GSV COVID-19 Update Monday 6 April 2020
Dear Members,
I hope this finds you virus-free and well, with plenty of time to continue your family history research. We are pleased to be able to tell you that we now have access to two more databases for you to use from home. This is in addition to the access we already have to MyHeritage.
The library versions of findmypast and TheGenealogist are now available for GSV members only. Instructions for accessing these databases can be obtained by logging into the members area of the GSV website. Allow time for these instructions to be received as emails are replied to between 10am-4pm on Monday to Friday.
Please note that members cannot use any personal subscription to findmypast at the same time as using this library version. Also note the 20 minute time limit and the need to logout when using TheGenealogist .
For those less familiar with the content of the major databases there is a very good introduction at
https://www.rootstech.org/video/comparing-the-genealogy-giants
This is a video link to Sunny Morton’s talk "Comparing the Genealogy Giants: Ancestry, FamilySearch, findmypast and MyHeritage" at the London 2019 RootsTech conference.
Sonny’s basic message about finding which records are on which site is to look at the Catalogues at each site (subscriptions not necessary).
findmypast has good Irish record collections, 1939 census, maps and extensive UK parish records (many quite early and not available elsewhere).
Unfortunately the video does not include TheGenealogist, a good UK-based site for census and parish (especially non-conformist) records, tithe maps, war and many other records.
I should also remind you that the free “Quick Lookup” service for members is still available despite the GSV Centre being closed.
Enjoy your researching and stay safe,
Best wishes
Jenny Redman
President GSV