Gen Podcasts: "My 15 Grandmothers" on the Forget-Me-Not Hour

Genie Milgrom has taken a feeling and parlayed it into genealogical gold. The most recent episode of the Forget-Me-Not Hour podcast features an hour-long interview with Milgrom that describes her journey and her two books: My 15 Grandmothers and How I Found My 15 Grandmothers.

Born in Cuba to a Catholic family, Milgrom emigrated to the United States with her family when Fidel Castro took power. Educated in Catholic schools through college, she always felt something missing in her spiritual life. Orthodox Judaism seemed to fill that void and she worked through the lengthy and complex process of conversion. It was only after many years of genealogical research that she found that she had been Jewish all along! She has successfully proved that she is from a long line of Crypto-Jewish maternal ancestors - Converso Jews traced to before the Spanish Inquisition. Her family lived outwardly as Catholics while privately continuing their Jewish traditions as they could.

Milgrom conducted her own research, hired genealogy professionals in Spain and Portugal and consulted with historians expert in Crypto-Jewish history. Church and Inquisition records (family members did not always escape suspicion) helped tell the tale. Ultimately she was able to track her maternal line (the line through which Jewish descent is traced) back 15 generations.

Jane E. Wilcox interviewed Milgrom on her 21 May 2014 BlogTalk Radio show. One may listen to it on one's computer or download it from this BlogTalk Radio link. Or one may find and download the show on iTunes. Search on "Jane E Wilcox."

Milgrom's books are available via Amazon for both My 15 Grandmothers and How I Found My 15 Grandmothers.

Gen Podcasts: Hungarian and Colonial American Jewish Genealogy on the For-Get-Me-Not Hour

A while back (1 March 2013) I profiled the Blog Talk Radio show/podcast The For-Get-Me-Not Hour with Jane E. Wilcox and identified episodes with content likely of interest to Jewish genealogists. This past week (18 September 2013) the show featured Hungarian Jewish genealogy. And on 16 October 2013, it will cover Colonial American period Jewish history and genealogy.

New Episodes of Interest to Jewish Genealogists

Hungarian Jewish Genealogy with Andras Koltai - 19 September 2013
Andras Koltai, a native Hungarian of Jewish descent, has been researching Hungarian Jewish genealogy since 2002. Koltai, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and a featured researcher on British and Australian versions of Who Do You Think You Are?, discusses Jewish Hungarian history, including adoption of surnames in Hungary and available records.  His website is called Hungarian Jewish Roots. 

In my previous review of Jane's program I noted spotty tech work. In the last few months the program has cleaned up its recording substantially. Unfortunately, the connection from Hungary in this episode fades in and out. I listened to it on my iPod while walking the dog. Considering the sound issue, I would advise listening either in front of one's computer or while sitting with one's iPod so the sound may be adjusted while listening. 
 
Jews in the New World with David Kleiman - 16 October 2013 (live, 9:00 p.m. Eastern)
The Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, is celebrating its 250th anniversary. David Kleiman, historian and Touro Synagogue board member will discuss Jewish history in Colonial America. He will cover migration, social history and resources for research.He will also discuss plans for the Touro Synagogue anniversary celebration.

David was on the show earlier this year (13 March 2013) when he discussed "Pre-Civil War New York Jews."  

Access:

• via Blog Talk Radio - 9:00 P.M. (Eastern time) on the dates mentioned, above.
• via iTunes: One may download individual episodes or subscribe to the show from free on iTunes.  The most recent show is usually available immediately after the live show airs. If you subscribe, new episodes will automatically be delivered to your iTunes podcast folder. The shows may be listened to via you computer or uploaded on an iPod.

Gen Podcasts: The Forget-Me-Not Hour

An occasional blog series identifying online locations of genealogical knowledge in both audio and video podcasts with an emphasis on (Jewish) genealogy.  

It's been a while since I've reviewed a podcast show. I wanted to do this one now because this coming Wednesday, 6 March 2013 [Update: episode postponed until 13 March 2013], Jane E. Wilcox will broadcast an episode of interest to Jewish genealogical researchers: Pre-Civil War New York Jews with David Kleiman. See below for access information for both the broadcast and internet versions of this show.

The Forget-Me-Not Hour – Jane E. Wilcox, host

This genealogy show focuses on both New York's Hudson Valley and topics of more general national genealogical interest. Even the Hudson Valley topics  are often broad enough to appeal to those whose interests lie outside this geographical area. 

Technical aspects of the show are often a tad rough; with a great deal of extraneous noise. It often sounds like someone's talking, closing cupboard doors and using a blender in the background. On the last few shows, however, the sound quality has improved and I have not had to resist the desire to find a chocolate milkshake.

Format:  Jane broadcasts/records live twice each month from Poughkeepsie, New York. The first Wednesday of the month is the Hudson Valley show. The second show, of more general appeal, is not broadcast on radio, but may be heard only online via Blog Talk Radio. It is available on the third Wednesday each month. 

As of this date, there are 54 episodes archived on both iTunes and the Blog Talk Radio website. The earliest episode was recorded on 3 February 2011. 

The show runs about an hour and has involved interviews with genealogists, historians, archivists, librarians, a county clerk and others whose expertise is of interest to family historians. Jane has interviewed people on a variety of topics including the  Great Depression, Slavery in New York State, a variety of historic homes, political history, up-coming genealogy conferences, particular record types, genealogy techniques and methodologies. 

Episodes of interest to Jewish genealogy researchers: 

New York Slavery and Sojourner Truth - 2 June 2011 
OK, so I lied. This one is not about Jewish genealogy. I wanted to highlight this show because it is one of the most interesting episodes in the series. Slavery in New York ended in 1827 and Sojourner Truth's life and the life of her children begin in slavery. She essentially frees herself in New York, goes to court to free her son, joins the abolition movement in Massachusetts, becomes a compelling speaker, and moves on to Michigan. Jane discusses Sojourner Truth's full and fulfilling life with Ulster County (N.Y.) Historian Anne Gordon and the man behind an effort to erect a statue of Truth in her hometown of Port Ewen, New York, Bob Lusk. In addition, Jane talks with Thomas McLiechey, a descendant of Sojourner from Battle Creek, Mich.

Jewish Gen and IAJGS - 17 August 2011 -
Gary Mokotoff speaks about Jewish genealogy, the 2011 International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies conference in Washington, D.C. He also discusses Holocaust resources at Yad Vashem, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the International Tracing Service.

The Great Depression in New York City - 24 October 2012
Suzanne Wasserman, director of the Gotham Center for New York City History talks about New York City (especially the Lower East Side) during the Great Depression of the 1930s. I did not know much about the Gotham Center, so this is an interesting introduction to a New York City resource. There is a great deal of extraneous noise on this one. Try to hang in there.

The New York Public Library - 3 August 2012
Maira Liriano, manager of the Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy of the New York Public Library, talks about her experience on the TV show "Who Do You Think You Are?" and the resources of the Millstein Division. These resources go well beyond the boundaries of New York City.

Pre-Civil War New York Jews - 6 March 2013 (Live at 10:00 a.m. on WHVW 950 AM radio and rebroadcast at 9:00 p.m. on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/janeewilcox)
This show will air this coming week. David Kleiman, will focus on an era of Jewish American history that is less well-known to those of us whose United States genealogical studies begin with the flood of immigration in the late nineteenth century.  He has researched the Gomez Mill House in Ulster County and will discuss Jewish people in New York prior to the Civil War.

Special Feature: Jane begins and ends each episode asking her guests to share information about their backgrounds and their interests in their areas of expertise. Often times the responses are some of the most compelling portions of the show.

Access: 

• live via WHVW 950 AM in Poughkeepsie, New York - 10 A.M. (Eastern time) on the first Wednesday of the month.
• via Blog Talk Radio - 9:00 P.M. (Eastern time) on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
• via iTunes: One may download individual episodes or subscribe to the show from free on iTunes.  The most recent show is usually available immediately after the live show airs. If you subscribe, new episodes will automatically be delivered to your iTunes podcast folder. The shows may be listened to via you computer or uploaded on an iPod.

____________________________________

Previous Gen Podcast posts:
Gen Podcasts: BackStory Radio
Gen Podcasts: Geneabloggers Radio
Gen Podcasts: Shpatseer!
Cooke-ing at the Arizona Family History Expo

Gen Podcasts: BackStory Radio (and the 1940 Census!)

An occasional blog series identifying online locations of genealogical knowledge in both audio and video podcasts with an emphasis on (Jewish) genealogy.  

BackStory Radio– The American History Guys (Ed Ayres, Peter Onuf and Brian Balough), hosts

This is not a genealogy show, but the topics covered may provide wonderful context for your research. I have listened to nearly all of their shows available on iTunes regardless of their applicability to my research and found them all entertaining and educational. Of particular interest, considering the imminent release of the 1940 U.S. Census, is their December 2010 show (see below) about the History of the U.S. Census. 

Format:  This (approximately) monthly public radio show/podcast may be heard on selected public radio stations around the country and as a pre-recorded podcast. The show has been on the air since June 2008, but is currently on short hiatus as the team prepares to relaunch during the summer as a weekly radio show. In each episode the three hosts take a current topic of interest and examine it through the lens of history: looking back at issues affecting us today. They have delved into many topics including the national debt, the Civil War, immigration and border issues, the history of courtship, the history of work, July 4th and Thanksgiving. 

All three men are historians of some gravitas: Ayres is President of and History Professor at the University of Richmond and Onuf and Balough are Professors at the University of Virgina. Their conversations are insightful, amusing and always entertaining. 

The show generally runs about an hour and often involves interviews with historians specializing in the episode's topic, re-creations of historic speeches and written insights, and call-ins with listeners. 

Episodes with  Genealogy content: 

“Aliens in America” - 13 October 2008 [54:16]

This show may be accessed via the Archives tab on the show's website or via iTunes U (not in the podcast area of iTunes).

How have we regarded new-comers? Who gets to stay? The Guys interview: 

• Mae Ngai, Columbia University, about immigration up to the 1920s 
• Frank Morris, Center for Immigration Studies, about opposition to immigration
• Stanton Braverman, immigration attorney, about his challenges representing those trying to stay

"Beyond Numbers: A History of the U.S. Census" - 22 December 2010 [52:01]
The Guys take a fascinating look at the origins of the U.S. Census and the way it and its role have changed over the years. They examine when and why certain questions have been added and changed. Of greatest interest to genealogists, they interview Al Marquart, an enumerator for the 1940 U.S. Census in Kingston, New York. Al was just out of high school and enumerated in some of the poorest areas of Kingston. The show's website in the Archives section contains an extended interview with Mr. Marquart.

Special Feature: The Archives tab on the BackStory Radio website provides additional information and opportunities to learn more.  The index provided, however, is rather limited. Once in the Archives areas, either select a general topic or, if one knows the date of the podcast, select the month and year.  One may listen to the full recorded show, find a full transcript of the show, and view further reading about the topic of the show. In addition, one may find extended interviews with selected guests under "Features and Highlights."

Access: 

• live via select public radio stations (check the stations in your area)
• via iTunes: search for Backstory Radio. Different lists of past shows may be found in iTunes podcast section and in iTunes U section. One may download individual episodes or subscribe to the show from either or both iTunes areas.  The most recent show is usually available immediately after the live show airs. If you subscribe, new episodes will automatically be delivered to your iTunes podcast folder. 
• via BackStoryRadio.org . 

The URL for this post is http://extrayad.blogspot.com/2012/03/gen-podcasts-backstory-radio.html

Gen Podcasts: Geneabloggers Radio

An occasional blog series identifying online locations of genealogical knowledge in both audio and video podcasts with an emphasis on Jewish genealogy.  

Geneabloggers Radio – Thomas MacEntee, host

Update: Thomas MacEntee put this Blog Talk Radio show on indefinite hiatus. His last episode was 13 April 2012. One may still access episodes via the Blog Talk Radio website or iTunes.

Format:  This weekly live podcast began in February 2011 with the start of season 2 of Who Do You Think You Are?  The first episodes were tied in theme to the topic of each WDYTYA broadcast.  Each week, Thomas MacEntee, summarizes family history news, entertains those on an associated chat board, and interviews knowledgeable genealogists and other experts regarding the selected topic for the evening.  The show started with a 2-hour live show format, but then was reduced to a more manageable 90 minutes. Lately, Thomas has been joined by a guest co-host. This has definitely made the show flow more smoothly.

Episodes with Jewish Genealogy content: 

Episode # 9 (1 Apr 2011) “Jewish Genealogy – How to Get Started Searching Your Roots.” This is the show immediately following the Gwyneth Paltrow WDYTYA broadcast. Thomas interviews: 

• Stanley Diamond, Executive Director of JRI-Poland about the indexing project and his involvement with the Paltrow WDYTYA episode. 
•  Schelly Talalay Dardashti of the Tracing the Tribe and My Heritage blogs, who explains the special complications of doing Jewish genealogy.  
• Dr. Steve Morse who talks about the origins of his One-Step website.  
• Elise Friedman who discusses genetic genealogy.

Episode # 49 (7 Jan 2012) “Genealogy New Year’s Resolutions for 2012” 

At about 1:07 into the show, Thomas interviews Jan Meisels Allen, Vice President of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) and a member of the “Records Preservation and Access Committee” of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). She shares information on the preservation of and threats to access to vital records, especially the Social Security Death Index.

Episode # 54 (11 Feb 2012) "Genealogy and Technology in a Post-RootsTech World"

Brooke Scheier Ganz, Vice President of Gesher Galicia is interviewed starting about 1:05:00 into the show about her efforts developing LeafSeek, the search engine currently being beta tested on the Gesher Galicia database website.

The Episode #55 (18 Feb 2012) "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor: 19th Century US Immigration"
Pat Richley-Erickson (aka Dear Myrtle) serves as guest host during this episode.  Highlights:

• Marian Smith, Chief, Historic Research Branch, US Citizenship & Immigration Service. All genealogists who use immigrant manifest records should be familiar with Marian who is the main author of the excellent InfoFile "Manifest Markings: A Guide to Interpreting Passenger List Annotations" that may be found on JewishGen.
• Unfortunately, technical difficulties made it impossible for Audrey Collins, Family Historian the UK National Archives, to be on the show. The otherwise dead air (that starts about 26 minutes into the podcast) was filled by Blogtalk radio with some insipid music.  Scroll forward to about 36:30 when Myrt gets back on the air and welcomes the next guest.
• Angela Walton-Raji, genealogist, talks about African American migrations (not Jewish genealogy, but interesting, nonetheless).
• Judy G. Russell, the Legal Genealogist, talks about legislation pending in the House of Representatives that, if signed into law, will have far-reaching effects on access to the Social Security Death Index.

Special Feature: One may participate in the chat board during the live podcast on Friday nights (I am usually otherwise engaged on Fridays, so I listen to the recorded version the next day).  There have, at times, been more than 60 people on the chat board discussing the show, giving Thomas feedback and posing questions for guests.  Links mentioned in the discussion are often posted on the chat board. So, one misses those if one does not listen live. One may access the chat board by logging in with an account set up on Blog Talk Radio or via FaceBook. Every episode opens with directions for accessing the chat board.

Access: 

• via Blog Talk Radio (live or recorded) - Every Friday night in the USA (9 pm Eastern; 8 pm Central; 7 pm Mountain; 6 pm Pacific; 2 am London; 1 pm Sydney, Australia) : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/geneabloggers
• via iTunes: search for Geneabloggers. One may download individual episodes or subscribe to the show.  The most recent show is usually available immediately after the live show airs. If you subscribe, new episodes will automatically be delivered to your iTunes podcast folder. 
• Show Notes: http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/geneabloggers-radio

Gen Podcasts: Shpatseer!

Introducing an occasional blog series identifying online locations of genealogical knowledge in both audio and video podcasts with an emphasis on Jewish genealogy. 

A few weeks ago there was quite a bit of traffic on the JewishGen Discussion Group (a Jewish genealogy online moderated forum) about remote access to Jewish genealogical society presentations.  There are some recorded online, but they are hard to locate. 

This got me to thinking about my past year of genealogy education: I’ve spent innumerable hours with my iPod listening to audio podcasts about genealogy. Truth be told, many of the skills that Jewish genealogists need to be successful may be found on podcasts that do not necessarily cater to the Jewish population. Why I’ve even found things of interest listening to genealogy podcasts about Black slaves and slave holders, and 18th Century New Englanders [none of my ancestors were even thinking of coming to America until the 1880s, so my family is blameless – and also mostly clueless!] – but I digress.

I listen only occasionally to video podcasts. When I do listen, I tend to select them to acquire knowledge about a particular subject or skill. Video podcasts require that I sit in front of my computer rather than traipse around the neighborhood, as I usually do with audio podcasts. Sitting in front of my computer is, indeed, a hardship. I prefer traipsing (shpatseering): exercising the body and the mind – one cannot get more healthful! But, there are just some things that one cannot absorb while pursuing one’s target heart rate. And, after all, I do consider myself to be a visual learner. 

I think every genealogist who wishes to learn more should be exploring the web. And explore one must, because while audio podcasts are easy to locate through the wonders of iTunes, one cannot say the same for pre-recorded video podcasts.  There are many providers and no comprehensive directory.

A podcast is essentially an audio (like a radio show) or video file downloaded to and stored on one's computer.  One may be listen to or watch some of them as they are "broadcast" or streamed.  But the one's I will be discussing are available for storage and easy retrieval at one's leisure on one's computer. Most podcasts are grouped into shows or series with a host. New episodes are available fairly regularly.

The retrieval or download process involves a podcatcher: software (e.g., iTunes, Juice) that allows one to download media files and, if desired, transfer them to portable media players (iPods or any mp3 player). 

Those who create podcasts usually have associated webpages or blogs where one may find show notes: information about each episode that may include the episode summary, guests resumes and links to topic-related websites.

There are thousands of recorded podcasts available on just about any topic imaginable and new ones are coming online every day. In genealogy, there are podcasts to suit most tastes and a variety of ethnic and geographic interests. There are none, at this point, solely dedicated to Jewish genealogy, but many have episodes that would be of interest to those researching their Jewish ancestors. In addition, more and more societies, organizations and commercial enterprises are offering individual audio and video podcasts of live seminars or lectures  or online seminars (called webinars) for free, for a fee or for a paid membership.   

The royalty of podcatchers, iTunes, is also probably the most effective directory for recorded podcasts. If you don't already have it on your PC or Mac, download it at the Apple iTunes website. Once it is on your computer, you may go into iTunes, enter the iTunes Store, and search on a subject, say, "genealogy" or "family history."   The initial results will be general to the iTunes inventory of music, videos, books, podcasts, etc., so be sure to click on "podcasts" under the filter option to focus the results. Experiment with "iTunesU," as well - there may be some interesting more academically-oriented shows. 

Search results will indicate both shows and individual episodes. One may download individual episodes or subscribe (for free) to the shows.  By clicking subscribe, one has access to all episodes of a show. If the show is still producing new episodes, one will be guaranteed to receive new episodes as they become available. You'll find that there are many defunct shows stored and available on iTunes. Be sure to check these out, as well.  The fact that they are no longer in production, does not necessarily reflect on quality.

Other options for finding podcasts include (the old standby) Google search,  Podcast Alley, Podcast Directory and Podbean. And don't forget YouTube.com. Individual videos and YouTube Channels (groupings of episodes by one provider) relevant to family history are numerous. A recent search on "genealogy" filtered by channels showed 563 channels.

Geneawebinars is an excellent blog for upcoming online live (slide/video) seminars in genealogy. Unfortunately, many of these are offered mid-week and mid-day, making it difficult for those of us who are unavailable during the work-week to listen or watch. A few are available for download after the live presentation. And while iTunes seems to have nearly cornered the market as an audio podcast directory and does include some video offerings, there are many video podcasts on the web that are not listed on iTunes. The Learning Center, for example, at FamilySearch.org, has several hundred lessons in audio and video formats. These are, for the most part, not loaded on YouTube or available via iTunes.

In posts to follow, my intention is to identify pre-recorded genealogy educational opportunities from a variety of sources available for download to ones computer and portable player. If you know of or your organization offers recorded online audio or video podcasts (free or behind a membership wall) that would be of interest to readers, please let me know.

In the meantime, find and download some family history podcasts on your computer.  You may listen to the shows while sitting at your computer or transfer the show to your iPod (or other MP3 player) and shpatseer.

Cooke-ing at the Arizona Family History Expo, 20-21 Jan 2012

My short trip to Mesa, Arizona this past weekend afforded me the opportunity for some genealogy rock star worship.  I saw Lisa Louise Cooke in action. She gave three presentations at the Arizona Family History Expo 2012 and I sat in on two of them: “How the genealogist can remember everything with Evernote!” and “Common surname Google search strategies.”

Other genealogists have provided talks, webinars and articles regarding problems with researching those with common surnames, but Lisa’s talk is Google-centric and rich in search strategies. She also keeps things fresh with updates on changes in Google searches, specifically the demise of the “+” symbol as a search tool and the use of alternative tools.  Lisa’s presentation focused on using effective Google search to extract the best results, not the most results.  This is certainly a welcome strategy considering how easy it is to get overwhelmed with results.

I have been interested in Evernote for a while. After all, what genealogist overwhelmed with data can resist the promise of easy note-taking on your computer and among your electronic devices.  Lisa’s talk about Evernote as a genealogical tool for capturing and tagging information for easy retrieval was welcome.  This was her first run on this presentation, apparently, so one may expect improvement in the flow next time.  But, I have no complaints – having received what I came for: an understanding of the power of the application and how I may employ it to help my research.  I am particularly intrigued by the possibilities of sharing information and collaborating with others through Evernote.

I must say I have been an unabashed fan of Lisa Louise Cooke since last January’s Arizona Family History Expo 2011 when she delivered a tour de force presentation using Google Earth.  I had the feeling everyone in the room wanted to run off right then and there and use kmz files.  Since then, I have listened to all of her free Family History Made Easy (beginning genealogy) and Genealogy Gems podcast series and the past year of the FamilyTree Magazine podcasts. I have also subscribed and listened to her paid subscription podcast Genealogy Gems Premium.  With my iPod loaded with Lisa, my walks around the neighborhood have flown by. And I have used my exercise time to improve my genealogy research (if not my BMI). She is far and away the best interviewer in genealogy cyberspace.  One only has to listen to her November podcasts with Annie’s Ghosts author Steve Luxenberg to appreciate her perceptive questions and conversational skills.

Find her at Genealogygems.tv or subscribe to her podcasts via iTunes.  She also has a new book out: Everything you Need to Know About…How to Find Your Family History in Newspapers. I purchased one of the first available and got it signed(!).  More on the book later.

I wonder if she plays heir guitar?