Ulster Historical Foundation courses and conference

From the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Irish Genealogy Essentials

This is a reminder that our next Irish Genealogy Essentials course is coming up soon and there are still places available. It is a 5-day course and runs from 5 to 9 November 2018.

Irish Genealogy Essentials embraces the unique nature of Irish genealogical research and is ideal if you:

• Have no experience with genealogy or family history research
• Have some experience with genealogical research, but want to develop your skills and knowledge further
• Consider yourself a more experienced genealogical researcher who wants to learn new techniques and lesser known sources

We have two other 5-day courses scheduled - 4-8 February 2019 and 7-11 October 2019.

There are also two 1-day courses scheduled - Monday, 19 November 2018 and Saturday, 19 January 2019.

Click here for more information on our family history courses.


Irish Family History Experience
Genealogy Class

We are also offering a new programme - Irish Family History Experience: Introduction to Irish Family History - which will appeal to both the budding family history researcher wishing to make the first step towards research success as well as the dedicated family historian wishing to break down those genealogical brick walls.

Running from 10 to 15 June 2019, this 6-day programme will give you the skills and experience to further explore your family history and help you find your Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors! This brand new programme will offer you the opportunity to spend three days learning from the experts in the classroom and researching in the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) followed by the option of three days of tours to sites such as Kilmainham Gaol and the Giant's Causeway or continued assisted research in PRONI. (For a full itinerary click here)

Places can fill up fast so reserve your place now for only £729.99 per person (or with a deposit of £350 per person).

Given the current low value of sterling (GBP) against other currencies now is a particularly good time for overseas visitors to purchase. The present exchange rate values will ensure overseas delegates can make a very tidy saving on the cost.

For more information or to book your place click here


Exiles of '98 Conference

To mark the recent publication by the Ulster Historical Foundation of Exiles of ’98: Ulster Presbyterians and the United States by Peter Gilmore, Trevor Parkhill and William Roulston, PRONI will be holding a half-day conference on Thursday, 8 November 2018, from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

The conference will examine the events of 1798 in the north of Ireland, the experiences of those who left Ireland after the Rebellion and look at the wider context of Presbyterian migration from Ireland. Speakers will include Dr Linde Lunney, Peter W. Murphy, Trevor Parkhill and Keith Beattie.

Additional Information:

Admission is FREE, book via Eventbrite
The Heritage Café at PRONI will be open from 9.30am to 3.00pm

(With thanks to the UHF)

Chris


For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Great day at Lanarkshire Local and Family History Fair

Yesterday I attended the Lanarkshire Local and Family History Fair (https://lfhsshow.weebly.com), which for me is always the highlight of the genealogy year in Scotland. In addition to helping out on the Scottish Genealogy Network's Ask the Experts stall - where I answered many Irish questions in particular! - I also had a chance to catch up with a few friends and to learn of some new developments.

The big announcement at this year's show was the launch of the Scottish High Court records by Emma and Graham Maxwell of Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com), announced on this blog yesterday - see https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/2018/10/scotish-high-court-records-added-to.html - and which certainly kept the couple busy throughout the day!

I also managed to catch up with David McNay from the Scottish Military Research Group (http://www.scottishmilitaryresearch.co.uk), who informed me that there were several things in the works on the First World War anniversary front - not least the Lloyds Banking Group intending to put a roll of honour online shortly.

Helen Grant from Scottish Monumental Inscriptions (https://scottish-monumental-inscriptions.com) updated me on new releases, including records from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Deans Cemetery, Drongan, Kells, Machermore, Parton, Patna and Wigtown.

It was also great to see Tony Beardshaw and My History (https://www.my-history.co.uk) present, and copies of my Irish Family History Resources Online book quickly sold out on the stall!

I also met Richard and Lorna Conaghan, who are plugging their project Girvan and District Great War Project (https://www.facebook.com/Girvansfallen/).

Finally, it was also nice to see the kids of Our Lady & Francis School Choir singing 'Songs that Won the War'.

A huge thanks to Lanarkshire Family History Society (www.lanarkshirefhs.org.uk) for another great event - I look forward to returning next year!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Scottish High Court Records added to Scottish Indexes

From Scottish Indexes (www.scottishindexes.com):

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - Scottish Indexes, genealogical and historical records website, has added over 133,000 High Court records to their online indexes, making it easier than ever to find out about your criminal ancestors, including those who were transported during the Victorian period. (Search here: www.scottishindexes.com/scotlandscriminaldatabase.aspx)

The High Court (officially “The High Court of the Justiciary”) heard a great variety of cases, including all the more serious crimes but also repeat offenders of lesser crimes. In Victorian Scotland, only the High Court had the authority to sentence people to transportation, so if you are looking for Scottish convicts this is the website for you. The surviving records are very detailed and include fascinating witness statements and descriptions of the crimes.

Graham Maxwell, genealogist at Scottish Indexes, says, “We love working with these records because they give so much detail. We have even come across an outline of the accused’s foot! Where else could we find such amazing records about our ancestors?”

To help you get the most out of these records, Scottish Indexes have also added new how-to guides to their Learning Zone, which include examples of the records and also video tutorials. The quick guide gives you an overview (https://www.scottishindexes.com/learninghighcourt.aspx) or you can dig a little deeper with the advanced guide (https://www.scottishindexes.com/learninghighcourtadvanced.aspx). Emma Maxwell, genealogist at Scottish Indexes, says, “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to find their Scottish heritage, whether your family left Scotland on a convict ship or stayed here in Scotland, these records can help you to find out more about the lives of your ancestors.”

Scottish Indexes is a genealogy and historical records website, providing free high-quality indexes to over 700,000 historical records, from paternity records to criminal records, property records and health records. The ever-expanding Learning Zone has easy to follow guides to help you trace your Scottish ancestors in a variety of records, both online and offline.

(With thanks to Emma Maxwell)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

British Newspaper Archive passes 28 million pages

The British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) has now passed 28 million records.

The following titles and years have been added in the last 30 days:

Western Mail
1925, 1948-1951

Liverpool Echo
1890, 1906-1910, 1912, 1919-1938, 1946-1954, 1959, 1966, 1969

Belfast Telegraph
1921, 1923-1925, 1927-1929, 1931-1934, 1936-1950

The Bioscope
1925-1932

Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
1858, 1862, 1899-1957

Irish Independent
1916, 1920, 1942, 1950, 2003, 2005-2006

Drogheda Argus and Leinster Journal
1914-1916, 1918-1921, 1923-1926, 1951-1960

Scottish Referee
1900, 1904, 1908

Newcastle Journal
1960

Todmorden Advertiser and Hebden Bridge Newsletter
1872

Gloucestershire Chronicle
1872-1876, 1878, 1881-1887

Surrey Advertiser
1889

Evening Herald (Dublin)
1926, 2007

Croydon Chronicle and East Surrey Advertiser
1869, 1871-1872

West Middlesex Herald
1889

Congleton & Macclesfield Mercury, and Cheshire General Advertiser
1870, 1872, 1884

Wexford People
1853-1896, 1907-1908, 1917, 1987-1993

Birmingham Weekly Post
1959-1960

Tavistock Gazette
1859, 1861, 1870, 1874, 1897

Drogheda Independent
1890-1894, 1896-1923, 1988-1995

Newport & Market Drayton Advertiser
1855, 1872-1877, 1879-1880, 1889

Heywood Advertiser
1863, 1879, 1889

Poole & Dorset Herald
1852-1860, 1864-1865, 1874, 1877, 1879, 1882

Irish Citizen
1920

Sports Argus
1958

Tit-bits
1881-1882

Cumberland & Westmorland Herald
1869-1870

Westmorland Advertiser and Kendal Chronicle
1811, 1822

The Showman
1900, 1902

Wicklow People
1977-1985, 2002-2005

Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser
1851, 1865, 1867

Henley & South Oxford Standard
1886, 1889, 1892

Lakes Herald
1887

Norwood News
1873-1874, 1965

Lakes Chronicle and Reporter
1875

Ally Sloper's Half Holiday
1923

War Office Times and Naval Review
1910-1916

War Savings
1916-1918

New Crusader
1917-1919

Social Gazette
1910-1917

N.T.F. In Aid Of British Prisoners
1918

Silver Bullet
1918-1919

Deliverer and Record of Salvation Army Rescue Work
1910-1918

Landswoman
1918-1920

Broad Arrow
1868-1869, 1871-1877, 1914-1917

Talking Machine News
1903-1908

The Sportsman
1923

Rugby Advertiser
1932

Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry )
1919

Full details at https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/titles/recently-added/30days

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

1950s Passenger Lists added to TheGenealogist

From TheGenealogist (www.thegenealogist.co.uk):

TheGenealogist has just released over 4 million BT27 Outbound Passenger List records for the 1950s. These records join the ever expanding suite of Immigration, Emigration, Naturalisation and passenger list resources on TheGenealogist. With the release of this decade of records, researchers can discover ancestors who departed from the UK by ship to destinations across the globe.

The fully searchable BT27 records from The National Archives just released will allow researchers to:

• Locate family members making a journey together using TheGenealogist’s SmartSearch. This unique system is able to recognise family members together on the same trip. In this situation it will display a family icon which allows you to view the entire family with one click.
• Discover people sailing to the USA, Canada, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere in the Outgoing Passenger Lists from the United Kingdom.
• View images of the original passenger list documents compiled for the Board of Trade's Commercial and Statistical Department and its successors.
• Discover the ages, occupations and address and where the passenger intended to make their permanent residence.
• These fully indexed records allow family historians to search by name, year, country of departure, country of arrival, port of embarkation and port of destination.

Those family history researchers with ancestors who sailed from the UK in the 1950’s will welcome this fascinating new release from TheGenealogist, which adds to their current Emigration records that take you back to 1896.

See our article:
https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2018/the-1950s-passenger-lists-discover-celebrity-voyages-972/

(With thanks to Nick Thorne)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

MyHeritage to livestream Oslo event

From MyHeritage (www.myheritage.com):

We are just 8 days away from an exciting weekend in Oslo and I have good news to share with you. We are making the final arrangements to live stream the genealogy and DNA tracks online on the MyHeritage LIVE conference website (https://live2018.myheritage.com/), so please tune in from 9:00 a.m. Oslo time on 3 November. If you need help calculating the time difference to your local time zone, you can use https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/. Make sure to visit the conference website to see the full schedule and tune in at the time of the lecture to watch the live stream.

(With thanks to Daniel Horowitz)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

New additions to FamilySearch

The following collections have been added to FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org)

Chile, Cemetery Records, 1821-2015
Colombia, Diocese of Barranquilla, Catholic Church Records, 1808-1985
France, Rhône, Military Registration Cards, 1865-1932
France, Vienne, Census, 1896
French Polynesia, Civil Registration, 1780-1999
Germany, Hesse-Nassau, Civil Registers and Church Books, 1701-1875
Italy, Pesaro e Urbino, Urbino, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1866-1942
Italy, Roma, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1863-1930
Italy, Torino, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1802-1816
New Zealand, Cemetery Transcriptions, 1840-1981
Spain, Diocese of Lugo, Catholic Parish Records, 1550-1966
California, Sacramento Cemetery Records, 1900-1959
Connecticut, World War I, Military Census of Nurses, 1917
Delaware, World War I Servicemen Records, 1917-1919
Florida, World War I Navy card roster, 1917-1920
Kansas State Census, 1915
Kansas, Gove County Enumeration Books and List of Residents, 1909-1950
Louisiana, Orleans Parish Vital Records, 1900-1964
Montana, Rosebud County Records, 1878-2011
North Dakota, County Marriages, 1872-1958
Ohio, Bloomfield Township, Brownwood Cemetery Records, 1824-2012
United States Western States Marriage Index

Further details are available at https://media.familysearch.org/new-free-historical-records-on-familysearch-week-of-october-22-2018/

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

New databases from the Ulster Historical Foundation

New databases have been added to the members area of thre website for the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com).

These include:

A Directory of the Gentry in Banbridge in 1823
A List of People granted Freedom of the Corporation of Coleraine in 1832
A Subscriber List for the book Heterogenea or Medley for the Benefit of the Poor
A List of People Holding Railway Shares in any of the Irish Railways in 1847
A List of Members of Parliament in Co. Down from 1585-1885
A List of Mills on the Bann in 1837
A Petition to Parliament from Banbridge from 1828
Registers of Baptism from First Antrim Presbyterian Church from 1677-1733
Registers of Marriage from First Antrim Presbyterian Church from 1675-1736
Seapatrick Military Records from World War I

For more information on these databases and a list of all the databases available, visit https://www.ancestryireland.com/search-irish-genealogy-databases/

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors 2nd edition now on sale

New from the Ulster Historical Foundation (www.ancestryireland.com):

Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600–1800, 2nd Edition
By William Roulston

The Ulster Historical Foundation is pleased to announce that the new edition of Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors is now in stock!

Priced at just £19.99 (plus P&P) this new edition of Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors is a massively expanded version of the first volume.running to more than 600 pages – more than double the length of the original.

A ‘must have’ resource for Irish family history

More detailed information is included on the importance of church and land records and new chapters explore the value of records relating to charitable bodies, fraternal organisations and businesses. There is also a discussion of potential sources of information on emigration. A set of parish maps for each county in Ulster has been included and along with a listing of more than 600 places in the province giving the parish location.

Whether your ancestors are of English, Scottish or Gaelic Irish background, whether their religious affiliation was Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic or other, whether they were farmers, merchants or labourers, this volume will be of enormous value to anyone wishing to find out more about their Ulster roots.

To place an order please visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/researching-scots-irish-ancestors-second-edition

This book will be sold locally as Researching Ulster Ancestors (UK & Ireland). For those of you who might wish to purchase the book under this title visit https://www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all-departments/researching-scots-irish-ancestors-the-essential-genealogical-guide-to-early-modern-ulster-1600-1800-second-edition-duplicate.

COMMENT: I've placed an order, and will review the title when it arrives - should be a good read!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Additional English/Welsh electoral registers added to FindmyPast

The latest records on FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk):

England & Wales, Electoral Registers 1920-1932
A further 54 million newly indexed records spanning the years 1921 to 1925 have just been added to our collection of newly indexed England & Wales, Electoral Registers 1920-1932. These new additions mean that the collection now contains a complete run of all surviving records for all parliamentary boroughs from A to L (the first being the PB of Accrington and the last being the PC of Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe Division).

(NB: Note that there are bizarrely some Scottish records for Linlithgow in this collection - Chris)

Dorset Baptisms
Discover if your ancestor was born in the English county of Dorset. Search more than 387,000 additional records spanning the years 1538 to 1978 and covering more than 300 parishes across the county. A full list of the parishes and date ranges covered by the collection can be found via the useful links & resources section of the search page.

Dorset Burials
Over 22,000 new records have been added to our collection of Dorset burials. The collection spans the years 1538 to 1995 and covers more than 330 parishes across the county. A full list of the parishes and date ranges covered by the collection can be found via the useful links & resources section of the search page.

British & Irish Newspaper Update
Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 1905, 1913-1919, 1930-1939, 1949-1957
The Showman 1900, 1902
New Crusader 1917-1919
N.T.F. In Aid Of British Prisoners 1918
Deliverer and Record of Salvation Army Rescue Work 1910-1918
Landswoman 1918-1920
Broad Arrow 1868-1869, 1871-1877, 1914-1917
Liverpool Echo 1933-1936, 1949-1952, 1954, 1959
Cumberland & Westmorland Herald 1869-1870
Westmorland Advertiser and Kendal Chronicle 1811, 1822
Wicklow People 1977-1979, 1983-1985, 2002-2005
Scottish Referee 1904, 1908
Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser 1867
Henley & South Oxford Standard 1886, 1889, 1892
Lakes Herald 1887
Norwood News 1873-1874, 1965
Lakes Chronicle and Reporter 1875
Ally Sloper's Half Holiday 1923
Drogheda Argus and Leinster Journal 1914-1916, 1918-1919, 1921, 1923-1926
Irish Independent 1920, 2003
War Savings 1916-1918
War Office Times and Naval Review 1910-1913, 1915-1916
Social Gazette 1910-1917
Silver Bullet 1918-1919

Further details are available at https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/findmypast-friday-october-2611681143.html

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Rally for Remain in Belfast

Apologies folks, I don't often delve into politics on this blog, but I have seriously had enough of Brexit.

As someone who originally comes from Northern Ireland, I do not want to see the country's progress sacrificed to make way for something it did not vote for, any more than I want to see Scotland fall for the exact same reason (with an even larger Remain vote). I equally do not want to see the future of the Republic of Ireland sacrificed for something it did not even have a vote in, and I am every bit as concerned about what Brexit will do to England and Wales.

Next Saturday there will be a Rally for Remain at Belfast City Hall at 3pm. I am intending to travel over (weather permitting) on the ferry from Cairnryan - most likely the 7.30am - to make a morning of it in Belfast, and to then attend the rally in the afternoon, before coming home on the evening boat. If anyone else from Scotland or England is thinking of travelling over, I'd be more than happy to hold an informal genealogy Q&A on board going over and/or coming back, to talk over Irish or Scottish research queries, or even Brexit related issues, such as how to apply for an Irish passport.

If you're interested, keep an eye out for me and don't be afraid to come over and have a chat!

For those who perhaps don't know about the dangers that Brexit poses to Ireland, north and south, can I refer you to the following episodes of 3 Blokes in a Pub on YouTube, where much of its impact is discussed:

Northern Ireland (https://youtu.be/71007zb2OnI)

Republic of Ireland (https://youtu.be/CKIsFmGH8v8)

If you don't agree, no problems, normal service on this blog will soon be resumed!

And if like me you are absolutely terrified about what the current Brexit shambles will do to our future prosperity, our peace process and much more, please do get the word out.

Hopefully see you there!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

The GENES Blog update

As some of you may be aware, this last year has seen some very serious challenges within my current domestic situation, that have prompted some changes to my work patterns, including a reduction in blog posting due to time constraints. I'd like to give you all a quick update, however, to reassure you that I haven't gone away, and that I have no intention of doing so!

Since January I have been working as a caseworker within the political arena, a job which initially started on a part-time basis but which due to changed circumstances I have been doing full time since late February, i.e. Mondays to Fridays. This has meant a shift in my genealogy services, most notably with client work, which has been reduced somewhat, although not completely, and in the frequency of my blogging, which readers will note is currently not on a daily basis. I will keep blogging as frequently as I can - not least because The GENES Blog is coming close to reaching 6 MILLION page views!

Whilst I am still doing some client research, there has been little change to my writing and teaching output. My Pharos courses for Scottish research are still available, with a current Scottish Research Online course at the half way stage just now, and the next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course kicking off on November 5th (see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302). I have also just signed a contract to write a quarterly column for an international magazine on Irish genealogy matters, and am happily beavering away with content for our great publications on this side of the pond, including Family Tree magazine and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. I'm also looking forward to attending the Lanarkshire Family History Fair on October 27th in Motherwell, to help with the Ask the Experts stall there with the Scottish Genealogy Network, and the next PRONI stakeholder forum in Belfast in early December.

But the really exciting development currently under way just now is that I am now working on a second edition of Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet for Pen and Sword. The first edition, published in 2013 is one of my proudest achievements, but almost six years on the online Irish genealogical landscape has changed dramatically, and I can't wait to get this new edition out to you also. I also have one or two other things lined up which I cannot discuss just yet, including some forthcoming talks, but things are certainly going to get busier soon!

So bear with me folks - I have still a lot to sort through in the next year or so - but I'm hoping normal service will begin to resume again with this blog by the start of next year.

I mean to say like, 6 million is nowhere near as impressive as 7 million - there is genie work to be done...! :)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Digital first for the 2021 Scottish census

From the National Records of Scotland (www.nrscotland.gov.uk):

Digital-first census for 2021

For the first time in 2021, people in Scotland will be encouraged to fill out their census questionnaire primarily online, with support and help available for those who need it.

‘Plans for Scotland’s Census 2021’, published by National Records of Scotland, lays out proposals for how the census will be conducted and the questions it will ask.

Under the proposals, the census will ask new questions, including whether the respondent is a veteran. It is also proposed that questions on sexual orientation and transgender status and history will be asked. As set out in 2018-19 Programme for Government, a Bill will be introduced this parliamentary session to allow sexual orientation and transgender questions to be asked on a voluntary basis.

The report also gives details of what consultation, tests and stakeholder engagement have been conducted to help shape the proposed questions so far. The final proposed questions will be laid before the Scottish Parliament for agreement before the census takes place.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said:

“For more than 200 years, Scotland has relied on the census to underpin national and local decision making. The census is the only complete source of whole population information about Scotland.

“By encouraging and assisting people to complete their census online, and asking questions which reflect a modern, inclusive Scotland, these proposals ensure the census will continue to be a vital source of information for decades to come.”

Anne Slater, Registrar General for Scotland, said:

“The publication today of ‘Plans for Scotland’s Census 2021’ is a major milestone in delivering a successful census. These proposals have been developed based on robust research and testing and we have consulted many people and organisations to take full account of Scotland’s diverse population.”

Background

• Plans for Scotland’s Census 2021 also include details on privacy and confidentiality, collecting and publishing information and the legislative process. It is being published now to allow sufficient time for discussion of proposed questions and topics.
• A census is organised in Scotland every 10 years and collects information on households and individuals to inform public services, policy and research.
• It was possible to complete the census online in 2011, but printed questionnaires were still sent to every house in Scotland.
• Scotland’s Registrar Generals have taken responsibility for the country’s census since 1861.

(Original story at https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/news/2018/digital-first-census-for-2021)

COMMENT: When the 2011 census took place, I filled it in online and submitted it, but also filled in a paper copy which I held onto, so that my kids could see it in the future, with censuses being closed for 100 years. In fact, I added additional questions, such as what is your favourite football team?, what is your favourite band?, what is your favourite TV programme?, etc!

Whatever format the Scottish 2021 census takes (and indeed other censuses in the UK), perhaps think about how you might wish to preserve the information for yourself in an offline format?

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Scotland 1750-1850 course starts November 5th

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the Old Parish Registers course starts on November 5th 2018, and runs for 5 weeks.  Here are the details:

This is an intermediate level course in Scottish family history for those who are going back beyond 1850. You should have some experience with research in the Old Parochial Registers of the Church of Scotland and in using major websites for Scottish research. This course discusses sources that fill the gap when the OPRs are uninformative or missing; for example, records of parish and town administration, occupations, land transfer and taxation. Using these records involves several different locations. You will learn how to check online finding aids and how to find the most effective way to obtain records that may be online, in print, on CD or microfilm. This is the second course on Scottish research. If you have not taken Scottish Research Online please check its description.

Lesson Headings:

* Kirk Sessions records and parish poor
* Burgh records and town poor
* Occupations, taxation and early lists
* Land transfer and the value of sasines
* Land, inheritance and estates

Each lesson includes exercises and activities; a minimum of 1 one-hour chat session per week. See How the Courses Work.

STUDENTS SAID: "well structured chats with opportunities for questions as well"

Relevant Countries: Scotland
Course Length: 5 Weeks
Start Date: 5 Nov 2018
Cost: £49.99


The following video also gives a bit more of a flavour about what to expect:

(Available also at https://youtu.be/1vX6GZtwZJ0)

For further details, and to sign up, please visit https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. 

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Family Footsteps series on BBC Northern Ireland

Missing a certain TV genealogy show? Try this one!

FamilyFootsteps

Gavin Andrews takes the Laughlins, an Ulster-Scots family, on a personal historical journey back in time to discover what life was like for their ancestors at the turn of the 19th century. Abandoning their comfortable 21st-century lives, mum Kerry, dad Ainsley and daughters Sophie, Anya and Hope find out what it is like to run a small farm with no electricity and a kitchen made up of a table and an open fire. While they struggle with pigs, laundry and fire pots, grandfather Alan begins a genealogical detective trail which eventually leads to a celebrated historical figure.

Episode One was shown last week, and you can catch up with it (and future episodes) on the BBC iPlayer - see https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0bltvn5/family-footsteps-series-1-episode-1.

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Facing Armageddon? Ireland and the War in 1918

PRONI (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni) has uploaded the following video from a recent half day conference in the archive in Belfast to its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/PRONIonline):

PRONI - Facing Armageddon? Ireland and the War in 1918

PRONI, in conjunction with the Antrim and Down Branch of the Western Front Association, hosted a half day conference looking at final year of the First World War in Ireland. This event was held on 13 September 2018.

You will also find it online at https://youtu.be/WdqhocD4nyQ.

The total video is just under 2 hours and 40 mins long.

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

A day at The Family History Show in London

From TheGenealogist (www.thegenealogist.co.uk):

A day at The Family History Show, London

The Family History Show, London has now released a video of interviews with some of the many happy exhibitors. Comments from the stall holders included just how busy they had been throughout the day and what a friendly environment the venue had been. Other exhibitors mentioned what an excellent fair it had been with a good turn out and many interesting stalls that had engaged and impressed those visiting the event.

You can see the video on their website (or on YouTube) along with another recorded with international genealogical blogger Dick Eastman who shares his views on the event: https://thefamilyhistoryshow.com/london/

The large crowds of show visitors testified to the public’s willingness to support this event, now double the size from last years show. Perhaps made more popular by its low cost entry, free car parking and free mini-bus to and from the rail station. The various free talks held in the two good sized lecture theatres were well attended throughout the day as was the new free ‘Ask the Experts’ zone.

The Family History Show, London is destined to return next year for its third outing on 24th August 2019. To book a table or stand go to: https://thefamilyhistoryshow.com/london/booking-form/

(With thanks to Nick Thorne)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Kent records added to FindmyPast

Records from kenty have been added to FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk):

Explore more than 652,000 brand new records from the English county of Kent this Findmpyast Friday, including:

Kent Parish Records Update
Over 515,000 new records have been added to our collections of Kent Parish records, including:
Over 464,0000 new Kent Baptisms
Over 29,000 new Kent Banns
Over 5,000 new Kent Marriages
Over 16,000 new Kent Burials

Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Registers
Over 35,000 additional records have been added to our collections of Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Registers, including:
Over 3,000 new Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Baptisms
Over 400 Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Banns
Over 3,000 Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Marriages
Over 17,000 Kent, Canterbury Archdeaconry Burials

Kent Poor Law Union
Search for your English ancestors in this index of more than 111,000 poor law union records. This index comprises 16 different types of poor law union documents from 24 different unions across the English county of Kent. It was created from original records held by the Kent History and Library Centre.

Kent Registers & Records
Explore seven fascinating historical publications to learn more about the history of Kent and the lives of your Kentish ancestors, including;

Roffensian Register (King's School, Rochester), 3rd ed, pub 1920 (1835-1920)
Register of St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, 2nd ed, pub 1925 (1879-1924)
Parish Registers of Chislet (1538-1707)
Kent Records: Parish Registers & Records in the Diocese of Rochester, pub 1912
Dwelly's Parish Records, vol 3, pub 1914 - Memorial Inscriptions for Herne, Hoath & Reculver
Parish Registers of Rochester Cathedral, pub 1892 (1657-1837)
Testamenta Cantiana (Extracts from Kent Wills), 2 vols, pub 1906-07 (1400-1560)

PERiodical Source Index Update
Over 8,000 new articles from more than 60 publications are now available to search. The new additions cover The UK, Ireland, The United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Slovakia.

Further details at https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/findmypast-friday-2610033758.html

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

New Library Search catalogue coming to National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk) has a new catalogue coming its way:

Library Search

Library Search is a new National Library of Scotland service which will replace the main catalogue and provide wider access to our collections.

It will bring together, in a single search, details of our printed, manuscript and archive, moving image and digital collections, as well as high quality e-resources and databases from a range of publishers.

Library Search is scheduled to be in place by November 2018.


Included in Library Search are:

• More than five million records from our print collections, including books, maps, journals, newspapers and music
• Almost five million electronic legal deposit items
• Records of 35,000 items from our archives and manuscript collections
• Hundreds of thousands of digitised resources from our collections, including digitised books, maps, photographs, posters, music, and films from the Moving Image Archive
• Millions of articles from full-text newspapers, journals and reports
• Thousands of electronic books, including many reference works
• Millions of records and abstracts from online services, digital archives and databases.

The new service brings several benefits. You can:

• Refine searches by format, subject, year, etc
• Access a wide range of electronic resources
• Request materials for consultation in our reading rooms
• Receive notification when items you've requested are ready for you
• Review your borrowing history.

Further information is available at https://www.nls.uk/catalogues/library-search

Pic: NLS, (c) Kim Traynor. Creative Commons license

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

School Registers released online by TheGenealogist

From TheGenealogist (www.thegenealogist.co.uk):

School Registers released online by TheGenealogist

TheGenealogist launches more school registers into its Educational Records adding tens of thousands of additional individuals.

* The records can be used to discover a school pupil or university student’s achievements
* Educational records will confirm birth dates and sometimes place of birth
* Give father’s name and address useful when they are missing from the census
* Give details of their later occupation etc.

The newly released registers on TheGenealogist are:

The Register of Tonbridge School, Kent, 1826-1910
Repton School Register Supplement to 1922 edition 1933
Allhallows School Register and Record 1908-1932
A History Of Wigton School 1815-1915
Alumni Felstedienses, Boys Entered at Felsted School, 1897-1903
Leeds Grammar School Registers 1820-1910
The Sherborne Register, Third Edition, 1550-1937
The Roll of St Edwards School 1863-1939
The Lancing Register 1932
Sussex, The Lancing Register, 1848-1900
Chigwell Register 1653-1907
Bury, Directory of the Technical School, Acting Teachers' Classes and School of Art, 1909-1910
Tonbridge School Register 1847-1926
Epsom Girls Grammar School, Auckland 1928
New Zealand, School List Christ's College Grammar School 1850-1921
The Edinburgh Academy Register 1824-1914
Summer Fields Register 1864-1929
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
Schola Novocastrensis Newcastle Royal Free School 1545-1699
Cambridge, Leys School, Handbook and Directory 1920
Bromsgrove School Register 1553-1905
Cambridge, The Leys School Directory 1912
Register of Oakham School 1875-1929
Merchiston Castle School Register 1833-1903
The Whitworth Book; Scholars And Teachers Of Ackworth School 1879-1900
A Biographical Register of Peterhouse Men Part I 1284-1574
Album Aberhonddu 1755-1880, Brecon Memorial Book (In Welsh)
Bootham School Register, 1935 and Charterhouse Register, 1872-1900

You can also read our article about finding more about an ancestor from their school days: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2018/musical--literary-greats-discovered-in-newly-launched-school-records-962/

(With thanks to Nick Thorne)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

New records additions to FamilySearch

New records on FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org):

  

Country	Collection	Indexed Records	Digital Images	Comments
Argentina	Argentina, Santa Fe, Catholic Church Records, 1634-1975	61,422	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
Australia	Australia, South Australia, School Admission Registers, 1873-1985	44,673	0	New indexed records collection
Colombia	Colombia, Catholic Church Records, 1576-2017	372	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
England	England, Devon and Cornwall Marriages, 1660-1912	17,927	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
England	England and Wales, National Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1957	3,860,310	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
France	France, Calvados, Military Registration Cards, 1867-1921	94,106	0	New indexed records collection
Lesotho	Lesotho, Evangelical Church Records, 1828-2005	70,366	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
Liberia	Liberia, Marriage Records, 1912-2015	21,998	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	Georgia, Fulton County Records from the Atlanta History Center, 1827-1955	13,031	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	Iowa, Monroe County, Card index of births, deaths & marriages from newspaper clippings, 1898-2015	212,068	0	New indexed records collection
United States	Maine, Knox County Cemetery Records, ca. 1800-2007	12,156	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	Montana, Toole County Records, 1913-1960	4,561	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	New Hampshire, Hillsborough County, Manchester, Cemetery Records, 1800-2007	38,819	0	Added indexed records and images to an existing collection
United States	Oregon, Lane County, Marriage Records, 1852-1921	1,462	0	New indexed records collection
United States	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Births, 1860-1906	265,223	0	New indexed records collection
United States	Texas, Swisher County Records, 1879-2012	2,590	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	Virginia, Fluvanna County Colbert Funeral Home Records, 1929-1976	2,942	0	Added indexed records to an existing collection
United States	Virginia, Petersburg, Gillfield Baptist Church Record, 1827-1906	15,162	0	New indexed records collection

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Welsh parish records added to FindmyPast

FindmyPast (www.findmypast.co.uk) has added several new Welsh collections:

There are more than 925,000 new Welsh records available to search this Findmypast Friday, including:

Welsh Parish Records
Over 921,000 new records have been added to a variety of our Welsh Parish collections. Additional parish baptisms, banns, marriages and burials are now available to search across 13 of our county collections, including:

Wales Counties Baptisms
Carmarthenshire Baptisms
Cardiganshire Baptisms
Denbighshire Baptisms
Flintshire Baptisms
Breconshire Baptisms
Radnorshire Baptisms
Montgomeryshire Baptisms
Pembrokeshire Baptisms
Glamorganshire Baptisms
Merionethshire Baptisms
Anglesey Baptisms
Monmouthshire Baptisms

Wales Counties Banns & Marriages
Anglesey Marriages and Banns
Breconshire Marriages and Banns
Caernarvonshire Marriages and Banns
Cardiganshire Marriages and Banns
Carmarthenshire Marriages and Banns
Denbighshire Marriages and Banns
Flintshire Marriages and Banns
Glamorganshire Marriages and Banns
Monmouthshire Marriages and Banns
Montgomeryshire Marriages and Banns
Pembrokeshire Marriages and Banns
Radnorshire Marriages and Banns

Wales Counties Burials
Carmarthenshire Burials
Cardiganshire Burials
Denbighshire Burials
Flintshire Burials
Breconshire Burials
Radnorshire Burials
Montgomeryshire Burials
Pembrokeshire Burials
Merionethshire Burials
Anglesey Burials
Glamorganshire Burials

Welsh Registers & Records
Explore six fascinating publications containing over 4,000 register entries and records to discover your Welsh roots. Welsh Registers & Records currently includes the following titles:

Episcopal Registers of the Diocese of St David's, Volumes I & II
Highways & Byways in North Wales, published 1898
Notes On the History of the Anglesey Hunt
Parish Registers of Caerwent & Llanfair Discoed, published 1920
Parish Registers of Conwy, published 1900
West Wales Historical Records, various volumes published between 1913 and 1929

Further details at https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/findmypast-friday-august-2608381271.html

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Lanarkshire Local and Family History Show 2018

News of Scotland's largest family history show:

LANARKSHIRE LOCAL AND FAMILY HISTORY SHOW 2018

Scotland’s largest Local and Family History Show will be taking place this year on Saturday 27th October in Motherwell Concert Hall.

Organised by volunteers from Lanarkshire Family History Society, the Show has become a regular event on the genealogy calendar, appealing to everyone with an interest in family history and local heritage. It will feature a range of speakers as well as exhibitors from throughout Scotland and beyond, and an “Ask the Experts” section

The four keynote speakers are:

* Irene O’Brien on the Scottish Poor Law
* Michelle Leonard on DNA Testing for Your Family Tree
* Craig Statham of National Library of Scotland on Maps for Family History
* Neil Fraser of Historic Environment Scotland From Motherwell to Malawi - a journey through the archives of Historic Environment Scotland

Family history societies from across Scotland will be attending, alongside national and local heritage organisations. Local museums and attractions will include Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, New Lanark Mill and Friends of Low Parks Museum. A large number of organisations involved in local history, archives and heritage will be taking part, including North Lanarkshire Archives (with historic NHS material from Hartwood Hospital), Motherwell Heritage Centre, Lanarkshire Yeomanry Group, and local heritage groups from Shotts, Carluke and Crawfordjohn.

Genealogy supplies companies My-History and Treehouse Genealogy & Gifts will have everything that’s needed to keep your research in order. The Scottish Genealogy Society, Historic Environment Scotland Archives, Scottish Indexes, the Guild of One-Name Studies, Scottish Monumental Inscriptions, Scottish Catholic Historical Association, and the Scottish Military Research Group will all be present, along with publishers of history-themed books.

Professional genealogists from the Scottish Genealogy Network will join members of Lanarkshire FHS in the ‘Ask the Experts’ area to offer free one-to-one advice to anyone who’s hit a brick wall in their research or wants assistance to plant or grow their family tree. Specialist help on Irish and military research will be available.

Information about tickets and an up-to-date list of exhibitors can be found on the Show website http://lfhsshow.weebly.com/ Entry costs £2 per person, with talks priced at £3 each or £10 for all four. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult. There’s good public transport, free parking, disabled access and facilities.

Local and Family History Show 2018
Saturday 27th October 2018
9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Motherwell Concert Hall, Civic Centre, Motherwell ML1 1A

(With thanks to Elizabeth Irving)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.