Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society (BRGHS)

Back again! with meeting news...

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I don't know how but for some strange cyberland reason I have been locked out of this account for awhile but the BRGHS group blog is BACK in business! The next meeting of BRGHS will be at the Family History Center in the Latter Day Saints building on Highland Road. The meeting is in the building at the top of the hill, not in the temple.

The speakers will be Pam Rabalais Vinci, Ryan Aldridge & Jenna Kuttruff from the LSU School of Human Ecology. Together they will speak on “Passing Through The Veil” providing a historical account of 18th century mourning dress and funeral customs, including the manner of burial dress from three Louisiana funerals, and the Victorian custom of post-mortem photographs of loved ones. A great October theme! Be there at 10:00 a.m. on October 17th!

Genealogy Librarian will Attend Conference

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Cassandra Fedrick, the genealogy librarian for East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries, is headed to the Windy City-Chicago-this weekend to attend the American Library Association Conference. The ALA offers this conference every year in different parts of the country. This is her first ALA experience. The conference will host seminars on topics such as digital library issues, creating workable library space for senior users, tools for administration and leadership, and new library trends. Look for a report on her ALA activities to come!

Seminar on reseacrh for Missing Persons and Adoptees

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Got missing links ? Who doesn't in the genealogy game. However it is especially difficult to begin family history research without the knowledge of who your parents are. This happens more often than you would think in a world of foster care, adoptions, and abandonments. To help bridge that immediate gap the genealogy staff at the Bluebonnet library has contacted a representative from the Department of Social Services and ABC Adoption support group to make a special presentation on these issues. The genealogy librarian will also present information about research strategies, history of the orphan trains and local orphanages. Participation in this event which takes place September 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. is limited to 50 people. Call 763-2283 and reserve your place.

Dulcimer Music Adds Notes to Meeting

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Come tap your toes to the lively sounds of the local dulcimer group as they play for the Baton Rouge Genealogy and Historical society meeting on July 18th at 10 a.m. The name of the instrument means "sweet tone" and that is exactly what you hear when this group plays. Join in the fun and get a chance to meet some of the genealogy group members hosting this event. Light refreshments will be served.

Do's and Don'ts to Preserving Family Heirlooms

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:46:00 +0000

The BRGHS presents, Doug Harrison, Conservator, LA State Archives who will speak on "Keeping the Old New Again.” His talk will cover important do’s and don’ts for the preservation of historic and older items such as photographs, legal documents, Bibles, and other paper items. Mr. Harrison is responsible for conserving items at State Archives. The meeting is at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library 9200, Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served.

BRGHS May 16th REMINDER

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:50:00 +0000

The BRGHS presents Clark Forest as he offers a down home talk about the "Free state of Livingston -Questions you always meant to ask." His style includes gentle humor as he discusses the history, establishment, and historic highlights of the area. The talk will be in the Bluebonnet Library meeting room, May 16, 2009 at 10 a.m with refreshments.

Do you twitter? The Library Does!

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:31:00 +0000

The EBR library now has a twitter update available. If you want to know what is happening at the library, click on the title above and it will take you to the library's twitter webpage. Genealogists all over the U.S. have been twittering as well. Join in the conversation and see what it's about. It's free and fun.

Want to design a decorative family tree?

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Cassie, our BRGHS librarian, is willing to start a Genealogy Crafts session in June for those interested in creating decorative family displays or gifts such as a family tree, painted crests, t-shirt designs, and more. If you are interested please call the library at 763-2283 and leave your name and email for future notifications about this special summer session.

Preserving Your Family Treasures

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:02:00 +0000

If you need help organizing and properly caring for your treasures then come listen to EBR Parish Library's Archivist, Melissa Eastin, discuss better ways to safeguard them for the future.

Her presentation will be on May 20, at the Bluebonnet Library at 10:30 a.m. the library is located at 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. in Baton Rouge.

Got questions about the Free State of Livingston?

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:45:00 +0000

You're invited!

BRGHS presents the

"Free state of Livingston -Questions you always meant to ask"

by Clark Forrest.

May 16, 2009

10 a.m with refreshments

His talk will be a down-home account "spoken in Livingstonian" with gentle humor, focusing on the establishment, early settlement, and historic highlights of the area. The talk will be , at the Bluebonnet Library meeting room, starting at . Come on in and visit with us!

David Madden Discusses "Lincoln and Louisiana"

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

David Madden, chair of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, will be present at the Baton Rouge Historical and Genealogical Society on Saturday, March 21st, at 10:30 a.m. to present a very little known story of Lincoln's Louisiana connections. Lincoln visited New Orleans in 1831 and made a plan to use Louisiana as a model for a kinder, gentler reconstruction. The plans were made and set in motion shortly before his death. Come listen to this fascinating discussion at the Bluebonnet Library at 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. in Baton Rouge. The meeting is free and open to the public.

FOOTNOTE.COM class at Bluebonnet Library

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Footnote was designed to allow people to interact with documents and pages that they find and add their own information and insights. At 10:30 a.m. on March 18th and 28th, the library staff will introduce Footnote with a short class designed to help you create a a free basic account, create your own Footnote page, browse and find documents.

To add something to Footnote you'll need a free member account so that other site visitors will know where the information came from and so that you can come back later and update, remove or manage the things you've added. With your Footnote account, you'll have access to premium images provided by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library for FREE! You will also be able to add annotations, make comments or create your own Footnote Pages.

Join us and start making your own Footnotes in history! 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70810. Pre-register by calling 763-2283.

LA State Archives Holds Conference March 7th

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:32:00 +0000

9 to 4:30
3851 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

The State Archives in Louisiana has long been recognized as one of the many outstanding resources for genealogy and local history in this area. This year the Archives is hosting a conference which we hope will be one of many more to come. Several speakers from Louisiana genealogical and historical holdings will be available, making presentations to educate and inform you all day. Table space for societies and other genealogy or history representatives will be available upon request. Call 922-1196 or 922-1208 for details. Registration forms are also available at the Bluebonnet Genealogical Library.

DNA Project Manager speaks on Indian Ancestry

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Robert B. Noles is a genealogist and DNA program Manager for at least 20 DNA projects. BRGHS is pleased to announce he will be present on Feb 21 at the Bluebonnet Library to discuss the four kinds of genealogical DNA tests available and explain how they can help determine your Native American ancestry. The meeting starts at 10a.m. Refreshments are served. All our programs are FREE and open to the public. Join us and find out what's new in in family history today

PAF a good program for Beginners

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Personal Ancestral File (PAF) is a free genealogy and family history program offered by the Church of Latter Day Saints. PAF allows you to quickly and easily collect, organize and share your family history and genealogy information. A new class is scheduled at Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library for February 11th, Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. to introduce this software and demonstrate its uses. Pre-register by calling 763-2283.

African American Research Classes

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:13:00 +0000

The Bluebonnet Library Genealogy collection houses an impressive array of resources. If you haven't been there, grab your files and get going! The collection focuses mostly on the southern states but books, microfilm and periodical resources cover almost all states. The Bluebonnet Library staff hosts a number of classes that are great for beginner to intermediate researchers. The staff librarian, Cassandra Fedrick, is willing to take appointments for in depth research issues. Her consultations can help with strategy, organization, specialty research problems and brick wall brainstorming. She teaches many of the classes offered and this month's focus is on African American research in honor of Black History month. See the schedule below:

Feb 16th, 1:00 p.m. Pride Branch

Feb. 25th 10:30 a.m. Bluebonnet Branch

Feb 25th, 3:00 p.m. Baker Branch

Library locations and maps can be found at: http://www.ebr.lib.la.us/branch/locations.htm

Conference Announcements

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:56:00 +0000

It is the time of year when conference spring up like flowers in a cemetery. Suddenly they are everywhere! There are a couple coming to the Baton Rouge area that you don't want to miss.

March 7, 2009 Louisiana State Archives Conference
The State Archives in Louisiana has long been recognized as one of the many outstanding resources for genealogy and local history in this area. This year they are hosting a conference which we hope will be one of many more to come. Several speakers from Louisiana genealogical and historical holdings will be available and making presentations to educate and inform you all day. This conference has just been announced by Jay Dardenne and table space for societies and other representatives in the field will be available upon request. Call 922-1196 or 922 1208 for details.

Louisiana State Archives Genealogical Conference

3851 Essen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70809

March 7 , 2009

April 18, 2009 LGS Conference
The annual Louisiana Genealogical conference is hosting Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD who is a nationally recognized expert in Forensic genealogy. She has written several books and presented at conferences nationwide. Fitzpatrick contends that forensic scientists and genealogists share the same goal–to find out who was who, and who did what and when. In explaining how to analyze photographs, to mine databases, and to use DNA analysis to reveal family history, forensic genealogy emphasizes the creative parts of an investigation over the mechanics.

Using the forensic investigation techniques can help you make unconventional discoveries from surprising sources, gain an understanding of how your ancestors lived, and develop fascinating insights into your family history. The annual conference will be held at the:

Embassy Suites Hotel

4914 Constitution Ave, in Baton Rouge

on 18 April, 2009

from 9 to 4 p.m.

Registration for members is $30 before March 31, 2009. Non-members and late registrants will be charged $35. On-site registration is available from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.

Lunch will be provided at an additional cost of $16. For more information and a registration form come by the Bluebonnet genealogy room and pick up an application of visit the LGS website at

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~la-lghs/

Tracing Your Indian Ancestry Through DNA

BRGHSinfo@gmail.com (BRGHS) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:50:00 +0000

An Irishman on the Manchac

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:29:00 +0000

Dr. Paul McKeough will recount life on the bayou through the story of John McKeough, a farmer and merchant, who capitalized on land opportunities to British Army and Navy veterans of the 18th century.

This meeting, sponsored by BRGHS, will be held at the Louisiana state Archives at 3851 Essen Lane between I-10 and I-12. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 17th, and as always is FREE and open to the public.

Newspapers on Microfilm at Bluebonnet Library

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:16:00 +0000

The following newspapers are on microfilm in the Genealogy Department of
East Baton Rouge Parish Library's Bluebonnet Regional Branch (at 9200 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA).

Please note that scattered issues may be missing. We have a small staff and can not accommodate general lookup requests. If you have a specific date you need checked for specific information, we may be able to copy an article for you and email or mail it. Copy and postage fees may apply. Please route your requests through the "Ask a Librarian" link on our home page: www.ebr.lib.la.us.

Baton Rouge Newspapers:

Republic. 19 Mar 1822--30 Aug 1823 (1 reel)

Baton Rouge Gazette. 3 Mar 1827--29 Jan 1853 (8 reels)

Daily Comet. 1 Sept 1852--2 Feb 1856 (4 reels)

Weekly Comet. 29 May 1853--30 Dec 1855 (1 reel)

Morning Comet. 5 Feb 1856--27 Dec 1856 (2 reels)

Daily Gazette and Comet. 30 Dec 1856--29 Dec 1860 (8 reels)

Weekly Gazette and Comet. 27 Dec 1856--22 Mar 1873 (3 reels)

Baton Rouge Tri-Weekly Gazette and Comet. 1 July 1865--18 Mar 1873 (2 reels)

Louisiana Capitolian. 8 Feb 1879--17 Jan 1882 (4 reels)

Weekly Truth. 9 Sept 1882--17 Dec 1886 (3 reels)

New Orleans Newspaper: (also now available online.)

New Orleans Bee. 1 July 1870--30 June 1906 (81 reels)

Ideas for Holiday Heirloom Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Christmas holidays are almost here. If you are looking for gift ideas that are a little different and personal I have some suggestions for you. Why not make this year the beginning of a holiday tradition that includes family history? There will be an idea sharing session at the Baker Branch library on Wednesday, Dec 3, at 10 a.m. Models and suggestions will be available to view or copy. Bring your own ideas and share them as well. We will not actually make any ornaments or decorations in this session- just share ideas.

Hope to see you there!

Christmas Social coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Every December the BRGHS hosts a Christmas social at the Bluebonnet Genealogical Library. This is a great chance to come meet the members in an informal setting. If you have been thinking about coming to one of the meetings, put this date on your calendar and plan to visit. We have refreshments and delightful talk.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

10 a.m.

Bluebonnet Library

9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA

Return to Iwo Jima, presented by Thomas Moore

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:39:00 +0000

November 15, 2008, 10 a.m.,
at the Bluebonnet Library,
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge

For some years, access to Iwo Jima, site of the historic raising of the flag in World War II, has been strictly limited, but our speaker this month received approval to visit the island recently. Veteran Thomas Moore, head of Lagniappe Studies at LSU, will present vivid photographs and a moving account of his visit to the hilltop and to the “apartments” (caves) where 20,000 Japanese died (and remain), as well as his exchange with U.S. veterans and Japanese drawn back to that fateful site. Through seldom-seen historic photographs and his own pictures, he shows the island as it was then and as it is today. Featured also is a surprising account and photos of the Enola Gay and its connection to the island, as well as an exhibit of the soil in which the U.S. flag was planted. Invite a World War II veteran or two to accompany you to this special program.

Look who's coming in 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:21:00 +0000

The Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical society is already lining up speakers for 2009. This group meets on the third Saturday each month to explore topics in history and genealogy. Come share a cup of coffee and join the discussion!

Sat., Jan 17, 2009
Paul McKeough, BRGHS member & officer
This meeting will be held at the State Archives, on Essen Rd, Baton Rouge.

“An Irishman on the Manchac” – Paul will recount life on the bayou from 1779 to 1803 through the story of John McKeough (McHugh), who capitalized on land opportunities to British Army and Navy veterans of the 18th century and was both a farmer and merchant on the bayou.

Sat., Feb 21, 2009
Robert B. Noles, Genealogist & DNA Program Manager
Meeting at Bluebonnet Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.

“Tracing Your Indian Ancestry Through DNA” -- This DNA research specialist and manager of 20 DNA projects for genealogical research will discuss four types of genetic genealogical tests and what they can tell you about your Native American ancestry.

Sat., Mar 21, 2009
David Madden, Chair Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
The meeting will be held at the State Archives, Essen Rd, Baton Rouge.

“Lincoln & Louisiana” – Celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday with a very little known story of the President’s unique Louisiana connections – from his visit to New Orleans in 1831 to his plans (made shortly before his death and set in motion) to use Louisiana as the model for a kinder, gentler reconstruction.

Mary Ann Sternberg discusses Bayou Manchac

noreply@blogger.com (Cassie) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:41:00 +0000

Saturday the regular meeting of the Baton Rouge Genealogical and Historical Society will hear a presentation by Mary Ann Sternberg, author, and journalist. She will discuss her book "Bayou Manchac: Winding Through Time” which explores the forgotten past and the present-day perils facing historic Bayou Manchac. Sternberg draws on discoveries she made using the tenacity and skill of a historical detective. The bayou was once the international boundry between Spain and Britian during the colonial period. The meeting will be at 10 AM Saturday October 18 at the BluebonnetLibrary. Visitors are welcome to attend the meeting.