July 2013

Genealogy Gems:

News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 113, July 31, 2013

In this issue:

Top Ten Reasons to Participate in the 2013 FGS Conference in Fort Wayne

Michael J. Trinklein’s “Lost States”

Veteran’s History Project

Technology Tip of the Month--Adobe Photoshop/Elements: A Look at Perspective, Warp, Liquefy . . . Part II

Quick-Tip of the Month for Preservation--Preserve Your Memories by Recording One Per Day

The Federation of Genealogical Societies 2013 Conference

Hmmm... So What's Going On in August?

Area Calendar of Events

Driving Directions to the Library

Parking at the Library

Queries for The Genealogy Center

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Top Ten Reasons to Participate in the 2013 FGS Conference in Fort Wayne by Curt B. Witcher

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My colleagues and I are busy tending to the multitude of details associated with hosting the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies conference. The conference is just over two weeks away--the excitement and anticipation are certainly growing. I am looking forward to meeting many of you during the conference week. Please stop and say “hi.” I cannot say enough about the extraordinarily talented and dedicated individuals with whom I am honored to work. Genealogy Center personnel are woven into the fabric of this entire event. And if that wasn’t blessing enough, the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana, always a friend to both The Genealogy Center and genealogists, continues to provide support and terrific ideas. Taking a break from my traditional fare in this column, I thought I would provide you with a “Top Ten Reasons to Participate in the 2013 FGS Conference in Fort Wayne” list. 10. There’s still room in all the lectures, and certainly in The Genealogy Center. For those who procrastinate, you lucked-out big time! 9. It’s a super way to make an entire week feel like just a couple of days (or hours)! 8. You have a great opportunity to test my personal belief that sleep is extremely overrated. 7. Many have dreamed about being locked in the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center all night. This is a close as close as it gets! 6. Each conference day has an amazing number of sessions presented by people who really know their stuff. It’s the best in genealogical education--on steroids! (And it’s all legal!) 5. In addition to great presentations, books, bytes, bands, beer and baseball are all in a comfortable three block area during the conference week. Can you say, “I’m not leaving!!” 4. Many exhibitors, new and familiar, will be here. The exhibit hall will be packed (really--not an empty booth in the entire hall!) with an amazing variety of items, from books and software to other technology devices and wonderful heritage memorabilia. And the exhibit hall is free to all! 3. Speaking of “venders new,” you must experience a new vendor at Booth 517--"Keepsake Threads.” See how your genealogical work and heirloom items can be transformed into treasured keepsakes. What is old can truly be new again! 2. Networking among genealogists who are conference junkies is like nothing you have ever experienced! It can propel you through your brick walls and give you motivation like nothing else. 1. Midwest Living’s “Best of the Midwest Travel” ranks The Genealogy Center third in the top five great places in Indiana to visit. You simply can’t go wrong coming here! August 21 through 24--I would love to see you in the Fort!

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Michael J. Trinklein’s “Lost States” by Delia Bourne

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Most researchers have heard of the lost states of Franklin and Transylvania, areas in northeast Tennessee/Kentucky and Tennessee/Virginia respectively, but there were many more proposals and ideas for states than we might ever have imagined. In “Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania and Other States that Never Made It” (973 T737L), Michael J. Trinklein recounts more than seventy tales of possible candidates for statehood through the years. Listed alphabetically by the proposed name, entries provide a slightly light-hearted look at the histories of each area, with maps illustrating its location in relation to the surrounding states. The volume includes entries such as 1777’s “New Connecticut,” known now as Vermont; Sequoyah, which would have been created from Oklahoma’s Indian Territory in the 1890s; Jacinto, for which eastern Texas would have been split from the rest of the state in 1860; and Absaroka, a 1930s proposal to be created from parts of Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. Also enumerated are territories, like Puerto Rico, Panama and the Philippines, which may have become states, and proposals like Lower California (an 1850s pipedream for Baja California). Trinklein also included a number of stunt proposals, designed more to make a point than to actually create a new state, like McDonald, proposed when officials of Missouri left that county off the state’s travel map. There were even cities that pondered statehood in their own rights, including Boston (1919), Chicago (1925), Long Island (1890s), New York City (1970s) and Washington, D.C. (ongoing). A bibliography in the back of the volume lists citations for each of the areas, providing proof for the less well-known. While this is more of a “fun read” than an academic tome, the photos, maps and wry humor of the entries make it an informative and delightful read. For our local readers, a copy of the book also is available in the circulating collection with a slightly difference call number, 973 T73L.

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Veteran’s History Project by Melissa Shimkus

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Among all of the facts, statistics and other resources available to illustrate military action and service, personal reminiscences are some of the most interesting and rare. As veterans die, these private accounts remain only with family and friends, usually lost to everyone else. There are various initiatives to gather these accounts, and one of the largest is the Veteran’s History Project (VHP) (www.LOC.gov/vets/), an oral history project maintained by the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center that focuses on veterans, medical personnel, USO workers and other military support employees who participated in war efforts during the period from World War I through the current Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. The Project includes audio and video interviews, along with corollary materials such as photographs, scrapbooks, letters, postcards, diaries and memoirs. Ten percent of the 74,000 interviews are currently available to view online for free. A database search provides biographical details about the individual providing the memories and a collection description for each oral history and its accompanying materials. If a collection is not accessible online through the VHP, there is another option for locating the oral history. The contributor of the material is documented within the collection description. These contributors are local community military organizations who participated in the VHP and several have made the oral history collections available online on their local organizations’ websites. For example, the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey Oral History Archives (www.nj.gov/military/museum/oralhistory.html) provides summaries and a number of videos of World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veterans’ accounts of their service. Similarly, the stories of Marin County, California, veterans who served in World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the current Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts can be accessed at Honoring Our Marin Veterans (http://HonoringMarinVeterans.org/). If a collection is not available on the VHP site or the contributor’s site, it can be accessed by visiting the Library of Congress or by ordering a copy of the oral history collection. Information on how to view and acquire the collection can be found at (www.LOC.gov/vets/researchinfo.html). Oral histories are a wonderful way to document an event from a personal perspective. The Veteran’s History Project, its partners and contributors provide everyone the opportunity to witness post1900 war efforts. It is a benefit for every generation so that the stories of these brave men and women are not lost.

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Technology Tip of the Month--Adobe Photoshop/Elements: A Look at Perspective, Warp, Liquefy … Part II by Kay Spears

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Let’s take a quick look at perspective. When dealing with perspective, remember that buildings, fences, people, etc., are not flat in real life. When we look at them straight on, everything appears to be the same size, but when viewing something like a building at an angle, the point that is farthest away appears smaller than what is closest. This is perspective, and for a retouched photograph to look not retouched it is important to remember that. So, let’s play. Open a photograph with a building in it. In Adobe Photoshop, you need to either change your background image to a layer or make a duplicate layer. Adobe Photoshop will not allow this particular manipulation on a “background” layer. Next, go to Edit>Transform>Perspective. A box with six anchor points will appear around your image. By manipulating these anchor points, you can change the perspective of the building. I would suggest that you start with one of the corner anchor points and move it either up or down, depending on which corner you choose. You should see that moving the anchor point makes one side of the building smaller than the other. In Adobe Elements this tool is located in Image>Transform>Perspective. Unlike Photoshop, Elements appears to let you adjust your image without duplicating the layer. In fact, the version of Elements that I have changed the “background” to a” layer” as soon as I selected Perspective. I have Version 9. Remember that different versions have slight differences, so if you are using a different version, you might have to do some searching. In Photoshop, you will need to double click to apply the changes to the image. To save your changes in Elements, click on the green check mark that appears. I suggest that you experiment with the Perspective tool. Those anchor points can move up, down, in and out – play with them and see what you can do! Next Article: Converting Multiple Tiffs to Jpegs

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Quick-Tip of the Month for Preservation--Preserve Your Memories by Recording One Per Day by Dawne Slater-Putt, CG(sm)*

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In recent years, much more attention has been paid in genealogical circles and in general to recording not only the stories of our ancestors’ lives, but the stories of our own. StoryCorps is one organization that has been recording people’s stories and memories for a decade. According to the StoryCorps website, “We do this to remind one another of our shared humanity, strengthen and build the connections between people, teach the value of listening, and weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that every life matters. At the same time, we will create an invaluable archive of American voices and wisdom for future generations.” You can read more about StoryCorps here: http://storycorps.org/about/. How can we ensure that we are preserving our own “voices and wisdom” for our own future generations? We can record our stories and memories, whether or not one of the StoryCorps Mobile Booths (Airstream trailers) visits our town! I am using the term “record” loosely in this context. We can literally “record” our memories by video- or audio-taping them, but we can also “record” our stories by writing them down on paper or typing them into a computer file. Writing a whole life’s worth of memories – even for those who have yet to reach their senior years – is a daunting task! Where do I begin? How much detail do I include? How do I organize what I record? When using a written, as opposed to a recorded, format, this is easier. There is no need to start at the beginning, i.e., “I was born …” (although you may if you want to!). With memories written on paper, the pages can be shuffled into chronological order, or grouped in order by subject, such as “Christmas memories.” In a computer file, they can be cut and pasted into whatever order is desired. Some people also may be savvy with video editing techniques and have the proper software to edit video results into a well-ordered presentation. But if not, does it really matter in what order the vignettes on the video are? Think of it from the viewpoint of future generations – We probably would be thrilled to have a video recording of Grandma telling about her life, and it wouldn’t matter that her memories weren’t in chronological order, would it? “Genealogy Gems” is issued on the last day of the month. So for one month – starting tomorrow – I challenge you to write about one memory per day. You might do this just before going to bed, like keeping a traditional daily diary, or whenever you have time in your schedule. It can be a short memory, or a long one. Include as much detail or as little as you prefer. If you aren’t in the mood to write one day, or don’t have much time, write a very brief memory. You can go back later and add more information. If you are having a mental block and can’t think of a memory to write about, use triggers, such as old photographs. What was the event? What memories are associated with the picture? Look into the background for furniture, pets, cars, homes – can you use one of those items as a springboard for writing? Listen to popular music from an earlier time. How old were you when it was popular? What does it cause you to remember? By writing just one memory per day, by the end of August, the future generations who count you among their ancestors or collateral relatives will have thirty-one of your stories to cherish and to let them know what your life was like.

“CG” & “Certified Genealogist” are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and are used by authorized associates following periodic, peer-reviewed competency evaluations. Certificate No. 386 awarded 4 July 1996; expires 4 July 2016.

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The Federation of Genealogical Societies 2013 Conference

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The Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference will be in Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center (GWCC) 21-24 August 2013. The conference kicks off on 20 August with Librarians’ Day at the Allen County Public Library – several sessions aimed at librarians who serve genealogists. Also offered on Tuesday will be one-on-one consultations and a Q&A panel at the GWCC. The Q&A panel is open to the public; the consultations are for conference registrants. Four days of conference sessions follow, with Wednesday as Focus on Societies Day. The conference will feature experts in the field of genealogy presenting sessions for all levels of family historian, from the beginner to the expert. A large exhibit hall will feature books, technology and software, and will highlight societies. The week also will include workshops, daily luncheons sponsored by organizations, and evening social events. Genealogy Center staff members are playing integral parts in the Conference Committee and as speakers. Dawne Slater-Putt is National Conference Co-Chair. Curt Witcher is Local Co-Host Chair representing the Allen County Public Library. Melissa Shimkus is on the Program Committee. Delia Bourne is Librarians’ Day Co-Chair. Aaron Smith is Audio-Visual Committee Co-Chair. And Kay Speakers designed the conference logo. Lectures by Genealogy Center staff are:

Wednesday, Aug. 21:

11 a.m. – Curt Witcher, “Saving Our Societies & Thriving in the 21st Century.”

2 p.m. – Curt Witcher, “Your Society Wants You! Effective Recruiting Strategies for Genealogical Societies.”

5 p.m. – Curt Witcher, “Being the Outstanding Leader Your Society Needs.”

Thursday, Aug. 22:

2 p.m. – Delia Bourne, “Beginning Kentucky Research at The Genealogy Center.”

Friday, Aug. 23:

11 a.m. – Melissa Shimkus, “Researching at The Genealogy Center.”

12:15 p.m. – Curt Witcher, “The Indiana Genealogical Society: A Case Study in Thriving,” IGS Luncheon.

Saturday, Aug. 24:

8 a.m. – Delia Bourne, “Researching Your Union Ancestor at The Genealogy Center.”

9:30 a.m. – Curt Witcher, “Digital Lincoln: Access to an Incomparable Collection of Abraham Lincoln Materials.”

11 a.m. – Melissa Shimkus, “Researching Indiana Digital Collections Online.”

2 p.m. – Delia Bourne, “Researching Your Confederate Ancestor at The Genealogy Center.”

3:30 p.m. – Melissa Shimkus, “Why Should I Look at Revolutionary War Pension Records?”

Learn more: www.FGSConference.org. In addition, you can view or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.FGSConferenceblog.org, “like” the conference on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FGSconference and follow the conference on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FGSconference and hashtag #FGS2013.

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Hmmm... So What's Going On in August?

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Our two summer series, “Beyond Ancestry's Leaves & Branches” and “Family History Fundamentals,” have a brief hiatus during August. Instead, your Genealogy Center staff is focusing on the various programs and activities that will be taking place here in Fort Wayne August 20 through 24. Yes, the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2013 Conference, “Journey Through Generations” is almost here and we have been busy getting ready for our guests. Tuesday kicks off with Librarians’ Day (www.FGSConference.org/program/librarians-day/), then the Conference itself starts with Focus on Societies Day on Wednesday, August 21, followed by three additional days of educational and entertaining sessions, activities, exhibits and the chance to talk to hundreds (perhaps thousands) of fellow genies! If you haven't already registered, check it out at www.FGSConference.org/ and allow yourself to be tempted! “Beyond Ancestry's Leaves & Branches” will return with John Beatty talking about “Public Member Trees on Ancestry.com,” 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, September 12, in Meeting Room A. “Family History Fundamentals” will feature Dawne Slater-Putt's “Jumping Off Points: Getting the Most Out of a Single Record,” on Saturday, September 14th, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., also in Meeting Room A. We are also finalizing plans for Family History Month 2013 in October. We have a wonderful month planned, with sessions on writing family history, citing sources, DNA and genealogy, consultations, our annual Midnight Madness Extended Research Hours on Friday, October 25th, and much more. Watch our Events page at www.GenealogyCenter.org/Events.aspx for sessions and dates. See you in August! ... and September! ...and October!

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Area Calendar of Events

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Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI) Programming resumes in September. Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, Chief Richardville House 3 August 2013, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1-4 p.m. Miami Indian Heritage Days featuring Katrina Mitten on “Native American Bead Work.” Historic Fort Wayne 24-25 August 2013—1201 Spy Run Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday & 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. “Fort Miamies.”

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Driving Directions to the Library

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Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center. To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Web ster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1 >From the South Exit Interstate 69 at exit 102. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard. Using US 27: US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the North Exit Interstate 69 at exit 112. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the West Using US 30: Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right. Using US 24: After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South. >From the East Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.

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Parking at the Library

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At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $70. Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two halfhours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day). Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. It is free to park on the street after 5pm and on the weekends. Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5pm and 11pm.

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Genealogy Center Queries

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The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee. If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy@ACPL.Info.

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Publishing Note:

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This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause. To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email. If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to kspears@acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line. Dawne Slater-Putt, CG & Curt Witcher, co-editors