Just down the street from the St. Landry Parish Courthouse is where Clerk of Court Charles Jagneaux is opening up his elections and archives center. Inside of this center is where Jagneaux is keeping generations worth of archives and court records, which is opening up an opportunity for something that Jagneaux is calling genealogical tourism.

“Once you’ve seen an old building, you’ve seen them all,” said Jagneaux. “But if you have a family history here in St. Landry Parish you want to learn about it. And you also want to know where they lived.”

With that idea in mind, Jagneaux wanted to provide a space where tourist and residents alike can look through the parish’s court records and read the tangible documents with their ancestor’s signatures for themselves.

“They’ll also have computer evidence that they can do additional research on stuff that’s not in a particular set of records,” said Jagneaux. 

Jagneaux says St. Landry Parish has a deep set of records concerning families, making the parish a prime candidate for this type of tourism, and opening the doors for even more people to make their way to Opelousas to visit the center.

“We have some NBA players whose ancestors lived here,” he said. “Beyonce has roots here. Any number of people have roots in St. Landry Parish. And when they find out about it, they want to do the research, and they want to come visit and see where their home place was for their ancestors. So, we call it genealogical tourism. No bricks and mortar, just records.”

Jagneaux says the election and archive center should be ready to open at the end of May.

The City of Tulsa, in collaboration with Intermountain Forensics and the Greenwood Cultural Center, will host the second round of Community Engagement Genealogy Workshops from April 25 to April 27, 2025, at the Greenwood Cultural Center.

Residents who are interested in participating in one of the workshops are asked to fill out pre-registration information at www.greenwoodculturalcenter.org/genealogy-workshop Friday and Saturday’s workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday’s optional workday will go from 1 – 7 p.m. Space in each workshop is limited, so residents are asked to register early. Due to the private nature of genetic genealogy, each workshop is limited to registered participants only.

Workshops are part of the City's goal to increase public awareness and empower community members, especially those in Greenwood and North Tulsa - and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre descendants - to explore their own genealogies, connecting them with resources and experts to uncover family histories.

Participants will have access to experienced genealogists who will guide them through the fundamentals of genealogical research, including:

• Tools and resources for effective family tree research, including free access to Ancestry Institution courtesy of Ancestry.com
• Guidance on when and how to expand your family tree
• Access to research materials and resources for continued learning

Several new surnames and locations of interest have been identified as part of the City's genealogy process for the unmarked graves uncovered at Oaklawn Cemetery. People may recognize these surnames and locations of interest in their family trees. The latest list of surnames and locations of interest can be found online.

Members of the group acting as the custodian of South Canterbury’s family history archives say a proposal to restructure roles at the town’s museum and library “threatens to undermine decades of cultural heritage stewardship”.

The South Canterbury Genealogy Society wrote to Timaru District Council chief executive Nigel Trainor following his announcement to staff, on March 23, of a proposal to cut 71 roles and create 19, outlining its grave concerns.

Under that proposal, the South Canterbury Museum director role would be cut and the duties would be combined with the existing curator of social history and curator of document history roles to create a new curator/team leader role.

A new curator role would also be created.

At the Timaru District Library, the manager role would be disestablished, a new team leader would absorb the roles of the adult and youth services team leaders, and the roles of senior librarian and heritage librarian would go.

General librarian roles would also be reduced from 4 full-time equivalents (FTE) to 3 FTE.

But South Canterbury Genealogy committee member Dave Jack described the proposals as posing “an unacceptable risk to the preservation, accessibility, and educational value of our shared history”.

“We work with both the library and the museum very closely and they store all our archives in their research rooms — all our assets,” he said.

The group manned the museum’s research room on a Sunday, with two volunteers working in with staff.

“There can be people from the other side of the world that come in wanting to research their history in Timaru.

“Are we going to put the brakes on family research?”

Members also spent time at the library helping people with their research and he said at the most recent session, on Wednesday morning, two residents came in wanting to start research of their family tree.

“Where do we end up if we get rid of key staff? Does the council want volunteers running the places? You need to be qualified in these roles.”

He said those affected by the proposal had a wealth of knowledge and the society’s archives supported the greater South Canterbury area.

“We have all sorts of stuff. If you take away your history, what have you got left?’’

Jack says people affected by the council proposal have a wealth of knowledge and the society’s archives support the greater South Canterbury area.J

The letter, sent to Trainor on Wednesday, said the society had “grave concerns over the proposed disestablishment and merging of key archival and curatorial roles”.

It outlined the impact such changes would have on public access to community records, the digitisation of local collections, and its longstanding collaborative work with museum and library staff.

The proposal to remove roles, such as senior heritage librarian, and reduce librarian FTEs posed a serious risk to the preservation and accessibility of the library’s heritage collection stored in the basement, as well as public services via the research room, it said.

The collections were essential for local family history research, tangata whenua whakapapa studies, school and community projects and digitisation efforts under the Aoraki Heritage Collection.

Without the roles, it was unclear who would continue the vital work, the letter said.

Meanwhile, at the museum the consolidation of multiple roles would “inevitably result in the loss of specialist capacity, either on the archival or the curatorial side”.

The society also pointed out the archives at both the library and museum were public assets and community members relied on the institutions to research ancestry, land history, cultural identity, and civic records.

“These services underpin the democratic right of access to public records and cultural heritage.”

The society was also keen to strengthen its partnerships with staff at both, to enhance public genealogical services including joint digitisation and indexing of school rolls and war records, and share expertise on historic preservation public workshops and training and support for the planned South Canterbury Archives Online Access Portal.

“Without dedicated archivists to collaborate with, these projects cannot proceed. The result will be a net loss of community value and a reversal of recent gains in accessibility and outreach.”

It said Timaru had “long-prided itself on valuing and protecting its heritage” and the proposed cuts were deeply at odds with that.

“A district of our size and historical depth must continue to support professional roles dedicated to heritage preservation — not diminish them at a time when digital access and historical understanding matter more than ever.”

The group recommended the council retained the full-time senior heritage librarian role, maintain the roles of curator of social history and curator of document history or an archivist role at the museum, and ensure adequate staffing for the Aoraki Heritage Collection, with a long-term digitisation and access plan.

It also asked the council to support continuation of public research assistance and education through appropriately skilled and resourced staff and engage with community stakeholders, including the society, before finalising staffing decisions to align the council’s strategy with community needs.

Trainor said as staff were considering the proposal, it “wouldn’t be fair to comment on specific individual roles during this process”.

“All staff are being invited to provide feedback and alternative ideas for the organisational structure, which will be considered before we come to any final decisions,” he said.

“Unfortunately the council is faced with a significant deficit in its day-to-day running costs, and in order to provide essential services to the community in an affordable and efficient way there are some difficult decisions that will need to be made in the months ahead.”

The States said the project, which provides "unprecedented access to the Bailiwick's rich history", was a collaboration between local groups and the genealogy company Findmypast.

The collection features 210,000 pages of archive material from the Greffe records, parish church registers, conveyance documents and World War Two identity cards.

The originals will continue to be preserved at various archives on the island.

The project was led by the Bailiwick of Guernsey Digitisation Partnership, a steering group consisting of representatives from the Priaulx Library, Island Archives, the Deanery of Guernsey, La Société Guernesiaise and the Greffe, which is the island's official court office and registry.

It will include Greffe records, baptisms, marriages and burials records from parish church registers - some of which date back to the late 1500s - and identity cards from the German occupation of Guernsey during World War Two.

The project, which is only available to Findmypast subscribers, will also include registers from Alderney and Sark.

Steve Foote, chief executive of the Priaulx Library, said: "This project has been driven by a shared passion for preserving and sharing our history, and we want to thank all of those who have helped to make it possible."

Vikki Hart, island archivist, added that the digitisation was a "major achievement".

"By making these important documents available online, we are ensuring they remain accessible to researchers worldwide, while also preserving the originals for our future generations."

To my fellow brothers and sisters,

At the ISDA, our mission has always been to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions and proud heritage that define our Italian American identity.

That’s why I’m honored to announce that ISDA has partnered with Pittsburgh’s esteemed Heinz History Center to present a comprehensive Italian Genealogy Workshop.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM​
• Location: Heinz History Center: 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh​, PA
• Admission: $30 for ISDA and Heinz History Center members; $40 for non-members​
• Attend this workshop either in person or virtually: Act quickly, in-person tickets that are expected to sell out as this event is also open to the public.
• FREE LUNCH included for a limited number of ISDA members who purchase in-person tickets:Call the ISDA Home Office at 412-261-3550 to receive the special discount code.

REGISTER HERE

Why This Workshop Matters — and What You’ll Take Away

This workshop will feature acclaimed genealogist Rich Venezia of Rich Roots Genealogy, who will lead four lectures focusing on essential records and strategies for tracing Italian ancestry; plus, Rich will offer the very latest details on dual citizenship — a hot-button issue in our community right now. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced genealogist, Rich’s insights will provide valuable guidance in exploring your family history.​ All ISDA members stand to gain meaningful and actionable takeaways from this session.

In addition to Rich’s presentations, the workshop will include lightning talks by representatives from local archival and genealogical resources, including the University of Pittsburgh Archives & Special Collections and the Heinz History Center. These sessions will highlight valuable record sets specific to Western PA’s Italian genealogy.

In-person attendees can also participate in a special curator-led tour of artifacts from the Italian American Collection, showcased within the museum’s fourth-floor Special Collections Gallery. This tour will offer a tangible connection to the experiences and contributions of Italian Americans in the Western PA region.​

The Italian Genealogy Workshop, sponsored by ISDA, is presented by the Heinz History Center’s Italian American Program & the Detre Library & Archives (click here for the full event details).

This in-person and virtual event embodies ISDA’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection to our roots. By understanding the journeys of our ancestors, we honor their legacies and enrich our own identities.​

I hope to see you on June 1!

The following is a press release from Findmypast:

• Findmypast is offering discounts on all subscriptions to help family historians uncover their family’s wartime journey from the eve of war to victory for less

• Offers range from 30% to 50% off Findmypast’s most popular subscriptions

• Uncover your ancestors’ vital role on the Home Front in the 1939 Register and Women’s Land Army records and their service and sacrifice in millions of military records

• Delve deeper into newspapers to uncover the events great and small that affected their lives and communities during the war – or even the stories of their own actions

• Hurry – offer ends 22 April 2025

Findmypast is giving family history enthusiasts the opportunity to delve deeper into their family’s wartime experiences for as little as £6.99 per month. From now to April 22nd, Findmypast is offering two subscription deals, helping researchers uncover their family’s life on the path to Victory 80 years ago.

You can now delve into the details of your family tree for a full year with 50% off all annual subscriptions. For those wanting greater flexibility, Findmypast is offering 30% off all 1-month, 3-month and 6-month subscriptions.

Whether you're just starting your family history journey or looking to dig deeper into your roots, Findmypast’s vast collection of historical records, exclusive UK and Irish resources, and advanced search tools offer everything you need to discover the lives of your ancestors at this pivotal moment.

Start with the 1939 Register – a census taken just before the start of the Second World War – to uncover where your ancestors were living and what they were doing on the eve of war. You might even discover their voluntary roles on the Home Front as the nation prepared for conflict in the Civilian Occupation data exclusive to Findmypast. Trace their experiences through billions of records, including military, POW, Women’s Land Army, parish records, and more. Then delve into Findmypast’s treasure trove of over 90 million historical newspapers to understand the stories and experiences of your family, community and the nation – as they happened. 

Offer Details:

• 30% off 1-month subscription packages

• 50% off Annual subscription

• Offer valid from April 11th to April 22^nd 2025, Ts&Cs apply.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to explore your family’s history with Findmypast at an unbeatable price. Simply visit Findmypast.co.uk and sign up for your preferred subscription package. The Easter offer will automatically apply at checkout.

For many people, the search for family history is more than just a hobby: It’s a way to connect to their past and preserve important stories for future generations. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum’s (IAAM) Center for Family History (CFH) offers a unique opportunity for Lowcountry residents and visitors across the United States to trace their ancestry, uncover untold stories, and preserve their family legacies. Admission to the Center For Family History is included with timed ticketed reservations for the museum. What stands out at IAAM’s CFH is it offers free digital resources onfamily genealogy and many more databases that are also more African-American-centric.

Whether you’re interested in learning about your African American heritage or exploring your family’s broader roots, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. Its extensiveresources, expert staff guidance, and welcoming environment make it a perfect place for anyone interested in genealogy to begin—or continue—their journey of discovery.

A Resource for All Ages

Genealogy is for everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. The Center for Family History not only welcomes older adults who are eager to learn more about their ancestors but also provides valuable resources and programs for younger generations who are interested in family history. In fact, learning about genealogy can be a meaningful family activity, allowing parents, grandparents and children to explore their collective past together.

For many people, the search for family history is more than just a hobby: It’s a way to connect to their past and preserve important stories for future generations. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum’s (IAAM) Center for Family History (CFH) offers a unique opportunity for Lowcountry residents and visitors across the United States to trace their ancestry, uncover untold stories, and preserve their family legacies. Admission to the Center For Family History is included with timed ticketed reservations for the museum. What stands out at IAAM’s CFH is it offers free digital resources onfamily genealogy and many more databases that are also more African-American-centric.

Whether you’re interested in learning about your African American heritage or exploring your family’s broader roots, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. Its extensiveresources, expert staff guidance, and welcoming environment make it a perfect place for anyone interested in genealogy to begin—or continue—their journey of discovery.

A Resource for All Ages

Genealogy is for everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. The Center for Family History not only welcomes older adults who are eager to learn more about their ancestors but also provides valuable resources and programs for younger generations who are interested in family history. In fact, learning about genealogy can be a meaningful family activity, allowing parents, grandparents and children to explore their collective past together.

For those aged 55+ in the Lowcountry, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage in a new hobby, connect with your history and preserve family stories. Whether you’re interested in researching your ancestry, learning new research techniques or capturing the voices of the oldest members of your family, the Center for Family History has something for you.

A Place for Everyone: Research
Your Genealogy
One of the most powerful ways to understand where you come from is by learning about your ancestors. At the Center for Family History, people from all backgrounds can dive into their personal history, whether they have just begun their genealogy search or are looking to uncover more details about their family tree. The museum’s team of genealogy experts is dedicated to helping you navigate various resources to trace your lineage and uncover valuable family stories.

CFH provides access to a wide variety of genealogical resources, including records, databases, historical documents, reference books and expert consultations. From the African American experience to broader genealogical research, these resources are designed to help you uncover your family’s past and learn about the diverse stories that shaped your heritage.

For those new to genealogy, CFH’s research guides and online resources can help you begin the research journey. The team is always ready to assist with specific research questions, offering personalized guidance on how to find the right records and how to use them effectively. Whether you are researching your great-great-grandparents or tracing a more distant ancestor, CFH provides the tools and expertise you need to make meaningful discoveries.

Genealogy Classes: Learning Every Week

If you’re interested in learning more about genealogy or enhancing your research skills, the Center for Family History offers genealogy classes every Tuesday to Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. These classes are a fantastic way to get a deeper

understanding of how to conduct research, navigate archives, and utilize various genealogical tools.

During these sessions, IAAM’s CFH staff provides step-by-step instructions on the best practices for researching your ancestry, as well as tips for utilizing online databases, government records and historical archives. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your family history search, these classes are designed to meet you at your level of experience.

These genealogy classes are hands-on and interactive, allowing attendees to learn directly from CFH’s knowledgeable staff. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to structure your research and how to overcome common challenges in genealogy research. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment and the tools you need to continue your journey of discovering your roots.

IAAM Membership Opportunities: Be Part of the Museum’s Journey
Becoming a member of the International African American Museum offers a wealth of benefits, including free admission, exclusive event invitations and special access to programs like the Center for Family History. Members play a crucial role in supporting the museum’s educational initiatives and preservation efforts, andmemberships provide a great way to stay involved with the museum’s work while also gaining unique experiences.

Memberships are available in several tiers, allowing individuals to choose the level that best suits their interests and involvement. From early access to

special events to discounted rates on programs, membership provides a direct connection to the museum’s mission of celebrating both African American and African Diaspora histories and cultures. Members also have priority access to special exhibits, lectures and curated events, making it a perfect way to stay connected to the museum and its ongoing work.

To learn more about the benefits and to sign up, visit the museum’s membership page at iaamuseum.org/membership/. Become part of a community that is dedicated to preserving the stories of African Americans and supporting the next generation of history enthusiasts.

IAAM Volunteer Opportunities: Give Back to the Community
If you’re passionate about history and community engagement, consider volunteering at the International African American Museum. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the museum’s programs and initiatives, helping to make history accessible to all visitors.

As a volunteer, you may assist with genealogical research, support educational events or help facilitate various museum programs. The volunteer program is open to individuals who want to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience in the museum and cultural sector. Whether you’re passionate about preserving history, helping others discover their ancestry or simply enjoying the museum’s rich offerings, volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute.

Volunteers play a crucial role in bringing the museum’s mission to life, and their contributions help make the Center for Family History and the broader museum experience even more meaningful for visitors.

Get Started With Your Genealogy Search Today

Whether you are just starting your journey into genealogy or are looking to take your research to the next level, IAAM’s Center for Family History is here to help. CFH offers a wealth of resources, classes and programs to assist you on your journey of discovering your personal history.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore your ancestry, attend a class or even preserve the life stories of your loved ones. Visit the Center for Family History today and begin your journey into the past. Your story is waiting to be told.

For more information, visit iaamuseum.org/ center-for-family-history/ or email cfh@iaamuseum.org for details about available resources and programs.

The following is a press release written by the employees at the Museum of Digital Influence.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2025 -- Introducing The Museum of Digital Influence: A Groundbreaking Online Archive of the Digital Revolution

Do you remember how it all began?

When we wrote anonymous blog posts on LiveJournal, customized MySpace profiles, and tagged friends in early Facebook photo albums. Influence was once measured in comments and community engagement, long before brand collaborations and algorithmic reach entered the picture.

Today, digital influence is an established part of online culture, shaped over decades through emerging platforms, creators, and technological change. This ongoing transformation now has a dedicated space for reflection and research.

The Museum of Digital Influence is a newly launched, non-commercial online archive that documents the evolution of digital influence across nine chronological epochs — from early internet forums and blogs to modern platforms such as TikTok.

The museum includes nearly 100 curated digital artifacts — selected examples of platforms, posts, videos, and campaigns — that illustrate major trends, shifts, and cultural moments in the development of digital influence. Each epoch presents a contextual narrative about how online communication and personal media presence have changed over time.

Unlike physical museums, The Museum of Digital Influence is entirely online and freely accessible. It is intended as a public resource for those interested in the history and mechanics of digital communication, including marketers, researchers, creators, educators, and digital culture observers.

Through a mix of interactive and archival elements, the museum provides context for understanding how digital platforms have shaped social behaviors, marketing practices, and the role of individual voices online.

The project is organized into nine thematic periods, each marking a different stage in the evolution of influence. These range from early blogging communities and the emergence of social networking sites, to the widespread adoption of mobile video and the rise of influencer-driven content economies.

The narrative explores how each stage contributed to changing perceptions of identity, attention, and communication in digital environments.

As the digital landscape continues to shift, the museum will be updated annually to include new artifacts and developments. The intention is to maintain an evolving resource that reflects long-term trends, rather than moment-to-moment updates.

The Museum of Digital Influence is now available online

. Visitors are invited to explore its exhibits, examine key moments in digital culture, and consider how influence has changed — and continues to change — the ways people connect, express, and communicate.

Viktor Ryzhov
Zorka.Agency
info@zorka.agency

Matthew Nilo stands during an appearance at Suffolk Superior Court, Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Boston. Nilo, a New Jersey lawyer already charged in connection with a series of sexual assaults in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood about 15 years ago, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to new charges stemming from a different series of sexual assaults in another area of the city that occurred at roughly the same time.

Prosecutors say they are still making their way through more than 45,000 communications between Boston Police investigators about the investigation into Matthew Nilo, a New Jersey lawyer accused of assaulting eight women in Boston more than a decade ago. 

In a brief court filing asking to continue a hearing in Nilo’s case, Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum said the 45,000 communications received by prosecutors since Nilo’s last court date total 500,000 pages. So far, they have turned over 1,200 documents to attorneys for Nilo, totaling 9,000 pages.

Douglas Rubin, a 20-year-old student at the State University of New York at Albany, vanished without a trace on February 23, 1979. After over four decades, his sister Maddy's hope is renewed thanks to genetic genealogy. 

Rubin was last seen in Nassau County, leaving late one night reportedly in a state of distress, according to his mother. He never returned and has not been heard from since.

Rubin's vehicle was discovered in the middle of the night abandoned on the Throgs Neck Bridge, with his wallet and eyeglasses left inside. According to Maddy, a driver reported seeing a person get out of the car and move towards the bridge, but did not see them jump.

Despite an extensive search by divers, no trace of Rubin was found in the waters below. The case of Douglas Rubin remains unsolved, leaving his family and authorities without answers for over four decades.

If you have any information about Douglas' disappearance reach out to Detective Kerri-Ann Hoovert at the Nassau County Police Department at (516) 573-8800.