Be Sure to Visit my new 1900 Galveston Storm Website at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootseb.com/~barnette 

TRAGEDIES DENOTE RECORDS VULNERABILITY

 Several recent incidents have proven public records are constantly in danger of being damaged or destroyed. On August 4 the Newton County, Texas courthouse burned. While the courthouse had a fireproof vault and  many of the older records books are on microfilm there was still a  loss of many irreplaceable records.

 In Detroit, Michigan storm drains overflowed and spilled into the sub street floors of the Burton Collection. Countless books and government documents were damaged. Quick action by the staff helped save most of the collections. The library will be closed for structural and document repairs until October 15.

 In Fort Worth, all of Downtown, including the public library was attacked by a powerful tornado. The library was damaged by shattered glass and sprinkler water throughout the collections.

 In March fire totally destroyed the library of La Societe du Genealogie, Quebec's second largest genealogical library. It was one of the best French Canadian libraries anywhere.

 The best way to prevent loss of  information is to be sure there are copies of the records and that the copies are stored in a second location away from the first. Whether records are computerized, microfilmed or digitized, copies need to be created so the information does not cease to exist even if the original records are lost in a natural disaster. Citizens should demand public officials protect their legacy.

FIRST GENEALOGIST APPOINTED TO THRAB

 Nationally known genealogist and lecturer Richard L. Hooverson of Belton has been appointed by Governor Bush to a permanent member position on the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board. He is the first genealogist to be appointed to the position.

 The THRAB was established in 1975 to serve as a catalyst for improving the condition of archives and records within the state, and to review requests for grants from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. THRAB's biggest challenge today is determining which records are historically significant and should be retained and which may be destroyed to make room for other records.

GENEALOGICAL COMPUTER CLASS

 Paula Perkins Parke will conduct two Organizing Your Ancestors with Family Tree Maker Software classes on Wednesday August 3. The first will be taught from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. at Houston Community College's Missouri City campus at 1681 Cartwright. To register for this class, contact HCC at 281-835-5539.

 The second class will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. at Leisure Learning's 2990 Richmond Avenue campus. To register for this class, contact Leisure Learning at 713-529-4414.

 Using live demonstrations, the two classes will give step by step instructions how to organize and document one's family information and sources. Other functions covered include creating charts and reports, use the searchable family surname index, view companion CD-ROMs and produce family books.

FGS IN SLC

 The Federation of Genealogical Societies conference is fast approaching. This year's festivities are being held September 6-9 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.

 The FGS conferences are known for their highly informative lectures, and wide variety of genealogical books, supplies and computer exhibits. In addition,  genealogical networking is at its most vibrant apex. Since this years conference is in Salt Lake City, it will be a great time to visit and conduct research at the best genealogical library in the world, the Family History Library.

 For more information about the conference and to register, visit the  FGS website at http://www.fgs.org  or call toll free -1-888-FGS-1500.

NEWS FROM THE BOOKSHELF

 Maureen  A. Taylor has compiled a very informative book to help photo aficionados and those with old identified and unidentified photographs laying around the house. UNCOVERING YOUR ANCESTRY THROUGH FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS: How to Identify, Interpret and Preserve Your Family's Visual Heritage is available for $18.99, plus postage from F&W Publishers, 1507 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207.

 The book offers step by step instructions how to identify and date different types of family photographs. It will teach one how recognize the type of photograph, compare facial features of people, determine the date,  discover the location, and in some instances, identify the photographer who took the picture. The book includes case studies using actual photographs to illustrate how poses, props, dress and setting can lead to new genealogical discoveries.

 The book is a great primer and guide for anyone interested in learning about the types of photographs and how to identify the people and places found in them.