ASK GRANNY Newsletter: January 2015

Greetings to all of our ASK GRANNY friends around the world and best wishes for a Happy New Year!  GRANNY's 2014 was a great one, and we are hoping yours was, too.  

The highlight of our year was receiving the July 2014 Seton Shields National Award and Grant from Megan Smolenyak's "Honoring our Ancestors Foundation."  It was truly a great honor to be recognized and to receive a grant that will help finance our 2015 events.  Thank you for all the good wishes we got from you on this occasion!

We also were very pleased to be invited to speak in September at the 3rd Annual Southern Studies Showcase in Edgefield, South Carolina. It was great fun to be able to meet lots of the folks that we have corresponded with over the years and also to talk about GRANNY ideas with a group of very interested participants.

We've had a year of continued expansion in the USA and internationally and have emailed our free set of files to 52 individuals or groups. Many of our recipients are genealogical librarians who, as part of their work activities, conduct workshops on basic interviewing skills and other "getting started in genealogy" topics. But we've fufilled requests individuals, reunion groups, and Genealogical Socities in the USA and from New Zealand, Australia, and the UK as well.   

This summer we also introduced ASK GRANNY LITE, a set of instructions for using one or two of the GRANNY files in one-on-one settings. We've had many questions about using the materials for interviewing family members and we hope that this instruction sheet will help in those situations: 

http://newsfromaskgranny.blogspot.com/2014/10/announcing-ask-granny-lite.html

Lastly:  For those of you who are thinking of doing a 2015 presentation in your local area....here's encouragement to do the hardest part....pick up the phone and talk to the Activities Director at a retirement facility.  These folks are usually planning their yearly calendars about this time and they are, in our experience, very receptive to our GRANNY program idea, especially when we emphasize that everything is FREE.  

Please let us know if there is any way we can help with your outreach efforts.  Also, please continue to send your reports of activities and other ideas to ask.granny.us@gmail.com

Thank you for everything you do to make sure that the vital family memories of senior citizens are not lost, but are recorded and preserved for future researchers!

Very best wishes,   Judy and Greg, aka ASK GRANNY
Judy Russell and Greg Crane

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2014 reports from individuals and groups

Wilmington NC: 

I included your Ask Granny series in a presentation, “Innovative Genealogy Programs for the Public” at the North Carolina Library Association Conference October 2013. I told them a little bit about your program and how they could contact you, along with giving them your website. They seemed very receptive and I hope it helped to spread the word about your program.

Burlington WI GS:

I conducted a modified Ask Granny program for a luncheon for retired employees at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center in Racine, Wisconsin in Dec 2012.  I gave them the basics and had a question session afterward.  There were aprox  90 people in attendance.  I had a sign up sheet with our Burlington Genealogical Society information and when we were going to be holding small group sessions.  We had about 25 sign up for those which we held during the year.

 In July 2013 we held the Ask Granny program for a group of patrons of the Waterford Wisconsin public Library.  It was met with much sucess including helping one adopted attendee find information about her birth parents and their family tree.

We have gotten several call backs from those that came to our programs for help with their trees and were able to walk them through over the telephone and using the sheets we handed out  from the Ask Granny material.

In 2014, we plan on continuing with the program.

West Georgia Genealogical Society:

I gave the exercise on "Ask Granny" that we put together in January yesterday for our local chapter in West Central Georgia yesterday.

 I think it went very well, and the booklets that you put together for us were extremely helpful, along with all your tips and other thoughts that make this so much easier for others. 

I did indicate to the participants, that they could call you if they had other questions, or wanted to present it at a church group, or family reunion etc. Your e-mail address for "Ask Granny" as well as your phone number was in the material. 

One of my suprises, was how little so many knew of their family history. Many indicated they planned to look up the material, or ask other family members of their knowledge so it would be accurate. I had made several copies of the "Ask Granny" chart, and most of them were gone when I left, so some at least planned to do more. 

Thanks again for all of your assistance, in putting things together in a way that anyone can figure out a way to get started, and for sharing so much work and effort on what you have done.

Livermore-Ardmore CA GS:

Thank you for initiating and sharing the “Ask Granny”^© program resources.

 Last evening, January 23, 2014, genealogy docents from the Livermore – Amador Genealogical Society and the leadership of the Livermore – Pleasanton – Dublin Branch of the American Association of University Women in conjunction with the staff of the Pleasanton Public Library presented a very well-received “Ask Granny”^© work shop to 27 AAUW members, and their guests.

Most participants said that they would soon seek further research assistance from L-AGS genealogy docents who are available in the Pleasanton Public Library every Wednesday between the hours of 10 am and 1 pm to assist family history investigators. 

Washington State, Lower Columbia Gen Society:

... is using Granny materials in conjunction with a "Write your life" program.  
We had discussed the idea of giving people the most cost effective gift Granny could think of....10 cent spiral bound notebook from Big Lots!  Thank you for the idea of having the notebooks for people.  We had about 25 show up to listen to the stories (had 5 people read theirs).  The activities director at the retirement facility is encouraging them to write and even has a team of volunteers who will help -- one on one.  

Carlsbad CA Library:

...thank you so much for sending me your materials. Wow, you have a full-featured program there!

Roswell, GA, PL

...I'm the young adult librarian at my branch library in Roswell, GA.  I also do some adult programming.

I presented 3 "Ask Granny" type  classes in September, October and November 2013.  I used the Ask Granny materials in the classes.  One I called  Basic Genealogy for adults was attended by 3 people.  The other called Oral History and genealogy.  Only one person came, but she was very appreciative as she was a complete "newbie."

 I also did a series of 5 classes for homeschooled teens with their parents.  I use a lot of the "Ask Granny" materials to get them started.  I think the parents were more excited than the teens, but I had one girl who really threw herself into her research.

Thanks for providing the materials as it made my job of developing class materials much easier.

Here are some quotes from our Participants:o "So many helpful ideas were presented to help search for family ancestors.  Handouts will be so helpful.  I will be watching for other classes in newsletter."
o "My family and I will be working on that."

Columbia South Carolina,Richland PL:

Our Ask Granny presentation is set for August 12 and 19 at the Oak Read High Rise. Last year I did something similar for a one day event but without the Ask Granny material.... Personally, it was an powerful experience.  This year I am expanding it to two days and using the Ask Granny materials.  This is all part of a larger program to engage the older residents of our poorer neighborhoods

Garland TX:

For your information, I held the first session last Thursday, July 7. This was held at Chambrel at Club Hill Senior Living Center in Garland, Texas.

 We had 10 people there but three of them were experienced, 7 newcomers. The one thing I learned from the newcomers was that the 6 generation sheet still had too small print. I am changing that for the next session.

 I am going to create a work sheet of two generations, I think, for the next session...

 Other than that, the program went well. I think I talked too much. We were pressed for time. I did not realize how much beginners have to learn and how much they do NOT know about their family.

Henderson County KY Public Library:

We had our workshop and it was a big success.  We had 6 children and parents for them. We divided the adults and went over some basic genealogy since some of them were new.  

The children talked about journaling, received some handouts to fill out as they gather information about their relatives (including your ancestral chart), and ironed family tree patterns on tee shirts they had brought with them.  All of the kids with their parent's help were able to fill out most of their leaves. 

Thanks for letting us use your chart...

 

Announcing: "Ask Granny"© LITE

Ask Granny© Lite

Using the materials for individual interviews

Over the years, we've fulfilled many requests from individuals who wanted to use our Ask Granny© materials in a simple setting with one of their own family members. We've been delighted to send the files and to think of the materials being used in this way.

We can imagine that many of our Ask Granny© contacts and file recipients might have an opportunity, especially during the holiday season, to talk to family members about their memories of family names, dates, and places. What a chance for a genealogical treasure to be created! Just think ahead a bit .. if the gathering is not at your house, it would be best to check with your hostess/host about the timing of your interviews. Also let the grannies and grandpas a little in advance that you would like to ask them a few questions about family names and places.

We know from personal experience how hard it is to scribble down names as someone reminisces. So using the Ask Granny© chart (File 1: A Genealogical Gift to My Family) would be extremely helpful to record information during your conversations about family memories.

And an interview is the easiest way possible to capture the memories. YOU will do the writing -- your granny/grandpa won’t have to understand how the chart works or how to write things in good genealogical format--you will do it for them! And all you need is a basic understanding of how to record info on the ancestral chart...starting with the ME on the chart (your interviewee) and working backward through time.

How to

The Granny Ancestral Chart (file 1: A Genealogical Gift to my Family), a manilla folder, an extra sheet of paper, and a pencil are all you will need. We recommend that you have the ancestral chart enlarged to 11 by 17 inches and that, after the interview, you staple it inside a colorful manilla folder. This is simply so that the material will be noticed and not thrown away. You could even label the folder something like “Granny Brown’s Family History.”

(The easiest way to get the Ancestral Chart printed is to simply forward the email with Granny File© 1 attached directly to your local copy shop with directions to enlarge it to 11 by 17 inches and print it in black and white. The cost is usually about $.20 per page. The manilla folders come in small packets at the Dollar Stores, office supply stores, or other retail outlets. Email ask.granny.us@gmail.com if you need a replacement of File 1.)

Now you are ready to proceed. If you need a quick refresher course, read over Ask Granny© File 7 “Instructor’s Talking Points.” To help future researchers understand the chart, all you need to remember are Granny’s Four Common Sense Rules:

1.  Always print
2.  Woman always are identified by their MAIDEN names
3.  Dates are written out completely:  23 May 1923
4.  Places are written with as complete info as you can as regards to city, county, state.

Individual interviews could be wonderful holiday experiences for all generations of the family. You’ll see from my photos that the interview technique is simple and fun to set up and accomplish. Children can easily participate, as I learned from my grandson’s 8 year old classmates. You probably won’t be able to complete each chart, but you will have a good beginning and you can follow up later in person or by phone.

We have included, below, an additional page to help you record some bonus material about your interviewee. You can print this out to staple it, also, in the folder. If time and energy permit, you might ask the interviewee about their extended families:

1. Your brothers and sisters
2. Your father's brothers and sisters
3. Your mother's brothers and sisters

We hope you will consider the “Ask Granny Lite” individual interview possibility during Holiday Season or at a more quiet time of the year! You’ll be helping to create a lasting genealogical gift for the whole family.

As always we welcome your questions and comments.

Judy Russell and Greg Crane  
13 October 2014    ask.granny.us@gmail.com

Family Interview using "Granny LITE"

Granny LITE folder

Judith F. Russell, Ph.D. and

Gregory L. Crane, Captain, USCG, Retired

"Ask Granny"©

Free Genealogical Materials for Senior Citizens

www.askgranny.us      

email:   ask.granny.us@gmail.com

Photos:  https://sites.google.com/site/askgranny2010/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ask.granny.us

Newsletter:  http://newsfromaskgranny.blogspot.com/

Georgia Genealogical Society's Award:  2011 Outstanding Contribution to

Genealogy

July 2014 "Honoring our Ancestors" Seton Shields National Genealogy Grant

   

Additional Information


Date ______________________________
Name _____________________________

My brothers and sisters (name and birth date)
















My father’s brothers and sisters (name and birth date)















My mother’s brothers and sisters (name and birth date)

Report on Horn's Creek Church Preservation Project, September 2014

The project to preserve and protect the Historic Horn's Creek Baptist Church in Edgefield SC is well underway as of these photos of 19 Sept 2014.  To contribute to this ongoing project:

Make Check to Edgefield Historical Society with note line "Horn's Creek"

Mail to:
Miss Clarice Wise
1150  Augusta Road
Trenton, SC 29847

 The new caretaker's cottage is well underway and the burial ground is in very good shape.

 Church building is stablized with a roof in good repair.  The interior and exterior renovations will began after the caretaker's cottage project is complete.

View from the side of the Church toward the Cottage

Six foot tall chain link fence now protects the property

 

 Many of the monuments have been repaired and re-set.

Several other monuments, which had been toppled by vandals have now been set upright again.

September 2014 Photos from the Bush River Quaker Cemetery, Newberry, SC

 New Burial:  Jean Worthington Herbert Smith

 Cemetery is in excellent condition

 Lydia Barrett Stone

 Monuments

Marker Sign

New Granny file 31 about disclosure for Red Folder

“Ask Granny”©

“Who will see my information?”

“Ask Granny”© presenters are often asked “who will see the information that I am recording today?” The answer is:   No one but your family! Any records created during an “Ask Granny”© presentation are the sole property of the person who created them. Copies are never kept by the presenters of the program.

In addition, “Granny” presenters have been asked by many organizations, particularly libraries, if the Family Group Record sheets or copies of them can be turned over to an organization to be archived or made available to other researchers. The answer here is the same. ...the records are created solely for the family of the attendees and are never shared.

It has always been the intent of the “Ask Granny”© creators that the materials created by the individuals participating will remain in their personal files for use by their heirs. We also include a letter in the Red Folder entitled “Part of my legacy to my family,” to make family members aware that this record was created for the sole use of the family and that it should be passed along only to family members for their use in maintaining a family history, not necessarily as a Genealogical document with source citations.

Remember, also, that no attempt has been made to verify the information on the Genealogical Ancestral chart. Each detail is merely a recorded memory of a name, date, or place. It is hoped that future family members with an interest in their ancestry will be able to use the information as a guide as they seek documentary evidence to confirm the details on the family chart. If that is the case, then our “Grannies and Grandpas” have done their work well!


©2014  G. Crane and J. Russell
File 31    21 August 2014

"Granny" receives "Honoring our Ancestors" Grant from Megan Smolenyak

Here's some really exciting news about "Ask Granny!"  Our program has
received the July 2014 Seton Shields Genealogy Grant given by Megan
Smolenyak as part of her nationally acclaimed "Honoring our Ancestors"
activities:   http://www.honoringourancestors.com/

Each month Megan recognizes a grassroots genealogical endeavor with a
description in her newsletter and with a grant to foster further activities.
You can read about the other 2014 recipients here:
http://www.honoringourancestors.com/     Our grant will be discussed in the
upcoming September edition of the newsletter.

We are so honored by this recognition of our local "Ask Granny" activities
and of the national and international activities of our "Granny"  file
recipients. We are glad to be able to share the news with all of you who
have been involved with the program, either for your family reunion or for
the outreach activities of your senior citizen group or genealogical
society.

To all of our "Granny" partners in the USA and around the world...thank you
for being a part of our program.  We hope that this national recognition and
honor will inspire you in your planning of future activities as it has us.

Regards from Judy and Greg, aka "Ask Granny"

********************************************************
Judith F. Russell, Ph.D. and Gregory L. Crane, Captain, USCG, Retired

"Ask Granny"©     Free Genealogical Materials for Senior Citizens
www.askgranny.us       email:   ask.granny.us@gmail.com
Photos:  https://sites.google.com/site/askgranny2010/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ask.granny.us
Newsletter:  http://newsfromaskgranny.blogspot.com/

Georgia Genealogical Society's Award:  2011 Outstanding Contribution to
Genealogy

July 2014 "Honoring our Ancestors" Seton Shields National Genealogy Grant
********************************************************

News of the Commencement of Restoration at the Historic Horn's Creek Baptist Church, Edgefield SC

I was so happy to hear from Clarice Wise of Edgefield, descendant of Samuel Walker and Martha Jefferson Bell, that the Edgefield Historic Society has been granted a loan to begin work on the restoration and preservation of the Historic Horn's Creek Baptist Church in Edgefield, SC.  As most of you undoubtedly know, Samuel Walker was one of the sponsor's of the incorporation of the Church in 1790.  This restoration project is something many have been hoping for over the last years.

I have included below a copy of the Society's Newsletter with the details of the plans for caretaker, fence, alarms, and surveillance cameras at the site.  Their plans sound so wonderful.   I hope that some or many of you will want to contribute to the Society for this special project.

There are also plans for a special Spring Meeting of the Society on the Grounds of the Church.  The plans are detailed in the green flyer below.  I have also included a Membership Application for the Society.  If you can't read or print the materials, please check their website at:  http://www.historicedgefield.com/  or send them an email at info@historicedgefield.com

The Society's mailing address is:

Edgefield County Historic Society
PO Box 174   Magnolia Dale
Edgefield, SC  29824

News from “Ask Granny”©
20 January 2014
Judith F. Russell and Gregory L. Crane
ask.granny.us@gmail.com

I hope that this newsletter finds everyone in good health and in planning mode for some 2014 “Ask Granny”© seminars.  January has presented us with some Weather Challenges here in Georgia and I think it is the same for our Granny chapters all over the world -- North and South hemispheres!

Whatever your weather now, Greg and I are wishing you a wonderful New Year.

Please feel free to forward this email with my contact information to anyone who might be interested in getting the free materials to set up programs for their senior citizen clubs, church or synagogue groups, family reunions, and genealogical societies.

I will be publishing this newsletter also at our newly-established “newsfromaskgranny” blog:

http://newsfromaskgranny.blogspot.com/

Here’s what’s been happening since our last Newsletter

• “Granny” was surprised and just about overwhelmed by the incredible response to a small item submitted to the Genealogical Librarians Listserv in May 2013.  We emailed 125 sets of our .pdf files to librarians around the country. As you will see below, we have already gotten some very good responses and reports from them.

We encourage all of the librarians who received the files to keep a set available for your patrons,   too.  You probably very frequently deal with patrons who are preparing for family events and the files could be very useful to them.  Also, please distribute our contact info to those who might be interested:   ask.granny.us@gmail.com

• Judy presented the basic “Ask Granny”© program to two workshop sessions for attendees of the State of Georgia Retirees Association in Athens, GA in August.  The session was entitled “Preserving your Past and Protecting your Future.”  An attorney spoke about protecting financial assets and I spoke about protecting memories.  It was a fun idea and we’ve gotten some great feedback and interest in presenting sessions thoughout the state.

• Judy and Greg are currently working with the National Council of the New Zealand Genealogical Society to possibly set up and “Ask Granny” program to be made available to all 92 local chapters.

Reports from “Granny” seminars around the world.

We love hearing your reports and seeing the photos.  If you give us permission along with the reports and photos, we would very much like to share with our newsletter readers.  So, please, when you send your reports, and when you do, include your permission to share and to share the photos.

MAP:

Ask Granny was a great hit with the Soul Survivors in Spartanburg, SC. Congratulations on the honors associated with the program!

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SR:

Hope, British Columbia, Canada

On Friday, February 3rd I did my first "Ask Granny" session with sixteen in attendance and there are six on the waiting list.

It went very well and what was so wonderful, and surprising, were the questions that were asked as the morning progressed. Not only did those in attendance learn how to complete the chart but we all learned lots of new things as questions were answered. Thought you might enjoy this one.... What do I put for the "cemetery" for my mother?.... My mother was cremated and her ashes are in my closet. She wanted her ashes sprinkled in the same spot as we had sprinkled my father but I've kept the ashes too long and now this spot is a subdivision. What do I do with her ashes? Glad there were lots of us with suggestions and I wasn't put on the spot to deliver the only answer!

I would like to thank you both for the work you put into designing the program and for your kindness in sharing the program.

~~~~~~~~~

BM:

Hudson County Genealogical & Historical Society

Secaucus, New Jersey, Public Library.

News story from Hoboken:

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2012/02/ask_granny_aids_in_starting_st.html

VM:

Willow Valley (Pennsylvania) Retirement Community Genealogy Club.

I just completed a three session Ask Granny Seminar using your material at Willow Valley Retirement Community.It was huge success.

We had 16 students (more than you recommend but it worked out okay). As training chair for our Genealogy Club, I presented the seminar and was assisted by 4-5 club members who helped individual students. I developed three Power Point presentations to use in the seminar. The first two sessions covered the Ancestral Chart and the Family Group Record. The third session was "Where Do We Go From Here?" and introduced research plans and computers.

Most of the students have decided to continue their family search and we are assigning experienced genealogists to mentor them.

Thanks for your development of Ask Granny. It served as a jump start to our training program.

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MC :

Archives Technician / Hinton Municipal Library

Town of Hinton | Gateway to the Rockies

I just wanted to let you know that I conducted my seminar on Friday, here in Hinton, Alberta, Canada. Although, I only had three attend, they were very enthusiastic and have requested to get together again to do some more work! A neighbor of one of the ladies tells me she has two friends she wants to bring next time.

We had interesting conversations....which you had told me happens!

They all thanked me immensely...I had fun and so did they, so I guess wecan call it a success, right? Thank you again for giving me permission to use your materials.

~~~~~~~~~

BB:

Chenoweth Family Association

Winchester, Virginia,

July 26-29, 2012

Hi Judith,

Just wanted to report on the Ask Granny presentation I gave last week (July 26, 2012) at our bi-annual reunion in Winchester, Virginia, and give you a picture of some of the attendees at work filling out their information. There were about 70 attendees present when this was done. Several told me that they had done their pedigree charts, but some hadn't and decided that they really should and that it was a good idea.

My husband and I made transparencies of about a half dozen sheets and put them on an overhead projector. My husband and I transferred some of the sheets to a flash drive and then had them printed at a local Kinkos. We then collated and stuffed the papers in folders and donated the entire project along with a sharpened pencil for everyone. I was given a little over an hour. We have a few folders left over, and I hope to use them at our SIG genealogy group meeting later this month. I took the NGS publication with your original article and told them what you two were trying to accomplish.

One of the women told me afterwards that she thought she had heard you before. People came from all over the US. Many ages were represented. One lady in the front row (4th from left) is 92 years old.

~~~~~~~~~

MHL:

Hurst Reunion, on Sunday 3 July 2012, in Pekin, Indiana.

Hi. Just to let you know about the Ask Granny class I gave at our Hurst Reunion, on Sunday 3 July 2012, in Pekin, Indiana.

I was able to obtain the red folders at a Staples for 25 cents each (on sale) and print up 12 sets of student files, for a total of about $25 American. I gave out my 13th set to a granddaughter after the reunion, so I actually had 13 sets, all of which were used.

The presentation was well received, and all of us had a good time. I didn't think about pictures at the time, so I don't have any of the students or me. We posted a family tree on one wall, and I have a photo, in front of it, of a grand nephew and me talking about his origins. He was impressed to find out that we are descendants of the Ball family, through our great-great grandmother Lucretia Hackley. George Washington's mother was Mary Ball. We have common ancestors, William Ball and wife Hannah Atherold. I didn't get his mother's permission to send it out, sorry.

Thank you for the help with files to use.

~~~~~~~~~

JD:

Griswold Senior Center, Worthington, OH on November 2, 2012 & November 16, 2012

~~~~~~~~~

PML:

L-AGS officers and members presented an Ask Granny ©© workshop to 18 residents at Heritage Estates Livermore, CA

Many thanks to L-AGS members Phyllis Rothrock, Marilyn Cutting, Anne Les, Mary Dillon, Cathleen Cordova, Helen, Gallagher and Maureen Johnston, Activities Director at Heritage Estates, all of whom individually assisted the participants.

The materials were developed by Judith F. Russell and Gregory L. Crane, Bogart, Georgia.

Some of the participating residents came with charts and other information previously provided to them by other family members.

The participating residents were particularly thankful that they were able to retain their completed charts.

A few of the residents who still drive their cars expressed interest in pursuing their genealogy at the Pleasanton Library.

~~~~~~~~~

JH:

Hon. Secretary.

Wagga Wagga & District Family History Society

N.S.W., Australia

At last we have begun our "Ask Granny" workshops. 2 were held in February, 1 with a local Over 50's Lifestyle Village, and 1 with the local School for Seniors. Both were well attended (20+ people at each) and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

We are conducting a follow-up next month at the first venue, have another enquiry to follow up, and are hoping for more interest

in the future.

Thank you for your original ideas and support.

~~~~~~~~~

RFpresident

San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society

Moraga Royale in  Moraga, Contra Costa County, CA on May 23rd.

As can be seen from the photographs some of the residents were very interested.

~~~~~~~~~

Lebanon, IN

JLH:

Librarian Specialist

Lebanon Public Library

Hello Judy,

I just wanted you to know I will present the "Ask Granny" workshop to our local [Lebanon, IN] genealogical society in October for National Family History Month. My goal is for members to take the program to their churches, senior centers, etc. I plan to conduct a workshop for seniors here, in my library and I hope to do some outreach programs as well.

It is a wonderful program and I can't thank-you enough for sharing it with us!

~~~~~~~~~