ELG Supports PaHR-Access

"PaHR-Access (People for Better Pennsylvania Historical Records Access) is strictly a grassroots organization started in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania in August of 2007. It was first known as People for Better Access to Pennsylvania Historical Records (PBAPHR). The name change took place in early November 2007 to allow for a more pronounceable acronym (i.e. par-access)."

The mission of PaHR-Access is to promote legislation that will make directly accessible vital records of our deceased Pennsylvania ancestors. These records are some of the best sources to expand our pedigrees as they will often list parents names. Having a copy of the record will also help us build stories about our ancestors. Even those who have no genealogical interest may benefit from statistical knowledge and/or history as well as potentially learning their ancestral medical histories. Some such records may be obtained after long processes, mail-in forms, identification and fees currently, but anyone who has done this will understand the need to have direct public access.

Though not officially affiliated ELG has grown alongside PaHR-Access for the past two years. With permission of the administrator, Tim Gruber, the founder of ELG created a social network group on Facebook to help make others aware of this cause. For some time we were running ads on the Internet to help inform individuals of the need for action. In local churches we posted fliers and were able to obtain a majority at one congregation to send letters encouraging PA House Representatives to stand with us on this issue. The majority of my contact with state governmental officials on this topic has shown their opinion is in the affirmative.

It is a slow hard process as with most changes in legislation, but with continued effort we will prevail. Anyone who has ancestors in Pennsylvania will benefit from the passing of the recommended legislation directly. Though I have few Pennsylvania ancestors I take a personal interest in this for my clients as well as the entire community.

It is encouraging that several genealogical and/or historical organizations have been endorsing the movement.

Please do whatever you can to contribute your time. You can go to the website by clicking the title on this post or get ideas here.

eLegacy Genealogy YouTube Channel

If you have been to our website lately you have noticed the use of YouTube video(s) in helping you navigate through our many resources. As of this post we have one website navigation video and one video in which I enthusiastically introduce myself and my connection to ELG. In order to benefit from the convenient tools and presentation abilities available for videos on YouTube we have released our official YouTube Channel this month. Check it out here: eLegacy Genealogy
Not to give too much away, we are developing ways to use video in reaching our audience. If you would like to contribute to these developments leave a comment.

Volunteer Partnership with USGenWeb Archives

Earlier this month ELG announced a partnership with volunteers at USGenWeb Archives. The goal of this project is to make available tombstone photograph collections of local Adams and York County, PA cemeteries. Such volunteer provided online cemetery records have been key in my research for my ancestors and I'm glad to be contributing to the overall effort. On 20 Sep 2009 the first wave of this project was officially released in connection with Kathy Francis of the York County, PA USGenWeb Archive. Bott's Graveyard was the first cemetery to be uploaded. You can browse the photos here: http://usgwarchives.net/pa/york/1picts/cemeteries/botts-wmanchester/botts.htm

ELG introduces BLOG

After seeing the inefficiency of the first version of the Enduring Legacy Genealogy website from late 2007-2008 I scrapped it and made this blog a companion to my new website. I have admired genealogical blogs from other enthusiasts for some time. The AncestryInsider & Renee's Genealogy Blog were my primary inspirations. With the increased popularity of my services and demand for genealogical advice, news, and tips, Enduring Legacy Genealogy brings you our own WebLog (blog). Content may include select genealogical news from areas such as Pennsylvania, Baltimore, the north eastern United States, Germany and Ireland. My favorite topics include new genealogy technology, what is new with FamilySearch websites, and genealogy volunteerism.

UPDATE:
August 2011. The official website of Enduring Legacy Genealogy has moved entirely into this blog.