The following is a press release from Wholly Genes, Inc. on the newest version of The Master Genealogist.Wholly Genes, Inc., of Columbia, Maryland, is proud to announce the release of The Master Genealogist v7.0, the most comprehensive family history software on the market. For more than 14 years, The Master Genealogist (”TMG”) has been the choice of professional genealogists and casual researchers alike because of its innovative features, extreme flexibility, attention to real-life research issues (like “witnesses” and their secondary roles in events), and support for the highest scholarly standards.

Despite the program’s long-standing reputation as “the one that does it all,” the new Version 7 incorporates more than 50 exciting new features. The program continues to innovate with features like a new “Associates Window” which lists in one place all of the people connected to the focus person (e.g., as witnesses to the same events), customizable pop-up reminders which encourage consistent data entry, and the ability to make color “highlights” or annotations on scanned images. The image highlighting actually happens on a transparent layer above the image so the original image isn’t modified — an important characteristic to family researchers.

A variety of powerful new features to control sentence output supplement those which, in previous versions, have helped researchers win awards for their published narratives. Among other enhancements, it is now easier to generate sentences which span more than one event (e.g., “He died in Tazewell, Virginia and was buried three days later in the town cemetery”) with mid-sentence source citations. A real-time sentence preview now also makes it easier to see the effect of customizing those sentences.

“We’re sure that researchers will appreciate the powerful new features in this release because they helped to design them,” said Bob Velke, President of Wholly Genes Software. “Many of TMG’s best features started with suggestions from users,” said Velke, “and Version 7 is no exception.” As examples of popular features that are already in that category, he cited the program’s GenBridge direct-import technology, integrated historical timelines, customizable screen layouts, and the display of names in different colors to represent user-defined characteristics (e.g., red for people who were born in Tennessee and green for those who were born in Virginia).

Other new features in Version 7 include multi-level sorts, relationship calculation through spouses (e.g., wife of his third cousin), the ability to share your source list and output templates with other researchers through import/export, and the ability to check for duplicates while adding new people. A number of new filtering and reporting options are expected to be very popular and a long list of interface changes make the program easier to use,
especially for novice researchers.

The Master Genealogist v7.0 is native to Windows Vista but is also designed for Windows 2000 or XP. More information is available from

www.WhollyGenes.com

About the company:
Wholly Genes Software is a privately held corporation founded in 1993 with the goal of providing professional-caliber software tools to family historians. Its flagship product, The Master Genealogist, is among the highest rated family history project managers and is in use in more than 30 countries around the world.

Contact:
Elizabeth Vinci
marketing@whollygenes.com
9110 Red Branch Road, STE O
Columbia, Maryland 21044
410-715-2260 x132

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

For someone with some free time on your hands…The Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) is currently seeking a quarterly newsletter editor. Duties of this position include designing, acquiring, and reviewing potential newsletter articles, columns, and news items; setting editorial policy; copy editing and typesetting; and producing camera-ready copy four times a year for timely delivery to MGC?s membership. Strong written communication skills are a must and mastery of Microsoft Word (2003 or later) is required. The newsletter editor attends MGC boards meetings and the annual conference. The successful candidate is appointed by and reports to the MGC President. The position is a volunteer opportunity for the right person.
The Massachusetts Genealogical Council, founded in 1980, is dedicated to serving the interests of the state?s genealogical community. MGC acts as an advocate in monitoring governmental legislative and administrative activities affecting genealogists; sponsoring and presenting legislation and programs designed to expand the resources and accessibility of services; developing and promoting the growth, education, and exchange of ideas among persons and organizations interested in the pursuit of genealogy; and providing other activities to advance genealogy.Qualified applicants should e-mail their resume to Barbara Mathews, President of MGC, at bmathews@gis.net or president@massgencouncil.org www.massgencouncil.org

Publicity Director Massachusetts Genealogical Council Michael Brophy
mbrophy@brophygen.com
http://www.brophygen.com/

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

British Air Ministry Combat Reports (1939 – 1945) released online at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/ww2aircombat.asp

The following description is from the National Archives site:

This collection held in the series AIR 50 comprises Second World War combat reports of squadrons, wings and groups in Fighter, Bomber, Coastal Commands and Fleet Air Arm squadrons. The records cover Commonwealth and Allied units based in the United Kingdom including the United States Army Air Force.

You can now search and download documents which contain the names of around 20,000 men. Until now these records have only been available on microfiche in the Reading Room at The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.

We have outlined some points to help you understand more about the Second World War Air Combat reports. Use the links below to jump to the topics you are interested in.

You can search details from all the surviving records by entering any or all of the following:

Forename(s); Surname; Rank ; Flight/Squadron; Date of combat

The records mainly consist of either a printed Personal Combat Report or a Fighter Command Combat Report. There might also be correspondence and/or notes included with a report. the section below explores the records in more detail, using sample images.

A Pilot or air gunner returning from an operational flight where they had encountered enemy aircraft had to complete RAF Form “F”. These forms recorded details such as:

Date and time of the combat; squadron of the individual submitting the information; type and number of enemy aircraft; height and general location of where the encounter took place; whether the enemy aircraft was considered as a casualty; whether there were Allied aircraft losses and if so, type .

This website will prove useful to both genealogists and military historians alike.

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

Join fellow genealogists and historians at the 31st Boston International Antiquarian – Book Fair.
November 16-18, 2007 – Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass 02115 www.bostonbookfair.com. This show specializes in rare books, maps, autographs and prints.

See you at the show.

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

This was passed along to me from friends at the National Parks service

ALL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES WELCOME!

Contact John Horrigan at 781-799-3781 for free table space to promote your organization. They are going fast! – historicalweather@hotmail.com

WHAT: NEW ENGLAND HISTORY FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday, November 24th, 2007

TIME: 6:00 PM – 10: 00PM

WHERE: Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown Street, Watertown, MA 02472

WEB SITE: http://www.historyfestival.org

Contact: John Horrigan 781-799-3781 – johnhorrigan@hotmail.com

ALL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES WELCOME! Contact John Horrigan at 781-799-3781 for free table space to promote your organization.

Print out a flyer here:

http://www.historyfestival.org/histposter2.jpg

ADMISSION: $10.00 for the general public and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and historical society members. Trivia, exhibits, concessions, prizes, souvenirs

TOPICS: LOST AT SEA, BOSTON MOLASSES FLOOD, NAVAL BATTLES OF THE REVOLUTION, NEW ENGLAND’S DARK DAY, THE HISTORY OF NEW ENGLAND RADIO

Featuring: Michael Tougias, Stephen Puleo, Donna Halper, Mike Ryan, Bill Rose and John Horrigan

==========================================

The Inaugural New England History Festival will take place on Saturday, November 24th at 6:00 PM at the Hibernian Hall in Watertown.

Come and enjoy a series of slide shows and lectures dedicated to great moments in New England History.

Steven Puleo, whose books include “The Boston Italians” and his newest release “Due To Enemy Action”, will be speaking about his benchmark book “Dark Tide”. Puleo, who was recently awarded the prestigious 2007 I Migliori Award by the Pirandello Lyceum for his significant contribution to society, will be speaking about the Great Boston Molasses Flood. On January 15, 1919, in the midst of an unseasonably warm day, a steel tank exploded, sending a tidal wave of molasses throughout the streets of Boston’s North End. Twenty were killed and 150 injured as many homes and businesses were destroyed. As the foremost authority on this event, Stephen will be providing the most concise analysis of this disaster.

Michael Tougias, whose books include “Ten Hours Until Dawn”, “King Philip’s War” and “Nature Walks In Eastern Massachusetts”, will be speaking about his latest book “Fatal Forecast: An Incredible True Tale of Disaster and Survival At Sea”, which recounts the exploits of two small fishing boats that were caught and decimated in a monster maelstrom. In November, 1980, the Fair Wind and Sea Fever were caught by a surprise storm off the coast of Cape Cod. The National Weather Service had erred in their forecast, and the vessels foundered in seventy-foot waves, eventually forcing their crews overboard. Come hear about their harrowing story of survival at sea for three long days and nights.

Bill Rose, one of the most knowledgeable researchers of Revolutionary War naval battles in America today, will present his lecture “Why We Don’t Speak French – Salt Water in the American Revolution”. Rose, a very successful entrepreneur, will bring his presentation to life as he dons the uniform of a French Admiral. His examination of naval engagements in North America from 1775 – 1783 reveals how close the United States came to losing several campaigns, let alone the entire Revolutionary War. It was only providence, luck and some cunning maneuvers on the part of select Colonial and French admirals and captains that preserved the victory.

Donna Halper, the first female broadcaster in the history of Northeastern University, is considered to be the region’s foremost authority on the history of media and radio in New England. Donna has been teaching courses on broadcasting and media history at Emerson College for 17 years and was honored as the Instructor of the Year in addition to being nominated twice for the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Ms. Halper, a highly respected media consultant, is the author of three books, the most recent of which is “Invisible Stars: A Social History of Women in American Broadcasting”. She has appeared on numerous television and radio programs over the course of four decades. Donna, who is also credited with the discovery of the Canadian Rock Band Rush, will present a marvelous interactive exhibit that chronicles the history of broadcasting in Boston.

D. Michael Ryan, currently an Associate Dean of Students at Boston College, is a decorated war veteran and multi-talented author, gifted musician, lecturer, esteemed historian, geneologist and versatile re-enactor. He is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable and interactive historical researchers in regard to the American Revolution living in New England today. Mike, who is a member of over a dozen historical societies and re-enactor militia groups, will be signing his new book “Concord and the Dawn of Revolution: The Hidden Truths”.

John Horrigan, the event’s producer, is a New England Folklorist and “pocket historian” who has lectured on historical fires, weather and astronomical events such as “The Great Hurricane of 1938”, “Winters of The Revolution”, “Earthquakes of Olde New England”, “The Great Brant Rock Fire”, “The Great Nantucket Fire” and “The Night The Stars Fell”. Horrigan will be presenting “New England’s Dark Day”. In May of 1780, an unexplained darkness fell over New England and terrified settlers and Natives. John will read from several journals describing the frightful event and refer to other American dark days such as the “Yellow Day of 1881”, the “Year Without A Summer” in 1816 and Detroit’s Dark Day of October 16th, 1762.

Admission is $10.00 for the general public and $5.00 for seniors, students and all current members of historical societies. There will be trivia, prizes, exhibits, concessions and souvenirs. Tickets can be obtained by logging on towww.historyfestival.org

Special Guests include: John and Abigail Adams (re-enactors), Music by the Jolly Rogues, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, Waltham Historical Society, Historical Society of Watertown, Community Heritage Maps, Salem History Society, National Archives and Records Administration

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

NEHGS and ANCESTRY.COM ANNOUNCE LANDMARK COLLABORATION

Two Industry Leaders Collaborate for First Time
to promote and Educate about Family History

Boston, MA & Provo, UT– Aug 16, 2007 – The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) and Ancestry.com today announce a new collaboration that will bring together and make available for the first time the enormous resources of both institutions in an effort to continue fostering a growing national interest in family history and genealogy.

As part of the relationship, NEHGS, the country’s largest and oldest non-profit society and Ancestry.com, the largest online family history website, will offer joint access to some of most important family history information available anywhere, including Ancestry.com’s repository of five billion names and 24,000 databases and titles and other NEHGS’ genealogical publications. The effort will also offer opportunities for joint memberships.

“So much of America’s family history lies in New England and colonial America,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of The Generations Network, Inc., parent company of Ancestry.com. “NEHGS, founded in 1845, has successfully captured the stories of those early American settlers and the generations that followed. We are pleased to partner with an organization so dedicated to helping families make connections with ancestors who cultivated America’s founding.”

D. Brenton Simons, NEHGS president and CEO, added, “In recent years, the addition of billions of family history records on the Web has driven incredible growth and change in the genealogy field. As the leader of online family history, Ancestry.com is a primary driver of this advancement. We are thrilled to be working with such an important and innovative partner as Ancestry.com, and feel it represents a unique opportunity for genealogists everywhere to gain new insights and access to their family’s heritage.”
Today, millions of people around the world are engaged in family research as more information is made available on-line. This collaboration demonstrates the tremendously beneficial relationships and opportunities that can be created between non-profit genealogical societies and commercial organizations committed to making family history research easier and more important than ever before.

About NEHGS

The New England Historic Genealogical Society, founded in 1845, has more than 20,000 members nationally, making it the oldest and largest non-profit genealogical organization in the country. The NEHGS library, located in Boston, includes more than 28 million items, such as manuscripts, letters, periodicals, books, documents, photographs, and other rare and valuable items. These collections provide genealogists of all levels and expertise immeasurable access to their own family histories and stories. The NEHGS staff includes some of the most respected and experienced genealogists in the country, specializing in American, English, Irish, Scottish, and Canadian research.

NEHGS also publishes several publications including The New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Published since 1847, the Register is considered by many to be the leading source of early American research. Under the NEHGS and Newbury Street Press imprints, NEHGS also publishes a number of books on family and local history.

About Ancestry.com

With 24,000 searchable databases and titles, Ancestry.com is the No. 1 online source for family history information. Since its launch in 1997, Ancestry.com has been the premier resource for family history, simplifying genealogical research for millions of people by providing them with many easy-to-use tools and resources to build their own unique family trees. The site is home to the only complete online U.S. Federal Census collection, 1790-1930, as well as the world’s largest online collection of U.S. ship passenger list records featuring more than 100 million names, 1820-1960. Ancestry.com is part of The Generations Network, Inc., a leading network of family-focused interactive properties, including MyFamily.com, Rootsweb.com, Genealogy.com and Family Tree Maker. In total, The Generations Network properties receive 10.4 million unique visitors worldwide and over 450 million page views a month (© comScore Media Metrix, March 2007).

Media Contacts

Tom Champoux, Marketing Director
New England Historic Genealogical Society
617-226-1211
tchampoux@nehgs.org

Suzanne Bonner, PR Manager
Ancestry.com
801-705-7873
sbonner@tgn.com

Did your ancestors live near the Salisbury Plain? If so your early ancestors house may have been recently dug up. Recent archaeological excavations nearby Stonehenge have unearthed one of the largest Neolithic settlements ever found in England. To read more about this go to this link from the BBC.

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

A new website offering a different way to view your ancestry – www.tribaljunction.com

“Tribal Junction makes it easy and fun to create a family tree and find distant relatives. As users in your family tree add more relatives, your tree automatically grows and automatically links to existing trees of more distant relatives. This lets you discover your roots more easily, as well as avoid duplicated work of other relatives that have already built their own trees. With additional user features like group email, automated notifications, customizable user profiles and more, Tribal Junction is also a great way for families to better keep in touch.”

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert

his week, an additional 48,429 records have been added to this database from the counties of Ontario, Orange, Tioga, and Washington.

This compilation of Abstracts of New York Wills, Administrations and Guardianships was created by William Applebie Daniel Eardeley. The original materials are part of the Brooklyn Historical Society’s manuscript collection. Eardeley abstracted original estate proceedings in the counties of this state. In addition he indexed on 3 x 5 cards all the names in his abstracts, i.e. those of the decedents, executors, administrators, petitioners, guardians, witnesses, named beneficiaries and minor children. The original abstracts were written in pencil on yellow legal pad paper. Although the original title of the collection refers to the years 1691 to 1860, the bulk of the material concerns the period 1787 to 1835. Also, while the abstracts generally end at 1835, it appears that in a few cases the dates were extended to fill a county’s file folder. For estate proceedings of counties formed after 1835, the researcher should look under the names of the parent county.

Currently, this database contains abstracts for the following counties:

Albany          Allegheny       Broome          Cattaraugus     Cayuga

Chautauqua      Chenango        Clinton         Columbia        Cortland        

Delaware        Dutchess        Erie-Niagara    Essex           Franklin               

Genesee Greene          Herkimer        King’s          Lewis          

Livingston      Madison Monroe          New York        Niagara        

Oneida          Onondaga        Ontario         Orange          Orleans

Otsego          Oswego  Putnam          Queens          Richmond

Rockland        St. Lawrence    Schenectady     Seneca          Sullivan       

Steuben Tioga           Tompkins        Warren          Washington

Wayne           Yates

The remaining counties in the collection are in the process of being indexed by our volunteer team and will be released in the future as they become available.

The New England Historic Genealogical Society wishes to thank both the Brooklyn Historical Society and Mr. Frank J. Doherty, whose support made this information available.

Do you have ancestors from Eliot, Maine? There are current efforts underway by local residents to help preserve over 130 historic cemeteries in this town. To read more about these efforts: Click here. Eliot, Maine is located in historic York County, and was founded in 1810. To see some of the online transcriptions and photos of Eliot, Maine cemeteries Click here.

Genealogically yours,

David Allen Lambert