WHAT'S NEW IN RELIC
July 2011
The Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for Genealogy and Local History
(RELIC), Prince William Public Library System, Bull Run Regional
Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA 20109. 703-792-4540 Email:
[log in to unmask]
To read the latest lists of new materials available in RELIC click on
http://www.pwcgov.org/library/relic/whats_new_in_relic.htm . Notable
among recent accessions is Joan W. Peters' new two volume history Brent
Town and the Elk Run Valley. Another specialized local work which
appeared on our April list, should have been acknowledged here as well:
A Taste of Prince William County, Virginia, Wine History, by Raymond V.
Olszewski.
RELIC SEEKING NEWS INDEXERS
RELIC is in need of more volunteers to help abstract and index
news articles from back files of the Manassas Journal Messenger and the
Potomac News. A commitment of at least five hours a month over a six
month period is required. Indexers read and extract information from
issues of our local newspapers and enter the data into an electronic
form. Applicants must come to Bull Run Library for hands-on training.
Depending on your access to the internet and a PC (not an Apple), the
work may be done from home. For further information, please contact
Beverly Veness at RELIC, [log in to unmask] To see and use the online
index go to http://www.pwcgov.org/eservices/newspaperindex/ . The
index to articles began in 1993 and is still a bit spotty for some time
periods. In addition, it includes an incomplete index to local
obituaries back to 1970. With your help we hope to make it more
comprehensive.
ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION:
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Ancestry Library Edition is available free at all public internet and
catalog stations in Prince William Public Library branches. If you
haven't used it recently you may not be aware that its appearance and
search screens have drastically changed. RELIC staff are still getting
used to the challenges and opportunities of the new interface. If you
need assistance in navigating it, we would welcome your call. A tip:
On any search screen, I recommend clicking on "Show Advanced." That
gives you more control over your search results: It allows you to
require exact matches, to use Soundex spellings, and to specify a range
of dates. Without that control, your searches may be rather "fuzzy,"
and the results may go off in any direction.
Among recent additions to the Ancestry lineup we note that the Sons of
the American Revolution have offered their collection of applications
1889-1970 as digital images. Although the information can be seen in
the applicant's handwriting, we have found no way of getting a print
copy of the image without contacting the S.A.R.
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RELIC PROGRAMS
Here are our latest offerings. Funding for RELIC programs
is provided by the Friends of Central and Bull Run Libraries. Sign
language interpretation is available for Prince William Public Library
programs if requested at least three weeks in advance. To be notified
of upcoming programs and new resources in RELIC, visit
http://www.pwcgov.org/library/relic/whats_new_in_relic.htm and click
on Subscribe. All these programs will take place at the community room
at Bull Run Regional Library, 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA. Most
programs last about one hour. You may register for any of these
programs at 703-792-4540 or [log in to unmask] For details see
http://www.pwcgov.org/library/relic/relic_programs.htm
July 12, 7 pm - The Civil War Begins at Bull Run, with Ron Mayer;
repeated July 14, 11 am.
August 11, 11 am - Finding Cousins through Family Tree DNA or 23 and Me,
with J. J. Logan; repeated August 23, 7 pm.
September 17, 7-11 pm - RELIC After Dark, featuring Colleen Fitzpatrick
on Forensic Genealogy: CSI Meets Roots. $25 (includes dinner).
September 27, 7 pm - Cemetery Symbolism, with Diane Nesmeyer.
September 30, 2 pm - Genealogy 101, with Beverly Veness.
"Genealogy Doctor": free counseling (contact us for an
appointment).
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THE CIVIL WAR BEGINS AT BULL RUN
Presented by Ron Mayer
Guest speaker Ron Mayer will present a short history of the
First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), July 1861, and its importance as
the first major battle of the Civil War. He will incorporate the
stories of some famous and not-so-famous local participants at this
nation-altering event. He will show some ways to highlight the story of
your Civil War ancestor's experience using photographs, graphics and
maps. Mr. Mayer is a retired Air Force officer and presently works
part-time as a consultant to a defense contractor. He is a member of
the Civil War Roundtable and founded a local Civil War discussion group
in 2006. In his spare time he gives lectures on Civil War topics in
Northern Virginia.
This program will be presented at Bull Run Regional Library on Tuesday,
July 12, at 7 p.m. and will be repeated on Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m.
To reserve a seat for this free program, contact RELIC at (703) 792-4540
or at [log in to unmask]
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FINDING COUSINS THROUGH
FAMILY TREE DNA OR 23ANDME
Presented by J. J. "Jim" Logan
Learn how you can discover your cousins and common ancestors through
groups employing the latest innovations in genetic DNA testing for
ancestry, in a presentation by J.J. 'Jim' Logan. Dr. Logan is the group
administrator for several DNA projects and a member of the Standards
Committee of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists.
This program will be presented at Bull Run Regional Library on Thursday,
August 11, at 11 a.m. and will be repeated on Tuesday, August 23, at 7
p.m. To reserve a seat for this free program, contact RELIC at (703)
792-4540 or at [log in to unmask]
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"RELIC AFTER DARK" TO FEATURE
FORENSIC GENEALOGIST COLLEEN FITZPATRICK:
CSI MEETS ROOTS.
Forensic genealogist Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, will be the keynote
speaker for the seventh annual "RELIC After Dark," scheduled for the
evening of Saturday, September 17, 2011, 7 to 11 p.m., at Bull Run
Library.
Established reference materials such as photos, databases and DNA can
provide much more information than you ever dreamed of, if only you keep
your eyes open and use a little imagination. The goal of her lecture is
to spark your imagination to discover new ways of looking at your family
mysteries and to turn you into a forensic genealogist. Ms. Fitzpatrick
consults for major military and civilian organizations, helping to solve
identity mysteries and uncover frauds.
"RELIC After Dark" is also an evening of dining and research
opportunities. Reservations are now being accepted. The cost, which
includes food, beverages, and complimentary printing from the library's
electronic resources, is $25 (paid in advance, cash or check). Contact
RELIC for further information.
-----------------------------------------
CEMETERY SYMBOLISM: WHAT CAN YOU LEARN
ABOUT YOUR ANCESTORS FROM THEIR TOMBSTONES?
Presented by Diane Nesmeyer
How many times have you seen a symbol carved on a gravestone and
wondered what it meant? Some symbols are easily interpreted, such as
the interlocking rings accompanied by the initials "F L T" which
represent the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Others have more
obscure meanings. Diane Nesmeyer, a genealogy instructor and member of
the Maryland Coalition to Protect Burial Sites, will help you unravel
the mysteries of Cemetery Symbolism. You will see examples of many
common symbols found in cemeteries, learn their meanings, and recognize
new questions to which they may lead in your search for family history.
This program will be presented at Bull Run Regional Library on Tuesday,
September 27, at 7 p.m. To reserve a seat for this free program,
contact RELIC at (703) 792-4540 or at [log in to unmask]
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GENEALOGY 101
Presented by Beverly Veness
Those curious about their family history have an opportunity to learn
about methods, strategies and resources for tracing their roots. The
hour-long program, conducted by Beverly Veness of the RELIC staff, is
scheduled for Friday, September 30, at 2 p.m. "Genealogy 101" will
highlight the numerous free genealogical resources available at RELIC
and will explore basic techniques for tracking ancestors.
To reserve a seat for this free program, contact RELIC at (703) 792-4540
or at [log in to unmask]
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"Genealogy Doctor" Accepting Appointments for Research Help
Don Wilson, head of RELIC (the Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for
genealogy and local history at Bull Run Regional Library), sets aside
time each month for free private sessions to mentor persons researching
their family history. A thirty-minute session can be used to discuss
and analyze an historical or genealogical problem that has stumped you.
Daytime and evening hours are possible. To set up an appointment,
please call RELIC at 703-792-4540 or email [log in to unmask] Bull Run
Regional Library is located at 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas, VA 20109.
--------------------------------
Have a question about Prince William County history, places or families?
Need guidance with your genealogical research? You may contact RELIC
staff for help and advice at Ask RELIC
<http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040034001840001757> or by
calling us at 703-792-4540. Hours, September-June (ET):
Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm.
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