"Family Tree page ideas for Scrapbookers" edited by Kerry Arquette + more books

The Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia, acquaints readers with an ample variety of genealogy books. This article, the last in a series, completes reviews on all the genealogy books in the library's outstanding assortment. The articles were published in another no longer available site. The following books are special in their own way. They do not fit the basic "how to" molds. Yet, these books may be of interest to the family historian.

Arquette, Kerry, editor. Memory Makers: Family Tree page ideas for Scrapbookers. Denver: Memory Makers Books. 2004.
Family Tree page ideas for Scrapbookers offers instructions, patterns and photograph ideas for creating your family tree scrapbook.
Higgins, Becky. Family History Scrapbooking. Korea: Primedia. 2006.
Becky Higgins offers readers ten different ideas for album types. She includes examples of albums such as family tree album, recipe album, family stories and snapshot album. Her book includes how to begin and needed supplies. Tips include how to add pages without photographs to remember the family stories.

Jackson, Buzzy. Shaking the Family Tree: Blue Bloods, Black Sheep, and Other Obsessions of an Accidental Genealogist. New York: Touchstone Book. 2010.
Delightful narrative! Shaking the Family Tree reveals Buzzy Jackson's hunt for answers. The book starts and ends with the same question, why are you doing this? The author resolves this inquiry with an amusing paperback bursting with personal accounts.

Petričić, Dušan. My Family Tree and Me. Tonawanda, New York: Kids Can Press. 2015.
In My Family Tree and Me, Dušan Petričić introduces the young reader to family relationships. Read the father's ancestors from the front to the middle. Read the mother's ancestors from the back to the middle. The middle portrays the complete family with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. A attractively written and illustrated book.

Stewart, Alan. Grow Your Own Family Tree: The easy guide to research family history. London: Allen Lane. 2008.
Alan Stewart introduces the reader to his family with a 1913 portrait. Grow Your Own Family Tree provides a brief history and research hints for the United Kingdom. The author supplies extensive substance on the East India Company, military records and Channel Island records plus more.

Taylor, Maureen A. Family Photo Detective: Learn how to find genealogy clues in old photos and solve family photo mysteries. Cincinnati: Family Tree Books. 2013.
Family Photo Detective author Maureen Taylor alerts the family historian on how to use visual clues. These clues facilitate dating and identifying people or places.

Webster, Donovan. Meeting the Family: One Man’s Journey Through His Human Ancestry. Washington, DC: National Geographic. 2010.
According the Donovan Webster, everyone wants answers to these three questions: where did I come from, where am I going and how did I arrive here right now? Meeting the Family: One Man’s Journey Through His Human Ancestry bestows the reader with Mr. Webster's answers. His answers started with his ethnic DNA results. He travels the world from the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania (last hunter-gatherer) to Bilbao, land of the Basques (10,000 years ago). He traverses quite a few places before returning home.

Check area libraries, these books are available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy" by Christine Rose and Kay Germain Ingalls

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy, Christine Rose and Kay Ingalls promise to cover all the basics and advanced ideas. "We hope you'll be swept along with us in our fascination with family history." With years of poking around courthouses and solving family puzzles, both authors admit mistakes and lessons learned. "With the guidance of this book..... Your family tree will take shape as you uncover stories that surprise, inspire, and enthrall you."

Everything is online and free! In Chapter five, "The Internet: Online Any Time," the reader learns how to dispel this myth. The authors write that online information can be wrong; the reader should resolve to publish a correct tree with sources attached. Internet information is not up-to-date or permanent. This fourteen page chapter covers many online tips; one tip to remember from page 65 "traditional methodology still applies.... you must analyze and evaluate it [information] before incorporating the data into your family history."

What makes this book unique?

• the extra hints - definitions, pedigree pitfalls, tree tips and lineage lessons
• easy to follow six part organization
• appendixes that include glossary, worksheets, blank forms, suggested resources

Rose, Christine and Kay Germain Ingalls. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy. Third Edition. New York: Penguin Group. 2012. quotes from the Introduction pages xix and xx.

The authors willingly share their expertise in an organized and easy to follow outline. The authors kept their promise by illustrating basic and advanced research ideas with examples and how to search using forms.

The Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) honored Christine Rose with Emeritus Status for her service to BCG and her fifty-year distinguished genealogical career. The honor was announced 4 May 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Congratulations!

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"Discover Your Roots" by Paul Blake and Maggie Loughran

In Discover Your Roots: Dig Up Your Family History and Other Buried Treasures by Paul Blake and Maggie Loughran, the reader will learn fifty-two brilliant ideas. One good idea can change your life. Before jumping into research, the authors gently remind the reader of several things. In the introduction, the reader is reminded that the past starts now. It is not how far back that is important; satisfaction comes from really knowing your family up close and personal. Also, remember now is not then and we are not them. The four page introduction is well worth reading. Do you read the introduction to every book? You should!

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The authors present fifty-two brilliant ideas or chapters. These ideas are as basic as "What's in a name?" or "Who told you that?" to "In Deed." Every chapter or brilliant idea has four parts: the idea to try, another idea if the first worked, words of wisdom and Q & A highlights. Using "In Deed" as an example, the authors explain that a deed is a legal record for transfer of land. The idea is to search for property records at the county courthouse. Another idea would be to trace the history of the land. Words of wisdom provides a quote from S. J. Perelman, humorist and screenwriter. "A farm is an irregular patch of nettles bounded by short-term notes, containing a fool and his wife who didn't know enough to stay in the city." In the Q & A, the authors explain land records for homesteaders. Every idea is filled with more detail than my brief example.

What makes this book unique?

• four parts for every idea or chapter
• variety of topics
• humor

Blake, Paul and Maggie Loughran. Discover Your Roots: Dig Up Your Family History and Other Buried Treasures. New York: A Perigee Book. 2006. quote from page 191.

This book has an easy to follow flow of the chapter outlines, a variety of topics discussed and many brilliant ideas. Updated editions are available.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"Find Anyone, Anywhere, Anywhen" by Noel Montgomery Elliot

In Finding Anyone, Anywhere, Anywhen, Noel Montgomery Elliot provides 181 pages of world website URLs. These 25,000+ website addresses include religious groups, countries and ethnic groups from Aboriginal to Zimbabwe. An updated directory is maintained on a paid member site, The Genealogical Research Library. The author shares his 30+ years of research in this interesting book. His unique style and choice of information is better understood against the author's background.

In the presenter's biography for One World - One Family, the reader develops a better understanding of Mr. Elliott's wide-ranging interests. Born in Toronto, Canada, Mr. Elliot lived and attended school in many various localities from Vancouver to New York City. His shortwave radio license and his expansive education gave him an interest in global affairs. His earlier titles include teacher and music supervisor. Since the formation in 1981of The Genealogical Research Library, Mr. Elliott has been the Director of Research. He is considered one of the earliest advocates of database searching.

On page six, the author writes a disclaimer. He states that the information represents only his views. "The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this book." This lengthy disclaimer may be necessary due to the vast number of URLs. The author and The Genealogical Research Library are not endorsing any of the websites.

The author offers no sources for his statements. How many readers know that crests or coat of arms were given to individuals and not used for surnames (page 84)? The reader is told to avoid the heraldry merchants unless you have evidence of direct descent. As this is not general knowledge, the reader deserves more. The chapter contains 12 pages of crest design samples with genealogies. Where did the author find these examples? With every topic, this author drove me to more online research. Maybe that is the goal? Encourage the reader to dig deeper? The online Britannica Encyclopedia provides an interesting article for further reading.

What makes this book unique?

• worldwide website directory
• connection with online paid website
• encourages the reader to dig deeper into online research

Elliot, Noel Montgomery. Finding Anyone, Anywhere, Anywhen. Buffalo: Firefly Books. 2009.

This book offers an opening disclaimer that the views are the authors and not necessarily facts, broad chapters and minimal citations.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"How to Do Everything Genealogy" by George G. Morgan

In How to Do Everything Genealogy, Fourth Edition, George G. Morgan provides a solid foundation for genealogical research. The author writes in the preface that the book addresses many different records from English-speaking countries. Countries covered besides the United States include Australia, Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Already by page 11, the author writes about how to find birth and death records in multiple countries such as General Register Office (GRO) for Ireland in Dublin and Australian civil registrations. The reader continues to find resources throughout the book, resources for everything from newspapers and manuscripts to census records.

The author skillfully builds the readers confidence. Mr. Morgan starts out by asking "What Is Genealogy?" in chapter one. The following chapters help the researcher understand how to balance research, how to analyze information and how to locate basic records. As a family historian, are you interested in social media, blogs, podcasts, DNA and mobile apps? These are just a few more of the topics covered. The title promises everything, after reading the book, I believe the author delivered on his promise.

What makes this book unique?

• worldwide research suggestions
• comprehensive resource for beginner or intermediate researchers

Morgan, George G. How To Do Everything Genealogy. 4th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill. 2015.
The five star review is based on the thoroughness of the author to explain research techniques.
Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"Finding Your Roots" by Janice Schultz

Finding Your Roots: Easy-to-Do Genealogy and Family History offers successful search tips from Janice Schultz a librarian and genealogist. Mrs. Schultz started work in the genealogy department at the Mid-Continent Public Library in 1987. "Genealogy is a journey that allows us to know our ancestors personally. As we discover details about their lives, they become real to us."

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Already on page 9, the reader is given the assignment to fill in a blank pedigree chart. In the previous pages, the author explained in detail what information will be needed. In the assignment, the reader is directed to a web page with blank forms. In this example, the URL is www.mmcpl.org/genealogy/family-history-forms, the URL for the Midwest Genealogy Center at the Mid-Continent Public Library. The author continues, "The main goal for any researcher should be to produce a family history that is based on sound genealogical research and that interprets ancestors' lives in terms most readers will understand." Genealogy or family history? Both!

The book builds on the beginning assignment from page 9 of writing out a personal pedigree chart and family unit chart. This assignment continues in every chapter with suggestions for research called "Genealogy: Twenty Minutes a Day." Using examples and details, the author deals with every topic from dictionaries and directories to vital records. Example, "Printed and Internet Sources," chapter five and page 152 offers the reader the suggestion of visiting your local library or exploring online historic maps and county histories. Every chapter has a Twenty Minutes a Day idea for how to personalize research.

What makes this book unique?

• perspective of both a librarian and genealogist
• extensive resources
• assignments for researchers with limited time

Schultz, Janice. Finding Your Roots: Easy-to-Do Genealogy and Family History. Chicago: Huron Street Press. 2013. introductory quote from page vi.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"Genealogy Quick Steps" by Marty Mathews and Bobbi Sandberg

The Genealogy Quick Steps authored by Marty Matthews and Bobbi Sandberg provides easy to follow how-to steps. The authors engage the readers immediately. First, the reader should answer why they want to learn more about a family and what will be done with these findings. The authors consider these questions so important that six pages have been devoted to these topics. Consider suggestions such as resolve disputes, leave to heirs, write a book or create a website. Second, write down your thoughts and explore your answers. Third, set your objectives (page 8-9).

Published in effective straightforward formatting, this book is for everyone, especially a visual learner. The chapter color coding matches the chapters listed in the contents (pages ix-xii) The formatted conventions make easy to follow outlines and quick references. Explanations of the conventions are on page xvii. Examples, a check mark will reference a QuickFacts sidebar or small capital letters are used for keys on the keyboard.

Bobbi provides the genealogy content with her own experiences (pages 16-18) and the shared examples of other family historians. This book is for the first time family historian asking, "What do I do?" On page 26, the authors explain family relationships with both QuickFacts and a drawing of these relationships. In chapter three, GEDCOM (sharing protocol) is explained and demonstrated in several software programs. Chapter three offers suggestions for evaluating genealogy software or using alternative sources such as spreadsheets and notes. Published in 2012, check the web for genealogy software updates.

Chapters four through six review internet sources, for example, how to search and where to look. The authors cover websites including Cyndislist, My Heritage, Ancestry, Family Search and RootsWeb. These websites are active today. Some of the information may have changed as the sites upgrade their software. The remaining chapters provide How-To tips including: tour a cemetery, connecting with a group, getting around roadblocks and publishing your family. The authors provide a resource for the new family researcher and a reminder for the advanced family researcher.

What makes this book unique?

• Actively engages the reader
• Shares examples of personal research
• Formatting uses colors, special conventions and detailed examples
• Quick steps for easy reference

With the excellent detailed material, comes the price of dated computer and internet data. The material can easily be updated researching the internet. This is a beginning of family research and not the end.

Matthews, Marty and Bobbi Sandberg. Genealogy Quick Steps. New York: McGraw Hill. 2012.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

"The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference" by Allison Dolan

The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference: Tips, Tricks & Fast Facts to Track Your Ancestors authored by Allison Dolan and the editors of Family Tree Magazine provides a small book to carry in your pocket, tote bag or Kindle. Yet, this small book provides resources for websites, enumerator questions, keys to abbreviations, explanations of special schedules, census resources and maps. The pocket reference covers the United States census years of 1790-1940 and 19 international countries.

Do you know, "The census was to record the population exactly as it was on the official census date. However, enumerators may have visited an address days or weeks after the official census date."
Why is this important? Birth or death dates were to be as of the official date. Births or deaths after the official date were not to be reported. Confusion about the dates or questions sometimes lead to errors.
Do you know that the departments of War and Navy enumerated military personnel separately, in what years and where are the records? For the answers, read pages 13 and148.
Do you know if your state has missing records, a state census or special schedules? For the answers, read pages 15-17, 122-134 and 136-140.

What makes this book unique?

• pocket size
• ease to carry, yet packed with material
• specialized for census only

Dolan, Allison & editors of Family Tree Magazine. The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference: Tips, Tricks & Fast Facts to Track Your Ancestors. Cincinnati: Family Tree Books. 2012. quote regarding census date from page 12.

This pocket reference covers all census areas from dates and maps to enumerator questions and instructions. The title describes to the reader what will be found inside; and, inside the reader will find every detail in the title; nothing has been left out. The material is ageless. Our census use and access is limited only to our imagination. This guide opens up our imagination by presenting the census completely and concisely.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!