Meetings Are The
SECOND TUESDAYS On the months that we meet, and begin Promptly At 6:30 PM (Unless Noted on Calendar) CURRENT MEETINGS ARE ALL HELD ONLINE ON ZOOM |
Located at: 1415 N Center road, Saginaw, MI 48638The Church Of Jesus Christ
Of Latter-Day Saints Which Is Also The Home Of The Saginaw Family History Center |
Members receive an email for the
meeting link the day prior to the meeting. If you wish to join and attend the meetings please contact us thru MEMBERSHIP and then REQUEST MEMBERSHIP |
2020 CALENDAR
|
SPEAKER
Donna Carlevato presents:
|
Next meeting :
Tuesday 9 Feb 2021
at 6:30 pm est. SHARP ZOOM MTG sign-in opens at 6 pm est. |
REMEMBER:
STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE, STAY CALM! KEEP RESEARCHING! |
RootsTech Connect starts in two weeks.
fEB 25, 26, 27
Here's 4 STEPS for what you need to know!
1. SIGN UP, ITS FREE, ITS FUN, YOU WILL LEARN TONS!!!!!
2. SAVE THE DATE TO YOUR COMPUTER!!!
DO IT NOW!
FEB 25, 26, 27
DO IT NOW!
FEB 25, 26, 27
3. MAKE A FREE ACCOUNT AT FAMILYSEARCH.ORG
4. WATCH THE 'ROAD TO ROOTSTECH' VIDEO
THEN WARN FAMILY/FRIENDS NOT TO BOTHER YOU ON THOSE DATES!!!
SGS NEWSOur last speaker was Debra Sheets
She gave us a look at a few Family Trees on Ancestry that she has worked on and how she found the information that she built those trees from. Debra is a local genealogy researcher and has been doing this for over 34 years. Notes From our last
|
Click on LIBRARY LOGO
for the video |
YOUR LAUGH FOR THE DAY
GET ANSWERS...ASK MISS BETTY!
WE ARE STILL HERE READY TO HELP!
Brick wall? Stumped? Out of Ideas?
The combined efforts of
our members may be able to find you an answer! Go to the ASK MISS BETTY page and post your question or for help click on the Miss Betty icon. PS. We don't charge for the help but we do take donations. |
aMAZING STORIES
Primary Source Documents:
Standing Where Your Ancestors Stood
Did you ever want to see the home of an ancestor? Walk the very street they once lived on? I know I did, and still do...I have traced many but here is some food for thought....
Primary source documents are the lifeblood of genealogy. Filled with cold, hard facts, these documents provide evidence that researchers use to collect, analyze, and then make conclusions. Personal identity, parental linkage, or biographical details are some of the possible conclusions drawn by genealogists from these essential documents.
In the case of this particular World War I Registration Card, this primary source document led to an amazing, personal discovery.
In the case of this particular World War I Registration Card, this primary source document led to an amazing, personal discovery.
PLEASE REMEMBER US
IN YOUR WILL
SGS REMEMBRANCE FUND
Where your donated monies to the
Saginaw Genealogical Society
can mean a real difference!
We look for places in our city or county
that are in need of extra help in regards to
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH or PRESERVATION,
that we deem of great value to the community.
The donation to these places is then
MADE IN YOUR NAME.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL TO:
saggensoc@gmail.com
IN YOUR WILL
SGS REMEMBRANCE FUND
Where your donated monies to the
Saginaw Genealogical Society
can mean a real difference!
We look for places in our city or county
that are in need of extra help in regards to
GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH or PRESERVATION,
that we deem of great value to the community.
The donation to these places is then
MADE IN YOUR NAME.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL TO:
saggensoc@gmail.com
THIS JUST IN
FROM HOYT LIBRARY
"Click & Collect"
This convenient way to use curbside pick-up is embedded right in the VLC Member Libraries app. (Search for "Saginaw Library" in your app store.) More information is available here.
If you don't have a smartphone, you can always call to pick up your holds when you arrive at one of Hoyt or Zauel's designated pick-up parking spots. (989) 755-0904 for Hoyt and (989) 799-2771 for Zauel.
This convenient way to use curbside pick-up is embedded right in the VLC Member Libraries app. (Search for "Saginaw Library" in your app store.) More information is available here.
If you don't have a smartphone, you can always call to pick up your holds when you arrive at one of Hoyt or Zauel's designated pick-up parking spots. (989) 755-0904 for Hoyt and (989) 799-2771 for Zauel.
FREE GENEALOGY HELP cold cases
RESEARCH HELP

PLEASE NOTE:
BECAUSE OF
COVID-19 VIRUS,
THE SAGINAW FAMILY HISTORY CENTER IS CLOSED TO EVERYONE
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...
BECAUSE OF
COVID-19 VIRUS,
THE SAGINAW FAMILY HISTORY CENTER IS CLOSED TO EVERYONE
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...

BUT YOU CAN STILL CALL FOR
ONLINE HELP AT:
FamilySearch: open 24/7
1-866-604-1830
24 hrs. a day / 7 days a week!
ONLINE HELP AT:
FamilySearch: open 24/7
1-866-604-1830
24 hrs. a day / 7 days a week!
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
SGS PIONEER CERTIFICATES
Pioneer, Settler or First Family certificates
are for any PROVEN ancestors who may have lived in
Saginaw County from 1822-1884.
are for any PROVEN ancestors who may have lived in
Saginaw County from 1822-1884.
Give a gift the family will forever remember!
* Your ancestor will be noted in our website
* You will receive a handsome embossed certificate
* Ancestor documentation is vetted by our Society.
* Suitable for framing, or for documentation of your ancestors presence in Saginaw County along with their pedigree.
* Your ancestor will be noted in our website
* You will receive a handsome embossed certificate
* Ancestor documentation is vetted by our Society.
* Suitable for framing, or for documentation of your ancestors presence in Saginaw County along with their pedigree.
Go to the History tab in our menu and then to the Pioneers link,
or just click here on the pioneers link>> PIONEERS
or just click here on the pioneers link>> PIONEERS
CHECK OUT OUR Fb SITE
FACEBOOK Search: Saginaw Genealogical Society
or click the icon above! PS: You will need to sign into your own Fb account to enter the site.
or click the icon above! PS: You will need to sign into your own Fb account to enter the site.
There are lots of cool and interesting things to read there! Or ask a question. You can connect to Fb right from our website!
Saginaw News Obituary Index

With over 200,00+ obituaries
for you to find. Click the link below
http://obits.netsource-one.net/
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAUGH
FOOD AND FAMILY HISTORY
27 BEST SOUP RECIPES FOR COLD DAYS
My favorite right now is #18, I just made this last night, and boy did it taste good. I also added in some left over peas from supper last night.
(Waste not, want not!)
(Waste not, want not!)
MICHIGAN GENEALOGICAL COUNCIL

NEWSLETTER
tHOUGHT OF THE DAY
HOW TO SCAN OLD PHOTOS... FAST
Do you have boxes upon boxes and albums upon albums of old photos sitting somewhere at home? Whether they are prominently placed on a living room shelf, or tucked away and collecting dust in storage, it’s time to get those treasures digitized. And we’re here to make it easy.
MILITARY HISTORY & NEWS
BLACK SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR
The Civil War in Four Minutes: Black Soldiers
American Battlefield Trust
Historian Hari Jones summarizes the experience of African American Civil War soldiers, from emancipation, to the authorization of United States Colored Troops, to their experiences on the battlefield. This video is part of the American Battlefield Trust's In4 video series, which presents short videos on basic Civil War topics.
American Battlefield Trust
Historian Hari Jones summarizes the experience of African American Civil War soldiers, from emancipation, to the authorization of United States Colored Troops, to their experiences on the battlefield. This video is part of the American Battlefield Trust's In4 video series, which presents short videos on basic Civil War topics.
mORE LINKS FOR OUR READERS
fOR QUICK LINKS - CLICK ON THE BLUE ICONS


Genealogy Research Strategies

Ellis Island Records and Info

Hoyt Library - Local History/Genealogy

These Genealogy Sites are Providing
Free Resources During the Pandemic
Most of us are aware of the importance of social distancing during this difficult time in history, and are staying at home to protect ourselves and others. And, while the coronavirus pandemic is causing emotional and economic stress for us all, it is important to find ways to relieve our worry by taking part in activities that lift our mood and help us stay connected (virtually).
That’s why those of us at Family History Daily are so glad to see several genealogy companies and organizations stepping up to provide free access to a wide variety of documents, images, courses and tools to enhance research while we all self-isolate. We’re proud of the family history community for pulling together to support one another and hope these resources will bring a smile to your face.
That’s why those of us at Family History Daily are so glad to see several genealogy companies and organizations stepping up to provide free access to a wide variety of documents, images, courses and tools to enhance research while we all self-isolate. We’re proud of the family history community for pulling together to support one another and hope these resources will bring a smile to your face.
The History behind St. Valentine's Day
SO WHO WAS VALENTINE?
Valentine was a real person
who died around A.D. 270, and is described as a temple priest who was beheaded near Rome by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples wed. It is said that he was executed beneath a palm tree, near the city gates on the 14th of February, in the springtime of the year, when sparrows and men have their thoughts turn to choosing a mate and starting a family. That is why in iconography he is seen with a sword, a palm frond, sparrows on his shoulder, wedding rings in his hand, between two columns to signify the city gates, and roses to remind us of his dedication to lovers. |
WHY HE WAS EXECUTED
He was beheaded because he was marrying the Christian men who were about to go into battle in the Roman army, who wanted to have relations with their women before they left. They also wanted their women and children to receive survivor benefits from the military. The military leaders stated that the men would lose their VIRILITY in battle if they took part in sexual relations before battle. So they denied them access to all women THAT WERE NOT THEIR WIVES prior to battles. (It is thought that the government did not want to pay out all that money to the widows and orphans.) The date of February 14th was selected for the execution day
as it fell between two Roman holidays on the 13th and the 15th. Execution dates were never done on Roman holidays.
THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD
The medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer often took liberties with history, placing his poetic characters into fictitious historical contexts that he represented as real. No record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work “Parliament of Foules,” he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s feast day–an association that didn’t exist until after his poem received widespread attention. The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate. When Chaucer wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate,” he may have invented the holiday we know today.
SO HOW DID THAT FIRST 'VALENTINE CARD' COME ABOUT?
No it wasn't Hallmark...A common hagiography describes Saint Valentine as a priest of Rome or as the former Bishop of Terni, an important town of Umbria, in central Italy. While under house arrest of Judge Asterius, and discussing his faith with him, Valentinus (the Latin version of his name) was discussing the validity of Jesus. The judge put Valentinus to the test and brought to him the his adopted blind daughter. If Valentinus succeeded in restoring the girl's sight, Asterius would do whatever he asked. Valentinus, praying to God, laid his hands on her eyes and the child's vision was restored.[24] Immediately humbled, the judge asked Valentinus what he should do. Valentinus replied that all of the idols around the judge's house should be broken, and that the judge should fast for three days and then undergo the Christian sacrament of baptism. The judge obeyed and, as a result of his fasting and prayer, freed all the Christian inmates under his authority. The judge, his family, and his forty-four member household of adult family members and servants were baptized.[25] Valentinus was later arrested again for continuing to evangelize and was sent to the prefect of Rome, to the emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II) himself. Claudius took a liking to him, until Valentinus tried to convince Claudius to embrace Christianity, whereupon Claudius refused and condemned Valentinus to death, commanding that Valentinus either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs and beheaded. Valentinus refused and Claudius' command was executed outside the Flaminian Gate February 14, 269.[26] Saint Valentine is said to have ministered to the faithful amidst the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.[3] An embellishment to this account states that before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a note to Asterius's daughter signed "from your Valentine", which is said to have "inspired today's romantic missives".[27]
ANOTHER ACCOUNT TELLS US...
According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailer's daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation and Chaucer’s poetry, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Information is from varied sources
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine
https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-st-valentine.html
https://www.familytree.com/blog/the-meaning-behind-valentines-day-symbols/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Flaminia
He was beheaded because he was marrying the Christian men who were about to go into battle in the Roman army, who wanted to have relations with their women before they left. They also wanted their women and children to receive survivor benefits from the military. The military leaders stated that the men would lose their VIRILITY in battle if they took part in sexual relations before battle. So they denied them access to all women THAT WERE NOT THEIR WIVES prior to battles. (It is thought that the government did not want to pay out all that money to the widows and orphans.) The date of February 14th was selected for the execution day
as it fell between two Roman holidays on the 13th and the 15th. Execution dates were never done on Roman holidays.
THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD
The medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer often took liberties with history, placing his poetic characters into fictitious historical contexts that he represented as real. No record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work “Parliament of Foules,” he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s feast day–an association that didn’t exist until after his poem received widespread attention. The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate. When Chaucer wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate,” he may have invented the holiday we know today.
SO HOW DID THAT FIRST 'VALENTINE CARD' COME ABOUT?
No it wasn't Hallmark...A common hagiography describes Saint Valentine as a priest of Rome or as the former Bishop of Terni, an important town of Umbria, in central Italy. While under house arrest of Judge Asterius, and discussing his faith with him, Valentinus (the Latin version of his name) was discussing the validity of Jesus. The judge put Valentinus to the test and brought to him the his adopted blind daughter. If Valentinus succeeded in restoring the girl's sight, Asterius would do whatever he asked. Valentinus, praying to God, laid his hands on her eyes and the child's vision was restored.[24] Immediately humbled, the judge asked Valentinus what he should do. Valentinus replied that all of the idols around the judge's house should be broken, and that the judge should fast for three days and then undergo the Christian sacrament of baptism. The judge obeyed and, as a result of his fasting and prayer, freed all the Christian inmates under his authority. The judge, his family, and his forty-four member household of adult family members and servants were baptized.[25] Valentinus was later arrested again for continuing to evangelize and was sent to the prefect of Rome, to the emperor Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II) himself. Claudius took a liking to him, until Valentinus tried to convince Claudius to embrace Christianity, whereupon Claudius refused and condemned Valentinus to death, commanding that Valentinus either renounce his faith or he would be beaten with clubs and beheaded. Valentinus refused and Claudius' command was executed outside the Flaminian Gate February 14, 269.[26] Saint Valentine is said to have ministered to the faithful amidst the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.[3] An embellishment to this account states that before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a note to Asterius's daughter signed "from your Valentine", which is said to have "inspired today's romantic missives".[27]
ANOTHER ACCOUNT TELLS US...
According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailer's daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation and Chaucer’s poetry, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Information is from varied sources
https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine
https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/history-of-st-valentine.html
https://www.familytree.com/blog/the-meaning-behind-valentines-day-symbols/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Flaminia
INTERESTING STUFF
A Fascinating Genealogy Success Story: Mystery of Missing Ancestors Solved
thru GENEALOGY BANK
In this article, Scott Phillips tells the story of how a fellow genealogist used old newspapers to finally break through her family history brick wall. Scott is a genealogical historian and owner of Onward To Our Past® genealogy services.
SEE WHATS NEW AT:chiganology.org
SEEKINGMICHIGAN.ORG IS NOW MICHIGANOLOGY.ORG
Memories & Traditions
vALENTINES dAY....WHERE DID IT COME FROM? hOW DID IT START?
Valentine's Day is a very old tradition, thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February - officially the start of their springtime. It's thought that as part of the celebrations, boys drew names of girls from a box. But Valentine's Day is REALLY named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest (possibly A FEW of them) who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. But why celebrate on the 14th of February? There are many stories about St Valentine and over time these stories grew into the legend we know today. Want to know more? Click below
Our DNA is amazing. And over the years scientists have discovered some stunning facts. Take a peek at 6 weird but true facts about DNA.
DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search for obituaries! CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search for obituaries! CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE
FREE- FREE- FREE!
CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO LINK
50 PLUS FREE Genealogy Sites
THE BEST DEAL AROUND!
50 PLUS FREE Genealogy Sites
THE BEST DEAL AROUND!
YOUR LIBRARY CARDS
Are You A Michigan Library Card Holder?
Did you know that as of May 24, 2016, you can now access hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either free or discounted admission?
You can even use it to visit any of the
Seven National Park venues in MICHIGAN!
To Read More About It:
CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW
Did you know that as of May 24, 2016, you can now access hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, recreation areas and campgrounds for either free or discounted admission?
You can even use it to visit any of the
Seven National Park venues in MICHIGAN!
To Read More About It:
CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW
AND CHECK THIS OUT...
Powering More Family History Discoveries
The Newspapers.com Marriage Index collection adds to the world's largest, searchable digital archive of newspaper published historical wedding announcements. Since the early 1800s, newspapers across the country have been publishing rich information about engagements, marriage license applications, wedding announcements, and more.
In addition to the names of the couple, these records often provide rich details about family members, including ages, residence and parents’ names. By indexing these data and records in ways that would take humans a great deal of time, we are continuing to empower journeys of personal discovery, and our members can now easily search these indexes with just one click.
The Newspapers.com Marriage Index collection adds to the world's largest, searchable digital archive of newspaper published historical wedding announcements. Since the early 1800s, newspapers across the country have been publishing rich information about engagements, marriage license applications, wedding announcements, and more.
In addition to the names of the couple, these records often provide rich details about family members, including ages, residence and parents’ names. By indexing these data and records in ways that would take humans a great deal of time, we are continuing to empower journeys of personal discovery, and our members can now easily search these indexes with just one click.
Benefits of an oral history
While the use of oral history falls outside the mainstream of genealogical research, African American oral history plays a vital part in African American genealogical research. With fewer ways to document African American ancestors going back in time, oral history or documented narratives can be used to extract important facts which may give clues or point to existing historical documentation.
Even though the researcher may not find oral history on an ancestor, oral history may exist for an ancestor's contemporary who may have mentioned:
Even though the researcher may not find oral history on an ancestor, oral history may exist for an ancestor's contemporary who may have mentioned:
- former slave owner
- neighbors or family members
- names of churches
- whereabouts before slavery
FAMILY HISTORY 101
Sharing your family’s legacy is so important for strengthening family
bonds and reliving traditions that will make memories for every
generation. Take the time to sit down with your living relatives to
record important family history and maybe you’ll make some new
family history research discoveries. LET US SHOW YOU HOW...
bonds and reliving traditions that will make memories for every
generation. Take the time to sit down with your living relatives to
record important family history and maybe you’ll make some new
family history research discoveries. LET US SHOW YOU HOW...
so what did you find?
ITS THE SEASON OF LOVE. CELEBRATE WITH THOSE YOU LOVE AND CARE ABOUT! ...Did you find the 14 hearts for Valentines day?