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Gena Philibert Ortega
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Gena Philibert Ortega's Discussions

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

Gena's Genealogy

Women's History Month 2023: Her Work Uniform

I've always loved this photo. "Women workers employed as wipers in the roundhouse having lunch in their rest room, C. & N.W. R.R., Clinton, Iowa "  depicts women working for the railroad in 1943. The color and image are as vivid as if it was yesterday. 

The photo depicts these women enjoying a lunch break. You get a sense of their work life by studying their clothes, lunch, and lunch boxes. Their uniform includes overalls, hair coverings, and eye protection. These are part of the tools of their trade. 

Flickr the Commons, https://flic.kr/p/4jv942


One of my paternal great-grandmothers worked as a restaurant cook. She always wore a uniform consisting of a white dress, comfortable white shoes, and an apron. That's how I remember her. Writing about her work life, I can include that uniform and why she would have worn it. I may not have her work records but I can piece together her work-life from home sources, genealogical records, and details like what she wore.

What did your female ancestor do outside of the home? What was her uniform?

Women's History Month 2023: Her House

 Where did she live? Have you written about the actual home she lived in? Describing what she lived in and what it looked like can help. 

We tend to think all houses are the same, but they aren't, especially as you think about location and era. Even today, you may live with something you take for granted, for example, a basement or attic, but depending on where someone else lives, they may not enjoy those features in their home (I've never lived in a home with a basement).



Image by Freddy from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/car-abandoned-house-old-house-6667559/)

House research is a great addition to her story. Even if her house was a tenement. Her address might be found in a census, city directory, or tax list. Even if you don't have a photo, you might find a description in a library's local history collection or in an archive photo collection. 

Women's History Month 2023: Her Car

Did your 20th-century female ancestor/family member drive a car? Did she own a car? Did she know how to drive?

My cousin's 1969 Ford Cougar


Driving in the early part of the 20th century was quite different than driving today. Heck, even driving 40 years ago was different.

Home sources to look at include a driver's license and photos of the car. Family stories might be told about her driving abilities, where she drove, and the cars she drove. Additional research could include laws for that time period and place, images of that car, descriptions of the car, and what it included. 

Although this may seem more like recent history, it's still important to document. My car today has GPS and satellite radio. It even lets you know when you are too close to another car. However, I learned to drive as a teenager with a 1961 Volkswagon Bug that had no air conditioning, no fuel gauge, and no seat belts. Times change, and we need to document that.


Women's History Month 2023: Directories

 Back in 2019, my theme for Women's History Month was "I'm in the Book." I used that month to illustrate all of 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.

From the collection of Gena Philibert-Ortega


Take, for instance, this example of a National Roster of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (1933-1934). This directory is a list of names, affiliations, and addresses of women who held leadership positions in the LGAR. It also includes some other 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. What that suggests is 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 try to determine what records exist for her membership as well as look into a soldier, sailor, marine, or ex-army nurse who was related to her.

When we find directories, we need to go beyond what they include 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?

Women's History Month 2023: Signature Quilts

Yesterday I mentioned quilts. Today for National Quilt Day, I wanted to mention a type of quilt that your ancestor may have been a part of that may or may not be something she owned. 

From the collection of Gena Philibert-Ortega


Signature quilts were gifted to someone, or they were used as a fundraiser. So an ancestor's name may be on a quilt, but they did not own it because it was created as a gift for a family member or a friend or auctioned off. However, it's good to keep an eye out for any mention of this type of quilt in newspaper articles or local histories. In one case, I found a signature quilt that included my maternal grandmother's name in an Images of America book on her hometown. 

The Quilt Index includes lists of quilts, including signatures quilts that should be searched. They also have an article on the subject at https://quiltindex.org/view/?type=essays&kid=2-129-1.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
For what reason did you start genealogy research?
I love family history and learning more about my ancestors.
Do you have a genealogy website or blog?
http://www.yourfamilyhistoryresearch.com

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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…
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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…

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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:…

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Comment Wall (109 comments)

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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
 
 
 

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