Here is some interesting tidbits going on in the genealogy world:
- The Chronicling America free, searchable database of historic US newspapers, has posted its 5 millionth newspaper page. Launched by the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2007 as part of the National Digital Newspaper Program, the site digitizes newspapers published between 1836 and 1922. It now has more than 800 newspapers from 25 states.
- Old Weather, a joint project from the National Archives and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will have citizen scientists transcribing historic Arctic and worldwide weather data from digitized Navy, Coast Guard, and Revenue Cutter ship deck logs. Digital images of the log books will be available on the project’s website and on Archives.gov. The records offer access to weather data and climate patterns from your ancestor’s day, as well as details on US maritime history, military operations and scientific exploration. Learn more about the project and participate at OldWeather.org.
- A new volunteer genealogy lookup site called Gen Gathering has announced it’s looking for volunteers to do simple lookups for others in their home libraries or nearby repositories or cemeteries. You also can use the site to find volunteers who might be able to do lookups for you. Learn more on the Gen Gathering website.
- A new Windows phone app called Relative History ($4.99) from Papillion Producitons lets you view genealogy information from GEDCOM files on Windows phones. You can learn more about it and see screenshots and reviews here.