Researching one's
family history on the Internet should be free to everyone. The
recently organized Organization for the Preservation of Historical
and Genealogical Records (OPHGR) is working toward the goal of
putting more free information on the Internet each day. The members
are using their talents and technology to pursue and preserve
the past by visiting courthouses, cemeteries, newspapers, funeral
homes and other sources to obtain these elusive documents.
The archivists who
visit these locations have observed firsthand that the old documents
are deteriorating from age and sometimes from the climate in
the rooms where they are stored. The organization has taken on
the job of saving as much of our history as possible for the
next generations. The members are-- transcribing, scanning and
publishing these ancient documents to the Internet where they
can be accessed for free. By archiving these old documents in
digital media and hard copy, important information will be available
for generations to come.
OPHGR will also be
working with groups of students to help them learn how to research
their family histories. There are already many sites on the Internet
designed just for young people who want to learn more about their
ancestors. A workshop was held in September, 2009 to help individuals
with entering their information into the Family Tree Maker and
other similar programs. A request was made to hold another similar
workshop in the near future.
OPHGR will accept
articles, documents, family trees, obituaries, pictures and other
items from individuals wishing to share their information. Your
information does not have to be limited to Texas. For more information
you can visit the free website at http://www.ophgr.com or email
us at OPHGR1@gmail.com. The mailing address is OPHGR,
PO Box 1551, Canton, TX 75103.