Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

The London Burial Grounds

David Orme has created a web site that will interest genealogists and historians alike. "The London Burial Grounds" attempts to provide a record of all the burial grounds in London, including current photographs and/or maps along with historical notes and images where possible. Not all the burial grounds are yet recorded, but a large number of them already appear to be described on the site.

A Complete Family Reunion

I wonder how often this happens: 1-year-old David Sztanyo recently posed with all his living ancestors for a family photograph. There's nothing unusual with such a photograph, except perhaps for the number of living ancestors who gathered for the occasion. David was joined by both of his parents, all four of his grandparents, and all eight of his great-grandparents.

Family Tree Maker 2006

A new version of the world's most popular commercial genealogy program has been announced by MyFamily.com.  I have not yet had a chance to use the new version but the company's web site lists the following new features:

Book Reviews: "The Great Influenza" & "Encyclopedia of Plague and Pestilence"

Albert G. Conlon sent an e-mail this week saying (in part):

Reading your newsletter I do not recall any recent articles about research into historical epidemics or history of diseases. This is an area I'm currently researching, attempting to ascertain a possible cause of death (and resources) for ancestors in England and the U.S. 

Attached is a book review. I provide it for your perusal. Feel free to use any/all and modify/edit as you desire. My intent is to hopefully assist others that are researching the same area.

Quintin Publications Relocates to Florida

Friends of Bob Quintin will want to know that he has moved and has taken his business with him to Florida.

The Swedish Gazetteer

Anyone researching Swedish ancestry faces a few challenges. Assuming that you were not born and raised in that country, you probably have some difficulties with the language and the geography. One free web site won't help your language skills very much, but it will help a lot with the geography.

The U.K. National Maritime Museum Wants Your Input

The following is an announcement from the National Maritime Museum: Development Project, written for family history enthusiasts. After reading the announcement, you may want to take an online survey.

1.Introduction

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, intends to develop enhanced access to its research collections – manuscripts, prints and drawings, charts, maps and atlases, ship plans and ephemera - as an integral part of its wider museum offer. The collections contain over 2 million archival items and complement the holdings of the National Archive by supporting journeys of discovery across a range of subjects, from the big histories of exploration and empire to the personal histories of millions of ordinary people whose lives were touched by the sea. The Museum wishes to make stronger connections between its archival collections, gallery displays, learning programmes and use of new technologies to create an active museum experience that supports deeper engagement in our subjects and collections for those who wish to discover more about their ancestors’ lives and the sea.

Poor Handling by Patrons Prompts County Clerk to Put Limits on Landmen

The ongoing land grab for mineral rights to White County, Arkansas land has caused a struggle over record books in the county courthouse. White County Clerk Tanya Burleson said the landmen who have holed up in the county's record vaults in recent months are destroying century-old White County tax and probate records as they research land ownership.

"I've seen people standing on the books, using them as ladders," Burleson said. "It wouldn't be so bad if they showed a little respect. My books are being destroyed."

NEHGS to Shut Down Circulating Library Service

The following is an announcement from the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS):

NEHGS continually strives to respond to the changing needs of our members and the world of genealogy. In order to focus its resources in an optimal manner, the Society is making plans to discontinue its Circulating Library service in Spring 2006.

Castle Garden Database is Online

Ellis Island seems to receive all the publicity for immigrants arriving in New York City. Many people do not realize that Ellis Island did not begin operations until 1892. More than 73 million Americans can trace their ancestry to immigrants who arrived in New York City prior to that year. From 1830 until 1890, these new arrivals first stepped ashore at Castle Garden in lower Manhattan.