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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240814T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240814T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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:20260428T102941
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231101T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231101T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230925T205813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230925T205813Z
UID:40785-1698861600-1698868800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:November Monthly Meeting: Forensic Genealogy: Law and Order Meets Family History
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wondered what forensic genealogists do? How they use genealogical research techniques to find both living and deceased individuals to solve legal issues? At our November meeting\, genealogist Michael Brophy will return to WMGS to present “Forensic Genealogy: Law and Order Meets Family History.” \nForensic genealogy is an emerging field involving cases with legal ramifications. This fascinating area of research includes heir research\, adoption\, citizenship\, immigration\ncasework\, and military repatriation involving living people. \nWe hope you’ll join us on Wednesday\, November 1st\, 2023 at 6 p.m. for a virtual\npresentation on Zoom.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/november-monthly-meeting-forensic-genealogy-law-and-order-meets-family-history/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Michael-Brophy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231004T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231004T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230827T171413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230827T171413Z
UID:40707-1696442400-1696449600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:October Meeting: The Hub of the Wheel: How Tracing a Brother With No Children Connected Ten Siblings
DESCRIPTION:Finding the origins of immigrant ancestors can be challenging for sure. For anyone with Irish ancestors\, finding their origins in Ireland can be especially difficult. Most of our ancestors left few clues to where they were born and where they lived prior to\nimmigration. However\, we know that most immigrants followed family and friends to travel across the ocean and settle near each other in their new country. That knowledge and good research skills can help us solve those challenges. \nAt our October 4th monthly meeting\, nationally known genealogist Mary Kircher Roddy will join us to present “The Hub of the Wheel: How Tracing a Brother with no Children Connected Ten Siblings.” Mary will use a case study showing how a family from Ireland emigrated in a chain migration scheme to western Pennsylvania between 1825 and 1845 and how using the standards for researching connected the siblings and their descendants and led to their origins in County Tyrone.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/october-meeting-the-hub-of-the-wheel-how-tracing-a-brother-with-no-children-connected-ten-siblings/
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/2023/08/Mary-Kircher-Roddy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230906T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230906T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230827T163301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230827T163301Z
UID:40704-1694023200-1694030400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:September Meeting: Mining Information from City Directories
DESCRIPTION:Before phone books\, many municipalities had city directories. Updated annually\, the directories were comprehensive listings of adult residents\, along with their addresses\,\ntheir occupations\, names of spouses\, and other helpful facts. Initially intended for salesmen and merchants who wanted to contact people in the area\, city directories\nare a gold mine for genealogy research. \nParticipants in this session will learn about the variety of information contained in city directories and how to use this information to find their ancestors and learn what\nthey were really like. Through the use of a case study\, a portion of the presentation will focus on how to use spreadsheets to record\, organize\, and manipulate the data and to use city directory information as a gateway to other resources.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/september-meeting-mining-information-from-city-directories/
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/2023/01/Susan-J-OConnor.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230802T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230802T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230727T180530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T180530Z
UID:40691-1690999200-1691004600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS August Monthly Meeting: Genograms for Genealogists
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever noticed common threads in your family tree and wondered why they happened? At our August monthly meeting\, genealogist\, and member\, Edwin Strickland II will present an intriguing and useful topic for our members\, “Genograms for Genealogists.” \nEdwin will show us how the concepts behind the genogram (McGoldrick-Gerson Studies or Lapidus Schematics)\, typically used in counseling and therapy\, can be applied to genealogy to open a third dimension to our research. Going beyond the family group sheet and pedigree chart\, you can extend patterns of behavior and medical history beyond the family into the community. Genograms can help explain some of the hows and whys we encounter. They can also be used as predictors to focus further research.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-august-monthly-meeting-genograms-for-genealogists/
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:20230705T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230705T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230527T153336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230527T153336Z
UID:40660-1688580000-1688585400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS July Monthly Meeting: War and Change in the Post-Civil Ware Era Until World War I
DESCRIPTION:At our July 5th monthly meeting\, genealogist John Putnam will join us to present War and Change in the Post-Civil War Era Until World War I. \nThis presentation is part four of John’s New England series and covers the incredible immigration and growth from the Civil War until World War I. \nFollowing the Civil War\, there were many changes in New England society. Reconstruction\, immigration\, advances in travel\, burgeoning industries\, and other issues contributed to the vast changes that affected our ancestors and their families\nprior to World War I. Knowing about these factors will help you understand their lives\nand expand your research.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-july-monthly-meeting-war-and-change-in-the-post-civil-ware-era-until-world-war-i/
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/2020/06/John-Putnam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230607T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230607T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230423T165040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230423T165508Z
UID:40616-1686160800-1686168000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Monthly Meeting: An Introduction to the Courthouse with 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-june-monthly-meeting-an-introduction-to-the-courthouse-with-michael-john-neill/
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/Michael-John-Neil.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230503T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230503T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230331T232533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230331T232533Z
UID:40584-1683136800-1683144000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Annual Meeting & Tech Talk with Dave
DESCRIPTION:Our annual meeting will be held on May 3rd at 6 p.m. This will be a hybrid meeting.\nMembers can choose whether to attend in person in the Chicopee Public Library conference room or participate virtually on Zoom. \nAt the meeting\, our Treasurer will give a brief financial report. Next\, the Nominating\nCommittee will present the slate of candidates for election to open positions as officers\nand directors of our society. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Voting\nwill be conducted in person and virtually through an anonymous poll on Zoom.\nThe following positions are up for election to two-year terms:\n• President\n• Treasurer\n• Director (Two positions) \nA Nominating Committee consisting of Dave Lapierre and Cara Seitchek has been appointed. If any member is interested in running for election to a position and/or wishes to know the requirements for the position\, please send an email to the Nominating Committee at westmassgen@gmail.com with Nominating Committee in the subject line. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and experience for the position you are seeking. \nWe’ll also announce our Founders Award recipient and review our plans for the\nupcoming year. \nFollowing the business portion of our May 3rd annual meeting\, we will be hosting “Tech Talk with Dave.”\nDave Lapierre will field and (hopefully) answer your technology questions. Rather than giving a prepared presentation\, Dave will answer questions from the audience.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-annual-meeting-tech-talk-with-dave/
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/2022/09/CPL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230405T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230405T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230331T231837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230331T231950Z
UID:40581-1680717600-1680723000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April 2023 Monthly Meeting: Using Tax Records in Genealogy - How Taxes Can Be a Good Thing!
DESCRIPTION:Many dread tax day\, but old tax records provide valuable clues to our ancestors’ lives. Since the early days of America\, people were taxed to create roads\, to support wars\,\nand to provide needed revenue. Learn the types of records available\, where to find\nthem\, and how they help solve genealogy problems. \nJoin us on Wednesday\, April 5th at 6 p.m. for a virtual presentation with Dr. McCoy.\nYou can participate on Zoom from home or attend the presentation in person at the\nChicopee Public Library conference room.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-2023-monthly-meeting-using-tax-records-in-genealogy-how-taxes-can-be-a-good-thing/
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/2023/03/Carol-P-McCoy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20230128T203917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230128T203917Z
UID:40541-1675274400-1675279800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Pinpointing Ancestors Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
DESCRIPTION:Where did your ancestors live? How did they live? What was their dwelling like? As genealogists we can generally find the addresses of our ancestors on census records\, marriage licenses\, death certificates\, and other sources. But the next question should be: Where exactly is this address? What was the dwelling like? How far did ancestors live from their place of work\, other relatives\, or their place of worship? Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are one resource to locate where your ancestors lived and bring detail to their story. \nAt our February 1st meeting\, Susan J. O’Connor will be presenting “Pinpointing Ancestors Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps.” Susan’s presentation will include\nexamples from her ancestors who lived in Chicopee\, MA\, making her presentation\nespecially important for our members.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-pinpointing-ancestors-using-sanborn-fire-insurance-maps/
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:20230104T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230104T193000
DTSTAMP:20260428T102941
CREATED:20221123T001614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T001851Z
UID:40449-1672855200-1672860600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: Introduction to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church
DESCRIPTION:Popular genealogist and author Sunny Jane Morton will help us kick off the new year! At our January 4th meeting\, Sunny will present “Introduction to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church.” \nAs Sunny has noted\, U.S. church records of many denominations can reveal ancestors’ vital events\, maiden names\, family relationships\, overseas birthplaces\, and other information such as our ancestors’ religious practices and residences. Sunny will help us learn what these records may look like\, how to identify an ancestral church\, locate extant records\, and tell us where we might locate them. \nSunny’s acclaimed book on this topic\, “How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records” (co-authored with Harold Henderson)\, has become a bestseller. Sunny is a popular speaker at genealogy conferences and seminars around the U.S. and world. She’s especially known for expertise in tracing U.S. ancestors\, her unique comparisons\nof the industry’s largest websites\, and inspiring presentations on how to reconstruct\nand tell meaningful stories from the past.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-introduction-to-u-s-church-records-why-we-care-where-grandma-went-to-church/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sunny-Jane-Morton.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR