New Society Website

I can't understand societies that pay little attention to their websites. In the 21st Century a group's website or blog provides the world with a window into a society and its activities and resources. A daggy, outdated and old-fashioned website gives the message that a group or its members are daggy, outdated and old-fashioned.

I was frustrated earlier this year when I tried to access the website of The Central Coast Family History Society to get details of their Family History Fair and found that it was down while a new site was being built. I was delighted this week to discover that their new website is up and running at http://www.centralcoastfhs.org.au/home-top.

Home page of new CCFHS Website

Whilst there are a few things I would change (but that's personal opinion) a perusal of this site tells me that the Society is a vibrant group with a wide range of  activities for members and that it is actively publishing materials of local interest. 

The new website is an attractive showcase for the Society, Congratulations to The Central Coast Family History Society.

How does your Society's web presence measure up?

A Fair Day

I took very few photos at the Central Coast Family History Fair yesterday as I was a working girl. My purpose was to assist Alan Phillips on the Gould Genealogy/Unlock the Past tables at the Fair. I took orders for a few Flip-Pal mobile scanners, I even sold a scanner to a member of my Society who had come to the Fair for that sole purpose,  and answered questions about Geneacruising. But I did much more than that. Alan Phillips is rather a generous chap when it comes to supporting genealogy downunder so he was quite happy for me to chat with Fairgoers and answer their questions on any topic. Thanks, Alan, for taking me to the Fair and giving me a chance to meet with so many enthusiastic family historians.

I really enjoyed giving impromptu lessons to people on a few topics (once a teacher always a teacher). There were several enthusiastic Flip-Pal owners there who used their devices for scanning small photos but who had never tried to scan and stitch larger items. I scanned and stitched this photo of Merle Gillespie and her mother Eliza Gowans numerous times during the day as I taught these students. 

In between I answered some questions about Social Media and how one could use Facebook for genealogy, I told people about MyHeritage and its collections and gave advice on how to start one's research. I referred people wanting lookups to the FamilySearch tables as I didn't have good internet access for lookups. I was able to give some advice on researching WW1 ancestors and suggest resources to find details of Australian ancestors and so on and on and on. No wonder I was a little hoarse at the end of the day! 

Taree Family History Inc getting ready for the day 

FamilySearch had lots of giveaways

There was an enormous range of raffle prizes

I sat opposite Ben from Inside History Magazine and watched him dispense advice and information 

The Nepean Group had a steady stream of visitors

There were transcription agents in attendance

Fair Organiser Wendy Condon with Gosford Mayor, Lawrie McKinna who opened the Fair

Great to see Sharon from the Gathering Dust blog at the Fair

There were several Family History groups in attendance, State Records NSW, some commercial organisations, some stalls selling bits and pieces and a great range of refreshments on site. The only downside is that the Fair was a victim of its own success, many people who arrived just after the opening time of 9:30 expressed disappointment that they could not gain entry to any of the sessions as they were booked out. A much larger venue for the talks was needed.

Congratulations to the organisers on a hugely successful day, there must have been several hundred people through the door. 

Like a Scout

Just like a good scout I want to Be Prepared.

As I get ready to head to East Gosford for the Central Coast Family History Fair tomorrow I am packing my kit for the day.Tomorrow I'll be a working girl on the Gould Genealogy/Unlock the Past tables at the Fair. I'll put the Flip-Pal mobile scanner through its paces and answer questions fairgoers may have about Geneacruising.

So what will I be packing?

Bottled water - I'll be doing a bit of talking so need to keep my whistle wet
Peanut butter sandwiches - I might not have time for lunch
Peppermints - need to keep halitosis at bay
My camera with spare battery - can't miss an opportunity to get pix for this blog
Business cards - although I'm usually too shy to hand them out

My pretty pink bag

Some old photos and an ancient family album - for demos
Flip-Pal scanner and its pretty pink bag - essential for demos
Spare rechargeable batteries and charger
Spare SD card - just in case
Small laptop - for downloading of photos
My Galaxy tablet - to use as an internet hotspot for my laptop

The bonus for me is that I will be able to chat with a lot of fellow researchers, buy some resources and hear some talks by experts.

Central Coast Family History Fair

 I am heading to East Gosford on November 2 to attend the Family History Fair organised by Central Coast Family History Society from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

As their website is down (a blog could help) I am sharing details of the program that they circulated to other Societies. The program of speakers and list of exhibitors indicates that I will have a rewarding visit. I'll be working with Alan Phillips on the Gould/Unlock the Past Table, please drop by and say g'day.

These things should keep you amused for a few hours:

Trading and Display Tables
Corporate
Ancestry.com.au,
Gould Genealogy – Unlock the Past,
Inside History Magazine,
Joy
Murrin Family Services – Transcription Agent,
Julianna Brydon will demonstrate how
she researched her Hungarian ancestry,
Possibly Kari Aboriginal Research,
Lawrence Turtle – Transcription Agent,
State Records of NSW.

Family History Societies 
Brisbane Water Historical Society Inc
FamilySearch – North Gosford Centre
First Fleeters – Central Coast Chapter
Maitland Genealogical Society Inc
Nepean Family History Society Inc
Newcastle Family History Society Inc
Taree Family History Society Inc
Wyong Family History Group Inc

Society Involvement
Kay Rawnsley, expert on Family Tree Maker and FamilySearch Films,
Lisarow Cemetery – Forget us Not, editors, June and Lorraine will be there with a
display of documents and photos unearthed during their three year project.
Barry Porter our bookstall coordinator will, I am sure, have heaps of specials on the
day.
Rosemary Wiltshire will conduct her Nic Nac stall of preloved items – always a popular
attraction at any central coast event.
Glynis Heath will show us items from Creative Memories

Speakers
Joy and Allan Murrin from Joy Murrin Family Services – Why can’t I find it?
Gail Davis from State Records – What’s not on the net?
Brad Argent from Ancestry.com.au – Q & A
Margaret Ertner - Education Officer CCFHS – Delving into TROVE using QueryPic

Memory joggers

Have you kept any old certificates?

Sadly my Mum didn't keep many of the few certificates I got when I was growing up so I haven't got those mementos that are also great memory joggers for events that were significant in my life.

I tried to keep all sorts of stuff relating to my children's journey through childhood and adolescence so that there is some sort of record of the milestones in their lives. Now I never seem to throw anything out although I am starting to scan and discard some things like tickets and programs.

But I keep and treasure the certificates I get from various events. I will treasure the latest addition to my collection, a Certificate of Appreciation from The Central Coast Family History Society that I was given after presenting a session to them on the weekend. The certificate has been scanned and the original placed in my genealogy folder.