NGS-L Archives

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Subject: [UpFront: NGS] Vol. 1, No. 8, 26 September 2002
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 02:05:13 -0700

UpFront with NGS
The Online Newsletter of the National Genealogical Society
Volume 1, Number 8 -- 26 September 2002
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Co-editors: Dennis and Carla Ridenour

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Quote of the Day -- 26 September 2002
"Where does a story truly begin? In life, there are seldom clear-cut
beginnings, those moments when we can, in looking back, say that
everything started." -- from "A Bend in the Road" by Nicholas Sparks,
2001.
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Today In UpFront
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NGS Board of Directors
--Responsibilities
NGS Member Ancestor Charts (MAC Charts)
--Thanks to NGS MAC Indexing Project Volunteers!
Research Tools and Techniques: Using Your Digital Camera, Part 2:
--Quick Review of Previous Digital Camera Articles
--Tips for Using Flash Photography for Copying Documents
News Items, Announcements, and Press Releases
--Alabama Genealogical Society Fall Seminar
--Mother Cumberland-A Harvest of Memories: Reunion 2003
--Family History Fair During 14th Annual New York Archives Week
--Lompoc Valley Genealogical Society Workshop
--New SAR Patriot Index CD Includes Headstone Photos
Previous Issues of UpFront with NGS
Family Reunion Calendar
How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront with NGS
How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe
NGS Contact Information

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"UpFront with NGS" is a publication of the National Genealogical
Society, a nonprofit service organization that leads and educates
the national genealogical community. To learn more about the goals,
publications, conferences, services and members benefits of the
National Genealogical Society, visit the NGS Web site:
http://www.NGSgenealogy.org

© 2002 National Genealogical Society

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NGS Board of Directors
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Responsibilities

For the past four years, I have had the honor, privilege and
responsibility to serve as Area 2 Director on the NGS Board. As a
retiring NGS Board member, I was asked to write an article about the
NGS Board -- what are the responsibilities of the twelve members of
the NGS Board of Directors to the organization.

The NGS Board of Directors is the governing body of the National
Genealogical Society. One director is elected for each of four
regions and there are four directors at-large. Each director must be
a resident of the region from which elected and the boundaries are
determined by the number of NGS members residing in each state on
April 30 of odd-numbered years. [National Genealogical Society Bylaws,
Article IX, Section 6]. Anyone who is an NGS member in good standing
can be nominated to run for the board. Any member can nominate
someone they feel will be capable and dedicated to the
responsibilities that come with serving on the Board. A Board member
is elected for a four-year term and may be re-elected for a second
four-year term if they choose to run. The executive officers are
elected for two-year terms and may be re-elected to a second term.
The executive officers include the President, Vice-President,
Secretary, and Treasurer. Four Directors are elected in each biennial
year. Each director and officer is nominated and elected to serve a
term as an officer or as a Board member representing a particular
geographic area of the United States.

Board members make a commitment to attend four Board meetings
in various locations around the United States. The commitment
includes being willing to travel often, to read reams of reports in
preparation for the board meeting, being willing to spend as many as
eight hours in the meeting making informed decisions for the
betterment of the Society. Two of the board meetings are held in
conjunction with the National Genealogical Society Conference and the
Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference because many members
of the Board are speakers at these conferences.

The twelve members of the NGS Board of Directors are dedicated,
conscientious people who are very serious about their responsibility
to oversee the management of this organization of over 17,000 members.
A recent major decision taken by the board was to relocate the NGS
Library collection into a partnership with the St. Louis County
Library to make the collection available by interlibrary loan to the
entire country. This decision was not reached lightly but after
considering all options it was realized this was a terrific
opportunity to open up this grand collection to the public. And, a
miracle has occurred! Individuals, organizations, libraries, and
archives around the country are now donating their duplicate materials
to this circulating collection opening the doors for more genealogists
across the county to access the collection.

Another project approved by the board is the very newsletter you are
reading. Approval by the NGS Board has made possible an increased
presence on the Web and better communication with our members and
friends in the genealogical community through this electronic
newsletter.

The NGS Board recently voted to form a partnership with GENTECH. This
partnership will enhance the goals and standards of both
organizations. The NGS Board encourages the highest standards for
genealogical research. Annually they present awards to those who
submit works that meet those standards and are deemed outstanding.

Serving as an NGS Board member for the last four years has been a
rewarding and educational experience. It was an honor to be part of
the Board that made significant changes that benefited the
genealogical community. My service as a Board member has ended. I
will miss the friends I made while serving but look forward to seeing
them at future genealogical conferences and institutes.

Contributed by Lynda Suffridge

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NGS Member Ancestor Charts
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Thanks to NGS MAC Indexing Project Volunteers!

As the anonymous seer of all projects said, "It ain't over 'til it's
over." Well, someone said that about something, anyway. And, yes,
there's still a lot to do in the Member Ancestor Chart (MAC) Indexing
Project, which has involved over one hundred volunteers for seven
years, and counting. But the biggest step, initial data entry of over
1,000,000 names, is now complete, and (hardly mixing clichés at all)
we're basking in the light at the end of the tunnel. We are
immeasurably grateful to the 100+ donors of time and expertise who
have brought us to this point.

By 1994, NGS had accumulated over 66,000 Member Ancestor Charts
(MACs), family group sheets that NGS members have been submitting
since 1966. Volunteers of the NGS Research Service had created and
used an index to the two principals on each MAC (Husband and Wife) to
help in satisfying members' queries, and the collection was available
to those who came to the (then) NGS Library.

To make the MACs more readily available to all NGS members, the
Society had the entire collection microfilmed by the LDS Church in
1995-1996. Those films are available both through the LDS Family
History Libraries and at the (now) NGS Member Resource Center, but
their usefulness is limited by the lack of an accessible and
comprehensive index to their contents.

Enter the Dragon, I mean Archer, that is, George Archer, 'voluntaire
extraordinaire.' George conceived, developed, and initiated the NGS
MAC Indexing Project. By 1997, George and his collaborators,
including, notably, Judy Bramlage, Jan MacKenzie, Sherard Reidinger,
Cheryl Singhal, and Bob Velke, had selected a data entry program (the
shareware version of Carl York's "The Family Edge"), established the
data entry rules, written the manual, and recruited over 100
volunteers across the USA and Canada. George and Judy had also, in one
incredible week before the MACs were filmed, stamped each of the
66,000+ MACs with a unique serial number.

Since early 1997, three volunteers have photocopied over 66,000 MACs
(some twice), two volunteers have mailed (and sometimes re-mailed) 625
batches of those photocopies, 85 volunteers have entered over
1,000,000 names with associated genealogical data into "The Family
Edge," and several volunteers have begun auditing and integrating all
of this data into a thorough abstract of the NGS MAC collection that
will be available at the NGS Member Resource Center. An every-name
index to this huge database will be made available on the NGS website
so that copies of the sheets themselves can be ordered from NGS. The
index will also be useful for consulting the microfilm.

It will be another year or two until the project is completely
finished, but the biggest step, the data entry phase, has been
accomplished, so it's time to thank all those who have donated their
valuable time and genealogical expertise.

Thanks and hats off for a job well done to all of our donors for:

* Conceiving, developing, testing, and initiating the NGS MAC Indexing
Project:

George Archer, McLean, VA
Judy Bramlage, Vienna, VA
Jan McKenzie, Woodbridge, VA
Sherard Reidinger, Takoma Park, MD
Cheryl Singhal, Silver Spring, MD
Bob Velke, Elk Ridge, MD

* Photocopying over 66,000 MACs:

Peggy Brown, Springfield, VA (1997-1998)
Freida & Bud Robey, Falls Church, VA (1998-end)

* Packaging, mailing, receiving, unpackaging, logging, and tracking
(etc) 625 MAC batches:

Ann Dewey, Keller, TX (1995-1997)
Peggy Brown, Springfield, VA (1997-end)

*Managing and coordinating the project:

George Archer, McLean, VA (1995-1998)
Linda Y Gouazé, Arlington, VA (1998-end)

* Auditing a not-yet-known but ever-increasing number of data entry
batches:

David F Bailey, Pittsburgh, PA
Linda Y Gouazé, Arlington, VA
Sherard Reidinger, Takoma Park, MD
John M Robinson, Salt Lake City, UT
Cheryl Singhal, Silver Spring, MD

* Entering over 1,000,000 names and associated genealogical data into
"The Family Edge":

*Over 1,000 names:
David W Agar, Orleans, Ontario, CAN
Bob Allen, Pella, IA
Sara Bacon, Saugus, CA
Harry E Belflower, Jr, Bowie, MD
Bill Belton, Towson, MD
Susan Van Kirk Beyer, Prairie Village, KS
Ann Cathcart, Houston, TX
Patricia Christianson, Mora, MN
James J Connolly, Annandale, VA
Cari Cook, Plano, TX
Anne Crase, Centralia, IL
Chuck Davis, Lakewood, CO
Ann Dewey, Keller, TX
John R Eppler, Reston, VA
Joelle Garlow, Jonesboro, GA
Ben Glass, Annandale, VA
Rus & Jo Ann Goodacre, Springfield, VA
Debbe Hagner, Port Richey, FL
Ruth Haldeman, Lemont, PA
Nancy Hawtrey, Bryan, TX
Kathy Henze, Carlisle, MA
Dan Huddleston, Falls Church, VA
J S Hurley, III, Annandale, VA
Michel Jeunehomme, Lake Forest, CA
Teresa Kelley, Dale City, VA
Jim & Shirley Kendall, Springfield, MO
Carol Ann Le Bleu, Houston, TX
Robert McAlister, Anchorage, AK
Ronald R & Deloris C McClennan, Bowie, MD
Lee McConkey, Alexandria, VA
William H Piper, Pennsauken, NJ
Doreen Pool, Marysville, WA
Beverly Przybylski, Medford, OR
John & Maurine B Seely, Carson, CA
Judith Shamp, Okahumpka, FL
Pam Shelton-Anderson, Sandy, UT
Rhey Solomon, Chantilly, VA
Karen Stewart, Huntington Beach, CA
Karen Sullivan, Newburgh, NY
Maxey Sumlin, Lakeside, CA
Patti Watson, Craig, CO
Thomas A Wilde, Chesapeake, VA

*Over 5,000 names:
Bobbye M Brannan, Livingston, TX
Linda Conrad, Springfield, VA
Linda Forbes, Carthage, MO
David Foreman, Manmouth, IL
Barbara Galey, Pueblo, CO
Elizabeth Cazenove Grant, Snohomish, WA
Charles LeRoy, Mesa, AZ
Susan Mahoney, Westminister, CO
Katrina Morrocco, Madison, WI
David Ralston, Fairfax, VA
Sandra Schnipke, Ottawa, OH

*Over 10,000 names:
Donna Ricker Barenborg, The Colony, TX
Lucy N Dill, Emmett, ID
William C Gordon, Alpharetta, GA
Linda Y Gouazé, Arlington, VA
Willard Gower, Allentown, PA
Madeleine Lent Green, Germany & Woodbridge, VA
Loraine Holms Griffin, Winston, GA
Susan Johnson, Houston, TX
Joy Mask, Amarillo, TX
John L McManus, MAT, MLIS, Millinocket, ME
John Meredith, McLean, VA
Dave Miller, Falls Church, VA
Larry F Miller, Key West, FL
Linda Padgette, Reston, VA
Sarah Shaw, Sedalia, MO
Sheila Strickland, Olney, MD
Elaine Strouse, Overland Park, KS
Jack & Kathie Webster, Lynnwood, WA
Lee & Norm Wingard, Herndon, VA

* Over 20,000 names:
Mary Marshall Brewer, Latrobe, PA
Elroy Nieweg, Arlington, VA
Bruce Phalen, Lewes, DE
Sherard Reidinger, Takoma Park, MD
Evelyn Thomas Sagan, Bakersville, NC
Cheryl Singhal, Silver Spring, MD

*Over 30,000 names:
Alice Astroth, Salt Lake City, UT
Peggy Brown, Springfield, VA
Jackie Perkins Horton, Silverdale, WA

*Over 40,000 names:
Barbara Rogers, Gilbert, AZ

*Over 50,000 names:
David L Bailey, Pittsburgh, PA

*Over 100,000 names:
John M Robinson, Salt Lake City, UT
Kay Watson, Arlington, VA

Contributed by Linda Y Gouazé, NGS MAC Indexing Project Coordinator

Editor's note: Although the initial data entry phase of the MAC
Project is completed, volunteers are always needed. If you'd like to
participate in other NGS projects, send a message to:


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Research Tools and Techniques
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Using Your Digital Camera, Part 2

Quick Review of Previous Digital Camera Articles

For those of you that have been following my digital camera articles
(UpFront, Volumes 4 through 7) let's recap some of the topics we've
covered. And, for those of you just joining, let's tell you where
we've been.

In Vol.1, No. 4, I began by discussing the advantages of using a
digital camera in comparison to a photocopy machine, film camera, or
scanner for copying source documents and other genealogical items.

Then, in Vol. 1 No. 5, I listed the major features to look for when
selecting a digital camera to be used mainly for genealogical purposes
(gen-cam) and suggested that you should be able to find a suitable
camera for approximately $400.

In Vol. 1 No. 6, I rated 20 cameras within the $400.00 price range and
described the top five cameras.

And in our last issue, Vol. 1 No. 7, I briefly discussed image file
formats, transferring images from a your camera to your computer, copy
stands, tripods, and the use of flash when copying documents. Past
issues of UpFront can be downloaded at
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/archives

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Tips for Using Flash Photography for Copying Documents

In this week's column, we will continue our discussion of using flash
photography for copying documents.

First, let's talk flash. Flash photography is not my preferred method
for taking indoor shots of documents. Even though flash usually
produces brighter pictures with truer colors, its use is not
recommended for fragile documents and it also annoys other
researchers. In fact, many libraries and research facilities prohibit
flash photography. As a result, I always come prepared to shoot
without flash and suggest you do the same. However, here are some tips
for those times when you feel flash is necessary and for those of you
who wish to use it whenever it is allowed.

As you know, if you've ever used a handheld camera with a built-in
flash to photograph a document, you often end up with a hot spot in
the center of the photo where most of the flash is concentrated. This
is because the majority of built-in flashes are not designed to work
well at a distance of 12-15 inches. A sample document with a hot spot
in the center is posted at
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

You can sometimes avoid the hot spot by moving the camera off to the
side and shooting at an angle but, unfortunately, this distorts the
photograph and causes the document to appear wider at the bottom than
at the top. You can move farther away from the document, but this
reduces the size of the text and, depending on your camera's
resolution, may make the text unreadable in the final photograph. The
goal, whenever possible, is to fill the camera frame with the entire
document so that none of the text is missing and so that the final
photograph doesn't need to be cropped and all of the text is readable.

This problem can be solved in several ways. In our last issue (vol. 1,
no. 7) we mentioned using external flash and also gave directions for
making a simple diffusion screen to help "mellow" out the flash and
eliminate the hot spot. Let's begin by taking a closer look at how to
use the diffusion screen.

*Learning to Use a Diffusion Screen*

The first step is to use an ink-jet printer and word processor or
desktop publishing program to create an 8.5" by 11" test document.
Begin by typing alternate lines of 6, 8, 10 and 12-point text all the
way across the page. When you reach the middle of the page, insert a
small color photo (approximately 2" by 3") on the left or right hand
side and then continue to fill the lower half of the page with
alternate lines of text. A sample test document is posted at
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

Taking a picture of your test document will give you an idea of the
results you will get with color photos, as well as with various sizes
of text. A page from a magazine or periodical can also be used as a
test document if you don't want to take the time to create one
yourself. The purpose of this test to check for color accuracy, text
resolution and to see if your camera's flash produces a hot spot.

If you don't have a copy stand (see vol.1, no. 7 for building plans),
grab either a kitchen stool or your tripod and put it in front of your
refrigerator about 12- 15" from the door and at a good working height.
Mount the test document in a landscape position (sideways) on the
refrigerator door using kitchen magnets or strip magnets purchased
from a craft store. Keep the document straight by lining it up with
the side of the refrigerator door. Now set your camera at full wide
angle and move the camera and/or stool so that the entire document
fills the LCD screen. Adjust the document up or down if necessary.

TIP: When you work with a copy stand, a 10" by 14" piece of sheet
metal and your magnets work very well for holding down documents that
have been folded or rolled and don't want to lay flat. Actually, I
use an upside down 10" by 14" cookie sheet, but then I don't mind
looking like a Martha Stewart on a parole outing :-).

Set your camera to auto and make sure to select the auto flash mode.
Do not select any of the other modes such as fill-flash, forced flash
or red eye reduction. The auto flash setting causes the camera to
flash only when necessary and, as a result, the camera may refuse to
flash if your kitchen has good lighting. If so, turn some of the
kitchen lights off so that the camera will automatically flash.

Next, press your shutter release halfway down and check to see if the
document is in focus. If yes, shoot a test shot. If the camera is
unable to focus, try moving it and/or the stool back a few inches, and
use your zoom control to frame the document. Continue until you find
a combination of distance and zoom that allows your camera to focus
easily, and still have the test document fully framed. Closer is
better, so use the combination of distance and telephoto that allows
you to place the camera closest to the document. If you can't find a
combination that works, try the Macro setting and repeat the process
until you find the combination of settings that will allow you to
shoot a sharply focused full-frame document. Remember to fill the
frame completely with as little wasted area as possible.You'll find an
illustration of this test flash setup at:
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

After you've taken the photograph, review it on you LCD screen or
computer monitor to see if it has a hot spot in or near the center of
the photo. Some cameras are better at adjusting the flash than others.
Consider yourself lucky, and skip the rest of the test, if the hot
spot is absent or barely noticeable.

If the photo does have a hot spot, place one layer of diffusion
material (See Vol. 1 No. 7) over the flash and shoot another test
shot. Repeat adding layers of diffusion material and snapping test
shots until the hot spot disappears, or becomes acceptable. You might
notice that the each ensuing shot gets a little darker. If the photos
are not too dark, they can be lightened and the contrast adjusted in
your image-editing program. Or, if your camera has EV adjustments, you
can adjust the EV setting to compensate for the reduction of light
from the flash. Look at your shots in your editing program; decide
which shot is the best, and use that diffusion combination, and EV
setting when using flash for documents. To see a diffusion screen
flash setup, go to http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

Note: You'll probably want to take several more test shots if your
camera allows you to adjust the flash intensity or has other types of
manual settings. Be sure to keep track of the settings that give you
the best results.

Practicing and evaluating your test shots will enhance your skills,
making it possible to get the perfect shot when researching.

* Using a Hot Shoe *

Some cameras have a "hot shoe" on the top of them that allows you to
attach an external flash that your camera will recognize and use in
place of the built-in flash. External flashes come in different
styles but the ones that can be pointed in different
directions other than just straight ahead are the most useful and will
allow you to "bounce" the flash off a wall or ceiling and then back
onto the document, thereby eliminating the hot spot. The problem can
be finding a "bounce" surface, which provides the correct lighting.
However, bounce flash is quite effective and, with a little practice,
you can become quite proficient. Most digital cameras require that
you purchase a flash made especially for your camera. These flashes
tend to be fairly expensive. To see a bounce flash setup, go to
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

* Off Camera Flash *

Next we move to off camera flashes. Some cameras have a flash
synchronization pin out jack, which allows you to connect an external
flash to the camera with a cable. This allows you to move the
external flash back and to one side to eliminate the hot spot. Some
EV adjustments may be necessary, but a small amount of experimentation
and testing should give you the best location, distance, and EV
combination for excellent pictures. The pin should turn off
your camera's built-in flash but, if it doesn't, you may have to cover
the flash in order to not have both flashes hitting the document. A
photo of an off camera flash setup is posted at
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

* Slave Flash *

Cameras that don't have a hot shoe, or flash synchronization pin out,
can still use an auxiliary or "slave" flash. There is a small
inexpensive device known as a "light activated flash trigger." Some
people also call this device a ""photo electric cell." The flash
trigger has a hot shoe that slides onto the auxiliary flash. It also
has a light sensitive window that, when presented with a bright flash
of light, triggers the attached auxiliary flash. The camera's
built-in flash must go off in order to trigger the auxiliary flash.
The problem is that we may not always want the camera's built-in flash
to hit the document. One solution is to tape a small piece of
aluminum foil over the flash to redirect the flash to the side and
rear of the camera. Then hold or place the auxiliary flash behind and
off to the side of the camera, so it receives the flash, but the
document doesn't. Again, experimentation should give you the best
setup. Using this method, you can use most any flash, even the one off
that old passé 35 mm camera. To see a "flash trigger" flash setup go
to http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/upfront/092602/pubs

*** Caution! Please be sure to read the directions accompanying the
online photo of the "flash trigger" setup. There is always a
possibility that covering the camera's built-in flash with foil or
other material may damage the flash if not done correctly. This
possibility is often discussed in camera forums with some
photographers warning of damage and others disagreeing. The good news
is that I have yet to read of anyone experiencing actual damage. Other
materials that can be used include white cardboard, a small mirror, or
simply place your finger in front of the flash. ***

Also note that the standard "light activated flash trigger" and
auxiliary flash combination described above is triggered by a single
flash and will not work with all digital cameras. This is because some
digital cameras will fire a pre-flash to set the camera's white
balance. This pre-flash will cause the auxiliary flash to fire before
the camera is ready. A "digi-slave" or flash unit designed to fire on
the second flash can be purchased for use with digital cameras that
use a pre-flash system. Units are also available that can be set to
fire on either the first or second flash.

As you see, you sometimes need to go through some gyrations to get
good flash pictures, and that's even if they will allow you take flash
pictures in the document repository where you are working. That's why
I always go prepared and always expect to shoot without flash.

Next issue shooting without flash-think digitally, Denny

Contributed by Dennis Ridenour, or


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News Item
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Alabama Genealogical Society Fall Seminar

19 October 2002

The Alabama Genealogical Society will hold their Fall Seminar on
Saturday, October 19, 2002, at the Alabama State Capitol Auditorium,
Montgomery, Alabama.

We are pleased to have as our presenter George G. Morgan. Mr. Morgan
is the internationally recognized author of the online genealogy
column, "Along Those Lines...", at Ancestry.com and the "Genealogy Tip
of the Day" for Emazing.com. He is a member of the Association of
Professional Genealogists; a Trustee on the Board of the Florida State
Genealogical Society and a member of the International Society of
Family History Writers and Editors. Mr. Morgan is the Program Chair
for the Federation of Genealogical Societies' annual conference in
September of 2003.

His topics will be
1)"Genealogical Orienteering: Using maps to find the right place"
2)"Bring 'Um Back to Life: Developing an Ancestor Profile"
3)" Bits About Obits: Reading between the lines"
4)"Planning is the Key: A very successful genealogical research trip"

For additional information, please contact the Alabama Genealogical
Society President at:

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News Item
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Mother Cumberland-A Harvest of Memories: Reunion 2003

18 - 20 July 2003

The Brady Family Heritage Association is hosting "Mother Cumberland-A
Harvest of Memories: Reunion 2003" on July 18, 19, 20, 2003 at the
Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania.

Reunion activities include: an all day genealogy seminar on Friday, 18
July, a surname registry, and the opportunity to participate at no
cost in the BYU Molecular Genealogy Project. Also included is a
frontier settlement with period crafts people such as a blacksmith,
soap maker, candlemaker, map maker, weavers & spinners, gun maker, and
basket weaver; a quilting discussion and display of Heritage Quilts; a
1700's Ranger encampment; and a Revolutionary War re-enactor
encampment. Activities planned for the kids include covered wagon
rides; pony rides; water balloon toss; revolutionary & pioneer crafts;
and a handprint tree.

Confirmed speakers for the genealogy seminar include:
1. Jonathan R. Stayer, Head Reference Section, Pennsylvania State
Archives
2. James M. Beidler, Executive Director;Genealogical Society of
Pennsylvania
3. John T. Humphrey - the author of the Early 1700's Church Books
series for Pennsylvania
4. Linda Ries, Division of Archives & Manuscripts, PA State Archives
5. Pamela Reilly, Historic Preservation Specialist, PA Historic
& Museum Commission
6. Charles Bobo- Well-known speaker on Genealogy and specialist in
internet research and managing a family Web site.
7. Karen Walizer - Well-known speaker and specialist on early
Cumberland County Research.
8. Beatrice Hulsberg, Acting Curator, Community & Domestic Life, The
State Museum of Pennsylvania

Anyone with an ancestor of any surname who lived in Cumberland County,
PA during the 1700's is welcome to attend. This includes the
descendants of families that lived in any of the counties that trace
their parentage to Cumberland County or from which Cumberland County
was taken such as Lancaster, Franklin, Bedford, Perry, Indiana,
Westmoreland, Huntington, Blair, Fulton, Northumberland, etc.

To participate in the surname registry, send an e-mail message that
includes your name, phone number, mailing and e-mail addresses, as
well as a list of the surnames you are researching to Jocelyn Wilms
at: . Please put the words: "Cumberland
County Reunion 2003" in your subject line.

For additional details, send an e-mail message with "Cumberland County
2003 Reunion" in the subject line to Donna Cuillard at
or visit the Brady Family Heritage Association Web
site at http://bradyheritage.org/reunion2003.htm

Contributed by Donna Cuillard, Reunion Chair

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News Item
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Family History Fair to be Held During 14th Annual New York Archives
Week

6 October 2002

New York's annual Family History Fair will be held on Sunday, October
6, 2002 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm at The Graduate Center, City
University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue (at 34th Street), Manhattan.

At this free event, the public will learn how to trace their family
histories, preserve and interpret family documents, utilize archives
and libraries in and around New York, and employ computers as tools
for family history and genealogical research. Subway: 6 to 33rd
Street; 34th Street on other lines. Recorded information:
212-415-5547. Website: www.nycarchivists.org/fhf.html. E-mail:
.

The Family History Fair will feature more than forty genealogical
societies, historical agencies, archival repositories, ethnic
organizations, booksellers and other vendors offering exhibits and
information for the family history buff. Free workshops on a variety
of topics, as well as computer software demonstrations, will be held
throughout the afternoon.

A new feature this year is the Ancestors Road Show, hosted and
coordinated by the NYC Metro Chapter of the Association of
Professional Genealogists. Free, one-on-one sessions with professional
genealogists will be offered to attendees who bring in a specific
genealogical problem on which they need assistance.

The list of exhibitors and schedule of workshops will be available at
the Website http://www.nycarchivists.org/fhf.html. The Fair is the
highlight of the 14th annual New York Archives Week, a citywide
celebration of New York's diverse history being held October 6-13,
2002. The Fair is co-sponsored by the Archivists Round Table of
Metropolitan New York, Inc. and Continuing Education & Public
Programs, The Graduate Center, CUNY.

New York Archives Week is sponsored by the Archivists Round Table and
is made possible in part through the generous support of Metropolitan
Life Foundation, The Lucius N. Littauer Foundation, The New York
Genealogical and Biographical Society, and other donors assisting with
the Family History Fair.

Contributed by Steven W. Seigel

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News Item
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Lompoc Valley Genealogical Society Workshop

12 October 2002

The Lompoc Valley Genealogical Society is presenting a workshop
"Immigration, Naturalization & Ships' Passenger Arrival Sources" with
Bill Doty, Archivist of the National Archives & Records
Administration. Mr. Doty, also a family historian and genealogist, is
a popular lecturer. The workshop will also have an open forum for
questions on any subject, including the recently released 1930 Federal
Census.

This event will be held Saturday, October 12, 2002 from 8:30
to 12:30 at the LDS Church, 1312 West Prune Street, Lompoc,
California. Pre-registration cost is $10.00 before Oct. 4th, or $15.00
on the day of seminar. Fee includes syllabus, door prizes, and
refreshments.

All profits will go to purchase books for the genealogical section at
the Lompoc Library. Information for registration is on our Web page:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~calvgs/. You may also e-mail any questions
to: or .

Contributed by Jeannette Miller Wynne


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News Item
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New SAR Patriot Index CD Includes Headstone Photos

Progeny Software Inc. and the Patriot Index Committee of the National
Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) have released
Edition III of the SAR Patriot Index CD.

With tombstone photos for over 800 people and 732,000 records, Edition
III of the SAR Patriot Index CD preserves and documents the
genealogies of US Revolutionary War Patriots. Data is presented in
standard genealogical format, (i.e., as a lineage-linked database), so
that descendants can be traced back to Patriot Ancestors. Using
Progeny's Family Explorer search and report utility, it is easy to
search and print professional quality charts and reports for various
people on the CD, as well as extract GEDCOM files of their lineage.

An ongoing project of the Patriot Index Committee of the SAR, data for
the Patriot Index is compiled from material on file at SAR National
Headquarters going back more than 120 years. The Patriot Index Edition
III adds over 120,000 new records from approved lineages to the
already extensive database published last in 1999.

Progeny Software, developers of the Family Explorer software that
provides the interface to the SAR database, is continually upgrading
and improving this already user-friendly technology. In 1999 GEDCOM
export capabilities were added. This time the ability to use photos in
most charts and reports, and a new publish to PDF option head the list
of enhancements.

The SAR Patriot Index Edition III operates on Windows
95/98/NT/2000/XP, requires a 486 CPU or better, and 8 MB free hard
disk space. It is available now for $39.95 US direct from Progeny
Software ( http://www.progenysoftware.com ), SAR Merchandising
( http://www.sar.org/merch/mrchndis.htm ), or through participating
dealers.

Owners of the 1999 Edition may upgrade for the special price of $19.95
US plus $5 shipping ($10 overseas). To receive the special upgrade
price, you must already be a registered user, or must mail or fax a
copy of the 1999 Patriot Index CD booklet as proof of purchase.
Upgrades are available only from Progeny Software. To upgrade, go to
http://www.progenysoftware.com/sar_patriotindex.html, or call toll
free 1-800-565-0018, fax 902-542-0562, or send a check or money order
to Progeny Publishing, PO Box 621, Athol, MA 01331. For more
information on other Progeny products visit
http://www.progenysoftware.com.

The SAR Patriot Index Committee is happy to receive additional photos
for future CD releases. For more information on how to submit photos
visit http://www.sar.org/pat_idx/ or email


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Previous Issues of UpFront with NGS
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Did you miss an issue of UpFront with NGS? Previous issues are located
at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/archives/

Searchable issues of UpFront with NGS are on RootsWeb:
http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl?list=NGS

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Family Reunion Calendar
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To add your family reunion to this calendar, please send an
announcement to

To view a complete list of other coming events visit
http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/newscoming.htm

October 3-4
CHILDERS/CHILDRESS Family Association holds its 2002 Annual Meeting,
Williamsburg, Virginia. Contact: Jack Childers, RD 3 Box 480, Fenwick
Island, DE 19944; e-mail:

October 4-5
STANDRIDGE Family holds its national reunion in Cullman Alabama.
Contact Russell Baker, 6525 Magnolia Dr, Mabelvale, AR 72013

October 6
The 1st Annual DENSON-VICK reunion is on Sunday October 6, 2002 12:30
at Dortches Baptist Church, Dortches, NC. All Benjamin E. and Sarah E.
Vick Denson descendants invited. Contact: Judy W.Cogdell, 107 Oak Hill
Ct., Angier, NC 27501 phone (919) 207-1721 e-mail:
or Jimmy G. Winters, 5582 Brake Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 phone (252)
443-3238 e-mail:

October 11-13
Pierre CHASTAIN Family Association holds its 27th annual reunion at
Quality Inn, Thomasville Georgia. Contact: Tim Chastain, (229)
226-4263; e-mail: ; Web site:
http://kopower.com/~jimchstn/

October 11-13
The 2002 ALFORD American Family Association Reunion and Annual Meeting
will be held at the Westcoast Salt Lake Hotel, 161 West 600 South,
Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 11 through October 13. There will be
a genealogy workshop on Friday, a reception Friday night followed by a
Saturday morning business meeting and an afternoon Alford Family
Forum. The annual Saturday night buffet will be followed by the
presentation of awards to the members who have provided outstanding
services to the Association during the past year. For additional
information, please contact one of the following: Max Alford,
President, ; Doris Vetri, Secretary/Treasurer,
; Ramona Darden, Meetings Chairperson,
; Morris Myers, Vice-president, ;
or Gil Alford, .

October 11-14
O MAHONY Society Reunion as follows:
When: Columbus Day Weekend October 11-14, 2002
Location: Baltimore, MD
Contact Person: Diane Mahoney
Nanci Mahoney
For more information about the weekend:
http://members.aol.com/daililli/O_MahonyHome.html

October 15-17
ALFORD AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION, INC. 15th annual convention.
National family reunion for Alford, Alvord, Halford, etc. All persons
of those and similar surnames welcome. Registration is required.
West Coast Salt Lake Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT.
http://www.alfordassociation.org ; AAFA, POB 1586, Florissant, MO
63031; 314-831-8648

October 18-19
The 2002 SUFFRIDGE/SULFRIDGE Family Reunion will be Friday and
Saturday, October 18 & 19, 2002 at the Southside Baptist Church, 24th
St. and Doncaster Ave., Middlesboro, KY. Lynda Suffridge will be
speaking on "The Suffridge/Sulfridge Men in the Civil War." For
further information contact Peggy Jane Stevens at
Please put "Sufridge/Sulfridge Reunion" in the subject line. This
information was submitted by Lynda Suffridge.

July 4, 2003
The GIACOLETTI family of BISBEE, ARIZONA will be having their family
reunion on 04 July 2003 at the GIACOLETTI Ranch in Bisbee, Arizona.
If more information is needed please contact

July 18, 19, 20, 2003 (new)
"Mother Cumberland-A Harvest of Memories: Reunion 2003" will be hosted
by the Brady Family Heritage Association on July 18, 19, 20, 2003
at the Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania. For more information contact Donna Cuillard at
or visit the Brady Family Heritage Association Web
site at http://bradyheritage.org/reunion2003.htm

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How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront
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To submit an article, a helpful tip or news for publication,
please send e-mail to: Co-Editors: Carla and Dennis Ridenour,
or or

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How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe
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Send a NEW e-mail message to:

Type only one word in the body: subscribe
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Type only one word in the body: unsubscribe

For technical help regarding the list, including how
to subscribe or unsubscribe, contact:
UpFront with NGS, List Administrator
Cyndi Howells,

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NGS Contact Information
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National Genealogical Society
4527 17th Street North
Arlington, Virginia 22207-2399
Phone: (703) 525-0050 or (800) 473-0060
Fax: (703) 525-0052
E-mail:
http://www.NGSgenealogy.org

Membership

http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/member.htm

Conferences

http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/conf.htm

Learning Center

http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/edu.htm

Volunteers


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