Surviving the Loss of Family Tree Maker

This week Ancestry.com announced that in January 2017 they would drop support of their popular genealogy software package, Family Tree Maker. The reaction in the genealogical community has been overwhelmingly negative but if Ancestry does indeed follow through with their intentions, there are many alternatives for those of you using their software. First of all, don't panic! You have more than a year to move your files and to work out glitches, if any occur.

The office volunteers at StLGS have long recommended either RootsMagic or Legacy Family Tree for PC users and Reunion for Mac users. All three programs are solid, well supported, and flexible. You can do everything you did in FTM and lots more, including extremely valuable source citations, charts, media attachments, etc. We have sample copies of both PC programs at the office for those who want to see before making a decision and we have volunteers in-house who can help you with all three packages. We often have classes in using software too; the winter class schedule will come out in January and we already have two classes planned for March on using RootsMagic. In addition, instructor, Ted Steele, is working on a new monograph on using RootsMagic, which will be available soon.

Those of you who have very old versions of FTM (or other aging software) would do well to upgrade during the next few months, as it is always dangerous to keep valuable files in outdated versions of programs.

Meanwhile, for those of you who have begun to ask, you transfer your files via GEDCOM. If you are a member of StLGS, you can download a free monograph (PDF) on GEDCOMs, written by Ted Steele, in the Member Benefits section of our website. (Or go directly to http://stlgs.org/resources/on-this-site/monographs-for-members/) The monograph is also for sale in our store in print form. Just search for "GEDCOM."

We will be providing more ways to help you during the next few months. Watch for announcements and know that there are lots of StLGS volunteers who are available to help you through this transition.

Books, Books, and More Books: StLGS Book Jamboree Update

Do you have a neighbor or friend who loves to read? Do members of your book club like to talk to authors about their books? Know anybody who's stuck on finding that perfect gift for someone? Why not bring them along with you to the St. Louis Genealogical Society’s Book Jamboree?

Held once a year at our office, 4 Sunnen Drive, Suite 140, in Maplewood, Missouri, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., this round up of more than fifteen local authors in one place will give you a chance to chat, purchase current books and get them autographed, and even take a selfie or two with your favorites.

We have a great variety of regional topics, including new histories of the region, popular St. Louis institutions, ethnic St. Louis, and more. Attendance prizes too! The Book Jamboree is open to everyone and there is no cost to come and browse. But bring your wallet, as you will surely want to buy a book or two to begin your holiday gift list.

You won’t want to miss: 
Matthew Nolan: 250 Years – 252 Cakes: The Definitive St. Louis 250^th Anniversary Cake Book

Ryan Nusbickel: The St. Louis 12 Days of Christmas and Who Moved My Gooey Butter Cake

Dr. John Oldani: St. Lou-ism’s: Lingo, Lore, and the Lighter Side of Life in the Gateway City

Carol Ferring Shepley: St. Louis: An Illustrated Timeline

Elizabeth Terry: Ethnic St. Louis

Also featured are:

Vicki Erwin/Justine Riggs: Guidebook to St. Charles

Dr. J. Frederick Fausz: Historic St. Louis: 250 Years Exploring New Frontiers

NiNi Harris: Downtown St. Louis and Historic Photos of the Gateway Arch

Kenneth Johnson: Moonlight Serenade to City Lights: Rare Images of Bands and Orchestras from the Dance Hall Era in Missouri

Dorris Keeven-Franke: Utopia: A German State in America and Warren County (Images of America series)

And some more fascinating topics:

Gary W. Abbott: The Lost Decade: Players of the 1970s Cardinals

Marilynne Bradley: Once Upon a Time in St. Louis: An Illustrated Trip Through the Past

Ross Malone: The Book of Real Missouri Records: Show Me the First, Last, Smallest, Fastest, Strangest, Weirdest and Funniest

Jeffrey Smith, Lindenwood University: Confluence Magazine and Seeking a Newer World
 
Just Added:  
Ben Hilliker: Willy Willys 

Diane Rademacher: Famous Firsts of St. Louis

 For more information, click on the link on our home page at www.stlgs.org/. We hope to see you on 6 December!