Miller Family - Joan in the middle. L to R. Daughter Heather, Reg, Joan, Dorlisa, dog Nya, Son Kevin

Joan Miller Hot Mama

Loving photos assembled by sister Ellen from when Reg and Joan were young! --> go here

My Rooted Technology

By attending RootsTech 2012 you’ll have the opportunity not only to network with other genealogists, vendors and developers and share the knowledge you currently have, but you’ll also get the chance to learn even more about the latest in technology for family history.

As an Official RootsTech 2012 Blogger, here’s a look at the technology I currently use and what keeps me rooted in my genealogy research. I also explain why I am using or not using certain technologies and gadgets  as well as what skills and knowledge I’m hoping to gain at RootsTech this year.

If you want to join in the fun and show off your own tech cred, here are the rules for the My Rooted Technology meme:

• Technology you already use: bold face type
• Technology you would like to use or learn more about: italicize (color optional)
• Technology you don’t use, have no interest in using or no longer use: plain type
• Explain or give opinions in brackets [     ] at the end of each bullet point

1. I have a tablet computer such as an iPad that I use for genealogy
2. I have downloaded one or more apps to a Smart Phone or similar device.
3. I belong to a genealogy society that uses social media.
4. I use GEDCOM files and understand the various compatibility issues involved
5. I have added metadata to some of my files and digital photos.
6. I have utilized an API from a genealogy-related application or website.
7. I have taken a DNA test related to my genealogy research.
8. I have used the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
9. I have a Facebook account and use it regularly for genealogy. [and family]
10. I use tech tools to help me cite my sources in genealogy research.
11. I have developed a genealogy-related app for a Smart Phone or similar device.
12. I use a genealogy database program (Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic etc.)
13. I use cloud computer resources to store my genealogy data.
14. I have made one or more contributions to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
15. I have attended a genealogy webinar.
16. I have organized and administered a DNA testing group related to my genealogy.
17. I use apps involving GPS and Geo-caching for my genealogy research.
18. I have a Google+ account and use it regularly for genealogy.
19. I have created and published a family history e-book.
20. I have create a wiki related to my genealogy research.
21. I have conducted a genealogy webinar as a presenter.
22. I read genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
23. I have one or more genealogy-related blogs to help improve my own research.
24. I have a Twitter account and use it regularly for genealogy.
25. I have one or more genealogy-related websites which I run and administer.
26. I have created a screencast or video related to genealogy and posted it at a video sharing site (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.).
27. I use one or more digital tools to capture and record my family history. (Livescribe)

Photo from collection of Elizabeth Wilson Kerr, Scotland about 1904. Photo currently held by Joan Miller.CLICK ON PHOTO for larger view.

"A bothy bunch about 1904". Click on photo for larger view.

This photo of  “A Bothy Bunch” was found in my Granny Kerr’s photo collection. Granny was born Elizabeth WILSON (1884-1973) in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, not to far from Peterhead. She immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada in 1909 and married Homer KERR who was homesteading not to far from her brother Alex WILSON’s homestead.  We have no other information about this “Bothy bunch” although I assume they are family or school friends.

The photographer information states “Willie Watson, 13 Duff St. TURRIFF which takes us to a town about 30 miles west of Peterhead as the crow flies (37.5 miles via road).  Note WATSON was a family name as well.  Elizabeth Wilson’s father’s name was Martin Watson Wilson (1857 -1942).  He was born in Gamrie, County Banff, Scotland.

UPDATE – Marie, one of my Scottish friends pointed out this was likely a “bothy” bunch instead of brothy bunch. and indeed that is what Granny has written on the back of the postcard.   Marie said “Bothy” means a small cottage or in this case where workers lived. I’ve corrected the “brothy” to “bothy in the text above but left the title as “brothy” because of the spoons and bowls.  Thanks Marie.  I learned a new word today “bothy)

Kids Build a Family Tree Booklet at the Library

Family Tree Fun with Kids

I had great fun this weekend coordinating a kids program for 8 to 10 year olds at the Calgary Public Library entitled “Build A Family Tree Booklet”. This program was run under the auspices of the Alberta Family Histories Society.  Two of my fellow AFHS PR committee members, Joan C and Don A assisted.

The idea for this project arose out of a youth leadership program I’ve taught for Toastmasters.  I discussed doing a family history theme with kids with Kay Clarke, former AFHS president and retired teacher.  She had done a similar program at a Heritage Day event and kindly shared her ideas with me.  Thanks Kay!

I partnered with the Calgary Public Library for this project.  They provided the room at one of the library branches and a selection of books appropriate to the age group and activity.  They also handled advertising and took registrations.

Kids building their family tree booklet at the library.

A selection of genealogy and family history books at the Calgary Public Library

Probably –  if it was in the north end of our city of a million people (near where I live).  Others could lead it too!  I’m willing to train

I found a video that helps explain the Kiva concept.

How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.

The Genealogists for Families Kiva project is a group of genealogists that care about families (past, present and future). Non-genealogists are welcome to join our team. We believe that small loans can make a big difference.

>>>> Join the Genealogists for Families Kiva project

Are you a wannabe genealogy blogger but don’t know where to start?  Or you’ve started blogging but don’t have the momentum to keep going? I’ve got a recommendation for you.

The Big Genealogy Blog Book by Amy Coffin

I don’t normally do book reviews but I thought I’d share this one because this is a useful book for the genealogy blogger, of any level.

The author Amy Coffin is a Texas based genealogy blogger and professional genealogist that I admire a lot.  She quietly educates by leading by example.  And she does so with a sense of humour.

Her book arose out of a conversation with colleague Denise Levenick when they challenged each other to finish certain personal goals. In this case, Amy’s goal was to finish her genealogy blogging book.

Subtitled, 201 Topics, Plus Tips and Tricks for your Genealogy Blog, this book features 72 pages of ‘good stuff’ for the blogger.

The book leads off with the whys and hows to start a blog and dispels some of the myths of genealogy blogging.  I was nodding along in agreement as Amy mentioned how blogging can help make cousin connections and how you don’t need to be a techie expert to be a genealogy blogger.

Introduction ......................................................................................... 3 

Chapter 1 – Why Start a Genealogy Blog? ............................................... 4 

Chapter 2 – 6 Blogging Myths ................................................................ 6 

Chapter 3 – Tips for Writing Good Blog Posts ........................................... 9 

Chapter 4 – How to Get More Blog Readers............................................ 13 

Chapter 5 – How to Get More Blog Comments and Mentions .................... 15 

Chapter 6 – Quality Control: A Blogger’s Checklist .................................. 18 

Chapter 7 – Jump Start Your Genealogy Blog: 52 Ideas, 52 Weeks ........... 21 

Chapter 8 – 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy ............................................ 32 

Chapter 9 – 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History ........................ 51 

Chapter 10 – 25 Great Topics for Genealogy Society Blogs ...................... 59 

Chapter 11 – 20 Blog Topics for Professional Genealogists ....................... 65 

Parting Thoughts ................................................................................ 70 

Amy shares practical tips for writing solid content and gives the reader many topic suggestions in case you run out of ideas.  This includes 52 weeks of blog prompts for both genealogy and personal history.  She features a bloggers checklist to maintain quality and she talks about how to get more readers. After all writing in a void is no fun.

The Genealogy society blogger and professional genealogist get a mention as well.

This book is a steal of a deal at $2.99. Amy could have easily charged more. I recommend this book for any beginner or established genealogy blogger.

The Big Genealogy Blog Book by Amy Coffin is available as a PDF download or in EPUB format from Lulu.com (NOOK and iBookstore coming soon). It is also available for Kindle from Amazon.com.  Go get it now before she takes my advice and raises the price!

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Disclosure – Amy is a personal friend that I met online blogging and in person at genealogy conferences. She kindly provided me with a copy of her book and she did not ask me to do a review.  I did this review because I think Amy has produced a helpful and practical book that will benefit any wannabe or established genealogy blogger.

Drum roll please!

The Rootstech Registration Lucky Winner is Linda Murray!

Linda shared the following information with us.

“I would love to attend “Ancestry DNA – peering into the future” at Rootstech 2012 to hear more using DNA for genealogy.  I had a difficult time choosing just one talk as there were so many that looked great! Attending Rootstech would be important to me as it would help me become more informed about using technology for my family history research. I spread the word about the conference by posting on my Facebook wall.”

Congratulations Linda!  The value of Linda’s winning registration is $129 USD.

If you were one of those that didn’t win, don’t  despair.   Registration is available at the Early Bird Rates of $129 up until November 29.  It is $189 after November 30th.  Don’t miss out!  AND there are still  Rootstech Official Blogger contests being offered (listed below).

Geniaus ( closes at Midnight GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) on Wednesday 16th November, 2011.)

Gathering Stories (You must enter before midnight CST on Friday, Nov. 18.)

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This contest was offered as part of my association with Rootstech as an Official Rootstech Blogger.  The winner receives one free registration to the conference. (Transportation and hotel costs are the responsiblity of the winner.)

Joan Miller remembering her father. The crosses are near the Bow River on Memorial Drive, Calgary, Alberta. Photo credit - Reg Miller

Remembering – Edward John Kerr (1919 – 1983), soldier, father, good person.

“Eddie” was born October 12, 1919 in Saskatchewan, the son of Elizabeth (Wilson) and Homer Kerr.  He served in World War II in the Lanark and Scottish Renfew Regiment.  According to copies of military records obtained from Library and Archives Canada,  at enrollment Ed was 5’10″ tall, weighed 142 pounds, had blue eyes and brown hair. 

Ed was attached to Basic T.C No 120 at Regina, Sask on May 19, 1941.  He completed 56 days of basic training.  His second training center was No. A20 at Red Deer, Alberta where he completed 48 days of advanced training.  He transferred to 5(BC) Cst. Bde. in October of 1941.  

Edward Kerr served from 1 April 1943 to 19 January 1946, a total of 55 months (29 months in UK, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany).  His rank was L/Sgt. in Light Anti Aircraft and as Sgt in Infantry Lanark and Renfrew Regiment.

Upon discharge he successfully applied for a Veteran Land Settlement. He farmed for a number of years in Saskatchewan, south of Nokomis,  then became the Wreford Community Pasture Manager near Hatfield. (between Govan and Nokomis), from 1950 to his retirement in 1976.

Remembering Edward John Kerr (1919 - 1983), Soldier World War II and Joan's father.

Jennifer Ditchburn of the Canadian Press recently wrote about my experience obtaining my father’s military records from LAC in her article at the Toronto Post entitled Searching Military Records A Link To Our Veterans.  Various versions of the article are appearing in the national press. Photojournalist was Jeff McIntosh.

Article in Winnipeg Press (shows a picture of me holding Dad’s military records amongst 3000 crosses)

Article on AM640 News

Maclean’s Magazine

iNews880am

My routine is probably very similar to most retired and semi-retired Genea-folks.  I make the social media rounds on my iPhone first generally while eating breakfast – email, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ responding, ‘liking’ and so forth.  I also check CBC News so I know what is happening in the world.  We gave up getting the newspaper awhile back.  Checking the outside world on an iPhone is faster than any conventional method I’ve found.

After breakfast I head downstairs to my genea-cave and fire up the laptop.  I then make my blog rounds via google reader;  respond to the emails that require more dexterity that a short iPhone reply allows.  I may do a blog post, check my various commercial websites or work on some of my volunteer activities.  Right now I’m preparing a Y-DNA talk I’m giving next Tuesday at the DNA SIG of my local genealogical society;  getting speakers for an event for our Toastmasters club and working on PR duties for an upcoming genealogy conference in April 2012, not to mention running a free registration giveaway contest for Rootstech.

And by then the day is well under way (or mostly over).  I try to make time for BALANCE every day – that means a walk, quiet qigong meditation or hard exercise such as an indoor soccer game….and maybe some poking around a genealogy database or perusing my genetic genealogy matches.  Doing genealogy is BALANCE isn’t it?

At the end of the day I put all of my electronics to bed on their respective chargers.  After all we need to be able to play again tomorrow.

Thanks for an interesting question, Jill.

Katharine Borges, Joan Miller, Max Blankfeld FTDNA Conference 2011. Houston. CLICK on photo for more pictures.

Meeting new folks and connecting with old friends are the highlights of every genealogy gathering.

Here are my photos from the FTDNA 2011 genetic genealogy conference in Houston.

>>>>>>> PHOTOS FTDNA 2011 Conference

Please feel free to comment and to identify the people in the photos.  I need help identifying everyone.