Family Historian Data Matching

One of the first messages I read on Facebook this morning was from my genimate Shelley who was excited about the latest upgrade, 6.2,  to our favourite genealogy software package, Family Historian. Shelley's glee was soon matched by Colin Spencer who also shared the news.

Not to be outdone, when I had finished my morning chores I set about downloading the Family Historian upgrade and it took ages, I usually don't download upgrades so promptly so I was keen to get this upgrade as were probably many other FH users.

The FH site told me "Users of version 6 can now download a free upgrade to Family Historian 6.2 (the full 3-digit version number is 6.2.0). The new version adds automatic record matching and ‘hints’ for Findmypast databases. To learn more, see Automatic Internet Data Matching".

Well I have a sub to Findmypast that I don't use a lot so I thought I'd give this a try. Family Historian already had data matching with MyHeritage but, as I only recently won a sub to that site at Rootstech, I hadn't set up this facility.

After taking ages to download I installed the upgrade in a minute or two and following the instructions from Family Historian I set up data matching. It took me a while to get the hang of using the tool and I had to read the instructions (something I don't often do) but now I have it down pat. 

One must use the Focus Window view in Family Historian to see the matches. A little green icon in the bottom right hand corner of a person's name indicates there are matches available.

Family Historian - Focus Window View

When one hovers over the green icon a little box appears indicating how many matches have been found in each database. Selecting one of the databases opens a web search window within Family Historian where one can view and accept or reject the suggestions. One can use an external browser which is the way I started but I found the inbuilt browser easier for me.

Although one can't directly import into Family Historian I am not perturbed, it makes me stop and think before hastily adding something. One does not have to type data into FH (which is a boon for this hunter and pecker) one can use copy and paste or drag and drop to move data from the Web Browser into Family Historian. I have added quite a few records to my CurryAus study database via this method today. Of course I am concentrating on indexes at My Heritage and giving the user submitted trees a wide berth!

Am I happy - You bet your life I am. I am sure that after some more tweaking by the developers this feature will become even easier to use. 

My genealogy software package has become even more useful and I am about to get more value from two of the databases to which I have access.

Who wouldn't be smiling?

Sharn's FindMyPast Interview

Sharn White, a fellow Rootstech Ambassador, invited me to join her in her interview with Ben Bennet from FindMyPast in the Rootstech Video Studio.

As Sharn is still flitting about visiting family in the US she gave me permission to upload the video to Youtube and share it around on social media.  THANKYOU, Sharn.

Thanks also to Ben Bennet, whom I first met at Rootstech several years ago when he was part of the Familysearch organisation.

Why doesn't Ancestry do this?

I just received the message below from FindmyPast. It is pleasing that, when they give something to those who are not subscribers, they follow up with a sweetener for those of us who are loyal subscribers..

I wish Ancestry would follow suit.

THANK YOU FINDMYPAST

New York Geneanews

So excited to see this press release from FindMyPast. It's hard chasing New Yorkers from Sydney, Australia.

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Findmypast, one of the world’s fastest growing family history companies, partners with New York’s largest genealogical organization to bring wider access to New York records

Findmypast will be the new home of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society’s Digital Library, offering millions of records from across the United States.

Salt Lake City, Utah, 11 February 2015. Findmypast and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (NYG&B) announced today that Findmypast will host the newly expanded Digital Library of the NYG&B. The partnership will provide additional membership benefits for the one of the nation’s oldest genealogical organizations, while also offering a stream of new content to Findmypast’s growing collections.

When launched, the expanded Digital Library will bring  millions of new records to members of the NYG&B, including the complete U.S. Census, 1790-1940; U.S. Passenger Lists, 1820s-1950s; birth, marriage, and death records from across the U.S.; the PERiodical Source Index (PERSI), and many more. NYG&B members will be able to create an online family tree at Findmypast, and use new features such as Findmypast’s recently launchedHints to accelerate their research.

The partnership will offer Findmypast’s customers access to new records from the state of New York, covering more than three centuries. Major collections that will be added to Findmypast include the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record which has been in publication for 145 years, vital records, bible extracts, cemetery transcriptions, and more.  

The two organizations will also work together to bring new content online over the course of the partnership. “The partnership is a terrific step forward for anyone researching ancestors from New York – we are delighted to join forces with such a historic organization to enrich the family history experience for Findmypast and members of the NYG&B,” said D. Joshua Taylor, Director of Family History at Findmypast. 

“Our agreement with Findmypast offers our members two very significant benefits—vastly more effective searching of the complete run of the NYG&B Record and other NYG&B online collections, and direct access to the growing United States collections onfindmypast.com. Findmypast subscribers also benefit significantly which makes the partnership a strong two-way street and thus sustainable for the long term," said McKelden Smith, the NYG&B's president.

-ENDS-

About Findmypast

Findmypast is an international leader in online family history and genealogy research with customers and operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. Its searchable online archive includes over two billion family history records, from parish records and censuses to migration records, military collections, historical newspapers, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) and lots more. For members around the world, the site is a crucial resource for building family trees and making family connections.

 Findmypast has an unrivalled record of innovation in the field of family history, and works closely with the genealogy community, including local libraries, archives, societies, and other organizations from around the world, to preserve, digitize, and provide access to historical records. Findmypast’s historical records, advanced search tools and accurate data work together to help both professional and budding genealogists discover, explore and share their family stories.

About the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has been a primary resource for research on New York families since 1869.  The Society’s mission is to help people of all backgrounds find their places in American history through family history and genealogy. The NYG&B offers educational programs, including a biennial, three-day statewide conference; two essential quarterly publications, including its scholarly journal, the NYG&B Record; and extensive resources online at NewYorkFamilyHistory.org. In January 2015, the NYG&B published its monumental, 856-page New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer, the first and only comprehensive guide of its kind in the United States.

Thanks findmypast.com

As a loyal longtime subscriber to several online databases I get annoyed when these services offer free access to those who are not subscribers and nothing for their subscribers.

I have been known to ask on social media what these companies are doing for those who support them with their hard-earned dollars.

I was therefore delighted today to receive this message from findmypast.com. Thank you for rewarding us.

A Soft Sell from FindMyPast.com.au

I was a little disappointed to see that the venue at Parramatta RSL was not overflowing for D. Joshua Taylor s presentation on Saturday afternoon. While there was a reasonable crowd there was room for more attendees. I find it hard to believe that more genealogists did not take advantage of this event hosted by FindMyPast.com.au to hear D. Joshua Taylor give two presentations. I had heard Joshua speak at two Rootstech Conferences and he was an engaging, energetic and passionate presenter so there was no way I was going to miss out this opportunity just half an hour from home.

D. Joshua Taylor

I'm so pleased I went along. While I did not learn heaps from Joshua's talks I learnt enough to make my journey worthwhile and I saw a polished professional presenter in action. As someone who presents around the traps I learn so much from observing people like Joshua. I am so impressed with his style; the fluent way in which he presents indicates a deep knowledge of his subject, he has touches of humour and the mentions of his Grandma portray him as a real family guy. I particularly enjoyed the story of Joshua's Australian connection.

Arriving early I snagged myself a front row seat. I mentioned to the FindMyPast ladies that I wanted a photo of Joshua for this blog so they directed me to the coffee shop where he was having (until I arrived) a quiet lunch; thank you Josh for graciously posing for my camera.  I used the time before the talks to catch up with some of my genealogy mates including Jean from Ku-ring-gai Historical Society, Allan Phillips from Unlock the Past and Allan and Joy Murrin.

Alan Phillips, Unlock the Past and in the green jumper Allan Murrin

Then it was on with the show, after a very short intro from Vicki Davidson of FindMyPast Joshua took to the lectern.  Clutching my Galaxy Tablet in one hand  I took notes in Google Drive (Tick - Josh suggested using Google Drive) and Tweeted and, with my Galaxy camera strung over a wrist, I took photos of Josh in action during his performances (sorry the pix are fuzzy but I didn't use a flash). They were great talks but I think that Joshua probably challenged many of the people in the audience with the concepts he was demonstrating.

Joshua's First Presentation

Busy Note takers 

During the breaks I met up with Annette, a former work colleague from Waverley Library, Carole Riley, Geneablogger Janelle Collins and Australian Geneapodcast Guru Maria Northcote. I'm excited that Maria will be presenting on the 4th Unlock the Past Cruise in February.

Janelle Collins and Maria Northcote

Joshua's Second Presentation

I applaud the people from Find My Past Australia for enabling Joshua to present on general topics and not engaging in a hard sell of their products. Joshua gave two one hour talks and then a twenty minute presentation on FindMyPast and the new and exciting things it has in store for users. FindMyPast offered a door prize of a year's subscription that was won by one lucky gentleman. I think they missed a marketing opportunity by not offering a discount on subscriptions to those present. If this would have been the case I would have been tempted to renew my World sub that recently lapsed.

Thank  you Josh for travelling downunder to share your knowledge and passion with us and thank you to Find My Past Australia for making this happen.

A few of Joshua's wise words:

• Use a research log
• Use the cloud to keep track of documents so you can access from anywhere
• Not all indexes to records are created equal
• Collateral lines give lots of information
• "Or" is the most powerful Boolean search tool
• Save search strings into a word document and paste into Google
• Joshua's favourite search engine is Yippy.com .It saves him hours and hours of time

POSTSCRIPT

Sorry Find My Past Australia I just found your flyer offering 10% discount. As I do with bits of advertising bumph I was just about to toss it in the bin but glanced and saw your offer. Other potential customers might also have done this too. We wouldn't have minded  a little intro spiel about FMP and verbal notification of the discount. 13/8/2013

 .

Rationionalising my Online Subs.

After a number of years I have said goodbye to my FindMyPast subscription. I still like the product and love the access it gives me  to British newspapers but a girl has to look after her pennies.

I had a been a FindMyPast UK subscriber since 2008 until July 2012 when I took up the bargain basement introductory offer for a World Subscription from FindMyPast.com. When I tried to log on last week I discovered my subscription had lapsed (I had been travelling overseas and missed their resubscription reminder email) and discovered that it would cost me $US199.95 to renew.

If I wouldn't have missed that reminder email "Your subscription will expire in 5 days and we're offering you the chance to renew it at the great price of just $59.99!" and resubscribed by my due date a couple of days earlier I could have had the sub for a significantly reduced rate and I would have resubscribed.  DRAT.

I checked the Australian site, findmypast.com.au,  and found a World sub there would cost me $AU249.95 (on today's exchange rates that's $US231.70). Next stop was findmypast.co.uk, a world sub there is £GB159.95 (that's $246.11 on today's exchange rates) so I guess that when and if I renew it will be with findmypast.com.

In the interim I might buy some pay as you go credits and see how far they go.

Overdoing the Kindness

Because I like to have resources at my fingertips I have for several years had a World subscription to Ancestry.co.uk and and a subscription to Findmypast.co.uk.  I may have done one or two lookups for cousins but the personal subscription I pay for is basically for my use.

Do you know what annoys me?  I am irritated when I see, on various lists and forums, offers from genealogists to perform free lookups of these and similar subscription sites for others. While RAOGK are to be commended this practice of offering free lookups and the subsequent sharing of resources from subscription sites must surely have a negative impact on those who subscribe. 

Does the availability of free lookups deter wouldbe subscribers? Does the availability of free lookups have an impact on the cost of subscriptions?

I wonder what the subscriptions sites think of this growing practice?  Does it violate their terms of service?

Am I being mean-spirited?  

Free Lookups at Congress

Great news for those genealogists attending Congress in Adelaide this week. 


I have been in contact with Congress' Principal Sponsor Find My Past Australia who shared some fantastic news with me. They are offering free lookups of Bright Solid products to those attending the conference. 

The free lookups will be available to the following sites:

www.findmypast.com.au

www.findmypast.co.uk

www.findmypast.ie

www.genesreunited.com.au

www.britishnewspaperarchive.com.au

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

This service was very popular at the recent Rootstech Conference as I envisage it will be in Adelaide. So do your homework and bring along some names from your brick walls to the Find My Past Stand and see which walls you can knock down. 

They will be also offering greatly discounted subscriptions and packages for findmypast websites and Genes Reunited.

Sleep gets in the way of good intentions

My plan, when I returned from the History and Genealogy Roadshow tonight and had some dinner, was to blog about the event but I am in need of some shuteye. So I'll just give a quick recap and come back and add hyperlinks to this post later.

I arrived a little late for Elaine Collins' talk on FindMyPast but enjoyed what I heard. Elaine outlined some exciting new projects in the pipeline so I was pleased that I had renewed my annual subscription last month. I just need to make time to revisit the site and do new searches for the people in my database.

Louise St Denis from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies packed a lot of content into her talk. She was an entertaining and engaging speaker.

I have a pretty good knowledge of the Google family of products but still enjoyed the three presentations by Dan Lynch that I attended. I learnt a couple of new tricks and was entertained by Dan who is a polished and professional presenter.

As my knowledge of genealogical records is a bit shallow I learnt quite a bit from Jeremy Palmer's talk on "The Parish Chest". It was the best of the three talks I have heard from Jeremy so far.

During the day I engaged in a bit of a twitterthon with Carole Riley, Gould Genealogy and Unlock the Past as we posted tweets during the talks. Those tweets can be found by using the hashtag #HGRS10 in a twitter search.

Genealogy can be a lonely pursuit; events like the roadshow give us a chance to meet and chat with people with similar interests. I was pleased to catch up with people from SAG and the Sydney TMG Users group. I am looking forward to day two of the Roadshow tomorrow when I will have a chance to add more to my knowledge.

Now for some zzzz's

It looked like a Seniors Convention

The few youngsters who attended the seminar organised by Unlock the Past at the North Ryde RSL last night were outnumbered by the many enthusiastic seniors at the function. I was pleased to find two retired librarians that I worked with at Waverley Library in the early seventies. The number of enthusiasts at the function , some of whom had travelled quite a distance, indicates that family historians want to hear from speakers with international credentials.

Elaine Collins (pictured), from findmypast.co.uk, was the star turn of the evening. She gave an overview of the various product offerings of Bright Solid and a comprehensive tour of the findmypast site that would have been very informative for those not familiar with the product. Speaking to an audience with such a range of skills and knowledge is a tough gig. Elaine was a competent speaker who was able to engage a large and disparate audience.

After a presentation by Rosemary Kopittke on Scotland's People Elaine returned to the stage to give an overview of the new find.mypast.com.au and tell of plans for the development of this product that is presently available on a subscription basis for $59.95 per annum. The datasets on this site differ from those on the UK site; there are a number of fulltext documents such as government and police gazettes that can be searched by keyword. Unfortunately for those of us who already subscribe to the full findmypast.uk offering there is not discount for taking up this additional product. In the future consideration will be given to providing a facility to search both product sets at once but this will not be in the short term.

I had hoped to meet some fellow Twitterers and some of my online genealogy pals but they were difficult to find in the crowd. I think that I was the only person Tweeting from the audience!

Although the evening could have been seen as a sales pitch for the products of Bright Solid, Gould Genealogy and Unlock the Past it created an opportunity for a large group of people with a shared interest to get together. As I walked in by myself I was immediately befriended by two ladies who graciously invited me to join them for dinner. In the line to enter the auditorium and in the wait for the presentations to begin strangers chatted amicably about their ancestors, brick walls and triumphs in search of their ancestors. I was impressed by the convivial atmosphere of the evening.

1911census.co.uk blog » Blog Archive » 1911 Census subscriptions available in October

Greta news for those of us that want to do lots of lookups.

1911census.co.uk blog » Blog Archive » 1911 Census subscriptions available in October

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