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Blog Entries: 1 to 10 of 77
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Is Anyone Out There?
 I need your help. For a while now, I have been trying to decide whether or not to discontinue the Webmaster and Family History Blogs. While I feel they are worthwhile and beneficial, I question whether or not anyone is actually reading them. It seems that my available time for activities related to our historical society is constantly getting smaller. So, here’s what I propose. If you are reading this Blog entry and feel that this Blog is worthwhile, please let me know by sending me an email to:
webmaster@ironcountyhistory.org
Our email link is not working properly at the moment, so you will have to copy the email address into whatever software you use for your email. I don’t have a set minimum number of responses in mind, but if you want the Blogs to continue, please respond. Thank You! |
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Is Anyone Out There?
I need your help. For a while now, I have been trying to decide whether or not to discontinue the Webmaster and Family History Blogs. While I feel they are worthwhile and beneficial, I question whether or not anyone is actually reading them. It seems that my available time for activities related to our historical society is constantly getting smaller. So, here’s what I propose. If you are reading this Blog entry and feel that this Blog is worthwhile, please let me know by sending me an email to:
webmaster@ironcountyhistory.org
Our email link is not working properly at the moment, so you will have to copy the email address into whatever software you use for your email. I don’t have a set minimum number of responses in mind, but if you want the Blogs to continue, please respond. Thank You!
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National Scam Day - March 6, 2025 PSA
This Public Service Annoucement (PSA) is from the Social Security Administration:
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:
- Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to quickly recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include:
- An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
- Pressure to act immediately, and
- A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
- Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable.
- Sharing our Scam Alert fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
To report a Social Security related scam, click here.
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More Genealogy Potpourri
It’s been another one of those weeks, so, today I thought I would share some more the items shared with me by fellow historical society member, Judie Huff, along with a couple more items of interest that I have added.
First off today, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate African American History Month by sharing an African American Research Guide written by Susan Morrow. Iron County has a rich African American history. Enslaved people were brought to the area as early as the late 18th century and their labor played a significant role in the development of the county. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, African Americans in Iron County built communities, established churches and a school, and contributed to the cultural fabric of the region. You can learn more about some of these stories in a book that I wrote for the historical society, “Witnesses to History: Stories from Park View Cemetery” and you can get your own copy in our on-line Bookstore.
For those with Irish ancestry, you can sign up for a free newsletter that is published by the folks at A Letter from Ireland. The newsletter is published every Thursday. Clear guidance, proven strategies, and Irish records made simple.
If you are like me and have some French ancestry in your family tree, you may be interested in an article, “Records and Resources for Exploring Your French Heritage” written by David Fryxell. The French were among the earliest Europeans to arrive in North America, with Samuel de Champlain founding the first permanent French colony at Quebec in 1608—only one year after Jamestown. French settlers left their mark from Montreal to Natchez and St. Louis to New Orleans.
Are you sometimes frustrated by finding out a book has been published with information about a family that you are researching only to find out that the book is not available in your local library? Well, that’s where Interlibrary Loan can come to your rescue. Though you may not always find a library with that book, many times you can. In, ”Interlibrary Loan: How to Borrow the Genealogy Books You Need” by Irene Martin you will find the information necessary to make this service work for you.
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PSA - Don't Be a Victim!
Don't Get Hooked: Protecting Yourself from Scams via Phone, Text, and Email
In today's interconnected world, we're constantly bombarded with communication – phone calls, texts, and emails. While convenient, this also opens doors for scammers looking to exploit the unwary. Falling victim to fraud can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. But don't despair! By staying informed and practicing a few smart habits, you can significantly reduce your risk.
This blog post will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to spot and avoid scams coming through these common communication channels.
Phone Scams: The Art of Deception
Phone scams often rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear. Common tactics include:
- The "IRS" Scam: A threatening caller claims you owe back taxes and will face immediate legal action if you don't pay. Remember, the IRS will never contact you by phone about taxes owed.
- The "Grandparent" Scam: A frantic "grandchild" calls needing money urgently due to an emergency. Verify the caller's identity by contacting other family members.
- The "Tech Support" Scam: A caller claims your computer has a virus and needs immediate attention. They'll try to gain remote access to your device. Never give remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers.
- Spoofing: Scammers can fake caller ID information to appear legitimate. Don't trust a number just because it looks familiar.
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams:
- Never give out personal information: Don't provide your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call and know the recipient is legitimate.
- Be skeptical of urgent requests: Scammers thrive on pressure. Take your time, research the situation, and don't be afraid to hang up.
- Verify the caller: If someone claims to represent a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on their website.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: While this won't stop all scam calls, it can reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is.
Text Scams: Short Messages, Big Risks
Text scams, or "smishing," often use links or attachments to trick you. Be wary of:
- "Congratulations" messages: You've "won" a prize or gift card, but you need to click a link to claim it. Legitimate contests rarely contact you via text message.
- Phishing links: Texts containing links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Never click on links from unknown senders.
- Fake delivery notifications: Texts claiming a package couldn't be delivered and asking you to reschedule by clicking a link. Verify tracking information directly through the shipping company's website.
How to Protect Yourself from Text Scams:
- Don't click on links or attachments from unknown numbers: This is the most crucial rule.
- Be wary of messages asking for personal information: Legitimate companies will never request sensitive data via text.
- Block suspicious numbers: Don't hesitate to block numbers that send you unwanted or suspicious texts.
- Report smishing attempts: Report suspicious texts to your mobile carrier.
Email Scams: The Classic Trap
Email scams, or "phishing," are one of the oldest tricks in the book, but they're still effective. Watch out for:
- Suspicious subject lines: Phrases like "Urgent Action Required," "Your Account Has Been Suspended," or "You've Won!" are red flags.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Many scam emails contain errors that legitimate emails wouldn't.
- Requests for personal information: Legitimate companies will never ask for your password, bank details, or Social Security number via email.
- Spoofed email addresses: Check the sender's email address carefully. Often, scammers will use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight variations.
How to Protect Yourself from Email Scams:
- Be cautious of emails you weren't expecting: Especially those asking for personal information or containing links.
- Hover over links before clicking: This will show you the actual URL, which may be different from what's displayed.
- Don't open attachments from unknown senders: Attachments can contain malware that can infect your computer.
- Use a strong spam filter: Most email providers offer spam filtering, so make sure it's enabled.
- Keep your software updated: Regularly updating your operating system and antivirus software can help protect you from malware.
General Tips for Staying Safe:
- Be proactive: Don't wait for a scam to happen. Educate yourself and your family about the latest scams.
- Think before you act: Don't rush into anything, especially if you're feeling pressured.
- Report suspicious activity: Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
By staying vigilant and practicing these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about how scams work, the better equipped you'll be to protect yourself.
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Family History Research Potpourri
If there is one thing that I can always count on, it’s historical society member, Judie Huff keeping me supplied with an unending supply of materials for our Family History Blog. Judie has been extra busy of late in this regard, and rather than leaving something out, I’m creating this potpourri of links to some of the articles that Judie has sent me. Here goes:
First up is an article on how to archive social media posts This includes archiving the photos, memories and genealogical details you and others have shared on social media. Plus, it explores what privacy and copyright issues you should be aware of.
The next entry explores what to me seemed a counter-intuitive approach in researching our ancestors. By working forward in time instead of backwards. That said, if there is one constant thing that I tell my students every time that I teach a beginning genealogy class is this: The day that you think you know it all is the day that you should stop doing research. There is always something new to learn and I think this article is worth a read.
Until next week, happy hunting!
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School Records Project Phase II Update
 Just a quick update to let you know that work has once again started on Phase II of our School Records Project. I would like to thank historical society members Judie Huff, Irma Ward, and Mark Horstman for their ongoing efforts related to scanning School District Records, creating transcriptions from those records, and preparing the scanned images for display on our website.
I’m currently in the process of creating the pages that will relate to the recent work done on the Mountain and Lower schools that at one time made up the Crane Pond School District #36. In all over 60 website pages will be created in the Members Only area of the website where the images and transcriptions from these schools will be hosted. I don’t have a firm completion date set as of yet, but I do promise to get these pages added as soon as my own schedule allows and to also keep you informed of my progress. |
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Planning: The Key to Success
We turn again to the writers at Family Tree Magazine for a timely article on planning a research trip to a library. I should also mention, many of the things mentioned in the article would also apply to research trips to other facilities like archives, historical societies, courthouses, etc.
I would go as far as to say that the most important part of your research trip probably happens before you ever leave home. In essence, what you do before your trip will, in a large way, determine not only how much you get done on your trip, but how successful the trip will be.
I used these tips myself, so I can attest to the amount of time that I have saved through their use. This is especially true when I have gone to places like the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Allen County Public Library (home of PERSI something that I have blogged on previously). By researching the catalogs related to both institutions, I already had a prioritized list of everything that I wanted to accomplish on those trips. Hours that could have been lost in consulting catalogs upon arrival were saved by doing that research at home.
I hope the tips presented in the article will help you be more successful in your future research!
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Critical Thinking: Your Superpower
 I’m classifying this post as a public service announcement (PSA) as it has nothing to do with history, but has everything to do with all of us and the world we live in today.
I had a recent experience that I wanted to share with you. While doing our taxes using a popular tax software program, I discovered an error in its processing. Had I simply accepted what the software told me, the $1,008 refund that my wife and I are entitled to would have turned in to us owing the state of Missouri over $300. When I saw that initial result, I questioned it, and by going back and using the state’s automated Missouri tax software, I was able to pinpoint (and report to the software company) the exact place where their error occurred.
I’m not here to pat myself on the back, but instead to remind you about the power of critical thinking and how we all need to be using it in our everyday lives. One of the first things I was taught as a genealogist was to question everything. Look for multiple sources whenever they were available and to analyze them. Maybe that’s why I caught this error, but probably it was just from wanting make sure that I really owed that amount of money when I was expecting a refund instead. Either way, it was critical thinking that saved the day.
Critical thinking isn't just for academics or philosophers. It's an essential life skill that empowers us to make better choices, solve problems more effectively, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. It's about thinking clearly and rationally, understanding the connections between ideas, and questioning assumptions. In short, it's about thinking for yourself.
We live in a world awash with information. News cycles spin 24/7, social media feeds are a constant barrage of opinions, and advertisements vie for our attention at every turn. In this whirlwind of data, how do we navigate, discern truth from falsehood, and make informed decisions? The answer lies in a crucial skill, a superpower we all possess but often underutilize: critical thinking.
So, why is critical thinking so important in our daily lives?
1. Navigating the Information Overload:
We're bombarded with information from countless sources. Some of it is accurate, some is misleading, and some is outright false. Critical thinking equips us to evaluate the credibility of sources, identify biases, and distinguish facts from opinions. It helps us avoid falling prey to misinformation and allows us to form our own informed perspectives.
2. Making Better Decisions:
From choosing what to eat for breakfast to making major life decisions, we're constantly faced with choices. Critical thinking helps us weigh the pros and cons, consider different perspectives, and anticipate potential consequences. It allows us to move beyond impulsive reactions and make decisions that align with our values and goals.
3. Solving Problems Effectively:
Life throws curveballs. Problems arise, and we need to find solutions. Critical thinking provides a structured approach to problem-solving. It encourages us to define the problem clearly, gather relevant information, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. This systematic approach leads to more creative and effective solutions.
4. Enhancing Communication:
Critical thinking is closely linked to effective communication. It allows us to articulate our thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively. It also helps us understand and interpret the messages of others, identify underlying assumptions, and engage in constructive dialogue.
5. Fostering Creativity:
While it might seem counterintuitive, critical thinking actually fosters creativity. By questioning existing ideas and exploring different perspectives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and innovative solutions. It allows us to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.
6. Promoting Personal Growth:
Critical thinking encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. It prompts us to examine our own beliefs and biases, identify areas for improvement, and continuously learn and grow. It empowers us to become more self-directed and independent thinkers.
How to Cultivate Critical Thinking:
The good news is that critical thinking is a skill that can be developed and honed. Here are a few tips:
- Ask questions: Don't accept things at face value. Always ask "why?" and "how?"
- Challenge assumptions: Identify your own biases and consider alternative perspectives.
- Seek out diverse viewpoints: Engage with people who have different opinions and backgrounds.
- Practice active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspectives.
- Reflect on your own thinking: Take time to analyze your own thought processes and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, critical thinking is not just a desirable skill; it's a necessity in today's complex world. By cultivating this essential ability, we can navigate the information overload, make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and live more fulfilling lives. So, embrace your inner critical thinker and unlock your full potential. It's a superpower that will serve you well in every aspect of your life and it might even help you save some money too!
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Special Exhibition: Tri-State Tornado
 With the 100th anniversary of of the devasting Tri-State Tornado rapidly approaching on March 18,2025, we have created a special exhibition about that tragic day here at our website. It was on that date in 1925 that the Tri-State Tornado struck without warning and devasted communities from southeast Missouri to southwest Indiana. Now 100 years later and this tornado still holds several records.The tornado claimed 695 lives making it the single deadliest tornado in U.S. history. It also holds the records for the longest duration and distance, lasting some 3 ½ hours and carving a path of destruction 219 miles in length. It was also the fastest moving tornado ever recorded with an average forward speed of 62mph and 73 mph at its fastest along its path between the Illinois towns of Gorham and Murphysboro. Finally, it was the most destructive, destroying 15,000 homes. Whole towns were virtually wiped from the map. Countless businesses and livelihoods were destroyed and the lives of the survivors of this terrible storm were impacted, in some cases, forever. The tornado first touched down in Reynolds County, Missouri at 1:01 pm and then travelled 85 miles through the state in about 90 minutes, killing 11 people in its wake. Among the most affected communities was Annapolis, Missouri where three people died and 90% of the town was either destroyed or damaged. The tornado crossed the Mississippi River into southern Illinois at 2:25 pm. In the next hour and 35 minutes, the tornado travelled 121 miles through the state and took another 613 lives along its path. The tornado then crossed the Wabash River into southwest Indiana at 4 pm. Before it dissipated, at 4:30 pm, it travelled another 58 miles and claimed the lives of another 71 victims.
The on-line exhibition also contains a link to a narrated PowerPoint presentation that was presented at the historical society’s Fall 2024 Quarterly Meeting. The presentation told the story of this deadly storm but also put the storm within its historical context. Weather forecasting and even the knowledge of the weather itself was much different in 1925 than it is today. The program examines that history, explains why there was so little warning along its path and explains the circumstances that came together in deadly unison to make it so deadly and destructive. The program also includes some of the stories of those that were there and looks at the relief and rebuilding efforts after the storm. Finally, the exhibition also includes links to photographs of the storm damage in Annapolis and nearby Leadanna as well as additional resources and a list of suggested reading related to the storm.
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