Week 35: Disaster (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 35 is "Disaster." (I want to point out that this theme was chosen long before any of the catastrophic events that we've seen in the past few weeks.) Disasters come in many forms. They can be personal or they can affect an entire community. You can also have a disaster in your research. Click here to check out all of themes for 2023.

The current surge of both natural and not so natural disasters unfolding around the globe prompts my reflection regarding the safeguards in place for my extensive genealogical research.

This topic resonates strongly within the genealogy Facebook groups I’m part of , where the practice to establish backups in triplicate is heard consistently. Many years ago, I initiated a practice of monthly backup onto an external drive of all my files, both genealogy and not genealogy related.  Although my academic background in computer programming taught me the significance of data preservation, my adherence to diligent backup practices left much to be desired.

The lesson of backup’s importance was learned in the must grueling manner. A fateful day brought forth the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death,” an indicator of impending doom. Ultimately, my only recourse laid in reinstalling the operating system and all software, a process that regrettably carried the weight of a six-month-old data backup. The toll encompassed half a year’s worth of genealogical exploration. While not conducting research on a daily or even weekly basis at the time, relinquishing six months of meticulous work was an arduous blow.

In the aftermath, I embarked on an expedition to explore online backup systems. Selecting a suitable candidate amongst the many options available, I adopted a regimen where my computer automatically underwent nightly backups. The initial instance backed up the entire system, tailored to the specific folders earmarked for preservation. Subsequent nightly backups exclusively encompassed files that had undergone modification or were newly added. 

My exploration also led me to embrace “Dropbox”. This service enabled access to essential files not just from my desktop, but my laptop or any computer that has internet access.  My online backup system extends its protective service over my “Dropbox” folder. 

Despite these measures, I persist in a monthly backup of my genealogical materials onto a portable hard drive. This precautionary action stands as a defense against the improbable event of the sudden disappearance of my online backup solution. Though the likelihood appears remote, caution compels this redundancy.

Occasions demanded retrieval from the online backup system; instances where accidental deletion led to the realization that the file held value, or when computer malfunctions intervened. The failure of a portable hard drive necessitated the acquisition of a secondary unit. Presently, rotation approach has been established; two portable hard drives, interchanged bi-monthly to encompass monthly backups. 

Even, my physical genealogical records have undergone scrutiny. Scanning and incorporation into the computer genealogy folders has been the primary directive. Although significant strides have been made, a backlog of unscanned documents remains. Paper readily accessible online, is selectively discarded after scanning. For example, a newspaper obituary clipping involves seeking the digital version, which is subsequently preserved along with it’s web address, allowing the disposal of the original print version. In instances where online versions are elusive, a scan secures their representation with the digital folders and the original is manually filed into the appropriate paper file folder.

Preparedness for an array of disasters is a must. While the hope is to evade catastrophic occurrences, the readying oneself is paramount. Personal experience has borne witness to the ramifications of faulty portable drives, system crashes or the inadvertent deletion of invaluable files. 

Recommendation is to initiate proactive disaster preparedness over lessons learn the hard way.

Remember to have fun and Just Do Genealogy!

 

Week 34: Newest Discovery (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 34 is "Newest Disovery." What is the newest discovery you've made in your family history? Click here to check out all of the themes for 2023.

Engaging in daily genealogy research constantly reveals new and exciting insights. Recently, I stumbled upon an innovative approach to genealogy called the AncestryDNA Dot System, devised by Diahan Southard.

During a recent live webinar, which a similar one is  accessible on YouTube through the above provided link, Diahan Southard made a compelling statement: we should embrace the idea of erasing our prior dots without fear. This notion had always been daunting to me. Yet, during the live session, numerous participants inquired about the process of dot removal. I discovered that the procedure is quite straightforward.

Upon opening the DNA Matches list, a plethora of "Filter By" options come into view. Selecting the "Groups" option opens the door to crafting custom groups and subsequently reviewing them. While deletion is impossible from this interface, a simple route exists. 

Navigating to the first match, one can click on "Add/Edit Groups." Adjacent to the existing groups, a pencil icon is situated. 

Upon selecting this icon, the option to delete a group surfaces. 

Executing this process across all groups effectively eradicates the dots. Following this, the canvas is clear to adopt the new dot system outlined in Diahan's tutorial.

Diahan Southard emphasized in the live webinar that she frequently adds and removes groups according to her current genealogical focus. A crucial tool that shouldn't be overlooked is the note field, where annotations and comments can be added. Upon establishing the Most Recent Common Ancestor(s), I compose a note such as "MRCA James Crinion and Mary Ann McMahon; 2C2x," a concise way to denote a second cousin, twice removed.

Ancestry offers an array of 24 color dots. I prefer reserving the initial two yellow dots for flagging important entries. A vibrant yellow hue signifies "Need to enter – Research." Occasionally, while watching TV, I review matches on my phone, or tablet. I leave myself a brief note and the match flagged with this hue indicate a promising connection to explore later on my desktop computer. The subsequent yellow dot I've labeled as "Confirmed DNA Match – enter into FTM." This serves as a reminder that not only have I verified the match, but it's also entered into my Family Tree Maker tree. My Starred Matches are those I am unsure of our relationship because I don't have enough to figure out the relationship. I replace the star with the confirmed DNA Match dot after resolving these matters. Your use of stars and dots can be tailored to your personal preferences.

Essentially, my journey with the Leeds Method of Clustering DNA Matches by Dana Leeds prompted me to seek a more in-depth approach. The Dot System emerged as a valuable asset in this endeavor. I envision my DNA Matches as gateways to potential breakthroughs in my genealogical exploration. They could unveil unknown branches or offspring of my ancestors. Likewise, they might facilitate progress in traversing another generation back to unveil the parents and siblings of my known ancestor.

To me, genealogy means that I will never stop learning new skills to help me discover new things about my family.. 

Remember to have fun and Just Do Genealogy!