APPeal – Ancestry

This is my first APPeal review from Jorie’s Family Tree!

The Ancestry APP allows me to access my family trees that I’ve created on Ancestry.com . Not only can I view relatives’ connections, I can also see people profiles.

The best yet is that I can view pictures attached to my family members. This is especially wonderful when I’m visiting with extended family. I can show them photos of Great Aunt Daisy through this simple APP.

I’ve installed this APP on my iPhone. It’s also available in the Google Play store. So, genealogists, try this one!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage – Roots

Week #14 – State and National Societies

Last week we paid tribute to local genealogical and historical societies. This week we’re going to think bigger. For which state, provincial or national society are you most thankful? What makes this society special? How do the publications and events of this group assist in your family history research?

This challenge runs from Sunday, April 1, 2012 through Saturday, April 7, 2012.

In my posting last week, I recognized the Alexander Love Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). So, this time, I’ll talk about the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT). I haven’t worked much with DRT but I was particularly impressed by a library patron who made an irrelevant to genealogy inquiry. I noticed her DRT pin and complimented her on it and made reference to a branch of early Texans on my family tree. She immediately took a piece of scratch paper, wrote her contact info on it, and handed it to me. She smiled and asked me to contact her when I was ready. 🙂

Week #13 – Local Societies

Local genealogical and historical societies are the lifeblood of genealogy. Members and volunteers give their time and money to preserve local history and promote family history. Tell us about a local society for which you are thankful.

This challenge runs from Sunday, March 25, 2012 through Saturday, March 31, 2012.

I’ve enjoyed learning much from the local Daughters of the American Revolution – Alexander Love Chapter. These nice ladies showed me the ropes to documenting the which begins with my patriot and reaches me. Also, they’ve given me an increased appreciation also for those make family history easily accessible to genealogists around the globe.

Week #12 – Podcasts

Week 12. Podcasts: make it easy to learn about genealogy on the go. Which podcast is your favorite? Who hosts it and how has that person, pair or group helped your family history research?

This challenge runs from Sunday, March 18, 2012 through Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Much like the previous week, I’ve not done much with podcasts. 😦

Week #11 – Technology

Technology makes it possible for genealogy classroom learning to come to you. Webinars are now hosted by many instructors on a variety of family history subjects. Share with us a webinar or series of webinars that you appreciate.

This challenge runs from Sunday, March 11, 2012 through Saturday, March 17, 2012.

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I’ve not participated in any genealogical webinars … yet. This is on my leap list, though!

Week #10 – Genealogy Road Trip

Grave of Dr Calvin S. Bingham, Sr

No two genealogy road trips are the same but they’re always fun and meaningful. Describe a memorable trip in your past. Where did you go? What did you find (or not find)? Did you meet any new cousins? What did the trip mean to you and your family?This challenge runs from Sunday, March 4, 2012 through Saturday, March 10, 2012.

In September 2010, my mom and I journeyed from Houston to Victoria, Texas. This day trip led us to the town where my grandfather, a chiropractor, lived and thrived. After eating at the Fossati’s Deli (the oldest in Texas), Mom and I drove over to the house where she was born. Not only did her family live in this pretty two story, my grandfather’s practice was on the side of the house. I took pictures and we climbed back into the car.

Next, we visited Memorial Cemetery, to visit my grandfather’s grave. We also saw the graves of aunts and uncles. Again, I took pictures and have since uploaded them to Find A Grave. 🙂

Lastly, we stopped at  Victoria Public Library and used their Genealogy and Local History collections to see where my grandfather’s first office and home had been. We also found a picture of my late uncle.

Week #9 – Cemeteries

Grave of Mary Olivia Everitt Bingham, my great grandmother | Find A Grave

Genealogists understand the full value of cemeteries and appreciate them in ways most others can’t see. Share a cemetery or cemetery experience for which you are most thankful. What makes this place special? What does it mean to you and your family history?

This challenge runs from Sunday, February 26, 2012 through Saturday, March 3, 2012.

As a Brownie Scout, I recall tiptoeing through a cemetery toting paper and crayon. Nowadays, I’m told that’s not so good for the headstones. . . Yet, I happily discovered the Find A Grave site a few years ago. At the time, I was preparing for a presentation on Juliette Gordon Low and found her memorial on this website.

After that, I perused and located a number of ancestral graves as well as late relatives. I’ve even had a few opportunities to take pictures of my family members’ headstones. Of course, I’m grateful for all of the hard work and dedication these volunteers offer.

I’ve posted a photo of my great grandmother’s gravestone. While I’ve never set foot in this cemetery, Find A Grave has given me a glimpse of her grave and countless others.

Week 8 – Genealogy Libraries

Clayton House | Houston Public Library

Genealogy libraries (and dedicated departments in regular libraries) are true treasures in the family history community.  Tell us about your favorite genealogy library. What or who makes it special?

This challenge runs from Sunday, February 19, 2012 through Saturday, February 25, 2012.

I am fortunate enough to live in Houston which has the Clayton Genealogical Library. Here, I’ve been able to trace numerous lines on both sides of my family tree.

Also, I’d like to give a shout out to the Victoria Public Library of Victoria, Texas. Not only did this place offer free WiFi and friendly, helpful staff, they also had local history and genealogical resources. I even saw a picture of a late relative.

Week 7 – Historical Documents

Which historical document in your possession are you happy to have? How did you acquire this item? What does it reveal about your ancestors?

This challenge runs from Sunday, February 12, 2012 through Saturday, February 18, 2012.

In recent years, I have discovered that a number of my ancestors fought in the American Revolution. A distant cousin of mine documented this with the DAR. While I must connect a few dots, the DAR allows piggybacking on another daughter’s research. I happily downloaded this item after paying a few bucks. This granted me access to these records for a week.

After downloading, I took a giant leap forward in my linking myself to my ancestor.