Tracing WW1 Belgian refugees in the UK workshop

There's a free workshop entitled Tracing the Belgian Refugees being run by the First World War Network for Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers, on Friday May 31st 2019, from 12.30-16.30, at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. Here's the blurb:

Are you interested in the history of Belgian refugees in the UK during the First World War? Have you been involved in researching them in your local area? Maybe you have family stories or objects that you'd like to share?

Come along to the third of our UK workshops, where you will have the opportunity to meet other people in your area who are interested in this history.

Hear interesting talks, share sources and artefacts, enjoy the opportunity to network over lunch, and meet the project team who will tell you all about how you can use the database to input your findings.

We are working with the Imperial War Museum on an exhibition on refugees opening in 2020, and are looking for the following:

1. Letters and diaries that tell the story as it was happening, including transcriptions/translations

2. Objects that people took with them (especially if there was a story as to why they brought what they did).

3. Objects/supplies/resources that people were given on arrival.

4. Paperwork, forms, passes

5. Later written memoirs

6. Photographs

If you have something that fits the bill and would be happy to bring it along we would be delighted to see it.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

To sign up for a free place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-tracing-the-belgian-refugees-tickets-54645637573

(With thanks to @FWWBRefugees on Twitter)

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) for just £11.99 at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives

Some forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx):

City in the Blitz - walking tour

Thursday 29 December , 11 am - 1 pm.
On 29 December 1940 the City of London was subjected to one of the most intense bombing raids of the Second World War. This walk retraces the sequence and focal points of the raids, and the personal stories and heroism of the people involved.
Meet outside St Paul’s Tube Station (by exit marked to Cathedral).
Led by Chris Everett, CityHighLights.
£10 - booking essential.
Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-in-the-blitz-tickets-26943199836


Queer Time; Queer Place; Queer Action: Sexualities and LocalitiesConference
Saturday 3 December, 9 am - 5 pm
The 14th LGBTQ History and Archives Conference will be created with the involvement of the Raphael Samuel History Centre and the Sexualities and Localities project (a collaboration between Birkbeck College and Leeds Beckett University).
£15 / £10 concs. (includes lunch)
Find out more and book your place https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-time-queer-place-queer-action-sexualities-and-localities-tickets-26943527817


London’s Baking! Bakers, Cakes, Bread and Puddings from 1666
Exhibition runs until 1 February 2017
Taking its inspiration from Thomas Farriner and his bakery, the starting place of the Great Fire, this exhibition tells the story of London’s bakers from 1666 to the 20th century. Discover recipes (to take away and bake!) for almond cakes c1700, suet puddings c1850 and questionable school puddings from the 1970s.
Free - during normal LMA opening hours.
Find out more at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/news-events/Pages/londons-baking.aspx


Make the most of your trip to LMA
Every month, we run a selection of training sessions for LMA users to enhance your research. Whether you're new to archives or a seasoned visitor, you may still find these sessions useful!
We run sessions most months on the following topics:

• Getting started at LMA
• Handling documents
• Family History starter sessions
• Understanding old handwriting

Find out which events are coming up at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/new-visitors-to-lma/


Workshops and classes

Writing and Presenting Your Family History
Thursday 1 December, 2 - 4.30 pm
This workshop offers ideas and approaches to writing your family history using different styles and media, from creative scrapbooks to a basic website. Feel free to bring in work in progress. Think about how you want to present your work. Will it be a book, an illustrated magazine, a strip cartoon or an album?
£10 - booking essential
Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-and-presenting-your-family-history-tickets-26943219896

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Stand up and be counted - Ulster's suffragettes

Another great initiative from PRONI (www.proni.gov.uk) in Belfast takes place next week with the online launch of a new resources looking at women's suffrage in Northern Ireland - the following is he news announcement for those wishing to attend:

Stand Up and Be Counted! An online resource of the theme of suffrage 

The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) invites you to the launch of our new online resource, entitled Stand Up and Be Counted!, which uses archives to explore issues around suffrage, gender and democracy. The launch, which will take place on Monday 28th September, will be followed by a practical workshop demonstrating how the resource can be used in the community.

This free event is aimed at community group members and leaders, youth workers, educationalists, cultural and good relations staff, or anyone wishing to explore Decade of Centenaries (1912-1922) topics or issues around suffrage and democracy.

1.30pm – Launch of Stand Up and Be Counted! online resource

2.00 – 4.00pm – Workshop

1.30pm: Launch of Stand Up and Be Counted! online resource Archives have a key role to play in helping communities and individuals explore our shared history. The online resource pack is aimed at anyone with an interest archives, suffrage or the wider Decade of Centenaries. The aim of the resource is to exemplify how archives not only help us explore the past, but can also inform and inspire debate around more contemporary issues. The resource pack will provide online access to original PRONI archives (via scanned copies) which can be downloaded and used to explore themes relating to Decade of Centenaries within the local community. The resource also includes contextual information and suggestions for workshop exercises. The resource will be available on the PRONI website www.proni.gov.uk

2.00 - 4.00pm: Cafe-conversations style workshop During this practical session, participants will have a chance to explore primary sources – such as letters, documents and images - created by a range of individuals and organisations involved in shaping our past.

You don’t need to be a history expert – you just need to be curious! You will use evidence from the archives to consider how different backgrounds and ideologies – unionist and nationalist, labour and class, the suffragette movement – may have influenced opinions on suffrage. You will then go on to discuss how circumstances have changed over time, and consider how the successes and challenges of the past can inform and engage people in debate about present day topical issues.

Booking Admission is free, however booking for the workshop is essential.

To reserve a place, contact PRONI Email: proni@dcalni.gov.uk Tel: (+44) 028 9053 4800 Public Record Office of Northern Ireland PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast, BT3 9HQ

COMMENT: I discussed women's suffrage in a talk in Toronto last Friday on the Decade of Remembrance - it is as much a part of the revolutionary proceedings between 1912 and 1922 as any other event, so I'm very much looking forward to this.  For those interested, another very useful resource online is a website and free downloadable ebook on the topic from the Glenravel Family History group at http://www.belfastsuffragettes.com - thoroughly recommended.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

National Archives - October events at Kew

The National Archives at Kew in England has published its list of October and November hosted events. Talks include a session on rugby in the First World War and how to use the London Gazette, there's a user forum meeting also, and various other events including a workshop on the battle of Agincourt.

For a full list visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/events.htm.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html. My Pinterest account is at https://www.pinterest.com/chrismpaton/.

Family history events in Angus

From Angus Heritage Week:

Are You Who You Think You Are?

This year’s Angus Heritage Week, which runs from 4-11 September, features several free events providing help, expert advice and inside information about tracing a family tree – and discovering more about those who appear on various branches.

On Sunday, September 6, anyone with a connection to the fisher families who lived and worked along the Angus coastline can search for information about their forebears in the Auchmithie Archives, which will be on display at the Annie Gilruth Hall in Auchmithie. The Auchmithie Archives include historic documents from the late 19th and early 20th century, newspaper cuttings and photos of residents of the clifftop fishing village in days gone by.

The Angus Archives at Restenneth Priory by Forfar provides safekeeping to over 800 years of documents recording the history of the county’s people and places. “Although a lot of basic genealogy information is available online, nothing beats looking through the original records and the thrill of spotting the name of one of your ancestors,” said Craig Pearson, archivist, Angus Council, who is hosting two free family history workshops at the Angus Archives during Angus Heritage Week 2015.

At the family history workshop on Thursday, September 10, Craig will provide a guide to making the most of the historic documents held at the Angus Archives and, in particular, school and poorhouse records and legal papers. On September 11, the second family history workshop at the Angus Archives will focus on uncovering the details which can transform family history research from a list of names, dates and places into a spellbinding story to rival any Hollywood blockbuster!

“Both of these workshops are a chance to explore sources that can’t be found online and discover how they can flesh out a family’s history,” said Craig, who added that, as both workshops are expected to be popular, booking is highly advised.

For the full programme of events happening during Angus Heritage Week 2015, visit www.angusheritage.com or pick up a copy of the Angus Heritage Week Event Programme at leisure centres, ACCESS offices, libraries, museums and tourist attractions across Angus, Dundee, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and Fife.

Shelling mussels for bait at Auchmithie

(Copyright Angus Archives, Angus Council)

(With thanks to Wendy Glass)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Toronto based Irish Genealogy Workshop – Focus on Ulster

And something else I'll be involved in at Toronto next month!

Irish Genealogy Workshop – Focus on Ulster
A one-day workshop exploring the history and genealogy of the people of Ulster
A Family History Workshop jointly sponsored by: Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society
Canadiana Department, North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library

Where: North York Central Library Auditorium, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto
When: Saturday, September 19, 2015, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Fees: $55 ($50 for OGS members) by August 22 / $65 ($60 for OGS members) after August 22

Do you have ancestors from Ulster? Researching your family history in those years can be quite a challenge.
Our workshop will provide you with great learning opportunities. You will hear lectures from experts about the kinds of historical records that are available and how you can use them in your own family history research. Topics that will be covered include: the history of the Ulster Plantation, the Decade of Remembrance, using PRONI for research, the Orange Order, the Belfast Middle Class, and more.

Registration Required
• Register on-line – it’s quick and easy!
• Use PayPal to pay by credit card or PayPal account or mail a cheque.
• Pre-registration is required to guarantee your space in the meeting room

On-line registration and fee payment is at: http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops
For registration assistance: Email: courses@torontofamilyhistory.org

COMMENT: I'll be one of the speakers at this, along with William Roulston from the Ulster Historical Foundation, Leigh Anne Coffey, David Elliott and Linda Reid.

Here are the talks titles:

9:15 – 10:15 AM – Plenary Lecture 1: The History of the Ulster Plantation
Speaker: William Roulston

10:30 – 11:30 AM – Plenary Lecture 2: Using the Internet and PRONI for Northern Irish Records 
Speaker: Chris Paton

12:15 – 1:15 PM – Concurrent Sessions
Session 1: The Orange Order in Ireland and Canada: Records of a Loyalist Society
Speaker: Leigh-Ann Coffey

Session 2: Necessary Homework in Canada to Determine the Counties of Your Irish Ancestors 
Speaker: David Elliott

Session 3: Around Brick Walls: From Belfast Middle Class Back to Cork Landed Gentry 
Speaker: Linda L. Reid

1:30 – 2:30 PM – Plenary Lecture 3: The Decade of Remembrance 1912-22
Speaker: Chris Paton

2:45 – 3:45 PM – Plenary Lecture 4: Resources for Family History Research in Ulster 
Speaker: William Roulston

4:00 – 4:45 PM – Plenary Question & Answer Session 
Speakers: William Roulston and Chris Paton

Full details at http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops/irish-genealogy-workshop-focus-on-ulster/

Should be fun!

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Family history workshop in Angus

A free family history workshop is being held at Angus Archives (http://archive.angus.gov.uk/history/archives/), based at  Hunter Library, Restenneth Priory, by Forfar, DD8 2SZ on Thursday September 10th 2015, from 2pm-4pm. The aim is to highlight school, poor and legal records and provide practical advice on their use for ancestral research.

Spaces are limited, so you will need to book - for further details please telephone (01307) 468644 or email the archive directly at angus.archives@angus.gov.uk

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including my recently released Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Society of Genealogists' workshop programme at WDYTYA Live Birmingham NEC

The Society of Genealogists' workshop timetable for Who Do You Think You Are Live 2015 at the Birmingham NEC from 16th-18th April is now available at www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com/workshop-timetable, with plenty of interesting talks from a range of great speakers. I've not submitted any proposals this year, so hope to be able to attend one or two (I've yet to attend a single talk since I first started going!)!

I will however be at the event helping out on the Unlock the Past stand to help promote the company's genealogy cruises and range of books, many of which are published in the UK by My History also (see www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/Unlock-the-Past-Booklets.html).

For more on the WDYTYA event, including how to boo tickets, please visit www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com.

Hope to see you there!

Chris

For details on my range of 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.

Talks, conferences and exhibitions updates from PRONI

An update on forthcoming events in Belfast at PRONI (www.proni.gov.uk):

Due to the demand, two additional Explore the Archives workshops have been added for 11th March and 22nd April - the first is now booked out, but there are spaces available on 22 April still. Here's the breakdown on the day:

Wednesday 22 April 2015 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Explore Archives Online, 2pm
Using the Documents (searching for, ordering and viewing original documents), 3pm
Using Ordnance Survey Maps, 4pm


Talks

YOUR FAMILY TREE - 10 week Talks Programme (11th Mar-13th May, 2015)

To help you start exploring your genealogy, PRONI will be running a ten-week lecture series, exploring some of the key archival sources you can use to trace your family history.

Starting on Wednesday 11th March 2015 at 1pm (and running every Wednesday until 13th May), the first talk will be based on ‘Getting Started’.

The program of talks looks like this:

11th March - Getting Started by Janet Hancock
18th March - Using Street Directories by Des McCabe
25th March - Church Records by Valerie Adams
1st April - World War One Ancestors by Ian Montgomery
8th April - Education Records by Valerie Adams
15th April - Board of Guardian Records by Janet Hancock
22nd April - Valuation Records by William McAfee
29th April - Landed Estate Records by Stephen Scarth
6th May - Courts, Prisons and Coroners records by Wesley Geddis
13th May - GRONI by Emma Elliott.

Contact PRONI to reserve a place.


Exhibitions

Londonderry Papers Exhibition at Comber Library
When: 2nd February to 27th Feburary
Where: Comber Library

The exhibition will focus on the ‘Ark’ club set up by Edith, Lady Londonderry in 1915 and immortalised in the Dodo Terrace at her gardens at Mountstewart.

Members of the Ark club read like a roll call of the great and the good in British and Irish society at the time. Members were given a nickname, based on an animal or a mythical creature. So, Winston Churchill became ‘Winston the Warlock’ and Charles, Lord Londonderry, became ‘Charlie the Cheetah’

For further details please contact Comber Library on Tel. 028 9187 2610.


Conferences

HALF-DAY CONFERENCE: ‘Seeking Refuge: Germany and Ireland in the 1930’s.’
When: 3 February – starting at 2pm
Where: PRONI

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, PRONI will be hosting a half-day conference examining the impact of the rise of the Nazi regime on Jewish communities in Germany and Northern Ireland. Speakers will draw from papers held in PRONI and other archives, exploring stories of individuals and communities as well as considering the wider political context. In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Keeping the Memory Alive’ the conference will consider how these stories can be uncovered and made accessible for future generations.

The contributors will include:

Dr Bethany Sinclair (DCAL)
One letter, one voice, multiple archives: the case of Leopold Pollak;

Linda McKenna (Down County Museum)
‘Finding Refuge: The Millisle Farm Story’ developing an on-line learning resource for schools;

Lorraine Bourke (PRONI)
Relations between the United Kingdom and Germany in the 1930s with a focus on the papers of Lord Londonderry.


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. More details to follow shortly.

(With thanks to the PRONI Express newsletter)

Chris

For details on my range of 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.

Archive and genealogy workshops and talks at PRONI

Coming up in Belfast at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk):

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES - New Year Workshops at PRONI
Once you’ve collected some information about your ancestors, why not come along to one of PRONI’s practical workshops where you will get a hands-on introduction to searching archives on the internet; and searching, ordering and using original documents held at PRONI. We’ll even throw in a behind-the-scenes tour!

Wednesday 21st January 2015 2pm - 4.30pm
Explore Archives Online, 2pm
Using the Documents (searching for, ordering and viewing original documents), 3pm
Behind-the-scenes tour, 4pm

Wednesday 18th February 2015 2pm - 4.30pm
Explore Archives Online, 2pm
Using the Documents (searching for, ordering and viewing original documents), 3pm
Behind-the-scenes tour, 4pm


YOUR FAMILY TREE - 10 week Talks Programme (18th Mar-20th May, 2015)
To help you get started, PRONI will be running a ten-week lecture series, exploring some of the key archival sources you can use to trace your family tree.

Starting on Wednesday 18th March 2015 at 1pm (and running every Wednesday until 20th May), the first talk will be based on ‘Getting Started’. Other topics will include using Church Records, Valuation Records and Street Directories; as well as tracing First World War ancestors.

Contact PRONI to reserve a place

(With thanks to PRONI)

Chris

For details on my range of 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.

First World War research workshops in Inverness

Highland Archive is running a series of First World War online research workshops:

Your WW1 Ancestors - Ur Sinnsearan Ri Linn a' Chiad Chogaidh

Join the Family Historian and find out more about the lives of soldiers and civilians using World War One records online.

23rd January - The Fallen Heroes of the Highlands
30th January - Those Who Survived
6th February - The Communities Left at Home
13th February - What Have We Learnt?

Starts Friday 23 January 2015 2pm-4pm

Per session, pay as you go: £4.70 standard, £2.35 over 60s;
High Life members: £3.50, £0.50 over 60s

Please bring along any of your own material/memorabilia to assist your research

Highland Archive Centre, Bught Rioad, Inverness, IV3 5SS.
Tel 01463 256433 genealogy@highlifehighland.com

(With thanks to Highland Archives via Facebook)

Chris

For details on my range of 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.

PRONI talks and Explore Your Archives Week

From PRONI (www.proni.gov.uk) in Belfast, news of events in week commencing November 10th:

This week (W/C 10th) we are celebrating all things archival as part of Explore Your Archives Week. We have a program of events running all week to link in with their themes.

On Monday we launch explore your archive week with #DayInTheLife – We have a lunchtime talk on ‘Portraits which capture ‘a day in the life’ by Joy Carey and Heather Stanley (Monday 10th November 2014 1pm)

On Tuesday the theme quite befittingly is #WW1Archive to mark this on Armistice Day we are playing host to a 1/2 day conference on Women and the First World War as well as Trevor Parkhill's book launch of the Emma Duffin Diaries. ‘A voluntary Aid Detatchment Nurse during the First World War’. (Tuesday 11th November 2014, 2 – 5pm)

On Wednesday 12th:
IRISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE LECTURES: ‘Shared Musical Heritage’, by Brain Mullen
When: Wednesday 12th November 2014 starting at 1pm
Where: PRONI
PRONI and Foras Na Gaeilge invite you to a series of talks exploring aspects of Irish language and culture, including shared traditions and heritage. This lecture series will run on Wednesday lunchtimes throughout October and November. The last of this series of Lectures is being delivered this week by Brian Mullen.

Admission is FREE – Please contact the PRONI to book your place through PRONI@dcalni.gov.uk or call (02890 534800)


On Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November the themes are #Askarchivists and #Archiveselfie respectively. We will be hosting Open Days with a number of practical workshops and behind the scenes tours. These commence at 10am on both days:
PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS: #AskArchvists & #ArchiveSelfie – Using the Documents and Using Online Resources. (Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November 2014 starting at 10am)
When: Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November 2014 starting at 10am
Where: PRONI
Session One
10am (1hr) – Using the documents workshop
11am (1hr) – Using the online resources workshop
12am (30mins) – Tour of stores
Session Two
2pm (1hr) – Using the documents workshop
3pm (1hr) – Using the online resources workshop
4pm (30mins) – Tour of stores

Admission is FREE – Please contact the PRONI to book your place through PRONI@dcalni.gov.uk or call (02890 534800)


On Friday 14th November theme is #Archiveanimals there will be a rolling loop of animal images from PRONI archives on the AV systems in the building.

(With thanks to the PRONI Express)

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the Old Parish Records online course starts on November 5th, and runs for 5 weeks, priced at £45.99. Spaces are still available - see http://pharostutors.com/coursedescriptions.php#302

Industrial England workshop in Toronto

News of a forthcoming English themed conference event in Toronto:

The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that registration for our fall workshop, Industrial England, is now open.

This full-day workshop on Saturday 1 November 2014, co-sponsored with the Canadiana Department of North York Central Library, will explore the social, economic and cultural effects of the Industrial Revolutions on the lives of English people from 1750 to 1900. Author and professional genealogist Kirsty Gray, a founding member and Chair of the Society for One-Place Studies, and Director of English Studies with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, will be our keynote speaker for this event. Kirsty and six other expert genealogists and social historians will team up to present a day of learning and discovery that you won’t want to miss.

The early-bird registration deadline is 18 September, and there is a further discount for OGS members.

Full details about the program, speakers and how to register, are available on our Branch website at http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops/industrial-england-workshop/.

(With thanks to Gwyneth Pearce of the Toronto Branch of OGS via email)

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And please consider purchasing the great new version of Caledonia by The Libations at 79p via www.caledonia2014.com - all profits go to help fund Scottish foodbanks

Gaol Siar ancestry research workshop in County Mayo

From Gaol Siar (www.gaolsiar.com) in Belmullet, County Mayo:

Ancestry Research Workshop

Learn about websites for ancestry research
Interviewing & archiving family history
Learn about local resources available
Learn about family tree software
How to tell your family’s story

Dates: 04 Aug & 11 Aug & 21 Aug
Time: 11.00 -14.00, Gaol Siar, Main St. Belmullet
Contact: Barbara 0872169625 or eolas @ gaolsiar.com
Booking: Booking Essential, Cost 35 p/person

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And please consider purchasing the great new version of Caledonia by The Libations at 79p via www.caledonia2014.com - all profits go to help fund Scottish foodbanks

Foreign and Commonwealth Office records 1782-1982 workshop

The National Archives at Kew is running a workshop on Tuesday 22nd July entitled From mandarins to mandates, an overview of Foreign and Commonwealth Office records in The National Archives. The workshop "will look at records of the Foreign Office from when it was established in 1782, through to the merger with the Commonwealth Office in 1968 and up to the latest releases of records for 1982."

For further details visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/events/mandarins-to-mandates.htm.

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And FindmyPast - please reinstate the original Scottish census citations on your new site.

Who Do You Think You Are Live in Glasgow update

Some developments on Who Do You Think You Are Live at the SECC in Glasgow from August 29th-31st...

The website at http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com has been updated to fully reflect the Glasgow theme now, so you'll find articles there by Rosemary Bigwood for example on births, marriages and deaths in Scotland, as well as some useful resources to get underway with Caledonian research.

There's also some information on the venue, and in particular, a provisional talks timetable, though some talk slots are still TBC. This can be accessed directly at http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com/workshops-scotland. There's a fair range there, and it's particularly great to see so many members of our Scottish Genealogy Network amongst the speakers, including Michael Tobias, Judith Russell, Tahitia McCabe, Chris Halliday and Marie Dougan.

I previously announced that I was giving two talks at the event, on Northern Irish research, and on the fun and games surrounding Scottish marriage across the ages, but I've also now signed up to help as a panellist for a series of keynote workshops at lunchtime each day by genie chum Marie Dougan. Still early days on this, but from what I can gather Marie will be doing three technology themed talks, and then there will be a Q&A panel after each talk - there's more on all of this at http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com/news/keynote-workshop.

A list of exhibitors has as yet to go online, but show tickets are now available for the event at http://www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com/prices

You can also pre-book talks tickets via the following links:

Friday
http://wdytyaglasgow.seetickets.com/event/who-do-you-think-you-are-live-scotland/the-secc/787082

Saturday
http://wdytyaglasgow.seetickets.com/event/who-do-you-think-you-are-live-scotland/the-secc-glasgow/787116

Sunday
http://wdytyaglasgow.seetickets.com/event/who-do-you-think-you-are-live-scotland/the-secc-glasgow/787117

As for news of celebrity involvement etc, no news as yet, but it can't be too long now before we know who will be there, and in particular who the exhibitors and societies are that will be in attendance.

(With thanks to Else Churchill)

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And FindmyPast - please reinstate the original Scottish census citations on your new site.

Free PRONI workshop in March

News of a forthcoming workshop from PRONI in Belfast (www.proni.gov.uk):

PRONI: Showcase of Resources
27 February 2014, 6.00-8.00pm

In partnership with Digital Circle, PRONI is hosting a workshop showcasing the resources available to researchers and developers.

PROGRAMME
• Introduction - Maggie Smith
• As true as I’m standing here: amazing anecdotes from the archives - Ann McVeigh
• Photographic Collections at PRONI - Joy Carey
• Map Collections at PRONI - Wesley Geddis
• Politics and Power: The Londonderry Papers - Lorraine Bourke
• Questions to the Speakers
• Close - Stephen McGowan

This event is organised by PRONI with the support of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and in partnership with Digital Circle.

Admission is free. To register please please copy and paste the following link into your Internet browser: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-circle-showcase-event-at-proni-tickets-10628581373.

A second showcase on First World War sources at PRONI will be held 20 March 2014, 6.00-8.00pm.

The Heritage Cafe at PRONI will be open from 9.00am to 4.00pm
PRONI is approximately 1½ miles from Belfast City Hall
By bus, please take the Metro 26 route

Chris

My latest genealogy books are Tracing Your Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, and Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet. My next Pharos course is Scottish Research Online, which commences Feb 27th 2014, 5 weeks, price £45.99.

PRONI family history workshops in Belfast

From PRONI (www.proni.gov.uk) in Belfast:

This is just to remind everyone that PRONI will be delivering a series of practical workshops in sources for family and local history over the next few weeks. These will focus on records and resources that are now partially or fully accessible online, and five respected specialists will demonstrate their use. The workshops shall provide an excellent opportunity to gain insider knowledge on often-overlooked archives, so come along to discover more about the world of your ancestors.

Workshops will run on Wednesday lunchtimes, 1pm to 2pm, on the following dates:

· 22nd January
· 29th January
· 5th February
· 12th February
· 19th February

For more details on the content of these workshops, and for guidance on how to reserve your place, please click on the following link: http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/exhibitions_talks_and_events/talks_and_events/exploring_your_archives_in_depth.htm

We look forward to seeing you there.

(With thanks to Garth Stewart and Gavin McMahon)

Chris

My latest genealogy books are Tracing Your Family History on the Internet (2nd ed), Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, and Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet. My next Pharos course is Scottish Research Online, which commences Feb 27th 2014, 5 weeks, price £45.99.

Family history workshop at the National Library of Scotland

From the National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk):

Discovering family history at NLS
Wednesday 15th January | 14.30

Find out about the range of resources that the Library holds to help you with your family history research.

The workshop includes some practical information on how to become a reader and using the Reader Rooms.

*Free workshop. Booking essential.

To book, visit http://www.nls.uk/events/readers-workshops#started

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/.

PRONI workshops in 2014 - Exploring Archives

More news from PRONI in Belfast (www.proni.gov.uk):

Exploring Archives in Depth: Practical Workshops in Family and Local History
January to February 2014

PRONI is pleased to announce an upcoming workshop series on archival sources for family and local history. Many of these sources are now accessible online, and five respected specialists will illustrate their historical context and use. These workshops shall provide an excellent opportunity to gain insider knowledge on often-overlooked archives, so come along to discover more about the world of your ancestors.

Programme
22nd January
Dr. Annaleigh Margey (Dundalk Institute of Technology): The 1641 Depositions: An Early Source for Local History (and Beyond)

29th January
Valerie Adams (Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland): Using Church Records for Family and Local History- First Steps

5th February
Alistair Butler (General Register Office, Northern Ireland): Family trees- How GRONI can help them grow

12th February
Drew Ferris (Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland): "Maps from Snaps": Archive Mapping and Aerial Photography for Local and Family History

19th February
Dr. Bill McAfee (Private researcher): Understanding an Ancestor's Neighbourhood-The Griffith's Valuation Books, Maps, and Revision Books

WHERE: All workshops will be held at PRONI
WHEN: Wednesdays from 1pm
HOW MUCH: Admission is FREE but booking is essential. Please contact PRONI at proni@dcalni.gov.uk to book your place.

(With thanks to Garth Stewart)

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/.