And, now it's 2025!
Wed., February 26, 2025. Using Your DNA Results
Reading your DNA results is fun and now you know your 'roots' and the homelands of your ancestors. What's next? DNA Testing can connect you with cousins you didn't know existed. Our presenter, Joy Smith, will explain how finding new cousins can break down brick walls in your research, as they may have information that you don't have. It's through a DNA connection between Joy and club member Judi Boren that we have a partnership with the ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland! Visit the ABC website...
Joy is the chairperson of the ABC Family History Association and runs the DNA Project for the group and is fascinated by what we can all find out about our ancestors through DNA testing. Under her leadership, ABC has published a number of books, sharing ancestral stories. Joy and her husband live in a house built in 1837, on the borders of County Down and County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
Reading your DNA results is fun and now you know your 'roots' and the homelands of your ancestors. What's next? DNA Testing can connect you with cousins you didn't know existed. Our presenter, Joy Smith, will explain how finding new cousins can break down brick walls in your research, as they may have information that you don't have. It's through a DNA connection between Joy and club member Judi Boren that we have a partnership with the ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland! Visit the ABC website...
Joy is the chairperson of the ABC Family History Association and runs the DNA Project for the group and is fascinated by what we can all find out about our ancestors through DNA testing. Under her leadership, ABC has published a number of books, sharing ancestral stories. Joy and her husband live in a house built in 1837, on the borders of County Down and County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
Wed., January 22, 2025. Stories from Ellis Island
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, as the nation's first federal immigration entry point. During the next 32 years, it was by far the busiest U.S. inspection station, processing 12.5 million people, each hoping for a chance at a new life. It is estimated that 40% of all Americans can trace their roots back to immigrants who came through Ellis Island. Our presenter, Fred Voss is a professional genealogist and a volunteer tour guide/docent at Ellis Island National Park. He will give an illustrated talk about the past, present, and future of this iconic landmark as well as sharing some of his favorite immigration stories. To learn more now, visit: SaveEllisIsland.org
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, as the nation's first federal immigration entry point. During the next 32 years, it was by far the busiest U.S. inspection station, processing 12.5 million people, each hoping for a chance at a new life. It is estimated that 40% of all Americans can trace their roots back to immigrants who came through Ellis Island. Our presenter, Fred Voss is a professional genealogist and a volunteer tour guide/docent at Ellis Island National Park. He will give an illustrated talk about the past, present, and future of this iconic landmark as well as sharing some of his favorite immigration stories. To learn more now, visit: SaveEllisIsland.org
Looking back at 2024
Annual Report
Annual Report
2024 Newsletters, Volume 7
# 1 January
# 2 March
# 3 April
# 4 June
Annual Report
Annual Report
2024 Newsletters, Volume 7
# 1 January
# 2 March
# 3 April
# 4 June
Wed., November 20, 2024 - Photo Preservation & Storage
Are your photos in a box gathering dust? Come learn how to preserve and store your memories for future generations to enjoy. Our presenter: Dana Palmer, CG®, CGL(SM) specializes in lineage society applications, publishing family books, and Midwestern research – specifically Ohio. In addition to her client work, she is part of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) Silver Books team, and lectures at RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) conferences.
Wed., October 23, 2024 - Do I Have to Go? Navigating the PA State Archives Catalog and Digital Collections
Finding your way around the Pennsylvania State Archives website, catalog, and digital collections can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with the Archives’ collections. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the State Archives catalog and online resources. It will cover how to search the catalog, interpret the results, and identify what is and is not accessible digitally online. The presentation will also cover basic search room policies and procedures and what researchers can expect when visiting the new facility. Our presenter: Aaron McWilliams is the head of Public Services for the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Wed., September 25, 2024 - How to Write Ancestral Stories Your Relatives Will Want to Read
Part of the thrill of genealogy is sharing our discoveries with those we love, so it can be disappointing when our family members and friends have no interest in the subject. However, with good research, thoughtful planning, and a dash of ingenuity, we can create engaging stories designed to entice even the most reluctant readers. Our presenter: Pam Vestal, entered the field of genealogy after a twenty-year career as a professional writer. She lectures on a wide variety of topics and is especially qualified to guide us in gathering information and forming the story.
Wed., July 24, 2024 - American Ending
The book is a gritty and darkly humorous novel inspired by her family's saga, immigrants of the Old Believer Russian Orthodox faith who mined coal in Appalachia. She is named for her two grandmothers: Mary Zuravleff, who lost her American citizenship for marrying her Russian-born husband, and Kay Federoff, who forced the mining company to pay in cash rather than scrip and then got her husband away from the mines before black lung killed him. Mary Kay’s book was an Oprah Spring Book Pick and a finalist for the Langum Prize in American Historical Fiction. Our presenter: Mary Kay Zuravleff will discuss the family history and documents she used as the historical underpinnings of her novel, American Ending, which she will read from. There will be abundant time for questions about gathering family stories, research and the life of coal miners.
Wed., June 26, 2024 - The History Hobo: What’s In A Name?
Bessemer Avenue, William Flinn Highway, PPG Paints Arena, Allegheny River, Phipps Conservatory, Fayette County, Perry High School. We are surrounded by names that we see or hear every day and never think about. Most of these places and things have names of historical significance and many have fascinating stories. Our presenter: Steve Cicero was a history teacher in the Butler Area School District for 38 years, known for his museum-like classroom and collection of historically appropriate hats. After his retirement, he launched History Hobo.
Wed., April 24, 2024 - Getting to Know the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
It is the second largest genealogy library in the country with a vast amount of research materials in both physical and digital form. Discover how you can use this wonderful resource from home! Our presenter: Allison DePrey Singleton, MA, MLS, is the Genealogy Services Manager at the Allen County Public Library
Wed., March 27, 2024 - Using Fold3 Library Edition
Love it or hate it, Fold3 is cornering the market on American military records online. Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database. Our presenter: Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult & Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL. She holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.
Wed., February 28, 2024 - Fire Insurance Maps: The Google Maps of their day!
Sanborn maps are detailed maps of cities and towns in the United States that were created for assessing fire insurance liability in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are a valuable resource for genealogists as they provide information about the layout of cities and towns, including street names, building footprints, and the locations of businesses and other landmarks.
Our presenter: Jill Morelli. Jill Morelli, CG, CGL is a “Roots” genealogist, becoming interested in family history in the 1970’s with the Alex Haley show.
Wed., January 24, 2024 - Grantee, Grantor, Et Uxor: Deciphering Deeds in Western Pennsylvania
Deeds are a go-to resource when we want to research land ownership, but they can be used to flesh out so much more of our family trees. A careful look at land records can shed light on marriages, family relationships, deaths, and even help differentiate between people who share the same name. In this virtual program, we will learn how to find and navigate deed records. We’ll then take an analytical look – reading past the property description to squeeze out all the possible genealogical information. Our presenter: Margaret Hewitt is Manager of Reference Services for the Heinz History Center Detre Library and Archives. Before joining the History Center team in 2022, Margaret worked for 8+ years as Special Collections Librarian for the Butler Area Public Library. She has a Masters in Public History from Duquesne University and holds certification with the Academy of Certified Archivists.
2023 Meetings
January 25 – Expand Your View of Your Family Tree. Club member and Family History Center leader Harry Karatassos presented Expand Your View of Your Family Tree, demonstrating techniques for when you think your family your genealogy is done. or you’re up against a brick wall.
February 22 – Four Collections in Archives to Complete Your Family History. Denys Allen, an expert on Pennsylvania genealogy research, the founder of PA Ancestors, also hosts a podcast on PA research. Her presentation, Four Collections in Archives to Complete Your Family History, had great information on getting more out of the PA Archives.
March 22 – Cyndi’s List in Practice. Cyndi Ingle, nationally-known creator of Cyndi’s List, presented Cyndi’s List in Practice. Her website, Cyndi’s List is a unique resource for genealogists.
April 19 - Mark Houser, author of Multistories, shared a fascinating look at the history of Pittsburgh skyscrapers and the stories of the business tycoons behind them.
May 24 - Civil War Pensions. Professional genealogist Jill Morelli shared an outstanding and very practical program focused on Civil War pension records using both Union and Confederate case studies.
July 22 - Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center Field Trip
June and July - Many members participated in GRIP (The Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, hosted at LaRoche University.
August 23 - Summer Fun - Picnic in the Park - We met at North Boundary Park at 6:00 P.M. for an in-person event. Bottled water and a snack was provided. This social event will include time to share genealogical resources, success stories, and/or artifacts with other members.
September 27 - Unlock Your History, co-facilitated by Pam Israel, from Unlock Your History and Robert Stakeley from the Heinz History Center. Pam and Robert - experts in history, hand-written documents and preservation will weave together how heirlooms, genealogy, translation, and history come together to demonstrate how your personal story matters. The presenters will dig into the #1-claimed heritage in the US (per 2000 Census), German, with insight into the history and some of the unique challenges in understanding these letters and other documents.
October 24 - Family Tree Maker Overview. Mark Olsen from Family Tree Maker joined us for an introduction to the current version of Family Tree Maker. He discussed what makes FTM different from other genealogy products and software, and how it works with Ancestry.com and Family Search.
January 21 - Connecting Through Genealogy (virtual meeting with the ABC Family History Association
Two like-minded groups have forged a connection across the ocean to learn from each other. The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland and the Cranberry Genealogy Club north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, met virtually to get acquainted, share project ideas, and ask and answer genealogical questions. We hope everyone learned about one new resource or research tool and gained inspiration for genealogy and family history.
January 25 – Expand Your View of Your Family Tree. Club member and Family History Center leader Harry Karatassos presented Expand Your View of Your Family Tree, demonstrating techniques for when you think your family your genealogy is done. or you’re up against a brick wall.
February 22 – Four Collections in Archives to Complete Your Family History. Denys Allen, an expert on Pennsylvania genealogy research, the founder of PA Ancestors, also hosts a podcast on PA research. Her presentation, Four Collections in Archives to Complete Your Family History, had great information on getting more out of the PA Archives.
March 22 – Cyndi’s List in Practice. Cyndi Ingle, nationally-known creator of Cyndi’s List, presented Cyndi’s List in Practice. Her website, Cyndi’s List is a unique resource for genealogists.
April 19 - Mark Houser, author of Multistories, shared a fascinating look at the history of Pittsburgh skyscrapers and the stories of the business tycoons behind them.
May 24 - Civil War Pensions. Professional genealogist Jill Morelli shared an outstanding and very practical program focused on Civil War pension records using both Union and Confederate case studies.
July 22 - Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center Field Trip
June and July - Many members participated in GRIP (The Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, hosted at LaRoche University.
August 23 - Summer Fun - Picnic in the Park - We met at North Boundary Park at 6:00 P.M. for an in-person event. Bottled water and a snack was provided. This social event will include time to share genealogical resources, success stories, and/or artifacts with other members.
September 27 - Unlock Your History, co-facilitated by Pam Israel, from Unlock Your History and Robert Stakeley from the Heinz History Center. Pam and Robert - experts in history, hand-written documents and preservation will weave together how heirlooms, genealogy, translation, and history come together to demonstrate how your personal story matters. The presenters will dig into the #1-claimed heritage in the US (per 2000 Census), German, with insight into the history and some of the unique challenges in understanding these letters and other documents.
October 24 - Family Tree Maker Overview. Mark Olsen from Family Tree Maker joined us for an introduction to the current version of Family Tree Maker. He discussed what makes FTM different from other genealogy products and software, and how it works with Ancestry.com and Family Search.
January 21 - Connecting Through Genealogy (virtual meeting with the ABC Family History Association
Two like-minded groups have forged a connection across the ocean to learn from each other. The ABC Family History Association in Northern Ireland and the Cranberry Genealogy Club north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, met virtually to get acquainted, share project ideas, and ask and answer genealogical questions. We hope everyone learned about one new resource or research tool and gained inspiration for genealogy and family history.