Waterville, Maine 1890 Census now available through the Taconnett Falls chapter!

Many genealogists have run into the conundrum over the years of trying to find their ancestors in the 1890 census only to learn most of the census for that year was destroyed during a fire many years ago.  Researchers looking for their Waterville ancestors may be surprised to know a copy of the 1890 census still exists and was recently published through the hard work of the Tacconnett Falls chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society and Sam Teddy Publishing.  The paperback book contains nearly 300 pages (including index) and is a must have for anyone researching their 1890's Waterville families.

Thanks so much to the folks at the Taconnett Chapter for bringing this vital resource to print!

If you're interested in purchasing a copy, you can contact the Taconnett Falls chapter of MGS at taconnettfalls11@yahoo.com for more information.

For more information about how this resource came to be available, check out this Bangor Daily News article by Roxanne Saucier:

http://bangordailynews.com/2014/12/07/living/1890-census-records-for-waterville-gets-reprinted-as-new-284-page-book/

Upcoming Events for Taconnett Falls Chapter, MGS

20 May 2012: (3 p.m. at Library) Earle Shettleworth: Civil War presentation. 19 August 2012: (3 PM at Library) David Hall: Capt. William Bradford of Winslow. 13 September 2012: (3 PM at Library) Jack Battick: US Navy during the Civil War. 21 October 2012: (3 PM at Library) Kent London: James White of the ME 5th Arty.

Save the date - TFC Open House September 17th, 2011

OPEN HOUSE AT GENEALOGY LIBRARY

On Saturday September 17, 2011, the Taconnett Falls Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society will host an OPEN HOUSE from 1 to 4 PM. The library is located at 10 Lithgow St. in Winslow, the former Winslow Public Library. All members and visitors are welcome.

If you are new to genealogy, members with their expertise will help show you how to get started whether you have French, English, Norwegian, etc. ancestry. Forms are available to fill your ancestry out, as well as show you many resources, especially if you have Maine connections.

There will be free light snacks and coffee and visitors can tour the library and view the large number of books and records available for research. Several computers are also available which have many records as well as thousands of obituaries filed in alphabetical order.

At 2 PM the Chapter will hold their giant raffle which has 11 nice prizes. It will be the last chance to buy raffle tickets for this drawing. This is a fund-raiser to help the Chapter pay for heating expenses during the colder months.

The Chapter has a web site at: http://home.gwi.net/~frenchgen/taconnett.htm with a map showing the location of the library is on the above web page.

Please come and visit us.

Taconnett Falls Chapter News

Winter hours for the Taconnett Genealogical Library in Winslow, Maine, are Saturdays, from 12:o0 - 3:00 p.m.

The chapter recently held election of officers and the we congratulate those elected: President Fred Clark, Vice-President Bob Chenard, Secretary Kay Marsh, Treasurer Herb Brock, and Directors Thelma Brooks, Barbara Gunvaldsen and Janet Boynton.

They will be holding their Christmas Party on Sunday, December 20th.

For more information, visit them at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~metfcmgs.

Taconnett Falls Chapter announces September meeting

The next meeting of Taconnett Falls Chapter will be on September 20th.

Here is a chance to hear from one of our local experts, not to mention a past winner of the Maine Genealogical Society's Award of Excellence in Genealogical Service - Thelma Eye Brooks.

Thelma's topic for the September meeting will be "What to find in Civil War Records." With the effects of the Civil War touching virtually every family in some way, this should be an excellent talk of benefit to all family history researchers.

The Society meets at the Taconnett Falls Genealogical Library, 10 Lithgow Street, Winslow, Maine. The library opens at 1 p.m. on meeting days. For more information, please visit their website at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~metfcmgs.

Taconnett to hold 6th Annual Genealogy Fair

The Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS announces their 6th Annual Genealogy Fair. This popular event will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the Taconnett Genealogy Library, 10 Lithgow Street, Winslow, Maine, from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to spend a relaxing day devoted to researching and networking.

Special 2009 offerings include:

10:00 "There's a long, long, road a-winding, but you CAN get there from here-ah". Sarah Crockett will share some of the lessons learned from her experiences.

11:00 "Organizational Tips for Genealogists" will be presented by Carolyn Browne.

1:30 "Brick Walls: A Panel Discussion" moderated by Janet Weymouth is just the place for help with your questions like - where should I look? what's next? or ___? Panelists will be Jerry Gower, MF-1790s contributor and Washington County expert; Kay Marsh, Kennebec Valley family researcher; and Carol McCoy, noted genealogical researcher and national presenter.

Not to mention -

• Representatives of various societies including Penobscot County Genealogical Society, the recently formed Sidney Historical Society and Vassalborough Historical Society, plus others will be at the fair to share with you information about the valuable resources offered by their societies.
• Debbie Roberge will be available to show you all the ins and outs of the RootsMagic software. While at the Fair, check with others to see which software they prefer.
• Celeste Hyer, MGS Membership Secretary, will be available for Maine Genealogical Society related questions.
  
• Check out what's offered by the Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA).
• Family association representatives including Roland Rhoades, who will share the latest Rhoades updates along with listings of Universalist & Unitarian ministers in Maine.
• Janice Gower will be sharing her extensive knowledge of the Woolwich area and the expertise she has gained compiling may sketches for the Maine Families in 1790 project.
• If you have Maine roots you will likely need to know about Franco-American research. Clair Poulin from the Maine Franco-American Society (their library is in Auburn) and Taconnett's own Franco expert, Bob Chenard, will be available to help with the unique aspects of this type of research.
• Ancestry outside of Maine? Check with Barbara Gunvaldsen experienced Scandinavian genealogical researcher.

What a full day! And did we mention the book sale, prize drawings and refreshments? If you didn't attend one or all of the first five fairs, you really missed out - Don't let that happen again.

For more information, visit their website at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~metfcmgs - or you can email taconnettfalls@yahoo.com - or call (207) 873-5590.

Taconnett Falls Chapters announces upcoming programs

The Taconnett Falls Chapter's electronic newsletter was recently received and here's what they have on tap:

May 17th - Carolyn Browne with "How to Prepare for Genie Search in Norway with Pictures"

June 21st - Annual Genealogy Fair

July 19th - Carolyn Browne discusses how to join the Mayflower Society and Carolyn Kelley discusses how to join the DAR.

The Taconnett Falls Genealogy Library is located at 10 Lithgow Street in Winslow, Maine. The library is open on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The library opens at 1:00 PM on meeting days, the 3rd Sunday of each month.

For more information, you can contact them at taconettfalls@yahoo.com.

Taconnett Falls Chapter to hold its Annual Party

Snow in December caused the postponement of Taconnett's Annual Party. It has been rescheduled for January 18, 2009. Plan to attend and bring something to share with everyone. The group meets at its' Taconnett Genealogical Library located on Lithgow Street in Winslow.

Newly elected officers for 2009 include: Fred Clark, President; Kent Sinclair, Vice-President; Laton Edwards, Treasurer; and Barbara Gunvaldsen, Secretary.

A quick view of their upcoming meetings:

Feb 15 2009 - Thelma Brooks discusses census and genealogical research

Mar 15 2009 - Carolyn Browne discusses how to prepare for a Genie Search in Norway

Apr 19 2009 - Jan Weymouth discusses how to join the Mayflower Society and Carolyn Kelley discusses how to join the DAR

May 17 2009 - Cheryl Willis Patten discusses unexpected resources

To learn more, visit their website at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~metfcmgs/.

December Genealogical Events

Here's what is happening genealogically around the state for December:

December 6, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Finding Healing in Family History with Angels of Austria
presented by Judy Faust

December 14, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogy Society
Brunswick, Maine
Christmas Party
at the Holden Frost House at the Highlands, Topsham, Maine

December 17, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Open Research Night with Holiday Refreshments

December 21, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Christmas Party

We hope to see you at one of these events!

November Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for November:

November 1, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Poland Spring - A Tale of the Guilded Age 1860-1900 presented by David L. Richards

November 9, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogy Society
Brunswick, Maine
Researching at the Maine State Archives presented by Jeffrey Brown, Maine State Archivist

November 13, 2008
Wassebec Genealogical Society
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Coming to America, the Immigrant Experience presented by Jack Battick

November 16, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Voyages - A Maine Franco-American Reader presented by Nelson Madore

November 19, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
First White Settlers on the Penobscot presented by Fran & Guy Grant

October Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for October:

October 4, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Portland's Irish Heritage Center presented by David Soule

October 15, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
eGenealogy: 2008 presented by Dale W. Mower

October 19, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Vassalboro Historical Society looks at a famous Vassalboro home
presented by Kent London

October 25, 2008
Maine Genealogical Society 2009 Conference Committee
and
Maine Genealogical Society Executive Committee Meeting
Benton, Maine
Meetings are open to any interested MGS member
For information, please e-mail Dale W. Mower, President
dale@mower-family.com

June Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for June:

June 7, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Your Shaker Ancestors presented by Linda Aaskov

June 7, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Annual Plant Sale

June 8, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Black Sheep and Family Secrets
Member Participation - Bring Your Stories!

June 14, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Annual Genealogy Fair

June 18, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Annual Cookout

May Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for May:

May 3, 2008
Sandy River Valley Chapter
Farmington, Maine
Sarah's Journey: Retracing an Ancestor's Life with Military Pension Files presented by Dale W. Mower

May 3, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
New England Research Strategies presented by Carol McCoy

May 4, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Computer Genealogy presented by Dale W. Mower

May 8, 2008
Wassebec Genealogical Society
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Sprucing Up Grandpa presented by Cheryl Willis Patten

May 17, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Monthly Workshop - The Master Genealogist

May 17, 2008
Maine Genealogical Society Executive Committee Meeting
Waterville, Maine
Members welcome, if interested, please contact Dale W. Mower
E-Mail: dale@mower-family.com

May 17, 2008
Maine Old Cemetery Association
Belgrade, Maine

May 18, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Sprucing Up Grandpa presented by Cheryl Willis Patten

May 21, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Open Discussion of Brick Walls & Other Questions

Taconnett Falls Genealogy Fair - June 14

Three special presentations will be highlights at the Taconnett Falls Genealogy Society’s 5th Annual Genealogy Fair on June 14. Activities begin at 9 a.m. at the society’s library, 10 Lithgow Street, Winslow, with registration and lunch at the Winslow Congregational Church next door. There is no charge for the fair. Drinks, snacks, and lunch will be available for a small charge.

For beginning genealogists and family historians, Sarah M. Crockett, Lincoln, ME, will present “The Journey into Genealogy: a GPS for Finding Your Ancestors.” This session begins at 10 a.m. in the library’s basement.

At 11:30 a.m. Jerry Gower, Maine First Families 1790’s contributor and Washington County expert, and Janet Weymouth, MGS 1st Vice president and Corresponding Secretary, will discuss ”Brick Walls” in a panel.

During the afternoon Jerry Gower will conduct an “Ancestors’ Road Show,” several 15 minute sessions of one on one help and advice. For this special program you must sign up for a time spot when you register. First come; first served.

The church will be full of display tables from vendors across Maine. The library will be open all day with free access to the myriad records and access to a copy machine for a small donation. Undoubtedly there will be a few Flag Day surprises to attract attention, so what have you got to loose? Come on down to Winslow and enjoy a day looking for ancestors right beside the Kennebec River.

For more information, visit www.rootsweb.com/~metfcmgs.

April Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for April:

April 5, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Grandma's Obituary Box presented by Pam Stone Eagleson, CG

April 13, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Lisbon Historical Society presented by Al & Dorothy Smith and Bill Barr

April 16, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Cousins Explained presented by Roxanne Moore Saucier

April 19, 2008
Finding Your Ancestors in Court Records
with Diane Rapaport
Maine Genealogical Society's One-Day Workshop
Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine
For more information, visit www.maineroots.org

April 19, 2008
Hancock County Genealogical Society
Ellsworth, Maine
Program To Be Announced

April 19, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Monthly Workshop - The Master Genealogist

April 20, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Organization Strategies presented by Carolyn Browne and Janet Weymouth

April 28, 2008
Aroostook County Genealogical Society
Caribou, Maine
CD of the MOCA Gravestone Repair Workshop of 7 Oct 2006 in Westbrook

March Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for March:

March 1, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Scottish Prisoners Brought to America in the 1650s presented by Bruce Tucker

March 9, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Women's History Walk presented by Nikki Strandskov

March 13, 2008
Wassebec Genealogical Society
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Finding Ancestral Treasures on Ebay presented by Dale W. Mower

March 15, 2008
Hancock County Genealogical Society
Ellsworth, Maine
Program To Be Announced

March 15, 2008
Wassebec Genealogical Society
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Beginning Genealogy, A Special Workshop presented by Dale W. Mower

March 15, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Monthly Workshop - The Master Genealogist

March 16, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Show & Tell because it's fun to share!

March 19, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Bangor's Historic Devil's Half Acre presented by Michelle Thomas

March 24, 2008
Aroostook County Genealogical Society
Caribou, Maine
Old Medical Terminology facilitated by Brenda Bourgoine

February Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for February:

February 2, 2008
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Your Shaker Ancestors presented by Linda Aaskov

February 10, 2008
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Why Don't I Get an Answer to my Query? presented by Marge Erickson

February 16, 2008
Hancock County Genealogical Society
Ellsworth, Maine
Annual Meeting and Election of Officers

February 16, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Monthly Workshop - The Master Genealogist

February 17, 2008
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Valentine's Party and a short video about the Gerald Hotel

February 20, 2008
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
A View to Organization: Taming the Paper Pile presented by Phil Getchell and Dale W. Mower

December Genealogical Events

Here's what's happening genealogically around the state for December:

December 1, 2007
Greater Portland Chapter of MGS
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
African Americans from Maine in the Civil War presented by Bob Greene

December 9, 2007
Pejepscot Genealogical Society
Brunswick, Maine
Family History and Crafting presented by Louise Colburn

December 16, 2007
Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS
Winslow, Maine
Holiday Party

December 19, 2007
Penobscot County Genealogical Society
Bangor, Maine
Open Research Night and Holiday Social

2007 Award of Excellence in Genealogical Service presented to Thelma Eye Brooks

Maine Genealogical Society at its conference on September 22, 2007, presented Thelma Eye Brooks with new Award of Excellence in Genealogical Service, in recognition of her years of service in the areas of society volunteerism, teaching and writing. Among her many accomplishments are the publication of the Hermon Roots newsletter from 1989-1999; authorship of a book on 3 generations of early Calais families (published by Heritage Books); and the self-publication of 13 books (5 family books and 8 funeral home records). She also wrote a column "Roots and Branches" which appeared regularly in the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel for 15 years. Thelma has served as president, vice-president and secretary of Taconnett Falls Chapter of MGS, where she has also served on their library committee since 1990 and has served as its chair since 2000. Thelma has taught classes on genealogy, coordinated historical and genealogical research with the Waterville Public Library, and has been a frequent speaker for many genealogical and historical societies.

More than any of these specific accomplishments, the most wonderful thing about Thelma is that she is always willing to share her knowledge and experience with everyone. She is always a "can do" person and works tirelessly for Taconnett Genealogical Library, the chapter, and genealogy researchers everywhere.

Maine Genealogical Society honors her extraordinary contributions to the Society and for advancing the field of genealogy in the State of Maine.