MSOG, Inc. PO Box 215 Ashland, MA 01721-0215 |
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Tuesday, December 3
Book Club - The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Von Trapp (Book Club)
7:00 pm Virtual
With nearly 1,500 Broadway performances, six Tony Awards, more than three million albums sold, and five Academy Awards, The Sound of Music, based on the lives of Maria, the baron, and their singing children, is as familiar to most of us as our own family history. But much about the real-life woman and her family was left untold.
Here, Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp tells in her own beautiful, simple words the extraordinary story of her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, and their life in America.
Maria Augusta Kutschera was born on a train en route to Vienna just before midnight on January 26, 1905. Her mother died when she was only two years old and her father left her with an elderly cousin so that he could be free to travel. She experienced a lonely and very strict upbringing without any siblings or other children in the household. She was raised a socialist and an atheist and was actively cynical towards all religions. It was during a visit to a church to hear a Bach concert that her mind was changed when she heard the words of a well-known priest, Father Kronseder. Her meeting with him led to her entering a convent to become a nun. While she was devoted to the convent life, she was taken away from the outdoor activities she once thrived on. Her doctor, concerned that her health was failing, helped the nuns to decide to send Maria to the home of retied naval captain Georg Von Trapp, to be governess to his bedridden daughter. On November 26, 1927, Maria and Georg were married. The rest is history. (Amazon Review)
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Saturday, December 7
A History of Marrying for Reasons Other than Love (Worcester)
9:30 am to 11:30 am Virtual
Marcia Zug presents:
A History of Marrying for Reasons Other than Love
Why have people married through history besides for love? Arranged marriages? Marriages of convenience? Dowries? Join us for this enlightening conversation with Professor Marcia Zug as she discusses the history of marriage, how it's affected so many of our social norms, and if there is a benefit to taking economics and politics out of marriage so it can just be about love.
About Marcia:
Zug, a family law professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, is the author of You'll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love.
9:30 AM EST Socializing
9:45 AM EST Business meeting
10:00 AM EST Presentation
This presentation will be Virtual via Zoom. Pre-registration is required at:
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Thursday, December 12
The Good and the Very Very Bad (Webinar)
7:00 pm Virtual
How can your great-grandmother have had three children shortly after she died at age 87? Do you automatically believe the online family trees that others have created, or do you double and triple check the information to confirm you know who is on that tree and the information is correct? Learn how with expert genealogist Dave Robison.
Dave Robison, owner of Old Bones Genealogy of New England, is a professional genealogist from Western Massachusetts. He holds a Certificate of Genealogical Research from Boston University and has completed the 18-month ProGen course in Professional Genealogy. He is an active member of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists (MSOG) Worcester Chapter, Central New York Genealogical Society (CNYGS), the Alabama (ASG) and Tennessee Society of Genealogists (TSG).
Dave is the former President of both the Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society (WMGS) and the Connecticut Society of Genealogists. He is a past President of New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Dave was heavily involved in the biennial conferences of the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium (NERGC) 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 (President) and 2023 (President). He was a member of the Chicopee (Mass) Historic Commission from 2019 to 2023 and also, a member of the Chicopee Historic Society.
As a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Dave is the former President of the Pomeroy Chapter as well SAR State Registrar/Genealogist.
Dave is a resident of Chicopee, Massachusetts where he lives with his wife Karen, a retired RN for the Chicopee School System. Between them, they have 5 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
You must be logged in as a Member to participate in the event. Log-in at https://msoginc.org/members.php. Go to "Event Registration" to register for the webinar. |
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Saturday, December 14
The Sipe Family Saga: You Never Know What You Might Discover in Your Research Journey! (Middlesex)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm Virtual
Middlesex Chapter Meeting
Presented by Jeff Schiebe
Jeff Schiebe is an avid genealogist who has researched his family roots both in the US and abroad and has given many presentations on numerous topics. In this very informative session, Jeff will take you through his journey to find answers about one particular puzzling line of his ancestry. He will share some of the tools and techniques used along the way and will describe some of the startling facts he discovered about these ancestors. Jeff will weave some interesting historical aspects very relevant to this journey from Germany in the early 1700’s until today.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
This meeting will be online via Zoom.
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Saturday, December 21
Gee I Wish I’d Known That From the Start - Search Tips and Tricks (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented Virtually by Carol Ansel, Director at the Godfrey Memorial Library
Carol Ansel, Director at the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, will share a number of hints to make your online genealogy searching easier and more effective. Some of these are general practice for experienced online searchers, but some are not nearly so obvious. In fact, Carol learned many of them from other genealogical researchers. The kind of tips that will make you think, "Gee, I wish I'd known that from the start!" Join Carol and up your searching game.
Carol Ansel is the Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library. She has worked as both a public and school librarian; when she got bitten by the genealogical research bug she took the genealogical certificate program at Boston University and soon thereafter landed a job at the Godfrey, a genealogy and local history library in Middletown, CT. The combination of running a library, helping others with their research, and writing genealogical reports is a dream job for her.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolDec2024 |
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Saturday, December 28
December - No Meeting (Merrimack Valley)
No meeting this month.
We want to wish you Happy Holidays.
We hope you enjoy the most joyous and wonderous time this Holiday Season with those who mean so much to you.
See you in January 2025
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Saturday, January 4, 2025
Social Impact of Tea in Our History (Worcester)
9:30 am to 11:30 am Virtual
Social Impact of Tea in our History
This lecture provides an engaging discussion on the social impact of tea in our history and society. We will begin with the discovery of tea and learn first about the spread of tea throughout Europe. The tea trade with China and the Opium Wars, its impact on the US and European industrialization, and the current status of tea today. Throughout the presentation, enjoy sipping teas from the major tea producing countries.
About Danielle Beaudette:
Danielle Beaudette is one of the first 15 in the world to be certified in all levels as a Tea Specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute, NY and has completed over 95 tea seminars at the World Tea Expo. She has researched and learned first-hand about the production of tea through her Asian tea travels and relationships with Chinese, Indian, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Nepalese, and Taiwanese tea growers. Danielle sources only the finest, high quality, freshly imported teas, earning The Cozy Tea Cart the title of “Best of NH” from New Hampshire Magazine. Just as important as the quality of her tea, she promotes excellence in service and pride in educating her customers.
9:30 AM EST Socializing
9:45 AM EST Business meeting
10:00 AM EST Presentation
This presentation will be Virtual via Zoom. Pre-registration is required at:
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Saturday, January 11, 2025
Explore Your DNA (Middlesex)
10:30 am to 12:00 pm Virtual
Middlesex Chapter Meeting
Presented by Elizabeth Handler
Find out what you’re made of. Everyone seems to have had their DNA tested! But what does it mean? Learn how to better understand your DNA test results and why they’re different for different family members and from different testing companies. And who knew you had so many fourth to sixth cousins? That will be explained too. You’ll get an overview of the different kinds of DNA tests and testing companies, ethnicity results, cousin connections, and privacy concerns. Whether you’ve taken a DNA test or are just curious, join us to learn more about this rapidly expanding field.
Elizabeth Handler has been researching her ancestry for over 30 years and her husband’s Jewish ancestry for almost as long. She holds the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research and is a member of several genealogical organizations and is a past Recording Secretary of MSOG. She first took a DNA test in late 2011 and has tested her DNA (as well as DNA of family members) at all four of the major DNA testing sites. She has been blogging about family history at From Maine to Kentucky ( https://frommainetokentucky.blogspot.com/) and A Jewish Genealogy Journey ( https://jewishgenealogyjourney.blogspot.com/) since 2011.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
This meeting will be online via Zoom.
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Saturday, January 18, 2025
Genealogy Resources at the New Bedford Public Library (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by Jodi Goodman and MaryEllen Cecil
Jodi Goodman, Special Collections Librarian and MaryEllen Cecil, Special Collections Assistant work as a team in the Paul A. Cyr History Room at the New Bedford Free Public Library, where they support collection management and reference activities for the Historical collection (printed works, graphics, manuscripts).
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolJan2025 |
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Saturday, February 1, 2025
Stolen: Women Inventors Lost & Found (Worcester)
9:30 am to 11:30 am Virtual
Dr. Bill Thierfelder presents:
Stolen: Women Inventors Lost & Found
Throughout history, women have often been sidelined, often through lack of opportunity or out-right sexism. And many times, women who invented items — from disposable diapers to Monopoly — weren't given credit for their work. Women are responsible for early sketches of the computer, the discovery of the DNA double helix, and even fire escapes. But often men claimed those advancements as their own--or the woman was simply unacknowledged. This program explores 21 things most people don’t know were invented or discovered by women.
About Dr. Thierfelder:
Led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder is a retired college professor who taught a variety of Arts and Humanities courses for 32 years at several New York universities and colleges, including St. John's University and Dowling College. He holds a Ph.D. in English, with minors in theater, art history and music history.
9:30 AM EDT Socializing
9:45 AM EDT Business meeting
10:00 AM EDT Presentation
This presentation will be Virtual via Zoom. Pre-registration is required if you are attending virtually at:
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Saturday, February 15, 2025
9th Annual Ancestors Day (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by Bristol Chapter Members
Every year, several members from the “Bristol Chapter” volunteer to share interesting stories and research anecdotes about their family. Members will enlighten attendees with their triumphs, journeys, family stories and roadblocks in their quest to find their ancestors.
In an entertaining way, you will learn fascinating facts about our members and their families. Not all the research will result in a happy ending but nevertheless everyone will leave enlightened and energized to solve a family lore. Regardless of what you learn, the day will prove to be fun and educational.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolFeb2025 |
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Saturday, March 1, 2025
Doing Genealogy Without Breaking the Bank (Worcester)
9:30 am to 11:30 am Hybrid: TBA AND virtual
Sara Campbell presents:
Doing Genealogy Without Breaking the Bank
The number of genealogy websites, organizations, and publications can be daunting. This session explores techniques to save money on subscriptions and genealogy education. Learn how to find free resources, how to take advantage of trial memberships, and how to target your genealogy dollars. The most valuable genealogical sources are the ones that contain information about your family. Learn how to find them. This session covers the pros and cons of the top sites for searching genealogical databases, as well as in-person research.
About Sara Campbell:
Led by genealogist Sara Campbell. Lecturer, educator, author and editor, Sara has experience teaching non-credit courses in various genealogical topics at local colleges, and speaking to societies and library groups around the New England region. She has presented at the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium's conferences since 2017.
9:30 AM EST Socializing
9:45 AM EST Business meeting
10:00 AM EST Presentation
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Saturday, March 15, 2025
Tracing Your Immigrant Ancestors (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by Margaret R. Fortier
Your ancestors may have arrived in the United States with the great waves of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Or they may have emigrated before the Civil War. While there are specific strategies for each ethnic group, there is also a systematic process that applies to any search for immigrants. Margaret will guide you through each step of the process with examples. Discover your immigrant ancestors and tell their stories!
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Named after her grandmothers and inspired by her mother’s phenomenal memory, Margaret Rose Fortier is a Board-certified genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. She specializes in immigrant ancestors to New England. A graduate of Boston College and Bentley University, she holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and an instructor for the Spring 2025 course, "Tracing Your French-Canadian Ancestors" at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolMar2025 |
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Saturday, April 5, 2025
Member Sharing (Worcester)
9:30 am to 11:30 am TBA
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Saturday, April 19, 2025
DNA for Beginning Genealogists (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by Terry Dugan
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolApr2025 |
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Saturday, May 3, 2025
Trial of Susan B. Anthony: Voting Rights for Women (Merrimack Valley)
TBD - Littleton area
Joint Meeting of the Merrimack Valley and Worcester Chapters
Judge Dennis Curran presents:
Trial of Susan B. Anthony: Voting Rights for Women
Time and Location details coming soon
In 1873, Susan B. Anthony was indicted by a grand jury for "knowingly, wrongfully, and unlawfully voting ... the said Susan B. Anthony being then and there a person of the female sex." Her trial, in which Anthony was convicted of breaking the law by casting a vote in a Presidential election, became one of the most famous trials of the nineteenth century.
Far from defeating the fledgling movement for women's suffrage, the trial brought more publicity to the issue, largely due to Anthony's clever stratagem of publishing the trial proceedings, and then shrewdly using it for a public relations campaign to rally women to the cause.
About Judge Curran:
The Honorable Dennis J. Curran, retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice, has taught law at Tufts University, Roger Williams University of School of Law, and Brown University.
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Saturday, May 17, 2025
Navigating Notarial Records in Quebec (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented Virtually by Rhonda R. McClure
Notarial records are an essential yet often overlooked resource for family historians researching ancestors with roots in Quebec from marriages to estate inventories to labor contracts these records can provide a wealth of genealogical information not found elsewhere. Join us to learn about what types of notarial records exist, how to access them, and how to get the most out of these important resources.
Rhonda R McClure, senior genealogist is a nationally recognized professional genealogist and lecturer. Before joining American Ancestors/NEHGS in 2006, she ran her own genealogical business for 18 years. She was a contributing editor for Heritage Quest magazine, Biography magazine, and was a contributor to the History Channel magazine and American History magazine. In addition to numerous articles, she is the author of 12 books including the award-winning the Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Genealogy, Finding our Famous and Infamous Ancestors, and Digitizing Your Family History. She is also the editor of the recently released 6th edition of the Genealogist Handbook for New England Research. Her areas of expertise includes immigration and naturalization, late 19th and early 20th century urban research, New England, Midwest, southern German, Italian, Scottish, Irish, French Canadian, and New Brunswick research.
SOMERSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
1464 County Street
Somerset, MA 02726
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolMay2025
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Saturday, June 7, 2025
Luncheon (Worcester)
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm TBA
End-of-Year Luncheon; location TBA. |
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Saturday, June 21, 2025
Bristol Chapter Annual Meeting: America’s 250th Birthday (Bristol)
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Attend in Person or Virtually via Zoom
Presented by TBD
Freetown Historical Society
1 Slab Bridge Rd.
Assonet, MA 02702
Business Meeting 11:00-11:30 am
Member Sharing 11:30-11:55 am
Presentation Begins at Noon.
Member Lunch Included.
This program is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information contact: bristol@msoginc.org
Schedule of Events Available at: https://msoginc.org
Those who wish to attend virtually, can pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolJun2025 |
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Saturday, November 15, 2025
Annual Meeting 2025 (Annual Meeting)
8:00 am to 4:00 pm Marlborough Country Club
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