Fresh Insights and Practical Tips from the Allen County Genealogy Center
Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 69, November 30, 2009 In this issue: Your Words, Your Stories, Your History New Jersey County Tax Ratables, 1773-1822 Technology Tip of the Month--Photo Restoration with Adobe Photoshop, Version 9.02: Nitty Gritty II, Cloning Preservation Tip of the Month--Laminating Documents
***************************************
Your Words, Your Stories, Your History by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
Have you taken part in the “National Day of Listening” since it began? If not, consider setting aside time to hear the stories of older relatives. These narratives often hold valuable historical insights and personal legacies. For inspiration, read about a family reunion where old photographs sparked forgotten memories and connections.
Dear readers, last weekend’s Thanksgiving festivities kept me busy, but I hope you carved out moments to listen deeply. Whether it’s a grandparent recounting their youth or a cousin sharing wartime experiences, these conversations enrich our understanding of family roots. If scheduling proves tricky, plan ahead during quieter holiday periods—consistency builds trust and encourages openness.
For example, I recently digitized one hundred vintage photos from my parents’ wedding and my siblings’ early years. Using CDs for family gatherings allowed us to discuss unknown faces and uncover hidden histories. Such projects highlight how visual artifacts can ignite dialogue across generations.
Remember, patience is key. Start small: pick one photo, ask open-ended questions, and let the story unfold naturally. Over time, these efforts weave a richer tapestry of your lineage.
Upcoming, I’ll share guidance on navigating New Jersey’s 18th-century tax records—a challenging but rewarding resource for researchers tracing early American ancestry.
Technology Tip of the Month: Restoring Old Photos with Adobe Photoshop, Version 9.02
Mastering the clone tool in Photoshop transforms damaged images. Begin with a small brush, set opacity to 75%, and use ALT+click to sample pixels near imperfections. Gradually enlarge your selections as you refine details, especially around facial features like noses. Always work on copies to preserve originals, and experiment with undo to correct mistakes. For further learning, explore additional tutorials via Ancestry.com’s database, which links to corrected tax list indexes.
Next month’s workshop will cover scanning techniques for preserving fragile documents without causing wear.
Preservation Tip of the Month: Why Laminating Isn’t the Answer
Avoid laminating photos or documents—the heat and chemicals degrade materials over time. Instead, use archival-quality Mylar sleeves for protection. These clear, acid-free options safeguard against moisture and dust while remaining reversible. Lamination seals in harmful compounds that accelerate deterioration, making future conservation harder.
For sourcing supplies, visit Gaylord.com, lightimpressionsdirect.com, archival.com, or hollingermetaledge.com—each offers reliable alternatives to traditional lamination.
WinterTech Series: Expand Your Research Toolkit
Join Melissa Shimkus on December 9 at 2:30 PM to discover blog strategies for genealogy discovery. Later, Curt Witcher presents on January 3 at 2:00 PM about the Fort Wayne Public Library’s role in preserving local history. Mark your calendar for January’s software session and February’s scanning basics.
Driving Directions: Navigate to the Allen County Public Library easily. From Interstate 69 exits 102 or 112, follow posted signs to Ewing Street. The library sits between Washington and Wayne Boulevards, just one block north of the downtown core.
Parking: Metered spots cost $1 per half-hour on Ewing/Wayne Streets until 5 PM weekdays. The garage at Washington/Clinton offers hourly rates starting at $0.50, with daily caps. Free street parking applies after 5 PM and weekends.
Genealogy Center Hours: Open Tuesday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. Reference inquiries require calls to 260-421-1225; general questions via email. Research services incur fees but provide valuable assistance.
Event Calendar: Check upcoming meetings and workshops listed throughout this newsletter. Highlights include Black Sheep Stories on January 3 and a music presentation by Louisa Danielson on December 3.
We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Wayne’s rich genealogical community. Stay curious, stay connected, and happy researching!
Tags: 2009
Comprehensive updates from the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center, covering news, guides, and events for family historians.
