iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

I recently returned from a wonderful month visiting friends and beautiful sites in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Check shapingyourfamilytree.com/newsletter/ (top one in list) - this picture was taken on Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull, Scotland, while searching for otters to photograph.

0100

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Shamrock Roots @shamrockroots.com · 30/04/2026

It started with a visit from Phyllis @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social - a friend, fellow genealogist and classmate from my Masters degree. We toured Northern Ireland, including the @ulsteramericanfolkpark.org, which I recommend to anyone interested in migration from Ireland to North America. #GenHour

A photo of Ciara (genealogist at Shamrock Roots) and Phyllis (genealogist at Shaping Your Family Tree) in front of a traditional Irish thatched cottage at the Ulster American Folk Park.

251

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

#Genealogy #ATX It has been a bit since I've sent a newsletter. Many thanks to all who have enjoyed my genealogy research. Check out the recent one, What Can We Learn from Photos, Diaries, Journals, and Letters? Turning Private Sources into Genealogy Gold, at bit.ly/43UX3HU Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🤗

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

#Genealogy Genealogists can find ancestors' residences (county) by researching tax records, usually for land, which also contained a "poll tax". In 1902, Texas women who wanted to vote were targeted by legislators. Women had little access to their own money. Image is fair use. bit.ly/3WaBM8I

poster in 1902 to intimidate women to pay a poll tax

131

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

#Genealogy My 2GG had 12 kids and lost 4 when young; these two had diphtheria, died the same week. Thankfully, this disease was eradicated and the DTaP regimen is still a recommended vaccine. See Texas Christian Advocate. 19 November 1891. p. 7d (top) (Read newspapers.swco.ttu.edu/handle/20.50...).

Grave markers for two children who died within a week of each other in 1891 of diphtheria.

091

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Tomorrow is the first day for semester (Mondays-6 wks)! I have abt 8 seats for Researching Texas Ancestors (1820-recent), but the other class is full (30!!). #ATX #Genealogy If you want to come to the Texas class (orange folders!), reach out to me. Lots of info and fun! Just show up and pay there.

010

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

#ATX #Genealogy In Researching Texas ancestors class (starting in Sept), we'll review immigrant groups from 5 countries. US Census data (1850-1870) was charted for our case study reviews. Notably missing are indigenous people, slaves, smaller groups. Sources via www.archives.gov/research/cen...

030

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

#ATX #Genealogy There are still a few seats in the Researching Texas Ancestors class! Free resources, research immigrants in the 1820s-1900s (plus to recent), tips for Ancestry and FamilySearch. 2 seats in Finding Ancestors along US migration trails (sell out soon!). www.lliaustin.org Pic: BBNP TX.

April 2025 at the top of Lost Mine Trail in BBNP, Texas

061

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

#ATX #Genealogy Seats open! www.lliaustin.org. 12 seats in Researching Ancestors in Texas, 1820 to Recent, with European & Mexican immigrants & genealogy. 5 seats in Finding Ancestors Along US Migration Trails in the SE US, (over land, rivers, canals, and railroads) for 12 SE states & genealogy.

030

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

#ATX In #Genealogy some paths feel like there's no end in sight; it is part of the fun! Check my newsletter 1) Austin LLI registration starts Wed. at noon; if over 50, don't delay! We have a blast, learn new things and the instructor is very entertaining! 😂 & 2) Use Free Resources! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ.

000

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Hi! I just sent out today's newsletter (and posted here, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ). Check it out as I have some great tips and news to share. I'm always learning! What do you think about this picture of my brother and me. Every moment is special, even ones where you shake your head. #Genealogy

030

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Check my newsletter for Ancestry's New DNA Cluster Tool and their Featured Search – Records for Wedding Season. I share using websites like RootsIreland for a short time, researching Migration Paths, new blogs and collections & more! Sign up for the next one, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. #Genealogy

040

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Hi Bluesky! Check out my daughter’s new biz, RIA Pitchworks! She and her partners bring exciting technological advances and deep marketing expertise to the financial services industry. riapitchworks.com

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Check my recent newsletter! Register for the Heraldry session on Thursday, read about finding evidence for family mementos, tracking and understanding causes of death within ancestral lines, and current genealogy news! Read it and sign up for the next one, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. #Genealogy

bit.ly

Newsletter Signup -

010

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Ever wondered if your English or Scottish families had an official coat of arms? This month's Genealogy & Java class will be held Thursday, via Zoom, fee $10. Check the details here to register to learn about many free resources available to find your ancestors' heraldry. bit.ly/4kXVf7A #Genealogy

bit.ly

Genealogy & Java - Summer Series: Pt2 - Heraldry (via Zoom) -

Interested in heraldry (coats of arms, shields, crests and more) which represent the families from English and Scottish Medieval times to present? Attend to learn how to interpret the images and how t...

030

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Shooti @bambooshooti.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

#ResistanceRoots Today is Women Veterans Day, which is observed annually on June 12 to recognize and honor the women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, we celebrate the service and sacrifices of our more than 2 million women veterans. /1

Graphic honoring Women Veterans Day, which is observed annually on June 12.

21463157

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Check out my newest blog about visiting Edinburgh, Scotland! I've included the top 10 sites for anyone interested in the town's history. bit.ly/3GlS4a7. Check my latest newsletter, which includes recent news, bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. Signup if you'd like to receive them in your inbox. Enjoy! #Genealogy #ATX

030

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Right. 🤦🏼‍♀️ anyone can see by their LinkedIn profiles that the Librarian and the Archivist, both women, are highly educated, skilled, and meritorious for their previous jobs.

171

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

My summer series events are posted, bit.ly/3GlS4a7! I've also sent my newsletter which tracks the path I took to find published Zumwalt Family genealogies. Check it & signup! bit.ly/4fYkkfQ. The Royal Coat of Arms pic - Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, Bath, England. #Genealogy #ATX #Heraldry

010

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

#Genealogy #ATX I would like to find a larger venue in North Central Austin (ATX) which can provide either snacks or food and coffee. I had 11 people yesterday for my Passports and Passenger & Crew Lists (YAY! but holds 12). If you know of a place, please reach out to me. I love sharing genealogy!

142

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Do you have your birth certificate? You can search this website to determine how to obtain it. Select the State, then determine next steps. Instructions for other vital records (marriage, death, and divorce) are included. Use this website or share with others. #Genealogy www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/

cdc.gov

Where to Write for Vital Records - HomepageMinusSASstats

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

ATX - G&J session, April 24th, 11a-12p. Find genealogy facts when researching Passports, Passenger & Crew Lists, like birth and place, parents' information, immigration status, key persons in the US, affidavits, occupations, etc. This class is hands on - bring laptop! FUN! bit.ly/4ibiYij. #Genealogy

bit.ly

Genealogy & Java (Hands On) - Researching Passports, Passenger & Crew Lists -

This class is uniquely designed for hands on interaction - bring your laptop! Learn how to research Passports, Passenger & Crew Lists. Key information like birth and place, parents information, immigr...

020

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

ATX - need a break? Tomorrow I'll talk about yearbook research. I do have seats available. These sessions are fun with shared interactions and experiences. Join me! bit.ly/41vAQ1a. Photo from Texas, 1922 Howard Payne College yearbook, with my maternal grandmother, Eva Cutbirth, circled. #Genealogy

010

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Have you researched your family using yearbooks? Many free resources exist, you just need to know where they are! For my dissertation, I researched women at 3 Texas private colleges, 1920-1929, which opened my eyes to the free resources available for each person. Join me! bit.ly/41vAQ1a #Genealogy

bit.ly

Genealogy & Java - Finding Ancestors' Genealogy Facts using Yearbooks -

Learn about the depth of genealogy facts which can be found when searching Yearbooks. Many of these record sets are stored on Internet Archive, on college digital collections, and state archives. Regi...

020

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Melanie McComb @shamrockgen.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

It's almost time for #StPatricksDay! That means it's time to break out the Irish soda bread scones. Yes, you've read that right. I don't make traditional Irish soda bread, but make it into scones. You can find the recipe on my blog at www.theshamrockgenea... #genealogy

theshamrockgenealogist.com

Irish Soda Bread: A Family Recipe Passed Down Generations

St Patrick's Day is coming up quickly this week. It's the time of year where I use the family recipe for Irish soda bread. It was passed dow...

2172

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

ATX - my next G&J is Thurs. 27 Mar, 11a-12p. Did you know that yearbooks hold clues to our ancestors? We'll look at fascinating genealogical gems in yearbooks including photos, many freely online. Pic is from the Prickly Pear, Abilene Christian College (1929), p. 119. #Genealogy - bit.ly/41vAQ1a

shapingyourfamilytree.com

Genealogy & Java - Finding Ancestors' Genealogy Facts using Yearbooks -

010

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

The Yukon Scott @theyukonscott.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

A young lady originally from Whitehorse is being detained in a detention center in Arizona. She was detained March 3rd, after her visa was denied. Facebook post from her Mom is in the pics below. It's a disturbing sequence of events. Do not travel to the US.

My daughter, Jasmine, a 35-year-old Canadian, attempted to enter the U.S. on March 3, 2025, with a consulting visa for a company in the States. Unfortunately, her visa was denied, and she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the San Ysidro border crossing, where she was held for three nights.

From there, she was transferred to Otay Mesa Detention Centre in San Diego and held for another three nights. On Sunday, March 9, the online tracking system indicated that she had been released. We assumed this meant she was being deported and escorted to an airport. However, 24 hours later, there was no sign of her, no communication, and we were extremely worried.

We eventually learned that about 30 people, including Jasmine, were forcibly removed from their cells at 3:00 am and transferred to the San Luis Detention Center in Arizona. They are housed together in a single concrete cell with no natural light, fluorescent lights that are never turned off, no mats, no blankets, and limited bathroom facilities.

Communication with her has been extremely sporadic, and it is only thanks to one of her close friends with contacts in the U.S. that we have been able to receive updates.

Yesterday, Austin Grabish, a reporter from ABC 10News was able to interview Jasmine. He also interviewed her friend who has been working tirelessly from Vancouver to bring Jasmine home. The story will air tomorrow, and from there, we hope other broadcasters will pick it up.

What we have learned of the ICE system and its treatment of detainees is inhumane and deeply concerning. Being detained is one thing, but there’s NO excuse for the way people are treated while in custody or for the delays in deportation. They are not criminals, and they just want to go home.

We are doing everything we can to bring Jasmine home. We are in touch with the Canadian Consulate in San Diego, but there is little they can do. A lawyer is also working on her release, but progress is slow.

I am humbly asking for your support by sharing this story widely through your networks. Jasmine is an adventurous and hard-working young woman and we desperately want her home. Thank you!

Picture of Jasmin is below text.

9123351298

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Database Jews in the German Empire @db-german-jews.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

PETERSHAGEN: Thanks to the help of Mrs. Silke Lehsten, the marriages of Petershagen 1874-1899, North Rhine-Westphalia, will appear in the next new edition. #Genealogy #Jewish #JewishGenealogy #Database #Petershagen #NordrheinWestfalen #JewishCommunity #JewsInTheGermanEmpire

011

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

As if it couldn’t get more dire. 😳😭

041

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Enjoyed hearing Congressmen Doggett, Cesar, and Lieu and Senator Elizabeth Warren today at the Texas Capitol! Defend Democracy!

081

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Ancestral Enquiries - Tony Smith 🌳 @ancestralenq.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Women of York film which shows women's role in shaping the city to be shown in free event at York St. John Creative Centre today 👇 BBC News - York archive film shows women's role in shaping city - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

York archive film shows women's role in shaping city

Women of York will premiere at a free screening to mark International Women's Day.

0104

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Heraldry and blazoning - a fun topic! Symbols and imagery include coats of arms, shields, crests, seals, and other objects, including the adornments over the entrance to the Sheldonian Theatre at the University of Oxford. See my March 6th newsletter / signup, too! #Genealogy #Heraldry bit.ly/4fYkkfQ

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

021

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Austin, TX peeps. Want to learn about Reclaim the Records (RtR) and Internet Archive? The RtR 60M+ public records are now available through formal and legal requests. Register here! Pay $10 at the session, bit.ly/4kabLkM - See you this Thursday, Feb 27th, 11am-noon, @ Monkey Nest. #Genealogy

bit.ly

Genealogy & Java – Using free resources, Reclaim the Records and Internet Archive -

Learn about Reclaim the Records and Internet Archive. Join Phyllis as she shares the free genealogy documents which have been acquired by Reclaim the Records. Many of these record sets are stored on t...

081

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Check out FamilySearch (FS) Labs' CETs! www.familysearch.org/en/labs/docs.... These trees can be created from or synced directly to leading 3rd party genealogy products with FS. They can be created with an uploaded GEDCOM file, too. Users will own and invite others to it. Be an adopter. #Genealogy

031

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Jennifer Mendelsohn @jmendelsohn.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Are you a journalist, genealogist or historian who has ever used records from the National Archives? It's time to step up and take some simple steps to preserve federal records. And save our nation's history. Please visit this website. And share widely. fundnara.com

fundnara.com

fundNARA.com - Congress must fund the National Archives at the current level!

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides core government functions necessary to preserve, protect, and make accessible records from all three branches of the federal government...

410864

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Exciting news-Yay! My class sizes were increased! We met Monday with intros, resources to use, and semester goals. Go to www.lliaustin.org, and register and pay. Now I have 3 seats in British Isles class and 5 in the Family Trees. Register asap! only $30. Online registration ends Friday. #genealogy

030

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Alison Spring @acspring.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

My latest blog post highlights some new free resources online #AncestryHour scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2025/02/exci...

scotsancestors.blogspot.com

Exciting New Resources

2263

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

England has peculiar town and village names; such a history! In my newsletter, I introduced the use of U.K. gazetteers to research place names like Great Snoring and more! 🇬🇧 I also shared a Civil War prison camp.☹️My newsletters cover a variety of topics! #Genealogy #BlackHistoryMonth bit.ly/4fYkkfQ

bit.ly

Newsletter Signup -

040

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Mel @melrootsnwrites.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

This is a wonderful video of 2 women being interviewed about what it was like when they were teenagers. Such insights like the myth that women who rode bikes wouldn't be able to have kids. And, what muddy unpaved streets meant to every day life. #genealogy youtu.be/pv6V1yHvJyo?...

youtu.be

1970: VICTORIAN TEENAGERS reminisce | Yesterday's Witness | Voice of the People | BBC Archive

YouTube video by BBC Archive

3112

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Mems Dead @memsdead.com · 16/02/2025

On this day in 1719/20, Margaret Hart Bines (Binns) died aged 81. The Journals show a rubbing of her gravestone from Lag (Lagg), Cloncha, Co. Donegal: bit.ly/bines1719 Learn about the Journals at MemsDead.com #OTD #Genealogy #IrishGenealogy #Heraldry #Donegal

Rubbing of a gravestone showing a carving of a coat of arms above the inscription.

151

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Denise Wheeler @denisedwheeler.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

One day a truck driver told him he had lost his cargo of food because the ice melted. It was Frederick McKinley Jones who then invented the world of refrigerated transportation. Every ship, railroad, truck & plane today is able to transport food around the world because of him. #BlackHistoryMonth

10909321

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

This is a typical Central Texas winter week in February. Rain jackets & umbrella, then shorts the next day, then coats! Then repeat. The upside? Early spring temps (70’s/80’s) will start in a week or two. 🌸🌹🌺

030

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 06/02/2025

Worried about losing access to US federal data that may go off-line, or already is? You’re not alone—but duplication isn’t the answer. Many ongoing efforts have already archived key datasets and many more are ongoing. Check out these existing resources and, if you can, support their work. 🧵

media.tenor.com

a man in a black shirt is looking at a screen with a red background

Alt: a man in a black shirt is looking at a screen with a red background

601620613

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Women and people of color cannot be erased from history. These women were considered worthy for their contributions before Jan. 20th, to be placed on the walls at the Hall of Honor. Two people of color were covered up in the People of Color History area, too. #genealogy

051

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

In ATX? Learn about Reclaim the Records and Internet Archive. We will review RtR and how they make public records freely available. Many of these record sets are stored on Internet Archive. Sign up and let's talk genealogy while we drink a java. shapingyourfamilytree.com/event/gj-fre... #genealogy

shapingyourfamilytree.com

Genealogy & Java – Using free resources, Reclaim the Records and Internet Archive -

041

Reposted by ShapingYourFamilyTree

Mems Dead @memsdead.com · 31/01/2025

On this day in 1774, Anne Whinnery died. See this and other gravestone inscriptions from Mullaghglass, Co. Armagh, in the Journals: tinyurl.com/whin1774 Learn about the Journals at MemsDead.com #OTD #Genealogy #IrishGenealogy #Armagh

021