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Meetings Held in 2012:

April 10, 7:00 p.m. – Workshop:  Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help: 

Getting Started on Genealogy to find out “Who You Are”

There will be presentations of 5 videos in the first workshop (each 5 minutes long) that and between each video you will have the opportunity to use the information in the video to do research your own genealogy.  To prepare for this workshop bring information on a family member such as grandparents to research.  To prepare for this workshop bring the names of your grandparents and any information that you might have on them. 

If you have a laptop please bring it with you for your research.  There will be a few computers available if you do not have a laptop.

Videos for first meeting:

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Find a Record in Five Minutes

You may have asked yourself: “What is family history and genealogy?” “Why would I do genealogy?” “Is genealogy difficult?” An increasing number of technological advances has made genealogy simple to do. In this video episode, Jesse (in the video) will show you examples of how to find an ancestor’s record in just five minutes. You will learn how to search for a record using FamilySearch.org.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: The Circle of Success

When you want to start your genealogy but don’t know where to start, it can make beginning family history intimidating and confusing. In this video episode, Jesse and Tom (in the video) will show you some steps and helpful hints that will make starting your family history easier. You will learn some principles of the “circle of success” and how to use it as a guide to choose what to do next. These videos can also serve as guides that will help you choose what you want to learn and then help you learn it.

 5 Minute Genealogy Video: Record What You Know

You may have asked yourself: “Where do I begin?” Organizing what you already know about your family is the easiest way to start you family history. In this video, Jesse will show you what you already know so you can organize your future research effors. You will learn how to find and use pedigree charts, family group records, and computer software programs to easily record names, events, dates, and places.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Learn from a Record

You may have asked yourself: “I’m searching for an ancestor, but there are a few names that look identical. How can I know which one belongs to the ancestor I am looking for?” Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between two identical-looking names. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you what you can do to figure out which name belongs to your ancestor. You will learn how to identify your ancestor’s unique characteristics through names, dates, relationships, and locations.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Evaluate the Information

You may have asked yourself: “I have a lot of records. How do I know the information I’ve gathered is right?” Some records are created years after an event occurs making it difficult to know if the information is correct. In this video, Jesse and Tom will show you the importance of making sure your information is accurate as well as some simple steps you can use to evaluate the information you’ve gathered. You will learn how to use specific records and resources that will help you evaluate the information you’ve found.

April 19 – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public: Family Reunions.  Instructor:  Charlene Randall.  Be sure to bring your experiences with organizing or attending a family reunion.  Share the good things that happened and the things that could have been done better.

(May 8, 7:00 p.m.  – Regular Scheduled Workshop: Information listed below the Make-Up Workshop)

May 8,  6:00 p.m. – Make Up Workshop for those who missed the first workshop in April:  

Getting Started on Genealogy to find out “Who You Are”

There will be presentations of 5 videos in the first workshop (each 5 minutes long) that and between each video you will have the opportunity to use the information in the video to do research your own genealogy.  To prepare for this workshop bring information on a family member such as grandparents to research.  To prepare for this workshop bring the names of your grandparents and any information that you might have on them. 

If you have a laptop please bring it with you for your research.  There will be a few computers available if you do not have a laptop.

Videos for first meeting:

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Find a Record in Five Minutes

You may have asked yourself: “What is family history and genealogy?” “Why would I do genealogy?” “Is genealogy difficult?” An increasing number of technological advances has made genealogy simple to do. In this video episode, Jesse (in the video) will show you examples of how to find an ancestor’s record in just five minutes. You will learn how to search for a record using FamilySearch.org.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: The Circle of Success

When you want to start your genealogy but don’t know where to start, it can make beginning family history intimidating and confusing. In this video episode, Jesse and Tom (in the video) will show you some steps and helpful hints that will make starting your family history easier. You will learn some principles of the “circle of success” and how to use it as a guide to choose what to do next. These videos can also serve as guides that will help you choose what you want to learn and then help you learn it.

 5 Minute Genealogy Video: Record What You Know

You may have asked yourself: “Where do I begin?” Organizing what you already know about your family is the easiest way to start you family history. In this video, Jesse will show you what you already know so you can organize your future research effors. You will learn how to find and use pedigree charts, family group records, and computer software programs to easily record names, events, dates, and places.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Learn from a Record

You may have asked yourself: “I’m searching for an ancestor, but there are a few names that look identical. How can I know which one belongs to the ancestor I am looking for?” Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between two identical-looking names. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you what you can do to figure out which name belongs to your ancestor. You will learn how to identify your ancestor’s unique characteristics through names, dates, relationships, and locations.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Evaluate the Information

You may have asked yourself: “I have a lot of records. How do I know the information I’ve gathered is right?” Some records are created years after an event occurs making it difficult to know if the information is correct. In this video, Jesse and Tom will show you the importance of making sure your information is accurate as well as some simple steps you can use to evaluate the information you’ve gathered. You will learn how to use specific records and resources that will help you evaluate the information you’ve found.

May 8, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

            5 Minute Genealogy Video : Learn from Family

You may have asked yourself: “How can my family members help me?” “What questions should I ask them?” “Who should I talk to first?” Communicating with family members can connect living relatives and help families learn their ancestors’ stories and experiences. In this episode, Jesse will show you how talking with family members can help you update your pedigree, learn more about a specific ancestor’s life, and lead you on a journey through memories and stories you can record for future generations. You will learn how to ask questions that will reveal dates, events, locations, names, and other pieces of valuable information.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Choose an Ancestor and Question

You may have asked yourself: “Which ancestor do I begin with?” Knowing where to start once you have your pedigree ready can seem like a mystery. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you the principles of choosing the best ancestor to focus on—the one whom you can successfully find in records. You will learn how to choose a specific ancestor and locate missing information about that person, eventually connecting entire family lines!

May 17 – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public: Famous Local Women.  Presenter: Denise Pilato, who has recently written an article on Clarissa Brittan. 

June 12, 7:00 p.m.   – Workshop:  Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

            5 Minute Genealogy Video: Find Help from Others Online

You may have asked yourself: “I’ve been trying to stay excited, but I just feel discouraged. How can I enjoy my genealogy and find more success?” Researching alone can be tedious and discouraging. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you how working with others online and in person can recharge your family history research and help you discover more information about your family. You will learn how to use collaborative websites like wikis, forums, and online community family trees to connect with other people who may be searching the same

June 21 - BCGS Meeting – Open to Public:   Internet Resources and using your IPhone, tablets for your genealogical research. Also includes Instruction on Facebook – Twitter – Clouds etc.   Instructor:  Paul Fletcher.   

July 10, 7:00 p.m. – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

            5 Minute Genealogy Video: Locating Your Ancestor

You may have asked yourself: “If I know an ancestor’s name, what should I look for next to find the person’s records?” Pinpointing locations can help you know where to look for your ancestor’s records. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you how maps, atlases, and gazetteers can help you locate your ancestors. You will learn the difference between the three tools and how to use them effectively to improve your search results.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Get Help With Locations

You may have asked yourself: “My ancestors are from a different country. Do I have to go there to find their records?” “What resources are on FamilySearch.org to help me?” “I’m at home. What resources do you have that can help me from here?” You don’t have to travel far to access your family history records. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you how to use the courses, wikis, and other great tools on FamilySearch.org to find your ancestors and get answers to your questions—right from home.

July 19 – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public: Genealogy Christmas Gift Ideas (Christmas in July)  Presenter:  Betty Renbarger   (Verify with Joyce Hudak)

August 3 (Friday) – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public:  Kids Day Camp – Maud Preston Library – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Registration required.  Call the Library to register.

August 16  – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public:  Making Genealogy Christmas Gifts using the ideas presented in the July 19^th meeting.

August 14, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Records, Have I Got Something for You

You may have asked yourself: “Who created records?” “Why were they created?” “What do they contain?” From birth to death, your ancestors created a paper trail of events and happenings. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you the many different kinds of records you can search for and where those records are kept. You will learn how to recognize and locate important information in records, what kind of information is contained in different kinds of records, and where to search for specific types of records.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Find a Record

You may have asked yourself: “Where do records come from?” “How do I find records?” Records are kept by just about every organized group, including families, churches, governments, courts, and schools. In this episode, Jesse will show you how records become available to search and how knowing where to look can help you find a record of your chosen ancestor. You will learn how to search in archives, online, and in other places, and you will also learn helpful tips to organize

September 11, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Using Indexes to Find a Record

You may have asked yourself: “I know I am using the right information, but I just can’t find anything. What should I do?” “What is an ‘index’?” Even when you are sure you are searching with correct information, it can feel like you’ve hit a brick wall if there seem to be no existing records for your ancestor. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you how expanding your search using indexes and other tools can help you successfully discover your ancestor’s “hidden” records. You will learn how to find your ancestor using the names, locations, and topics found in indexes.

Will also include time to do indexing if you would like to give it a try.

September 20– BCGS Meeting – Open to Public: Census Records and the software “Magic Key”  Presenter:  (get name from Patsy)

October 9, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Using Name Variations to Find a Record

You may have asked yourself: “I am searching everywhere, but I can’t seem to figure out where my ancestors are or why their names keep changing. How do I know where my ancestors are?” Immigration, challenges with reading or writing, or simple spelling changes made between generations are a few reasons that family names changed over time. Name changes can cause your research to hit a brick wall. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you some reasons why family names change over time. You will learn how to use online forums, research locations, and recognize markings on records that will help you broaden your search and find your ancestors.

October 18 – BCGS Meeting – Open to Public: Pioneer Certificate Meeting – Presentation of Certificates.  Speaker to be determined.

October (Date to be determined) – BCGS Meeting"   (Possible Lock-In with subject on researching Military Records.)

November 13, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Write It Down

You may have asked yourself: “I keep finding the same records over and over again. What am I doing wrong?” “I feel like I’ve found these records before, but I am not positive. How can I avoid wasting effort looking for things I’ve already found?” When research is not written down or good notes are not kept, it can be easy to repeat the work you’ve already done. In this episode, Jesse will show you the importance of writing things down and keeping good notes. You will learn what to record and how to record it so you don’t do the same research over and over.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Organize Your Records

You may have asked yourself: “I find lots of great information, but when it comes time to write it in my pedigree or share it with someone else, I can never find it. What can I do to keep better track of my hard work?” Poor organization and poor note keeping can result in frustration, mistakes, lost information, and more work. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you some examples of organizational systems for genealogical information and the benefits of developing your own. You will learn how to find a system that works for you and organize your digital and physical files so you can find your records easily.

5 Minute Genealogy Video: Share with Others

You may have asked yourself: “Why would I share what I’ve been researching with others?” “Why would they care?” “How can I share my family history?” Sharing research can answer questions, fill in gaps, connect living relatives, and get others involved. In this episode, Jesse and Tom will show you the fun and importance of sharing your discoveries with others. You will learn how to share using online resources and some helpful hints and ideas from researchers like you.

November 22 No General Meeting

December 11, 7:00 p.m.  – Workshop: Your opportunity for instruction and hands on help

5 Minute Genealogy Video: What's Next?

You may have asked yourself: “I’ve learned the basics. What do I do next?” Congratulations! You’ve made it around the circle of success. You are on your way to becoming a first-rate genealogist. So, what’s next in your journey through genealogy? To keep on going! In this episode, Jesse will review with you the steps covered in the circle of success. You will learn what to do next with your family history
 

December Annual Pot Luck at the Cooley’s home.  Bring a Toys for Tots unwrapped gift.

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MEETINGS THAT WE'VE HELD in 2010:

November 17, 2010 –  Guest Speaker: Sue Irvine, member of the Michigan Genealogical Society , "Branches - Do They Snap or Bend?"

October 20, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Karen Krugman, "Researching There While You're Here".  Karen will give us tips for researching locations you cannot visit.  These tips will be useful to locate records when you are unable to physically travel to the site of the records.  This presentation will teach you the methods and resources for filling out your family tree when its roots are far flung.  It will also offer hints and ideas for using the Internet to track down relatives that always throw a monkey wrench into your family research.

September 15, 2010  - Guest Speaker: Caryn Adler ,  "So Many Ancestors, So Little Time" – We will learn how to organize and prioritize our research to make the most of our time.  This topic is one that is often requested and we have the opportunity of having Caryn speak to us on this topic.

Cancelled: September 15, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Shirley Hodges (Unexpected Emergency Surgery - hope she recovers soon!) 
The class: "Researching your Ohio Ancestors" will be rescheduled in 2011. 

August 25, 2010 – Pioneer Ice Cream Social (Rescheduled from June) – location, time and Guest Speaker to be determined.  This event is to recognize those who have completed the requirements for Pioneer Certificates and a ceremony to present the certificates.  One of the fun things that we are planning on doing this year is to get everyone to participate in the Ice Cream Social.  All that you need to do is bring with you a 5 Generation Pedigree Chart filled out as best you can.  If you have your information on the chart completed you will receive a dish and spoon.  If you have your parents information filled out on the chart you will receive Ice Cream.  If you have your Grandparents filled out on the chart you will receive toppings.  If you have your Great Grand Parents filled out you will receive Whipped Cream and if you have your Great Great Grandparents filled out you will receive a banana and a cherry to put on it.    Because we will need to know ahead of time how many people to plan for, we will request an RSVP with a report of how many generations are completed on your chart.  The Pedigree charts will be on display for everyone to view - and perhaps discover a common ancestor!  Be sure to make plans to come and join us for this fun event.

July 21, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Harold Henderson, "Hortense vs. the rest of the world – or, What to do when you don’t have Perry Mason on your team". – Based on some research Harold is just finishing up, from Kane County, Illinois in the 1840’s.  Many of us will recall how every episode of the old TV show "Perry Mason" ended with a dramatic tearful confession that explained the whole mystery. Even as a kid Harold began to suspect the world didn't always work that way! What do we do when we as researchers don't find a record that provides all that -- or worse yet, we find conflicting "confessions"? The case of Hortense Goodrich illustrates an approach using indirect evidence. Bonus: Within Hortense's tragic story there's an extra 169-year-old mystery of a new kind that Harold has not been able to solve, and audience members may have some ideas about possible explanations.  

June 2010  meeting cancelled because of tornado warning.

May 22,  2010 – Morton Hill Cemetery Clean-up.  This is our annual cleanup of the cemetery.  We meet in the morning about 9:00 and prepare the cemetery for Memorial Day.  Morton Hill is one of the original Cemeteries in the area with many of the founding fathers of Benton Harbor buried there.  Bring your rakes, leaf blowers, edge trimmers, gloves etc and help us clean and manicure this historical site.  For those interested there will be instruction on how to clean headstones.  Invite your friends and neighbors to help with this community service.  The cemetery is located in downtown Benton Harbor.

April 21, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Caryn Adler – "So Many Ancestors, So Little Time" – We will learn how to organize and prioritize our research to make the most of our time.  This topic is one that is often requested and we have the opportunity of having Caryn speak to us on this topic.

March 17, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Paul Fletcher, "Navigating through the BCGS Members Only website and Blog".  We will also discuss using Facebook, Twitter, Mailing Lists, and Message Boards.  Paul has been instrumental in upgrading this website with the PayPal capabilities and is responsible for creating the "Members Only" page on our website.

January 20, 2010 – Guest Speaker: Carol Bainbridge – "Early Berrien County Settlers:  Where did they come from?  What did they do?"  This program will present information on the men and women who first settled Berrien County, Michigan and were responsible for its agricultural, industrial and commercial development.  Over the years hundreds of people from many foreign lands and other parts of this country have settled in this area.  We will examine where they came from, what the factors were that influenced them to come to this area, and what their occupations were once they got here.

MEETINGS THAT WE'VE HELD in 2009:

December 16, 2009  ~ Wednesday ~
Time: 6:30 p.m.

    Bring your favorite food and join us for our Annual Potluck and "Toys for Tots".  Those attending will be requested to bring an
    unwrapped toy to donate to the Toys for Tots.  Enjoy the festive decorations in the Cooley home - you've never seen anything like it!             It's a great way to celebrate the season!

November 7, 2009 ~ Saturday ~

Time: 9:00 a.m.

    Save the date!!!  We are excited to bring Shirley Hodges to the area for this special Saturday seminar.  Shirley will discuss “Preserving Heirlooms and Why” plus “How to Preserve Heirlooms”. The seminar will be held at the Park Inn, 4290 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville (Exit 23 on I-94); more details will be available as the date nears.  Check our web site often.

October 21, 2009 ~ Wednesday ~

Time: 7:00 p.m.  (Location Change)

    Following that theme the Berrien County Genealogical Society has an historical display set-up at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market St., St. Joseph.  It is on display all month.  
 
Our monthly meeting will be held at the library as well, upstairs in the Norris Meeting room at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21. Our speaker will be BCGS President, Aloma Custer, who will present "A History of the LDS Microfilm Project" (Granite Mountain) and tell how to order microfilm from local Family History Centers. How the Utah Genealogical Society began their microfilming project and how the LDS church finances the projects so the information is available online for everyone without charge.  She'll also touch on the LDS Indexing project; digitizing of records; and features of the www.familysearch.org website.
 
 

September 16, 2009 ~ Wednesday ~

Time: 7:00 p.m.

     We welcome back speaker, Brian Hancock who will tell stories of those who came through Ellis Island.  He will cover some of the hardships and events involved those who came to America through this national landmark.  In 2007 we were honored to have Brian speak on Immigration to America.  Now we welcome him back to tell us stories of those who came through Ellis Island.  Come and join us for a wonderful evening.

No meeting in August - Enjoy the Youth Fair
 

July 15, 2009 ~ Wednesday ~ “How to Organize Your Family Data”

Time: 7:00 p.m.

    A panel discussion on Organizing your Genealogy will be held at Berrien Springs Community Library at 7:00 p.m.  Bring your ideas and tell us how you keep your family genealogy records in order.  We’ll have ideas to share too.
 

June 23, 2009 ~ Tuesday ~ Pioneer Certificate Presentation & Potluck

Time: 6:00 p.m.
Dust off those Pioneer Certificate Kits and fill them out in time for this annual presentation. We always have kits available, check out our web site. 
Location Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St., Niles, MI.  The evening begins with a potluck at 6:00 p.m.; followed at 6:45 p.m. by a tour of the History Center and presentation of Pioneer Certificates.  Then the owners of “My Biography”, a new Niles genealogist shop, will tell us about their work and products.
 

MAY 23, 2009 9:00 a.m. - Noon  (Saturday Morning)
Location: Morton Hill Cemetery - Benton Harbor Michigan

    A few of the members of the "Friends of Morton House" will portray some of the early settlers of Benton Harbor who are buried there and tell us a little about their lives.  There will be flags to place on the veterans graves and a brief history of Benton Harbor will be told as we enjoy snacks.  Everyone is encouraged to come and help with the cleanup.  All ages are welcome!
Click here for photos of last years cleanup.  Morton Hill 2008

~   Peggy Brughman will speak on “Deciphering Old Handwriting”.  This should be very enlightening if you’ve ever struggled to read beautiful old handwriting.  Bring along some handwriting you’re deciphering and maybe you’ll discover just what it says. 

Handwritten documents can offer us a more personal glimpse into our ancestors lives, yet they can be the most difficult to decipher. Learn about the old alphabet, writing tools, and tips on how to read that seemingly unreadable manuscript.

Peggy is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild and has been giving presentations at genealogical meetings and seminars since 2006. Her most popular talk is "Deciphering Old Handwriting." She has been involved in family research for over 30 years with her personal work focusing on colonial Virginia, New York State, Ohio, and Chicago, IL. Peggy is presently working on a Bachelors Degree in Public History at Western Michigan University.  When she is not studying or out gardening she is (still) writing her family history book.