For Brenda

Brenda Dougall Merriman, the author of Genealogical Standards of Evidence, Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records and most recently United Empire Loyalists: A Guide to Tracing Loyalist Ancestors in Upper Canada (which won the 2009 National Genealogical Society Book Award) recently lamented about the lack of humor in the Geneablogger world.

Well, as Underdog would say, "Here I Am To Save The Day!" I am not sure that this is what she had in mind, but I think it is pretty damn funny!

Shades The Magazine Celebrates Women's History Month

Well the footnoteMaven has done it again - another most excellent issue of "Shades - the Magazine." Always filled to the brim with carefully selected photos for your viewing enjoyment, this issue includes articles on photo restoration (by guest author Janine Smith), another installment of the tales from Penelope Dreadful and of course my column. This month I take you back to the year 1925.

As always, you may view the magazine online, print it or download and save to your computer. Which ever way you decide is groovy with me, as long as you give yourself a real treat and read it cover to cover!

Hey Emmitt Smith - It's "Ourstory"

Emmitt Smith's journey to find his ancestors on last night's "Who Do You Think You Are?" was simply Mahvalous! He did not have any preconceived notions about his greats. All he had was an eagerness to learn. He didn't seem concerned whether any of his ancestors were famous or wishing that they had done something of historical importance. He just wanted to know them.

He began the search with the genealogist's mantra - "Start with what you know." Emmitt knew next to nothing about his grandparents so he went to the most likely source of information - his parents. His search progressed forward with each new piece of information just like it should have.

I am still reading comments left everywhere about the lack of demonstrating the research process. People, people - that is NOT what the show is all about. The show is about discovery of ones self through ones ancestry. Believe it or not, not everyone who is interested in their family history is interested in genealogy or wants to be a genealogist! Yes, they want to know who their ancestors are but they don't necessarily want to do the research themselves. That part of the discovery doesn't appeal to them. Enter - the professional genealogist. I do not intend to miss out on this opportunity.

The joy and "peace" Emmitt displayed at the end of the show was genuine. The best line of the show? At the end when Emmitt says, "It's not HIStory, it's Mystory."

Hey Emmitt - when it really comes down to it, isn't it "OURstory?

Zippity Do Dah!

Well it finally happened. The day I have been waiting for. I have my first client that actually went to the APG - Association of Professional Genealogists - website and looked at all of the genealogists that are registered there and chose me.

I have had many clients before this, both paying and pro bono. But when said client told me that they had found me through APG it validated my place in the world of professional genealogists.

Well, at least here in my world it did.

Zippity Do Dah!

Becoming a member of APG does not guarantee that clients will be lining up around the block just because you pay your yearly dues. I made the decision to become a member because of this statement -

"APG strives to support, guide, and protect all aspects of genealogy as a profession and promotes the highest standard of ethics and professionalism among our members."

Coming Attractions - San Joaquin Genealogical Society

THURSDAY - MARCH 18TH

The San Joaquin Genealogical Society here in Stockton, California would love to see you at their meeting on Thursday March 18th. Come and meet Leigh Johnsen - the new archivist for the Gerald D. Kennedy Reference Library at the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum. Leigh and his crew have whipped the library into shape and ready for action and he will tell us all about it.

The meeting will be held in the R.E.I. Community Room which in on the 2nd floor inside the REI Store located at 5757 Pacific Avenue in Stockton. We start at 7:00 PM and refreshments will be served.

The San Joaquin County Historical Society maintains an archival collection of historic records on behalf the County of San Joaquin which includes historic records, books, manuscripts, business and legal records, maps, photographs, and ephemera pertaining to the history of the County

Their genealogy collection includes directories that cover most of the 20th century and much of the 19th. It also holds published and unpublished records of births, marriages, and deaths, as well as marriage certificates from 1874 to 1950. Of special interest are the library's Pioneer Family Register, which includes genealogical research submitted by descendants of longtime County residents, a collection of more formal genealogical resources compiled by individuals, and plat books that afford visual evidence of landholding from 1876 to 1919. The library holds more than 7000 photo images—prints, slides, tintypes, and glass plate negatives—that cover a wide range of historical topics in San Joaquin County.

The archives and material in the Reference Library are accessible to researchers by appointment only. Materials in the library are non-circulating; however, photocopies and/or digital images of some materials may be made subject to the policies of the Society at the discretion of the archivist.

San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum

11793 N Micke Grove Road, Lodi CA 95240

Mailing address:

P. O. Box 30, Lodi, California 95241-0030



(209) 331-2055
(209) 331-2057 fax



info@sanjoaquinhistory.org