COMING APRIL 2nd, 2012! – The 1940 U.S. Federal Census

1940 U.S. Federal Census

We are on the dawn of the much anticipated release of the 1940 U.S. Federal Census.  Because of privacy issues, the government only releases a census every 72 years, and now the time has come. 

Things to Know About this Census

• It will be made available to the public on April 2^nd, 2012
• It will be available only in digital format online (no microfilm)
• Images will be made available for free via NARA (The National Archives and Records Management) as well as via Ancestry, and Familysearch (which means that it may be searched at the library, at home, at the office, or on the go with a portable device.)
• There is no index to this census upon its release
• It may take anywhere from six months to a year or more before an index is available

Things to Start Considering

• A list of the individuals for whom you wish to search
• Where were they living in 1940
• What Enumeration District (ED) were they in living during 1940

As the release date for the 1940 census draws near, more information regarding searching, tools, and resources will be made available. Also, the National Archives has created a short sheet on how to prepare for searching the 1940 census.

See: http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/start-research.html. 

In addition, there is a tutorial quiz  for finding out how to access the 1940 US census when it becomes available on April 2, 2012.  This resource  may be found at http://stevemorse.org/census/quiz.php.  

Resources:

NARAFrequently Asked Questions about the 1940 census http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/faqs.html

NARA 1940 Federal Population Census http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/general-info.html

Change to the Social Security Death Index (SSDI)

On November 1^st, 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) instituted a change on what records will be used as source material for adding records to the Public Death Master File (DMF).  It is the DMF information that is used to update the Social Security Death Index (SSDI).  The DMF file “is a file of all deaths reported to SSA from sources other than States, beginning around 1936.”  Such sources include family members, funeral homes, hospitals, state and federal agencies, etc.  The change that the SSA is making is that the agency is no longer disclosing protected State records. 

“Section 205(r) of the Social Security Act prohibits SSA from disclosing State death records we receive through our contracts with the States, except in limited circumstances.  Therefore, we cannot legally share those State records on the Public DMF.”  For information regarding the law, please see Section 205r link –  http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title02/0205.htm

This change will decrease the number of death records added to the Public DMF.  They expect this number to decrease by 1 million on an annual basis, which they are saying will be 4.2 million records.  Please click on the following link for a FAQ sheet regarding this change http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/ci/fattach/get/601/

How does this impact genealogy and family history research? It simply means that the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) still is a viable source to check; however, its inclusiveness and effectiveness will dimension to a certain degree over time.

MILITARY RECORDS – WHERE ARE THEY and HOW DO I GET THEM?

When conducting genealogically research, there are a variety of records that hold valuable information.  One of these record types is military records.  There are a myriad of custodians of military records.  For example, soldier and sailors discharge papers may be found in the local county courthouse.  Military service records also may be found in state archives, libraries, and genealogical and local historical societies.  They may be found abstracted in books, genealogy journals, newsletters, and quarterlies, as well as among family documents, and entities such as the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brief Overview of U.S. Wars

The American wars timeline dates back from the 1600s beginning with the colonies up to modern times.  Major United States military wars include the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, the U.S. Civil War, the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf Coast War, etc.  Evidence resulting from these campaigns includes military rolls & rosters, service records, pension files, land bounty warrants, draft registrations, and others.  With these records, we may document our ancestors and family member’s military service. 

 Where May I Request My Ancestor’s Military Service Records?

As mentioned earlier, evidence of our ancestor’s military service may be found in a variety of locations.  However, many records of military service may be found in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  Veterans may request copies of their service records.  Immediate family members or next-of-kin may request copies of their deceased family member’s service records.   Limited access to these records is available to the public.

 A.  National Archives at St. Louis:

The combined collections of the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and the National Archives at St. Louis house military and civilian records from WWI to present time, including Naval & U.S. Coast Guards records dating back to 1884.

 B.  National Archives in Washington DC:

The National Archives in Washington DC houses military and civilian records dating back to the Revolutionary War.   The time period covers 1775 to 1919, and the dates vary depending upon the type of military unit.

For more information about these collections and instructions on how to order these records, see http://www.archives.gov/research/military/

Also for military records on the county/state levels, such as service in a state militias and volunteer groups, check with the state archives for that location as well as local historical societies, libraries, and state projects such as the Florida Memory Project.

Spotlight on the Collection

The Genealogy Handbook: The Complete Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree by Ellen Galford is a handy guide to getting started in Genealogy.  There are helpful hints and anecdotes throughout the book to help out the beginner, and to get someone started.  There are different chapters for getting started, interviewing, collecting and preserving the information that is gathered.  Also included at the back of the book is a directory of contact information for different genealogy libraries in different states, and different countries around the world.  There is even information on planning a trip to do genealogy research.  This includes what items may be helpful to bring along for research purposes.

As a bonus, our library has several copies of the book.  There are copies in the Genealogy Collection, which do not circulate.  There are also copies available for checkout from the Main Library as well as several branch libraries as well.  Call your local branch for availability.

So if you’ve been itching to start working on your family tree, but been at a loss as to where to start, this book may be for you.  The beginning genealogist can always stop by the Main Library as well, to see what we have in our collections.  Happy searching!

The Genealogy Handbook by Ellen Galford.  Call number:  929.1 G155g.

Online Customer Ordering of Family History Library Microfilm/Microfiche Is Here

Familysearch has developed and has made available online patron ordering for requesting Family History Library (FHL) microfilm and microfiche.  Now, FHC customers are able to order and to pay for their FHL microfilm online.  No longer are customers required to submit a request in person at their Library or Family History Center. 

 The benefits of the new service are:

• JPL customers will no longer have to travel to the downtown library to order film. Customers will be able to place film requests from the comfort of their home or office. (Please note that requested film still will be delivered to the Main library downtown.  It will be available for viewing and kept until it is returned to the FHL.)
• Customers will be able to pay for their orders using a credit card, a prepaid credit card, a bank debit card, or via a PayPal account.  This will eliminate the need to submit a check along with the order.
• Customers will receive more time with their film – up to 90 days (with a 60 day renewal if requested) or indefinitely which means that the film will remain at the library permanently unless the FHL recalls the film.
• Customers will be able to view and to track the statuses of their online orders.  They will receive email notifications of when their order has been shipped, when the Library has received it, and when the film has been returned to the Family History Library.

The process for online ordering of film:

STEP 1:  Create a LDS FamilySearch Online Account

• Open browser to https://www.familysearch.org/films
• On the left-hand side of the screen, click on “Create an Account”.
• Select FamilySearch Account (for the general public)
• Fill in information in order to create an account
• Click the Register button.
• Familysearch will send an email to you asking you to confirm your account.  The email is instantaneous.  You have 24 hours to complete the email part of the registration or you will need to register again. 
• Once this is done, you are ready to start ordering film.

 STEP 2:  Search FamilySearch Online Catalog to Find Film

• Search the Family History Library’s online catalog at www.familysearch.org.
• Under the text “Discover Your Family History, click on the text “Catalog”.
• Select your search order (i.e. keyword, place-names, etc).
• Write down the film number(s) that you wish to order.
• Please note that the film number must be 7 digits.  If the number is only 6 digits or less, you must add a zero or zeros at the beginning of the number to make it 7 digits.

 STEP 3:  Sign In & Place Order(s)

• Open browser to https://www.familysearch.orgs/films
• In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on “Sign In”.
• Sign into your account.
• In the Loan Type box, select the type of loan you wish.
• Enter the number of the microfilm you wish to order and click the Search button.
• Click on the Add to Cart button.
• Then click on “Proceed to Checkout” or “Continue Shopping” if you have more films to order.
• When done, fill in address information and click “continue”.
• Select payment type and follow the instructions to complete the order.

For more in-depth step-by-step instructions for creating a LDS online account and for ordering film, please review the online User’s Guide:  https://fch.ldschurch.org/WWSupport/Courses/FS_MO/User’s_Guide.pdf. Also, the guide contains a “Frequently Asked Questions” section that is helpful.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Special Collections’ staff at 904-630-2409.

October Is Family History Month

When we think of October, we usually think of Halloween, candy, trick or treaters, goblins, and a host of other delightfully imaginative creatures of the night.  It’s the one time of the year, when we simply can let our inner child run free and our love of sweets lead us to just “pig-out”.  It’s one of the few times of the year when we send our diets, calorie counting, weight-watching, and scale monitoring on hiatus, and our one-night-stand with Dove, Hersheys, Mars, Ghirardelli, and other chocolate delights begin.  Oh! We must not forget Peterbrooke, and although as adults we may or may not don the costume, we nevertheless find our happy place in that mixture of corn syrup, starch, nuts, and a host of other tasty ingredients. Mmmm—–good times.

However, in addition to Halloween, October is National Family History Month.  This is a time when family and friends get together to reaffirm, to reconnect, and to establish new connections in their ancestral lineage.  This can be accomplished as a day of fun, feast, and family, or it may be celebrated with a variety of activities throughout the month. 

In addition to October, celebrating family history is truly something many of us do everyday.

It comes in many forms, such as:

• preparing and placing breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the table for the ones we love
• taking our children to school, to basketball practice, to band practice
• listening to our spouses or partners recall the events of their day (good and bad)
• taking time out of our schedule to do something nice for a family member, friend, or neighbor
• sharing our time and resources with those closest and/or less fortunate
• mentoring someone who may or may not be related to us in an effort to help them pass on something wonderful to the next generation

These are just a few of the ways we show appreciation and love to our family members and to others on a regular basis.  For additional creative ideas for celebrating your family history during the month of October or anytime, see the following web links:

 “10 Ways to Celebrate Family History Month”

http://genealogy.about.com/od/holidays/tp/family-history-month.htm

 “October is National Family History Month: Here are some ideas to get your family involved”

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~minnkota/nfhm.html

 “Five Projects for Family History Month”

http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=2552

Also,  Archives.com has put together a special blog post celebrating America’s diversity as part of the October celebration.  http://www.archives.com/blog/industry-news/family-history-month-2011.html

In short, there is no right, wrong, or one way to celebrate our family. Families are formed and are linked together in many ways in addition to blood.  Our concept of what constitutes a family has evolved over the years, and there are many types of families.  Regardless of our family structure whether traditional, blended, and/or cultural, they all have one element in common –  the love and appreciation for those who came before us.

It is this that we celebrate, educate, and pass onto those of us who follow.  So– go ahead and make a family history memory for the ages.  Celebrate!

New Book

We recently received a copy of the book, “History of Plains, Georgia” published by the Plains Historical Preservation Trust.  The book covers the history of the city, from its earliest beginnings up until the 21st century.  There are also several chapters dedicated to family histories as well.  cemeteries, schools, various civic clubs are also discussed.  When talking about Plains, it would not be a book without a discussion of their famous son, President Jimmy Carter.  There are two chapters devoted to the President, as well as a chapter dedicated to the Secret Service, and their presence in Plains.  When browsing the Genealogy collection, be sure to take a look.

History of Plains, Georgia  975.8913 H673

Ordering Family History Microfilm Goes Electronic

The Jacksonville Public Library is a Family History Center in association with the Family History Library located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The Family History Library was founded in 1894 to gather genealogical records and assist members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with their family history and genealogical research. It is the largest library of its kind in the world.

Their “collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials, and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals and 3,725 electronic resources. Records available are from the United States, Canada, the British Isles, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. A majority of the records contain information about persons who lived before 1930. Approximately 200 cameras are currently digitizing records in over 45 countries. Records have been filmed in over 110 countries, territories, and possessions.”

As a Family History Center (FHC), the Jacksonville Public Library orders microfilm of records from the Family History Library (FHL) for our customers. It is a service that we are delighted to provide, and it makes the vast collection of the Family History Library easily accessible to our customers.

In addition to their digitization endeavors, the Family History Library has begun to phase in a new online ordering component to their microfilm service.  Customers will be able to log into the Familysearch ordering website, create an account, pay for their film(s) via credit card, and have the film(s) delivered to their localFamilyHistoryCenter. We believe that the convenience of online ordering and paying for film will be a great benefit to our customers and save them a step in the process. 

Please note that the current process for ordering FHL microfilm through the Jacksonville Public Library Family History Center remains the same.  There are no changes to the procedures at this time.

Please stay tuned.  More information about this new service will be forthcoming. 

New Materials

We have some recent additions to the genealogy collection.  We just received a copy of “Who Do you Think You Are?”  Which (as it says on the cover…) is a companion volume to the TV series that has been airing on NBC.   The book devotes some chapters on some of the famous people who have appeared on the show.  Hopefully it should make an interesting read to genealogists.

Two other source books that we recently received, “Genealogy Online” by Elizabeth Powell Crowe and “The Family Tree Sourcebook” which comes to us from the editors of Family Tree Magazine.  “Genealogy Online” concentrates on online resources, and networking.  The other, “The Family Tree Sourcebook”, acts as a guide to records found in towns and counties across the United States.  Both should prove useful!  So stop by and take a look!

“Who do you Think You Are?”  by Megan Smolenyak  call number: 929.1072 S

“Genealogy Online” by Elizabeth Powell Crowe  call number: 929.10285

“The Family Tree Sourcebook” from the editors of Family Tree Magazine  call number: 929.1072073 F

DID YOU KNOW?

You may know that the Jacksonville Public Library’s genealogy collection has several family histories in print format as well as “surname” files of many names.  However, did you know that we also have genealogical and local history documents on microfiche as well?  This collection consists of thousands of microfiche pertaining to family histories, genealogical quarterly publications, and other primary sources.

 To assist you in utilizing this resource, there is the Genealogy & Local History Guide which is divided into six parts.  Each guide contains an (1) author index, (2) title index, (3) geographic index, and (4) a name index in the back.

 If you wish to determine if there is a published history of your family’s surname, for example, you may look in the “name” index.  The names are listed alphabetically along with the designated code.  For example, for the surname “Paxton” in the name index, it shows [Paxton family G349 and Paxton, Samuel G349].  In the guide, look for G349 which also is listed alpha and numerically.  The G349 citation lists information about the resource, such as author, title, brief description, publication date, and the number of microfiche in which the information is contained.  The next step is to pull the corresponding microfiche from the fiche cabinet and to view the document.  Staff can assist you.

 The “title” index is a good method to determine what source records are on the fiche.  For example, one citation lists “MARRIAGE bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina PS249”.  The citation PS249 provides some biographic information about the source along with the number of fiche upon which it is contained.  Again, the corresponding fiche number should be listed alpha/numerically in the fiche cabinet. 

 The “geographic” index allows searching by state and county names.  It must be noted that not all states and counties are listed in the indexes.  Those that are may reference more than one county as well as local history data such as vital records, church references, and biographical sketches of individuals to name a few.

 Therefore when searching for family histories, local histories, and/or primary source information, do not over the Genealogy and Local History Guides.  This resource is found at the Florida/Genealogy Desk on the fourth floor of the Main Library.