Caring for your Cemetery Day, April 25th & 26th

 Please check this out!

The Last 16 Months

 A lot has happened in the past sixteen months. Just after completing online studies at Brigham Young University- Idaho and earning an Associate's degree in Family History Research, on Christmas Eve 2024, a CT scan determined that I had an enormous cancerous tumor on my liver. There were no symptoms whatsoever. Routine bloodwork discovered that my liver numbers were extremely high. Further testing, including a PET scan, showed four cancerous spots in my lungs. The cancer was determined to be melanoma after two biopsies. Seven and a half years earlier, melanoma was removed from my face and I was given a clean bill of health. However, it reappeared years later in my lungs and on my liver. 

There have been plenty of ups and downs on this journey as I seek treatment. My oncologist told me that I will never be in remission; the cancer will always be there. I am learning to live my new "normal" life with stage four cancer. It is challenging. I never know what the day or the week has in store for me. Physical changes, such as reduced strength and endurance, have prevented me from doing client-based gravestone conservation. My daughter may learn the process of gravestone restoration to continue this trade. 

With my long-term longevity very much uncertain, my days are usually filled with genealogical research on my family and with organizing many years of collecting documents, papers, and photos. A new goal is to resume blogging about genealogy topics.

Update

 Due to a serious medical condition, my professional genealogy and gravestone conservation pursuits are on hold. I will update in mid/late summer.

Where Have I Been?

 Where Have I Been? I am still here. But I get asked this question all of the time. Genealogy is an activity that I have been involved in for many years. Since Thanksgiving 1979 to be exact. Over these years I stepped away from genealogy from time to time. However, the interest was always there.

Around 2021 I decided to take my genealogy skills to a new level and enrolled in Boston University's Certificate in Genealogical Research Program. For those unaware of this program it was very demanding. The program was composed of fifteen weeks of work, writing, and study. It was more demanding than when I was in graduate school at SUNY Albany. If you enroll in this program plan on spending upwards of forty hours a week on the program. If you do not have the time to devote to the program, do not enroll. It is expensive, and you will lose your money.

Immediately after finishing the BU program I was accepted into the ProGen Study Group. This program was fourteen months and was much more user-friendly even though it was much longer. I strongly suggest anyone to look into this group for going to the next level in genealogy.

In 2023, I was accepted into the online Family History Research program at Brigham Young University Idaho. The BYU-I program was a very worthwhile program. I learned a lot, especially about writing. Although I already have a Bachelors and Masters degree in History. I felt the need to go after this. In December 2024 I earned an Associates Degree (AAS) from BYU-I. See below.

My next goal was to work at earning a credential in genealogy. I planned to work towards earning an AG or Accredited Genealogist from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. However, on Christmas Eve 2024, I learned that I have a distressing disease. More to come on this another time. But I must now put all of my efforts and focus on beating this disease. More to follow...

Palatines to America German Genealogy Society National Conference 2024

 The Palatines to America German Genealogy Society are hosting their 2024 National Conference in Albany on 6-9 June 2024 at the Albany Hilton Hotel.

The keynote speaker is Philip L. Otterness, PhD., Emeritus Professor of History, Warren Wilson College 

Conference speakers include:

• James M. Beidler, Executive Director, Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
• Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert, MyHeritage
• Jon Marie Pearson, The Simple Living Genealogist
• William P. Tatum III, Dutchess County Historian

Please check the conference website for further details!

https://www.palam.org/conference-2024

Presentation on the Witbeck Cemetery, Latham, NY

Next Sunday I will give a presentation on the recently restored Witbeck Cemetery in Latham. Come join us. 

 

I'm Still Here!

 2022 was a light year for me on the blogging circuit. However, a very busy year for me. Immediately after earning a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University I enrolled in the BYU- Idaho Family History Research program through their PathwayConnect. Presently I am working on an online Associates Degree from BYU-I. In December I also wrapped up the fifteen month long ProGen Study Group program. These programs were a lot of work but well worth the effort. 

Presently, I am also known as what is a RootsTech Influencer. If you have not been to RootsTech in Salt Lake City and you are a serious genealogist, you do not know what you are missing. For starters it is the world's largest genealogy conference. Thousands attend from all over the world. At RootsTech, world class professional genealogists give presentations on methodology, technology, computer, ethnicities, DNA, and so much more. I have been to two RootsTech conferences and they have been outstanding. 

A three-day pass is only $98 and a virtual pass is free! Please check out the RootsTech website for further details!

Zoom Presentation on Gravestone Conservation

 Join the Capital District Genealogical Society on 27 August 2022 at 1 pm as they host a Zoom presentation with Christopher White on gravestone conservation.

Presently the Society's meetings and presentations are held on Zoom. Registration is free and opens to the public on 16 August 2022. Check the web page under Events.

Introduction to Gravestone Conservation

Genealogist and Gravestone Conservator, Christopher White, will take us on a journey into old and neglected local cemeteries where time has taken its toll on nineteenth century gravestones. Gravestones can be the last and only vestige of a person's life. Conservation of these artifacts can be extremely rewarding to all involved. Through a series of photographs White will present the process of gravestone conservation, maintenance, and restoration on both small and large gravestones. 

Upcoming Webinar on Using City Directories for Your Research

Join the Troy Irish Genealogy Society as they host a webinar on using city directories for your genealogy research given by Christopher White. The webinar will be held on Zoom on 16 June 2022 at 6:30 PM. 

The Troy Irish Genealogy Society (TIGS) also has a presence on Facebook. Check back at a later date to sign-up and register for this presentation.

Find Your Way with City Directories

City directories should be in your arsenal of genealogy tools. Aside from being an index of adults populating a city during a particular year, directories are an excellent census substitute and  hold an abundance of helpful genealogical information. Learn how to find direction with city directories and chart your course to answering your genealogical question.

What attendees will learn.

• Learn where to find city directories
• Benefits of using city directories
• What can you find in them
• Strategies for using city directories to further your research

    

Henry Z. Jones Jr. Palatine Research Center Open House

A few months ago, the Henry Z. Jones research book collection was driven across country from California to New York. Join the New York Chapter of Palatines to America at the Germantown Library on 24 April 2022 for an open house from 1 PM to 4 PM.

The Germantown Library now houses books and research papers that were in Jones' personal collection. The books and papers are now available for your genealogical research. Henry Z. Jones is a prolific Palatine German researcher and writer.

 

Hands On Gravestone Conservation Workshop

Hands-on Gravestone Conservation Workshop

When: Saturday, 23 April 2022

Where: Beverwyck Cemetery, Washington Ave., Rensselaer, near Doane Stuart School

Time: 8:30 AM till 1 PM

 

In our outdoor classroom, the Beverwyck Cemetery, learn hands-on, the proper methods and what materials are used to correctly conserve gravestones. Christopher White, genealogist, historian, and gravestone conservator will lecture, demonstrate, and instruct one-on-one with attendees the following:

∙ Different types and styles of gravestones

∙ Problems associated with gravestones

∙ Knowing your limitations

∙ Proper method for cleaning gravestones

∙ Resetting tablet style gravestones

∙ Resetting mortise and tenon gravestones

∙ Repairing broken gravestones

Saturday on the Stoop... or Porch

 

Agnes E. Murray Sweeney Schick (1862-1943) one of my great great grandmothers. Agnes was born in Cushina, County Laois (now Queens), Ireland. She immigrated to America circa 1882. She worked as a domestic. In New York City, she married John Sweeney around 1887 and had one son Edward (1888-1926) who was born in Brooklyn. John Sweeney died soon after and Agnes married Anton Schick in New York City circa 1890. Anton and Agnes moved to Albany by 1891. Two daughters were born in Albany and baptized at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Mary Elizabeth and Lillian Mae. Agnes is buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands with her children Edward, Mary, and Lillian.

Saturday on the Stoop... or Porch

Joseph Albert Koreman (1911-1992), my maternal grandfather, age two years old. He stands on the stoop of his home at 8 Osborne Street where he was born. The home was demolished years ago. His parents were Joseph William Koreman (1886-1977) and Mary Albert (1886-1963).

Joe married Agnes Johanna Bailey (1919-2001) on 08 December 1942 at Holy Cross Church on Hamilton Street in Albany. They had two children. Joe was an electrician by trade and became the business agent for the electrical workers union; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local # 724 in 1947 and held that position for 29 years until his retirement in 1976. He and Agnes are buried at Our Lady Help of Christians cemetery in Glenmont.

Genealogy Conferences

    The era of Covid has resulted in many changes for genealogists. At some libraries and archives, appointments need to be made, and also proof of vaccination required to enter some venues. Many genealogical societies and conferences went virtual to keep everyone safe but also allowed attendees the ability to attend meetings, etc.

    Later this year two onsite in person conferences will be held. The first in Sacramento, California and the second, locally, in Albany, New York. Coming up this Spring, on 24-28 May 2022 will be the National Genealogical Society 2022 Family History Conference, in Sacramento. There will be tracks available on topics such as DNA, immigration and migration, technology, Native American genealogy, African American, Chinese American research, and much more.

    Check the NGS 2022 Conference page for additional information. Hotel reservations are still available. For further information send an email to ngs2022@californiaancestors.org.

    In the Fall, the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society will host its 2022 New York State Family History Conference in Albany, New York from 08-10 September 2022. The conference will be held in the downtown Albany Hilton. There is also a second option called NYSFHC @ Home Pass where select presentations can be livestreamed direct to your home computer between 12 September and 17 October 2022.

    Please check the NYG&B website for pricing and further information.

Spring is on the Way! Riding Lawn Mower Needed

 Spring is on the way! Well, in 49 days. But the time will go fast. Soon, instead of shoveling snow we will be mowing grass. This post is sent out in the hopes of acquiring a riding lawn mower. The lawn mower will be used exclusively at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Albany. Myself and others are still volunteering our time to keep the grounds manicured. Most times the grounds are mowed by people with multiple self-propelled walk-behind lawn mowers. It takes one person 12 hours, solo, to mow the cemetery with a walk-behind mower. It also takes 8 hours for one person to fully weed whack the grounds with a high-powered gas whacker.

 None of us are giving up on the cemetery. The cemetery has come such a long way that we refuse to let it go back to being overgrown and dangerous. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall the grounds are picturesque and beautiful. The Friends of the EvangelicalProtestant Cemetery are looking for a good used or donated riding lawn mower to make our task much easier for our volunteers. Our only request is that the mower must have a deck size of 46" or smaller to fit inside a storage area. Please contact us through this site if you have a good riding lawn mower that you are looking to sell or donate.

Saturday on the Stoop... or Porch

John Joseph Aloysius Gannon (Black Jack), one of my four great grandfathers. John was born in Coxsackie on 16 December 1887; as his immigrant parents, Michael Joseph Gannon (1865-1915) and Anne M. Cummins (1866-1927), made their journey North to Albany from New York City. 

John was a long time iron worker. He helped build many skyscrapers in NYC in the 1920s and 1930s. Supposedly his initials are carved in the stainless-steel roof on the art deco Chrysler Building which was completed in 1930. We will never know the truth to this family story.

John married Catherine Eger, daughter of German immigrants, George Eger (1865-1940) and Catherine Schuster (1870-1935) on 09 July 1910 in Albany. The photo was taken in the 1940s at 79 Tremont Street in Albany. The house was located on the south end of Tremont Street close to where Route 85 now travels. The house was demolished many years ago.

 

Archival Materials Suppliers

 Some genealogists use conservation and archival products products to store a host of rare family artifacts. Many of these items include photos, books, folios, maps, newspaper articles, and miscellaneous ephemera. Even though grandma or a distant cousin is the owner and holder of this old family stuff, these materials should be stored in a proper manner. Much of this material is probably a one-of-a kind find. If it is destroyed, even by accident, it is gone forever. Why not store your rare family items in the proper boxes and or albums.

 Most of us have been to libraries and archives for onsite research. We have seen the storage materials and holders that the repositories use to hold items in its collection. For your information you can also purchase these items. These products are not cheap but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for! You just need to know where to look. BTW, if your family photos are stored in those magnetic photo albums from the 1980s. They seemed great at the time but do a little online research and you will find that they are not good for your photos. Get em out and into the proper album. Please do not wait.

 So where do you find these archival storage boxes? Below is a listing of online vendors who carry these products. I am not endorsing any of these online vendors; but I have purchased from them in the past without issue.

• Adorama
• Amazon.com
• Archival Methods
• B&H Photo-Video-Audio
• Gaylord Archival
• University Products

RootsTech 2022, March 3-5, 2022

 It is that time of year again! RootsTech is around the corner, March 3-5, 2022. This is the world's largest genealogy conference. Usually it is held on site in Salt Lake City. Due to Covid, it is virtual and Free!

No registration fees, no airline fee, and no hotel charge. Yes, you can attend for free and in the comfort of your home. Check the registration link at RootsTech. The only requirement is that you set up a free FamilySearch account. Most genealogists already have an account. 

Some of the keynote speakers include:

• Apollonia Poilâne, baker
• Matthew Modine, actor

While on the RootsTech website please check out the classes that are offered. Over 500 sessions will be offered. Topics will include historical records, DNA, websites, tools, & apps.

Saturday on the Stoop... or Porch

 

This is a mystery photo. It came from the family photo collection of Charlotte Margaret Koreman Holtslag (1910-1999). In the 1990s when I acquired a copy of the original from Charlotte, I was told that the photo was taken on Osborn Street in Albany. The people shown in the photo are unknown Koreman relatives. The house has since been demolished.

History & Genealogy Programs at HVCC

 The following was cut and pasted from the web site of Hudson Valley Community College's Office of Community and Professional Education.

Below are upcoming inexpensive non-credit programs for anyone interested in local history and genealogy. Contact the Hudson Valley office for further information:

Office of Community and Professional EducationPhone: (518) 629-7339

Fax: (518) 629-8103

Email: communityed@hvcc.edu

Location: Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 252

Registration begins January 19th.

Town of Watervliet into the City of Watervliet

This fascinating program discusses the Town of Watervliet’s colonial origin from the manor of Rensselaerwyck to the fragmentation of the town from its founding in 1788 into smaller towns and villages. It also documents the changes that resulted in the transformation of the Town of Watervliet into the City of Watervliet. We’ll discuss the significance of three of these villages – Port Schuyler (formerly Washington) Gibbonsville and West Troy – and their merger into the incorporated Village of West Troy and then the City of Watervliet in 1896. Instructor Tom Ragosta.

Monday, 4/11
9:30 am - 11:30 am
$22

Oakwood Cemetery Walking Tour

Founded in 1848, Oakwood Cemetery in Troy was one of the first “rural cemeteries” in the country, with serpentine roads, lovely landscaping and beautiful monuments. We’ll stroll along Millionaire’s Row and hear fascinating stories about some of the influential citizens of 19th century Troy as well as interesting tales of some not-so-famous ‘residents.’ We’re always adding new stories when we discover them! Our walk will be highlighted by stops at the site where HBO filming was done for “The Golden Age” and at the panoramic overlook where you can see the Cohoes Falls, the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and sometimes even a soaring hawk or bald eagle. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes. You might want to bring bottled water as well. This slow-paced walk is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is on mainly level paved roads with one or two dirt paths. Course fee includes $15 materials fee. Heidi Norton Klinowski, Instructor Paula Johannesen, Coordinator.

Wednesday, 4/27
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$25

Irish Genealogy - A Fresh Approach

Have you been researching your Irish ancestry and run into brick walls? Tired of seeing all those records that just say “Ireland”? Fed up with ancestors with the same name? It’s time for a new approach! Join genealogist-in-residence for the Irish American Heritage Museum Lisa Dougherty for some new ideas to locate that elusive place of origin for your Irish family!

Tuesday, 3/22
9:30 am - 11:30 am
$15

Getting Started With Your Family History

Genealogy, or the study of family history, has been described as the “fastest-growing hobby in America.” With the popularity of television shows like “Who Do You Think You Are,” the trend of giving DNA kits as gifts and the reconnecting of distant relatives using social media, it’s no wonder more Americans than ever before are interested in discovering their roots. Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will help you get started in the pursuit of your own family history by offering guidelines for gathering information, effectively using DNA testing and social media, and organizing your research.

Tuesday, 4/26
9:30 am - 11:30 am
$15

Let Those Meneely Bells Ring

We all have heard about them, some may have even seen a few, but the background of the Meneely bells is absolutely fascinating in the Troy area. Come get the scoop and hear all about them. What they were made of? How they were tuned? Where are they now? Find out the difference between a chime, a carillon and a peel. Instructor Gene Burns will share his experiences and fascinating knowledge.

Monday, 4/25
9:30 am - 11:30 am
$22