SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
FROM SHARED KNOWLEDGE
|
ALL VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS MUST PREREGISTER
FOR THE ZOOM MEETINGS TO REGISTER CLICK THE GREEN BUTTON ABOVE NOW! |
|
DO YOU REEMBER?
SEPTEMBER
(earth, wind, & fire) Lyrics: Do you remember The 21st night of September? Love was a changin' the minds of pretenders, While chasin' the clouds away. Our hearts were a ringin' In the key that our souls were a singin', As we danced in the night, Remember How the stars stole the night away, oh, yeah! (CHORUS) Hey, hey, hey Ba-dee-ya, say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya, dancin' in September Ba-dee-ya, never was a cloudy day There was a Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin' in September Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days. My thoughts are with you Holdin' hands with your heart to see you, Only blue talk and love, remember How we knew love was here to stay Now December, Found the love that we shared in September, Only blue talk and love, remember The true love we share today. (CHORUS) The bell was a ringin', oh, oh Our souls were a singin' Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow! There was a.. Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin' in September Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days. (CHORUS) |
MONTH: SEPTSeptember’s name comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.” This month had originally been the seventh month of the early Roman calendar, but now it is the ninth month.
Embrace the golden hues of September sunsets
|
SPEAKER INFOTUESDAY
SEPT 10th 6 pm sign-in Meeting begins @ 6:30PM sharp! TONIGHTS SPEAKER:
KAREN REYNOLDS 5 STEPS: HOW TO WRITE YOUR LIFE STORY 
If you've found yourself here, YOU ARE PROBABLY IN THE MOOD TO DO SOMETHING RELATED TO GENEALOGY...
and chances are, you're starting to think about writing your life story or capturing the life story of someone you love. Here's how you can start writing something that friends, family and future generations will treasure for years to come! New to SGS? WELCOME! We look forward to seeing you in person OR please sign up to visit us online through ZOOM!
|
SGS NEWSSGS MEETING RECAPMEETING IN: JUNE
We met in June for the last meeting of the fiscal year. We had an indoor picnic at the LDS church ! There were games, and food and tons of fun. It was a great time...
And then we met once more at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Saginaw, in the Veterans section at the top of the hill, where those who came to volunteer their time, cleaned the headstones of fallen soldiers and said a prayer or two and let the sun shine on our faces and backs as we worked together. A most memorable day. 
SGS NEWSThese are the officers elected to serve you this year 2024-2025
PRESIDENT Karen Reynolds VICE PRESIDENT Lynn Evangelisti SECRETARY Donna Carlevato TREASURER Debra Sheets DIRECTOR Nancy Pavlik DIRECTOR Bob Szczypka DIRECTOR Betty Coleman 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 on our sister site THE HISTORY KEY, for approximately three years. Most classes will be available until the THE FOLLOWING YEAR'S conference. SO...Where do I go to watch them? Well, Check it out below! DID YOU ALSO KNOWThere 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. MILITARY RECORDS:MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
CHECK THIS INFO OUT
YOU MAY FIND HELP HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH! YOUR GENEALOGY NEEDS MET AT YOUR LOCAL FSC!
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 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 help 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 www.FamilySearch.org YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting a FREE 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 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. SO REGISTER TODAY! SQUARE IS HERE FOR YOU
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 COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
|
|
THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
|
TIMBERTOWN LOG
Misplaced the last issue of the Timbertown Log?
CONTACT US AT: [email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
CONTACT US AT: [email protected]
Not a member, and curious to see?
TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW
MORE INTERESTING STUFF
NOW OPEN AND RARIN' TO GO!
CLICK ON PHOTO ABOVE
A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
|
|
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!
FOR FREE
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!
FOR FREE
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO
SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
HOYT LIBRARY
...remembering the past
|
< 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
|
|
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
board-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).
board-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).
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:
[email protected]
SO WE CAN REMEMBER YOU!
FOR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH OR PRESERVATION
THE DONATION IS MADE
IN YOUR NAME. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL TO:
[email protected]
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!
GIVE IT A TRY!
GIVE IT A TRY!
FREE HELPS
17 ALL FREE GREAT
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
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!
|
|
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
Give a
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 on our website
AND YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their VETTED pedigree.
*Your ancestor will be noted on our website
AND YOU RECEIVE:
*A handsome embossed certificate *
Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their VETTED 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!
check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
CLICK ON BLACK TITLES |
|
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, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. 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.
SORRY, 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, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. 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.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
FREE WEBINARS
FamilySearch - Family Search Library Free Online Webinars
2024 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
See the table of webinars below for more details.
2024 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
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 the following link:
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 TO THE 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.
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 TO THE 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.
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
Mackinaw Bridge?
THERE IS ONLY ONE TO FIND!
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
Mackinaw Bridge?
THERE IS ONLY ONE TO FIND!
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
SEPTEMBER?
Well, that would be anything associated with GREAT FOOD!
SEPTEMBER?
Well, that would be anything associated with GREAT FOOD!
September is a bridge between the seasons, when the farmers market is still awash in late-summer produce but we're starting to crave crisp apple recipes and comforting fall stews.
Let this collection of new recipes from the F&W Test Kitchen and contributors guide your transitional menus. Turn late-summer tomatoes into an effortless no-cook pasta sauce, or go full-on fall with a one-pan wonder of pork chops, apples, and bacon on the cover of the September issue. Use up those blueberries for muffin-inspired cookies, or make your first cider doughnuts of the season.
Whichever direction you take, you can't go wrong.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Let this collection of new recipes from the F&W Test Kitchen and contributors guide your transitional menus. Turn late-summer tomatoes into an effortless no-cook pasta sauce, or go full-on fall with a one-pan wonder of pork chops, apples, and bacon on the cover of the September issue. Use up those blueberries for muffin-inspired cookies, or make your first cider doughnuts of the season.
Whichever direction you take, you can't go wrong.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!
IN MEMORY OF:
NO ONE TODAY,
JUST REMEMBER YOUR FRIENDS
BE THEY TWO OR FOUR LEGGED!
JUST REMEMBER YOUR FRIENDS
BE THEY TWO OR FOUR LEGGED!
NATURAL BEAUTY
MILITARY
WAR STORIES TO WARM YOUR HEART
An American fighter pilot named Jack Tueller was camped two miles from the beaches of Normandy two weeks after D-Day (June, 1944).
He and his squadron had been flying attack runs against German targets in France and had been ordered to fire, without regard to French civilians being used as human shields, in an attack on German Panzer tanks.
At night, he took out his trumpet and played to ease his nerves. That night, the commanding officer said, "Don't play tonight. There's one German sniper left." The commander feared drawing the sniper's fire to their location. But Capt. Tuller softly played "Lili Marlene" a German love song. The sniper never fired a shot and was captured the next day.
All he wanted to know before he was sent off to prison camp in England, was who had played such beautiful music through the night. Watch "The Power of Music - Jack Leroy Tueller" to hear this story in his own words.
If the goal of war it to undermine the enemy's will to fight, Jack Tueller did it as effectively as anyone else that night, with no collateral damage. He took a risk and it paid off.
He and his squadron had been flying attack runs against German targets in France and had been ordered to fire, without regard to French civilians being used as human shields, in an attack on German Panzer tanks.
At night, he took out his trumpet and played to ease his nerves. That night, the commanding officer said, "Don't play tonight. There's one German sniper left." The commander feared drawing the sniper's fire to their location. But Capt. Tuller softly played "Lili Marlene" a German love song. The sniper never fired a shot and was captured the next day.
All he wanted to know before he was sent off to prison camp in England, was who had played such beautiful music through the night. Watch "The Power of Music - Jack Leroy Tueller" to hear this story in his own words.
If the goal of war it to undermine the enemy's will to fight, Jack Tueller did it as effectively as anyone else that night, with no collateral damage. He took a risk and it paid off.
WAR STORIES ACROSS THE YEARS
MY GRANDPA THE HERO
Scott SC Voiss
Scott SC Voiss
My Grandfather arrived on Omaha beach on D day- plus 1.
As he fought his way through France and untimely into the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, he naturally had many experiences to share.
The story he shared with me that is one of my favorites: When he was marching through France. His Regiment was attacked by a very small group of German soldiers. My Grandfather was in the main group that was under attack. Since it was a surprise, he followed his instincts and dived into a hedgerow.
When he got to his feet, he realized he had jumped into a secret bunker where 8 German soldiers were hiding. The Germans were as surprised and had been, and completely caught off guard. My Grandfather gathered himself and acted like it was all planned.
He quickly grabbed his pistol and pointing at them and screamed at them to get to the floor. Surprisingly, they complied and my Grandfather eventually escorted them out of the bunker and turned them over to his commanding officer.
My Grandfather was 18 at the time and is still living. He still has nightmares. With regard to this this story, he will admit, to this day that he was so very very scared. He thought for sure the 8 Germans would attack him, as he was outnumbered.
He won't tell me what he said, but he says that, "I said some horrible things and got aggressive with those guys, trying to scare them. They didn't speak English but they knew exactly what I wanted them to do". My Grandfather continues to deal with PTSD to this day, at ninety years old.
But he is still my hero and always has been!
As he fought his way through France and untimely into the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, he naturally had many experiences to share.
The story he shared with me that is one of my favorites: When he was marching through France. His Regiment was attacked by a very small group of German soldiers. My Grandfather was in the main group that was under attack. Since it was a surprise, he followed his instincts and dived into a hedgerow.
When he got to his feet, he realized he had jumped into a secret bunker where 8 German soldiers were hiding. The Germans were as surprised and had been, and completely caught off guard. My Grandfather gathered himself and acted like it was all planned.
He quickly grabbed his pistol and pointing at them and screamed at them to get to the floor. Surprisingly, they complied and my Grandfather eventually escorted them out of the bunker and turned them over to his commanding officer.
My Grandfather was 18 at the time and is still living. He still has nightmares. With regard to this this story, he will admit, to this day that he was so very very scared. He thought for sure the 8 Germans would attack him, as he was outnumbered.
He won't tell me what he said, but he says that, "I said some horrible things and got aggressive with those guys, trying to scare them. They didn't speak English but they knew exactly what I wanted them to do". My Grandfather continues to deal with PTSD to this day, at ninety years old.
But he is still my hero and always has been!
SMILE AWHILE
LOVE THE MOMENT
AMAZING STORIES
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:
MONTH: September- according
to the Old Farmers Almanac
to the Old Farmers Almanac
WHAT DAYS ARE YOUR FAVORITES?
What happens in the month of September? There’s a little for everyone: the last days of summer and the first days of fall. See September holidays, advice, recipes, fun facts, and trivia, as well as important days you should know all about.
September, in Old England, was called Haervest-monath (Harvest Month). This is the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months.
There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember--
But none with the purple, gold, and red
That dye the flowers of September!
—Mary Howitt (1799-1888)
September, in Old England, was called Haervest-monath (Harvest Month). This is the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months.
There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember--
But none with the purple, gold, and red
That dye the flowers of September!
—Mary Howitt (1799-1888)
GENEALOGY GEMS
The Stories of Our Lives
Family and Family Histories
This month’s storytelling sessions on family and history struck an emotional chord with me. The key words of ‘Quiet,’ ‘Missing People,’ ‘Resilience,’ and ‘Regrets of not Listening’ were especially evocative and stirring. It made me reflect on my own family’s narratives and how they’ve shaped my outlook.
Growing up, I experienced the past as a complex landscape, shaped by the differing attitudes of people around me. Some were open about their experiences, while others were more reticent. My granddad, grappling with life’s challenges, shared stories tinged with a combination of sadness and dark humour. In contrast, my nan chose to share only the happy or funny snapshots, leaving me curious about the full picture. While my biological dad’s absence left a gap in my understanding of that side of my family history, my stepdad filled some of that space with stories I truly cherish hearing now. As for my mum, her unique circumstances have made her heritage a bit of a mystery. Yet, what she does know and share, she always tells with humour.
This has led me to question: How often do we let these fragmented stories define our view of family history? How much are we missing by not delving deeper? It also brings to light the opportunity to reframe our approach to family history. The past doesn’t have to be a place too daunting to explore or too painful to touch. It can be an open book where stories are continually rewritten, perspectives are broadened, and understanding deepens.
Maybe it’s time for us all to become not just storytellers but active listeners, open to the multiple layers of stories that family history holds. As you read on, you’ll encounter diverse voices that echo this sentiment, each offering their unique take on the theme.
This month’s storytelling sessions on family and history struck an emotional chord with me. The key words of ‘Quiet,’ ‘Missing People,’ ‘Resilience,’ and ‘Regrets of not Listening’ were especially evocative and stirring. It made me reflect on my own family’s narratives and how they’ve shaped my outlook.
Growing up, I experienced the past as a complex landscape, shaped by the differing attitudes of people around me. Some were open about their experiences, while others were more reticent. My granddad, grappling with life’s challenges, shared stories tinged with a combination of sadness and dark humour. In contrast, my nan chose to share only the happy or funny snapshots, leaving me curious about the full picture. While my biological dad’s absence left a gap in my understanding of that side of my family history, my stepdad filled some of that space with stories I truly cherish hearing now. As for my mum, her unique circumstances have made her heritage a bit of a mystery. Yet, what she does know and share, she always tells with humour.
This has led me to question: How often do we let these fragmented stories define our view of family history? How much are we missing by not delving deeper? It also brings to light the opportunity to reframe our approach to family history. The past doesn’t have to be a place too daunting to explore or too painful to touch. It can be an open book where stories are continually rewritten, perspectives are broadened, and understanding deepens.
Maybe it’s time for us all to become not just storytellers but active listeners, open to the multiple layers of stories that family history holds. As you read on, you’ll encounter diverse voices that echo this sentiment, each offering their unique take on the theme.
IN THE PAST...
Rumination is when you're stuck in a loop of repeated negative thoughts about the past, and you can't seem to stop
even if you want to. “It's a cycle of excessive worries in which we repeatedly return to the same negative thoughts,”
even if you want to. “It's a cycle of excessive worries in which we repeatedly return to the same negative thoughts,”
Chew the cud awhile ...and be at peace.
THE BOOK NOOK
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger,
Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law
Paperback – July 14, 2022
by Marta Molnar (Author), Dana Marton (Author)
Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law
Paperback – July 14, 2022
by Marta Molnar (Author), Dana Marton (Author)
|
|
"This book draws all the emotions out of you. I went from tears to snorting with laughter. It was both lighthearted and heart breaking, yet it inspires me to live my best life! " Michelle Cox
When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother's diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn't her grandmother's. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law.
Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.
The inspiration couldn't come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?
*
"This book was so much more than I had expected, and I had high expectations... one of the most beautiful stories I've read in years." Kaela Stokes
"It touched something in my soul." Audrey McDonald
When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother's diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn't her grandmother's. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law.
Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.
The inspiration couldn't come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past?
*
"This book was so much more than I had expected, and I had high expectations... one of the most beautiful stories I've read in years." Kaela Stokes
"It touched something in my soul." Audrey McDonald
The Lost Bookshop
by Evie Woods (Author)
by Evie Woods (Author)
‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…
For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.
Readers have fallen in love with The Lost Bookshop:‘Beautifully written and captures the wonder and awe that a story can bring to its reader…a delightful story for any book lover…an ode to storytelling and the connections that books can make!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wowwww!! It’s been awhile since I read something so fascinating, captivating and special all in one…It takes you on a journey like most books do, but this one, I just want to inscribe on my back and hope that it becomes a part of me so that I can carry it with me always’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A must read for readers that love books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautiful story that begs to be read in one sitting…a magical story filled with beautiful prose and many surprises that readers will not soon forget’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This spellbinding book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A love story, one with books and booklovers at its heart. A warm, wonderful novel that sweeps up the reader into an absorbing, magical tale’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘If you enjoy books by the Brontë sisters … then I would fully recommend you read this book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This novel has it all: wit, a dash of magic, and a large heart. A fantastic read’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Evie Woods's book 'The Lost Bookshop' was a Sunday Times bestseller
For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.
Readers have fallen in love with The Lost Bookshop:‘Beautifully written and captures the wonder and awe that a story can bring to its reader…a delightful story for any book lover…an ode to storytelling and the connections that books can make!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wowwww!! It’s been awhile since I read something so fascinating, captivating and special all in one…It takes you on a journey like most books do, but this one, I just want to inscribe on my back and hope that it becomes a part of me so that I can carry it with me always’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A must read for readers that love books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautiful story that begs to be read in one sitting…a magical story filled with beautiful prose and many surprises that readers will not soon forget’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This spellbinding book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A love story, one with books and booklovers at its heart. A warm, wonderful novel that sweeps up the reader into an absorbing, magical tale’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘If you enjoy books by the Brontë sisters … then I would fully recommend you read this book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This novel has it all: wit, a dash of magic, and a large heart. A fantastic read’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Evie Woods's book 'The Lost Bookshop' was a Sunday Times bestseller
ENJOY THE MOMENT
GENEALOGY NEWS
What is the golden rule of genealogy?
The golden rule in family history research is to: work backwards from what you already know!
It is not necessary to have much detail to start, but it does makes sense to log whatever information is readily available and to seek out further details from relatives.
So Which Parent Gives You Most Genes?
"She is mom's clone." "He is exactly like his father." We hear many such comments about the traits that the child has inherited.
The reason why we feel deeply connected to our family could also be due to the resemblance and similar physical traits with our family members. We receive inherited genes from our parents.
Well, parenting is just not the only way mother and father influence the behavior of their offspring. Genes play a key role here. It is true that most of our genes are inherited in pairs, which means you get one copy of each gene from your father and mother, but mothers and fathers exhibit their genetic impact in diverse ways. Our genetics are determined at the time of conception. The nucleus contains genetic info in a combination of 23 pairs of chromosomes that are made from DNA. You inherit one pair from each of your parents. Only one pair, chromosome 23 determines the gender.
Genetically, a person actually carries more of his/her mother's genes than his/her father's. The reason is little organelles that live within cells, the mitochondria, which are only received from a mother. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and is inherited from the mother. These are energy-producing factories of the cell, and without them, a cell can't generate energy from food. On the contrary, the father's genes are more aggressive and gain prominence in manifesting in you. It is also a known fact that the sex of the baby completely depends on the father as the mother only carries an X-chromosome.
"She is mom's clone." "He is exactly like his father." We hear many such comments about the traits that the child has inherited.
The reason why we feel deeply connected to our family could also be due to the resemblance and similar physical traits with our family members. We receive inherited genes from our parents.
Well, parenting is just not the only way mother and father influence the behavior of their offspring. Genes play a key role here. It is true that most of our genes are inherited in pairs, which means you get one copy of each gene from your father and mother, but mothers and fathers exhibit their genetic impact in diverse ways. Our genetics are determined at the time of conception. The nucleus contains genetic info in a combination of 23 pairs of chromosomes that are made from DNA. You inherit one pair from each of your parents. Only one pair, chromosome 23 determines the gender.
Genetically, a person actually carries more of his/her mother's genes than his/her father's. The reason is little organelles that live within cells, the mitochondria, which are only received from a mother. Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and is inherited from the mother. These are energy-producing factories of the cell, and without them, a cell can't generate energy from food. On the contrary, the father's genes are more aggressive and gain prominence in manifesting in you. It is also a known fact that the sex of the baby completely depends on the father as the mother only carries an X-chromosome.
LIFE IS FULL OF LAUGHS
CELEBRATE THE DAY
GENEALOGY UPDATE
DNA says you’re related to a Viking, a medieval German Jew or a 1700s enslaved African?
What does a genetic match really mean???
In 2022, we reported the DNA sequences of 33 medieval people buried in a Jewish cemetery in Germany. Not long after we made the data publicly available, people started comparing their own DNA with that of the 14th-century German Jews, finding many “matches.” These medieval individuals had DNA fragments shared with thousands of people who have uploaded their DNA sequence to an online database, the same way you share DNA fragments with your relatives.
But what type of a relationship with a medieval person does a shared DNA fragment imply? It turns out, not too much that will help with your family roots research.
We are a population of geneticists who work with ancient DNA. We understand how exciting it can be to find a genetic link to particular people who lived many generations ago. But these DNA matches aren’t the tight ties you may be imagining.
Here’s how it works....
But what type of a relationship with a medieval person does a shared DNA fragment imply? It turns out, not too much that will help with your family roots research.
We are a population of geneticists who work with ancient DNA. We understand how exciting it can be to find a genetic link to particular people who lived many generations ago. But these DNA matches aren’t the tight ties you may be imagining.
Here’s how it works....
FROM WITHIN OUR BOOK OF LIFE
Grandparents hold our hands for a little while, But they hold our hearts forever!
Grandparents can record memories, traditions, and stories in a keepsake book like "Grandmother Remembers", or "Grandpa's Wisdom". The book could include prompts to help him or her record important moments and memories, such as:
- Create a Family tree
- Record Birthdays
- Photos of Engagements and weddings
- Holiday traditions
- Family recipes
- Personal Accomplishments
- Keep something of theirs, (a pin, a handkerchief, a ring, etc)
- Support a cause they cared about
- Make a donation to a nonprofit in their name
- Create a living reminder
- Dedicate an event to their memory
- Start a new tradition
- Share their stories and photos with family
FMH TOOL KIT
click below How do I keep track of my Family Medical History?
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST
NEWS ITEMS OR LINKS CAN BE SENT TO US FOR CONSIDERATION AT :
[email protected]
[email protected]