Here is an interesting article written by: Bryan Cockfield and published in the Hackaday web site:

Time is almost up for magnetic storage from the 80s and 90s. Various physical limitations in storage methods from this era are conspiring to slowly degrade the data stored on things like tape, floppy disks, and hard disk drives, and after several decades data may not be recoverable anymore. It’s always worth trying to back it up, though, especially if you have something on your hands like critical evidence or court records on a nearly 50-year-old floppy disk last written to in 1993 using a DEC PDP-11.

This project all started when an investigation unit in Maryland approached the Bloop Museum with a request to use their antique computer resources to decode the information on a 5.25″ floppy disk. Even finding a floppy disk drive of this size is a difficult task, but this was further compounded not just by the age of the disk but that the data wasn’t encoded in the expected format. Using a GreaseWeazle controlled by a Raspberry Pi, they generated an audio file from the data on the disk to capture all available data, and then used that to work backwards to get to the usable information.

You can read more at: https://hackaday.com/2023/09/15/preserving-floppy-disks/. 

The following is a press release written by the Board for Certification of Genealogists:

The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) will host five live webinars, free and available to the public, as this year’s Reisinger Memorial Lecture Series on 20 October 2023. The hour-long webinars begin at 9:30 a.m. MDT (11:30 a.m. EDT and 4:30 p.m. GMT) and continue throughout the day. Five leading genealogists will speak on topics such as meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard, verifying genealogical stories, and using DNA evidence. The webinars are part of the Joy Reisinger Memorial Lecture Series and are presented in conjunction with Legacy Family Tree Webinars. 

The lecture series is presented annually in memory of BCG’s former trustee and vice president, Joy Reisinger, who began this lecture series for Family History Library staff during BCG’s fall board meetings. Joy was an advocate for open records access, a lecturer on research methods, and an expert on Canadian resources, especially those of Quebec.

The lecture series will be in-person and live streamed. To attend in person, it is being held in Classrooms B and C on the main floor of the FamilySearch Library on Friday, 20 October 2023. To view the live stream webinar presented in conjunction with Legacy Family Tree Webinars, registration is available at http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=8481.

Schedule:

9:30 a.m. MDT. "Deconstructing Family Stories: Are They Fact, Fiction, or a Little of Both," Barbara Vines Little, CG

We all have them—family stories—from Indian princesses and three brothers who came to America to “We're related to Benjamin Franklin.” Some are blatantly false; others wishful thinking. But others may be true or partly true. Discarding even the most outrageous without research is a mistake.  Finding the clues in family stories requires careful and thorough research, but that kernel of truth can be worth it.

10:45 a.m. MDT. "Lineage of Land: Tracing Property Without Recorded Deeds,” Shannon Green, CG

This case study traces a piece of property for two hundred years, from the Native Americans to the Dutch, to the English, and through fourteen members of the Hicks family over five generations. Transfer of title occurs through various instruments, including patents, unrecorded deeds, inheritance, escheatment, private laws, entails, deeds of lease and release, life estates, and coverture. Tracing the lineage of the property elucidates family relationships that were otherwise forgotten.  

1:30 p.m. MDT. "The Many Wives of Howard William Lowe: Working with Social History to Glean Genealogical Insights," Gary Ball-Kilbourne, CG

Genealogists are expected to conduct research not just reasonably exhaustively but also broadly. Understanding the social milieu of the specific time and place within which an individual lived is an essential element of broad research. A case study focusing on an early twentieth-century blue-collar worker in western Minnesota and his several wives illustrates how social history provides insights illuminating their lives.

2:45 p.m. MDT. "Assumptions: Problem–Solving Friend or Foe?" Jennifer Zinck, CG

Do you have an unsolved research problem? Have you critically examined assumptions made during the research process? Some assumptions are valid, or even fundamental, but incorrect or misguided assumptions can act as mortar for genealogical brick walls. Learn to recognize, categorize, and address various types of assumptions to form sound genealogical conclusions.

4:00 p.m. MDT. "DNA Analysis Methodology: Defeat the Genealogy Gremlin with Pedigree Evaluation, Mitigation, and Reasoning," Karen Stanbary, CG

Learn the tried-and-true methodology to defeat the Genealogy Gremlin and achieve accurate results using DNA for genealogy. This lecture discusses the evaluation of match pedigrees to identify potential snafus and demonstrates mitigation strategies to address the problem. Don’t let researcher confirmation bias pollute your family trees!

The words Certified Genealogist and its acronym, CG, are registered certification marks, and the designations Certified Genealogical Lecturer and its acronym, CGL, are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.

Interest in genealogical research has increased with new technological innovations, including online databases, but members of the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora long ago discovered the value of African American funeral programs – in all their low-tech glory – as rich sources of biographical information for those working on their family trees.

The society recently teamed with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, University at Buffalo and Western New York Library Resources Council to digitize a community resource that it created called the Funeral Collection project.

This digitized collection includes more than 3,600 funeral programs donated to the society from families, churches and funeral homes across the U.S.

All project subjects have a Buffalo connection. Some – including Daniel R. Acker Sr., a former president of the Buffalo Branch NAACP who worked on the Manhattan Project, and musician Al Tinney – were well known regionally. Most came from more common walks of life.

The earliest program is from is from a person born in 1848.

You can read more in an article by Harold McNeil at: https://tinyurl.com/4s45ufak.

Here is a great story on the MyHeritage Blog that you may enjoy reading:

Violetta’s husband, Igor, was researching her side of the family tree on MyHeritage when he connected with a cousin living in Norway named Tatiana. When the war broke out, Tatiana offered her home to the family. Igor still can’t leave the country due to military restrictions, but he hopes to join his wife and daughter soon.

MyHeritage documented their beautiful story in this video. I hope you enjoy it, and invite you to share it with your friends and followers. It’s a poignant illustration of the power of family bonds to provide protection and support in times of need… and it demonstrates that family history can, in fact, literally save lives.

The following is a press release written by the Ohio Genealogical Society: 

The Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) is thrilled to announce the launch of its official podcast, Ohio Roots. This captivating series offers listeners an immersive journey through Ohio’s rich genealogy, history, and abundant resources.

Hosted by OGS Executive Director, Noel Poirier, Ohio Roots promises to be a must-listen for genealogy enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Each episode features insightful conversations with a diverse array of guests, ranging from OGS members, chapter leaders, and staff, to renowned genealogists, historians, and influential figures within the genealogical community.

Listeners can expect riveting discussions that delve into a wide range of topics, uncovering captivating stories and shedding light on Ohio’s intricate past. With a blend of expertise and passion, Ohio Roots invites audiences to explore the unique tapestry of Ohio’s genealogical heritage.

Get the free Podnews newsletter for more like this.

“We’re thrilled to launch Ohio Roots and share the incredible stories and resources that Ohio has to offer,” said Noel Poirier, Executive Director of the Ohio Genealogical Society. “This podcast is a platform for genealogists, historians, and enthusiasts to come together and uncover the fascinating roots of our state.”

Listeners are encouraged to grab their headphones or unmute their speakers, hit that play button, and embark on an enthralling journey through Ohio’s Roots. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to the world of genealogy, Ohio Roots promises something for everyone.

To tune in and explore Ohio’s genealogical legacy, visit www.ogs.org/podcasts/ or wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more information about the Ohio Genealogical Society and Ohio Roots, please visit www.ogs.org.

The Ohio Genealogical Society is a premier resource for Ohio family history research. With a mission to promote and stimulate interest in genealogy, the OGS provides educational and research opportunities for anyone interested in Ohio’s rich genealogical heritage.

Listen

Ohio Roots
Ohio Genealogical Society

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Twenty-five new citizens pose for a group portrait in the Rotunda after becoming U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on September 15, 2023. National Archives photo by Susana Raab.

By Pete Lewis | National Archives News

WASHINGTON, September 19, 2023 — In celebration of Constitution Day, observed on September 17, 25 men and women from 24 nations took their oaths of citizenship in front of the nation’s Founding Documents (the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence), on September 15, in the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.

The National Archives traditionally hosts two naturalization ceremonies in the Rotunda annually, the first in September to mark Constitution Day and the second in December in honor of Bill of Rights Day.

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New citizens swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during their naturalization ceremony in the National Archives Rotunda in Washington, DC. September 15, 2023. National Archives photo by Susana Raab.

The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States. The Honorable James E. Boasberg, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, presided as the petitioners for United States citizenship took the oath of citizenship. Students from Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, DC, recited the Preamble of the Constitution.

Shogan spoke to the new citizens of the importance of the Founding Documents and the rights they upheld for all U.S. citizens.

“These Charters are the bedrock of our democracy; but they are not static relics,” she said. “They are a testament to the enduring values of freedom, justice, and equality that we are continuously striving to perfect. They are living promises—a covenant between the government and its citizenry.”

As the new Americans listened on, Shogan further offered hospitable words.

“As the Archivist of the United States, it is my distinct honor to be the first to officially welcome you as the newest members of our big boisterous American family!” she said.

The 25 new citizens are originally from 24 nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal, Serbia, and Venezuela.

Alex Marki, a researcher from Hungary, said he wanted to become a U.S. citizen in order to help people through his work.

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At center, keynote speaker Reverend Eugene Cho, the Honorable James E. Boasberg, and Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan pose with new citizens after the naturalization ceremony held in the National Archives Rotunda in Washington, DC. September 15, 2023. National Archives photo by Susana Raab.

“America, I believe, is the best place in the world for research today. I'm really impressed by how many good things come out from this country; inventions, medicines, technologies,” Marki said. “I really want to contribute to this… so I decided to stay here and be part of this country and contribute to my best."

Aram Earsa, an Iranian who emigrated to Canada before seeking citizenship in the U.S., said he is happy to be part of "an amazing country, with a unique history."

"I'm very happy to finally complete my journey today and become a United States citizen,” Earsa said. “This country has always contributed to progress over the years, and I would be happy to be part of the future improvement and future progress of this country."

This year’s Constitution Day marks the 236th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Learn more online about the U.S. Constitution through our public programs, family activities, and online resources.

This program was presented thanks to a long-standing partnership between the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

To view the ceremony, visit the National Archives YouTube Channel.

To view photos from this ceremony, visit the National Archives Flickr page.

The following is for this newsletter's Plus Edition subscribers only

If you downloaded the Weekly Plus Edition newsletter earlier this week from https://eogn.com/Plus-Edition-Members, you ended up with a version without any images. That was my error. I apologize for the shortcoming.

It has been now fixed and re-uploaded.

You can now go back to https://eogn.com/Plus-Edition-Members and click on this week's version (in either the HTML version or the PDF version) and it should retrieve the new version with images.

If it retrieves the previous version (without images), you might need to reload the version that is cached in your web browser.

There is an interesting story by David Oliver about people who take DNA kits and suddenly realize they have previously-unknown brothers or sisters. You can read the article at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/09/19/ancestry-dna-family-secrets/70707516007/. 

The following is an announcement written by the Society of Genealogists:

Announcing “All About That Place” - the One-Place Study Challenge Event taking place Friday 22^ndSeptember to Sunday 1^st October 

Celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of the Society for One-Place Studies, this unique event is spearheaded by the Society of Genealogists, the Society for One-Place Studies, Genealogy Stories, and the British Association for Local History.

“History is like a patchwork of different perspectives, techniques, and resources. Local history helps us to weave together the past and present, families and communities, big and small histories. It helps us to understand places in the present and connects us to the past” – Joe Saunders, BALH.

Join like-minded history lovers to explore the places your ancestors lived in, all from the comfort of your own home. Inside our pop-up Facebook Group you’ll be able to enjoy over 100 free recorded talks, delivered by a wide range of expert historians, such as Nick Barratt, Janet Few, Daniel Horowitz, Jen Baldwin, Gill Thomas and more!

With event sponsors including eminent organisations like The Genealogist, Name & Place, University of Strathclyde, Pharos Tutors, The Historic Towns Trust and Family Tree magazine, you can be sure to enjoy a truly engaging educational opportunity like no other.

This one-of-a-kind event isn’t just about idly watching though! It’s specially designed to help you to take part. Alongside the wide collection of talks on research tools, analytical techniques, and place history, you’ll be provided with motivating challenge instructions to help you explore local history. You’ll be able to download a free challenge workbook to record your learning activity and complete challenge tasks.

Plus, to celebrate your amazing progress you’ll be offered the opportunity to enter a prize draw consisting of a wide range of history goodies (1-year membership to the SoG, the Curious Descendants Club, BALH, Name & Place, My Heritage and 4 Historic Towns maps)!

To learn more and jump into the Facebook Group sign up here.

 

Join us at RootsTech 2024! Register to attend this worldwide event in person in Salt Lake City or online for FREE. (February 29–March 2, 2024).  Immerse yourself in captivating classes.  Engage with exciting keynote speakers.  Explore cutting-edge technology that will enhance your genealogical pursuits.  Feel the energy that comes with family connection.  The first 1,000 people that register for RootsTech (online or Salt Lake City attendees) will receive a limited-edition collector's item—the RootsTech Insider Badge. Register Now Forgot your FamilySearch account information? You can reset your password or go here to recover your username.