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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
CREATED:20250422T213354Z
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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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20241219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241219T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240904T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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:20240620T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240620T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
CREATED:20240502T231937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T231937Z
UID:41003-1718910000-1718915400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Training Session - Virtual Skills Night
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-training-session-virtual-skills-night/
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:20240610T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240610T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
CREATED:20240502T231827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T231827Z
UID:41001-1718044200-1718051400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS June Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-june-board-meeting-2/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Board Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240605T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
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:20240516T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240516T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
CREATED:20240502T231549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T231549Z
UID:40997-1715886000-1715891400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May 16th Training Session: Paleography - Reading Old Handwriting Part 2
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-16th-training-session-paleography-reading-old-handwriting-part-2/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Training Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ed-Strickland.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240513T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240513T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
CREATED:20240502T231723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240502T231723Z
UID:40999-1715625000-1715632200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-board-meeting-2/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Board Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T192350
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:20260406T192350
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
END:VCALENDAR