Big News . . FindMyPast has launched an initiative to digitize the records of The Roman Catholic Church from around the World. That includes the NEW WORLD, US! This initiative is called “The Catholic Heritage Archive”. Right now you will find millions of sacramental records from Ireland. It appears that records from England and Philadelphia are already up. And the really big news for folks who’s immigrant ancestors past through New York City, the records of The Archdiocese of New York will be digitized. That project is in the works now. Yay! Can hear the brick walls being shattered! Happy days for my fellow family historians. See the link to Find my past for more information. http://www.findmypast.com/catholicrecords
(Post submitted by Jeanne Bayer)
New “My Heritage” DNA Service
My Heritage recently began to offer DNA testing services. But if you already have had your DNA tested with 23&Me, Family Tree DNA or Ancestry DNA you can now upload your raw data for free. (You will receive the “matching services” for free. Only folks who purchase the “My Heritage kit” receive an ethnicity estimate.)
My Heritage has a large network of international trees. They offer three different plans for posting your family tree. One of the plans is for free. Check out the site an see if this is right for you. https://www.myheritage.com/dna
(Post Submitted by Jeanne Bayer)
(Post Submitted by Jeanne Bayer)
MEMBER NOTICES
Handouts from Philip Sutton talk on NY Public Library, New Welcome Guide in Member Resources, Next issue of Newsletter in production.
The slide presentation from last month’s talk by Philip Sutton on genealogy research at the New York Public Library is now on our website in PDF format in the Handouts section under Member Resources.
A “Welcome Guide” has been added to website Member Resources. This guide provides a road-map to the Forum’s activities and available genealogy resources. It provides useful information for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
Our next issue of the Newsletter is currently in production. If you have an article, letter to the editor, book review etc. which you would like to have considered, please submit to newsletter@ifhf.org.
Free Online Access to Irish Civil Records
Millions of Ireland’s birth, marriage, and death records have been uploaded to IrishGenealogy.ie and in many cases include images.
The years covered are:
- Births: 1864 to 1915
- Marriages: 1882 to 1940
- Deaths: 1891 to 1965
Go to www.irishgenealogy.ie and click on Civil Records.
NEW WEBSITE
Welcome to our new website and to the “Frank O’Connor Memorial Blog”. The website utilizes the latest technology and software, which provide for much more flexibility in displaying content and interacting with our members. Some of the new features are: easier member registration, easier access to our online resources, enhanced ability to view the website on a variety of electronic devices, numerous pictorial displays of our various activities, and our new Blog.
The Blog is titled in remembrance of Frank O’Connor, a deceased former member, whose family made a donation in his name several years ago. These funds were used to cover the major share of the cost of the new website. The Blog page will be utilized to keep our members up-to-date on Forum activities and developments in genealogy research. All members are invited to submit items for consideration. They can be submitted in a Word document to blog@ifhf.org
We will be ironing out the kinks during the next several months, so please try the site out and be sure to visit our newly revised Links page, About Us, Upcoming Events, the Online Library Catalogue, the Surname Database, the Newsletter Archives, Upcoming Events, Discussion Board, and Meeting Handouts. Please provide any comments / suggestions to our Website Committee. We really need your feedback and – best of luck searching.