May Newsletter

We're Official - New FamilySearch Sign!   

Tons of things happening at the Center and our blog has been updated.  Here's the highlights: 

Summer Youth Program 

Our Summer Youth Program will be held from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays, June 13th - August 8th (except July 4th).  Each week will start with a 30 minute family history lesson, followed by 30 minutes working on a community project.  Then break time with food and fun.  You'll finish off the day working on your own family history project or working towards goals set at the beginning of the summer.  All ages are welcome to come; those under age 11 should be accompanied by an adult.

Mission Prep and FamilySearch

Cameron Briggs will teach a five week class about how to use FamilySearch on your mission.  Classes will start Sunday, May 5th at 4:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  It will be repeated throughout the summer.  Check the calendar for dates and times. 

Cruz Professional Book Scanner

Scanner donated by Cameron Briggs

Cameron will be creating some how to videos about how to use this scanner.  Here's a link to a youtube how to video.  This will scan books, newspapers, or other documents and save them to searchable pdfs (among other save options).  It is also helpful for those larger photos or documents that will not fit on our other scanners.  If you want assistance using this device, contact Cameron for a quick user tutorial.  We have equipment to digitize about any media you might have.  Just bring items and a flashdrive (preferably new) to the Center and leave with digital copies to share with family and friends or post online. 

Check out all of our digitize options. 

Have you seen the zoom links?   

We have started posting zoom classes, including some from the expo.  Check them out here:  Zoom Replay Links

Activities

We have updated our activities page on the blog to include more options and it appears as its own page. Activities 

Groups

We have also updated our Group Visits page on the blog showing all of our options.  Check it out here:  Group Visits. 

Veterans

Do you know a veteran who would like to have their story preserved forever?  The Library of Congress is offering that option.  Senator Mike Simpson's office is assisting the Veteran Memorial Project.  Open to all veterans, including National Guard and Gold Star Families.  For more information contact:  Jessica Hammond at (208) 734-7219  Or check on the webpage.

National Prayer Day May 2nd!

Other helps out there:

Transkribus  Transcription assistance for multiple languages.  Not translation, but OCR transcription of those difficult to read old handwritings.  A free option or a paid subscription.

FamilySearch Inspire-  All About Your Ancestors.  Family History Experiences designed just for you. 

Quick Start Lesson Videos by FamilySearch

Five Things You Need to Know about DNA Testing by Amy Johnson Crow

Ten Old Map Collections for Family Historians

Full Text Search with Genealogy TV 

Why We Need Our Family Story More Than Ever by The Family History Guide

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!  Please note that the May 2024 calendar is two pages.

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed:

May 26th and 27th for Memorial Day!

LINKS TO THE BURLEY FAMILY HISTORY CENTER'S MEDIA PAGES

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April Newsletter

 Searching for Something Special!  

Check out these options....

How about a Special Learning Option- from home via Zoom Classes

We had some zoom classes taught at our Expo in February. Cameron has been teaching some classes via zoom for the last few weeks.    Some of these classes were recorded.  All of Cameron's classes in the future will be on zoom and recorded. We hope to include other instructors with some zoom classes in the coming weeks and months.   As the zoom recordings are processed and uploaded to YouTube, we will be including those videos on the "Zoom Class Replays" page available from the blog tabs above.   So if you can't make it to the center to watch these classes, you can zoom them live while they happen.   The links for the zoom classes will be shown on the calendar.  The calendar is also shown on the blog tabs above for ease in finding the links.  If you just can't make it or watch the class via zoom, wait for a bit and we'll get the link to the replay uploaded to the blog page. 

If you have specific classes you would like to see, just let the center know and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.  Or we'll try to find one for you online if we aren't capable of doing that class.   We look forward to "seeing" you at the center in person, or on zoom!    See the new "Calendar" tab above for ease in getting to the calendar for the zoom links. 

How about a Special Service Option

Do you have a desire to serve in Temple and Family History, but not available to do on a full time mission?   There's options available to work from home- and not just the missionaries whom answer the questions via phone.  Providing the ability to grow the tree in fun and exciting ways.   Or maybe a mission doesn't fit your personal situations at this time, your tree seems full, but you still want to be involved with family history- come learn more about serving a VROC mission, using Goldie May to add people and sources to FamilySearch and what the Record Linking Lab is all about.    Something for everyone!   Tammy will be offering this class on April 1st.... no fooling!    A chance to make a difference and to feel the spirit more in your life as your serve others!

Worth Repeating…..  Special Youth Options for Wednesday Evenings!  

We are offering some more options for youth to learn about family history.  The following options are available for Wednesday evening groups.  To schedule a youth group on Wednesday, call Heather at 208-312-2514.  If you need another time, call the center 208-878-7286 for contact information to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.   

• Know Your FamilySearch Center - Learn how to use Ordinances Ready, use the family history activities on FamilySearch, and use the Recording Room

• Ancestral Hometown Project - Choose a hometown from an ancestor in your tree using the fan, chart, use the map feature, then use Google to learn 3 things about that hometown.  Use Goldie May to attach records from that town, county, state, or country.

• Connecting Families - Learn how to attach sources and the information found in them to your family, thus assuring that ALL members of a family are found.

• Help with the current FSC project - We are helping our local museums and FamilySearch find people and connect their documents and stories to them.  Ask what the current project is.

• Love Your Cousins - Learn to use Ordinances Ready to connect families and how to do descendancy research to ensure that all members of a family have their temple work done.  You can also learn to use Family Groups to help with temple work.

• Family Heirlooms - Learn how to use the free FindMyHeritage photo tools, i.e. enhance, colorize, repair, animate, PhotoDater, AI Time Machine and Photo Storyteller. Take pictures and tell stories of family heirlooms so that those precious memories are preserved for the entire family.  Bring 1-5 photos on a flash drive or scan them to your empty flash drive at the FamilySearch center.

Online Options including some from Roots Tech

How to Self-Publish Your Family History Book by Maureen A. Taylor

All the Stories - Links to your FamilySearch account and shows the stories in your own family in one easy place to locate. 

Alice Child's Website offers some free options for learning and helps for Temple and Family History Consultants

Temple and Family History Bingo Cards

Amy Crow's Advice on the Three Biggest Genealogy Research

Brick Wall Ancestors Need a Search Party 

Where Did You Find that? Effective Searches on FamilySearch

Empowering Genealogists with AI

What's New at FamilySearch?

Fixing Sticky Problem in FamilySearch

Genealogy TV with Connie- Top Secret Research Trick

What's New at Ancestry by Crista Cowan at Roots Tech Presentation  

Full Text FamilySearch Video by Connie Knox

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed:

March 31st for Easter! and April 7th for General Conference

LINKS TO THE BURLEY FAMILY HISTORY CENTER'S MEDIA PAGES

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March 2024 Newsletter

Spring is in the air!  Then again, it's Idaho, it might snow again tomorrow.    

The spring equinox is March 19th.  It's time to start thinking about getting things planted in the ground so they can "grow."

How about "growing" love and appreciation deep in your hearts for your ancestors?  What have you done, or what do you plan to do to "grow" closer to your ancestors?

• Attend some classes at the center.  Check out our calendar for more information.  And, we have some classes being offered for the CSI Continuing Education.  Check out their website for information.   From Charts to Hearts and/or FamilySearch Basics

• Check out RootsTech.  Online registration is free.  On Demand Classes are also available.  There are hundreds of options to learn more about family history and connecting with family.  The theme this year is "Remember."

• FamilySearch has a new campaign called Photo Collage Creator. Try it here

• Looking to get your things organized.  FamilyTree Magazine posted an article about making a Family History Binder

• Using Google for Genealogy  7 Free Google Search Features by Lisa Louise Cooke

• Genealogy and Geography.  Learn to use Dave Rusmey's Maps to see where your ancestors lived.  

• Family Tree Chart Types from Family Tree Magazine.

• How to Do Genealogy - 10 Steps for Beginners by Family Tree Magazine. 

• A great help for anything Family History related -  The Family History Guide.

Additional Youth Options for Wednesday Evening

We are offering some more options for youth to learn about family history.  The following options are available for Wednesday evening groups.  To schedule a youth group on Wednesday, call Heather at 208-312-2514.  If you need another time, call the center 208-878-7286 for contact information to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.   

• Know Your FamilySearch Center - Learn how to use Ordinances Ready, use the family history activities on FamilySearch, and use the Recording Room

• Ancestral Hometown Project - Choose a hometown from an ancestor in your tree using the fan, chart, use the map feature, then use Google to learn 3 things about that hometown.  Use Goldie May to attach records from that town, county, state, or country.

• Connecting Families - Learn how to attach sources and the information found in them to your family, thus assuring that ALL members of a family are found.

• Help with the current FSC project - We are helping our local museums and FamilySearch find people and connect their documents and stories to them.  Ask what the current project is.

• Love Your Cousins - Learn to use Ordinances Ready to connect families and how to do descendancy research to ensure that all members of a family have their temple work done.  You can also learn to use Family Groups to help with temple work.

• Family Heirlooms - Learn how to use the free FindMyHeritage photo tools, i.e. enhance, colorize, repair, animate, PhotoDater, AI Time Machine and Photo Storyteller. Take pictures and tell stories of family heirlooms so that those precious memories are preserved for the entire family.  Bring 1-5 photos on a flash drive or scan them to your empty flash drive at the FamilySearch center.

Youth Summer Program

This summer we are making some adjustments to our youth summer program.  We have some spots for youth who are seeking to be youth consultants for the summer session.  If you are interested, contact Tammy at 208-431-4504 for more information.     

The program will be on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, starting June 13th and continuing through August 8th.  We will start each week with a short family history lesson at 2:00 pm.  Then we will work on a community project together.  Then it's party time - food and fun for everyone!  For the rest of the time, youth may work on whatever project they wish to do until 5:00 pm.   All youth are welcome to come for whatever part of the day they can, and for whichever weeks they wish to attend.   Come with your friends and enjoy the good food and good times together.   Bring your youth group or your family group and let the youth help you learn more about your family!

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!

The Burley FamilySearch Center will be closed:

March 31st for Easter!

LINKS TO THE BURLEY FAMILY HISTORY CENTER'S MEDIA PAGES

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February Newsletter

February - The Month of Love

Make it Your Month for the Love of Learning!

The Burley FamilySearch Center has some options to help you learn more about family history.  Our Expo is coming on February 10th.  It's bigger and better than before!  Doors open to the public at 8:30 a.m. with classes from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Grand prize drawings start at 3:30 pm.  You must be present to win.  

As we are at the Mini-Cassia CSI campus, we have space for more classes.  A lot more classes with local presenters, as well as experts coming or presenting virtually.  Other additions are a vendors hall and food trucks.  The Expo is FREE, but bring your wallet if you wish to buy lunch, treats or items from our vendors.     

Check out the website for all of the details.  BurleyFamilyHistoryExpo.com

We are also offering some classes at the Mini-Cassia CSI campus as part of their Continuing Education Classes.  CSI will have a booth at the Expo for ease in signing up for some of these classes. 

And, it's not too late to sign up for RootsTech.  You can attend in person for the discounted price of $109 if you register by February 28th.  Or, you can attend online for free.  Register here.   Our instructors at the Burley FamilySearch Center will be sharing what they learned at Roots Tech during classes to be taught in March and April.  Be sure to watch the calendar!

And don't forget to check out our monthly classes.  And..... did you hear?  We are looking to add Zoom options for some of our classes at the center starting in March.  Watch for more information about this option.  

February is part two of our Temple and Family History Consultants/Leaders Training.  These trainings are now held quarterly.  All consultants, leaders and those invited in the Temple and Family History Coordination Meeting are invited to attend.  Part two is on ward plans and activities.  The first 30 minutes will be instruction time, the last 30 minutes will be time for Q&A and sharing.  Newly called and experienced consultants, leaders and committee members are encouraged to attend and share with one another.  Dates are February 13th at 7:00 pm and February 21st at 2:00 pm.  It is not necessary to attend both.  

Not enough learning options - check out these:

BYU Temple and Family History Webinars and Classes

RootsTech Video Library

The Family History Guide

Ancestry YouTube Channel

FamilySearch YouTube Channel

Genealogy TV YouTube Channel

Be sure to check the calendar for all classes!

The Burley Family Search Center will be closed:

February 18th and 19th for Presidents Day

LINKS TO THE BURLEY FAMILY HISTORY CENTER'S MEDIA PAGES

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January 2024

What are your plans for this year?  Do they include some family history projects?  Do you want to start doing family history?  Perhaps you'd like to learn more about your ancestors.  Is a family history mission on your list?  Whatever it might be in relation to family history, come to the center and see what we can do to help you.

Need a few ideas - check out some of these options:

• 31 New Year Resolution Ideas by Family Search
• New Year’s Resolutions Ideas for the Genealogist by Who Are You Made Of
• New Year’s Resolutions for Genealogy by Herald and Tribune
• New Year’s Resolutions for Genealogy by Ancestral Findings
• 5 New Year’s Resolutions Every Genealogist Should Set by MyHeritage
• The Family Historian’s List of New Year’s Resolution by Ancestry.com/uk

Not enough choices there - be sure to come to the Expo and see what other family history resolutions you could make. 

This year we will be at the Mini-Cassia CSI Campus (at the old Burley High School).  Mark your calendar for February 10, 2024, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.  A bigger facility means more classes . . . More than 60 classes to choose from ranging from beginner to advanced; something for everyone.  Check out our website for more information.  Instructor bios and class descriptions will be coming soon.  Burley FamilySearch Expo  

Check out our new options for the coming year.  And, stay tuned for more options and information in the coming months. 

1 - CSI Classes.   Instructors from the Burley FamilySearch Center will be providing 15 classes during the Spring Semester of Continuing Education at the Mini-Cassia CSI campus.  Classes start in February.   Here's the link to their Continuing Education Class Registration.  Note: the Spring Semester Continuing Education Classes have not been uploaded, but should be coming shortly.  Options include: Ancestry, Family Search, Basic Family History, and a section on writing histories and stories.

2 - New month and new classes.  Check out the calendar.  Cameron has decided to continue his lunchtime classes.  One topic per week, same class every day, pick the day that works best for you.   Marilyn has a new class this month as well, "What Do I Do With All the Stuff?"  Check the calendar for more information about all of our classes.  If you have a request for a specific class, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate those wishes. 

3 - Kids Classes.  Trina will be offering Kids Classes on Sundays this year.  Options include one week or five week options.  Classes will be offered when enough people have signed up for them.  They are based off the "My Family" booklet and geared for ages 3-11 years of age.  Songs, stories, activities, show and tell, etc.  Lots of fun for everyone.  Contact Trina at 208-242-6217 for more information or to sign up.

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