February 20 CCGS Meeting Features a Live Webinar About Facebook as a Tool for Genealogy Research

While Facebook is the world's largest online social network with more than 1.2 billion users, did you know that it can be leveraged as a genealogy research "work horse" to help find your ancestors? In this February 20 live webinar entitled "Facebook: A Tool for Genealogy Research" our presenter, Thomas MacEntee, will take you beyond the basics of setting up a Facebook account and simply posting status updates or playing games. His presentation will focus on developing the following skill set for genealogy research: Locating living relatives and others researching your same surnames; Locating Facebook Groups and Pages related to your genealogy research; Creating a Facebook Group to facilitate collaboration and participant interaction around a specific topic; Understanding the difference between a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group; and Protecting your privacy and ensuring an enjoyable experience when researching genealogy.

Thomas MacEntee

What happens when a "tech guy" with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more. Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. Thomas' new site Genealogy Bargains launched in March 2017 and is now his main focus. Genealogy Bargains posts daily deals and coupons on products such an AncestryDNA, 23andMe, genealogy books and webinars. Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration.

Our CCGS meeting will be held at the Brewster Ladies' Library, Rte 6A, Brewster, on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. Please consider arriving early for socializing and refreshments at 9:30.

January Meeting Will Feature a Presentation on DNA Testing for Adoptees

DNA Testing is a valuable new resource for adoptees and others who are researching issues of unknown parentage. At our CCGS meeting on January 16, Thomas Greve, current President of the Falmouth Genealogical Society, will guide us on what tests are available to consumers, what information they can provide, and how to identify genetic ancestors using DNA matches. His presentation is entitled "Autosomal DNA Testing for Adoptees".



Thomas Greve

Thomas Greve is a genealogical researcher and speaker from Falmouth, Massachusetts. After
pursuing the history of his own family for over 10 years, he began researching professionally in 2016. Thomas currently serves as president of Falmouth Genealogical Society and holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University's Center for Professional Education. He is also a proud member of Unclaimed Persons, a group of volunteer genealogists who donate their time and research skills to assist medical examiners in locating the next-of-kin of deceased individuals. Thomas specializes in the use of DNA testing as evidence of identity and kinship, and enjoys helping adoptees locate biological family members.

The CCGS meeting will take place at the Brewster Ladies' Library, Rte. 6A, Brewster, on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. All are invited to come earlier for socializing and refreshments at 9:30.