Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society, Inc.

WMGS Training: Applying Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps to Research
2020-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Sanborn Fire Insurance maps offer unique and valuable information about the locations where your city-dwelling ancestors lived. The Sanborn Map Company published maps from 1867 to 1970 to evaluate fire insurance liability in urban areas.
The maps are detailed street plans on large sheets of paper—one sheet shows about four to six city blocks. You can learn a lot about your ancestor’s house and neighborhood or research the history of your own old house. These maps show
building outlines, locations of windows and doors, building use (including the names of most public buildings), property boundaries, house and block number, street names, and more. In this video class, you’ll see an example of the role Sanborn maps played in a research situation.

WMGS Board Meeting
2020-10-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2020-11-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-01-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-02-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-03-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-04-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-05-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2021-06-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Online

WMGS Training: Inspiring Ways to Captivate Non-Genealogists
2020-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
If you are researching your family tree but haven’t shared it with your family in a way that sparks their interest, then you are only experiencing half of the joy of genealogy! And if your descendants don’t grasp the importance of their heritage, your hard work may tragically find its way to the city dump when you are gone.
Don’t just collect your family history and store it away in binders and files! Learn how creative displays and crafts can capture the imagination of your non-historian friends and relatives, while honoring your ancestors. These projects are guaranteed to inspire your family to ask you to tell them more about the family tree!

WMGS November Monthly Meeting
2020-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
At our November 4th monthly meeting, Edwin Strickland II, will be presenting “The Rise and Fall of Hampshire County (Massachusetts).” Following a discussion of the steps from exploration to incorporation in New England, Ed will follow the history of Hampshire county (which at times extended from Worcester, Massachusetts west to
the Hudson River and from within present Connecticut into Vermont) from its creation in 1660 onward. He will cover the various state boundary disputes, discuss the division of the four present counties of Western Massachusetts, and provide a guide to finding their records.

WMGS Training: How to Find Living Relatives
2020-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
In this class you will learn the strategies that may just lead you to someone who has the answers you need.

WMGS Monthly Meeting: Using Emigrant Guides for Genealogical Research
2020-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Emigrant guides provided essential information and practical advice to our ancestors about travel routes, weather, opportunities, and much more. Learn how to use emigrant guides for insight into the how’s and why’s of an ancestor’s preparation and journey across an ocean or the country.
If you have ever wondered how your ancestors managed to venture across our country, perhaps in a covered wagon, or wondered how they were able to navigate from tiny villages in distant countries to come to the United States, you’ll want to attend this presentation.

WMGS Training - 10 Ways to Use Video for Genealogy
2020-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Learn how genealogists can use video in countless ways to learn more about their ancestors, enhance their online presence to attract others researching the same family lines, and create intriguing projects to be shared.

WMGS Training - Organize Your Research with Evernote
2021-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Originally aired as a live Family Tree University webinar in July 2013, however the organizational techniques are still timely.

WMGS Training - Google Search Methodology
2021-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
If you think you know how to Google, think again! Technology changes rapidly and keeping our search skills updated and sharp is key to search success. In this session we’ll cover my Google search methodology updated for 2020. We’ll discuss the latest and best search innovations, and you’ll learn the process that will dramatically improve your genealogical search results. These skills can be used with all associated Google tools.
This session was offered back in February, 2020, when we were still meeting in person. It was highly rated, so we wanted to offer it again to our members in an online format.
This will be the last Lisa Louise Cooke webinar we offer as our membership to Genealogy Gems expires in early February. We will continue with monthly training sessions, and have a good variety of programs planned.

WMGS Monthly Meeting - What It Does Not Say
2021-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
We’re excited that Michael John Neill will be joining us again at our February meeting. Michael’s presentation to us last May on Researching the Entire Family was so well received that we’ve asked him to return. Michael will be presenting another live webinar
titled “What It Does Not Say.” Many times, a record only scratches the surface of what
was going on when that record was created. This lecture looks at why a record was
created and how state statute, common practice, economic situations, family issues, and other factors may be the “real story” behind any document. Michael will also discuss how to determine (when possible) what those “unwritten” issues were.

WMGS Training: WWI The Forgotten War - Tips for Researching Ancestors Who Served with US Forces
2021-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Presenter: Diane Romanosky, WMGS Member
Diane became interested in WWI after discovering a picture and military documents with her great uncle’s name on them. Join us to get tips on how to determine if your ancestor served, where to find key information, resources for discovering your ancestor’s WWI story, and ways to honor their service. The presentation will be illustrated with examples from Diane’s journey of discovery into her great uncle’s WWI service.
A lover of history and genealogy, Diane has been researching her family for over 30 years. Her areas of interest include WWI, New England, Pennsylvania, Ireland, Scotland and Poland. She has given presentations for genealogy clubs in the Boston Metro West area.

RootsTech
2021-02-25 - 2021-02-27 | Online
For the first time ever, RootsTech, the annual family history conference sponsored by
FamilySearch, will take place completely online. Usually, RootsTech is a 4-day event
held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, because of the pandemic, the entire
event will be held virtually from February 25th-27th, 2021. Incredibly, it will be
completely free this year!
RootsTech Connect 2021 will offer a combination of both livestream and on-demand
content to participants from around the world. For the three days of the online event,
attendees will have the opportunity to interact with speakers, exhibitors, and fellow
attendees through live-chat and question & answer opportunities. Because of the
differences in time zones, sessions will also be available to view on-demand after the conference concludes. Even better, sessions will be available for viewing for at least a whole year!
Roots Tech Connect 2021 will feature keynote speakers, dozens of classes, and over 300 breakout sessions, along with a virtual expo hall marketplace that you can visit from home. This is the largest family history conference in the world and you don’t have to even travel to participate in it.
To attend the live event and to access the on-demand sessions, you must pre-register. Again, the conference will be completely free and you can attend sessions from the comfort and safety of your home.
https://www.rootstech.org/rootstech-connect-2021-registration?lang=eng

WMGS Monthly Meeting: Understanding Massachusetts Vital Records
2021-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
We’re looking forward to our March 3rd, 2021 meeting, as we’ll be joined by Marian
Pierre-Louis, who will present a highly anticipated presentation titled “Understanding
Massachusetts Vital Records.”
Marian Pierre-Louis is a genealogy professional who specializes in educational outreach through webinars, internet broadcasts, and video. Her areas of expertise include house history research, southern New England research, and solving brick walls. Since the rise in interest of genetic genealogy, Marian has become addicted to using DNA to help solve genealogy mysteries. Marian is the host of the Genealogy Professional Podcast. She has also produced and hosted 100 episodes of Fieldstone Common, a history podcast. Marian is the Online Education Producer for Legacy Family Tree Webinars where she produces online genealogy education classes. Once a month you’ll find her as the evening host of Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
Most people know that Massachusetts has rich vital records dating back to the 1600s. Making the most of Massachusetts vital records requires understanding the nuances of the records. Marian will talk about original sources, such as town record books, as well as the many printed and database options. Learn how to use the “tan books,” vital records from 1841, and all the lesser-known resources available.
Mark your calendars so you won’t miss this important presentation on Wednesday, March 3rd at 6 PM.

WMGS Training Session: A New Look at Irish Research
2021-03-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
On Thursday, March 18th at 7 PM, WMGS member Richard Reid will be
presenting a training session titled “A New Look at Irish Research.” Though
it’s the day after St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll still be in an Irish mood!
This presentation is designed for those just starting their Irish research and for
the veteran researcher. We’ll visit the new church records and civil records and
websites that are being updated with new data daily. You will learn about some
of the best free resources and subscription services. (Documents used in the
presentation are the results of consultations performed by the Friends of Irish
Research.)

WMGS Training Session: The Hampden Railroad
2021-03-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
For those of us who are interested in local history, especially railroads, this is
going to be a delight! WMGS member, Philip E. Johnson will be presenting a
fascinating look at the Hampden Railroad. His presentation is based on his
book, The Hampden Railroad – The Greatest Railroad That Never Ran, which
was published in 2014. The work is the result of 30 years of research!
This story likely affected thousands of our ancestors from Westfield to central
Massachusetts who may have worked on this railroad. Investors, local towns,
and even the general public were impacted as well. Yet so little is known about
this story.
Philip gives us a preview:
“Growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts during the 50’s and 60’s, I remember seeing the trains crossing in Winchester Square and by Watershops Pond, and even across Five Mile pond when swimming with my family. Beginning with model trains and
riding on tourist trains as a child, I have always loved trains. When I was in my early 20’s, I had a job where I was a field service engineer in eastern Hampden County. This gave me ample opportunity to view many branch lines in operation and investigate abandoned lines. I became a member of Amherst Railroad Society as a young adult where I have remained a member for 40 years. As an engineer, I enjoy researching the history of random lines and can usually spot where a railroad once ran based on the slope of the terrain. Our family vacations many times had a railroad theme at least one day out of the week. I believe that all children should be given the opportunity to ride
a train. We need to lobby in favor of more passenger trains to replace some cars, especially in cities. I keep hoping that passenger trains will soon return to the town I live in, Erving, Massachusetts.
The Hampden Railroad story is different, not a success story by any means. The railroad was built 1911-1913 to connect 2 parallel lines in central Mass in order to avoid changing trains in Boston. South and North Stations still have no connection. This is a story of how it was conceived, how it was built, and why it never operated.”
To see a preview of this story, you can watch an interview that Phil gave to the Monson-Palmer Public Television station at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAsOMG-oNAw
Note: If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of Philip’s book in advance, it’s available on Amazon. If you’d like an autographed copy, they are available for $35.00 each by emailing Phil at: Hampdenphil@gmail.com.

NERGC Gathering Day #1
2021-04-01 10:00 - 19:00

WMGS April Meeting: Migration Trails Across America
2021-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
On Wednesday, April 7th, we’ll be welcoming nationally-known genealogist Peggy Clemens Lauritzen for a presentation titled “Migration Trails Across America.”America has been a nation on the move since the first landings in the colonies. From
buffalo traces and Native American trails to rivers and canals, America has found a way
to keep pushing “west.” This presentation focuses on the most common means of travel
in the New World. Migration trails and patterns will be discussed, as well as the many
rivers and canals that interconnected us as a nation. Peggy’s presentation will feature a
case study of a “lost ancestor” from Essex County, Massachusetts

NERGC Gathering Day #2
2021-04-09 09:00 - 17:00

NERGC Gathering Day #3
2021-04-17 10:00 - 18:00

WMGS Training Session: Our Ancestor's Clothing
2021-04-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Professional costume designer, costume technologist, historian, educator, and museum curator, Howard Vincent Kurtz will be joining us for a training session on
Thursday, April 22nd.
Professor Kurtz has created costumes for Broadway, Hollywood films, and television during his career. A recipient of the Helen Hayes Outstanding Costume Design Award in Washington, D.C., he also carries the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus of Theater at George Mason University and is a Fellow of the Costume Society of America.
Professor Kurtz has offered to research a small selection of family photographs from those sent in by our members, analyzing the clothing worn to help identify the time and place the photos were taken. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about photo identification techniques based on clothing. We’re grateful that it’s been arranged for us by member Cara Seitchek.

WMGS Monthly Meeting - Don't Chop Off That Branch! A Genealogy Arborist's Handbook
2021-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Thomas MacEntee will be presenting “Don’t Chop Off That Branch! A Genealogy Arborist’s Handbook.” Many of us will relate to this dilemma. You’re at a crossroads when it comes to years of genealogy research: should you delete an entire branch of your family tree due to faulty research? Or is there a better way to correct family
history research errors and salvage information that took years to find? Tom will address the problem of bad research, help you decide if your research is bad or just sloppy, help you map out a correction plan, and help you salvage that branch.

WMGS Training: Navigating the Records from The War of 1812
2021-05-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
From bounty land to pensions, there is no shortage of genealogical records for soldiers from the War of 1812. Learn how and why these records were created, how to make sense of them, and what those records can contain for your ancestors!
You’ll learn about different types of records and where to find them, including bounty land records, pension and military service records, and more.

WMGS Monthly Meeting: Backing Up Your Genealogy Data
2021-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Have you ever experienced a data loss when it comes to your genealogy research? Not yet? Well, if not, have you prepared for what might happen if your hard drive fails? What if your laptop is lost or stolen? Learn the basics of backing up all your genealogy data including identifying data, common backup methods, and how to use free online programs to help you make sure your data will always be available!
