Starting Your Own Genealogy Business

http://www.sinclairtreasures.com/

If you are thinking of taking your genealogy hobby to the next level and become a professional genealogist you need to look at the entire picture. It is important that you have several years of experience doing research, and helping others with research. Many genealogist enthusiasts have this already through volunteering at the local genealogical society.
It does help business to have credentials as you open your business. While it is not required many people are more comfortable hiring a genealogist that is board certified or who has a degree in genealogy. It is not difficult to do both of these things. There are distance programs that focus on starting up a genealogy business that would help to address all aspects of the business.
The second thing you will need to do is get a business license through your local municipality if it is required. This can be considered freelance work, so you may be exempt according to some local laws. You should check with your city and follow the local guidelines.
You will need to keep close track your financial records. You should open a separate business checking account to help keep your finances separate. You should keep careful track of the business costs so that you can deduct them, and you may want to have an accountant do your taxes for the first few years to make sure you understand everything.
When dealing with customers you need to maintain a professional demeanor. Setting up clear contracts will protect both you and your customer. Be clear when you list the cost, expected number of hours, and what you will do if you go over those hours. Make sure that you charge enough so that the work you complete is worth it.
This type of business can be advertised on genealogy sites, in local directories, at your library as well as through word of mouth. You do not need to spend a lot in order to advertise effectively. As you build a client list many clients will come to you as referrals.
Related Articles: Become a Certified Genealogist
http://genealogy.families.com/blog/starting-your-own-genealogy-business

Online Family Tree

Online Family Tree – Discover Your Family History and Genealogy Through Your Online Family Tree

The genealogy bug can be traced back to the 1977 movie "Roots", a powerful film that so impressed its viewers that they wanted to see just what their own family was made of. Today it is much easier to make a family tree because we can now do it all online! There are many sites that offer the service at no charge, even provided free software to download. When you build family tree online it's fun and educational for children, too.

By: Daniel K. Voyles     The genealogy bug can be traced back to the 1977 movie "Roots", a powerful film that so impressed its viewers that they wanted to see just what their own family was made of. Back then, those researchers were confined to libraries and often had to travel long distances or use mail service to gather information.
Today it is much easier to make a family tree because we can now do it all online! There are many sites that offer the service at no charge, even provided free software to download. Genealogy software makes family trees easy to create; you simply enter the name of your ancestor along with the birth and death dates and they are placed on the tree in chronological order in the proper branch of the family. Some software allows you to include the place of birth and death but those extras are usually included on programs you buy.
Most genealogy software, even the freeware, is more than just a listing of names and dates. There are wizards to guide you through entering the information and most allow you to include family photos so that you can put a face to a name. One of the most exciting developments in creating an online family tree is face recognition software that some sites are offering. Most families have a few photographs that no one can identify, but if the site you're working with has this special software you may be in luck! By downloading and annotating the photos of relatives you are familiar with, the software scans the unknown person and places them in the appropriate branch on the family tree. This is a remarkably accurate program and if your site offers it, it can probably solve a decades old mystery in seconds!
One very distinct advantage you'll enjoy when you build family tree online is that everyone in your family can see it! You also have the option of making it public or private password protected, even on the sites that offer the service at no charge. If you'd like to download your work and save it on a CD you can do that, too.
Many genealogy sites include user forums where you can discuss your research with other people, even your family, and learn new techniques and ideas. You may even be one of the many people who connect with long-lost relatives through these forums!
When you build family tree online it's fun and educational for children, too. Be sure to include them when you are building your tree and see how much they know about their immediate and extended family. They will be astounded at how large their family really is!

Daniel K. Voyles is a genealogy enthusiast. For more information on how to build a family tree online visit http://yourgenealogyhistory.com

Featured Topics: Family Tree • Family tree genealogy • Family Tree Maker • Online family tree • Research family tree • 

10 History Activities to do with your Family

http://www.sinclairtreasures.com/

Here are 10 activities your family can do together to learn more about their history and how the actions and decisions of their ancestors affected who they are today.  These activities will help to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for your foundations and will provide a more complete record of your distinctive history that will be treasured for generations to come.

1. Make a Family Tree
   Ask one person to sketch a family tree on a large piece of paper while everyone contributes information.  Encourage Grandma and Grandpa to share what they remember of the older generations and have the younger children locate their positions on the tree.  Later, make decorative copies of the family tree and give one to each family member.  Frame them for a lovely gift!
2. Start a Family Journal
   Recruit your fastest write to record the stories and information in a journal that will come to light throughout the afternoon or evening.  Divide the journal into four sections: one for individual 'Family Members', one for 'General Family' stories and information, one for 'Family Gratitude', and one for 'Legacy'.  Ask a lot of questions to get the best stories!  Later, transfer this priceless information to a more durable keepsake book or post to an online family wesite for all to enjoy.
3. Put Faces to Names
   Blow the dust off the box, bag or album containing old family photos and together, identify the subjects in the pictures.  Discuss where that person fits into the family tree and who they most resemble.   Note any other historical information that is known. This is also the perfect time to label any unlabeled photos with names, dates, ages, locations, and any other relevant information. Use a soft lead pencil on pre-1950's photos and a felt tip marker on post 1950 photos.  Never use a ball point pen as it can damage the photos.
4. Generation Preservation
   Old photos are fragile and cannot be replaced once lost or damaged. Consider scanning the images to computer or disc so they can be preserved digitally, a more resilient format and one that can be shared easily.  Digital images can also be repaired if they are damaged and organized into a video slide show documenting your family history.
5. Their Turn
   Shine the spotlight on Grandma and Grandpa and encourage them to talk candidly about their experiences growing up.  Go ahead, ask questions as often a little probing can reveal a treasure trove of fascinating stories and family history. Consider recording these stories in video or audio format so help future generations can connect on a more personal level.  For something a bit more special, a Family Documentary Family Documentary can capture their life story and your family history by weaving a filmed interview with photographs, maps, and other memorabilia to create a modern day 'moving' portrait.
6. Where in the World
   Using a world map or globe, point out where the family originated from and the different places they lived.  Ask the children to trace the route the family may have taken between the locations.  Discuss why, when and how the family came to America (or their current location) and the challenges and emotions they faced throughout their journey. A quick internet search can reveal the historical context of their immigration.
7. Generation Transformation
   Looking over the Family Tree, discuss what life was like for each generation; their professions, living conditions, education, opportunities, and limitations, and how their experiences affected the next generation and ultimately the family as it is today. Have the children make a list of all the different family professions.
8. We are Family
   Identify any family traditions, characteristics, family traits, values, and practices that have been passed down through the generations. Discuss why, when and where they may have begun and and their significance within the family.This is a great time to ask Grandma why she makes the special dish for Thanksgiving, or to compare your artistic skills with Grandpa.
9. Family Gratitude
   Ask each family member identify an experience or decision an ancestor (or current family member) made that contributed to a better life for their descendants. Discuss what their perspective may have been at the time, and whether they could have imagined the impact their experience or decision would ultimately have their descendants.
10. Leave a Legacy
    Finally, ask each family member to reflect upon what they would like their own family contribution-their legacy-to be and why.  Encourage everyone to share how they envision their contribution to impact on future generations. Now,  take a portrait and label it with names, the date and your location and add it to the family journal.
    
    Your family history changes every day.  Begin a new family tradition by using these activities to embrace and celebrate the past while guiding you family as they look to the future.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/genealogy-articles/celebrate-your-family-history-10-activities-to-preserve-your-family-story-3666612.html#ixzz1NKY6ArPf

Canadian TV wants genealogy stories

http://www.sinclairtreasures.com/

NEW FAMILY APP AVALILBLE

NEW FAMILIES APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR ANDROID York, UK, 31 Jan 2011
I really like this one,
TelGen Limited is pleased to announce the release of the first version of Families for Android. This app provides the same functionality as the popular Families app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, but now on the Android platform. The app works in conjunction with Legacy Family Tree, the leading Windows-based genealogy software from Millennia Corp. You can now transfer your complete family tree, including pictures, to your Android smartphone, and view and edit the information wherever you are and thats really cool. Any changes you make can then be synced back to your Legacy file on your PC.
Families supports the following functionality: Here
* Multiple family files
* New family files can be created from scratch
* Family View, Pedigree View and Descendant View
* Index, searchable by Given Name, Surname or RIN
* Events
* To Do Lists
* Master and Detail Sources
* Locations and Addresses, with geolocation via Google Maps
* Alternate Names
* Pictures, including the ability to add pictures from camera or photo album
* Portrait and Landscape mode on all views
* Handles very large family files

Family View

Pedigree View (portrait)

Pedigree View (landscape)

Marriage View

Individual View

Search (surnames)

Search (individuals with surname)

Search (given name)

Add picture

Picture View

Event View

Location View

GeoLocation View

Source View

Criminal Records Overlooked in Genealogy

 

Criminal Records - An Often Overlooked Genealogy Resource

by Sara Berthiaume | More from this Blogger
18 Mar 2011 12:00 AM
While you are probably aware that there are many types of records that can provide you with genealogical information, you may not know that some of this information can be found in places that seem a little odd at first glance. For example, criminal records are a source of data that genealogists can use. Some of us find links to famous people when we research our family trees. Others will find that one or more of their ancestors are infamous.

A person does not even have to be a criminal for you to be able to find information about them in criminal records. Persons accused of crimes appear in the records right alongside those that were tried, convicted, and punished. Looking in criminal records can provide you with much more than names and dates, too. If you do any research in criminal records, you are likely to see a "slice of life" from the time period that you are researching. What kinds of things were considered crimes at that time? How were criminals treated? What were the punishments like? All of these things and more can be learned from criminal records.
The genealogical data that can be found in criminal records includes names, birth dates, and places of residence. If family members were involved in the proceedings as accomplices or witnesses, you may find their genealogical data too. Unfortunately, legal proceedings have always been complex and are not uniform from state to state or even county to county. The best way to begin researching criminal records is inquiring at the courthouse in the locality where your ancestor may have taken part in criminal activity.
People with "bad apples" in their family tree can benefit from researching criminal records. Sometimes, the most interesting genealogy stories come from families where one or more ancestors have a criminal past. Criminals, whether of the modern variety or those from the past, are definitely not boring people and the stories of their exploits are sure to captivate the researchers that discover them.

Share and Enjoy:    http://www.sinclairtreasures.com/

Genealogy game for Facebook

Orem company creates genealogy game for Facebook

January 7th, 2011 @ 10:05pm

By Keith McCord

OREM -- If you or someone you know is on Facebook, you're well aware that it's more than just looking at photos of your friends' vacations.

Playing games on social-networking sites is exploding. In 2009, more than 49 million Americans played games like Farmville and Cityville, and the numbers continue to grow.

"What we're trying to do is take an exciting medium right now ... and create real-world content that has social value for people on a long-term basis." -Jeff Wells, CEO "Family Village"

An Orem company, Funium LLC, is about to join in with a game that has a new twist. It's called "Family Village," and the CEO is Jeff Wells.

"What we're trying to do is take an exciting medium right now, which is the social-gaming environment, and create real-world content that has social value for people on a long-term basis," Wells said.
The game involves building and populating a village, similar to other Facebook games; but there are no fictional characters involved. Instead, the on-screen people are your real-life relatives.
"That's one of the keys to the game, is that we want people who play the game to be able to know more about their own ancestors," Wells said.
The idea is to bring family history research to life with vibrant 3D graphics and sound. As you play the game, the game is busily searching the internet for information pertinent to your family.
"Such as census records, maps and yearbook albums, marriage records, war records, those types of things we'll be offering up in the game, so you can go deeper and deeper, build a bigger village and have more of your family members in the game itself," Wells explained.

Screen shot of the online game, "Family Village"

Jeri Lin Bearnson, an online gamer who's been involved in the early testing of the game, has learned some new information about one of her relatives.

"In fact, just this morning I found a document that I wasn't aware of about my great-great-great grandfather. He was one of the original settlers of Salt Lake," she said.
The game located some old newspaper articles, which she was able to download and save into her game.
Ross Wolfley, the operations officer with Funium, said those who have been involved in the early testing of Family Village have really gotten into it.
"This has the potential to take someone who has never had any interest whatsoever in genealogy or family history, to be able to turn them completely around and get them very excited about it," he said.
Wells put it this way: "I had somebody tell me that doing family history was a lot like doing taxes, and I figured if I can make doing family history fun, like playing Monopoly, then we'd have a winner, which I think we do."
Family Village is in its final stages of testing and will be launched to the public in February. To get to the game, log in to Facebook then click this link.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com