TGS Newsletter - February 2001

Newsletter Editor Ed Hicks, 5306 Hwy.. 1, Raceland, LA 70394-2033
E-mail: edhicks@mobiletel.com Phone: (504) 532-3586

Membership and/or address changes:
Please send by mail to TGS, Station 2 Box 295, Houma, LA 70360-0295

NEXT MEETINGSaturday, February 24, 2001

North Branch Library, Gray, LA 1:00 p.m.

Notice! Notice! Notice! Notice!

If you have not already done so, you should send in your membership dues for this year. (Check the address label on this newsletter for the expiration date.) Membership levels are: Individual $25, Family $30, Contributing $30 and Libraries $22.

At the January meeting our “surprise” guest speaker was just as surprised as we were. She didn’t know she would be called upon to speak. Nancy L. Wright, our efficient Treasurer, told us about her trip to Salt Lake City with Cathy Dantin Shannon, and shared some of her goodies with us. She had brought back several Research Outlines published by the Family History Library. This is an excellent way to expand your research in a particular state. For instance, the one on Massachusetts gives sources of information about families from that state that may be found in Salt Lake City and other places, giving addresses and types of documents available. Nancy says she refers to hers every so often to remind her of records that she may not have thought of or has forgotten. They are available from the LDS site <http://www.familysearch.org> under Research Guides. They can be downloaded and printed or ordered at $1.00 each. Nancy will bring her set to the next meeting for those who are interested. If all of your research can be conducted within 50 miles of your home you are fortunate, indeed. But for the rest of us, these guides could be invaluable.

Notice the change in the masthead of this newsletter? BellSouth is changing our telephone area code, effective February 12. It will be optional (you may dial either 504 or 985) for eight months, or so, but will be obligatory after October 22, 2001. We know that this is a necessary step to open up a few million more phone numbers, but it must be a terrible inconvenience and expense to most southeast Louisiana businesses and organizations. If you know anyone else in this area (outside of metropolitan New Orleans) you should check with them about their area code. Or just try to call them with the old “504" code. You will undoubtedly get a polite message if it has changed. If you have any questions about area code 985, visit the BellSouth website at <www,bellsouth.com/areacode> or call them at 1-800-964-7941.

WEST FLORIDA SOCIETY

Sounds like a great time will be had by all who attend the West Florida Society’s annual meeting on Saturday, May 19, 2001 at the Oakley State Commemorative Area park near St. Francisville, LA. The park is located between St. Francisville and Jackson on LA Hwy 965 which is between U.S. Hwy 61 and La. Hwy 10.

The public is invited to the buffet luncheon and the program to follow. Prior to the lunch there will be a short discussion about the Society and the program. Lunch will be served in the pavilion area from 11:30 to 12:30. The program will start at 1:00 p.m. and will feature the West Florida Volunteers who will demonstrate camp life, music, Louisiana vintage dances, black powder demonstrations, blacksmithing and other crafts typical of the time 200 years ago when West Florida was under French, English, then Spanish rule. To enjoy the buffet and program contact Mrs. Eleanor McVea at 225-658-4636, or Mr. Will Joffrion at 225-387-4060. They will be glad to answer any questions.

The West Florida Society is a genealogy group with ancestors in West Florida going back to the period prior to 1810 when there was an uprising against Spain and the area became a separate republic for a short period of time. After a few months the republic of West Florida joined the United States. The Society is interested in promoting the history, culture, and tradition of this important area that contributed to the rich heritage of those states comprising West Florida. Their goal is to publicize this period of history and acquaint the public with the organization; offering membership to those interested in the society.

GENEALOGICAL STANDARDS MANUAL

The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual tackles problems like “How can a researcher be assured that he or she is producing or receiving reliable results?” and others. Produced by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), it treats topics such as research, teaching, and genealogical development standards. A large appendix section covers a range of further topics, such as the difference between the Register and NGSQ [National Genealogical Society Quarterly] numbering systems, and provides a multitude of examples. For more information, visit the BCG website at <www.bcgcertification.org> and to order The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, call the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) at 1-888-296-3447.

THE NEW FamilySearch SITE

If you haven’t been to the website of the Family History Department of the Latter-Day Saints Church, known as the FamilySearch site, located at <www.familysearch.org> you are in for a surprise. They have made some major changes. The old site encouraged genealogists to simply begin plugging surnames into the search engine as soon as they arrived at the front door, but didn’t seem to offer much in the way of advice, context or any sort of “human touch.”

The new site offers a Research Guidance tool, which allows newcomers to benefit from assistance from expert genealogists. By clicking on the “Search” tab and the “Research Guidance,” the user summons a virtual genealogist who introduces herself by saying “My job is to help you find records that may contain information about your ancestors.” Since one has to request this service, the new feature shouldn’t prove annoying to those who already know what they are doing. But, in fact, more experienced genealogists can benefit from the new feature as well. Research guidance is valuable for those who specialize in a particular locality but need help in an area outside of their expertise.

You can now find out about the Family History Library in Salt Lake City before you go. The new web site has information including services, hours, descriptions of the collection, tips for preparing for a visit to the Library, frequently asked questions and contact information. Check it out and let us know how you liked it. While you’re at it, why not visit the TGS website (see the masthead for the URL) and the new <www.biloxi-chitimacha.com> website. Audrey has added some history of the local tribes and the artwork has been enhanced recently.