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Updated 20 March 2008
Rick Roberts
Biography & Links to Global Gazette Articles
Rick Roberts has enjoyed a life-long interest in family history. Rick's hobby became his vocation when he co-founded Global Genealogy in 1992 with his wife Sandra, selling books and other supplies at genealogical conventions and by mail-order.
Global's online store opened in 1996, soon followed by a physical location in 1997. Rick launched The Global Gazette, a popular online family history magazine, in 1996. One year later, he began publishing Canadian history books, genealogy how-to books, and historical maps under the imprint Global Heritage Press. GHP now has more than 300 books in print plus dozens of historical maps.
Rick is a frequent speaker at genealogical conferences and workshops across Canada and the USA. His memberships include the Association of Professional Genealogists; The Genealogical Speakers Guild; National Genealogical Society; Ontario Genealogical Society; and the Ontario Historical Society.
List of available lectures & workshops:
(scheduled speaking engagements)
Beginning a Family History Project - Basic
(1 hour)
Many of us want to know who our ancestors were, where they came from, why they made the life decisions that they did, and how those decisions affect us and our descendants. This lecture is an overview that covers how to get organized, provides hints and tips on collecting oral and documentary information, recording your findings on paper or by computer, and methods to share your research with your family today and for generations to come. This talk will save time and effort for those who are interested in researching and recording their family history but don't know where to start. [This is an introductory talk that is suitable for a general audience such as service clubs etc.]
Publishing a Family History, Six Steps to Success
(1 hour)
Sharing family history in printed form is an important objective for those who enjoy researching and recording their genealogy. This session provides much helpful information to help you compile and publish your family history in book or electronic form. It's easier and cheaper than you think! This practical session is broken into two parts - content/structure of the book, and publishing the finished work. Whether you plan to print 1 copy or 10,000 copies, you will learn how to produce professional results while saving time, money and stress.
Researching Ontario Ancestors Before 1869
( 1 hour or 2 hours)
The greatest challenge for those researching their early Ontario roots is locating birth, marriage, death, and other records of genealogical interest, prior to the beginning of Ontario government civil registration in June of 1869. The purpose of this lecture is to outline how vital records were recorded during the early years of Ontario (Upper Canada, Canada West). With this knowledge, those searching for the elusive needle in the haystack will have a better understanding of what records were required to be kept, which of those records survive, where they are located, and how to access them.
Tracing and Proving Your United Empire Loyalist Lineage
(1 hour)
After the American Revolutionary War thousands of people who supported the British during the war were forced to leave their homes to seek security outside of the United States. The majority came to Canada. This lecture defines what a United Empire Loyalist is, along with an outline of the benefits that were awarded to those who could prove their claim. Attendees will learn how to go about researching and documenting their personal connection to their original Loyalist ancestors, which records survive, where they are now and how to access them. The process of applying for and obtaining an official "UE" designation is also discussed.
Researching Canadian Military Records Using Online and Traditional Resources
(1 hour)
Discover which Canadian military records are available for different time frames and for different military conflicts, where those records are, how to access them, plus tips and hints for interpreting Canadian military documents. Case studies, compiled by using internet based and physical records, will illustrate effective strategies, research processes and results.
Which Genealogy Software is Best for You - PC
(1 hour)
Choosing a family tree software program that best matches your needs can be a daunting task. This session introduces you to the three leading genealogy software packages; Family Tree Maker; RootsMagic; and Legacy Family Tree. Each has its individual strengths. The key is matching those strengths with what is important to you. By comparing how each program handles entering information, citing sources, project management, unique features, and sharing your results in printed or electronic form, you will be able to make an informed decision about which is best for you.
Immigration Schemes and Settlement Societies to Upper Canada
(1 hour)
The rapid growth of population in Upper Canada in the 19th century was no accident. After the War of 1812, the British accelerated settlement to protect their claim to the lands on the British side of the new borders established at the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. These schemes satisfied more than one need. One example was the relocation of destitute weavers from the Glasgow area after weaving was industrialized with steam power. The unemployed weavers were a drain on the local Scottish purse. That circumstance provided the willingness to fund relocation from their traditional communities. The "pull effect" was provided by promises of free or subsidized land, transportation and provisions in what later became Ontario. This talk examines several of the many schemes, where they settled, where they came from, and the record sets that resulted in Canada and overseas.
LEGACY Tree Maker Workshop (software)
(5 hours)
Legacy Family Tree is a professional-grade genealogy software program that is easy to use. More than just a place to record and print out your work, Legacy gives you the tools that are required to help you manage your entire family history project. Discover proven techniques for getting started, entering information, citing sources, adding photos, videos and sound clips, tips and shortcuts, recording history and images of the places where family events happened, automatically application of GPS co-ordinates to places, backing up and much more. See how Legacy can examine the information and sources that you add to your family file, and how it makes recommendations of additional resources that you missed, along with providing descriptions of what those resources are, and how to access them online and/or by traditional means. By attending this workshop you will benefit from dozens of hints and tips that will help you improve your family history research results using Legacy Family Tree.
Family Tree Maker Workshop (software)
(5 hours)
Benefit from dozens of hints and tips that will help you improve your results using Family Tree Maker. Learn the best techniques for entering information, dealing with conflicting dates and events, how to make professional quality genealogy charts and reports at the click of a mouse, and even how to create a family history book that your family and descendants will treasure. Most people use less than 20% of the capabilities of Family Tree Maker. Find out about the other 80%, and decide which of those features and options will help you. We absolutely guarantee that you will learn new skills, regardless of how long you have used Family Tree Maker.
To book Rick Roberts for an upcoming event, contact him by telephone at 1-800-361-5168, or by email.
Global Gazette Articles by Rick Roberts
2008
Upcoming Genealogy Fair in Peterborough, Ontario
By: Rick Roberts. Trent Valley Archives in Peterborough, Ontario has organized a genealogy fair to be held on 05 April 2008. The genealogy fair is a full day event, packed with interesting topics for everyone from people with a budding curiousity about family history research to those who are actively seeking their roots.
British 19th Century Newspapers Now Online. By: Rick Roberts. All of our readers with ancestors from Great Britain will be very interested to know that the British Library has digitized newspapers from the 19th century and has them available online, at no cost, for a short period of time.
Legacy Charting Pre-Release Edition Now Available For Free Download
By: Geoff Rasmussen. New family tree charting software now available for free download. Create ancestor charts, descendant charts, mother’s trees, father’s trees, fan charts, hourglass charts, bow tie charts, and DNA charts.
Ontario Research Conference - Toronto
By: Rick Roberts. We exhibited at yet another successful genealogy mini-conference, organized by the Toronto Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society last week. The event, Keys to Ontario Research, was co-sponsored by the Canadiana Department of the North York Public Library. Those of you who know of the library are aware that a visit to the facility provides a wonderful opportunity to use their considerable genealogy resources that are housed on the sixth floor. Additionally the Ontario Genealogical Socety has their Toronto-based collection hosted at the same site. A research bonanza for those with Ontario roots! These events are a bargain... plan to attend one soon.
2007
- New Websites: Small and Special,
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children 1852-1914 Small and Special is a collection of resources relating to the early years of The Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street, London -- England’s first in-patient children’s hospital. Here you can trace a specific patient, learn about childhood diseases, or investigate a member of the medical staff.
- New Websites: The Battle of the Somme Through the use of diaries, letters,
maps, and photographs, this compelling online exhibit from the Imperial War
Museum examines that long and difficult World War I land battle.
- New Websites: Mapping The Pacific Coast of America The maps and illustrations in the Quivira Collection date from 1540 to 1802, a span of 260 years or so. The maps in this collection span the transition from the European Renaissance to the Age of Enlightenment and bear eloquent testimony to the expansion of useful knowledge.
- Digitization of Irish 1901 and 1911 census records Those who seek evidence of the location and family statistics of their Irish ancestors have much to celebrate today. The Archives of Ireland, in partnership with others including Library and Archives Canada, are digitizing Irish census and making them available online. The first of those digitized images are available to day -- Dublin 1911.
- Family Tree Maker 2008 Free Update Available In last week's Global Gazette article about Family Tree Maker 2008, I spoke about the new design with its many new features but also some specific deficencies. This week, the first of those new updates has been completed and is available for download. To learn which items have been addressed, and if you qualify for a free update, read on.
- Family Tree Maker 2008 FAQs, Tips, Hints and Updates As in all new software releases, FTM 2008 has encountered some growing pains. In this writer's opinion, the need for a complete re-write was without question. The result is a quantum jump from the earlier design. However long-time users have expressed concerns, some warranted.
- Ancestry.com Blunder Turns Into PR Nightmare
A public releations blunder by Ancestry.com has resulted in a serious backlash from the genealogical community. This article provides an overview of the events and a response from an Ancestry.com official.
- New Episodes of Ancestors in the Attic
Ancestors In The Attic, the hit family history TV program that has delighted viewers and earned a large and enthusiastic audience in its inaugral 2006-2007 season, is releasing four new episodes during August and September.
- New Episodes of Ancestors in the Attic
Ancestors In The Attic, the hit family history TV program that has delighted viewers and earned a large and enthusiastic audience in its inaugral 2006-2007 season, is releasing four new episodes during August and September.
- Free Video Introduction - Family Tree Maker 2008
Family Tree Maker has produced a free online learning video for the new and completely updated Family Tree Maker 2008. Presenter, Megan Smolenyak, Chief Family Historian for Ancestry.com , provides an informative overview of Family Tree Maker 2008.
- "Sir John A. Macdonald" was a Big Hit on Canada Day!
By: Rick Roberts. David Morris, convincingly acting the part of Sir John A. Macdonald, was a big hit with his audience at the Global Genealogy sponsored presentation in Campbellville on Canada Day. Read on to find out more, including pictures of the event.
- "My Ain Folk" Scottish Genealogy Researchers
By: Rick Roberts. The Global Gazette is pleased to welcome a new advertiser, My Ain Folk, a firm offering professional research services in Scotland. Need some help with your Scottish genealogy or history research? These Edinburgh based researchers may be the answer!
- "Sir John A. Macdonald" Canada Day Celebration
By: Rick Roberts. Spend an entertaining and educational afternoon (2-3:30 pm) with Canada's first Prime Minister "Sir John A. Macdonald"! And... drop into Global Genealogy & History shoppe for complimentary bottled water, coffee, tea and treats (open 9-5pm).
- Global Genealogy Acquires MacDonald Research Centre Publications
By: Rick Roberts. On June 1, 2007, Global Genealogy's publishing arm completed an agreement with MacDonald Research Centre, to acquire all publishing rights to the eighty nine books authored by the company. Duncan MacDonald spent a lifetime transcribing and publishing the church records, genealogical extractions, and family histories of the settlers and inhabitants of The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry in Ontario, Canada. Those books are now in print and available to researchers once again.
- All Canadian Passenger Lists from 1865 to 1935 to be Digitized and Indexed
By: Rick Roberts. Read a press release that was provided by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) which outlines a new strategic partnership between Library and Archives Canada, and American-based Generations Network (formerly known as MyFamily.com / Ancestry.com).
- Accessing a computerized family file from more than one computer. By: Rick Roberts. We recently received an inquiry from a Global Gazette reader who requested advice about setting up his home computer system so that he could access his computerized family file from more than one computer in his home. The solution can be used with most genealogy sofgtware programs.
- In Memorium - John Edwin Ruch. By: Rick Roberts. We've recently learned of the passing of a well known and active participant in the heritage community in Canada. John Edwin Ruch was born on June 1, 1929 and passed away February 4, 2007.
- New Online Resources From Library & Archives Canada. By: Rick Roberts. Library and Archives Canada has announced two new web-based resources called Oral Histories of the First World War: Veterans 1914-1918 and Faces of War. These new virtual exhibitions bring Canada's military history to life through the voices and faces of the men and women who served their country during wartime.
- Question: Can I set up a reusable template in the Book feature of Family Tree Maker? By: Rick Roberts. There is no "official" option or tool that I am aware of, that provides a reusable template within the Book feature of FTM. However there is a work-around that comes to mind...
- Africa's Children, History of Blacks in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. By: Rick Roberts,
Global Heritage Press Inc. is pleased to announce that a new book titled Africa's Children, History of Blacks in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is scheduled for release in April 2007. There is a link in this article where you can request notification when more information is available.
- Question: Can I set up a reusable template in the Book feature of Family Tree Maker?. By: Rick Roberts. There is no "official" option or tool that I am aware of, that provides a reusable template within the Book feature of FTM. However there is a work-around that comes to mind...
- 1911 England/Wales Census Available Soon! By: Rick Roberts. There is exciting news for those who have been impatiently waiting for the 1911 England and Wales census to be available to researchers. A recent decision, made under the Freedom of Information Act, provides for access to most of the 1911 census information as soon as January 2007.
- New $100 Million Facility for Archives of Ontario
A new and modern facility for the Archives of Ontario will be built on the main York University campus, at 4700 Keele Street, in Toronto. Over the next two years the Ontario government, in partnership with York University, will oversee the construction of a new archival facility that will provide better public services and enhance access to the province’s history.
2006
- Christmas Traditions, Old and New By: Rick Roberts. Christmas is the premier religious Holiday of the year for millions of Christians around the world. Practising Christians focus celebrations of the Holiday season on the birth of Christ. However, for most Christians, and for many of those of other religions, the season has also become a time to celebrate family, renewal, and the spirit of sharing. A time to reflect on our common values and to extend goodwill to others.
- Finding Passenger Lists & Immigration Records - North America. By Rick Roberts. Tens of thousands of Canadian immigrants arrived at American ports and then continued on to Canada by road, railway or inland waterways. The same is true of those who arrived in Canadian ports, then made a hard-left-turn into the USA. This article is designed to help you locate the arrival records of those who immigrated to North America, regardless of where they finally settled.
- New York Inbound Passenger Lists 1820-1846. By Rick Roberts. Millions of Canadians and Americans are descended from immigrants who arrived at the port of New York. Most of the early records survive and have been microfilmed. Included here, are National Archives microfilm numbers and LDS Family History Library microfilm numbers, They are sorted alphabetically by immigrant surname. Includes information on how to access films.
- Family Tree Maker Tech Tip: OLE2NLS.DLL error. By Rick Roberts. When starting the Family Tree Maker program in Windows 95 or Windows 98, I get the following message: "An error has occurred in OLE2NLS.DLL. Please try reinstalling OLE." Here is how to fix it...
- In Flanders Fields - Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. By Rick Roberts.
John McCrae wrote his now famous work, an expression of his anguish over the loss of his friend and a reflection of his surroundings – wild Poppies growing amid simple wooden crosses marking makeshift graves. These 15 lines, written in 20 minutes, captured an exact description of the sights and sounds of the area around him.
- MyFamily.com Aims To Shake More Profit From Family Trees. By Rick Roberts.
Patrick Seitz, a columnist with the Investor's Business Daily, says: "The leading genealogy Web site company, MyFamily.com, is looking to expand beyond its base of hard-core genealogists and attract more mainstream folks interested in their family history.
- Searchable 1851 Canadian Census Online. By Rick Roberts.
Library and Archives Canada put images of the original pages of 1851 census of Canada online earlier this year. The links to individual 1851 census images are sorted by census district. That is helpful if you know precisely where your ancestors were at the time of the 1851 census... most of us do not. Help is on the way in the form of a completely indexed and searchable 1851 Canadian census linked to original images!
- Corporate Chronology of Family Tree Maker. We are often asked about the ownership/corporate history of Family Tree Maker. This chronology was created by Paul Burchfield, a highly-respected FTM tech who appeared in their training videos and supported the brand at genealogy conventions across the continent.
- Peter Robinson's Report on 1823 Emigration to the Bathurst District of Upper Canada (Ontario). By the early 1820s Ireland was experiencing a severe economic downturn, compounded by failing potato crops. The economic depression and food shortages affected all Irish regardless of faith, however the Catholic Irish had an additional problem. Irish penal laws restricted Irish Roman Catholics in the practice of their faith, land ownership, and voting. There was plenty of interest when the Peter Robinson emigration scheme was announced...
- A Chronology of Ontario History for Family Historians. This listing of historical events in Ontario prior to 1941 is designed to assist family historians in locating the civil and religious records that are required in a genealogy project. Maps outlining boundary changes through Ontario's history are included.
- New Genealogy TV Series: "Ancestors in the Attic". An exciting new family history research television show begins on History Television (Canada) this month. Make a note on your calendar to be in front of your TV at 9:30 pm on Wednedsday, October 18. The show is set at a fast pace, loaded with interesting real stories that thread throughout the half hour program.
- Disappearance of Ryan Taylor has Sad Ending.... Ryan Taylor became the subject of an active missing person's inventigation by the Toronto police service this week. Unfortunately this story has a sad ending.
- Prominent Genealogist is Missing. The Toronto Police Service has requested the assistance of the public in locating Ryan Taylor. Ryan, who is well known within genealogical circles as an author, lecturer and archivist, was in Toronto on business last weekend. The last reported record of his whereabouts was on Sunday evening (24 September 2006).
- Update Family Tree Maker 2006 up to Version 16 for Free
According to the Family Tree Maker official website, ALL users of Family Tree Maker 2006 can download a free update to version 16. This article tells you what is in the update and how to download your copy...
- English Celebrity Visits Global Genealogy & History Shoppe
A celebrity visitor made a surprise visit to the Global Genealogy and History Shoppe in Campbellville last Saturday.
- Genealogy Website Helps Chinese Canadians Explore Their Roots. The new Chinese-Canadian Genealogy Website of the Vancouver Public Library celebrates the contributions of Chinese Canadians to Canada and provides community members with a powerful tool to assist them in accessing their heritage.
- Association of Professional Genealogists Seeks Advertising Sales Representative.
The Association of Professional Genealogists is looking for a motivated advertising sales representative to secure advertising for their journal The APG Quarterly.
- International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH) 6th Annual Institute in Salt Lake City. The International Society for British Genealogy and Family History (ISBGFH) announces the sixth annual British Institute to be held October 2 - 6, 2006 in Salt Lake City. Read all about it :)
- About Colorado's Historic Newspaper Collection (CHNC). CHNC contains over 291,000 digitized pages that are searchable online. The relevance for Canadians is quite staggering... thousands of Canadians settled in Colorado. Still others ventured through Colorado on their way to settle in other points west.
- Flag Etiquette in Canada. The manner in which flags may be displayed in Canada is not governed by any legislation but by established practice. The etiquette outlined in this article is an adaptation of international usage and of customs the federal government has been observing for many years.
- Flag Etiquette - Official U.S. Flag Code. American flag flying etiquette and practise is highly regulated. Ever wonder what days you should fly your national flag? Or where to place state and municipal flags when grouped with the U.S. Flag? Curious about how to properly fold a flag? Then read on.
- New Jersey Planning to Block Public Access to Vital Records. Well-meaning legislators and bureaucrats around the world are increasingly zealous in their pursuit of increased opportunities to 'protect' the privacy and security of their constituents. Joan M. Lowry, President of the Genealogical Society of New Jersey explains the situation
- Want To Host an American Genealogy TV Show?
. Learn how you can apply to be a television host for a genealogy TV program being developed by Stephen Marlin, Executive Producer, Los Angeles, California.
- More Searchable Online Databases for Genealogists. UK Women's Army Auxiliary Corps records online; Boston, USA Passenger Manifests; British History Online; Discover the Penetanguishene, Ontario Centennial Museum and Archives online; The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf: Irish-Canadian Documentary Heritage at Library and Archives Canada.
- A Skeleton in a Tree.. If you think that you have looked everywhere for your 'missing' ancestor, there may still be places that you missed!
- Wisconsin Local History & Biography Articles Collection.. An interesting web site for those interested in a searchable online collection of materials regarding Wisconsin settlement and development, including references to Canada.
2005
- Aboriginal Documentary Heritage: Historical Collections of the Canadian Government. The National Library and Archives of Canada has added aboriginal historic content to their list of available online resources.
- New Family History TV Show - You could be a part of it. Producers of Ancestors in Your Attic (History TV Network) want to hear your Family History research stories.
- Try Legacy Family Tree software and Training Videos for free Curious about the features and usability of Legacy Family Tree Software? This article includes a free download of a demo copy of Legacy, PLUS free online access to two videos on using the program.
- In Memorium - Carole Crawford Callard It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a wonderful friend and supporter of family historians.
- Help Save Country Heritage Park Celebrating New Years at Country Heritage Park,or making a personal or business donation to the park will help save a cornerstone of Ontario's history.
- Family Tree Maker Day in Pembroke, Ontario on Feb 11, 2006 by Rick Roberts
- Why do I get errors while registering Family Tree Maker?
99% of software registrations are easy and incident-free, however there are instances when other software that is on your computer or custom settings to your operating system causes problems. This article provides eight different methods to overcome registration errors. These instructions are for those using Family Tree Maker 2005 and 2006.
- Saving Part of Your FTM Family File to a Separate file Four methods whereby you can save a specified portion of your personal Family Tree Maker file into a new file that contains only information you wish to share with another party. These instructions are for those using Family Tree Maker 2005 and 2006.
- Did Your Canadian Immigrant Arrive Via NY? by Rick Roberts Recently, while searching the free online passenger lists at CastleGarden.org I encountered a result that left me speechless (not an easy accomplishment).
- Review: Family Tree Maker 2006 by Rick Roberts
- Archives of Ontario Closes Doors Safety issues surface one again.
- Archives of Ontario Discussed in Parliament
- Help Save the Archives of Ontario (Canada)
- Six New Articles For Family Tree Maker Users:
- Records of The Royal Canadian Rifles - by Rick Roberts In response to a significant and growing problem of desertions of enlisted men during the 1830's, the British established the Royal Canadian Rifles in Upper Canada beginning in 1840.
- NEW Online Guide
For Aboriginal Genealogy
- Tips For Self-Publishing a Family History...
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