Official blog of Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries. Be sure to follow us on Facebook. Send news to newsletter@genealogyfriends.org.
https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/05/enjoy-free-access-to-u-s-military-records-on-myheritage-for-memorial-day/
From May 22–26, 2026, MyHeritage is opening free access to 35 U.S. military record collections containing more than 213 million historical records.
Even if you only have a few minutes, pick one ancestor and see what else you can learn about his or her military service.
How well do you know your hometown and the nearby towns and counties? I grew up 10 miles from Waterloo, New York in Seneca County. Learn about Waterloo and its claim to fame about Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. Where ever and whenever this tradition started, I'm glad we pause to remember our ancestors and others who served.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_(village),_New_York
https://time.com/5291026/memorial-day-started-birthplace-history/
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an excellent webpage with Memorial Day history.
https://www.cem.va.gov/history/Memorial-Day-history.asp#MemorialDay
Explore the VA site to also learn more about veterans' burial and memorial benefits, info about headstones/ markers/ medallions in various types of cemeteries, and how to request service records.
Glad to see some flags already displayed for this long Memorial Day weekend. Check this link for other 2026 flag-flying days:
https://www.flags.com/Flag-Flying-Days-Holidays-Flag-Flying-Calendar-Half-Staff-Alerts?srsltid=AfmBOooPspBhxwfpcO-N0vG6CiCKa7V9e-o4h52Nl0Io5vNr-QhzNMtU
The clipping tool on Newspapers.com has been updated to allow the selection of multiple areas on a single page and save them as a single clip. This will be helpful when an article covers multiple columns.
Drag a box around the first part of the article, hit the blue + icon to add another block. You can add up to 5 separate blocks on the same page.
Here is a link to the blog article.
Family Infographics
Transform a Life Story into an Infographic using your photos and family tree data. Here is the Infographic created about Clara Magdalen Ziebold from my tree. It used the photographs I uploaded for Clara, her husband, and her parents. I used Google Notebook LM to create infographics but they didn't use the photographs of the people. I like this one better.
Tribute Reel
Turn your photos into a Video. Here is a blog post introducing this feature. I uploaded six pictures. They were colorized and animated in a 40-second video.
Scribe AI
Upload a historical record, letter, document, or photo, and AI will analyze it - Key Findings, Extracted Details, Historical Context, Research Tips.
I uploaded an Annual Report from The Waterloo Milling Company
Scribe AI provided an accurate transcription of the document, including both the printed and handwritten sections. There was also a summary and the following:
Historical Context
This document is a 1902 Annual Report for a corporation, specifically the Waterloo Milling Co., filed with the Secretary of State of Illinois.
Small historical or genealogical societies are wonderful for getting to know more about your relatives' FAN Club. Here's an example on my mother's side of the family in Upstate New York (Scriba farming community established in 1811 in Oswego County).
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Scriba,_Oswego_County,_New_York_Genealogy
My journey started by reaching out to the Scriba Historical Society on Facebook. Then, I started emailing the society's President (Mary). I really wanted to borrow a copy of Charles D. Young's out of print, two volume books - A Scriba Anthology. I already had attempted Interlibrary Loan and received the Table of Contents. Going low tech, Mary sent them to me via US Mail, and I later returned them the same way.
I also have enjoyed watching videos that this small welcoming group posts:
https://scribahistoricalsociety.org/video/
Success came yesterday. After trying to join a monthly Friday roundtable sharing call via Facebook didn't work last month, I was able to join via ZOOM with the Scriba NY folks in the audience and a Wichita KS man who grew up in Scriba and knew my grandparents.
Tip for working with local societies: Free ZOOM works well - log back if needed. Also, volunteer to help remotely such as I did with some scanning.
"Grandma's Recipes" was the roundtable sharing topic. I brought my copy of the 1982 Oswego County Historical Society Cookbook. The participant from Kansas showed a Scriba Baptist Church cookbook from before I was born. I now literally have some more of my Grandma's recipes for apple cake, doughnuts, wine drop cookies, baked corn, tomato conserve, salmon loaf, and popcorn balls. If only I can find her directions for making homemade cottage cheese. I loved making and eating it with her.
Reclaim The Records is a non-profit activist group of genealogists, historians, researchers, and open government advocates. They identify important genealogical record sets that are wrongly restricted by government archives, libraries, and agencies. They file Freedom of Information and Open Data requests to get the public data released. If the government doesn't comply they take them to court. The records are digitized and put online for free.
Thanks to their efforts here are a few of the records that are now available:
New Jersey Marriage Index 1901-2016
Missouri Death Index, 1968-2015
New York State Marriages (Outside of New York City) 1881-2017
New York State Death Index 1880-2017
The BIRLS (Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem) Database
Wyoming Marriage, Death, and Divorce Indices, 1900-1965
Maryland State Archives Collection
Visit their website for a full list https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/
Sign up for their newsletter https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/#newsletter
Kelli Bergheimer founded a DNA group Genetics, Genealogy and You. They meet on the 3rd Sundays from 5-7 pm EST online. The meeting are 30 minutes of updates followed by a 60 minute presentation and Q&A.
They have a DNA Day Event coming up on April 26th that is free to join.
Topic: DNA Day event
Time: Apr 26, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83306692927?pwd= N3mb0IhvX0fOjOFYR4cxQhyRPBRGap .1
Meeting ID: 833 0669 2927
Passcode: 584298
Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046358384221#
I remember the date of April 15 in two different ways - first, as my grandmother's birthday and, of course, filing my taxes over the years.
If you'd like to explore tax records from 1791-1996, check NARA Record Group 58 at:
https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/058.html
For easier perusing, try Cyndi's List using the Taxes category:
https://www.cyndislist.com/taxes/general/
Someone in our GenFriends group said "I don't have any inventors in my family". Come listen to Judy on Saturday. I thought the same thing until last year when I found a family member involved as a contractor in the farming community.
I know of one distant cousin who applied for a patent shown below:
J. T. WELLS. TRUSS FOR BUILDINGS OR BRIDGES. No. 401,870.
Patented Apr. 23, 1889.
"Be it known that 1, JOHN TALCOTT Wants, of Scottsville, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Truss for Buildings or Bridges.
The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved truss for buildings for simplicity with great strength, and at the same time dispensing with metallic braces, thus making it a very cheap structure.
The invention consists of two parallel arches formed of bent boards or any material used in building and connected with each other by posts and braces."
Accompanying drawings, specifications, and letters of reference apparently were also included in the application.
Want to see what the barns look like? Check this website - https://www.wellsbarnhistory.com/introduction/
Add to comments on this post with any patent and/or inventor discoveries you find!
U.S. Census Records currently are available from 1790 to 1950.
How time has flown! The 1950 Census was released on April 1, 2022 - four years ago.
Come to Research at the Library on 4/11/26 to ask and/or share your Census insights from your family research. See 1880 Agricultural Schedule for what I learned about my family in Scriba, Oswego, NY.
After this month's Research at the Library, we'll continue learning about Other Censuses at a future session.
Don't forget that you also can learn about the Census more at:
https://www.census.gov/en.html
The 250th anniversary of the United States (July 4, 2026) is officially known as the Semiquincentennial. It marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. There is a focus on resources to research ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War on both sides. Here are a few that might help:
FamilySearch and the German Genealogy Collective are offering a free one-day online event on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Link to save your seat - https://germangenealogycollective.com/fs-ggc-call
More information will be available soon.
I recently learned about a new website. I haven't tried it yet - would love to hear opinions about it.
From their website - https://www.tryleo.ai/
Leo is an AI powered transcription tool and provides storage for a digital library.
Our last Roundtable discussion topic was Newspaper Research. Here is a recap of our discussion and a new site I just learned about.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) public website has a wealth of resources for you to discover potential patriots.
(1) Ancestor Search https://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=1
Try searching on Livingston for last name, and Robert for first name.
Scroll down and click on Robert Henry Livingston (1760-1804) as an example.
Now try searches for couples in your direct line that may have service. For common surnames, it's helpful to also include spouse's name in your search. Also you can search using only the first 3-4 letters of a surname since spellings can vary.
(2) Descendants Search https://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search/?Tab_ID=5
Try searching on Washington for last name, Martha for first name, and VA for state of birth.
Do you see Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (1731-1802) on the list?
Now try searches for your relatives who may have joined DAR already.
(3) Library Catalog - https://nsdar.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01DAR_INST:DAR
This link has some helpful finding aids - See Revolutionary War Service (By State) as an example at: https://www.dar.org/sites/default/files/RevWarService.pdf
Happy exploring. Share your successes and/or add a question (in the comments field for this blogpost) to learn more.
Saturday keynote speaker will be available via this link:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/rootstech-2026-general-session-3-steve-young
“If you blink, you’ll miss it!” Did your ancestor come from
a one-horse town or an unincorporated community? Learn about researching
country ancestors! This lecture will discuss a variety of census records; land
records; maps (including census enumeration, postal route and cadastral maps);
rural directories; newspapers and other sources. It will also discuss
methodology and state of the art tools for mapping and researching our rural
ancestors.
https://dallasgenealogy.org/general-meeting/
(1) Miss today's keynote session?
Watch replay at: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/rootstech-2026-general-session-2-tara-roberts
Or, check Tara Robert's book website at: https://www.tararoberts.me/written-in-the-waters
(2) Trying to focus on which webinars to watch?
Go to RootsTech Schedule and filter by topics such as Breaking Through Brickwalls, Census, and Compiled Sources. You also can filter by Speaker and by Skill Level.
(3) Wishing you could see "In Person" only sessions as a virtual attendee?
Click on those sessions and download handouts and/or slides. Related Content may also provide previous videos to watch.
Browse the multitude of offers now live on:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/
(1) Search by Company or Category (such as Charts, DNA, Storytelling, Records, Preservation, Technology, Association, Society, Library).
(2) You also can browse "All Offers". This is an excellent time of year for a discounted price for something new (or perhaps lower a rate if close to a renewal).
(3) Try this vendor as an example - FamilyTreeDNA
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familytreedna
Here you'll find that you can upload DNA data for free (along with other promotions).
Plus, this link takes you to:
CLASSES
PRODUCT DEMOS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (downloadable)
(4) Don't forget to check the Sponsors links since they usually announce "What's News?"
e.g., https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/familysearch
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/ancestry
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/myheritage
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/expohall/findmypast
RootsTech in person is Thurs/Fri/Sat (March 5-7), but videos can be watched now.
Tips:
(1) Once you have registered for RootsTech (see previous post), create "My Schedule".
When logged in, you can see your schedule in one place, so it's easy to play the videos.
(2) Look at your "Watch History" to see what you already viewed.
(3) For sessions with handouts, download them - helps with note-taking and for future reference.
(4) Don't forget to contact "Relatives at RootsTech" (see previous post). You might have a better likelihood of a response with many people online this week.
(5) Do you have favorite professional genealogists that you follow via social media or emails? Watch for their RootsTech insider tips and any special offers. Some are in Salt Lake City in person, but many are online.
Natalie Webb helps people with technology and genealogy. Her website, Family Tree Technology, includes a blog, videos, and a dictionary. She hosts Office Hours each month where you can ask tech questions.
This week, she is featuring a free Conference Momentum Pack to use during RootsTech. Check it out on her Website - Family Tree Technology
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We would like your input to design programs for both groups that match your interests and experience. Please take a few minutes to answer the survey.
"Be A Super Sleuth: Accessing Images and Full-Text Search in Family Search" by Jill Morelli, CG, CGL
Did you know that Family Search is placing their recently digitized material online in less than 24 hours after it is scanned?
Did you know that they were placing them, not in the Catalog, but in Images?
Did you know that using "Full Text Search," you can conduct an all word search in certain documents?
What is a Super Sleuth to do?
We will learn how to access these two features of FS to
find your ancestors. Treasures await!
Discover the Innovative Genealogy and Archival Projects Shaping Texas
https://dallasgenealogy.org/texas-connect-2026/
CLICK on the "View Flyer" LINK so that you can see the many experts who will be speaking. Recordings will be available for anything you miss live.
RootsTech will be hosting their live Texas Connect virtual session on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 am CST. This event brings spotlights outstanding genealogical and archival projects as well as collaborative and innovative work that is happening across the Lone Star State.
This will be a virtual even host on Zoom. Participants will be able to join one of the 19 break-out rooms to hear a short presentation followed by a question & answer period. Transitions (opportunity to go to a different break-out room) will occur every 20 minutes.
Tony Hanson will be conducting one of the sessions, sharing information about how the DGS has integrated the digital images of their publications in the society website.
Those of you who are planning to be at the library for the March7 General Meeting can stop by the Stone Room (located just outside of the O’Hara room) and watch parts of the Texas Connect presentation beginning at 9:00.
If you’re looking for world-class family history products and services, you’ll want to see what RootsTech sponsors have to offer! With trusted solutions, innovative products, free samples, and incredible deals, they may have just what you need for the next step of your family history adventure.
RootsTech, the largest international genealogy conference, is available to attend in person or online. If you’re attending RootsTech in person in Salt Lake City, you can visit our sponsors in the RootsTech Expo Hall. If you’re attending online, you can visit the virtual Expo Hall, where you'll have access to many of our sponsors’ booths. You can even interact with them online and ask questions.
Get to know our valued sponsors below. They are categorized by sponsor level—platinum, gold, silver, bronze, or society—and then listed alphabetically in each level. Be sure to visit their websites to learn more and to find out about any special RootsTech deals!
Here's one I want to learn more about during the conference:
https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/02/myheritage-heads-to-rootstech-2026/
MyHeritage team members will present lectures as part of the official conference program. Here is the schedule of a few of the RootsTech 2026 lectures.
NOTE: Be sure to check the time zone listed (most show the Salt Lake City time).
9:30 A.M. MT — Room 151
Obituaries as Priceless Genealogy Resources
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage
3:00 P.M. MT — Room 150
Genealogy for the Non-Genealogist: How to Engage Family and Friends with Family History
Erica Edvi, Head of Global Brand, MyHeritage
4:30 P.M. MT — Ballroom B
Genealogy, Upgraded: AI and Smart Tools on MyHeritage
Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert at MyHeritage
8:00 A.M. MT — Room 151
Your Genes, Your Story: Exploring MyHeritage DNA
Ran Snir, VP Product, MyHeritage
1:30 P.M. MT — Room 151
Session with Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage
3:00 P.M. MT — Room 151
Record-Breaking Records: MyHeritage’s Fastest-Growing Genealogy Record Collection
Myko Clelland, Director of Content at MyHeritage
Family Tree's autosomal DNA test is the Family Finder. Beginning March 2, 2026, a new sequencing panel will bring greater precision and consistency to the test. An upgrade will be offered for customers who previously tested.
March 28, 2026 - Join in person at the downtown Dallas Public Library or via Zoom.
Sessions:
Leah Larkin, the DNA Geek and creator of the Leeds Method offers DNA classes. Here is what is coming up:
Find Relatives at Roots Tech is "live" now
https://www.familysearch.org/en/connect/8a37fa20-0398-41a6-b391-0b33657a9976/
If you haven't signed up yet, you can do so here:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/online/
Join Genealogy Friends for our monthly free Saturday Seminar from 10:15 to Noon CT at W.O. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX.
Organizing for Genealogical Success
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or professional researcher we have all felt the pain of not being able to find the document or picture we have previously found during our genealogical research. Organization of genealogical research is critical for success. Whether you use files, notebook, or digital files, you must have a process that will enable you to easily locate a document in your system. This organization includes developing a process that you use to know who you are researching, what you have completed, what you have found, where you found it and how this information aids in future research. Come learn more about organizational skills for genealogists so that you can be efficient and successful for your quest to find your ancestors.
Members have access to handouts and recordings by logging in to our website - http://www.genealogyfriends.org/
This year the 2026 TxSGS Family History Conference will be at the Riley Center on the campus of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6-7, 2026. It will be a hybrid event with 10 speakers in person. These presentations will be livestreamed to our virtual audience and recorded for registrants to view after the conference. In addition, there will also be a robust library of on-demand recordings that will also be accessible to registrants following the conference.
This conference is being designed to inspire genealogists at all stages of their research as they explore new records, methodologies, technologies, and perspectives. We will explore the adventure of genealogical research - those exciting moments of discovery, the creative problem-solving, and the thrill of piecing together family stories.
Save the Dates: November 6-7, 2026 And Come to Fort Worth!
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