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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20251016T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250926T135335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T135335Z
UID:41625-1760641200-1760646600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Training Session: Write Your Family History Using Traditional and AI Strategies
DESCRIPTION:How might traditional and AI tools be used to write a family history? In our October training\, WMGS board member John Putnam will give a hands-on workshop on the strategies he uses. (You may remember John from his well-received July 2025\npresentation\, when he shared his family’s journeys through the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts.) \nStarting with his template for developing stories\, John will explain his step-by-step process for writing a family history. We’ll learn more about: \n\nUsing AI tools to find more detailed information that is period- and locale\nspecific to our ancestors.\nIncorporating basic genealogical material with this additional research.\nUsing AI to draft reports or revise them for tone\, grammar\, and spelling.\n\nJohn encourages us to identify an ancestor living between 1800 and 1950\, so we can\nfollow along in real time. He’ll also ask volunteers to share their research findings. This is a great opportunity to get some direct feedback!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-training-session-write-your-family-history-using-traditional-and-ai-strategies/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/John-Putnam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250925T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250818T195040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T195201Z
UID:41579-1758826800-1758832200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Next-Gen Genealogy: Tools to Transform Your Research
DESCRIPTION:Genealogy is evolving at a remarkable pace\, with exciting new technologies transforming how we discover our ancestors and preserve their stories. \nAt our September training session\, we’ll offer a trio of mini-presentations showcasing cutting edge resources our hosts have been exploring. Each presentation will last 15 to 20 minutes. \nWe’ll cover: \n\nGoogle Maps & Google Earth\nDiscover your ancestors’ homes\, explore geographic migration routes\, and gain\ninsights on your family journeys.\nAI Platforms\nDiscover how tools like ChatGPT\, Copilot\, Gemini\, and Perplexity can assist with everything from formulating research questions to organizing and writing about your discoveries.\nFamilySearch Labs\nLearn about FamilySearch’s experimental labs\, including full-text search techniques\, AI-powered Help Center searches\, and the Ask a Help Chatbot feature. We’ll also explore where to find digitized books and archived videos from past RootsTech conferences.\n\nThere’s a lot happening in genealogy these days\, and it’s a great time to take your research to the next level. Join us on Thursday\, September 25 at 7 p.m. as we explore a few of them!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-next-gen-genealogy-tools-to-transform-your-research/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ned-Gen-Genealogy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20260406T190321
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:20260406T190321
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:20250619T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250619T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250519T194840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T194920Z
UID:41480-1750359600-1750365000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Training Session: Enriching Your Ancestor's Story Using Occupational Records\, An Introduction
DESCRIPTION:At our June 19 training session\, Diane Romanowsky will present “Enriching Your Ancestor’s Story Using Occupational Records\, An Introduction.” \nOccupational records are helpful in genealogy as they provide insights into an ancestor’s daily life\, socioeconomic status\, possible education\, and skills. An ancestor’s occupation often shaped their lifestyle\, finances\, and even where they lived. \nYour ancestor’s occupation can tell you so much about their day-to-day life. In this presentation\, you will: \n\nLearn how occupational information can advance your research.\nLearn how to find your ancestor’s occupation(s).\nLearn sources of occupational information and records.\nSee examples of occupational records and learn how the information they contain\nenriches the ancestor’s story.\n\nThe occupations of coal miner\, farmer\, railroad worker\, Catholic priest\, and textile worker will be highlighted. Diane will share her success in using occupational records to advance her research and enrich her ancestor’s stories.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-training-session-enriching-your-ancestors-story-using-occupational-records-an-introduction/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/occupation.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250522T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250522T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250422T213111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T213111Z
UID:41445-1747940400-1747945800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Training Session: Genealogy Neatly - Organizing Your Family History Research
DESCRIPTION:How do you organize your genealogical research? Do you use physical storage (binders\, papers\, hanging files\, notebooks\, etc.)\, digital storage (genealogy program\, Microsoft Word/Excel\, PDF files\, your laptop\, the cloud\, etc.)\, or a combination of both physical and digital? \nIs your current organization system working for you? Can you find that document or photograph when you want to? Can you quickly locate that 1920 census document that you downloaded and saved? \nOrganizing our genealogical data is a challenge many of us deal with. There are various options and methods available. We’ve all seen the ads on social media from vendors promising that if we buy their product or subscribe to their organizational system\, all our challenges will be solved. The only organizational system that works is the one that  works for you! \nAt our May 22 training session (starting at 7 p.m.)\, Dave Lapierre will present “Genealogy Neatly: Organizing Your Family History Research.” He will review both physical and digital genealogy files and discuss methods for organizing both types\, file naming conventions\, folder structure\, and how to maintain organization over time. This will be the fifth session of our Tech Talk with Dave series.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-training-session-genealogy-neatly-organizing-your-family-history-research/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DavidLapierre.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250422T213354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T213354Z
UID:41447-1746644400-1746646200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS 2025 Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Our annual meeting will be held on May 7\, following our presentation by Thomas MacEntee. At the meeting\, our Assistant Treasurer will give a brief financial report\, announce the results of our annual audit\, and provide membership numbers. \nWe will then conduct our annual elections. The Nominating Committee will present the slate of candidates for election as officers and directors of our society. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. Voting will be conducted electronically by an anonymous poll. \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 Kris Verny has been appointed. If any member is interested in running for election to a position and/or\nwishes to know the requirements for each position\, please send an email to the Nominating Committee at westmassgen@gmail.com with Nominating Committee in\nthe subject line. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and experience for the position you are seeking. \nFollowing the election\, we will review the status of our society and review our plans for the upcoming year. \nWe encourage you to attend our annual meeting.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-2025-annual-meeting/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Important.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250417T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250218T185632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T185632Z
UID:41393-1744916400-1744921800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Training Session: Our Ancestors' Clothing
DESCRIPTION:We’re very happy that Howard Vincent Kurtz will be joining us again at our April 17 training session for another presentation of “Our Ancestors’ Clothing”! \nIf you have participated in Professor Kurtz’s previous visits to WMGS\, you’ll know what a unique opportunity he provides our members. If you have photographs of people that you can’t identify\, if you’d like more information about their clothing\, or if you think other\nmembers would find them intriguing\, please send them to us. Prof. Kurtz will research the clothing worn and other photographic details to help identify the time and place the photos were taken\, among other characteristics. \nProf. Kurtz’s analysis may help to identify ancestors\, solve family mysteries\, and add\ndetails and context to family stories. In addition\, his visits provide our members with an opportunity to gain skills in photograph analysis from an expert.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-training-session-our-ancestors-clothing/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/clothing.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250402T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250320T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250218T185348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T185348Z
UID:41391-1742497200-1742502600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March Special Interest Group (SIG): Canadian Research...continued
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next Canadian Special Interest Group meeting on Thursday\, March 20 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. In our inaugural session\, we explored Canadian genealogy\nresources available through Library and Archives Canada and FamilySearch. This time\, we’ll delve into resources on Ancestry\, including the Drouin Collection\, U.S.-Canadian\nborder crossings\, census records\, and many others. We’ll also explore additional websites as time permits. \nWhat to Expect: \n\nKnowledge sharing: Connect with members researching ancestors from\nvarious regions of Canada.\nNew resources: Discover helpful tips and explore new databases.\nResearch assistance: Share your research questions and receive help with\nchallenging brick walls.\nFocus areas: Covering topics from the Eastern Provinces\, Quebec\, Ontario\, and\nthe Western Provinces to Loyalists\, Irish immigrants\, and more.\n\nWe’ll uncover a wealth of resources for Canadian ancestry research\, covering both well-known and new databases that could provide the breakthroughs you’re seeking. \nLeading the group will be Jeanne Leblond\, who has over 25 years of experience researching Canadian ancestors. Members are encouraged to send their research questions or brick wall problems in advance to westmassgen@gmail.com or ask them\nduring the meeting.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-special-interest-group-sig-canadian-research-continued/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250220T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250125T180445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250125T180548Z
UID:41292-1740078000-1740083400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Training:  Murder\, Mayhem\, and Mystery!
DESCRIPTION:Join us at our February training session for another thrilling edition of Murder\, Mayhem\,\nand Mystery! Do you have a famous or infamous ancestor in your family tree? Someone with an unusual occupation or career or perhaps someone who made headlines for a\nscandalous event? Whether it’s a horse thief\, a bank robber\, or another colorful character\, we’d love to hear their story. \nHave you solved a mystery about an ancestor’s disappearance\, uncovered a secret that was hushed up by the family\, or disproved a family myth? Share the discoveries that have intrigued\, fascinated\, or shocked you and tell us how you uncovered these intriguing stories. \nThese events are a great way to gather your documents and share your discoveries or\nstories with fellow members. They’ll also be ready to share with your own family later.  We hope you’ll consider sharing one of your findings with us. This will be an informal\nevent\, so it isn’t necessary to provide tons of background information\, research documentation\, or other material. \nShort (5 minutes or so) presentations about your ancestor and research will be\ncombined with others from WMGS members for an enjoyable event. \nIf you’d like to share photos\, documents\, or digital material (limit of 10 scanned\nitems/slides please) along with your story\, please send the items to us at westmassgen@gmail.com by Friday\, February 14 and we’ll have them ready to\nshare on the screen. \nWhether you’d like to present or not\, we hope you’ll join us on Thursday\, February\n20 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-training-murder-mayhem-and-mystery/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mmm.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20250130T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250125T181625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250125T181625Z
UID:41300-1738263600-1738267200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:An Evening with Sybil J. Gilchrist: "Comrades of World War I”
DESCRIPTION:Massachusetts resident Sybil Gilcrist discovered five brave World War I African American patriots from Pittsylvania County\, Virginia\, in her extended family. Bound by community ties\, these men and their families shared a vibrant social\, religious\, and commercial life. Through compelling research\, Sybil will delve into the soldiers’ military tours\, share the records that revealed their stories\, and recount her own journey to uncover this poignant history. \nThis presentation is free\, but registration is required!\nFor more information\, go to www.massgencouncil.org/m-o-r-e \n 
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/an-evening-with-sybil-j-gilchrist-comrades-of-world-war-i/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MGC-Emblem-for-website-link.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250123T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250107T175347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T175434Z
UID:41273-1737658800-1737664200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Special Interest Group (SIG): Canadian Genealogy Research
DESCRIPTION:Kick off the new year with our inaugural virtual Special Interest Group (SIG) session in January! This month\, we’re diving into Canadian genealogy research. \nWhat to Expect: \nKnowledge Sharing: Connect with members researching ancestors from across Canada. \nNew Resources: Discover helpful tips and new databases. \nResearch Assistance: Discuss your research questions and get help with those tricky brick walls. \nFocus Areas: From the Eastern Provinces to Quebec\, Ontario\, the Western provinces\, Loyalists\, Irish immigrants\, and more. \nWe’ll explore a wealth of resources for Canadian ancestry research\, covering both well-known and exciting new databases that might provide the breakthroughs you’re looking for. \nLeading the group will be Jeanne Leblond\, who has over 25 years of experience researching Canadian ancestors. Members can send their research questions in advance or ask them at the meeting.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/special-interest-group-sig-canadian-genealogy-research/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Canadian-Flag.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20250107T175540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T175540Z
UID:41276-1736793000-1736798400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS January Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-january-board-meeting/
CATEGORIES:WMGS Board Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241219T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20241125T015058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T015117Z
UID:41255-1734634800-1734640200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Annual Virtual Holiday Party
DESCRIPTION:We’re inviting all our members to join us at our genealogy-focused holiday Zoom party on Thursday\, December 19 at 7 p.m.! This will be our third virtual holiday party\, and it’s quickly becoming a much-enjoyed tradition. (Note: Dates changed for party & photo\nsubmissions.) \nJust like our first two fabulous virtual holiday events\, we’ll dive into several genealogy-related holiday topics to get the conversation flowing. We’ll share stories about holiday traditions\, favorite heirlooms\, cherished memories\, and take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane through local newspapers. \nOne of the highlights of our virtual parties is when members dig into their archives or family collections to share their holiday photos and traditions. Do you have a photo of yourself sitting on Santa’s lap? A picture of your family Christmas tree or a family holiday gathering? A favorite holiday photo from your childhood? \nSend in photos of your treasured holiday decorations or family heirlooms that you display every year. Any holiday-related photos can be submitted\, and we’ll create a slideshow of them for everyone to enjoy! \nAnd yes\, we’ll have another exciting holiday genealogy trivia game to challenge your\nknowledge! \nIt’s BYOB — hot chocolate\, hot mulled wine\, hot cider\, or something stronger if you’d like! Dress up in your holiday finery or your ugliest holiday sweater if you wish. Get ready to celebrate the holidays in a genealogical way. \nPlease send your photos to westmassgen@gmail.com by Friday\, December 13. We hope you’ll join us at this virtual event and get in the holiday spirit with us!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-annual-virtual-holiday-party/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Annual Virtual Holiday Part
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Holiday-Scene.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20241121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241121T210000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20241022T012735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T012735Z
UID:41206-1732215600-1732222800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Training Session: Tech Talk With Dave: Cemetery Websites
DESCRIPTION:At our September 19th training session\, Dave Lapierre reviewed and demonstrated three popular websites for finding our ancestors’ resting places: Find A Grave\, BillionGraves\, and Interment.net. All three of these sites are free to use\, and two of them have a mobile version — an app you can download to your smartphone. Dave explained how the sites are similar\, how they differ\, and how to use them. \nMany of us have searched for ancestors on these sites but were pleasantly surprised by the extensive features of these sites. Many of us also haven’t used the apps at cemeteries and are eager to learn more about them. \nMembers had more questions than Dave had time to answer\, so we will offer a follow-up session at our November training session. This gives members a chance to explore the websites\, jot down follow-up questions\, and download and practice using the mobile apps beforehand. If you weren’t able to attend the training or need a refresher\, the recording and handouts are available in the Members Only section of our website under Trainings. \nIf you would like to submit questions in advance\, please send them to Dave at westmassgen@gmail.com. Of course\, you can also ask your questions at the session. We hope you’ll join us for this helpful presentation.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-training-session-tech-talk-with-dave-cemetery-websites/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241106T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241106T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20241024T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241024T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20240823T144736Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T013335Z
UID:41149-1729796400-1729800000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Volunteer Information Night
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever thought about volunteering with WMGS? We’d love to have you on the team! \nVolunteers are the lifeblood of our society\, and there are many opportunities for our members to contribute and bring in new ideas. Some tasks require specific skills\, but most do not. Some routine tasks require only a few hours each month\, but we also need help with specific projects. Most\, if not all tasks\, can be done from home. All of our meetings are held on Zoom so that no matter where you live\, you can help. \nThere are many benefits to volunteering for WMGS. You’ll meet other members who are passionate about our society and genealogy\, gain experience for your resume\, develop new skills\, and help to secure the future of WMGS. \nReady to learn more? We’re hosting an informational event on Zoom to tell you about  our volunteer opportunities and society needs\, and we’ll answer your questions about\nthem. There’s no commitment required\, and we won’t pressure you to volunteer if you\nattend.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-volunteer-information-night/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Information Night
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241017T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241017T210000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20241022T013955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T013955Z
UID:41211-1729191600-1729198800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Training Session: Too Much Stuff: A Case Study
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever searched for a piece of information you know you\nhave but can’t find? Have you ever wanted to gather all the\ninformation you have on one individual in one place? Have you\never been overwhelmed with “stuff” and struggled with organizing\nand archiving it? \nIn “Too Much Stuff: A Case Study” WMGS member Angus Dun will describe how he uses Clooz software to organize his research. He will also discuss a system that provides consistent identification\, storage\, and retrieval of information. Using real data\, he will explain how Clooz helped him meet his goals and how it might help you. \nAngus Dun is a retired educator and education technology consultant who currently manages the historical artifacts collection of the Shelburne Historical Society in Shelburne Falls. His genealogical journey started over 50 years ago\, when he inherited an extensive collection of family letters\, documents\, and artifacts. He has\nself-published\, primarily for family\, one book\, “Catherine Whipple Pew: Life in Her Own Words\,” and has several others in the queue.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-training-session-too-much-stuff-a-case-study/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241002T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241002T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
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:20240919T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240919T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T190321
CREATED:20240724T175632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T144041Z
UID:41124-1726772400-1726777800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September Training Session: Tech Talk with Dave\, Session 4- Gravesites to Websites - Find A Grave\, BillionGraves\, and Interment.net - Let's Dig In
DESCRIPTION:In the 4th Tech Talk with Dave session\, Dave will review and demonstrate websites for finding graves.  Specifically\, Dave will showcase FindAGrave\, Billion Graves\, and  will touch on Interment.net. All three of these sites are free to use\, and two of them have a mobile version – – an app you can download to your smart phone.  Dave will explain how they are similar\, how they differ\, and how to use them.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-training-session-tech-talk-with-dave-findagrave-billion-graves-interment-net/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DavidLapierre.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR