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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230427T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230427T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T002349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T002524Z
UID:40457-1682622000-1682627400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Genealogy 101 - Session #4
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to share the news with you! Peggy Clemens Lauritzen\, one of our favorite presenters\, will be teaching “Genealogy 101: A Four-Session Course in Beginning\nGenealogy” for WMGS members at our monthly training sessions from January through April 2023. \nThese sessions will be held virtually on the 4 th Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The recordings and handouts will be archived in the Members Only section of our website\, in case you miss a class or want to watch it again. \nFor some time\, we’ve been searching for a beginners’ course in genealogy that we could offer to potential\, new\, and current members. \nThis course could be a way to bring more members to our society and introduce more\npeople to the joy of family history research. \nMany of us are self-taught and could benefit from learning other aspects of genealogy\nresearch. Whether to learn new skills or brush up on unfamiliar areas\, we think current\nmembers will be interested in attending such a course as well. We’ll have more information in our January newsletter about the sessions and what topics Peggy will\ncover in each class. \nIf you have friends or family who have been thinking about doing their family genealogy\,\nplease let them know about this wonderful opportunity. For the low cost of an annual\nmembership\, they’ll be able to take this course (either live on Zoom or at their leisure)\,\nattend our monthly meetings\, and have access to all of the archived webinars\,\nhandouts\, and other content in the Members Only section of our website as well.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-genealogy-101-session-1-4/
LOCATION:Online
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:20230405T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230405T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20230331T231837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230331T231950Z
UID:40581-1680717600-1680723000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS April 2023 Monthly Meeting: Using Tax Records in Genealogy - How Taxes Can Be a Good Thing!
DESCRIPTION:Many dread tax day\, but old tax records provide valuable clues to our ancestors’ lives. Since the early days of America\, people were taxed to create roads\, to support wars\,\nand to provide needed revenue. Learn the types of records available\, where to find\nthem\, and how they help solve genealogy problems. \nJoin us on Wednesday\, April 5th at 6 p.m. for a virtual presentation with Dr. McCoy.\nYou can participate on Zoom from home or attend the presentation in person at the\nChicopee Public Library conference room.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-april-2023-monthly-meeting-using-tax-records-in-genealogy-how-taxes-can-be-a-good-thing/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carol-P-McCoy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230323T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230323T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T002342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T002450Z
UID:40456-1679598000-1679603400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Genealogy 101 - Session #3
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to share the news with you! Peggy Clemens Lauritzen\, one of our favorite presenters\, will be teaching “Genealogy 101: A Four-Session Course in Beginning\nGenealogy” for WMGS members at our monthly training sessions from January through April 2023. \nThese sessions will be held virtually on the 4 th Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The recordings and handouts will be archived in the Members Only section of our website\, in case you miss a class or want to watch it again. \nFor some time\, we’ve been searching for a beginners’ course in genealogy that we could offer to potential\, new\, and current members. \nThis course could be a way to bring more members to our society and introduce more\npeople to the joy of family history research. \nMany of us are self-taught and could benefit from learning other aspects of genealogy\nresearch. Whether to learn new skills or brush up on unfamiliar areas\, we think current\nmembers will be interested in attending such a course as well. We’ll have more information in our January newsletter about the sessions and what topics Peggy will\ncover in each class. \nIf you have friends or family who have been thinking about doing their family genealogy\,\nplease let them know about this wonderful opportunity. For the low cost of an annual\nmembership\, they’ll be able to take this course (either live on Zoom or at their leisure)\,\nattend our monthly meetings\, and have access to all of the archived webinars\,\nhandouts\, and other content in the Members Only section of our website as well.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-genealogy-101-session-1-3/
LOCATION:Online
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:20230223T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230223T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T002335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T002417Z
UID:40455-1677178800-1677184200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Genealogy 101 - Session #2
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to share the news with you! Peggy Clemens Lauritzen\, one of our favorite presenters\, will be teaching “Genealogy 101: A Four-Session Course in Beginning\nGenealogy” for WMGS members at our monthly training sessions from January through April 2023. \nThese sessions will be held virtually on the 4 th Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The recordings and handouts will be archived in the Members Only section of our website\, in case you miss a class or want to watch it again. \nFor some time\, we’ve been searching for a beginners’ course in genealogy that we could offer to potential\, new\, and current members. \nThis course could be a way to bring more members to our society and introduce more\npeople to the joy of family history research. \nMany of us are self-taught and could benefit from learning other aspects of genealogy\nresearch. Whether to learn new skills or brush up on unfamiliar areas\, we think current\nmembers will be interested in attending such a course as well. We’ll have more information in our January newsletter about the sessions and what topics Peggy will\ncover in each class. \nIf you have friends or family who have been thinking about doing their family genealogy\,\nplease let them know about this wonderful opportunity. For the low cost of an annual\nmembership\, they’ll be able to take this course (either live on Zoom or at their leisure)\,\nattend our monthly meetings\, and have access to all of the archived webinars\,\nhandouts\, and other content in the Members Only section of our website as well.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-genealogy-101-session-1-2/
LOCATION:Online
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:20230201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230201T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20230128T203917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230128T203917Z
UID:40541-1675274400-1675279800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS February Monthly Meeting: Pinpointing Ancestors Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
DESCRIPTION:Where did your ancestors live? How did they live? What was their dwelling like? As genealogists we can generally find the addresses of our ancestors on census records\, marriage licenses\, death certificates\, and other sources. But the next question should be: Where exactly is this address? What was the dwelling like? How far did ancestors live from their place of work\, other relatives\, or their place of worship? Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are one resource to locate where your ancestors lived and bring detail to their story. \nAt our February 1st meeting\, Susan J. O’Connor will be presenting “Pinpointing Ancestors Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps.” Susan’s presentation will include\nexamples from her ancestors who lived in Chicopee\, MA\, making her presentation\nespecially important for our members.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-february-monthly-meeting-pinpointing-ancestors-using-sanborn-fire-insurance-maps/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Susan-J-OConnor.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230126T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T002331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T002331Z
UID:40453-1674759600-1674765000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Genealogy 101 - Session #1
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to share the news with you! Peggy Clemens Lauritzen\, one of our favorite presenters\, will be teaching “Genealogy 101: A Four-Session Course in Beginning\nGenealogy” for WMGS members at our monthly training sessions from January through April 2023. \nThese sessions will be held virtually on the 4 th Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The recordings and handouts will be archived in the Members Only section of our website\, in case you miss a class or want to watch it again. \nFor some time\, we’ve been searching for a beginners’ course in genealogy that we could offer to potential\, new\, and current members. \nThis course could be a way to bring more members to our society and introduce more\npeople to the joy of family history research. \nMany of us are self-taught and could benefit from learning other aspects of genealogy\nresearch. Whether to learn new skills or brush up on unfamiliar areas\, we think current\nmembers will be interested in attending such a course as well. We’ll have more information in our January newsletter about the sessions and what topics Peggy will\ncover in each class. \nIf you have friends or family who have been thinking about doing their family genealogy\,\nplease let them know about this wonderful opportunity. For the low cost of an annual\nmembership\, they’ll be able to take this course (either live on Zoom or at their leisure)\,\nattend our monthly meetings\, and have access to all of the archived webinars\,\nhandouts\, and other content in the Members Only section of our website as well.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-genealogy-101-session-1/
LOCATION:Online
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:20230104T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230104T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T001614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T001851Z
UID:40449-1672855200-1672860600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: Introduction to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church
DESCRIPTION:Popular genealogist and author Sunny Jane Morton will help us kick off the new year! At our January 4th meeting\, Sunny will present “Introduction to U.S. Church Records: Why We Care Where Grandma Went to Church.” \nAs Sunny has noted\, U.S. church records of many denominations can reveal ancestors’ vital events\, maiden names\, family relationships\, overseas birthplaces\, and other information such as our ancestors’ religious practices and residences. Sunny will help us learn what these records may look like\, how to identify an ancestral church\, locate extant records\, and tell us where we might locate them. \nSunny’s acclaimed book on this topic\, “How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records” (co-authored with Harold Henderson)\, has become a bestseller. Sunny is a popular speaker at genealogy conferences and seminars around the U.S. and world. She’s especially known for expertise in tracing U.S. ancestors\, her unique comparisons\nof the industry’s largest websites\, and inspiring presentations on how to reconstruct\nand tell meaningful stories from the past.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-introduction-to-u-s-church-records-why-we-care-where-grandma-went-to-church/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sunny-Jane-Morton.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221215T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221215T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221027T011611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221115T162724Z
UID:40418-1671130800-1671136200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Virtual Holiday Gathering
DESCRIPTION:We’re very excited that well-known local historian\, Dennis D. Picard\, will be presenting “Dashing Through the Snow: The Real History of Christmas in New England” at our virtual holiday event this year. \nThe reality of Christmas in early New England may be disappointing to some and unbelievable to many\, but the historical actuality of that celebration — or lack of celebration — of Christmas is a very interesting tale and one that blends the heritage and spirit of many cultures and many lands. \nDennis’ presentation in period costume with accompanying artifacts will help us understand what Christmas was like for our ancestors and put us in the holiday spirit. His interpretations of history are always a fascinating look into the past. \nBrew a mug of mulled wine\, cider\, or hot chocolate and join us as we travel back in time.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-virtual-holiday-event/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/decorate.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221207T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221207T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221027T011143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221027T011143Z
UID:40416-1670436000-1670443200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: The Pilgrims: Persistent and Resilient
DESCRIPTION:At our December meeting\, John Putnam will return to present “The Pilgrims: Persistent and Resilient.” John will discuss the challenges and successes of the Plymouth Colony from its settlement until its merging with the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692. \nAfter facing and surviving challenges on their journey\, the Pilgrims faced further hardships once they arrived on the shores of America. The list was long and included housing\, food\, disease\, weather\, conflicts with Native American tribes\, economic issues\, and more. How did they deal with these challenges and what were the outcomes of their efforts? Where did their strength and resilience originate?
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-the-pilgrims-persistent-and-resilient/
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:20221130T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221130T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221123T002944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T002944Z
UID:40461-1669834800-1669840200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Massachusetts Genealogical Council: An Evening with Kate Kelley - Meet the Photo Angel
DESCRIPTION:It all began with a pile of labeled photos of non-relatives that were mixed in with Kate’s grandparents’ old family pictures. Were they friends? Classmates? War buddies? Neighbors? I was determined to find out. She started poking around genealogy websites began connecting with relatives of the photographed. Now hooked\, Kate visits antique stores to thumb through pictures to find those that are labeled so that she can try to return them to their family members. Affectionately dubbed “The Photo Angel\,” Kate has established a project to reunite long lost photos with their relatives. \nThis presentation is free\, but registration is required!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/massachusetts-genealogical-council-an-evening-with-kate-kelley-meet-the-photo-angel/
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;VALUE=DATE:20221129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221130
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20221027T012724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221027T012724Z
UID:40425-1669680000-1669766399@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Giving Tuesday
DESCRIPTION:Giving Tuesday is a worldwide campaign to celebrate generosity\, share kindness\, and help organizations and causes that need support. \nLast year\, WMGS participated in this campaign for the first time\, and we were blessed with many tax-deductible contributions from our members. These funds have helped to support our programs and activities and have allowed us to continue our efforts to bring local\, regional\, and national speakers to our members. \nGiving Tuesday takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year\, Giving Tuesday falls on November 29th. \nWe hope you will join us in celebrating this global tradition of generosity by contributing to our campaign. All contributions will help WMGS to continue its 50+ year mission to help others to research\, document\, and share their family ancestry and history. \nWMGS is a 501(c)3 organization that is run entirely by volunteers and is funded entirely by membership fees and donations. \nHere is a link to the donation page on our website: https://westmassgen.com/donate/ \nThank you in advance for your contribution and support!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/giving-tuesday/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Giving.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220925T233439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T233453Z
UID:40382-1668711600-1668718800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Share Your Ancestor's Story
DESCRIPTION:Our first “Share Your Ancestor’s Story” session was such a success that we’re planning to do it again at our November 17th training session. We want to let you know about our plans now\, so you’ll have time to prepare. Once again\, we’re inviting WMGS members to share a story and research about an ancestor whose past was intriguing\,\ncriminal\, or unusual.\nHave you discovered a famous or infamous ancestor in your family? Or perhaps you’ve found an offbeat ancestor or someone with an unusual occupation. Have you been able to prove or disprove a family myth through your research? We’d love to hear about your discoveries!\nThis will be an informal event\, so it isn’t necessary to provide tons of background information\, research documentation\, or other material about your ancestor or your research. We’re planning for this event to be fun and interactive\, so we hope you’ll consider telling us about your ancestor!\nShort (5 minutes or so) presentations about your ancestor and research process will be combined with others from WMGS members for discussion and Q & A. If you’d like to share photos\, documents\, or digital material (limit of 10 scanned items/slides please) along with your story\, you can send the items to us at westmassgen@gmail.com and we’ll have them ready to share on the screen.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-share-your-ancestors-story/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zoom.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221114T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221114T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220925T233640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T233640Z
UID:40386-1668450600-1668457800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS November Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-november-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:20221102T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221102T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220925T232136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T232243Z
UID:40374-1667412000-1667419200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: Indirect Evidence: Putting the Pieces Together
DESCRIPTION:Do you need a new way to solve an old research problem? Are you stuck because the vital records you need can’t be found\, don’t provide enough information\, or perhaps don’t exist for that time period?\nAt our November 2nd monthly meeting\, Pauline Merrick will present “Indirect Evidence: Putting the Pieces Together” and teach us strategies to help solve such problems by gathering evidence and clues to prove a conclusion.\nIn a Connecticut-based\, indirect evidence case study of a woman whose maiden name is known\, but whose parents haven’t been found\, Pauline demonstrates that researching friends-family/associates/neighbors (FAN principle) can provide evidence to connect this woman back to her family. She’ll demonstrate how various types of records\, such as deeds\, probate\, church\, court\, and census records\, can provide enough clues to help you solve that problem.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-indirect-evidence-putting-the-pieces-together/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pauline-Merrick.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221020T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220925T233002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T233226Z
UID:40379-1666292400-1666297800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS' First Hybrid Event
DESCRIPTION:We’re very excited to be hosting our first hybrid session at the Chicopee Public Library on Thursday\, October 20th. The library now has broadcasting equipment that will allow us to share a presentation with members in the room\, as well as with those members who wish to join from home. We’ll be trying out the new technology and will be interested in your feedback on it. We hope to see many of you at this session\, either live or virtually! \nIf you live within driving distance\, we hope you’ll join us at the Chicopee Public Library. But\, if you live at a distance or prefer to join us via Zoom\, we hope you’ll attend this event as well. \nWe’ll be hosting a repeat presentation of WMGS’ 50th anniversary virtual celebration. We originally presented this video at our June meeting\, but we promised to repeat it for members who might have missed it the first time or for those who want to view it again. Because of copyright regulations\, we are unable to archive this video in the Members Only section of our website. So\, if you didn’t see it the first time around\, you won’t want\nto miss it. \nThe WMGS 50th anniversary committee created a timeline of WMGS history through the past five decades\, along with a timeline of events in the genealogy world as well. The presentation includes photos\, memorabilia\, historical material\, and more to tell the story of WMGS (and the field of genealogy) through the years. It’s a fantastic walk down memory lane.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-first-hybrid-event/
LOCATION:Chicopee Public Library & Online\, 449 Front Street\, Chicopee\, MA\, 01013\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CPL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221017T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221017T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220925T233554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T233554Z
UID:40384-1666031400-1666038600@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Board Meeting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-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:20221005T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221005T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220827T080018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T080018Z
UID:40360-1664992800-1664998200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS October Meeting: "I've Found It: Now What?"
DESCRIPTION:At our October 5th meeting\, popular genealogist Michael John Neill will be returning for another visit to present “I’ve Found It: Now What?”\nThis lecture looks at a dozen or so documents found in actual research and sees what additional sources and methods are suggested by each individual document. Part of finding something is completely analyzing it.\nAfter searching and finally finding a document\, you certainly want to make the most of your discovery. If you’re familiar with Michael’s work\, you know that he will provide information and tips that will help you analyze your discovery and more.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-october-meeting-ive-found-it-now-what/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Michael-John-Neil.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220922T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220922T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220827T080345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T080412Z
UID:40362-1663873200-1663880400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Event: "Our Ancestor's Clothing"
DESCRIPTION:We’re very excited that Howard Vincent Kurtz will be joining us at our September 22nd 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 great opportunity he provides our members.\nAs 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. Prof. 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-training-event-our-ancestors-clothing/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220827T075813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T075813Z
UID:40358-1662573600-1662579000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS September Meeting: "Apprentices\, Indentured Servants and Redemptioners: White Servitude in America"
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to kick off our new membership year in September with a presentation by Peggy Clemens Lauritzen\, AG\, FOGS\, one of our favorite speakers.\nPeggy will be presenting “Apprentices\, Indentured Servants and Redemptioners: White Servitude in America.”\nAn estimated one-half of early immigrants came to America as indentured servants. People came to the colonies by various means; some desired to come\, and some came against their will. This lecture will examine indentureship in early America and will follow a case study of the story behind Peggy’s own ancestors’ arrival.\nPeggy has noted\, “This is by no means a comparison of indentureship and slavery. Though they may have worked alongside each other\, and even ran away and married each other\, their lives were vastly different. One had hope of a piece of land\, and perhaps money and implement. The other had no hope at all; their service was perpetual.”
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-september-meeting-apprentices-indentured-servants-and-redemptioners-white-servitude-in-america/
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:20220803T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220803T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220625T165106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220625T165106Z
UID:40325-1659549600-1659556800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS August Meeting: No Stone Unturned: Getting the Most from the Graveyard
DESCRIPTION:Summer and fall are perfect for cemetery research! To help your research be successful\, member Ed Strickland will present “No Stone Unturned: Getting the Most from the Graveyard” at our August 3rd meeting.\nStarting with the evolution of the burial ground to memorial park\, Ed’s presentation will cover a wide range of topics related to cemetery research. He’ll cover the history of gravestones\, including materials used\, symbolism\, gravestone transcriptions\, military graves\, military and fraternal emblems\, and cemetery\, sexton\, and funeral home records. He’ll also discuss how to clean and photograph graves and take us on a tour of some confusing or misleading gravestones.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-august-meeting-no-stone-unturned-getting-the-most-from-the-graveyard/
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:20220706T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220706T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220625T164744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220625T164744Z
UID:40323-1657130400-1657135800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS July Meeting: Change and Industrialization in Antebellum New England
DESCRIPTION:Join us at our July 6th meeting\, as perennial favorite John Putnam presents the next topic in his history of New England series: “Change and Industrialization in Antebellum New England.”\nJohn’s presentation describes the incredible economic and social changes in New England from the Industrial Revolution to the start of the Civil War. New England was ideally suited for industrial growth with its many rivers and streams. Waterpower led to rapid change in New England as grist mills\, sawmills\, textile mills\, firearm and shoes manufacturers\, and more developed and expanded. Every person and family in New England were affected by the growth and expansion of industry.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-july-meeting-change-and-industrialization-in-antebellum-new-england/
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;VALUE=DATE:20220704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220705
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220625T165354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220625T165354Z
UID:40328-1656892800-1656979199@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Independence Day
DESCRIPTION:Happy 4th of July!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/independence-day/
LOCATION:MA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220616T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220616T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220519T203413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220519T203413Z
UID:40285-1655406000-1655411400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:Share Your Ancestor's Story
DESCRIPTION:Our June training session will be a chance for members to share a story and research about an ancestor whose past was intriguing\, criminal\, or unusual.\nHave you discovered a famous or infamous ancestor in your family? Or perhaps you’ve found an offbeat ancestor or someone with an unusual occupation. Have you been able to prove or disprove a family myth through your research? We’d love to hear about your discoveries!\nHave you discovered that your ancestor was a cowboy\, a madam (ahem…)\,or a criminal? Perhaps they were murdered? Or perhaps you’ve found an ancestor who was an inventor\, a tycoon\, a member of royalty\, or a hero. We’ve all found an ancestor who’s surprised us!\nShort (5 minutes or so) presentations about your ancestor and research will be combined with others from WMGS members for discussion and Q & A. \nThis will be an informal event\, so it isn’t necessary to provide tons of background information\, research documentation\, or other material about your ancestor or your research. We’re planning for this event to be fun and interactive\, so we hope you’ll consider telling us about your ancestor!\nIf you’d like to share photos\, scanned documents\, or other digital material along with your story\, you can send the items to us at westmassgen@gmail.com and we’ll have them ready to share on the screen.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/share-your-ancestors-story/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Stories.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220601T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220601T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220519T202906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220519T202906Z
UID:40282-1654106400-1654111800@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS' 50th Anniversary Virtual Celebration
DESCRIPTION:It’s been 50 years since Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society\, Inc. was founded!\nWe’re looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of our society with our members. We are thankful for the work begun by our Founders and proud of all that WMGS has become through the efforts of those who followed. From the beginning\, WMGS has been devoted to helping others discover their ancestors and preserve their stories. We can proudly say that we have stayed true to our mission for over 5 decades!\nOur 50th anniversary committee will host a virtual celebration where we share the story of our society\, from its humble beginnings to the present. As the field of genealogy has changed over the past 50 years\, so has our society. We’ll share a timeline of how WMGS has developed over the decades to become the wonderful and well-respected organization it is today. We’ll be sharing photos\, memorabilia\, historical material\, and more\, as we tell the story of WMGS through the years.\nPlease join us on Wednesday\, June 1st at 6 p.m.\, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and toast to the future of WMGS!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-50th-anniversary-virtual-celebration/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WMGS-Celebrates-Book.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220519T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220519T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220326T143831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220326T143831Z
UID:40246-1652986800-1652992200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: The Connecticut State Library Website
DESCRIPTION:Join us at our Thursday\, May 19th training session when Mel E. Smith takes us on a tour of the Connecticut State Library website. The library has a gold mine of information for genealogists who have ancestral ties to Connecticut.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-the-connecticut-state-library-website/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Mel-E-Smith.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220504T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220504T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220326T143339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220326T143339Z
UID:40242-1651687200-1651694400@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: Adoption Research in America: History\, Genealogy\, Legacy
DESCRIPTION:One of the most difficult challenges in genealogical research is the area of adoption. At our May 4th meeting\, forensic genealogist Michael Brophy will be joining us to present “Adoption Research in America: History\, Genealogy\, Legacy.”\nAdoption has been practiced in America since its founding. This presentation explores many aspects of adoption\, including the history\, genealogical research practices\, current issues\, and legislation. Join us as Michael describes methods that may help your research and move it beyond roadblocks.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-adoption-research-in-america-history-genealogy-legacy/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Michael-Brophy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220421T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220326T143718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220326T143718Z
UID:40244-1650567600-1650573000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Training Session: Unlocking Stories of Our Female Ancestors Through Effective Research Methodology
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a genealogy rap session on Thursday\, April 21st at 7 p.m. when we’ll watch and review “Unlocking Stories of Our Female Ancestors Through Effective Research Methodology\,” a webinar presented by Denyce Porter Peyton.\nDenyce will describe how implementing standard research methodology may help us to learn about our female ancestors’ life stories. She’ll describe resources and present two case studies of females born in the 18th and 19th centuries.\nThe webinar will be presented live on April 20th at 2 p.m. on the Legacy Family Tree Webinars website at www.familytreewebinars.com. We’ll show the webinar and have a chance to chat about it afterwards. If you are unable to join us\, the webinar will be available for free on the Legacy Family Tree Webinars website until April 27th.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-training-session-unlocking-stories-of-our-female-ancestors-through-effective-research-methodology/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220406T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220406T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220223T154156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220223T154156Z
UID:40199-1649268000-1649275200@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: Bring Your Ancestors to Life: Connect via Social History
DESCRIPTION:We’ve all wished that we could go beyond the names and dates for the ancestors we’ve found through research. If only we had asked our most recent ancestors questions about their lives\, we would know them better. But what about our more distant ancestors? \nLori Lynn Price\, MAS\, MLA will help us transform our ancestors from names and dates on a piece of paper to people who led full and interesting lives through social history. She will help us learn how to incorporate local history and other sources of social history—such as occupation\, military service and war\, daily life\, and recreation—into our genealogical research to gain a great understanding of our ancestors.
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-bring-your-ancestors-to-life-connect-via-social-history/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:WMGS Monthly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://westmassgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lori-Lynn-Price.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220401
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220402
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20220223T154320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220223T154320Z
UID:40201-1648771200-1648857599@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:1950 U.S. Federal Census Release!
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/1950-u-s-federal-census-release/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220324T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220324T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T061509
CREATED:20211126T144751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220126T160329Z
UID:40120-1648144800-1648152000@westmassgen.com
SUMMARY:WMGS Monthly Meeting: "The 1950 U.S. Federal Census - Are You Ready?"
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendars! We have rescheduled Tom MacEntee’s presentation titled\n“The 1950 U.S. Federal Census: Are You Ready?” to Thursday\, March 24th\nat 6 p.m.\nUnfortunately\, Tom was unable to present to us at our January meeting because of\nillness. We had more than 75 members signed up for his presentation\, as we’re all\nanxious to learn more about the 1950 census which will be released on April 1st.\nWe hope you’ll join us! \nMany genealogists remember the excitement around the release of the 1940 U.S. census in April 2012. Following the “72 year rule” for records at the National Archives\, the results of the 1950 U.S. census will be made public on Friday\, April 1\, 2022. It’s never too early to prepare for this valuable data related to U.S. genealogy research!\nTom will discuss the history of the 1950 U.S. census\, the reasons why the 1950 U.S. census form is radically different from previous forms\, and the ways that data will be accessed. In addition\, he’ll cover what you can do NOW to prepare for the release of the 1950 U.S. census and talk about volunteer projects related to indexing and finding aids. Finally\, he’ll cover how you can always get the latest information related to the release of the 1950 U.S. census data!
URL:https://westmassgen.com/event/wmgs-monthly-meeting-the-1950-u-s-federal-census-are-you-ready/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR