ASGRA to recognise Strathclyde genealogy course

ASGRA, the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (www.asgra.co.uk), has decided to recognise the value of the Strathclyde University Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Heraldic and Palaeographic Studies (www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy/) as a means to becoming a probationer member of its organisation. Probationer membership lasts for 2 years, and at the end of this probationers are required to be assessed by members of ASGRA for competency before becoming full members. The full announcement is at www.asgra.co.uk/Strathclyde%20Agreement%20WEBSITE%20announcement%20pdf.pdf

I've not signed up myself in the past, simply because I think the achievement of a two years studied university postgraduate diploma course demonstrates a degree of competency in its own right, but I know friends and colleagues who are members who feel they do benefit from membership. The only question mark I really have is that the agreement to recognise diploma students apparently only applies to those who pass from July 2013 onwards, which does seem slightly prejudicial to anyone who has passed the same course in the last six years who may be equally interested to sign up, though I suspect that's not intended.

On the Strathclyde course itself, I've had a lot of fun working as a tutor on the postgrad certificate this year, with a great bunch of students slowly working their way towards the finishing line! Due to commitments next year (including two books on the cards and being out of the country for a bit) I'll not be doing so for the next session, but I hope to step back again into the role in due course. If you wish to sign up, please visit www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy/ for full details on how to do so, and to see a timetable etc. Entry to the diploma is then by successful completion of the certificate the following year, and you can also take your studies to a Masters in a third year.

Certainly as someone who has been through both the cert and the diploma I've recognised their value to refocus me from being a keen amateur to someone who wished to professionalise his skills to do this job for a living. It is hard work, and the course will not make you an expert on everything - for no-one is an expert on everything! - but it will open your eyes to what you don't know about genealogy within the British Isles and beyond, as well as affirm what you do - and help provide you with a confident path towards a truly rewarding career.

(With thanks to Bruce Bishop)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Society of Genealogists - July events in London

The following Events will take place at the Society of Genealogists in July. To book a place online, visit our website at: www.sog.org.uk/books-courses/events-courses

You can also book by telephone, at the number listed below.

6 July 14:00-17:00
Drawing up a Family Tree
We will talk about uses of family trees, standard layouts and conventions, what to include and how to draw one up by hand. Software is mentioned as one means of generating trees and pedigree charts but the emphasis will not be on specific programs.

A half-day course with Louise Taylor price 17.50


10 Jul 14:00-17:00
Upstairs, Downstairs: My Ancestors Were in Service
Many of our ancestors worked as domestic servants, some were employed in the “Big House” and some as glorified housekeepers to local artisans and tradesmen. There are no specific sets of records for domestic servants, but it is possible to piece together evidence from various records.

A half-day course with Ian Waller price 17.50


13 Jul 10:30-13:00
Sources for Tracing Female Ancestors & Population and Birth Control
Family historians are often accused of interesting themselves only in the male lines of their ancestry following the history of the surname. Older pedigree compilations often ignore the daughters of a family leaving it difficult to establish the distaff line. However there are some sources that can be used to throw more light into the lives of our ancestresses and which let us hear their voices. We will look at some strong minded, vocal women; hear their voices and learn about women who fell on hard times (with Else Churchill).

In the second session, we will look at how some of our ancestor's mothers appear to have produced children at very regular, even frequent intervals; then there is a break in the pattern often attributed by us to a still birth or an accidental miscarriage. Have you considered the possibility of the family using birth control? Contrary to a popular image, wealthy families tended to have more children than did those lower in the financial and social spectrum. Dr Chapman will examine family and commonality sizes and describes methods of birth control that have been attempted over the centuries to limit local and national population numbers.

A half-day course with Else Churchill & Colin Chapman price 17.50


20 Jul 10:30-13:00
Family Historian Software Practical (intermediate to advanced users)
A hands-on practical course which will help you to get the most from this leading genealogical software. You must bring a laptop.

A half-day course with John Hanson price 17.50


20 Jul 14:00-17:00
My Ancestor Came From Westminster
Those with London ancestry will fast realise that people moved in and out of localities within the metropolis. Westminster has always been a City in its own right generating its own records and with its own parishes. Although an area within London it is not part of London and its records reflect this. Come along and understand why you need to research at the Westminster Archive centre and what is available to identify your ancestor.

A half-day course with Ian Waller price 17.50


27 Jul 10:30 17:00
Family Tree Maker Software Essentials - for Beginners & Refreshers
A full-day course with Mike Bollinger price 30.00


31 Jul 14:00-15:30
Visit: Tower Hamlets Cemetery
The Tower Hamlets Cemetery, located in the East End of London, was opened in 1841 and closed for burials in 1966. It was then called the City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery but was called Bow Cemetery by locals. Our historic tour of the cemetery will last approximately one hour. price 10.00

(With thanks to Lori Weinstein)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

TNA podcast - Board of Trade design register 1839-1991

The latest podcast from the National Archives at Kew is entitled Design online: extending access to the BT Design Register, a talk given by Dinah Eastop running at under 20 minutes. The talk is about the Board of Trade Design Register design registrations from 1839-1991, a bit specialist, but if that's what your ancestor was involved in it will probably hit the mark perfectly!

You can listen at http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/design-online-extending-access-to-the-bt-design-register/ or download free from iTunes.

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Useful Derry townland maps

My horse, my horse, my kingdom for a decent bl**ding online townland map for Islandmagee....! :)

OK, whilst that may not be quite on the cards yet, if you have connections to Derry then West Ulster Genealogy Services has been posting useful links to some handy townland map resources like the plague's in town! You'll find them at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.211670882316446&type=1 and in particular some absolute gems from a gent called Bill Scott at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.173426246140910&type=1

But if anyone can suggest one for Islandmagee on a similar line, mucho appreciatio...!

(Thanks to West Ulster Genealogy Services on Facebook - located at http://www.facebook.com/westulstergenealogy)

UPDATE: Eddie Connolly my man! :) Islandmagee townland map? Nae problem! See https://twitter.com/teddiec/status/347104758835847169/photo/1

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Plantation Families talks event in Belfast

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

“Plantation Families – People, Records and Resources”
A Family and Local History Event on the Plantation of Ulster

Friday 27th September – Public Record Office of Northern Ireland

This event is aimed at anyone interested in the Ulster Plantation of the early seventeenth century, a period of critical importance in the shaping of modern Ulster and Ireland. The event will be held on consecutive days, in Belfast (PRONI – Friday 27th September) and then in Derry-Londonderry (Saturday 28th September).

The presentations in PRONI will focus on the Plantation in Belfast and east Ulster. The event will be chaired by Dr Sam Burnside and a host of renowned experts on the Plantation will speak at this one-off event, held in tribute to the life and work of R.J. (Bob) Hunter.

When: Friday 27th September, 9.30am – 4pm
Where: Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Belfast – www.proni.gov.uk

The event is free to attend and light refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.

Registration is essential - to register please contact Tim Smyth at the Ulster Historical Foundation on 02890 661988 or enquiry@uhf.org.uk

For more info please see the event flyer - http://www.therjhuntercollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Hunter-event-flyer.pdf

(With thanks to Gavin McMahon)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Oxfordshire wills and Irish directories

Some 30,000 Oxfordshire wills from 1516-1857 are available online at Origins (www.origins.net) - the search is free but images are by pay-per-view access.

For further details visit www.origins.net/help/aboutNWI-oxf.aspx

Also coming soon from Origins, the following Irish directories:

1636 A New Almanack and Prognostication for the year of our Lord by Patrick True
1684 Bourk's Almanack by John Bourke
1684 A New Almanack for the year of our Lord by Patrick Plunket
1684 Principal Inhabitants of Dublin 1684
1685 Vox Urania or an Almanack for the year Human Redemption by John Whalley
1686 Sydereus Nuncius or an Ephemeris for the year Human Redemption by John Whalley
1698 Advice from the Stars by John Whalley
1729-1753 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's)
1751-1752 Dublin Directory (Wilson's)
1753 Dublin Directory (Wilson's) and The English Registry
1754-1758 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's)
1759-1760 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's) and The English Registry
1760 Dublin Directory (Wilson's)
1761-1762 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's) and The English Registry and Wilson's Dublin Directory
1763-1768 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's) and The English Registry and Wilson's Dublin Directory, with map
1769-1772 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's) and The English Registry and Wilson's Dublin Directory
1773-1801 The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's) and The English Registry and Wilson's Dublin Directory, with map
1802-1837 Treble Almanack: The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's), The English Registry and Wilson's Dublin Directory, with map
1838-1844 Treble Almanack: The Gentleman and Citizen's Almanack (Watson's), The English Registry and The Post Office Annual Directory

(With thanks to Maggie Greene)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

London volunteer soldiers records 1859-1955 online

FindmyPast (www.fondmypast.co.uk) has added records for part time soldiers from London, 1859-1955, from the following regiments:

• 20th Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps
• 11th Middlesex Rifle Volunteer Corps
• 3rd Volunteer Battalion, The London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)
• 10th (3rd City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)
• 625th London Anti-Aircraft Regiment

Further details at www.findmypast.co.uk/content/news/londonsoldiers

(With thanks to @AtcherleyOrgUK)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

British Library seeks London’s Princeton School students

Can you help with the following British Library appeal concerning London's Princeton Street School?

Seeking Students Of London’s Princeton School

The British Library Europeana Collections 1914–1918 project team is trying to trace descendants of 30 pupils of the Princeton Street School (later Princeton Primary School), Bedford Row in London’s Holborn district who recorded their impressions of Zeppelin air raids on the city on 13 October 1915.

The children's accounts were recorded in a beautifully illustrated workbook, now held at the British Library in St Pancras. The Europeana team would love to digitise this work and make it available for everyone to read online at www.europeana.eu and www.bl.uk. This is part of a wider project that will see around 10,000 British Library items related to the First World War go online next year, helping to increase access to culturally significant material as we commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of war.

We are trying to track down the former students and their descendants to seek permission for publication. The names of the students written in the workbook are:

J Allen
F Balen
Alfred Banks
A.E Bazley
R Beasley
E.G Bracknell
E Brown
G Eldon
Alec Fraser
F Grainger
J Haynes
Charles Hill
F Howard
R Julyan
Edwin Lato
Albert Ling
J Littenstein
F Maddox
Herbert Mansen
J Marriage
J McHenry
Ernst Meager
John Mee
W Pullery
Joseph Restick
G.A Rist
J Sandell
Richard Sandell
J Sayers
J Spinks

If you believe you are descended from any of these people, please e-mail laura@vivatheritage.co.uk or write to Foteini Aravani, Project Manager for Europeana 1914-1918, British Library, St Pancras, London NW1 2DB.

(With thanks to Laua Berry at Your Family History magazine)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Republic of Ireland RAF branch fundraiser

From Lorraine McWilliams:

"The Republic of Ireland Branch of the RAF Association (Republic of Ireland Branch) will be holding its major fundraiser of the year next Saturday, 22nd June at 2.00pm at Leopardstown Park Hospital, Dublin 18 (Green line of the LUAS – stop = Central Park). The RAFA (RoI) looks after WW2 veterans resident in Ireland – be they Irish or British. In our membership, we enjoy several WW2 pilots and ground crew. As you probably know, many Irish servicemen/servicewomen suffered isolation and discrimination when they returned to Ireland after the war. It’s all the more important that we look after them now."

The branch has its own Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Air-Forces-Association-RAFA-RoI/277995295555709 which notes that "entrance is Euro 10 per person and includes BBQ, cold buffet and two drinks. It's our major fundraiser for the year, so please support!"

My father-in-law, Paddy Giles from County Tipperary, was a member of the RAF just after the war, so I'm only too happy to give this a plug - hope you all have a great day!

(With thanks to Lorraine)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

Eneclann guides Obamas through Irish Family History

From Eneclann (www.eneclann.ie):

Eneclann guides Obamas through their Irish Family History

At lunchtime Michelle Obama and her two daughters, Malia Ann and Sasha, took part in a private genealogy event about the President’s Irish ancestors at a special exhibit at the Long Room in the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin.

This very personal event was co-ordinated and presented by Fiona Fitzsimons with Helen Moss of Eneclann. Fiona, Research Director at Eneclann, gave an overview of the history of their family, which is better documented than that of other Irish-American presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton or even JFK. The Obamas’ story includes wig and shoemakers, merchants, farmers and (no surprise) politicians. While their deep ancestry (Kearneys, Donovans, etc.) are of Irish origin, an important line, the Benns (or Behn) were continental religious refugees who settled in Limerick before 1700.

Fiona explained how the surviving paper trail enabled her and the Eneclann team to trace the family back to the 1600s. The exhibition contained a display of important documents from their Irish family history, including the parish register for Templeharry church in Moneygall kindly lent by the Representative Church Body Library, maps from the National Library, and records from Trinity College Library. Other records are detailed in the Eneclann online exhibition at:

www.eneclann.ie/exhibitions/barack-obamas-irish-ancestry/

This includes the Landed Estates Court rentals, which Fiona described as "The document that gave us the breakthrough that allowed us to bridge the generational gap in the parish registers, and trace the family back another four generations". This important resource is now available exclusively at www.findmypast.ie

The detailed research carried out by Fiona, the Eneclann team and colleagues is available to view online for free at:

www.eneclann.ie/exhibitions/barack-obamas-irish-ancestry/

(With thanks to Eneclann)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!