Law and Human Rights.

Contact PRONI to reserve a place

Ireland and Gallipoli Conference - A joint conference by PRONI and Antrim and Down Western Front Association branch.
When: 30th April 2015 10am to 4pm
Where: PRONI

PRONI is pleased to invite you to a joint conference on Ireland and Gallipoli with Antrim and Down Western Front Association branch. Supported by Living Legacies 1914-18 engagement centre.
The Gallipoli Campaign, known to the Turkish as the battle of Canakkale, still remains controversial. France, Britain and its dominions fought to eliminate Turkey from the Great War by landing on the northern bank of the Dardanelles, marching on the Ottoman capital Constantinople to open the Dardanelles sea channel to Russia. A brilliant strategic plan was marred by tactical failure and poor execution. The initial naval attack was repelled and subsequent land campaign also failed at a cost of 250,000 allied casualties which led to the invasion force being evacuated in January 1916 after 8 months of fighting. This conference seeks to examine this campaign 100 years on with special focus on the experience and role of Ireland and Irish people.
Speakers will include: Dr Timothy Bowman (University of Kent); Dr Myles Dungan
(Historian and broadcaster); Professor Keith Jeffery (Queen’s University Belfast); John
Lee (author and historian); and Tom Thorpe (Kings College London)

Contact PRONI to reserve a place

Ulster Scots Connections - People, Place and Practice
PRONI is working in partnership with the Ministerial Advisory Group on Ulster Scots, the Ulster Scots Agency and the Ulster-Scots Community Network, to host a six week talks series commencing 20 May 2015. Lectures will alternate between PRONI and Corn Exchange at 1pm. Speakers will include: Cormac McSparron, Andrew Gault, Laura Spence, Frank Ferguson & Kathryn White.

(With thanks to the PRONI Express)

Chris

For details on my latest book Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, and my other genealogy guide books please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. To commission me for genealogical research, please visit my research site at www.scotlandsgreateststory.co.uk.

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