UpFront with NGS The Online Newsletter of the National Genealogical Society Volume 1, Number 7 -- 12 September 2002 :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Co-editors: Dennis and Carla Ridenour -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Quote of the Day -- 12 September 2002 "To the serious genealogist, thorough research of all relevant original records is fundamental." --Elizabeth Shown Mills, NGSQ, March 2002 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Today In UpFront :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: A Page from the Editor's Journal NGS Distance Learning Program --American Genealogy: A Basic Course NGS Standards --Guidelines For Using Records Repositories And Libraries NGS Election Results --New NGS Board of Directors Assumes Duties on 1 October 2002 Research Tools and Techniques --Using Your Digital Camera, Part 1 News Items, Announcements, and Press Releases --Alberta Family Histories Society: FAMILY ROOTS 2002 --Texas State Genealogical Society 42nd Annual Conference --Arkansas Genealogical Society Fall Seminar Past Issues of UpFront with NGS Family Reunion Calendar How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront with NGS How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe NGS Contact Information :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: "UpFront with NGS" is a publication of the National Genealogical Society, a nonprofit service organization that leads and educates the national genealogical community. To learn more about the goals, publications, conferences, services and members benefits of the National Genealogical Society, visit the NGS Web site: http://www.NGSgenealogy.org © 2002 National Genealogical Society -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A Page from the Editors' Journal :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: The first time Dennis and I used a scanner to copy courthouse documents was in 1994. We were headed home from Houston, Texas after teaching a series of classes on image editing, acquisition, and presentation at the 1994 annual NGS Conference in the States and had stopped by the courthouse in Caddo County, Oklahoma to search through the marriage records and deed books. We didn't have a lot of time to spend, Dennis was still working and we were rushing to get home before his vacation ended. Fortunately, I already knew the dates and location of my parents marriage and both sets of grandparents and managed to convince Dennis that it would just take a few minutes to find the original marriage records and request copies while he looked through the deed books for property records. We each found what we were looking for and it wasn't long before we were both standing at the counter requesting copies of the individual records. The clerk produced copies of the deed records first and then copied the page showing the marriage records of my maternal grandparents. I expected the clerk to photocopy my parents and paternal grandparents marriage records as well, but she placed a modern pre-printed marriage form on the counter instead and began to fill-in the blanks with her own handwriting. She explained that opening the marriage books to use the photocopy machine might damage them and that the only reason she was able to photocopy the first marriage record was because the marriage book was already damaged and contained several loose pages including the one she had copied. The clerk could sense and understand my disappointment; especially since she already knew how excited I was about finding my dad's signature on his Application for Marriage License. Another woman overheard our conversation and jumped in saying, "It's too bad we don't have one of those new-fangled scanners I've been reading about." Dennis and I were completely blown away by her suggestion. We had a serial-port hand-scanner in our car trunk, plus the laptop computer needed to operate it. We'd used the scanner the night before to copy some of the older family photos in my uncle's collection but had decided to leave it in the car when we visited the courthouse, mainly because the four-inch scanning width made it necessary to scan large documents in sections and to use special software to stitch the sections together, but also because we didn't think we'd by allowed to use it in the courthouse. To our surprise, the clerk immediately agreed to let us scan the pages. Her only condition was that we let her and the other employees watch the process. We have since discovered that not all county clerks are as friendly or as eager to allow "new-fangled" devices inside their courthouse. Policies will vary from courthouse to courthouse, even within the same state. There are also some counties that have not yet developed a policy concerning the use of digital imaging devices. The same variations in policy holds true for libraries, historical societies, state archives and other repositories. No one seems to agree on which devices are considered safe and should be allowed and which ones should be prohibited. Digital cameras are usually more welcome than scanners but not always. In fact, we visited one facility that asked us to leave all digital or film cameras in a locker but said they do allow scanners, but only if they don't come in contact with the document. They also allow imaging devices that are built into a computer such as the tiny Motion Eye camera used in the Sony PictureBook series. Other research facilities such as the Oregon State Archives in Salem, Oregon allows all types of imaging devices and will even let you bring in a full-size photocopy machine if you plan to copy a large number of documents and wish to avoid their copy fees. This issue of UpFront includes Dennis' suggestions for using a digital camera to copy documents. It also includes the "Guidelines for Using Records Repositories and Libraries" recommended by the National Genealogical Society. It helps to study these guidelines, especially if you already use a digital camera or plan to implement some of Dennis' ideas. For many research facilities the use of digital cameras is still a "new frontier" and, as early pioneers, we need follow existing rules, obtain permission before using our cameras and copy stands, and take care not to poison the waters for the acceptance of future technologies. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Distance Learning Program :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Home Study Course "American Genealogy: A Basic Course" is a unique educational opportunity to take a genealogy course at home. The course, which is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, is designed for all family historians wanting to research their ancestors more effectively and efficiently. Sixteen lessons provide an introduction to each of the major record groups used in American genealogical research and require "hands-on" experience. Students are given instruction in basic record keeping, source documentation, and evaluation of evidence. To learn more visit http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/eduhsc.htm -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Standards :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Guidelines For Using Records Repositories And Libraries Recommended by the National Genealogical Society http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/comstandrecords.htm http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/gsrecords.pdf Recognizing that how they use unique original records and fragile publications will affect other users, both current and future, family history researchers habitually-- * are courteous to research facility personnel and other researchers, and respect the staff's other daily tasks, not expecting the records custodian to listen to their family histories nor provide constant or immediate attention. * dress appropriately, converse with others in a low voice, and supervise children appropriately. * do their homework in advance, know what is available and what they need, and avoid ever asking for "everything" on their ancestors. * use only designated work space areas and equipment, like readers and computers, intended for patron use, respect off-limits areas, and ask for assistance if needed. * treat original records at all times with great respect and work with only a few records at a time, recognizing that they are irreplaceable and that each user must help preserve them for future use. * treat books with care, never forcing their spines, and handle photographs properly, preferably wearing archival gloves. * never mark, mutilate, rearrange, relocate, or remove from the repository any original, printed, microform, or electronic document or artifact. * use only procedures prescribed by the repository for noting corrections to any errors or omissions found in published works, never marking the work itself. * keep note-taking paper or other objects from covering records or books, and avoid placing any pressure upon them, particularly with a pencil or pen. * use only the method specifically designated for identifying records for duplication, avoiding use of paper clips, adhesive notes, or other means not approved by the facility. * return volumes and files only to locations designated for that purpose. * before departure, thank the records custodians for their courtesy in making the materials available. * follow the rules of the records repository without protest, even if they have changed since a previous visit or differ from those of another facility. ©1997, 2001 by National Genealogical Society; includes material ©1995 by Joy Reisinger, CGSM. Both copyright owners grant permission to copy or publish these standards, provided they are reproduced in their entirety, including this notice. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Election Results :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:- New NGS Board of Directors Assumes Duties on 1 October 2002 The NGS Election 2002 was completed on 30 August 2002 with the results being posted by the teller at the close of business. Economics and technology enabled the society to conduct an electronic vote. While a paper ballot appeared in the July/August issue of the "NGS Newsmagazine," the preponderance of ballots cast were submitted electronically. Those ballots received in the mail were added to the electronic tally by the teller. The new Board of Directors will assume their duties on 1 October 2002. They are: Officiers President Curt B. Witcher, MLS, FUGA (Indiana) Vice President Ann Carter Fleming, CG (Missouri) Secretary Claire Mire Bettag, CGRS, CGL (Washington, DC) Treasurer Stephen Bassett Kyner (Massachusetts) Past President Shirley Langdon Wilcox, CG, FNGS (Virginia) Directors: Robert Charles Anderson, FASG (New Hampshire) Sheila Benedict, CGRS (California) Amy Johnson Crow, CG (Ohio) Cyndi Howells (Washington) Barbara Vines Little, CG (Virginia) Ann Lisa Pearson (Colorado) Marsha Hoffman Rising, CG, FUGA, FASG (Missouri) Patricia O¹Brien Shawker, CGRS (Maryland) Contributed by Russell Henderson -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Research Tools and Techniques :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Using Your Digital Camera, Part 1 In the last three issues of UpFront, I discussed why I thought a digital camera was useful for genealogical research and the ins and outs of purchasing a digital camera, or gen-cam as I dubbed it, for genealogical use. I even went out on the proverbial limb and made specific recommendations as to which cameras with a price tag of $400 or less were best for genealogical tasks. Now that you have the camera , some of you could probably use a few suggestions on the best ways to use it and what to do with the pictures once you have them captured in the "magic digital box." The next few issues of UpFront will deal with these topics. First, let's start with a brief discussion of the file formats cameras use to store the photos you capture. ** Image File Formats ** Each picture is stored in the camera as a digital image file. The default, or most commonly used image format, is JPEG (*.jpg). This is a "lossy" file format that compresses the actual data your camera records and reduces the file size, without a noticeable change in image quality. In other words, the smaller .jpg file will have approximately the same quality as a file that includes all the data the camera captures, at least when viewed with the human eye. Some cameras also allow you to save your picture file as a TIFF (*.tif) file. TIFF is a "lossless" image format and is the closest to the raw data recorded by a camera as you will get in a commonly readable file that is recognized by nearly every image-editing program. And then again, some cameras allow you to save the data recorded by the camera in a RAW unprocessed format that requires special software such as a TWAIN module or plug-in to interpret the file. Software capable of reading a RAW image file is bundled with cameras that offer a RAW file format. Raw and .tif files are much larger than .jpg files and require more storage space. These files can also by unwieldy in your image-editing program and require more time to open or save. ** Moving Photos from Your Camera to Your Computer ** No matter which file format you choose, you will need some method to get the file from the camera to the computer. There are basically two ways to do this. The first method is to connect your camera to the computer either through a cable or special docking station, depending on your camera model. Early digital cameras used serial cables but most current camera manufacturers have opted for the direct cable connection using a USB port. A limited number of camera manufactures also offer a docking station (usually optional) in an attempt to make the image transfer process appear easier to novice camera users, however, the docking station is proprietary and will only work with a specific camera make and model. The second method for transferring the camera photos to your computer is to keep a card reader/writer connected to your computer and remove the memory card from the camera, insert it into the card reader, and then download or look at your pictures from there. Card readers are available for each type of memory (storage) card or stick. Some manufactures also market card readers that can read two or as many as six different types of memory cards. A photograph of a typical 2-slot memory card reader that is capable of reading both smart media cards and compact flash cards can be viewed at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/091202/pubs Using a card reader has some distinct advantages. It doesn't require your camera to be on and using battery to transfer your pictures, it frees up your camera so someone else can use it while you are downloading/looking at your pictures, and it also serves as a multi-megabit portable drive that allows you to transfer other files from your computer to someone with a similar card reader or, since most memory readers are USB and can be moved from one computer to another, you can just take your reader and a memory card filled with large files to another computer quite easily. The disadvantage to using a card reader is that it can cost you an extra $20-$70.00, depending on the style you select. And you will probably want an extra memory card to utilize your camera while one memory card is in the reader. Memory card adaptors that allow laptop users to access a memory card from the laptop's PC slot are also available. ** Take Your Best Shot ** Now that we know how to get pictures out of the camera, how do we get quality pictures in? Getting a picture into the camera is as simple as pressing the shutter release; however, the key word here is quality and the goal is to get the highest quality picture your camera is capable of producing under a variety of situations. Let's look at some of the situations and lighting conditions you'll need to deal with when photographing genealogical items: Ninety to ninety-five percent of your genealogical pictures will be indoor shots taken at libraries, courthouses, museums, historical societies, gatherings, family reunions, or other places where documents and pictures flow. Some of the genealogical items you'll want to photograph will be of text and some will be of existing photographs or other images. Some will be black and white; some grayscale and some will be in color. Some will be in books, some will be unbound, and some will be old and brittle or so fragile that they are stored and viewed in a room where they won't even let the light of day in, and definitely prohibit flash photography. The other five to ten percent of your photographs will be shot in cemeteries, with maybe a few shots of other outside information such as land or buildings where family members once lived, worked or worshipped. Many outdoor shots are of historical consequence, but not of genealogical substance. We will tackle these problems in the next few issues: Indoor Photography: 1. Shooting situations and tools to help with them 2. Regular text documents 3. Text documents with color 4. Oversized documents 5. Books and "book curl" 6. Photographs 7. Film and slides 8. Film readers Outdoor Photography: 1. Headstones in regular daylight 2. Headstones in poor light 3. Flash photography for headstones 4. Buildings and landscapes ** To Flash or Not to Flash ** Documents pose a real problem to the gen-cam user in that if you use flash, it usually leaves a "hot" spot in the center of the document and controlling the amount of flash is not an option on many cameras. Bouncing the flash can be a solution, but only the most advanced cameras have a flash that you can change the angle on or a hot-shoe that enables you to use an external flash. So, how do you use flash on a camera that has no adjustments? There several things you can do to improve your flash photography techniques. The "hot spot" is caused by your flash being used too close to the subject, and not having enough distance to diffuse properly. If your camera has a "hot shoe" or place to mount and automatically connect an auxiliary flash, or if it has a pin out jack for flash synchronization, one solution is to buy an external flash with a bounce feature. Another solution is adding a diffusion screen to counteract the hot spot problem. A diffusion screen will "mellow" out the flash and eliminate the hot spot. This is especially effective if you are using the camera's built-in flash. But don't go down to the local photography store and ask for a diffusion screen for your camera's built-in flash, they will look at you as if you are nuts. However, a simple diffusion screen can be made out of a 2' by 4' sheet of white plastic used to cover fluorescent lighting. These plastic sheets can be picked up at a home improvement store for about $4-$5 and two small pieces can be cut from one large sheet. The pieces should completely cover your flash with approximately a ½" extension out over the edges. Two layers should give enough diffusion to remove the hot spot. You may have to just hold the plastic layer or tape them over the flash when you shoot. You may also have to increase your camera's EV setting since you are reducing the amount of flash reaching the document. (TIP) A plastic milk jug has the same type of diffusing properties, but usually requires several layers to get enough diffusion. An image of a diffusion screen can be viewed at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/091202/pubs Another option that works even if your camera doesn't have a hot shoe or an external flash synchronization pin out jack, is to use an external slave flash. An inexpensive external flash can be purchased for anywhere from $25 to $60.00 and synchronized with your camera's built-in flash by using a simple device known as a "flash trigger." This little device connects to the external flash and when it "sees" a bright flash it triggers the attached external flash. These little guys can be found at a photography store, for less than $30.00. An image of a flash trigger can be viewed at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/091202/pubs The fourth solution is to shoot without a flash. I think this is the best method, as it is less disruptive in a research facility and can give results equal to, or better than, the results obtained with a flash. It is also safer for the document. Shooting without flash sometimes requires more preparation and more tools in the form of a tripod or copy stand. With flash, you can hand hold your camera, and snap the shots you want. Hand held shots work but I'm a firm believer in using some sort of a copy stand as it gives you more consistent results. Your camera is always the same distance from the subject; so all text in a multi-paged document is consistently the same size. You can set up so that it's easy to square up your documents and get consistent results. You can also pre-set the camera exposure and focus and get consistent results. As you can see I like consistency, so copy stands are important to me. ** Copy Stands ** I use several homemade copy stands, and have posted plans for each at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/091202/pubs Stand no.1 is called the Copy Box and is quite elaborate in its design and construction. It does, however, serve several purposes. It will allow you to shoot indoors and with the use of a mirror will nearly double the available light. It is also a great aid in photographing headstones that are faint or hard to read. We will discuss the Copy Box in a the next issue of UpFront or you can read more about it in the January/February 2002 issue of the "NGS Newsmagazine." Stand no. 2 is the most basic type of stand that I use. It is one piece of bent aluminum bar, which uses books for its stability and ability to hold the camera steady. It does, however, work quite effectively, although some librarians frown on using books as a camera counter balance. Be especially sure to ask the librarian for permission to use the books before you set this one up. [See the July/August issue of the "NGS Newsmagazine."] Stand no.3 is the "Charles Atlas" of the stands. It will hold the heaviest camera and flash equipment. Its construction can be accomplished with a drill, hacksaw and file. Using a vise will make it easier to bend the bars. The plans are simple, and it folds into about a 1-1/2" by 3" by 15" package. It can be built for about $15.00. Any one of these stands, or one built from your own design, will work for the techniques we will discuss in future issues. All you need is the ability to hold your camera steady at 12-15" away from the document, and not cast shadows across the document. ** An Alternate Method ** Genealogists come up with answers to problems, which amaze me. Carla came up with what she calls the "kitchen" method of shooting documents. Her technique is to fasten a document or photograph to our refrigerator door with refrigerator magnets or magnetic strips available at most craft stores. She then sets her camera on a kitchen stool, adjusts the position of the document in relation to the camera, sets her timer and snaps the picture. The only problem that I see with this is getting the refrigerator to the library. Carla, however, assures me that there are enough metal file cabinets, or other metal surfaces, to substitute for the refrigerator, but reminds me that the lighting may not be as bright as in the kitchen. And of course, as always she's right. It's an effective method but best used at home or when visiting the homes of other family members.. Next issue we get into more specifics on photographing documents, starting with how to use those stands and flashes. Until then think digital --Denny Contributed by Dennis Ridenour, ridenour43@msn.com or UpFront@NGSgenealogy.org -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: FAMILY ROOTS 2002 Presented by the Alberta Family Histories Society 25 - 26 October 2002 If you are interested in genealogy and live in Western Canada, you will want to attend FAMILY ROOTS 2002, a presentation of the Alberta Family Histories Society. This year's production has combined their annual Wild Rose Seminar with their other annual show, the more technology oriented, Gensoft. The result is six lecture tracks composed of 30 talks covering everything from introductory topics for the beginner to the more advanced research and technical subjects. The display area has been doubled in size from previous shows with sections devoted to special research groups, community sources, commercial displays and sales, as well as continuous demonstrations of the more popular genealogical software programs and scanning techniques. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM, Friday, October 25th with a presentation by the Molecular Genealogy Research Group from Salt Lake City. Those attending will have an opportunity to get involved in this fascinating project. On Saturday, October 26th, the display hall opens at 8:00 AM with talks starting at 8:30 AM. Full details, including talks and speaker biographies, are available on-line at http://www.family-roots.ca . The registration fee is $20. Early registration is suggested as lecture seating is reserved on a "first come, first served" basis. Four methods of registration are available including two on-line choices. For more information on the Alberta Family Histories Society visit their Website at http://www.afhs.ab.ca Contributed by Bill Mumford -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Texas State Genealogical Society 42nd Annual Conference 1-2 November 2002 The TSGS 42nd Annual Conference is scheduled for November 1st and 2nd, 2002 in Galveston, TX at the Hotel Galvez. The main speaker is John Colletta. Other speakers include Kim Norton, Martha Jones, Albert Seguin Gonzales and J. B. Kline. Victor Lang will speak at the Banquet. Contact Betty Hendricks Dunquez, 2505 Beluche Drive, Galveston, TX 77551-1503, e-mail Bdunquez@aol.com, or Terry Smith Bowers, 302 Oak Forest Drive, League City, TX 77573-1768 e-mail TLBowers@orbitworld.net for additional information or visit the Web site at http://www.rootsweb.com/~txsgs/ Contributed by Betty Hendricks Dunquez, President -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= News Item :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Arkansas Genealogical Society Fall Seminar 11 - 12 October 2002 The Arkansas Genealogical Society will be holding their Fall Seminar October 11 & 12th at the Holiday Inn Airport in Little Rock. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary and are very pleased to have Tony Burroughs as our guest lecturer on Saturday. Tony is an internationally known genealogist, and author, who teaches genealogy at Chicago State University. He lectures throughout the United States and Canada on all aspects of genealogy. Tony serves on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Professional Genealogists, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Friends of Genealogy at Newberry Library, the Illinois Underground Railroad Association and the African American Military Museum. He was recently made a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association (FUGA). He has also been the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the National Genealogical Society. He has appeared as a guest expert in the PBS series Ancestors, CBS Sunday Morning, and ABC World New Tonight; Quoted in Time Magazine, the New York Times, People, Jet, and other leading publications. There will be workshops by local speakers on Friday and a 40th Anniversary reception. Also great door prizes. We hope you will plan to attend. See our web page for details. http://www.rootsweb.com/~args/ Contributed by Jan Davenport -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Previous Issues of UpFront with NGS :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Did you miss an issue of UpFront with NGS? Previous issues are located at http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/upfront/archives/ Searchable issues of UpFront with NGS are on RootsWeb: http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl?list=NGS -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Family Reunion Calendar :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: To add your family reunion to this calendar, please send an announcement to carla@jb.com To view a complete list of other coming events visit http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/newscoming.htm September 14 James Henry BAULDRY and Arzetta BUSH descendants are holding a family reunion at the County Park, Lake Noquebay, Marinette County, Wisconsin. James and his wife Arzetta were early settlers in that area, coming from Canada in the 1860's. Contact Ray Bergman raybergman@webtv.net September 19-21 HULL Family Association holds its 17th Annual Meeting, Des Moines/Johnston, IA. Contact: David or Denise Hull, 402 Chester Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501; e-mail: dhull@lisco.com September 21-22 Descendants and friends of the 15th MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY (1861-1864) will commemorate and celebrate the belated addition of "The 28th Man" to the Civil War memorial in Sturbridge, MA. Contact B. Burns, (508) 347-3917; e-mail bburns@meganet.net or visit http://www.nextech.de/ma15mvi/ October 3-4 CHILDERS/CHILDRESS Family Association holds its 2002 Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, Virginia. Contact: Jack Childers, RD 3 Box 480, Fenwick Island, DE 19944; e-mail: childers@dca.net October 4-5 STANDRIDGE Family holds its national reunion in Cullman Alabama. Contact Russell Baker, 6525 Magnolia Dr, Mabelvale, AR 72013 October 6 (new) The 1st Annual DENSON-VICK reunion is on Sunday October 6, 2002 12:30 at Dortches Baptist Church, Dortches, NC. All Benjamin E. and Sarah E. Vick Denson descendants invited. Contact: Judy W.Cogdell, 107 Oak Hill Ct., Angier, NC 27501 phone (919) 207-1721 e-mail: may63june65@aol.com or Jimmy G. Winters, 5582 Brake Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 phone (252) 443-3238 e-mail: jgwinters@coastalnet.com October 11-13 Pierre CHASTAIN Family Association holds its 27th annual reunion at Quality Inn, Thomasville Georgia. Contact: Tim Chastain, (229) 226-4263; e-mail: tchastsn@rose.net ; Web site: http://kopower.com/~jimchstn/ October 11-13 (new) The 2002 ALFORD American Family Association Reunion and Annual Meeting will be held at the Westcoast Salt Lake Hotel, 161 West 600 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 11 through October 13. There will be a genealogy workshop on Friday, a reception Friday night followed by a Saturday morning business meeting and an afternoon Alford Family Forum. The annual Saturday night buffet will be followed by the presentation of awards to the members who have provided outstanding services to the Association during the past year. For additional information, please contact one of the following: Max Alford, President, mralford@swbell.net; Doris Vetri, Secretary/Treasurer, DorisVetri@cs.com; Ramona Darden, Meetings Chairperson, RDa6983707@aol.com; Morris Myers, Vice-president, morris@themyers.org; or Gil Alford, GAlford2@cs.com. October 11-14 O MAHONY Society Reunion as follows: When: Columbus Day Weekend October 11-14, 2002 Location: Baltimore, MD Contact Person: Diane Mahoney daililli@aol.com Nanci Mahoney rainbow28@earthlink.net For more information about the weekend: http://members.aol.com/daililli/O_MahonyHome.html October 15-17 (new) ALFORD AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION, INC. 15th annual convention. National family reunion for Alford, Alvord, Halford, etc. All persons of those and similar surnames welcome. Registration is required. West Coast Salt Lake Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT. http://www.alfordassociation.org;; AAFA, POB 1586, Florissant, MO 63031; 314-831-8648 October 18-19 The 2002 SUFFRIDGE/SULFRIDGE Family Reunion will be Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19, 2002 at the Southside Baptist Church, 24th St. and Doncaster Ave., Middlesboro, KY. Lynda Suffridge will be speaking on "The Suffridge/Sulfridge Men in the Civil War." For further information contact Peggy Jane Stevens at Noonesis@aol.com Please put "Sufridge/Sulfridge Reunion" in the subject line. This information was submitted by Lynda Suffridge. July 4, 2003 The GIACOLETTI family of BISBEE, ARIZONA will be having their family reunion on 04 July 2003 at the GIACOLETTI Ranch in Bisbee, Arizona. If more information is needed please contact rugratgrm1@aol.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How to Submit Items for Publication in UpFront :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: To submit an article, a helpful tip or news for publication, please send e-mail to: Co-Editors: Carla and Dennis Ridenour, carla@jb.com or ridenour43@msn.com or UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: Send a NEW e-mail message to: NGS-L-request@rootsweb.com Type only one word in the body: subscribe ---or--- Type only one word in the body: unsubscribe For technical help regarding the list, including how to subscribe or unsubscribe, contact: UpFront with NGS, List Administrator Cyndi Howells, cyndihow@oz.net -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NGS Contact Information :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: National Genealogical Society 4527 17th Street North Arlington, Virginia 22207-2399 Phone: (703) 525-0050 or (800) 473-0060 Fax: (703) 525-0052 E-mail: ngs@ngsgenealogy.org http://www.NGSgenealogy.org Membership membership@ngsgenealogy.org http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/member.htm Conferences conference@ngsgenealogy.org http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/conf.htm Learning Center learning_center@ngsgenealogy.org http://www.NGSgenealogy.org/edu.htm Volunteers volunteers@NGSgenealogy.org -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=