The following announcement was written by the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG):

NOTE: This article is "off-topic." That is, it has nothing to do with genealogy, DNA, or any of the other topics normally found in this newsletter. If you are looking for genealogy and similar articles, you might want to skip this one. However, this article provides information about a new technology that I think all computer owners should become familiar with.

Decentralized cloud architectures are becoming increasingly popular. These architectures allow for cheaper, more secure, robust, private, and reliable features than those that centralized architectures can provide.

The traditional centralized storage model is used by all the “big name” providers, including Google, Dropbox, Apple, Tresorit, ProtonDrive, Sync, pCloud, MEGA and others.

In traditional cloud storage, users’ data is stored on physical servers that are owned and operated by the cloud provider. In contrast, decentralized cloud architectures are mainly offered by companies such as Internxt, Sia, Storj, MaidSafe, Filecoin, Interplanetary File System (IPFS), and others.

Decentralized cloud providers offer several advantages. While most decentralized cloud providers do offer lower prices, the primary advantages include: greatly increased privacy, increased protection from hackers and corporate spies, and a lack of censorship.

Cloud storage is classified as decentralized if the storage system uses computer servers distributed around the world, and centralized if the storage system is singularly controlled.

In the centralized version, the storage system is maintained by the cloud controller, and it is operated by the central server provider. Users are at the mercy of the centralized cloud storage provider to continue in business, to provide encryption, and to not look at the customer's stored data.

With decentralized cloud storage providers, a group of different storage servers are used to store the data. Any files to be stored are first broken up into small "chunks" within the end users' computer(s), encrypted, then the individual "chunks" are stored on different file storage servers, often placed around the world.

These multiple servers typically are not owned or operated by any one company. Instead, they are owned and operated by independent organizations or individuals. Even if one of these independent organizations or individuals does gain access to the "chunk" of (encrypted) data stored on his or her own server, the tiny fraction of a file stored on that one server will be useless to anyone other than the one authorized individual end user who has access to all the "chunks" and also has the means to decrypt the entire file.

The result is highly increased security: even if a hacker or government spy does manage to access and encrypted "chunk" of data on one or even multiple decentralized cloud storage server(s), the result will not provide enough information to be of any use. In order to maintain data integrity and high availability across a relatively unreliable set of computers over a wide area network like the Internet, the source node will add some level of redundancy to each data block. Because of this "multiple copies stored in multiple locations," the fact that one or more servers that store the chunks going offline will be invisible to the end customer(s). "Multiple copies stored in multiple locations" provides 100% access whenever the end user wishes to retrieve files.

Therefore, all this provides higher levels of scalability, redundancy, and durability in decentralized architectures.

The individuals or companies that provide storage facilities for these "chunks" typically are compensated by receiving a small amount of money derived from each users' fees charged to those who store these "chunks."

I have been using the decentralized cloud storage services of STORJ.IO for the past few weeks and am quite satisfied with the results. First off all, STORJ.IO provides up to 150 gigabytes of storage space free of charge. Next, performance speed has been almost as fast (but not quite the speed) of Dropbox, Google Drive, and other centralized cloud storage services I have used in the past. Admittedly, STORJ.IO is the first and the only decentralized cloud storage service I have used so far. However, I believe that Internxt, Sia, Storj, MaidSafe, Filecoin, Interplanetary File System (IPFS), and others should provide similar services.

I must admit that I appreciate the ever changing and improving technology of today's online technology. My data is now saved with increased privacy, increased protection from hackers and corporate spies, and a lack of censorship. My data remains just that: my data.

You can find a lot more information about decentralized cloud storage in dozens of locations on the Internet. To do so, go to your favorite search engine and search for:

Decentralized Cloud Storage

The Old Bahrain is a growing online photographic and video archive that not only enfolds an anxious populace into the past’s comforting arms, but also aims to highlight the huge changes in the country. Modern photos are taken to preserve snapshots of Bahrain’s ever-shifting landscape for future generations, and for people who’ve left the country to live abroad.

More information may be found at https://bit.ly/3gbdUwS.

Johns Hopkins University historian Jessica Marie Johnson has received a $120,000 planning grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission for her "Kinship and Longing: Keywords for Black Louisiana" project. The grant will support a collaboration of scholars and graduate students toward developing a digital, open-source, searchable edition of some 200,000 French and Spanish colonial records documenting enslaved and free people of African descent in Louisiana between 1714 and 1803.

Details may be found at: https://hub.jhu.edu/2022/01/20/kinship-and-longing-project-funding/

Today is the first day of the month, an excellent time to back up your genealogy files. Then test your backups!

Your backups aren't worth much unless you make a quick test by restoring a small file or two after the backup is completed.

Actually, you can make backups at any time. However, it is easier and safer if you have a specific schedule. The first day of the month is easy to remember, so I would suggest you back up your genealogy files at least on the first day of every month, if not more often. (My computers automatically make off-site backups of all new files every few minutes.)

Given the events of the past few months during the pandemic with genealogy websites laying off employees and cutting back on services, you now need backup copies of everything more than ever. What happens if the company that holds your online data either goes off line or simply deletes the service where your data is held? If you have copies of everything stored either in your own computer, what happens if you have a hard drive crash or other disaster? If you have one or more recent backup copies, such a loss would be inconvenient but not a disaster.

Of course, you might want to back up more than your genealogy files. Family photographs, your checkbook register, all sorts of word processing documents, email messages, and much more need to be backed up regularly. Why not do that on the first day of each month? or even more often?

From an announcement issued by the U.S. Census Bureau:

While the 1950 US Census release is getting closer— April 1, 2022 – did you know you can obtain your personal information from 1910 up through the US 2020 census for a fee of $65.00 for one person only. Information can be released only to the named person, his/her heirs ,or legal representation. This is called the age search service of the U.S. Census Bureau. The Bureau accepts personal checks and money orders- they do not accept credit cards.

Persons use these transcripts to qualify for Social Security, other retirement benefits, making passport applications, proving relationships in settling estates, in genealogy research, etc. or to satisfy other situations where a birth o other certificate may be needed but is not available.

Note: The census with individual name are not on a computer but on microfilm arranged according to address at the time of the census.

For information on minor children, those who have not reached the legal age of 18, may be obtained by written request of either the parent or guardian. A guardian must provide a copy of the court order naming them as such.

For information on deceased persons, the application must be signed by (1) a blood relative in the immediate family (parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent), (2) the surviving wife or husband, (3) the administrator or executor of the estate, or (4) a beneficiary by will or insurance. On all instances a copy of the death certificate must be provided and the relationship of the deceased must be stated on the application.

An official census transcript will list the person’s name, relationship to household head, age at the time of the census, and state of birth. Citizenship will be provided if the person was foreign born. Single items of data such as occupation for Black Lung cases can be provided upon request. If a person is not found, a form will be sent with that information.

The full schedule is the complete one line entry of personal data recorded for that individual ONLY. This will be furnished in addition to the regular transcript. There is an additional charge of $10.00 for each full schedule. They are not available for 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000.

You can contact the National Processing Center at (812) 218-3046. Their fax number is (812) 218-3371.

See: https://www.census.gov/topics/population/genealogy/agesearch.html

On the aforementioned website there is a link for applications for a search for the census records.

To read previous postings about the 1950 U.S. Census , and more, go to the archives of the IAJGS Records Access Alert at: http://lists.iajgs.org/mailman/private/records-access-alerts/. You must be registered to access the archives. To register go to: http://lists.iajgs.org/mailman/listinfo/records-access-alerts and follow the instructions to enter your email address, full name and which genealogical organization with whom you are affiliated You will receive an email response that you have to reply to or the subscription will not be finalized.

The following is a press release from FamilySearch:

Online Volunteers Will Make Historic 1950 US Census Searchable Online

FamilySearch International today announced its participation in the 1950 US Census Community Project. FamilySearch is inviting online volunteers to assist in making the 1950 US census easier for everyone to search and discover their family connections—while having the opportunity to make personal discoveries of their own. This unique crowdsourcing project, the largest census undertaking to date, will make the 150 million records of the individuals found on the census’s tens of thousands of digital images searchable online.

WHY THE 1950 US CENSUS?

U.S. Census Bureau

The US census collections are some of the most popular online databases used by millions of people for family history research. Most people in the US today can remember an ancestor who can be found in the 1950 US census.

On April 1, 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration of the United States will make digital images of the 1950 US census available to the world. Protected by law for 72 years, this long-awaited census will be the most comprehensive record set available of those who were living in that historic era in the United States. The 1950 US Census Community Project is a national collaborative effort that uses the Internet, artificial intelligence, and a massive volunteer workforce to make these census records searchable online.

The outcome of this amazing initiative benefits everyone. Not only will every page of the 1950 US census be digitally preserved forever, but the general public will have convenient access to volumes of rich historical information that could provide the missing links to their own family histories.

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DOES THE 1950 US CENSUS CONTAIN?

The 1950 US census included the obvious questions such as name, age, gender, race, education, and place of birth. But the census also posed more detailed questions that will cast refreshing light on the preceding decade—which included World War II and the return of US troops. For example, those over age 14 were asked, “What was this person doing most of last week—working, keeping house, or something else?” and “What is the highest grade of school that the person has attended?”

Enthusiasm and interest in the 1950 census have been building steadily since the release of the 1940 census in 2012. These new records will introduce us to the 40,000,000 people born during this era of baby boomers. But this postwar decade wasn’t just prosperous for newborns. It also ushered in the civil rights movement, rock ’n’ roll, suburban living, and a wave of colorful innovations. Many of the powerful voices and inspired minds behind these changes will be found in the 1950 census—like 14 past and future U.S. Presidents, vocalist Aretha Franklin and actors Chuck Norris and Jimmy Stewart.

The 1950 US Census Community Project is receiving additional support from Ancestry.com and leading societal organizations to engage and coordinate the volunteer workforce needed to deliver the ambitious 1950 US census project.

Although the 1950 US census is notably larger than the 1940 US census, thanks to advancements in technology, the anticipated help of online volunteers, and community support, the project is expected to be completed in a few months following the census’s release by NARA.

THE ROLE OF ONLINE VOLUNTEERS WITH THE 1950 US CENSUS

Ancestry will use state-of-the-art handwriting recognition technology to scan the census images and make a functioning searchable index. Online volunteers on FamilySearch.org will then be able to find a surname or location of personal interest to them as a starting point to perform a comprehensive review of the computer-generated index to ensure it is accurate and complete. To stay on top of the 1950 US Census Community Project’s updates or to volunteer to help create the rich, searchable index, subscribe at FamilySearch.org/1950census.

The North of Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS) has launched its new season of online genealogy classes. There are 12 classes covering a good range of topics to suit all levels. Some are offered twice, in two different time slots, to suit overseas attendees. Each session lasts for around 90-minutes, with a one-hour talk followed by questions and answers.

The first class is for beginners to Irish genealogy and starts on Thursday 3rd February so book quickly if you'd like to attend. The other classes are scheduled for various dates up until May.

Two-Session Classes:

* Strictly for Beginners - Irish Family History (GMT morning option)

* Strictly for Beginners - Irish Family History (GMT afternoon option)

* DNA - Family Finder

One-Session Classes

* Griffith’s Valuation Records

* An Introduction to Scottish Online Records

* Emigration to Australia and New Zealand

https://www.nifhs.org/courses/* PRONI Online Records

* Using Ancestry DNA

* Five Top Tips for Analysing your DNA Results

Free Classes

* More Online Resources for Genealogy and Family History (GMT morning option)

* More Online Resources for Genealogy and Family History (GMT afternoon option)

* NIFHS Look-Up Service

* What’s New in Family Tree Maker

* DNA Day – Beginner’s Talk

Single classes are £10, two-session classes are £15, and some are offered for free as part of the society's commitment to encouraging genealogy education. A Class Notes booklet (£5) is available as an optional extra for the “Emigration to Australia and New Zealand” class.

Find out more and book online at the NIFHS website: https://www.nifhs.org/courses/.

PQINA, a Dutch agency focused on designing and developing ‘highly polished web components,’ has introduced Edit.Photo, a free browser-based photo editor that offers a fast and effective editor without any cookies, pop-ups, accounts, adds and tracking.

Edit.Photo is built on pintura, a Javascript Image Editor SDK also developed by PQINA. The web app works on both desktop and mobile browsers and is incredibly fast and intuitive. It offers all of the basic editing tools you might need to process a photo, including a crop/rotate tool, filters and a robust array of fine-tuning features, including brightness, contrast, saturation, exposure, color temperature, clarity, vignette and more. As of now, Edit.Photo doesn't support Raw formats, but any JPG or PNG image should work without any problem.

You can read more at: https://bit.ly/3IQucY8.

The normal "rule of thumb" for preserving documents has long suggested the best method of preserving documents is to digitize them. However, recent experiences in South Africa show that digitization alone may not be sufficient.

A project about five years ago was supposed to create a digital store of the South African Parliament’s archive. But quality-control samples suggest that nearly half the pages were not scanned properly, and there are troubling questions about how the project was managed, especially by Parliament itself.

A botched digitisation project has probably condemned irreplaceable documents to extinction following a recent fire in Parliament that damaged or destroyed many paper documents. As a result of the fire plus the improper digitization, many of South Africa's most important legal documents are now lost forever.

No other store of archival material in the country has a copy. Of particular importance are the annexures to the Hansard — the official record of Parliament’s deliberations going back to 1910. The records include unpublished government reports, annual reports, research, and manuscripts.

You can read more about this sad news at https://bit.ly/3IUWCAx.