Support Access to NYC Vital Records
In 2017 NYC Dept. of Heath and Mental Hygiene proposed a new rule that would affect when birth and death records are made available to the public. Rule goes into effect April 17, 2018 restricting access to birth records until 125 years after a birth and to death records 75 years after a death.
If this rule had been in effect when I applied for and received my Grandfather’s 1949 death certificate after 50 years, access could have been denied until 2024. Already reports have been made of people who have legal rights to records being denied due to inconsistent interpretations of rules by DOH employees.
Although the greater genealogical community fought hard against it, the rule recently passes. Thanks to overwhelming opposition to the plan, the NYDHMH proposed a new amendment allowing more relatives access to these records. However, its expansion only applies to a strict biological lineage that does not consider realities of family life today for adoptees or blended families.
We can let NYC know that the new amendment is an improvement, but greater access is desirable.
When: Monday, April 23 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Where: New York Dept. of Health and Public Hygiend
Gotham Center
42-09 28th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3-32,
Long Island City, NY 11101
For information about the issues involved, please see D. Joshua Taylor, President at the NYG&B at https://www.facebook.com/nyfamilyhistory/videos/1699893130032829/UzpfSTQ5ODIwMDI0MzU4MzIxMDoxNjM0NTE4MjA2NjE4MDY5/
Irish-American Heritage Month
Proclamations
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 2018 as Irish-American Heritage Month
During the month of St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate Irish‑American Heritage Month and the tremendous role Irish immigrants and their descendants have played in the development of our great Nation. Irish-American Heritage Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the nearly 33 million Americans with Irish ancestry and their tremendous contributions to the betterment of our country. This month, and every month, we appreciate their efforts in helping usher in a new era of American prosperity.
Irish Americans have distinguished themselves in every sector of American life. Many have been among the key architects of our country’s greatness. Nine of the men who signed our Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin. Presidents Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and many others have traced their roots to the Emerald Isle. Businessman Henry Ford, founder of one of America’s most iconic companies, was the son of an Irish immigrant.
For centuries, the tenacious Irish spirit, paired with American self-reliance, has helped Irish immigrants and their descendants realize incredible dreams. With religious devotion, strength rooted in the love of family, and confidence in the promise of America, Irish Americans have engaged in the American experience in robust and meaningful ways. Their neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces have affirmed the importance of faith, industry, and learning. It is, therefore, no wonder that American art, business, and public life are marked by Irish names and symbols.
This month, Americans across the country will don the traditional green garb as we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland in an annual tribute to our shared and cherished heritage with that great country. As we spend this month honoring Irish Americans, we also pledge to further strengthen our relationship with the Emerald Isle itself, as we look forward to a bright future of greater friendship, cooperation, and commerce for centuries to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2018 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Archdiocese of New York Baptism and Marriage Records
The Archdiocese of New York in conjunction with Findmypast has published indexes containing over eight million records dating from 1785 to 1915. These records cover the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City. Westchester, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland Putnam, Orange and Dutchess counties are also included.
New York Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms
https://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/new-york-roman-catholic-parish-baptisms
New York Roman Catholic Marriages
https://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-records/new-york-roman-catholic-parish-marriages
Find My Past info on Catholic Heritage Archive https://www.findmypast.com/catholicrecords
Free Online Courses
Future Learn presents online courses from the top universities in Europe. They are free unless you choose an upgrade which entitles you to unlimited access to the course and a Certificate of Achievement. For general information go to https://www.futurelearn.com/courses
Check out these courses which might be of particular interest to those of us who are interested in Irish genealogy:
Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Dublin City University, Dublin
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/irish-language
Irish Lives in War and Revolution: Exploring Ireland’s History 1912-1923
Trinity College Dublin
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/irish-historyIrish Family History Forum
Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy
Provided by Clare Curtin
Schumer Wants DNA Test Companies Investigated
Nov. 26, 2017 (UPI) — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on the Federal Trade Commission Sunday to investigate companies that provide ancestry DNA results due to potential privacy concerns. “What many consumers don’t realize is that their sensitive information can end up in the hands of unknown third-party companies,” Schumer said,
A recent Gizmodo report analyzed the terms and conditions of several DNA test companies and found that these companies can claim ownership of one’s DNA, that it is unclear who has access to your DNA and that information can get leaked.
An article by | Dec 11, 2016 “Read the Fine Print” http://www.legalgenealogist.com provides another perspective.
New Developments: Golden State Killer identified through genealogy sites:
Dick Eastman https://blog.eogn.com/2018/04/26/dna-that-cracked-the-golden-state-killer-case-came-from-genealogy-websites/
Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/26/golden-state-killer-caught-using-relatives-dna-from-genealogy-websites-prosecutors-say.html
NBC News Golden State Killer suspect’s capture sparks DNA site privacy fears
Someone Else’s DNA Can be Used to Identify You
More than 60 percent of Americans who have some European ancestry can be identified using DNA databases — even if they have not submitted their own DNA, researchers reported Thursday.
Enough people have done some kind of DNA test to make it possible to match much of the population, the researchers said. So even if you don’t submit your own DNA, if a cousin does, it could lead people to you.
Details may be found in an article by Maggie Fox in the NBC News web site at: https://nbcnews.to/2CckjVT.
Newly formed DNA Genealogy Group of Long Island
Join us, beginner and experienced, to unravel the complexities of genetic DNA testing. The DNA Genealogy Group of Long Island is designed to be a hands-on group experience. Members share and solve problems together in small discussion groups based on level of experience. Individual help is available with DNA results.
Website: dggli.org
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Meetings are open to the public. There is no charge for non-members; all are welcome.
Meetings are held: 10:00 to 12:00 noon on the first Saturday of the month in alternate Nassau & Suffolk locations.
BETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY:
Meetings are held in: Aug , Oct and Dec .
Address: 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714
Website: bethpagelibrary.info
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD LIBRARY:
Meetings are held in: Sep and Nov .
Address: 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY, 11772
Website: pmlib.org
John Grenham’s Irish Roots Blog
In the May-July 2017 issue of the IFHF’s Newsletter, Barbara Murphy has a wonderful Research Tip.
She recommends John Grenham’s Irish Roots Blog.
A post there is entitled “Why are Irish Records so Weird?” Grenham recently presented the topic for Legacy software’s FamilyTreeWebinars.com library. On his blog, his written discussion is featured. See https://www.johngrenham.com/blog/2017/03/16/why-are-irish-records-so-weird/
NEW FROM NATIONAL ARCHIVES
2016 Family History is a new, free Irish genealogy education website, brought to you by the National Archives and IrishGenealogy.ie. The site is aimed primarily at secondary school students, but can be used by anyone with Irish ancestors to learn how to use the multiplicity of online sources now available for family history.https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/2016-family Click on “2016 Family History” on the toolbar.
FAMILY HISTORY WEBINARS
Free Family History Webinars offered at Legacy Family Tree.
There is no charge to register and view live webinars at Legacy Family Tree. If your busy at
that time, no problem! Recordings are usually offered for free for 7 days after the live event.
Afterwards you can always purchase a specific webinar for $9.95. Or join for a monthly
subscription or annual subscription. This is a link to the Legacy Family Tree
Website – http://familytreewebinars.com/index.php for your review.
See link to brochure with date and description of the 2017 webinar offerings.
(SUBMITTED BY JEANNE BAYER)