P. G. S. News

Volume 7, Issue 11

December 2002

Previous Issue

Meetings

At the November 16th meeting, Parks Honeywell enlightened members on the science of DNA research and its importance to genealogists. This is an interesting and timely topic for today’s genealogical researcher. The Nominating Committee presented their list of officers who will be elected and installed at the December 21st meeting. A holiday party will follow with drinks being provided by the Society. Please bring something to share, either sandwiches, snacks or a dessert.

THE 2002 CALENDAR
All meetings begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Jenkins auditorium in the Largo Public Library. Guests are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped host the Florida State Genealogy Society conference in St. Petersburg!

...Happy Holidays

Classes

See the December classes on the 2002 Calendar.
Family Tree Maker Group – Led by Charlie Grandmasion, this group explores the behind the scenes options available on the popular Family Tree Maker software.
The Family Tree Maker Group will NOT meet in the month of December. They will resume their sessions on January 4th and continue on every first Saturday of the month during the year. There will be no attendance fee charged; however, a donation to the library building fund will be encouraged. Starting with the January meeting this group will be working out of the Jenkins Assembly Conference Room in the library’s lobby. This larger room should be able to accommodate this growing group. If you have been turned away before due to the class filling up we encourage you to join the group in their new larger location.

If you have a special interest that you think we could build a group around please share it with Bette Raup or Mercedes Bleatttler.

Computers In Genealogy

The Computer Interest Group is a forum for genealogists to discuss computer programs, Internet discoveries and solutions to problems. This lively group meets at 9:45 am, before the regular PGS meeting, in the Jenkins Room. Guests are welcomed—hurry in – seats fill up fast!! For more information, or to join the email discussion list, email Bob Bryan.

PGS Quarterly needs you!

If you have queries, please turn them in to William Wallace or to the Volunteer Desk for inclusion in the next issue of The Pinellas Genealogist. Remember, this issue will be mailed out all over the country! Local members will now be receiving their quarterly at the PGS Saturday meeting.
The Editor would also appreciate stories of your research trips and reviews of printed or computerized genealogy materials. Naturally, Pinellas County material is always needed. PGS Members: Up to two queries are free!! Thank you for your continued support of our quarterly!

News from Special Collections

• When calling the Largo Library with questions relating to genealogy, please use the number for the Genealogy Help Desk: 586-7410.
• Please do not re-shelve books or return other materials. Our volunteers count each item returned as a statistic. These counts help us to determine our peak times for service and areas of high demand. Thank you!
• Please continue to bring in flyers or brochures about libraries you visit this year. Thanks!
• When using the microfilm, please rewind the film before returning it to its box. Please do not remove the take-up reel; this will only leave the film in an upside-down and backwards state!

LOOK!

Two Exciting Conferences on the Horizon

January 25, 2003
Pinellas Genealogy Society Annual Seminar at the Family History Center, Largo, Fl.
Featured Speaker:

John T. Humphrey

Topics Include: Documentation is Essential, Developing the Skills to Become a Genealogist, Reconstructing Families on the Colonial Frontier, Researching Eighteenth-Century Germans.
For more information contact bushonghostetlergen@verizon.net

February 14-15, 2003
Florida Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will hold its annual conference at the Largo Cultural Center, Largo, Fl.
Featured Speaker:

Diane Van Skiver Gagel M.A.

Topics include: Hidden or Rarely Used Genealogical Resources, The Argonauts: Researching our California Gold Rush Ancestors, Migration Patterns of Ohio, and Quaker Research.
For more information contact bushonghostetlergen@verizon.net or HARMOLES@aol.com

2 NEW ITEMS FOR SALE

BUSSEY FUNERAL HOME RECORDS, St. Petersburg, Fl, 2002. 92 pgs, 557 entries, photocopies of the Register of Funerals. $10.00+tax+S/H

GREENWOOD CEMETERY, St. Petersburg, 2002. 263 pgs., 1329 entries, history, photos, obits, maps and more. $31.00+tax+S/H.

Shipping and handling for all books is 1-2 books, $5.00; 3-4 books, $8.00.

(Check out our other books for sale.)

BEFORE YOU GO ON VACATION…

Check out the Vertical File! It is located between the microfiche cabinet and the military books. Inside you will find file folders with materials from libraries around the country.
Check out the Road Maps! They are now in the first drawer of the Manuscript File cabinets next to the volunteer desk.
Remind yourself to collect and bring back to share newsletters and handouts from the libraries you visit.
Share your experiences at genealogy libraries your visited with the society by writing a small article for the newsletter.

Check out the new materials in Special Collections

SUGGESTION BOX

In the genealogy area of Special Collections, on a cabinet next to the Federal census film cabinets, is a Suggestion Box. Please take the time to drop us a note and let us know how we are doing. Any new ideas for new classes or programs? Any requests for books or films to order? We appreciate your advice.

Web Sites of Interest

www.archives.gov/research_room
This site guides you through the process of ordering military service records. Some forms can be opened in a PDF format and others may be requested through email. It includes Form 86 (Military service records from 1775 to 1916) and Standard form 180 (Military service records 1917 to present).