NGS 2009 -- The Building of a Nation, From Roanoke to the West -- Blog

NGS 2009 Conference Business Card

2009-04-17T22:15:00.010-04:00

Make a great first impression! The National Genealogical Society and the North Carolina Genealogical Society have teamed up with VistaPrint to offer business cards for your use at the NGS 2009 Conference in the States in Raleigh.

Take advantage of the ability to order personalized business cards to bring with you to the conference. These cards will include the conference logo alongside your contact information. This will allow you to quickly and easily network with researchers who are also working on your family lines.

Create your card in minutes, receive in as few as 3 days. VistaPrint provides full-color printing on your choice of stock.

For pricing and additional details, visit http://ngs2009.biz.vistaprint.com/

Note: This product is provided for the exclusive use of conference attendees of the 2009 NGS Family History Conference in Raleigh, NC. Use of these products by any other party for any other reason is strictly prohibited.

Taxis -- Airport and Raleigh

2009-04-14T07:58:00.004-04:00

With many of you flying in and/or wanting to get about town -- a taxi may be needed while you are attending the conference.

1. Remember that Elite Coach (responsible for transportation for the various pre-conference tours) is offering a special on its services
2. Transportation from RDU Airport to the Sheridan, Marriott Hotels and the Raleigh Convention Center can be pre-booked online with several providers. The Marriott Hotel staff recommended Blue Van Super Shuttle, and the Sheridan staff suggested both Blue Van Super Shuttle and the White Horse Transportation, Inc.

The Blue Van Super Shuttle company quoted a price of $16 per person, one way, to the Convention Center and those two hotels. 1-800-258-3826 (1-800-Blue Van). Note: This company is not RideFly. The folks at Blue Van Supershuttle strongly suggest calling them instead of online booking to avoid confusion in website information.

White Horse Transportation quoted $35 for one person and $5 per additional person. 919-782-5893.

Ride Fly is another provider. Their prices are $29 per person, one way or they have group rates. Example: a party of four would be transported for $59.

Other taxi companies that were called quoted prices in the $30-$40 range or declined to provide a specific amount. RDU suggests "typical" one-way fares to assist you.

Visit Raleigh also provides some information on local taxi services -- note that this list is incomplete though will be helpful if you use taxis once in Raleigh.

Depending on your group size you might find White Horse Transportation less expensive. There may also be a difference in the vehicles they use. Take a look online and judge for yourself.

(by: Maryann Tuck & Diane Richard)

Visiting the NC Archives -- Part IV -- DO YOUR HOMEWORK

2009-04-13T16:54:00.002-04:00

If you really want to make the most of a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, we suggest that, if at all possible, you do some homework before you arrive in Raleigh -- this will let you know what is and is not available and allow you to make the best use of your time at the facility!

MARS Catalog ...

For anyone planning a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, a preliminary search using the online MARS (Manuscript and Archives Reference System) Catalog may provide detailed descriptions of records pertaining to your research and expedite your time accessing records once you arrive at the Search Room. A link to the MARS Catalog is available on the website. The system allows patrons the ability to browse collections from the comfort of their home and hopefully confirm that the North Carolina Archives has records beneficial to their family research.

When you click on the link and launch the MARS or Encompass system, you will be directed to the “Browse/Basic Search” page and should find a screen with twenty-three folders or collections that you may search. Before you begin a search, you may want to browse the collection titles by clicking the view description image (lower case “i” in a circle) to the right of the collection name and then select the “view relationships” image. This will show the hierarchical arrangement of the record group, series, and items that are currently cataloged in MARS. You may also browse the collections and find helpful record descriptions at the series or item level. By selecting the folder image beside the collection or record group title, you may also find descriptive information about each series or items within the collection.

After you browsed the collections you can select one, several or all collections to search for a specific family name, geographical location, subject or keyword. Simply type your query into the blank space next to the “search” image and click the “search” button. Be sure to check the specific collection or collections you want to search or click the “select all” button to avoid overlooking a collection. After the search is complete, the Results Summary page should appear with the collection title on the left and the number of hits listed on the right. Then select the hits image to view the list and then select the “view description” image for a description of the record. If you found a record that may be helpful in your research, either print the page and bring it with you on your visit to the NC Archives or write down the title of the record along with the MARS ID number and the call number. The Search Room staff will need the call number to locate the actual record; however the MARS ID number would be helpful in the retrieval process. Also note that you may search and view scanned images of original records, such as 1885 Confederate pension applications and some estate records, land and Governor’s papers from the colonial era. Of course putting images of original records, such as marriage bonds, in a searchable online database is an ongoing project of the archives, so be on the lookout for new additions to the MARS catalog.

Please note that the MARS Catalog does not include descriptions of every item in the custody of the North Carolina, so do not be discouraged if your search does not yield any results. [Editor's note -- there is a physical card catalog and other print research aids available in the search room.] Nevertheless the catalog still has an immense number of collections to search and can sometimes seem slow and cumbersome. The Archives is currently looking into updating the database system to one with more storage space for digital images and faster search time. But if you are patient and spend time becoming familiar with the MARS Catalog, you will be better prepared and knowledgeable of the vast collection of records at the North Carolina State Archives.

Record Types Link ...

Another way to get familiar with the North Carolina Archives before making a visit would be to peruse the website. One item that genealogy researchers should take note of is the information regarding county records under the “Record Types” link. Since the vast majority of court and probate records are kept together by the county in which the record was filed, one would need to know the primary county of residence of a family before delving into these records. On the webpage is a link to the Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives: County Records. It is a list of records from 106 current and defunct counties that are available to our researchers. Also available are links to container lists for wills and estates from a few of our counties, as well as definitions of the types of county records in our custody.

Services Link ...

Anyone planning a visit should review the “Services” link on the website because it explains the access and security procedures for the search room.

The “Services” link contains another link to “Archival Information Circulars” which provide helpful guidelines on some popular resources at the North Carolina State Archives.

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In the event that your questions have not been answered, feel free to contact the North Carolina Archives staff by phone at 919-807-7310 or email us at archives@ncdcr.gov. If you send an inquiry by email, please note in the subject heading “NGS visitor” so that your question gets forwarded to one of the reference archivists.

Please note that you can learn more about electronic resources maintained by the North Carolina Archives and Library and attend the conference class “Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots” scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00p.m.

Thank you for your interest in visiting the North Carolina State Archives and we look forward to meeting and assisting you in person.

Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society

2009-04-13T16:35:00.003-04:00

Since 1981, Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society has worked to increase the interest in and to raise the standards of genealogical research. The Society's 265 members located in 31 states all receive The Messenger, a monthly newsletter, and the OMGS Quarterly.

The Messenger informs members of programs, genealogical events, news about members, and acquistions in the Carolina Room of the Public Library and lists current Society publications for sale.

For 25 years, the Society has issued the Quarterly, with an emphasis on historic Mecklenburg County, formed from Anson County in 1762, including at that time territory that has been divided into other counties in both Carolinas. A prize-winning publication, the Quarterly covers all aspects of family research, such as Bible and church records, family histories, and government documents.

The Society's monthly programs help to further members' understanding of the standards and techniques of genealogy. OMGS also sponsors workshops, some in conjunction with the Carolina Room of the Charlotte Public Library, including one on the role of genetics in genealogy. Another, co-sponsored with the North Carolina Genealogical Society in July 2008, "From Ulster to the Carolinas: Finding Your Scots-Irish Ancestors," was an all-day presentation by David E.Rencher from the Family and Church History Department of the LDS Church in Salt Lake City.

In addition to its periodicals, OMGS has published a number of books, including a series in progress on local cemeteries. The Society also sells books written by members, including a comprehensive series of abstracts by Herman Ferguson of Mecklenburg court minutes, deeds,wills, and tax lists. Publications and the Quarterly are indexed.

In mid-2005 the Society realized its longtime dream of an Archives to store its collection of books, periodicals, family files, and ancestor charts submitted by members, issues of the Quarterly, copies of other regional society quarterlies, and books on various families, Charlotte/Mecklenburg, North Carolina and other states, and genealogy in general. Volunteers continue to compile computerized indexes to provide easier access by researchers. A 15-second search of all indexes with approximately 550,000 surname listings including 18,000 from the family files and more than 53,000 from the Quarterly (60 percent complete) saves a huge amount of time when reviewing holdings. Donations of family research papers, books, and several collections of material from experienced researchers have been welcomed.

The Archives, located at the Park Ministry complex on Independence Boulevard, is open on Tuesdays, 10-12; Thursdays, 10-12 and 1-4; and the third Saturday each month, 10-2.

The Society meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Community Center, Aldersgate, a Methodist retirement community, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina. A sister group in north Mecklenburg, the Hopewell Group, meets on the second Saturday of most months in Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

More details about Olde Mecklenburg Genealogical Society and its activities as well as the list of publications and index to Quarterly articles are on the website.

Handicap Parking in Raleigh

2009-04-13T15:20:00.003-04:00

Recognizing that some conference attendees will be using cars and possibly Handicap parking placards, here is a bit of information about Handicap parking in Raleigh.

1. If you have a Handicap parking placard and park in a metered spot, you can park for the entire day for free. IMPORTANT NOTE: these spots go early as there is currently no time limit for how long a car with a Handicap placard may remain in such a spot.

2. The parking decks do have designated Handicap parking spots -- you will be charged the going hourly/daily rate for that parking deck.

3. As far as the Convention Center goes -- The decks that are located nearby have Handicap parking on street level with ease of access to the Convention Center. There is also parking on the street around the convention center (see #1 above).

Society Night

2009-04-07T10:30:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the mezzanine area of the convention center will play host to Society Night. Free and open to the public, many county genealogical and historical societies from all over North Carolina and nearby states will have representatives displaying information about their group's activities, answering questions about area repositories and resources, and selling publications and books. This is a great opportunity to network with genealogists from your research areas and to learn more about how you can benefit from the many societies' offerings. Live piano music will add ambiance to the evening. The exhibit hall will also be open that evening until 7:00 PM.

A free lecture series will also be offered at 7:00 PM:

1. "How Our Ancestors Moved over the Land in Olden Times: Land Transport Capabilities and Limitations in Colonial Carolina" presented by Tom Magnuson from the Trading Path Association.

2. "Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots." Druscie Simpson and Christy Allen from the North Carolina State Library and Archives will present a guided tour of the North Carolina State Archives/State Library's digital resources, such as the Archives' MARS catalog, and will showcase digitized publications and records related to genealogy.

3."Melungeon Voices" is a film by Julie Williams Dixon and Warren Gentry. The Melungeons of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have been shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years with theories of who they might be ranging from descendants of the Lost Colony to descendants of shipwrecked sailors who intermarried with Native Americans. For any genealogist looking for a Melungeon ancestor, this one-hour documentary film is a must see. Part genealogy, part geography, part genetics, the story of the Melungeons offers a fascinating look into the earliest days of America and how people put aside ethnic and racial differences to survive.

4. "Irish Emigration to America and Canada," presented by Mary Sullivan from the Irish History Foundation, will explain the reasons for the pattern of emigration from Ireland to America and Canada - who was affected and why.

5. "The Journey of an Ancestry Record: How an Image on Ancestry.com Gets From the Archives to the Website" will be presented by Laryn Brown from Ancestry.com.

What an Awesome Week to Visit Raleigh!!!

2009-03-28T09:30:00.007-04:00

There are a number of wonderful cultural events being offered in May the week of the NGS Conference! Whether you are interested in fine dining, theater, music or art, Raleigh has something for almost everyone.

Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival 2009

Artsplosure's spring arts festival is one of North Carolina's most acclaimed and well attended outdoor arts festivals, attracting more than 70,000 people annually to Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. The event is free to the public and features more than 250 visual and performing artists. It is scheduled this year on May 16 & 17, from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

(Photo: C. Biondi) For more details: http://www.artsplosure.org/

Theatre in the Park

Presents: Romeo & Juliet

Theatre in the Park will stage a special production of Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET,
featuring Evan Rachel Wood and Justin Long on May 15 - 17, 2009.

For tickets and additional information: http://www.theatreinthepark.com/

2009 Triangle Restaurant Week: From traditional southern cook'n to global cuisine, Restaurant Week is proud to feature some of the established favorites as well as new restaurants which have opened up over the past year!

Participating restaurants are offering fixed priced, three-course meals including an appetizer, an entree and dessert for just $15.00 for lunch, and $25.00 for dinner. Reservations are not necessary, but are recommended!

For a listing of participating restaurants and additional informations, call (919) 673-3974 or

visit http://www.trirestaurantweek.com/

Art in the Evening:

North Carolina Museum of Art

Unwind with us! On Fridays linger with soft jazz and a glass of wine from our lobby wine bar before the film series. Enjoy free docent-led tours at 6:30pm and stroll through the galleries.

One of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast, featuring a collection spanning 5,000 years, from classical to contemporary. The Museum Restaurant and Store complete your visit. For more information call (919) 715-5923

or visit http://www.ncartmuseum.org/

Carolina Bluegrass Music Festival 2 : Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Featuring lively bluegrass music and 5 Grammy nominated national bluegrass acts including: The Del McCoury Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Tony Rice Unit, IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Al Batten & the Bluegrass Reunion, and No Strings Attached.

For tickets and information :

(919) 462-2025

http://www.carolinabluegrassfestival.com/

North Carolina Museum of History -- Update -- New Exhibits!

2009-03-23T16:14:00.004-04:00

With the conference fast approaching -- it's time to give you an update on what exhibits will be at the NC Museum of History in May!

Free Exhibits ....

ELECTED TO SERVE: NORTH CAROLINA’S GOVERNORS

This exhibit offers an insightful look at nearly 300 years of gubernatorial history. The state’s foremost leader has always faced challenges, from pirate encounters during colonial times to today’s budget concerns. Many twists and turns along the way have left a colorful history.

It explores how governors have shaped our state and improved Tar Heel life in areas such as agriculture, industry and education. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of several first ladies to North Carolina. Additional sections focus on political campaigns, voting and inaugural traditions.

EVERYDAY ARTISTRY

For centuries, many people in North Carolina made what they needed with what they had on hand. They transformed flour-sack cloth into clothing, tobacco twine into crocheted bedspreads, local wood into household furniture, and other available materials into useful items. Sometimes they adorned their creations with decorative embellishments.

This exhibit showcases a variety of utilitarian, yet decorative, items made by North Carolinians. Spanning three centuries, the exhibit features more than 50 items ranging from handcrafted furniture and toys to kitchen utensils and a variety of quilts.

MUSEUM SLEUTHS: WHATCHAMACALLITS AND THINGAMAJIGS

An 8-year-old accompanies her mother to an antique shop, and she spies an odd-looking contraption. “What’s this?” she asks, while reaching for a 1960s record player. Before you know it, items like record players or rotary-dial phones become objects of mystery for the next generation.
This exhibit spotlights a selection of unusual items that will befuddle or bemuse you. It features 21 objects from the museum’s collection of more than 150,000 artifacts. This small exhibit includes items ranging from a large object shaped like an elephant’s trunk to a gadget resembling a miniature water tower. Try to guess the identity of each one before revealing the answer. However, this may be quite a challenge because some artifacts date to the 1700s.

Paid Admission Required ....

KNIGHTS of the BLACK FLAG

Marauders. Plunderers. Bloodthirsty sea-thieves. Whatever their name, pirates have wreaked havoc on the high seas since waterway travel began. This exhibit will explore the legacy of pirates, from ancient times to the present, through intriguing artifacts, legends and history that bring their ruthless adventures to life.

It traces the history of piracy from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through today’s pirates in Somalia. Artifacts, some dating to the early centuries A.D., represent tangible links to a violent past.

Central to the story are the fearless exploits of sword-wielding, pistol-toting characters such as Stede Bonnet, Anne Bonny, Mary Read and the most famous of all — Blackbeard. Hundreds of artifacts, including cannons, a ship’s bell and gold dust, will be on view from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the shipwreck discovered at Beaufort Inlet in 1996. Blackbeard and his crew terrorized victims along North Carolina’s coast from this ship that ran aground in 1718. Amid tools, diving equipment, and videos of underwater archaeologists at the shipwreck site, visitors witness the discovery, excavation and conservation of one of the largest pirate ships ever to sail in the Spanish Main.

The exhibit allows young visitors to step inside a pirate’s life, to handle pirate weapons, to capture ships and try on pirate clothes. They can watch for pirates from the crow’s nest, defend their ship from a pirate attack, and experience firsthand what it is like to be a pirate.

Ticket and Group Tour Information -- Admission is free for ages 18 and under. The fee is $5 for ages 19 and up; $4 for senior citizens, active military personnel and adult groups of 10 or more.

NOTE: This exhibit will be open (free of charge) for those attending the Dessert Reception at the museum on Thursday, May 14th!

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Check here for a complete overview of the current exhibits.

All images courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History.

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives and State Library of NC! Part III -- HOURS

2009-03-23T15:04:00.003-04:00

This continues a series of pieces about the NC archives (and in this case, the State Library of North Carolina also since they will be open at the same times during NGS 2009)! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives and State Library of North Carolina -- Part III -- HOURS

In anticipation of the NGS 2009 conference, the NC Archives will be open extended hours to accomodate conference attendees. The schedule is as follows ....

Saturday, May 9 -- 9am-5pm (NO closure at lunchtime)
Sunday, May 10 -- CLOSED
Monday, May 11 -- 8am-6pm (Archives not normally open on Mondays -- special access for conference attendees)
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, May 12, 13 & 15 -- 8am-6pm
Thursday, May 14 -- 8am-9pm (the only evening that the archives will be open -- corresponds with the Dessert reception at the North Carolina Museum -- these are across the street from one another)
Saturday, May 16 -- 9am-5pm (NO closure at lunchtime)

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives! Part II

2009-03-23T14:40:00.007-04:00

This continues a series of pieces about the NC archives! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives -- Part II

The previous piece talked about County Records -- let's look at other record groups held by the archives ...

1. State Level Records

There are black notebooks that contain finding aids for all the state agencies in the search room near the card catalog. These finding aids describe the agency and give you call numbers for requesting the records. There are card files for a few of the larger and more useful series within certain agencies, such as General Assembly records, which are even more precisely described.

Secretary of State is one of the largest of the state agencies and certainly the most useful for the genealogical researchers. The collection contains numerous types of records. Land grants, tax lists, and wills and estates prior to 1798 are probably the most helpful. One of these series deserves special mention--the Secretary of State Land Grants. These records, which are simply deeds in which the grantor is the state or the crown, are being filmed and made available on microfilm in the microfilm room. Currently we have microfilm for Alamance County through the first part of Wilkes County. Few land grants have any genealogical information on them at all, although they are invaluable for tracing land.

State Auditor records--Civil War pensions is probably the most valuable series in this record group because it contains two groups of pension applications made by Civil War veterans and/or their widows in 1885 and 1901. The names of these veterans are on MARS. There are also hard copy indices of all the men or their widows who received pensions under both laws.

2. Federal Level Records

The Archives has some of the microfilmed federal records because they are invaluable to genealogists. They include the federal census records for 1790-1930 and all are indexed either in hard copy or microfilm. The Archives also has the military service records of soldiers, marines, and sailors that served in the Confederacy and a few records of the Revolution.

3. Military Records

Military records are of great interest to genealogists and they tend to appear at almost all levels of government--county, state and federal.

Colonial wars and militia returns are records which primarily include lists of men serving in the militia for various periods and include the Spanish Invasion of 1742-1748, Frontier Scouting and Indian Wars 1758-1788, War of the Regulation 1768-1779. The records are not complete.

Revolutionary War--Most of the records of this war are located at the National Archives (i.e. service, pension). The Archives has some Army Account books which list men and amounts of money paid them. These lists give no other information and do not necessarily indicate service as a soldier; they may prove patriotic service. The Archives also has some pay vouchers on microfilm, which give a name, amount of money paid, and sometimes the reason for the payment.

War of 1812--Muster rolls and pay vouchers

Mexican War-- Roster of troops that has been published and is available in the search room

Civil War-- A roster of Confederate troops is currently being compiled by Historic Publications called North Carolina Troops and so far 16 volumes have been published and are available in the search room. This roster is complete only to the 68th regiment, as well as Thomas’ Legion, but is very thorough for those regiments. In compiling the roster, the editors are using newspapers, muster and pay rolls, service records as well as other sources available in the Archives’ Civil War collection. Included in the State Auditor’s records are Confederate pension records. Also previously mentioned are the service records of Confederate soldiers on microfilm, as are the records of some of the Federal prisons that held Confederate prisoners of war, such as Point Lookout, MD, and Elmira, NY. The Civil War Collection includes a large array of records, all unindexed and somewhat tedious to access, such as muster rolls, clothing allowances, regimental records, some reminiscences and various other types of records. A large, detailed finding aid is available in the search room.

Spanish-American War--A roster of troops has been published and is in the search room.

The Archives has some material for more modern wars and detailed finding aids are available in the Search Room.

The important thing about wars is that they are generally financed and run by the national governing body rather than the state so the National Archives or the military are the most likely places to have custody of these records. The Confederacy, of course, was the financing body for the South in the Civil War but their records were confiscated by the federals when they took Richmond, making their records part of the national body of records. There may be auxiliary records at the state and local levels but the bulk of the records are created and maintained at the federal level.

4. Additional types of records useful to genealogists

Colonial Court Records--These records cover the period 1680-1767 and are some of the oldest, and certainly most significant, records in the Archives. There are a few records from the 1670s and 80s, but starting with 1694 they are pretty complete. There are estates records from 1665-1775 and there is a list of the intestates in the search room. Many of these records have been published in the State and Colonial Records series, the latter of which is now available on line at UNC’s website.

District Superior Court Records--These records cover the periods 1760-1772, 1778-1806. NC was divided into five districts each having its own independent court. These courts maintained jurisdiction over civil actions involving values over 50 as well as criminal actions in which punishment could involve loss of life or member. The districts were Edenton, Halifax, New Bern, Salisbury, and Wilmington. Hillsborough was added in 1768 and after 1778 additional districts were added as they were needed. In 1806 superior courts were added to every county in the state and District Superior Courts were closed.

Private Collections—The North Carolina State Archives is unusual in having over 1800 private collections, that is, collections of private papers of individuals, primarily those papers of people of importance in North Carolina’s history. These include the private papers of governors, legislators, prominent land owners, as well as papers that deal with events important to the development of North Carolina, such as diaries and letters of soldiers. The collections are described in the Guide to Private Manuscript Collections in the North Carolina State Archives compiled and edited by Barbara T. Cain.

Church records are primarily on microfilm and relatively few in number but can be invaluable to the genealogist. There is a card file finding aid in the microfilm room. Obviously, for most genealogists the most valuable records are membership rolls which sometimes indicate births to and deaths of members. For the most part, however, the reels in the microfilm room are church minutes.

Newspapers--These records are on microfilm and include defunct newspapers in North Carolina. Newspapers are very valuable for the information they contain on their society and obituary pages. They also cover events held in a town or county and may mention participants. Unfortunately they are unindexed.

... the next installment will talk about what hours the NC Archives will be open, how to make the most of online resources in advance of your visit, etc !

In the meantime, to learn more about the NC Archives, visit it's web-site!

Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections Library WILL BE OPEN!

2009-03-09T08:35:00.010-04:00

At the time the conference was being planned, it was thought that the Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections Library would not be open! Due to construction delays, we have learned that this wonderful collection will be open in May.

It has been suggested by the library that anyone planning to visit them to please contact them at special-collections@duke.edu to let them know of your intended dates of research so that they can prepare in terms of space and staffing.

Also, because many of their collections are off-site and have to be ordered from the Library Service Center for use in the Research Room of the library, people should give them at least three day's notice of their arrival if the online catalog record for the material they are interested in says "Special Collections Library Service Center". (Generally it takes 24 hours to get materials from off-site, but if demand gets very heavy, it may take longer.)

For complete information, please check out their main page.

It is also suggested that you access their registration forms online and fill these out ahead of time.

Parking is always a challenge at the university. Here is the link to parking advice and maps . The closest parking deck is aka Parking Garage IV or PG IV on Duke University sources. This is where you can park without having to go back and feed a meter periodically.

Library hours are available off the home page . You can also find the hours of the main library ("Perkins and Bostock") at this site. Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections Library is located in the Perkins Library building.

The hours for May have not yet been posted, but they will be:
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Duke Libraries, except for Special Collections, have open stacks, and so researchers will be able to find and use materials in the main library. However, they will not be able to request main library materials from the Library Service Center unless they have borrowing privileges.

Parking in Downtown Raleigh!

2009-03-08T19:25:00.006-04:00

Parking in Raleigh has never been easier!

Just a few years ago it would have been so much harder. Most of the new construction downtown has been accompanied by the building of new and large parking decks scattered throughout the downtown area!

The new Convention Center has it's own parking deck and the Cabarrus Deck is very close by. Directions for getting to the Convention Center and Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage can be found here.

Street parking is more challenging to find and do watch out for the meter running out. Parking inspectors are very vigilant! Meters are enforced Meters are enforced from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, except for statutory holidays.

And, parking in Raleigh is not expensive ... the lot in front of the NC Archives charges $1/hour up to an $8 maximum. The other lots run from $1-$3 (typical - the convention center deck)/hour with a $12 maximum. Here is the full rate sheet.

For an overview of the locations of the parking decks, check out this map.

And, with the new R-1 circulator service, you can park further from the Convention Center and yet still have convenient access to it.

Dessert Reception at the NC Museum of History

2009-03-08T18:31:00.010-04:00

NC Museum of History Reception

Thursday, May 14th 6:00-9:30p
Cost: $19.50 per person

Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Genealogical Society and the North Carolina Museum of History, we will have the NC Museum of History all to ourselves this evening to explore the many and varied exhibits relating to North Carolina history.

There will be a dessert reception in the museum lobby featuring delicious selections from Irregardless, a popular downtown Raleigh restaurant. Coffee and iced tea will be included.

The museum gift shop will be open and there will be talks given by William Alexander Haley (The Making of Roots), Earl Ijames (Colored Confederates, Myth or Reality?), and Jeffrey Haines (North Carolina People Finders).

NOTE: As a special treat, the exhibit "Knights of the Black Flag" will be open (for free) to those attending this wonderful event! Click here for details on the exhibit.

Conference Lectures & Speakers

2009-03-03T12:57:00.004-05:00

Many of today's most-requested genealogy speakers will be in Raleigh in May--will you? Nearly 100 speakers will present more than 160 talks on topics relevant to today's genealogists and family historians.

Four days of lectures with a total of eighteen time slots to fill with your choice of several talks each hour are waiting for you in Raleigh.

A national conference offers a unique opportunity to hear a wide variety of speakers, all under one roof and all waiting to share their knowledge with you. This year's conference offers lecture topics for every genealogy researcher--from land grants and problem solving to military records and ethnic research; from church and census records to naturalization and immigration topics. Come learn what's new on the Internet and what's new in genealogy software. Check out the conference information on the NGS website and download the conference brochure to begin planning your time at the conference.

Traveling Around Downtown Raleigh is Easier Than Ever!!!

2009-02-10T15:26:00.006-05:00

Raleigh has introduced a new FREE Circulator Bus Loop! The R-Line.

This is so exciting since it will make it easier than ever for conference attendees to get around downtown, especially for evening dining, visiting the archives and museums and participating in the planned Thursday evening events!

The circulator will run during the following hours:

Mon-Wed Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thu-Sat Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:15 AM

Sun Hours: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The route will be served by two buses and the service will run every 10-12 minutes.

Check out this map to get a sense of the lay of the land from an aerial perspective ...

the dirt pits at the bottom is where the convention center and hotel are
go north and you will see the Capitol building surrounded by it's gardens
just north of the Capitol building are the Science and History museum buildings
kitty-corner from the History museum building is where the NC Archives and State Library of NC are located
the western edge of the loop is Glenwood south -- many restaurants are located along this stretch (as well as long Fayetteville Street, right outside the conference hotel)
off the eastern evening route addition you are near Moore Square/City Market -- more options for dining

And, this map shows the circulator route, key buildings and where all the downtown parking lots and decks are!

And, now you can view a Google Map of Circulator Route!

So, if you were worried that you would need to walk, now you'll be able to just hop a bus!

Wednesday's FREE Events -- Don't Miss!!

2009-02-04T10:28:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, 13 May 2009 -- The NGS Conference in the States 2009 has several free events that you will not want to miss!

These events are all FREE and are held in the Convention Center!

Join us for a movie, some free lectures, Society Night and extended shopping hours in the exhibit hall Wednesday evening until 7:00 PM. See the conference website for a list of our many exhibitors including book and software vendors, libraries, and organizations.

Society Night
5:00–7:00 PM
Mezzanine area of conference center

Do you have an ancestor from a North Carolina county? Representatives of many county genealogical and historical societies from all over North Carolina and nearby states will staff booths throughout the mezzanine area of the conference center. Society members will display information about their group’s activities, answer questions about area repositories and resources, and sell publications and books. We will enjoy live piano music throughout the evening.

Evening Lecture Series
7:00 PM

How Our Ancestors Moved over the Land in Olden Times: Land Transport Capabilities and Limitations in Colonial Carolina --Tom Magnuson from the Trading Path Association
Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots -- This presentation will provide a guided tour of the North Carolina State Archives/State Library’s digital resources such as the Archives’ MARS catalog and will showcase digitized publications and records related to genealogy. Participation from attendees is encouraged. Druscie Simpson & Christy Allen from the North Carolina State Library and Archives.
Melungeon Voices, a film by Julie Williams Dixon and Warren Gentry -- The Melungeons of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have been shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years with theories of who they might be ranging from descendants of the Lost Colony to descendants of shipwrecked sailors who intermarried with Native Americans. For any genealogist looking for a Melungeon ancestor, this one-hour documentary fi lm is a must see. Part genealogy, part geography, part genetics, the story of the Melungeons offers a fascinating look into the earliest days of America and how people put aside ethnic and racial differences to survive.
Irish Emigration to America and Canada -- This lecture will explain the reasons for and the pattern of emigration from Ireland to America and Canada—who was affected and why. Mary Sullivan from the Irish History Foundation
The Journey of an Ancestry Record: How an Image on Ancestry.com Gets from the Archives to the Website -- Laryn Brown from Ancestry.com

Oldest House in Raleigh -- Worth a Visit!

2009-02-04T10:02:00.004-05:00

The Joel Lane Museum House

We are so glad you are coming to Raleigh this year! Please make time to visit the Joel Lane Museum House. Joel Lane’s house, the oldest in Raleigh, was built in the early 1770’s. Joel Lane was a Colonel in the North Carolina colonial militia and a patriot during the Revolutionary War. In 1771 he introduced the bill to create Wake County, and in 1792 he sold one thousand acres of land to form the newly planned capital city, Raleigh.

This faithfully-restored manor house was once deemed “The Best House for 100 Miles.” It features the Bible owned by Joel’s third son, William, fine examples of period decorative arts, and a number of excellent pieces of locally-made period furniture. Also on the site is a c. 1790 two-story domicile interpreted as a detached kitchen. Tours begin in the charming c. 1820 Visitors Center which was formerly a wing of Joel Lane’s home. The gardens feature a lovely neo-colonial formal English garden, formal herb garden, and fruit trees including pomegranates.

During the National Genealogical Conference conference, the museum house will be open at special times for tours for attendees. Please see your program guide when you check in or check our website.

The Joel Lane Museum House Board of Directors is responsible for the financial support and operation of the Museum. The organization is funded through donations and grants, not by local, state or federal governments. It is operated by a small paid staff and many loyal volunteers. Please call 919-833-3431, email joellane@bellsouth.net, or visit our web site for more information.

Why attend a national conference?

2009-01-28T13:52:00.003-05:00

If you've never attended a national genealogy conference, now is the time to make plans to come to Raleigh in May 2009. Join fellow genealogists for four days of lectures, shopping, eating, networking, meeting new friends, and reconnecting with old friends. In all, there are eighteen time slots with a choice of ten lectures per hour. At the early-bird NGS member registration fee, that's less than $10 per lecture. Where else can you find such a large group of nationally-recognized genealogy speakers under the same roof, ready and able to share their knowledge with you.

The early-bird registration fee of $175 for NGS members and $210 for non-members is valid until 31 March 2009. Don't miss out on these savings - register today! It's easy to do on the NGS website.

See you in Raleigh in May.

African-American Genealogy Forum -- Free & Open to the Public!

2009-01-25T14:35:00.002-05:00

This exciting forum will be held at the North Carolina Museum of History
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

9:30 AM

Free and open to the public.

The African-American forum, to be held in conjunction with the 2009 NGS Family History Conference, will feature presentations by:

Dr. John Quinly Williams, agricultural scientist and author of the forthcoming publication, God, Guts, and Game—Survival of Three African American Families: 1747–2000

Dr. Barnetta White McGhee, author of Somebody Knows My Name (in photo)

Dorothy Spruill Redford, retired curator, Somerset Place and author of the 1986 publication, Somerset Homecoming

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and the Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Professor Gates wrote and produced the PBS documentary, African American Lives, the first documentary series to employ genealogy and genetic science to provide an understanding of African American history. His latest production, Looking for Lincoln, will air in February 2009.

A panel discussion will feature the four speakers as well as another special guest, Bill Haley, son of Alex Haley, of Roots fame.

(Somerset Plantation)

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives! Part I

2009-01-25T12:43:00.008-05:00

This begins a series of pieces about the NC archives! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives -- Part I

The North Carolina State Archives is one of the largest and busiest state archives in the country. On average, about 9, 000 patrons visit in a year. Researchers request over 20, 000 boxes of original documents, use around 30, 000 reels of microfilm, and receives over 6, 000 phone calls each year. The Archives maintains custody of over 100 million original documents, over 500, 000 reels of microfilm and over a million photographic negatives.

In over 10 miles of stacks, the North Carolina State Archives maintains the official, original records of the state and its various entities. Housed at the Archives, then, are, among others, state agency and county records. The most used records of those in Archives custody are the county records which fall into nine categories.

County Records

1) Bonds—include several different types and are generally arranged by date

2) Census--few county copies survive but there are some lists that perform much the same function as the federal census for periods prior to 1790 when the first federal census was taken. The so-called “corn lists” of the period 1714-1716 list colonists who were taxed for provisions during the Tuscarora War. These lists are in the tax lists of the Colonial Court Records (CCR 190) and are for the northeastern coastal counties, which was the settled part of NC at that time. Additionally, a census of sorts was taken in the colony during the years 1741-1752. It has been printed in the Winter, 1966 volume of the Journal of North Carolina Genealogy on pages 1759-1769. This list is actually one of headrights, and indicates the number of white persons in a household (with the exception of part of 1741 when whites and blacks in one household were added together) but serves much the same purpose as a census.

3) Court records--Pleas and Quarter sessions, Superior--These records are usually arranged chronologically. Though tedious to read, one of the best sources of information on our ancestors is court records, especially county court minutes. They contain a wealth of information. An ancestor should never be isolated from the time period in which he lived. Containing extraordinary details about the community, there is no better way to understand the period than by reading the court minutes.

With regard to court cases, which are often very detailed in information about individuals, several things should be realized. The actual transcripts of trials were almost never saved. Only occasionally does a case include such valuable documents and this is more likely to have happened if the case was appealed to a higher court. In addition to the court dockets and minutes, loose civil or criminal action papers should be checked for accompanying documents. Careful attention should be paid to any actions of the court in a particular case. A change of venue indicates that the researcher must begin looking in another county for information. An appeal means the researcher must look in the records of higher court, perhaps even the North Carolina Supreme Court.

4) Land records--the deed books themselves, for the most part, remain in the county although the Archives has microfilm copies of them and the indices--these records are generally arranged chronologically

5) Estate records--loose estate records, the 508 series are arranged alphabetically, as is the 510 series of guardian records, everything else, such as inventory or account volumes, is arranged chronologically.

6) Marriage records and Vital Statistics--From 1741-1868 these would be in the form of bonds. A couple was not required to take out a bond and most did not. The alternative was to go to church and get married after the banns had been called three successive weeks. A Bible record, newspaper account, or privately-held certificate might be the only proof document that remains. After 1868 NC began requiring certification of marriages at the county level and, for the most part, those licenses are on microfilm.

Vital records include birth and death records and NC did not keep them before 1913. Copies of each certificate were filed with the county and the state. The Archives has many county indices to vital records on microfilm but not the certificates themselves. The indices are part of the county microfilm and provide a book and page number so that the document can be requested from the county register of deeds. The Archives has state copies of death certificates for Oct., 1913-1975. They are available for researchers in the microfilm room of the search room. The indices can be searched using the Soundex code and are available on film. For death certificates after 1975 and all birth certificates check with Vital Records Office or the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the event took place.

7) Tax records--often a wide variety of tax records, primarily in the form of lists. Tax laws were quite complex and really need to be studied if a thorough understanding of taxation is to be gained. For the researcher’s benefit all tax records have been listed on cards in the card catalog in the search room, therefore, the researcher will find Treasurer’s and Comptroller’s, Governor’s Office, Secretary of State and General Assembly (formerly called Legislative Papers) tax lists for certain counties in the county records section of the card catalog, along with any county tax lists. Microfilm should be checked for tax records that may not be in the original county records.

8) Wills--The Archives has loose, original wills, although clerks were supposed to copy the text into a will book as well. The will books, for the most part, remain in the county and the Archives has microfilm copies. All of the pre-1900 wills in the Archives are indexed in a volume by Dr. Thornton Mitchell called North Carolina Wills: A Testator Index, 1663-1900. This book is only an index and does not provide the researcher with a call number for requesting a particular will.

9) Miscellaneous records—this category refers to a large group of records that do not fall into any of the other categories or only appear in a few counties’ records. They may include records related to elections, ferries, schools, mills, slaves and many others.

... the next installment will talk about State Records, Military Records and other records of interest to genealogists!

In the meantime, to learn more about the NC archives, visit it's web-site!

New Bern + Kellenberger Room

2008-12-22T11:33:00.004-05:00

At the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers lies the town of New Bern. Founded in 1710 by a group of Swiss and German settlers led by Baron Christopher de Graffenried, New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina. As the Colonial Capital of North Carolina, Governor Tryon decided to build a permanent capitol building and residence for the governor. Tryon’s Palace was built during the 1760s, but burned in 1791, only the Stable Offices survived. In the 1950s, the Palace was restored and today is a major tourist attraction for New Bern.

During the Civil War, New Bern fell to Federal forces on March 14, 1861, and remained occupied by Union troops until the end of the war, despite several attempts by Confederates to recapture the town. The New Bern Historical Society has plans to turn the former New Bern Battlefield into an historical park.

Today, visitors are attracted to New Bern for its history. The Kellenberger Room of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library does its part to help preserve that history and make it available to the public. The Room contains over 8000 books, 2000 microforms, several hundred photographs, and oral histories/interviews. The library’s Craven County Digital History Exhibit has digitized some of those items, as well as items from the collections of Tryon Palace and the New Bern Historical Society, for research on the web.

Capital Area Greenway -- if you want to step outside a bit during the conference!

2008-12-15T07:49:00.006-05:00

Though we know that you are coming to Raleigh for the conference, sometimes one just wants some fresh air and not just see nature through the expansive windows of the Convention Center!

The Capital Area Greenway system is a network of public open spaces and recreational trails which provide for activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, bird watching, nature study, fishing, picnicking and outdoor fun. The trails connect many of Raleigh’s parks and in many cases provide a compliment to the recreational activities at the parks. Many of the city’s major ecological features can be experienced in their natural state along the Greenway. Currently, the Greenway is a 54 mile – 3000 acre system and continues to grow.

You can access a map of the system.

From the Convention Center, you are just a couple of blocks from Optimist Park (#27 on the Greenway map) with easy access to the downtown leg of the Greenway.

And, if you have your car and are a bit more adventure- some, my favorite trail is the one that circum- navigates Lake Lynn (#19 on the Greenway map). It is a two mile trail that hugs the lake -- along the boardwalks you see several varieties of ducks, geese and other fowl, and in the warmer months you see turtles basking in the sun and other wildlife!

Via the Captial Area Greenway system you can quickly and easily seek the quiet and beauty of nature.

Planned Local Event #4 -- Historic Tour -- Life in the Old South Tour

2008-12-15T07:17:00.007-05:00

Historic Tour -- Life in the Old South Tour

Tuesday, May 12 8:15a-5:30p

Cost: $55 per person (lunch not included in price)

Experience the Old South at Historic Stagville Plantation, one of the largest in antebellum North Carolina. From the halls of the plantation house to the dirt floors of the slave quarters, you will learn about the realities of a much storied era.

As a contrast to plantation life, we also explore the life of a small tobacco farmer at Duke Homestead. From this humble site, Washington Duke built a tremendous tobacco company. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate 19th century life and southern farming techniques.

After lunch on your own at Cracker Barrel, we tour Bennett Place, the site of the surrender between Generals Sherman and Johnston that ended the Civil War for the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.

The final stop is the charming and authentic Patterson’s Mill Country Store. In addition to their vast collection of mercantile antiques, you may browse their rich offerings of down home foods, crafts and nostalgic collectibles.

Depart by tour bus from conference center

State Library of North Carolina

2008-12-08T15:15:00.006-05:00

STATE LIBRARY OF NORTH CAROLINA
~ Genealogical Resources ~

Within a few blocks of the Raleigh Convention Center, genealogical researchers attending the 2009 NGS Conference will find the Archives & History/State Library Building at 109 East Jones Street. In this building the Government and Heritage Library of the State Library of North Carolina offers extensive collections of published and microfilmed resources as well as electronic databases for genealogical and historical researchers.

The Genealogy Collection, located on the West Mezzanine Floor, has earned a nationwide reputation for the scope of its genealogical collected works, the accessibility of its open-shelving arrangement, and the helpfulness of its staff.

Genealogy Collection Focus

Published materials
North Carolina
Colonial and post-colonial periods
Areas from which North Carolinians came and to which North Carolinians migrated
Broad collections for VA, MD, PA, SC, TN, and New England

Genealogy Collection Resources

Family histories
Genealogy vertical files
Abstracts of county, state, and federal records
Military records, abstracts, and indexes
County histories
Genealogical periodicals
Bibliographies, indexes, guides
Census microfilm and indexes
Electronic databases (* In-house use)
1. Ancestry Library Edition*
2. HeritageQuest (also available remotely to North Carolina residents through NC LIVE)
3. New England Ancestors.org*
4. AugustaArchives.com: The Augusta [Georgia] Chronicle (founded in 1785)*

Main Reading Room, First Floor West
Additional resources for researchers

Microfilm of North Carolina Newspapers
Federal microfilm including Revolutionary War pension and service records, War of 1812 indexes, and rolls and records of the Eastern Cherokees
State and federal government publications
Electronic databases

In planning your research visit, you may want to search our online catalog.

To look for a family history, use the Basic Search, type the surname and the word family, and choose Subject Browse. You should also use the Advanced Search and type the surname as this will often bring up additional titles for that family. Unpublished materials such as typescripts, family group sheets, lineage charts, and family newsletters, are also accessible through the online catalog and are indicated as Genealogy -- Vertical File in the Library Location line of the catalog record.
To determine North Carolina newspaper microfilm holdings, use Basic Search by Title or Advanced Search under Newspapers by County or Newspapers by City.

State Library of North Carolina printed, microfilm, and electronic resources complement the original and microfilmed North Carolina county and state records deposited in the North Carolina State Archives, the separate agency with which we share a building. The Archives Search Room, located on the Second Floor West of the Archives & History/State Library Building, maintains a separate website.

Government and Heritage Library staff look forward to having you research in our collections. Please write, e-mail, or call if you have questions prior to your visit.

Essential information: hours, contact information, and e-mail links can be found on our State Library website.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

2008-12-02T08:36:00.007-05:00

A moment you have been waiting for has arrived -- information on the NGS 2009 Program is available and online, as is the registration brochure and form! And, soon, you will be able to register online also!

Download registration brochure
Download registration form only
View complete online searchable program
Online registration (now open!)

Registration Fees:

NGS Member Full Registration (all four days)
Early-bird deadline fee if postmarked by 31 March 2009 - $175
Postmarked after 31 March 2009 - $210

Non-Member Full Registration (all four days)
Early-bird deadline fee if postmarked by 31 March 2009 - $210
Postmarked after 31 March 2009 - $245

Single Day Registration Single Day - either Weds, Thurs, Fri, or Sat - $95 per day
After 31 March 2009 - $100 per day