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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20260321T145705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T145705Z
UID:41858-1775066400-1775071800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Monthly Meeting: Why We Still Don't Miss 1890. Much.
DESCRIPTION:We’re pleased to welcome Sara Cochran back to WMGS on April 1\, when she will present Why We Still Don’t Miss 1890. Much. This talk is a sequel to her January\npresentation about the 1890 census. \nFinding ancestors that lived in the U.S. between 1880 and 1890 can be a challenge. In 1921\, nearly the entire 1890 census was destroyed by fire and subsequent water\ndamage. Only fragments covering about 6\,000 individuals survived out of over 62 million people enumerated. \nIn January\, Sara provided resources to bridge the ten-year gap caused by the loss of that census. In April\, she’ll share even more research strategies and complete a case study she started in January. \nNote: Sara’s January presentation was called Who Needed It Anyway? Getting \nAround the Missing 1890 Census. If you missed it\, you can find the recording and\nhandout in the Members Only section of our website until April 1.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-monthly-meeting-why-we-still-dont-miss-1890-much/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sarah-Cochran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20260205T195055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T195055Z
UID:41795-1772647200-1772652600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March 2026 Monthly Meeting: Eddie Wench - The Case of a Little Lost Boy
DESCRIPTION:A good genealogist needs the instincts of a detective —our research often unfolds like a compelling mystery. But how much can we trust the records and sources we find? When the facts don’t line up\, what might be hiding beneath the surface? Can documents or titles simply be wrong? \nAt our March 4 monthly meeting\, Julie Miller presents “Eddie Wenck: The Case of a Little Lost Boy.” Eddie Wenck was a forgotten child. His story was a mystery\nfor many years until research exposed an error made over 20 years ago and uncovered the hidden past of a well-known landmark. This lecture is about the importance of using original records and historical context and about following our instincts when things don’t seem right.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-2026-monthly-meeting-eddie-wench-the-case-of-a-little-lost-boy/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Julie-Miller.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20251223T002805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T002805Z
UID:41730-1770228000-1770233400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Ancestors on the Move: Migration from Farms to Cities\, 1870-1920
DESCRIPTION:We’re delighted that nationally-known genealogist\, Annette Burke-Lyttle will join us again to present Ancestors on the Move: Migration from Farms to Cities\, 1870–1920. \nBetween the Civil War and World War I\, Americans faced dramatic changes that shaped where and how they lived. Push and pull factors\, financial panics\, the reality of daily life\nin rural areas\, and the rise of manufacturing were some of the factors that led to decisions to move from farms to cities. \nAnnette will guide us through the records that capture thosemovements — from census schedules and land deeds to city directories\, newspapers\, military files\, and other sources. We’ll learn what factors influenced our ancestors’ choices and discover practical strategies to locate the documents that bring their journeys to life.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-ancestors-on-the-move-migration-from-farms-to-cities-1870-1920/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annette-Burke-Lyttle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20251122T173600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T173814Z
UID:41704-1767808800-1767814200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Monthly Meeting: Who Needed It Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census
DESCRIPTION:The 1890 census was uniquely detailed\, including household relationships\, occupations\, literacy\, housing conditions\, and special schedules for Union Civil War\nveterans and widows. Nearly the entire 1890 census was destroyed in a 1921 fire and subsequent water damage at the Commerce Department. Only fragments covering  about 6\,000 individuals survived out of over 62 million enumerated. \nAt our January monthly meeting\, genealogist Sara Cochran will present “Who Needed It Anyway? Getting Around the Missing 1890 Census” and tell us some of the resources that may be available to address this gap. \nAs Sara describes her presentation\, “The loss of the 1890 Federal census is a source of great frustration for American genealogists\, but all hope is not lost! Learn strategies and gather tips for success in locating your family in other records between the 1880 and 1900 Federal censuses.” \nSara will present a follow-up presentation to explore even more resources and complete a case study at our April 1 monthly meeting.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-monthly-meeting-who-needed-it-anyway-getting-around-the-missing-1890-census/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sarah-Cochran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20251022T131349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T131349Z
UID:41652-1764784800-1764790200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS December Monthly Meeting: 10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face (and How to Demolish Them)
DESCRIPTION:At our December monthly meeting\, genealogist Robert Cameron Weir will present “10 Genealogical Brick Walls You Will Face (and How to Demolish Them).” \n“In genealogy\, a brick wall is an ancestor who seemingly refuses\, despite repeated attempts\, to reveal their origins\,” Rob explains. “No matter how hard you try\, you are unable to connect them to your family tree. They remain the stubborn puzzle piece who refuses to fit in.” \nRob will survey the most common kinds of brick walls and teach us some tricks for  tearing them down. We’ll learn about brick walls related to immigrants\, paupers\, sojourners\, pioneers\, name shifters\, and people with hushed-up family secrets. \nWhether you’re just beginning your genealogy research or have been doing it for a long time\, we’ll all benefit from this presentation. \n“The beginner will learn about some brick walls they will eventually face; the intermediate researcher will learn how to tackle some that they are already facing; and the more advanced genealogist will learn a different way to think about what they are probably already doing\,” Rob says.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-december-monthly-meeting-10-genealogical-brick-walls-you-will-face-and-how-to-demolish-them/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Robert-Cameron-Weir.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250926T130057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T135000Z
UID:41622-1762365600-1762371000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Monthly Meeting: Finding Aids and the National Archives
DESCRIPTION:We’re delighted to welcome nationally known genealogist Craig R. Scott to present  Finding Aids and the National Archives on November 5. \nCraig will guide us through the structure of our National Archives. He’ll also explain how to use finding aids — guides\, indexes\, catalogs\, and more — to navigate its vast\ncollections. \nCraig describes his talk this way: “The National Archives of the United States documents American history from the time of the First Continental Congress. That is a lot of paper\, pictures\, and other things\, so much in fact that it requires organization.” \n“Organization means that there are rules about how things will be filed and how they  can be located once they are stored\,” Craig says. “Finding aids is a term that describes the various publications\, such as guides and indexes\, microfilm catalogs\, reference information papers\, inventories\, preliminary inventories\, special lists\, checklists\, descriptive pamphlets\, and other tools that have been created to assist either the researcher or the archivist in locating records.”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-monthly-meeting-finding-aids-and-the-national-archives/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Craig-R-Scott.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250818T194621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T194621Z
UID:41577-1759341600-1759347000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Monthly Meeting: Alienation of Affection - Divorce in the United States
DESCRIPTION:Many of us have encountered ancestors who mysteriously disappeared from records\, only to discover they were divorced. Or we’ve found information that suggests another\nmarriage or separation. Uncovering the official documentation behind those earlier marriages or separations can be a challenge. \nJoin us at our October monthly meeting as Christine Cohen returns to present “Alienation of Affection: Divorce in the United States.” \nAs Christine explains in her presentation description\, “[Divorce] case files can include marriage date and place\, names and ages of children\, current and former residences\,\nand affidavits by the spouses about their marriage and reason for divorce. Clues are in the census\, city directories\, military pensions\, county histories\, county courthouses\, and especially in newspapers. This could be the reason for a ‘lost spouse.’”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-monthly-meeting-alienation-of-affection-divorce-in-the-united-states/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christine-Cohen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250729T170238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250729T170238Z
UID:41551-1756922400-1756927800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September Monthly Meeting: Born to be Filed - Delayed Birth Records in the U.S.
DESCRIPTION:Have you struggled to locate a birth record for one of your ancestors or discovered a birth record created long after the birth itself? If your relative was born at home or in a rural area with slow registration practices\, they may be listed in a delayed birth record. These records often hold rich genealogical clues waiting to be uncovered. \nTo start off our 2025-2026 membership year\, Sunny Morton will join us to present Born to be Filed: Delayed Birth Records in the U.S. She’ll explain why these records were created\, what kinds of details they contain\, and where you can find them.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-monthly-meeting-born-to-be-filed-delayed-birth-records-in-the-u-s/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sunny-Jane-Morton.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250806T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250806T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250729T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250729T170028Z
UID:41549-1754503200-1754508600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS August Monthly Meeting: More than a Will - Using Probate Records
DESCRIPTION:Probate records can be a gold mine for genealogical research! They often contain wills\, estate inventories\, guardianship records\, and other legal proceedings related to a deceased person’s assets. What types of information can be uncovered? Names and relationships\, residences and property details\, occupations\, financial status\, community connections\, and countless more valuable genealogical clues! \nAt our August 6 monthly meeting\, Ed Strickland will be with us to present More than a Will: Using Probate Records. The bulk of the work of a probate court is the settlement of an estate. After examining the three record formats used by the court\, we will look at the types of documents generated and the clues they provide. We will then turn to other matters which may be handled by the court\, such as guardianships and minor trusts\, mental competence\, adoptions\, separations\, divorces\, and insolvent estates.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-august-monthly-meeting-more-than-a-will-using-probate-records/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ed-Strickland.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250519T194418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T194418Z
UID:41478-1752084000-1752089400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS July Monthly Meeting: Roots and Ridges - Families' Journeys Through Western Massachusetts Hilltowns
DESCRIPTION:For many current residents of Western Massachusetts\, it isn’t easy to imagine that the hilltowns of Becket\, Blandford\, Chester\, Granville\, Huntington\, and Middlefield were once vibrant and larger. They were deforested mainly during the 19th century to support their traditional agricultural economy. At our July 2025 monthly meeting\, John Putnam  will present “Roots and Ridges: Families’ Journeys Through Western Massachusetts Hilltowns.” \nJohn will share his research into several family branches that lived in these towns  during the 19th century\, whose whole world was impacted by many historical forces over which they had little control. He’ll integrate three primary genealogical sources into his story — traditional genealogy databases and records\, local historical events\, and social history — to understand better the undercurrents his ancestors underwent during their 19th and early 20th century lifetimes. In addition\, he will weave newspaper data\, family memorabilia\, and AI information to enrich the stories of the families that once  lived there. Finally\, he will identify specific themes that impacted his ancestors and yours. \nNote: To make this more interactive\, John will share a couple of specific stories he has written as a handout\, incorporating all this information\, both as a template for your stories and as a conversation about how these towns differ today from the 19th century.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-july-monthly-meeting-roots-and-ridges-families-journeys-through-western-massachusetts-hilltowns/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/John-Putnam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250422T212853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T212853Z
UID:41443-1749060000-1749065400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Monthly Meeting: Think Like an Archivist - Finding Genealogy Records in Libraries & Archives
DESCRIPTION:While many of us rely on the databases of popular genealogy companies and large organizations to research our ancestors\, we may be overlooking a wealth of information available in libraries and archives. For those with limited experience searching these resources\, navigating their systems can sometimes be frustrating or less productive than we’d hoped. \nAt our June 4 monthly meeting\, Nancy E. Loe will return to WMGS to present “Think Like an Archivist: Finding Genealogy Records in Libraries & Archives.” \nAt this presentation\, we’ll learn how to locate genealogy records housed in archives across the United States and around the world\, using online archival portals and digital finding aids. We’ll gain insights into how archivists work to make these collections accessible. And we’ll learn how to craft effective search terms\, with specific URLs provided for regional\, state\, national\, and global archival resources.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-monthly-meeting-think-like-an-archivist-finding-genealogy-records-in-libraries-archives/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nancy-Loe.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250422T212625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T212625Z
UID:41441-1746640800-1746646200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Monthly Meeting: "Creating an Ancestor Sketch"
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited that Tom MacEntee will be joining us again in May to present another useful feature: “Creating an Ancestor Sketch.” Tom will describe the essential elements\nof an ancestor biography sketch and explain different sketch formats. He’ll also tell us how to incorporate genealogy facts and family research information\, and he’ll provide other tips\, tricks\, and tools to make the process easy. \n“Face it: Most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research\,” Tom says in his program description. “How about a different approach — producing short 3 to 5 page ‘sketches’ about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover\, photos\, facts\, family stories\, source citations\, and more! And guess what\, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done\, you can compile\nthem together for one big book!”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-monthly-meeting-creating-an-ancestor-sketch/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MacEntee.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250218T184954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T184954Z
UID:41389-1743616800-1743622200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Monthly Meeting: Dark as a Dungeon - Researching Mining Records
DESCRIPTION:From mining iron ore in the colonial period to searching for copper\, iron\, tin\, coal and precious metals\, many of our ancestors were miners. Do you have ancestors who participated in the Gold Rush? Or immigrant ancestors who worked in coal mines or perhaps Native American ancestors who worked in the mineral mines out West? \nAt our April 2 monthly meeting\, Peggy Clemens Lauritzen will present “Dark as a Dungeon: Researching Mining Records.” As Peggy says\, “This is the real Minecraft. As the song goes\, it truly was ‘dark as a dungeon’ in just about any mine. Fortunately\, there are records that may have been kept on your mining ancestors.” \nPeggy adds\, “Mining is hard work. Starting from the children that worked in mines up to the adults of today\, mining records may provide a clue to your ancestors’ lives.”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-monthly-meeting-dark-as-a-dungeon-researching-mining-records/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Peggy-Clemens-Lauritzen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250125T180957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250125T180957Z
UID:41298-1741197600-1741203000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March 5 Monthly Meeting: Deconstructing Obituaries
DESCRIPTION:At our March 2025 meeting\, we’ll welcome back Susan M. O’Connor\, who will present “Deconstructing Obituaries.” \nObituaries are treasure troves of genealogical information\, offering insights into family and social relationships\, community ties\, and even historical events. In this presentation\, we’ll explore the wealth of details obituaries can provide\, from vital records to clues about extended family and friends. Learn where to find obituaries — both online and offline — and discover techniques for analyzing the information\nwithin them to piece together a fuller picture of your ancestors’ lives. Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or looking to enhance your research skills\, this talk will equip you with practical tools to uncover hidden stories and connections.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-5-monthly-meeting-deconstructing-obituaries/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Susan-J-OConnor.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20250107T174751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250125T180613Z
UID:41271-1738778400-1738783800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Translating\, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI
DESCRIPTION:At our February 2025 meeting\, Tom MacEntee will join us to present “Translating\, Transcribing and Summarizing Documents Using AI.” Tom introduced us to this technology last September when he presented “AI and Genealogy: Trouble Ahead.” AI (artificial intelligence) can improve our genealogy research\, and who better to tell us how but one of our favorite presenters? \nAs his workshop description explains\, Tom will teach us how to “harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating\, transcribing\, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. We’ll cover the best AI platforms as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need.” Tom will also offer tips and tricks to increase our success. \nIf you missed Tom’s September presentation introducing us to AI (or if you want to review it)\, the recording and handout are available in the Members Only section of our website.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-translating-transcribing-and-summarizing-documents-using-ai/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MacEntee.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20241125T014707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T014707Z
UID:41253-1736359200-1736364600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Monthly Meeting: Mysterious Codes - Passenger Manifests Letters and Numbers
DESCRIPTION:You’ve found your ancestors listed in a ship’s passenger list and are thrilled to learn where they came from\, how much money they brought with them\, and who they were going to meet. But did you know that much more information is recorded on their entry? \nAt our January monthly meeting\, genealogist Christine Cohen will present “Mysterious Codes: Passenger Manifests Letters and Numbers” and tell us how we might learn so\nmuch more from the record. \nOn her website\, Christine describes her presentation this way: \n“What do those letters\, numbers\, stamps\, and pencil marks mean on Immigration Passenger Manifests? Does your ancestor have the letter ‘D’ or ‘X’ next to their name? Do you know what V/L\, # 404\, USB\, Transit\, CL\, N.O.B\, C/A\, LPC\, SI\, NQIV\, BSI\, PV or C-XXXXX mean? We will learn if and when to contact the US National Archives or USCIS to get more genealogical information from these codes. Plus\, what insight we can learn about your ancestor’s immigration experience based on these notations.”\n(Note: USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.)
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-monthly-meeting-mysterious-codes-passenger-manifests-letters-and-numbers/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christine-Cohen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20241125T014305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T014407Z
UID:41248-1733335200-1733340600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS December Monthly Meeting: Court Records Research Without the Law Degree
DESCRIPTION:Court records are an underutilized genealogical resource. While courthouses hold common records like marriage\, divorce\, naturalization\, and probate items\, you might be\nsurprised to find that your ancestor had a criminal record. Was he involved in a lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding or something more sinister? \nAt our December monthly meeting\, Kate Townsend will present “Court Records Research Without the Law Degree.” Kate will explore the types of court records that might be available\, the various courts in which they might be found\, how to find them\, and what resources might be available to help you.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-december-monthly-meeting-court-records-research-without-the-law-degree/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kate-Townsend.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241106T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241106T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20241022T012024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T012024Z
UID:41202-1730916000-1730923200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Monthly Meeting: “Changing New England Records in the 1800s.”
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re just starting your research on your New England ancestors or are a seasoned veteran\, you’ll enjoy our November meeting. As a sequel to her presentation to us last spring\, Diane MacLean Boumenot\, CG\, will present “Changing New England Records in the 1800s.” \nJust as some New Englanders left their declining farms and headed west\, industrialization arrived in New England and our ancestors’ lives and records changed forever. The days when deeds and probate would solve genealogical problems gave way to a dizzying array of new census collections\, state mandated vital records\, poorhouse\, prison and asylum records\, sturdier cemetery markers\, and military pensions. Let’s reteach ourselves as we trace our 1800s ancestors. \nDiane MacLean Boumenot\, CG\, specializes in southern New England family history research and publishes genealogical guidance on her website\, One Rhode Island Family. In 2018 she and Maureen Taylor coauthored the National Genealogical Society’s book “Rhode Island” (part of the NGS Research in the States series). She is currently serving as the editor of Rhode Island Roots\, the quarterly journal of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society. \nJoin us on Wednesday\, November 6 at 6 p.m. as we welcome Diane back for a virtual presentation on Zoom. \n(This presentation will be recorded and archived in the Members Only section of our website for 60 days.)
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-monthly-meeting-changing-new-england-records-in-the-1800s/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Diane-Boumenot.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241002T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241002T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240823T144336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T144336Z
UID:41147-1727892000-1727899200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Monthly Meeting: Pinning Down Your Ancestors' Locations with Pam Vestal
DESCRIPTION:By popular request\, we’ve invited genealogist Pamela Vestal to return to WMGS as her presentation last spring was both engaging and filled with detailed information to help our research. \nAt our October meeting\, Pamela will help us find the answers to a critical genealogical research question as she presents “Pinning Down Your Ancestors’ Locations.”  Where did your ancestors come from? Where did they disappear to? Although finding locations can be the key to following our ancestors back in time\, we often slam up against brick walls. In this talk\, Pamela will explore practical strategies for tracking down our  ancestors’ whereabouts by using collateral research\, gazetteers\, the law\, image searches\, maps\, and loads of unexpected and underused resources.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-monthly-meeting-pinning-down-your-ancestors-locations-with-pam-vestal/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pamela-Vestal.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240722T160738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T160738Z
UID:41121-1725472800-1725478200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September Monthly Meeting: AI and Genealogy - Trouble Ahead
DESCRIPTION:We’re starting our new membership year with one of our most popular presenters\, Tom MacEntee! Tom will be presenting “AI and Genealogy: Trouble Ahead\,” a topic\nthat you won’t want to miss! \nTom notes that while AI (artificial intelligence) might be the current hot buzzword\, many genealogy vendors and even genealogists have already been using this technology for\nyears. The AI industry is at a crossroads\, and within the next five years\, it will permeate almost every aspect of business and society. We’ll learn how AI is currently being used to improve the genealogy experience and whether or not you should seek out other uses of artificial intelligence for your own genealogy research. \nTom will cover the basics of AI\, data\, reliability\, copyright issues\, source citations\, and\ncurrent uses\, such as text translation\, and more.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-monthly-meeting-ai-and-genealogy-trouble-ahead/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MacEntee.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240814T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240814T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240705T205623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240731T191250Z
UID:41102-1723658400-1723663800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS August Monthly Meeting: Westmoreland: Connecticut's Lost County
DESCRIPTION:Early in our nation’s history\, as states tried to expand their land holdings\, new territories were claimed\, often by more than one group. The lost county of Westmoreland is one such example. Who founded it\, where was it located\, what happened to it? Changes in names and boundaries of towns and villages may be one reason why we can’t find our\nancestors. \nAt our August 7 monthly meeting\, Ed Strickland will present “Westmoreland:  Connecticut’s Lost County.” Ed’s presentation will cover Connecticut’s claim on the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania from the Connecticut Charter of 1662\, the Susquehanna Land Company\, the Treaty of Trenton\, and the aftermath. He’ll explain why learning the history of locations where our ancestors lived may help us find records about them.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-august-monthly-meeting-westmoreland-connecticuts-lost-county/
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ed-Strickland.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240710T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240710T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240705T205419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240705T205419Z
UID:41100-1720634400-1720639800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS July Monthly Meeting: Teaching Grannies: Changing Farm Girls into Schoolmarms
DESCRIPTION:At our July 10 monthly meeting\, one of our favorite presenters\, genealogist and WMGS member John Putnam will join us to present “Teaching Grannies: Changing Farm Girls into Schoolmarms.” John’s talk chronicles five of his six grandmothers and great-grandmothers from their rural upbringing into the Massachusetts Normal Schools\, a process that continued in late 19th-century America as many farms no longer employed women. \nJohn’s presentation will address many of the issues and challenges that our female ancestors faced during that time period. We’ll also learn the research process that John\nundertook to learn about his grandmothers and to tell their stories.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-july-monthly-meeting-teaching-grannies-changing-farm-girls-into-schoolmarms/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/John-Putnam.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240502T231332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T231332Z
UID:40995-1717610400-1717617600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly June Meeting: Was Your Ancestor Truly Gone Or Just Hiding in the Records?
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-june-meeting-was-your-ancestor-truly-gone-or-just-hiding-in-the-records/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pamela-Vestal.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240324T140258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240324T140258Z
UID:40949-1714586400-1714593600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Our annual meeting will be held on May 1st\, following our presentation by Sara Campbell. At the meeting\, our Treasurer will give a brief financial report\, announce the results of our annual audit\, and provide membership numbers. In January\, the Board recommended a slight increase in our annual dues\, which will be discussed and voted on at the meeting. \nThe Board has also proposed a revision to the WMGS Bylaws regarding the date that a membership will be considered inactive and the date that the Members Only password will be changed. Members can review both our current bylaws and the bylaws with the\nproposed changes in the Members Only section of our website. \nWe will then conduct our annual elections. The Nominating Committee\, consisting of Skip Taylor\, Cara Seitchek\, and Jeanne Leblond\, will present the slate of candidates for election as officers and directors of our society. Nominations will also be accepted\nfrom the floor.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/NewsFlash.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240324T135657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240324T135657Z
UID:40945-1714586400-1714591800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Monthly Meeting: Overlooked Municipal Records
DESCRIPTION:At our May 1st monthly meeting\, we will be welcoming back Sara Campbell for a presentation titled “Overlooked Municipal Records.” \nWhether you’re searching for clues about your ancestors or looking to enhance what you know about their lives\, municipal records may contain helpful information. Annual town reports\, lists of jurors\, tax records\, property value records\, and pauper records might hold clues as well. Understanding how these records are organized and where they are likely to be found are necessary first steps to finding your ancestors.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-monthly-meeting-overlooked-municipal-records/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sara-Campbell.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240220T220355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T220355Z
UID:40904-1712167200-1712174400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Monthly Meeting: Border - What Border? Our Ancestors Who Called Both Canada and the USA Home
DESCRIPTION:Many of us have ancestors who seem to disappear for periods of time. For those ancestors who lived in New England\, New York\, and the Upper Midwest\, have we considered that they might have periodically lived and worked in Canada? \nAt our April 3rd monthly meeting\, nationally known genealogist Annette Burke Lyttle will present “Border — What Border? Our Ancestors Who Called Both Canada and the USA Home.” \nMovement from the United States to Canada was unrestricted and unrecorded until April 1908. The U.S. began recording the entry of Canadians along its northern border in 1894. Before that\, many thousands of people lived cross border lives\, without visas\, work permits\, passports\, or immigration records. Learn how to find these elusive ancestors.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-monthly-meeting-border-what-border-our-ancestors-who-called-both-canada-and-the-usa-home/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annette-Burke-Lyttle.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20240123T023727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T023906Z
UID:40871-1709748000-1709755200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March Monthly Meeting: The Real Life of New England Vital Records
DESCRIPTION:Understanding when\, where\, and why vital records were created and the changes in those practices over the years can help us find those records today. At our March meeting\, Diane Boumenot will present “The Real Life of New England Vital Records.” Diane will explain how to use copies\, abstracts\, indexes\, and “substitutes” on the path to the best record. You’ll improve your family history research today by maximizing your ability to locate the records that tie generations together. \nThis presentation will be helpful for genealogists at all levels\, as Diane will walk us through how such records are made and explain how to tell what we are actually  looking at today. While suitable for those less experienced\, there is also much information for skilled folks who might like to keep drilling down to find the best version of a record\, but need to see some methods for doing that.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-monthly-meeting-the-real-life-of-new-england-vital-records/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Diane-Boumenot.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20231224T135301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231224T135301Z
UID:40850-1707328800-1707336000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Getting the Most Out of a Census Record
DESCRIPTION:The first database we usually consult when we research an ancestor is one containing census records. Are we taking advantage of all of the information available in them? \nWe’re very excited that Thomas MacEntee will be joining us again at our February 7th meeting to present “Getting the Most Out of a Census Record.” \nCensus records are one of the most important types of genealogical records\, containing a wealth of information you may not find in vital records and allowing you to track your ancestors’ progress over time. Join Thomas for a deep dive into census records and learn some tips and tricks for extracting as much information as possible from each record.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-getting-the-most-out-of-a-census-record/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MacEntee.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240103T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240103T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20231128T221441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231128T221441Z
UID:40837-1704304800-1704312000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Monthly Meeting: Was Your Ancestor Truly Gone or Just Hiding in the Records? with Pamela Vestal
DESCRIPTION:We all have ancestors who don’t seem to have any records that confirm their existence. We spend hours looking for them without any results. We know where they might have  been born\, lived\, married\, and died\, but still\, we can’t seem to locate them anywhere. \nWhy haven’t you found your ancestors in the records? Documents are often hidden  from view\, with information that is present but concealed\, stored in a place or a manner that is unexpected\, misspelled\, indexed incorrectly\, or separated from the other similar records. We’ll explore strategies for tracking down these elusive ancestors so that we don’t miss a single detail.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-monthly-meeting-was-your-ancestor-truly-gone-or-just-hiding-in-the-records-with-pamela-vestal/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pamela-Vestal.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T090122
CREATED:20231128T220823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231128T220823Z
UID:40835-1701885600-1701892800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS December Monthly Meeting: An Introduction to the Courthouse by Michael John Neill
DESCRIPTION:Now that we can get back to in-person research\, many of us will be heading to a courthouse to research our ancestors. Michael will present an overview of the records typically found in a county courthouse: land\, probate\, court\, and vital records. He’ll talk about the basics involved in courthouse research\, including how to prepare for a visit\, what you need to know before you make that trip\, what records you might find\, and what to expect from the courthouse and its staff.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-december-monthly-meeting-an-introduction-to-the-courthouse-by-michael-john-neill/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Michael-John-Neil.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR