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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
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:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240324T135657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240324T135657Z
UID:40945-1714586400-1714591800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS May Monthly Meeting: Overlooked Municipal Records
DESCRIPTION:At our May 1st monthly meeting\, we will be welcoming back Sara Campbell for a presentation titled “Overlooked Municipal Records.” \nWhether you’re searching for clues about your ancestors or looking to enhance what you know about their lives\, municipal records may contain helpful information. Annual town reports\, lists of jurors\, tax records\, property value records\, and pauper records might hold clues as well. Understanding how these records are organized and where they are likely to be found are necessary first steps to finding your ancestors.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-may-monthly-meeting-overlooked-municipal-records/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sara-Campbell.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240324T135922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240324T135922Z
UID:40947-1713466800-1713472200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Training Session: Paleography: Reading Old Handwriting - Part 1
DESCRIPTION:At our April 18th training session\, Ed Strickland will present part one of a two-session course on paleography. The one-hour paleography lecture will be followed by a practice workshop at our May 16th training session. \nAfter only a little research\, we all have to begin to read original documents. Often our eyes glaze over after the first few lines\, or we skip through the document looking for names and overlooking many important details. This short course in paleography explores the development of the Roman alphabet and the cursive hand (including the pesky thorn). Ed will cover five steps to understanding old documents\, transcriptions\, special characters\, and translations.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-training-session-paleography-reading-old-handwriting-part-1/
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:20240403T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240220T220355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T220355Z
UID:40904-1712167200-1712174400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April Monthly Meeting: Border - What Border? Our Ancestors Who Called Both Canada and the USA Home
DESCRIPTION:Many of us have ancestors who seem to disappear for periods of time. For those ancestors who lived in New England\, New York\, and the Upper Midwest\, have we considered that they might have periodically lived and worked in Canada? \nAt our April 3rd monthly meeting\, nationally known genealogist Annette Burke Lyttle will present “Border — What Border? Our Ancestors Who Called Both Canada and the USA Home.” \nMovement from the United States to Canada was unrestricted and unrecorded until April 1908. The U.S. began recording the entry of Canadians along its northern border in 1894. Before that\, many thousands of people lived cross border lives\, without visas\, work permits\, passports\, or immigration records. Learn how to find these elusive ancestors.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-monthly-meeting-border-what-border-our-ancestors-who-called-both-canada-and-the-usa-home/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annette-Burke-Lyttle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240402
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240220T221749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T221749Z
UID:40916-1711929600-1712015999@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Deadline for WMGS Founders Award Nominations
DESCRIPTION:WMGS initiated its Founders Award in 2016\, in honor of our one of our founding members\, Diane Ascioti. We were proud to be able to give her this award at our May meeting that year. In 2017\, the Board of Directors decided to bestow this award on an annual basis and approved a set of guidelines and criteria for selecting an awardee. \nAny WMGS member may nominate an individual for this award. The Board will select the award recipient(s) at the April Board meeting and announce their selection in the May newsletter. The award will be presented at the annual meeting in May. \nCriteria for the award were published in last month’s newsletter and are available in the Members Only section of our website. We invite all of our members to review the nomination and award policy and to consider making a nomination. \nAs noted in the policy\, nominees do not have to be a member of the society\, but nominations may only be made by members. Nominations will be accepted until April 1st. Members may email their nominations and supporting reasons to the WMGS Board at westmassgen@gmail.com.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/deadline-for-wmgs-founders-award-nominations/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240321T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240220T221050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T221120Z
UID:40907-1711047600-1711053000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March Training Session: Our Ancestors' Clothing
DESCRIPTION:We’re very happy that Howard Vincent Kurtz will be joining us again at our March 21st\ntraining 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. As in his previous visits\, Prof. Kurtz will review a selection of photographs sent in by our members\, analyzing the clothing worn and other clues in them. \nProfessor Kurtz’s analysis may help to identify ancestors\, solve family mysteries\, and add details 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-march-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:20240306T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240123T023727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T023906Z
UID:40871-1709748000-1709755200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS March Monthly Meeting: The Real Life of New England Vital Records
DESCRIPTION:Understanding when\, where\, and why vital records were created and the changes in those practices over the years can help us find those records today. At our March meeting\, Diane Boumenot will present “The Real Life of New England Vital Records.” Diane will explain how to use copies\, abstracts\, indexes\, and “substitutes” on the path to the best record. You’ll improve your family history research today by maximizing your ability to locate the records that tie generations together. \nThis presentation will be helpful for genealogists at all levels\, as Diane will walk us through how such records are made and explain how to tell what we are actually  looking at today. While suitable for those less experienced\, there is also much information for skilled folks who might like to keep drilling down to find the best version of a record\, but need to see some methods for doing that.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-march-monthly-meeting-the-real-life-of-new-england-vital-records/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Diane-Boumenot.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240304T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240304T190000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240220T222324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T222324Z
UID:40918-1709578800-1709578800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Member Survey: 2024
DESCRIPTION:The survey will close on Monday\, March 4\, 2024\, at 7:00 p.m.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-member-survey-2024/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240229
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240303
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20240123T024537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T024611Z
UID:40876-1709164800-1709423999@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:RootsTech 2024
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/rootstech-2024/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Conferences,eConference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240215T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20231224T135839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T024211Z
UID:40856-1708023600-1708029000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Tech Talk with Dave - Part 3
DESCRIPTION:Have you started (or maybe finished) scanning all the photos in those albums\, boxes\, and file folders? Are there now dozens\, hundreds\, or thousands of photos on your computer in different folders? Have you simply transformed your physical photo mess into a digital photo mess? Can you find that one specific digital photo when you want or need it? \nAt our February training session\, Dave Lapierre will host another session of “Tech Talk with Dave.” Dave will field and (hopefully) answer your technology questions on a topic that often overwhelms many of us. \nMany of you will remember Dave’s previous presentations on photo preservation and how helpful they were. For this session\, Dave will give a brief overview of the basics of photo scanning and review file-naming conventions for those scanned digital photos to help you find them later. He’ll also go over some options for labelling digital photos with metadata (this is not what you name the image; rather\, it’s a description of what the image is\, who is in the image\, and where the photo was taken). Lastly\, he will talk about options for storing those digital photos so they are safe and can be retrieved when you want. He’ll also answer any questions that you would like to ask him. \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 very helpful presentation!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-tech-talk-with-dave-part-3/
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:20240212T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240212T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20231224T140020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231224T140020Z
UID:40860-1707762600-1707769800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGW Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgw-board-meeting/
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:20240207T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T224638
CREATED:20231224T135301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231224T135301Z
UID:40850-1707328800-1707336000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Getting the Most Out of a Census Record
DESCRIPTION:The first database we usually consult when we research an ancestor is one containing census records. Are we taking advantage of all of the information available in them? \nWe’re very excited that Thomas MacEntee will be joining us again at our February 7th meeting to present “Getting the Most Out of a Census Record.” \nCensus records are one of the most important types of genealogical records\, containing a wealth of information you may not find in vital records and allowing you to track your ancestors’ progress over time. Join Thomas for a deep dive into census records and learn some tips and tricks for extracting as much information as possible from each record.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-getting-the-most-out-of-a-census-record/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MacEntee.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR