iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

It was very hot today here. I’m surprised they’ll be having a daylong air show in this heat. They have been practicing for a few days. Very loud!

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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.

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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.

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ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

It was so fun to see you and visit so many sites! It’s wonderful when genealogists get together! 🌸🥳

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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 🦃🤗

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

Actually this photo was from 1918. This poll tax became law in 1903, which required eligible voters to pay an annual tax—usually $1.50 to $2.00—by January 31 each year in order to have the right to vote in that year’s elections.

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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

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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.

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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.

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

Amazingly, I was able to get both a flu shot and COVID vaccine at CVS. I live in Texas, too. I’m in the approved age group.

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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...

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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

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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 -

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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

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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...

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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

The summer series of Genealogy & Java will focus on learning about and researching genealogy in Medieval times, particularly in the British Isles; see this snapshot of the 1086 Domesday Book. The event dates / times will be posted, bit.ly/3GlS4a7. Credit - www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-yo...

nationalarchives.gov.uk

Domesday Book - The National Archives

1. Why use this guide? This research guide explains how to access and understand the information within Domesday Book. For a more detailed introduction to Domesday, and England at the end of the 11th ...

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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!

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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

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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

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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...

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ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

Per ChatGPT - As of February 2025, the unemployment rate for veterans aged 18 and over was 4.1%, up from 2.8% in December 2024. This rate is slightly lower than the national unemployment rate, which decreased from 4.1% in December to 4.0% in January.

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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

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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

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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...

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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...

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ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Hi! Can I share your blog with my newsletter group? :-)

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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 -

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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.

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ShapingYourFamilyTree @shapeyrfamtree.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. 100 years - such a volume of experiences and family interactions with many memories to cherish and share. Big virtual hugs, 🌸

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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

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

LinkedIn is www.linkedin.com/in/corey-s-t.... He just jumped on Bluesky a couple of days ago (coreytylervo.bsky.social).

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

Hi again, Jarrod! We had visited about a potential voice talent I had hoped you might reach out to. His name is Corey Tyler and his LinkedIn is www.linkedin.com/in (/corey-s-tyler/. He just jumped on Bluesky a couple of days ago. Thanks!! Phyllis PS have a great day!

linkedin.com

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

As if it couldn’t get more dire. 😳😭

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

Yes they said she was a UT law professor in early years. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. We were up front. Excited 🤷🏼‍♀️🥳😂

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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!

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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.

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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

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

My daughter and I spent time in Torquay, England. We enjoyed the peacefulness of the town and the wonderful hiking trails. Hope you get a chance to see it. She has also visited Cornwall and loved it as well.

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