SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
FROM SHARED KNOWLEDGE COMES PRESERVED HISTORY
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WE LOVE FEBRUARY!
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SPEAKER INFOA RootTech video
ON FINDING FAMILY with Bob Szczypka Check us out on Meeting Day Tuesday 14 FEB 2023 Sign in starts at 6 pm Meeting begins at 6:30 pm EST |
DID YOU KNOW: February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place this time of year. WOW!
SGS NEWSSGS MEETING RECAPMEETING IN: JANUARY 2023 We visited with Ron Roggow and Debra Sheets. And we learned about the SGS website, and where some new items are now located. We also learned about how to sign-in as a member and what you'll gain access to. Are you curious to see the website too? Here is a link to the INDEX page below. A great lesson for us all !
SGS NEWS
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SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE CLASSES NOW!!! DID YOU KNOW...
ROOTSTECH VIDEOS...
How long will RootsTech sessions be available on the website after the conference? We will keep most of the classes and keynotes from RootsTech up for approximately three years. Most classes from 2021 will be available until the 2024 conference and 2022 classes until 2025. Where do I go to watch them? Check it out below. DID YOU ALSO KNOW...There is ONE safe place to store all your photos and stories... FOREVER.
Safely stored 600 ft. underground. And also
duplicated inside YET another mountain. Yeah...We got you covered! FamilySearch.org is a non-profit and totally free! MILITARY SERVICE: CIVIL WARSix Steps To Find Your Civil War Veterans and Their Regiments
To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people. YOUR GENEALOGY NEEDS MET AT THE LOCAL FHC!
WE are the FamilySearch Center, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, an international organization dedicated to helping all people worldwide discover their family story.
ARE you looking for help in your a Family tree? HERE, you will be shown how to begin a free tree that will be placed online for any of your family members to share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members. FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on FamilySearch.org. YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting an online tree and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones. ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members-past-present-and future-can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life. WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your family’s memories before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again. IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 ! OR CALL FOR ONLINE HELP AT:
FamilySearch open 24 hrs./7 days a week! 1-866-604-1830 
WHERE HISTORY HOLDS THE KEY! This is a FREE website that promotes self learning. If you want to start a FREE Family Tree on FamilySearch, OR begin family research on Ancestry, or learn how to index records, then... THIS IS THE PLACE! And we also keep track of all the Rootstech videos for you to find RIGHT here. SO COME ON... Learn at HistoryKEY.org which also connects you to the 1950 census! Just click below. FRESHLY UPDATED JUST FOR YOU! WHAT'S ON THE TUBE?Want to know more about indexing?
Check out this YOU TUBE VIDEO, A SELF HELP TUTORIAL ... Enjoy :) PRE-REGISTER PLEASE
ALL VISITORS OR NEW MEMBERS
MUST PRE-REGISTER Please note: Invite LINK is sent the day before the meetings. REGISTER TODAY! SQUARE IS THE FUTURE!
Pay your SGS membership or donate,
with just a few clicks. SQUARE is EASY, SAFE, AND NO HASSLE! (click the SQUARE icon above to pay) MICHIGAN GENEALOGICAL
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ANNOUNCEMENT!!
We are now called the: FAMILYSEARCH CENTER!
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THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
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TIMBERTOWN LOG
Misplaced the last issue of the Timbertown Log? Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
MORE INTERESTING STUFF
NOW OPEN AND RARIN' TO GO!
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A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
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This guide shows you how to find billions of free birth, death, marriage and census records.
ANCESTRAL FINDINGS
Oral histories are a valuable genealogical resource. This is what you need to know about the value of oral histories, where to find them, and how to do them yourself with your own relatives. Click below to learn.
MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARDS
FREE!
Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that 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 this state!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
Are you a Michigan library card holder?
Did you know that 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 this state!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HOYT LIBRARY
...remembering the past
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< CLICK LIBRARY LOGO
to see the video |
FREE SAGINAW OBITUARIES
Saginaw Libraries have over
200,00+ obituaries
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
200,00+ obituaries
for you to find.
Click on the link below:
GET ANSWERS
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Brick wall? Stumped?
Lost?
WE ARE HERE, AND READY TO HELP YOU!
Lost?
WE ARE HERE, AND READY TO HELP YOU!
With the combined efforts of our members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
but we DO take donations.
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
but we DO take donations.
REMEMBRANCE FUND
PLEASE REMEMBER US,
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
saggensoc@gmail.com
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
saggensoc@gmail.com
MICHIGAN-STATE GENEALOGY
The website for all things pertaining to historical research and documents for the state of Michigan.
CHECK US OUT.
DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search thru for obituaries!
FREE HELPS
17 ALL FREE GREAT
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH.
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH.
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
FREE GENEALOGY SITES
LAND SAKES ALIVE HERE'S 50 MORE!!
CHECK OUT OUR Fb SITE!
IT'S A HOOT!
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NEWS FOR RESEARCHERS!
FREE GENEALOGY WEBINARS!!!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch and SO MUCH more! JUST CLICK BELOW!
Everything you ever wanted to know about USING FamilySearch and SO MUCH more! JUST CLICK BELOW!
SGS PIONEER CERTIFICATES
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FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
FOREVER GIFT...
your family will forever remember!
*Ancestor documentation is vetted by our Society.
*Your ancestor will be noted in our website
YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their pedigree.
*Your ancestor will be noted in our website
YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their pedigree.
MORE HELP
How SideView™ Technology Splits Your DNA Results by Parent
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you don’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
NEED GENEALOGY GIFTS?
BEV PALMER used to live in Saginaw, she is a fellow genealogist and has started this business. Lots of cool stuff - from babies to bags, and from t-shirts to tags, she's got it all! check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
CLICK ON BLACK TITLES |
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GENEALOGY HELPS |
What is ThruLines?
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be public, and linked to your DNA test. To check this, go to Your DNA Results Summary, and click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen). Then follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the Ancestry family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents. ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be public, and linked to your DNA test. To check this, go to Your DNA Results Summary, and click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen). Then follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the Ancestry family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents. ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
FREE WEBINARS
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FamilySearch - Family History Library Free Online Webinars
2022 classes include:
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a live event, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at:
Family History Library classes and webinars.
2022 classes include:
- Using the FamilySearch Catalog
- Research in Canada (an Introduction)
- Exploring Post-1850
- US Federal Census Records
- NEW BEGINNER CLASSES to FamilySearch Family Tree
- How to Attach Sources
- Merging Duplicate Individuals
- Correcting Relationships
- Adding Memories and many more topics!
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a live event, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at:
Family History Library classes and webinars.
SEARCH TIPS
6 Ancestry Search Tips
1. Pinpoint your ancestor’s location from the census on a map, and then look for churches, cemeteries, and other places where your ancestor may have left records.
2. Be sure to locate your ancestor’s adult siblings in census records. It was common for extended family to live in the same household or near other family members. You may find a parent, grandparent, or other family members living either with them or nearby.
3. If you’re having a difficult time locating your ancestor, try searching using only given names and other details like birth year, residence, family members, place of birth, etc.
4. Occasionally, census takers only recorded initials in place of the given name. Using only a first initial will bring up these records.
5. Census takers didn’t always have the best penmanship, so if you’re having a hard time locating your ancestor, write out the name and try replacing some of the letters with letters that look similar. (Try an O for an A, try an J for a P, try a F for an S.)
6. The U.S. federal censuses for the years 1900-1930 include a date of immigration for immigrants. Use that date to narrow your search for your ancestor’s passenger arrival record in the Immigration Collection.
SAVING BEST FOR LAST
FOOD & FAMILY
Did you know...family recipes are a tradition!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
What food is most popular in February?
Well, that would be anything associated with LOVE!
Well, that would be anything associated with LOVE!
Whether your idea of a romantic meal is ....
...steak au poivre, mac and cheese or an all-dessert feast, the best Valentine’s Day recipes are all about indulgence. And while there are few things sexier than a good cheese pull, that doesn’t mean your menu has to be ultra-rich and heavy (though we’ve got a fabulously meaty lasagna recipe for you, if that is your bag!)
So, to help out all the happy couples — or single food-lovers looking to indulge in some tasty self-love — we compiled some of our all-time favorite romantic recipes. Along with Valentine's Day dinner recipes and dinner ideas for two, there's sweet-tooth satisfying Valentine's Day treats like homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and Valentine's Day cookies, cookies and more cookies.
Kick off the morning with a hearty sheet pan breakfast bake (or better yet, some homemade French toast) and finish it off with a perfectly seared NY strip steak, or a vegan bolognese or cauliflower 'steak' if you’re leaning plant-based. We also highly recommend throwing in a couple of Valentine’s Day cocktails if you dabble in libations and ant to really class things up.
Most of these recipes take a little extra time to make, but they’re well worth the time and effort -- a bit like finding the right person to share your life with!
...steak au poivre, mac and cheese or an all-dessert feast, the best Valentine’s Day recipes are all about indulgence. And while there are few things sexier than a good cheese pull, that doesn’t mean your menu has to be ultra-rich and heavy (though we’ve got a fabulously meaty lasagna recipe for you, if that is your bag!)
So, to help out all the happy couples — or single food-lovers looking to indulge in some tasty self-love — we compiled some of our all-time favorite romantic recipes. Along with Valentine's Day dinner recipes and dinner ideas for two, there's sweet-tooth satisfying Valentine's Day treats like homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and Valentine's Day cookies, cookies and more cookies.
Kick off the morning with a hearty sheet pan breakfast bake (or better yet, some homemade French toast) and finish it off with a perfectly seared NY strip steak, or a vegan bolognese or cauliflower 'steak' if you’re leaning plant-based. We also highly recommend throwing in a couple of Valentine’s Day cocktails if you dabble in libations and ant to really class things up.
Most of these recipes take a little extra time to make, but they’re well worth the time and effort -- a bit like finding the right person to share your life with!
GENEALOGY PUNS
MILITARY
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WWI STORIES TO WARM YOUR HEART
Thucydides, (thoo·si·duh·deez)
an Ancient Greek historian and general, once said:
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.”
an Ancient Greek historian and general, once said:
“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out and meet it.”
WWII: MOSQUITOES HELP WIN THE WAR
How a Mosquito Terrorized The Luftwaffe, Watch The Video!
MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
CHECK THESE HELPS OUT
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
YOU MAY FIND HELP
HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH!
MILITARY SERVICE: KOREA
The Korean War: Everything You Need to Know
11 Aug 2020
Military.com | By Blake Stilwell
The Korean War was the first time the United States military engaged in a shooting conflict after the end of World War II; it was also the first of many sparks that really turned the Cold War hot.
From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War was at the forefront of American minds and politics. A public emerging from the World War II years and weary of fighting didn't fully understand the threat of Communism or the Truman administration's "containment" strategy -- which meant they didn't fully understand what happened in the first place.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
Military.com | By Blake Stilwell
The Korean War was the first time the United States military engaged in a shooting conflict after the end of World War II; it was also the first of many sparks that really turned the Cold War hot.
From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War was at the forefront of American minds and politics. A public emerging from the World War II years and weary of fighting didn't fully understand the threat of Communism or the Truman administration's "containment" strategy -- which meant they didn't fully understand what happened in the first place.
CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE
MILITARY STORIES |
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By Danielle DeSimone
As the oldest military branch in the Armed Forces with its roots stretching back to the Continental Army of the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. Army has a long and storied history of valor and commitment to serving the American people and our allies. Here are six stories of courage that have come from Army soldiers – both on and off the battlefield.
As the oldest military branch in the Armed Forces with its roots stretching back to the Continental Army of the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. Army has a long and storied history of valor and commitment to serving the American people and our allies. Here are six stories of courage that have come from Army soldiers – both on and off the battlefield.
AMAZING STORIES
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Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
MONTH BY MONTH
FEBRUARY
WHAT DAYS ARE YOUR FAVORITES?
It’s mid-winter with plenty of cold and snowy weather...
But, there are some sizzling February holidays to warm you up! We begin the month when a little groundhog emerges from his winter lair to predict how much winter remains. Then in mid-month love is in the air to warm our hearts. Valentine’s Day is followed the next day with the lesser-known, but still heart-warming Singles Awareness Day. You can readily fill your daily calendar with February National holidays and International Holidays, along with some really fun special days.
But, there are some sizzling February holidays to warm you up! We begin the month when a little groundhog emerges from his winter lair to predict how much winter remains. Then in mid-month love is in the air to warm our hearts. Valentine’s Day is followed the next day with the lesser-known, but still heart-warming Singles Awareness Day. You can readily fill your daily calendar with February National holidays and International Holidays, along with some really fun special days.
DAYS TO CELEBRATE: LEARN SOMETHIN' OLD
Valentines Day is always February 14
Valentine’s Day a celebration of love and lovers.
The roots of Valentine’s Day go back to ancient times when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia and was celebrated even then on February 14th!
It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and families. Many couples become engaged or married on this, the most romantic day of the year. For others, it is a day to fall in love.
The traditions of Valentine’s Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and romantic dinners are the big hits of this holiday.
Did you know? While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women all year long, during the days and even minutes before Valentine’s Day, 75% of the chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $ 1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day.
About Chocolate Trivia: We love our chocolates. We love it so much, that Americans consume over 3.1 billion pounds of chocolates per year. On average, each of us will consume over 10,000 chocolate bars in our lifetime! Here are some chocolate trivia and fun chocolate facts to “Wow” your family and friends with your chocolatey knowledge.
Today’s Quote: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – – Charles M. Schulz See more Chocolate Trivia:
HERE
Saint Valentine is the patron saint for this day. SO WHO WAS HE? Well, ONE (there was a few) Saint Valentine who was supposedly a Roman priest who performed secret weddings against the wishes of the authorities in the third century. Imprisoned in the home of a noble, he healed his captor's blind daughter (who fell in love with the priest), causing the whole household to convert to Christianity and (unfortunately) sealing his fate.
UNRomantic Thought for Today: If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, it means nobody else wanted them. …… Set them free again!
The roots of Valentine’s Day go back to ancient times when people paid honor to the Roman God of Fertility. This was known as the Feast of Lupercalia and was celebrated even then on February 14th!
It is a romantic event for lovers and a fun event for kids and families. Many couples become engaged or married on this, the most romantic day of the year. For others, it is a day to fall in love.
The traditions of Valentine’s Day are broad and many. It is a time to exchange cards or small gifts. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and romantic dinners are the big hits of this holiday.
Did you know? While 75% of chocolate purchases are made by women all year long, during the days and even minutes before Valentine’s Day, 75% of the chocolate purchases are made by men. Over $ 1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day.
About Chocolate Trivia: We love our chocolates. We love it so much, that Americans consume over 3.1 billion pounds of chocolates per year. On average, each of us will consume over 10,000 chocolate bars in our lifetime! Here are some chocolate trivia and fun chocolate facts to “Wow” your family and friends with your chocolatey knowledge.
Today’s Quote: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – – Charles M. Schulz See more Chocolate Trivia:
HERE
Saint Valentine is the patron saint for this day. SO WHO WAS HE? Well, ONE (there was a few) Saint Valentine who was supposedly a Roman priest who performed secret weddings against the wishes of the authorities in the third century. Imprisoned in the home of a noble, he healed his captor's blind daughter (who fell in love with the priest), causing the whole household to convert to Christianity and (unfortunately) sealing his fate.
UNRomantic Thought for Today: If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, it means nobody else wanted them. …… Set them free again!
Periwinkle – This plant is thought to be one of the most popular flowers brought to the graves of the enslaved.
African American History
Who was Carter G Woodson and Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month.
It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom too.
Black History Month actually started as Negro History Week in 1917. Author, journalist, and historian Carter G. Woodson—now appropriately recognized as the “father of black history”—lobbied vigorously for the national recognition of Black stories and perspectives.
Woodson believed deeply that equality was only possible with the acknowledgment and understanding of a race’s history, and dedicated his life to the study of African American historical research.
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month.
It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom too.
Black History Month actually started as Negro History Week in 1917. Author, journalist, and historian Carter G. Woodson—now appropriately recognized as the “father of black history”—lobbied vigorously for the national recognition of Black stories and perspectives.
Woodson believed deeply that equality was only possible with the acknowledgment and understanding of a race’s history, and dedicated his life to the study of African American historical research.
IN THE PAST...
THE BOOK NOOK
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
WAR BONDS by Cindy Hval
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Anne Enright is a dazzling writer of international stature and one of Ireland's most singular voices. Now she delivers "The Gathering," a moving, evocative portrait of a large Irish family and a shot of fresh blood into the Irish literary tradition, combining the lyricism of the old with the shock of the new.
The nine surviving children of the Hegarty clan are gathering in Dublin for the wake of their wayward brother, Liam, drowned in the sea. His sister, Veronica, collects the body and keeps the dead man company, guarding the secret she shares with him--something that happened in their grandmother's house in the winter of 1968.
As Enright traces the line of betrayal and redemption through three generations, her distinctive intelligence twists the world a fraction and gives it back to us in a new and unforgettable light. "The Gathering" is a daring, witty, and insightful family epic, clarified through Anne Enright's unblinking eye. It is a novel about love and disappointment, about how memories warp and secrets fester, and how fate is written in the body, not in the stars.
The nine surviving children of the Hegarty clan are gathering in Dublin for the wake of their wayward brother, Liam, drowned in the sea. His sister, Veronica, collects the body and keeps the dead man company, guarding the secret she shares with him--something that happened in their grandmother's house in the winter of 1968.
As Enright traces the line of betrayal and redemption through three generations, her distinctive intelligence twists the world a fraction and gives it back to us in a new and unforgettable light. "The Gathering" is a daring, witty, and insightful family epic, clarified through Anne Enright's unblinking eye. It is a novel about love and disappointment, about how memories warp and secrets fester, and how fate is written in the body, not in the stars.
A BOOK... just for this month...
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
An amazing book, with 5 stars and over 6,083 ratings!
GENETICS 101 |
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The Human Genome Project Pieced Together 92% of the DNA – Now Scientists Have Finally Filled in the Remaining 8%
When the Human Genome Project announced that they had completed the first human genome in 2003, it was a momentous accomplishment – for the first time, the DNA blueprint of human life was unlocked. But it came with a catch – they weren’t actually able to put together all the genetic information in the genome. There were gaps: unfilled, often repetitive regions that were too confusing to piece together.
With advancements in technology that could handle these repetitive sequences, scientists finally filled those gaps in May 2021, and the first end-to-end human genome was officially published on Mar. 31, 2022.
I am a genome biologist who studies repetitive DNA sequences and how they shape genomes throughout evolutionary history.
And I was part of the team that helped characterize the repeat sequences missing from the genome. And now, with a truly complete human genome, these uncovered repetitive regions are finally being explored in full for the first time.
With advancements in technology that could handle these repetitive sequences, scientists finally filled those gaps in May 2021, and the first end-to-end human genome was officially published on Mar. 31, 2022.
I am a genome biologist who studies repetitive DNA sequences and how they shape genomes throughout evolutionary history.
And I was part of the team that helped characterize the repeat sequences missing from the genome. And now, with a truly complete human genome, these uncovered repetitive regions are finally being explored in full for the first time.
GENEALOGY TRADITIONS
IN DOING MY FAMILY GENEALOGY, I LEARNED THAT ...
...slavery, diversity and mystery quietly entered our family tree.
The name 'RONALDO' was printed on the beads on his little birth bracelet, he was born on 21 June 1932 in Ferndale, Oakland, Michigan, United States. But he was found on the doorstep of Evelyn and William Lane, early one morning, by the elderly white couple, who had never been able to have children. He was found with a note in his basket, stating that the parents of the child, "knew the Lanes to be good and kind people who would take good care of our baby, whom we have named Ronaldo." He was only days old.
The year was 1932, the Lanes had also been 'foster parents' for several years to various young children for the courts, although none of these children remained with them. But now they had their dreams come true, a child of their very own!
As far as we can find, there is no document in government records to prove a legal adoption took place. And according to family lore, (and due to the lax local government rules at the time), nothing was done legally. A baby appeared for free on their doorstep, it was what they had prayed for, and low and behold, a child had now appeared! And so they raised him as their own. The name RONALDO was changed to Ronald, and he was given his adoptive fathers' name for both his middle and surname. And so this precious little baby boy became Ronald William Lane.
He grew up healthy and strong, and when he was older he was told the story of the 'bracelet and basket, and that he was adopted. But he was also told he was probably of Italian descent, as there were many olive skinned Italians in the area of Ferndale at the time. And so his true birth parentage never was debated, questioned nor discussed.
He graduated from Ferndale High School, joined the Army and married a Russian girl from Ferndale that he adored from school, named Eugenia 'Jean' Irene Birukow. (my aunt) Their firstborn child, a son, was born at Fort Sill, Oklahoma military base where Ron was stationed at. They named the baby Craig Allen Lane. And soon to follow were two daughters: Diane and Sandra. After the Army, the Lane's moved to Chicago to raise their family. Ron's adoptive parents loved him dearly, and I'm sure they wanted to see their grandchildren more too, but soon they both passed away. As the years flew by, Ron worked hard to support his growing family, and whether it was too much time spent at work or just an available secretary, Ron left his wife and family. They divorced, he soon remarried, and over time the years and the marriages also passed. And too soon, so does Ron Lane, in 1993.
More years pass by and Ron's eldest child Craig, is now gaining in years and is himself gravely ill. So I, as his cousin, convince him to do a DNA test. The test comes back and shows Craig that his father was in fact, African American. And that begins a search for the birth parents of Ron Lane. I had just gotten some preliminary info together when sadly, Craig passes away in 2018.
NOW Enter Craig's 'little' sister, Sandra, who is the spearhead for all that follows, as she doggedly strives to uncover the truth. So through both my genealogical details and Sandra's dogged determination AND the fact that someone in the birth father's family eventually did a DNA test...we finally had a connection,
in Canada! Yes, DNA proved that Ron's father is in fact from the Hanson line in Ontario, Canada and of African descent!
So a few years ago, sisters Diane and Sandra and one of their half sisters, travelled to Ontario, Canada and met the family members of the 'alleged' birth father. Why Canada? Because you see, during the civil war there was this organization that was started, called the Underground Railroad. This was a group of white abolitionists who developed a way to help move escaped slaves secretly through the United States and up into Ontario, Canada. Between 1800 and 1865, approximately 30,000 Black people came to Canada via the Underground Railway. UNDERGROUND RAILWAY MUSEUM
The network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved Africans to escape into free American states and Canada with the support of abolitionists and their allies. Where these former slave families and individuals were given purchased land in Canada, through a donation from a black pastor, himself a former slave in the U.S.
Here is a short story about the pastor:
This museum on the banks of the Sydenham River is dedicated to the life and times of one towering figure — Josiah Henson, a freedom seeker from Maryland. In 1830, Henson fled with his wife and young children, endured hunger and exhaustion on the Underground Railroad and finally made it to Dresden, Ontario. He farmed, became a preacher and emerged as a leading abolitionist and community leader. He and other abolitionists, both black and white, established the nearby Dawn settlement as a refuge for Underground Railroad immigrants, and also for free African-Americans who could no longer live in a place that was hostile to black freedom. Dawn became a self-sufficient community.
Henson is believed by many to be the prototype for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Before Stowe published her novel, Henson had written his own story, “The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada, as Narrated by Himself.”
There the African American former slaves built up a town, which is still to this day inhabited by those whose bloodlines can be traced back to slavery. The former slave families, who are both light and dark colored, were VERY happy to meet my cousins and share their family trees and photos with them.
But how did a young black man from Canada meet a white girl of Norwegian/Irish descent in America? Well, DNA has been miraculous in finding this out! While we still don't know all the details, we do know this: The young man, now known as Roderick "Rod" Benton Hanson, was working in Detroit at a hotel. The young lady was from Kentucky on a visit to Michigan, and known as Allie Mae Bowman. What we DO know is that after the baby was born in Ferndale, and given up for adoption, Miss Bowman returned to Kentucky, and she never married nor had any other children. She later died of TB in Kentucky 9 years later. The father, Mr. Hanson, stayed in America and married twice, before his death in Ontario, Canada in 1994.
A strange and yet miraculous story of prayer, love, hardship, despair and sacrifice. I only wish that Miss Bowman could have known that her baby boy grew up healthy, happy and amongst people who loved him. But perhaps she already knows.
The year was 1932, the Lanes had also been 'foster parents' for several years to various young children for the courts, although none of these children remained with them. But now they had their dreams come true, a child of their very own!
As far as we can find, there is no document in government records to prove a legal adoption took place. And according to family lore, (and due to the lax local government rules at the time), nothing was done legally. A baby appeared for free on their doorstep, it was what they had prayed for, and low and behold, a child had now appeared! And so they raised him as their own. The name RONALDO was changed to Ronald, and he was given his adoptive fathers' name for both his middle and surname. And so this precious little baby boy became Ronald William Lane.
He grew up healthy and strong, and when he was older he was told the story of the 'bracelet and basket, and that he was adopted. But he was also told he was probably of Italian descent, as there were many olive skinned Italians in the area of Ferndale at the time. And so his true birth parentage never was debated, questioned nor discussed.
He graduated from Ferndale High School, joined the Army and married a Russian girl from Ferndale that he adored from school, named Eugenia 'Jean' Irene Birukow. (my aunt) Their firstborn child, a son, was born at Fort Sill, Oklahoma military base where Ron was stationed at. They named the baby Craig Allen Lane. And soon to follow were two daughters: Diane and Sandra. After the Army, the Lane's moved to Chicago to raise their family. Ron's adoptive parents loved him dearly, and I'm sure they wanted to see their grandchildren more too, but soon they both passed away. As the years flew by, Ron worked hard to support his growing family, and whether it was too much time spent at work or just an available secretary, Ron left his wife and family. They divorced, he soon remarried, and over time the years and the marriages also passed. And too soon, so does Ron Lane, in 1993.
More years pass by and Ron's eldest child Craig, is now gaining in years and is himself gravely ill. So I, as his cousin, convince him to do a DNA test. The test comes back and shows Craig that his father was in fact, African American. And that begins a search for the birth parents of Ron Lane. I had just gotten some preliminary info together when sadly, Craig passes away in 2018.
NOW Enter Craig's 'little' sister, Sandra, who is the spearhead for all that follows, as she doggedly strives to uncover the truth. So through both my genealogical details and Sandra's dogged determination AND the fact that someone in the birth father's family eventually did a DNA test...we finally had a connection,
in Canada! Yes, DNA proved that Ron's father is in fact from the Hanson line in Ontario, Canada and of African descent!
So a few years ago, sisters Diane and Sandra and one of their half sisters, travelled to Ontario, Canada and met the family members of the 'alleged' birth father. Why Canada? Because you see, during the civil war there was this organization that was started, called the Underground Railroad. This was a group of white abolitionists who developed a way to help move escaped slaves secretly through the United States and up into Ontario, Canada. Between 1800 and 1865, approximately 30,000 Black people came to Canada via the Underground Railway. UNDERGROUND RAILWAY MUSEUM
The network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved Africans to escape into free American states and Canada with the support of abolitionists and their allies. Where these former slave families and individuals were given purchased land in Canada, through a donation from a black pastor, himself a former slave in the U.S.
Here is a short story about the pastor:
This museum on the banks of the Sydenham River is dedicated to the life and times of one towering figure — Josiah Henson, a freedom seeker from Maryland. In 1830, Henson fled with his wife and young children, endured hunger and exhaustion on the Underground Railroad and finally made it to Dresden, Ontario. He farmed, became a preacher and emerged as a leading abolitionist and community leader. He and other abolitionists, both black and white, established the nearby Dawn settlement as a refuge for Underground Railroad immigrants, and also for free African-Americans who could no longer live in a place that was hostile to black freedom. Dawn became a self-sufficient community.
Henson is believed by many to be the prototype for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Before Stowe published her novel, Henson had written his own story, “The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada, as Narrated by Himself.”
There the African American former slaves built up a town, which is still to this day inhabited by those whose bloodlines can be traced back to slavery. The former slave families, who are both light and dark colored, were VERY happy to meet my cousins and share their family trees and photos with them.
But how did a young black man from Canada meet a white girl of Norwegian/Irish descent in America? Well, DNA has been miraculous in finding this out! While we still don't know all the details, we do know this: The young man, now known as Roderick "Rod" Benton Hanson, was working in Detroit at a hotel. The young lady was from Kentucky on a visit to Michigan, and known as Allie Mae Bowman. What we DO know is that after the baby was born in Ferndale, and given up for adoption, Miss Bowman returned to Kentucky, and she never married nor had any other children. She later died of TB in Kentucky 9 years later. The father, Mr. Hanson, stayed in America and married twice, before his death in Ontario, Canada in 1994.
A strange and yet miraculous story of prayer, love, hardship, despair and sacrifice. I only wish that Miss Bowman could have known that her baby boy grew up healthy, happy and amongst people who loved him. But perhaps she already knows.
READ MORE ABOUT IT...
Three years before Harriet Beecher Stowe interviewed Josiah Henson and wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, Henson published his life story as a powerful autobiography. This 1849 Narrative, by the real Uncle Tom, reveals Henson tremendous intelligence, a gift that enabled him to chronicle and analyze the roles being played by both masters and slaves.
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