Genealogy Wise

The Genealogy & Family History Social Network

Gena Philibert Ortega
  • Female
  • United States
Share on Facebook MySpace

Gena Philibert Ortega's Friends

  • Carol Walsh
  • Richard Langstaff
  • Angela Loranger-Money
  • april kelly
  • Bonnie Samuel
  • Russell Lynn Drysdale
  • Duane Scott Williamson
  • Sandra Lea Costa
  • Cheryl Levy PLCGS
  • michelle hartley
  • pauline anne hazell
  • Sue de Groot, PLCGS
  • LDC
  • Sharon Rollins Pustejovsky
  • Kim Mills

Gena Philibert Ortega's Discussions

GenealogyWise Community Guidelines

Started this discussion. Last reply by Declan Chalmers Jul 27, 2009. 11 Replies

Gena's Genealogy

Women's History Month 2024: The Red Book Revisited

Here's a book that is easily overlooked because of its age but is a must-have for American genealogical research. Even if you don't own it, bookmark where it is found online (see below).





Title: Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources

Author:  Alice Eichholz, Ph.D., CG


Available online at the RootsWeb Wiki


Synopsis: 

"Red Book is designed to help family historians learn where to find information about their ancestors by taking an approach focused on localities. It is an expansive guide to the most useful resources in each of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia. Organized by state, the content easily directs the user to information-rich resources in areas including:

  • Vital Records
  • Census Records
  • Internet Resources
  • County Resources
  • Background Sources
  • Land Records
  • Probate Records
  • Court Records
  • Tax Records
  • Cemetery Records
  • Church Records
  • Military Records
  • Periodicals, Newspapers, and Manuscript Collections
  • Archives, Libraries, and Societies

Major highlights of the content are the county resources published in table format for each state. Information in these tables often includes county name, when the county was formed, which counties the new county was created from, and dates for when each county started recording information such as birth, marriage, and death records or land, probate, and court records. Each state also has a county, town, or parish map."


Why You Need This Book: First, published in 1989 it is easy to ignore this valuable book. I highly recommend you bookmark the RootsWeb wiki page where you can find this work. Click on your state of interest. Now check out the various pages associated with that state including "county resources." This provides a chart of each county and when different types of records started in that county (if applicable). Yes, some must-have genealogy books are older. But the information they provide can be timeless. Don't use this book to find the address for the county seat, instead use it for the information it provides about when records began.


Original Source:

Women's History Month 2022: Red Book


Women's History Month 2024: FamilySearch

 For today, let's discuss the resource you need for your research.  

FamilySearch should be one of the first websites you exhaust. Start with the FamilySearch Research Wiki. You can either search by the state name and the type of record, or you can search by the state name and then click on the link in the Record Types box.



You can also look in the FamilySearch Catalog. Conduct a Place search and then scroll down the available Subjects for potential records.

Finally, remember to search the FamilySearch Digital Library, which includes digitized books from both the FamilySearch Library and partnering institutions. 



Is FamilySearch the only place to find records? No, make sure to check other online resources, including genealogy websites (free and fee-based), state libraries, archives, and digitized book websites.


Women's History Month 2020: Resources-FamilySearch


Women's History Month 2024: WWI Groups and Organizations


War means that everyone needs to pitch in. This is especially true when we look at World Wars I and II. Women were asked to help, and they answered the call. We find records of their involvement in the organizations they belonged to in archives and published histories. 

Look in the histories and directories of your ancestor's hometown and see if these groups were part of her community. Maybe she was a member?

  • Society of Colonial Dames
  • Navy Comforts Committee
  • Young Women's Christian Association
  • Centennial Club
  • Housewives League
  • Federation of Women's Clubs
  • Army Comfort League
  • American Red Cross
  • National League for Women's Service
  • Girls' Patriotic League (National League for Women's Service)
  • Women's Committee, Council of National Defense
  • Kiwanis Club
  • Fatherless Children of France Society
  • Liberty Loan Campaign
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • United Daughters of the Confederacy
  • Council of Jewish Women
  • The Ladies' Heritage Association
  • Salvation Army
  • Equal Suffrage Association
  • Council of Catholic Women
  • Circle of King's Daughters
  • Independent Daughters of  Confederacy
  • Women's Christian Temperance Union
  • American Legion Auxiliary


What groups were your female ancestors a member of?

Consider that multiple generations of women may have belonged to the same group.

What home sources (photos, correspondence, ephemera, memorabilia, jewelry) suggest membership in a group or organization?


Original Source:

Women's History Month 2017: Groups and Organizations


Women's History Month 2024: Fates and Traitors Revisited

Historical fiction can help give us ideas about telling our own female ancestor's story. The following is one of my favorites.




Title: Fates and Traitors: A Novel of John Wilkes Booth and the Women Who Loved Him.

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Publisher: Dutton

Synopsis: "The subject of more than a century of scholarship, speculation, and even obsession, Booth is often portrayed as a shadowy figure, a violent loner whose single murderous act made him the most hated man in America. Lost to history until now is the story of the four women whom he loved and who loved him in return: Mary Ann, the steadfast matriarch of the Booth family; Asia, his loyal sister and confidante; Lucy Lambert Hale, the senator’s daughter who adored Booth yet tragically misunderstood the intensity of his wrath; and Mary Surratt, the Confederate widow entrusted with the secrets of his vengeful plot." (author's website)


Why You Need This Book: I like the idea of telling the story of John Wilkes Booth through the women around him (mother, sister, girlfriend, and co-conspirator). Thinking about genealogy, consider how to write a narrative about a female ancestor through the lives of those around them. I think this is a unique way to tell a story and could also work for genealogy. OR you could write the story of your ancestors as a historical fiction piece and explore the time period they lived in. 

Women's History Month 2022: Fates and Traitors

Women's History Month 2024: Directories

Back in 2019, my theme for Women's History Month was "I'm in the Book." I used that month to illustrate the different types of directories that include women's names. Directories and personal telephone books are typically a home source you might come across after someone has passed. It might seem like the type of ephemera that should be thrown away. However, directories can provide some insight into her life.



Take, for instance, this example of a National Roster of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (1933-1934). This directory lists names, affiliations, and addresses of women who held leadership positions in the LGAR. It also includes national groups like the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women's Relief Corps. What this directory is not is an every-person member list.

This is a directory that the owner may not be named in, so what good is it? Just having it suggests she was a member of the LGAR. That suggests that she had a family member (a blood relation) who was a Union soldier, sailor, marine, or nurse. Their website states membership in LGAR is for:

"All female blood relatives, ten (10) years of age or over, of honorably discharged Union Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of the Civil War, 1861 to 1865, also ex-army nurses of that War, are eligible for membership" (http://www.lgarnational.org/Membership.html)

Owning this directory (and if she lived during those dates) suggests she (or a family member) was a member. I would take that and determine what records exist for her membership and look into a soldier, sailor, marine, or ex-army nurse who was related to her.

We must go beyond what they include when we find directories and ask questions. These questions can include:

  • Who is included in this directory?
  • Who is absent?
  • What can I learn about this group?
  • Could my ancestor have been a member?
  • Do I have any other home sources that include this group?


Original Source:Women's History Month 2023: Directories


Gifts Received

Gift

Gena Philibert Ortega has not received any gifts yet

Give a Gift

 

Gena Philibert Ortega's Page

Latest Activity

Gena Philibert Ortega joined Cheryl Levy PLCGS's group
Thumbnail

Lecturing Skills Including Preparation course

This group provides a place for International Institute students who are taking this course to share.   Course Description: This course focuses on the skills needed to present genealogical-related lectures to a variety of audiences. It is a “hands on” course where the student will develop all aspects of the lecturing process including the proposal and biographical sketch; marketing; syllabus material; creating lecture slides; and much more.See More
Apr 26, 2021
Paula Louise Spart joined Gena Philibert Ortega's group
Thumbnail

WorldVitalRecords Newsletter

Family History Bulletin is the free weekly newsletter of World Vital Records. To subscribe, go to, http://www.worldvitalrecords.com/newslettersignup.aspx.
Oct 28, 2020
Paula Louise Spart joined Gena Philibert Ortega's group
Thumbnail

GenWise Chats

GenWise Chats are hour-long educational chats provided by GenealogyWise members. Come join us as we talk about what we are passionate about...genealogySee More
Oct 28, 2020
Gena Philibert Ortega joined Cheryl Levy PLCGS's group
Thumbnail

Professional Development Courses

This group is for students taking courses or working on the Certificate for Professional Development from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies.See More
May 19, 2020
Emily Allyn Moore joined Gena Philibert Ortega's group
Thumbnail

GenWise Chats

GenWise Chats are hour-long educational chats provided by GenealogyWise members. Come join us as we talk about what we are passionate about...genealogySee More
Feb 7, 2020
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a note

October Genealogy Virtual Meetings

Virtual Meetings are a way for you to learn more about genealogy from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies instructors.  Everyone is welcome and the meetings are FREE. Join us! Note: NO USER NAME or PASSWORD is REQUIRED. After clicking on…
Oct 16, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega replied to Jeanie Brewerton's discussion Spam
"We have removed the member who was posting spam messages to members. Thank you for reporting it. Gena Philibert-Ortega Director Genealogy Services The National Institute for Genealogical Studies"
Oct 1, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a note

Spammer

Occasionally, we do get members on GenealogyWise who are here to do one thing, spam other members. Ning, the platform we use, has no way to detect a spammer prior to them bothering our members. The only way we have to find spammers and terminate…
Sep 30, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega replied to Jeanie Brewerton's discussion Spam
"Another member already reported James Pollard for spam. He has been removed from the website. "
Sep 12, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a note

September 2019 Genealogy Virtual Meetings

Have  questions about your genealogy research? Join the instructors from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies for FREE virtual meetings where we discuss resources, records, and answer questions. Below is a list of virtual meetings. Attend…
Sep 6, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a blog post
Aug 27, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega replied to Susan Dzialo's discussion How to find ancestors that performed in show business?
"You don't mention where Mildred lived but the first place you should look, if you haven't already is  newspapers. Several online digitized newspaper websites should be checked including Newspapers.com and GenealogyBank. Conduct…"
Aug 23, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a note

June 2019 Genealogy Virtual Meeting Schedule

Have any questions about your family history  research? Join instructors from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies for Virtual Meetings. These online presentations are FREE and everyone is invited. Below are the June scheduled…
Jun 6, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a blog post

MyHeritage Expands to Health; Launches New DNA Test Offering Powerful and Personalized Health Insights for Consumers

MyHeritage Expands to Health; Launches New DNA Test Offering Powerful and Personalized Health Insights for ConsumersThe new MyHeritage DNA Health + Ancestry test provides comprehensive health reports for conditions affected by genetics including heart disease, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s diseaseTel Aviv, Israel & Lehi, Utah — MyHeritage, the…See More
May 20, 2019
Gena Philibert Ortega posted a note

May Genealogy Virtual Meetings

Have any questions about your genealogy research? Join The National Institute for Genealogical Studies this month for our Virtual Meetings. Join an instructor for Q+ A, lecture, and more. Below are the May scheduled…
May 10, 2019

Profile Information

What surnames are you interested in researching?
McNeil, Smith, Nikolaus, Hibbert, Philibert, Harsbarger, Montgomery, Randall, Earlywine, Chatham, Lewis, Ortega, Ochoa, Marquez, Aquino
What countries and other locations are you interested in researching?
USA, Mexico, England
What is your level of genealogy knowledge?
Professional Genealogist
If you are a genealogy expert, what are your specialties?
American Records
Do you have a genealogy website or blog or belong to a Genealogy Society?
www.yourfamilyhistoryresearch.com

Gena Philibert Ortega's Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Gena Philibert Ortega's Blog

Valerie & Myrt’s Excellent Genealogy Adventures debuts today

Posted on October 19, 2018 at 10:33am 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Valerie & Myrt’s Excellent Genealogy Adventures debuts today
 
Colorado Springs, CO, Oct 19, 2018 — In anticipation THE…
Continue

ANNOUNCING THE VIRTUAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Posted on April 29, 2018 at 9:41pm 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ANNOUNCING THE VIRTUAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

 

The Virtual Genealogical Society is a global organization serving family history enthusiasts of all levels, geared…

Continue

NEWEST IDG ACADEMY CLASS: BEGINNING GENEALOGY- STARTING OFF RIGHT

Posted on March 26, 2018 at 10:19am 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2018 | Utica, OH

Email Terri O’Connell for contact details, photos, and an author bio.

 

IDG INTRODUCES THEIR NEWEST IDG ACADEMY CLASS:…

Continue

Comment Wall (109 comments)

You need to be a member of Genealogy Wise to add comments!

Join Genealogy Wise

At 6:41pm on May 4, 2016, Susi (Susan C Jones) Pentico said…

Yup the correct word is NOT CONNECTED????  SusiCP@cox.net

At 6:40pm on May 4, 2016, Susi (Susan C Jones) Pentico said…

Gena Philibert Ortega,  for some reason the system says my chat is shut off? I keep clicking to go into chat room and it says not available?

SusiCP@cox.net

619 623 5250

At 10:36am on March 6, 2016, Joe said…

Hello Gena, Thanks for trying to address my email issue. When I click settings...Profile...change email, it gives me a link to click on in my new email. when I do click on it, it takes me to my page. when I re-enter my profile the old address is still there

At 6:49pm on September 15, 2011, Erin Bradford (freeaainnc) said…
Hi!  I tried emailing you about the possibility of starting a new chat, but it bounced and said your box was full.  When you have some space in your email, could you email me freeaainnc@ncalhn.org?  Thanks!
At 2:49pm on August 29, 2011, Hal Horrocks said…

Gena,

Is there nothing your not involved in?

LOL

Hal Horrocks

At 7:55am on July 14, 2011, James P. LaLone said…

Gena,

Check out Monica Diesma posting the same message to many people, I think it is spam to get in contact with people. Jim.

At 10:29pm on May 12, 2011, Lawrence Wright said…
Thanks for the comment and encouragement Gena.  This is a wonderful site.  I have to confess that I feel a bit overwhelmed.  Trying to find the right pedagogy to learn this has left me feeling like a deer looking at an oncoming car at night with bright headlights on.   Larry
At 11:16am on February 9, 2011, Ellen Healy said…
Gena, So glad to see you here again. I didn't know you had been gone until it was mentioned one night on the chat. Good news!!!
At 8:26pm on November 10, 2010, Ellen Healy said…
Hi, Gena, I really love the lists of sites you have been posting in the newsletter. They are very helpful, and I just copied the ones from todays' newsletter on military records. One question I have is do you know of any good sites where records of the Spanish-American War are listed?
At 5:31pm on October 27, 2010, Sharon Rollins Pustejovsky said…
Gena,
Thanks for the welcome! I look forward to using GenealogyWise and getting to know other users, and helping each other as much as possible.

Sincerely,
Sharon Pustejovsky
 
 
 

Members

© 2024   Created by IIGSExecDirector.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service