The following announcement was written by the folks at: scottishindexes.com:

Discover the hidden lives of your ancestors

Scottish Indexes have reached a major milestone in their Scottish prison register indexing project. With the release of a further 180,000 prison register entries at the Scottish Indexes Conference on Saturday you can now search over half a million records from 38 Scottish prisons. Search Scotland's Criminal Database: https://www.scottishindexes.com/ScotlandsCriminalDatabase.aspx

These records are vital to exploring the stories behind our family history as well as overcoming brick walls to our research. Emma Maxwell, genealogist at Scottish Indexes, says “The census is a snapshot in time, but what happened to our ancestors on all the other days? Prison records can be a key to discovering more. For example, we may find a description of our ancestor’s tattoos or scars.”

Genealogist Graham Maxwell says “The key information given in a prison register to identify the inmate is now very useful for our research projects. While the census may give a place of birthplace of ‘Ireland’ or ‘ England’ a prison register may give us the specific county or parish. If our ancestor died before 1851 the birthplace and age could be the vital clues we need.”

Aliases and alternative surnames are given in the prison register. It could be that someone used a name to try to avoid the law but we also see multiple surnames recorded for other people. Married women usually have their maiden and married surnames included. Inmates who were illegitimate may be recorded under their biological father's name as well as their mother’s surname.

About Scottish Indexes: The indexes on scottishindexes.com are free to search and the website is managed by husband and wife team, Graham and Emma Maxwell. As well as criminal records you can search the Scottish Paternity Index, Mental Health Records, Court of Session Index and more.

The following announcement was written by Findmypast:

National Burial Index for England & Wales  

This week’s largest release sees over 122,000 burial records added to this existing collection. Unique to Findmypast, these new records are for the county of Herefordshire. They span 300 years, between 1539 and 1840. You may discover your ancestor’s name, date and place of burial with these transcriptions.   

Kent Burials - Medway 

There are just over 14,000 new records for Medway in Kent in this week’s release. They cover 1981 to 2020. From these records, you can expect to learn a full name, age, birth year, burial date and place and residence. In some cases, an occupation is also included, along with any dedication featured on the deceased's grave.  

Kent Burials – Dunns Funeral Directors Registers 

Last but not least, we've also added 1,478 records from the town of Bromley to our collection of Kent Burials. Taken from two local parishes, these new additions span 1803 to 1839. These records, taken from registers kept by Dunns Funeral Directors, contain both a transcription and an image of the original register. In addition to a full name and age, you'll learn a birth year, burial date and place from these records. In some cases, an occupation is also listed, as well as additional notes - such as marital status, parents' names, and whether the deceased was a foundling. 

Newspapers 

Did your ancestors make the news? Three new titles, updates to a further 12, and over 160,000 new pages make up this week’s newspaper release.  

New titles: 

·         Ascot Times, 1986-1987 

·         Crowthorne Times, 1983 

·         Newtownabbey Times and East Antrim Times, 1987-1989, 1991-1999 

Updated titles: 

·         Belfast News-Letter, 1996, 1998 

·         Bracknell Times, 1985 

·         Central Somerset Gazette, 1993-1995 

·         Cheddar Valley Gazette, 1996-1997 

·         Edinburgh Evening News, 1994 

·         Football Post (Nottingham), 1998 

·         Jewish World, 1899, 1902-1904, 1907 

·         Larne Times, 1987, 1989 

·         Londonderry Sentinel, 1961-1962, 1966, 1968-1976 

·         Lurgan Mail, 1986-1987, 1992, 1994-1999 

·         Mid-Ulster Mail, 1994 

·         Shepton Mallet Journal, 1992-1993, 1996, 1998 

The University Libraries are digitizing the complete archive of the student-run newspaper since its inception on Oct. 19, 1893. The Nevada Sagebrush student newspaper is now entirely online with articles posting almost daily.

This year we actively celebrate the University’s history leading up to the Sesquicentennial celebration on Oct. 12, 2024. The University Libraries are hard at work researching the past, preserving it, and making this history as accessible as possible to the modern-day audience. Part of that work includes digitizing historical records, and one fascinating bit of history is the student-run newspaper. 

The University of Nevada, Reno was founded on Oct. 12, 1874, and just 19 years later, on Oct. 19, 1893, the students of the University published the first edition of a student-run newspaper, which they called The Student Record.

The student newspaper, now called The Nevada Sagebrush, states its simplified mission on its website: 

“The Nevada Sagebrush aims to keep students, faculty and the University of Nevada, Reno community updated on all matters concerning the Nevada campus.” 

You can read more in an article by Angela Rudolph published in the University of Nevada, Reno web site at:  https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/130-years-of-student-news.

NOTE: This is a slightly updated version of an article I published a few years ago. A couple of newsletter readers have sent messages to me in the past few days expressing dissatisfaction with records that were available online on various genealogy web sites but recently have disappeared. I am offering this republished article as an explanation on why we should not be surprised when that happens. I will also offer a suggestion as to making sure you keep your own copies of online records that are valuable to you.

Two newsletter readers sent email messages to me recently expressing dissatisfaction that a set of images of vital records has been removed from a popular genealogy site. Indeed, removal of any online records of genealogical value is sad, but not unusual. Changes such as these are quite common on FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Ancestry.com, Fold3, FindMyPast, and many other genealogy sites that provide old records online. Removal of datasets has occurred dozens of times in the past, and I suspect such things will continue to happen in the future. I thought I would write a brief explanation.

In most cases, information of genealogical value obtained from government agencies, religious groups, museums, genealogy societies, and other organizations is provided under contractual agreements. The contracts specify what information is to provided, how it is to be made available, and what price the web site has to pay to the provider for the records. All contracts also have a defined expiration date, typically 2 years or 3 years or perhaps 5 years after the contract is signed.

When a contract nears expiration, the two parties usually attempt to renegotiate the contract. Sometimes renewal is automatic, but more often it is not. Maybe the information provider (typically an archive) decides they want more money, or maybe they decide they no longer want to supply the data to the online genealogy service. For instance, in the time the information has been available online, the information provider may have learned just how valuable the information really is. The information provider may decide to ask for more money or may even refuse to provide the information any more since the provider may have a NEW plan to create their own web site and offer the same information online on their new site for a fee.

Sure, that stinks for those of us who would like to have free information everywhere; but, it makes sense to most everyone else. I am sure the budget officer at most any state or local government archive thinks it makes sense.

Every contract renegotiation is different, but it is not unusual to agree to disagree. The contract ends, and the web site provider legally MUST remove the information from their web site. The same thing frequently happens to all the other online sites that provide old records online.

Moral of this story: If you find a record online that is valuable to you, SAVE IT NOW! Save it to your hard drive and make a backup copy someplace else as well. If there is no option to save, make a screen shot and save it on your hard drive or some other place where it will last for many years. Just because you can see the record online today does not mean that it will be available tomorrow.

A DNA test has shown that the Loch Ness Monster is an algae-based creature, filmmakers claim.

Investigators collected water samples from the famous Scottish loch's Borlum Bay during the largest search for Nessie in over 50 years.

Matty Wiles, 49 and Aga Balinska, 42 were volunteering as part of the search, which took place over the last weekend of August this year.

A very, very old claimed photograph of the Loch Ness Monster

They went for an early morning swim at 6.30am and saw two humps and a third appendage, possibly a head, in the water.

They took photos and videos and shared their findings with Loch Ness Exploration, a group set up to research the mysteries of loch and coordinated the search.

Documentary producers working on new TV series, Weird Britain, by Dragonfly Films were there to chronicle the hunt for Nessie as the season finale of their series.

They decided to collect water samples to send for eDNA analysis.

Environmental DNA (or eDNA) analysis is a new method of amplifying traces of DNA left behind by an animal in its habitat, the environment in which it lives.

The samples were sent to a private laboratory called Jonah Ventures in Boulder, Colorado, USA which was founded in 2013 with the aim of helping other scientists answer ecological questions by sequencing environmental DNA.

The tests detected two types of algae, with experts claiming it suggests Nessie may be algae-based.

TV presenter and cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard said: ''The tests only detected algae, which of course is exciting news if we consider the possibility that Nessie is a giant algae blob monster.”

This article is not about any of the "normal" topics of this newsletter: genealogy, history, current affairs, DNA, and related topics. However, I suspect lots of people will be interested in this:

Whether you're a coder or a total beginner, Amazon might have an AI class for you. Amazon wants you to work in AI. More specifically, they want to train you on the skills necessary to handle one of these jobs.

In a blog post on Monday, Amazon announced "AI Ready," the company's new initiative to give two million people access to free AI skills training by 2025. In total, the company is offering eight new classes, for free, for varying experience levels and purposes. In addition, AI Ready aims to offer a new generative AI course to more than 50,000 high school and university students. The company has also formed a new partnership with Code.org to teach students about generative AI.

But back to the free classes: Whether you're a total beginner to the world of AI, or you're an experienced person looking to boost your skills, Amazon believes it has a class for you in AI Ready. (There are more than 80 other AI classes and resources Amazon hosts on AWS, but not all of them are free.) 

The classes range in length, experience level, and topic, and the list covers a variety of different use cases. I can imagine Amazon's "Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence" course, for example, being useful for anyone looking to gain a baseline understanding of how generative AI works.

You can read more at: https://lifehacker.com/tech/amazon-offering-ai-classes-for-free. 

On the front page of the Nov. 28, 1963 issue of The Georgia Bulletin, still in its inaugural year of publication, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan offered words of prayer following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

“John F. Kennedy was a man, a husband, a father, a son, a brother. The entire human family mourns his death,” wrote the archbishop. “We are somehow all diminished when a man of his vision, principle and courage is cut down in his prime. But in Christian confidence, we ask God to receive him now and grant him eternal light and peace.” 

The Nov. 28, 1963 edition of The Georgia Bulletin.

The historical paper, which also covered Atlanta’s Masses for the president and reaction from Rome, is available online. This month marks 60 years since the president’s murder in Dallas. 

This edition and more recent issues of The Georgia Bulletin are available online through the Digital Library of Georgia. 

A project of the Office of Archives and Records of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, full text issues of the local Catholic newspaper from 1963 to current times are now digitized. 

Over several years, the Office of Archives and Records sent batches of historical print issues of The Georgia Bulletin for preservation scanning. This protects fragile papers from further damage. Researchers can now easily access local Catholic history in north Georgia.  

You can read more, including instructions on how to access this resources, in an article in the Georgia Bulletin at: https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2023/11/sixty-years-of-the-georgia-bulletin/. 

The following announcement was written by Findmypast:

Family history website, Findmypast is offering a 25% discount on selected 3- or 12-month subscriptions for Black Friday*. Keen family historians can uncover the secrets and stories hiding in their family trees for less from 21 – 27 November using the code BF25OFF.

The offer includes all 3- and 12-month Plus, Pro and Premium subscriptions, which offer access to Findmypast’s rich interconnected tree network, a treasure trove of historical newspapers, and billions of unique family history records.

This limited-time discount can be used to begin a journey into the past or to continue exploring stories on a growing family tree. Those with an eye on their Christmas lists can tick off that perfect gift for the family history fan in their life or introduce loved ones to a new hobby. 

At Findmypast you’ll uncover stories behind headlines with the largest collection of British and Irish newspapers online, delve into exclusive parish, army, migration records and Censuses, and access more Irish and non-conformist resources than anywhere else. 

Plus, with a Premium subscription, you’ll get access to the 1921 Census, exclusively online at Findmypast. The 1921 Census is packed with endless family stories, secrets and surprises from your ancestors’ life 100 years ago. 

Findmypast’s easy-to-use, handy features make tracing your family tree simple. You can instantly discover new connections and stories with Tree Search and clever family tree hints are a valuable tool to help you get further, faster and with more accuracy.

You’ll also join a thriving community of likeminded people on Facebook to help with hints and tips, and gain access to simple-to-follow guidance on getting started and making the most of your subscription. With new records added every week, Findmypast subscriptions offer continued value and new family stories to uncover. 

Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast said: "Every family has a story to tell, and with this Black Friday deal, it’s the perfect opportunity to delve right in. Where will your past take you? You might uncover a military hero, a tale of bravery, an ancestor overcoming adversity, or maybe even a connection to a famous face. The possibilities are endless, and we're making it just that bit easier to get started with this limited-time discount.”

Findmypast Black Friday offer details:

• 25% off 3 or 12-month subscriptions (Plus/Pro/Premium)
  
• Use code BF25OFF10 am (GMT) Tuesday 21st November 2023 to 10am (GMT) Monday 27th November 2023
  
• Link here to take advantage of the limited time offer
  

It’s finally here! The moment you’ve been waiting for: MyHeritage’s Black Friday Sale! Now is the perfect time to delve into your roots, with our DNA tests available at an all-time low price of just $33.

Don’t miss out – grab your kit today!

The holidays are the perfect time to connect with family, and what better way to deepen that connection than by exploring your genetic heritage together? MyHeritage DNA tests offer a unique window into your family’s past, unveiling ethnic origins and connecting you with previously unknown relatives.

At only $33, the MyHeritage DNA test is more than just an affordable gift; it’s an invitation to a journey of self-discovery and family connection. Whether you’re looking to uncover your ethnic mix across 2,114 geographic regions or find new relatives, MyHeritage DNA tests are an invaluable resource.

The Black Friday deal also makes it the perfect time to buy kits for the whole family. Imagine the excitement of comparing results and piecing together your family history during your holiday gatherings!

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, a MyHeritage DNA test is more than just a present; it’s a journey into the past and a treasure trove of family stories waiting to be discovered. Hurry and get your kit at this never-before-seen price of $33! Remember, this is our lowest price ever, and it won’t last long. Order your MyHeritage DNA test now and start exploring your family’s history today!

From an announcement at: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/11/geneanet-dna-features-will-be-discontinued:

Geneanet DNA was launched in February 2020, ahead of its time, with a strong ambition: to build a free, universal DNA database, enriched with family trees.

Free, in order to facilitate for all the search for one’s origins, in accordance with Geneanet’s mission.

Universal, by offering the possibility to upload DNA from multiple companies so you could find even more genetic cousins.

Enriched with extended family trees to help Geneanet members identify their common ancestors, a key differentiator compared to other market players.

A number of innovative features were developed with these goals in mind (haplogroup identification, a chromosome browser, triangulation, etc.).

However, over the last several years, we have not seen the success we had hoped for and we have therefore made the difficult decision to stop Geneanet DNA in order to concentrate on more promising Geneanet features and services, better aligned with requests from our members. Despite this, we are proud to have helped you, over nearly four years, to find cousins around the world with the many features we offered.

You can read more at: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/11/geneanet-dna-features-will-be-discontinued.