Seven-Step Guide to Preserving Irreplaceable Digital and Print Genealogy Records Released by Ancestry Graphics & Printing

New seven-step guide addresses the scary truth about the future of genealogy data and the crucial steps that family historians and genealogists can easily take to preserve their genealogy research for future generations.

Winfield, IL April 8, 2014

Ancestry Graphics & Printing announced the release of a new seven-step guide addressing how the challenges facing today's family historian and genealogist are different than at any time in the past.  Their new guide discusses how over the long term, digital records are more fragile and subject to loss than any other form of record-keeping and communication that has been used in the past.  The four main threats to digital longevity are discussed along with seven simple solutions for preserving important genealogy records.

The guide discusses whether the genealogy research and the story you want to tell your future descendants about their ancestors will survive to be told.  Company founder Larry Spiegel said “digital files may become useless for future generations if they remain untouched for as little as one generation, or about 25 years, and that is a drop in the bucket when compared to the 100 years or longer that most genealogists envision their research lasting”. 

Experts in digital preservation are in agreement that today's digital records probably won't survive and be readable for as long as they were originally intended.  This means the genealogy data we have all worked on tirelessly may become no different than dust in the wind.  Most people are totally unaware of the four main reasons why the data stored on their PC or other storage devices won't survive for long periods of time and what they can do to deal with this problem.

Larry Spiegel said that for genealogists who are storing their research digitally, physical decay of the media, technological obsolescence of the storage medium, technological obsolescence of the file format, and physical loss of the media are all discussed in detail in their new guide for genealogists.  Moreover, important and irreplaceable paper documents are also discussed because a definitive plan for their retention, preservation, and inheritance is equally necessary.

Spiegel went on to say that when it comes to the longevity of our digital data, we don't realize how much of a weak link our digital files really are when it comes to long-term preservation.  While various forms of digital storage are great for us to use in our daily lives, none of them are viable or reliable as the sole long-term method for storing and passing on our genealogy information to someone who will treasure it 25, 50, or 100 years in the future.

The free seven-step guide to preserving genealogy records can be found at:  http://www.ancestryprinting.com/genealogy-preservation.html.

 

Ancestry Graphics & Printing has been in business since 2003 providing family tree chart printing services to genealogy customers nationwide and around the world. 

CONTACT INFORMATION
Larry Spiegel
Ancestry Graphics & Printing
630-653-8400
http://www.ancestryprinting.com

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Family History Month Commemorated with “Dear Ancestor”, a Poignant New YouTube Video from Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Endearing poem put to video reminds viewers to investigate and reflect on their ancestors’ lives.

Winfield, IL (Originally published on October 8, 2013) - Long before Senator Orin Hatch introduced a bill in 2001 to formally recognize October as Family History month, many family historians and genealogists had already followed that long-held tradition.  The shorter days, the change of seasons, and the upcoming family gatherings during the holidays have always spurred thoughts of family for many people even without a nationally recognized month.

To help commemorate Family History month this year, Ancestry Graphics & Printing has just released a video version of the ever endearing poem “Dear Ancestor” on YouTube.  Larry Spiegel, founder of Ancestry Printing said “We put this very poignant and moving poem to music and video as our contribution to Family History month, and to encourage others who are researching their family history to take time out and visit an ancestor’s gravesite soon.  This moving tribute to ancestors is truly one of the most touching poems about the search for ancestors that I’ve ever seen, and will certainly touch anyone’s heartstrings who takes time out this month to reflect on their family’s past.”

If you’ve ever contemplated what the lives of your ancestors was like and how your descendants may view your life, this emotionally stirring poem may make you think of your ancestors in an entirely new perspective.  And, if you’re among those family historians who have already made cemetery visits a part of your genealogy research, you’ll immediately relate to the stirring lines in this gorgeous poem.

Spiegel suggests that if you can’t visit any of your ancestor’s cemeteries this month, commit to visit one in the near future by starting the research you need to do this month.  If you don’t know where your ancestors are interred, there are numerous resources on the internet that include maps and listings of who is buried in many cemeteries including their location by row and section.

“Visiting our own ancestors has been some of the most exciting research we’ve ever done” Spiegel went on to say.  “You’ll be amazed at how you’ll feel and what you might find that can help you with your family history research.   One time we unexpectedly found the father of an ancestor who we went to visit buried right next to him.  His 1812 burial location was not documented anywhere else so it was a wonderful surprise to find him there.”

The “Dear Ancestor” video can be found on YouTube at youtu.be/36NcX-dpIsA or by searching for “Dear Ancestor Poem” from within YouTube.  It is also available on the bottom of the poems page at:  www.ancestryprinting.com/poems.html.

Ancestry Graphics & Printing has been in business since 2003 providing family tree chart printing services to genealogy customers nationwide and around the world, and can be found at www.ancestryprinting.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Larry Spiegel
Ancestry Graphics & Printing
630-653-8400

Give the Gift of Family History with Ancestry Graphics & Printing's Family Tree Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing offers new solutions for frugal Christmas shoppers who are favoring gifts from the heart for family members this holiday season.  Anyone with a genealogy buff in the family now has a convenient way to help their own family historian take a break from the never-ending cycle of genealogy research and transform their years of research into a precious gift the whole family will enjoy. 

Winfield, IL (Originally published on November 19, 2012) - Ancestry Graphics & Printing has unveiled their holiday plans to allow more genealogists and family historians to see their years of research transformed into a printed family tree chart and to receive a free bonus gift as well.  To introduce more families with a genealogy buff in the household to their service, Ancestry Graphics & Printing is selling vouchers this holiday season in increments of $25 to fit any budget. 

The vouchers can be used for either family tree chart design or printing services.  So whether someone is trying to cover the entire cost of transforming a family genealogist’s data into an eye-catching printed chart, or just wants to provide a meaningful contribution to the genealogist in their family, there are different options available.   According to Larry Spiegel, owner of Ancestry Printing, printing an average size genealogy chart usually runs around $100 to $150.  Prices are dependent upon the physical dimensions of the chart and can be lower or higher.  If the genealogist in your family has gathered lots of data, but hasn’t already done the design work for the type of chart they’d like to print, Ancestry Graphics & Printing can also provide basic design services for only $45. Spiegel said “these vouchers are ideal for anyone who has already been entering their data into either a genealogy software program, or who is compiling their data using an online service like ancestry.com, but who hasn’t yet printed out their research in chart form”. 

The problem facing an increasing number of the tens of millions of home-grown genealogists who count themselves among the ranks of this country’s second most popular hobby is getting their family tree data out of their software programs and onto a large family tree chart in an attractive manner.  Ancestry Graphics & Printing says their service will bring cheer to genealogy buffs in search of a solution to this growing problem.  “Genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker and online ancestry databases have empowered genealogy buffs to build larger family trees than ever before” said Spiegel.  In most instances, these large family trees are well past the point of printing on standard letter-size paper and taping together.  To solve this problem, many people will try and enlist the help of a commercial printer who is capable of doing large format printing without a large price tag.

Spiegel said “if your family tree chart measures over about 8 feet wide, you probably won’t be able to get it printed at your local printer or self-serve print shop.  And, with some applications, the limit may be as small as 4 feet.  Printing a wide genealogy chart correctly requires that the genealogy software program be installed on the printer’s computer system.  Because of growing concerns over third-party software and viruses, it is extremely rare that a commercial printer will run the risk of installing someone else’s software on their system for a small one-time job.”

Ancestry Graphics & Printing specializes in printing virtually any size family tree directly from all of the most popular genealogy software programs.  Using their printing service, Spiegel said “individuals are assured that their genealogy chart will be printed exactly as they were designed.  By printing directly from the genealogy data within the software program, individuals eliminate the technical problems and limitations associated with outputting their family tree data to a postscript or PDF file prior to printing.”

Customers who purchase pre-paid vouchers for family members up until December 24th will also receive as a free gift the latest 104-page digital edition of the U.S. history timeline which Ancestry Graphics & Printing released earlier this year.  This insightful timeline provides genealogists and family historians with a colorful glimpse of what life was like in the past. Covering the years 1910 to 2011, Volume 4 is definitely a nostalgic view of history for readers of all ages. For each of the 102 years included, there are twelve subjects covered including what historical, cultural, financial and military events were occurring; and what inventions, conveniences and advances in communication, medicine and transportation were taking place and shaping everyone's lives.

Complete information about ordering a voucher for someone you know is available at www.ancestryprinting.com/gift.html.

About Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing has been in business since 2003 providing family tree chart printing services to genealogy customers nationwide and around the world. In addition to family tree printing and their newly released U.S. History Timeline, their site also includes many free downloads of genealogy forms, family tree clip art, and information about headstone rubbing.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Larry Spiegel
Ancestry Graphics & Printing
630-653-8400

History Timeline Turns Genealogy Buffs & Family Historians into Nostalgic Storytellers

Ancestry Graphics & Printing announces the release of a new U.S. history timeline for genealogists and family historians which is designed to provide easy answers to questions about what life was like in the past.  Volume 4 is definitely a nostalgic walk down memory lane for anyone involved with genealogy as a hobby.
 

Winfield, IL (Originally published on February 28, 2012) - Ancestry Graphics & Printing announces the release of a new U.S. History Timeline written for genealogy buffs and family historians. Cheryl Spiegel, co-author describes their decision to write the timeline in the following way. "So you’re doing research on your grandmother and you finally have all of her pertinent birth, marriage and death information, but what else did you discover about her life? Knowing her facts is essential for all family historians, but understanding what life was like for her is equally important and is the secret ingredient that fuels really great storytelling about her life."

"Obviously there was no Internet, cell phones or MP3 players when grandma was growing up" Spiegel said, "and she didn’t even have a snooze alarm or sliced bread from the store when she was young either. So what did grandma have and when did she have it? What else was going on in the world that shaped grandma’s life?"

Family tree chart printing company Ancestry Graphics & Printing is endeavoring to answer these questions and more in their newly released U.S History Timeline - Volume 4, which provides genealogists and family historians with a glimpse of what life was like in the past. Covering the years 1910 to 2011, Volume 4 is definitely a nostalgic view of history for readers of all ages because everyone can relate to some part of it. For each of the 102 years included, there are twelve subjects covered including what historical, cultural, financial and military events were occurring; and what inventions, conveniences and advances in communication, medicine and transportation were taking place and shaping everyone's lives.

According to co-author Larry Spiegel, family historians who are really great storytellers love to have an endless arsenal of colorful and interesting information that they can easily weave into the fabric of the subject matter they love talking about most - genealogy. As avid family historians and storytellers themselves, Larry and his wife Cheryl included the types of information and events that other family members find the most fun, useful and interesting. According to Spiegel, "It's not just information; it's history in perspective to other events that were shaping life at the same time."

Spiegel said, "Very few of us have the luxury of time to read all of the history books necessary to get the basic answers that we're really in search of as genealogists and family historians. And with the fast-paced and ever-changing world we live in, it’s easy to be amazed at all of the facts and events that we never knew or have long since forgotten. Having an easy-to-understand history timeline that is laid out chronologically and includes the most meaningful highlights across a broad spectrum of subject matter helps put history in perspective to our ancestors' lives".

From their own personal experiences, they both agree that there is nothing more gratifying and heart-warming than hearing your children or grandchildren say, "I want to be as good of a storyteller as you are when I grow up." They went on to say, "Like hugs and kisses, it's impossible to put a value on those few precious words and the feelings they evoke when you hear them, but in the end, that's what counts the most."

U.S. History Timeline - Volume 4 is available in three different digital PDF and print formats including standard PDF book layout. The content of each version is identical. For those interested in a breath-taking view of history at a glance, the printed chart version measures a full 2 feet tall by 16 feet wide. Volumes 1-3, which will cover the years 1607 through 1909 in 100 year increments, will be released at a later date. Complete information about volume 4 is available at www.ancestryprinting.com/timeline.html.

About Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing has been in business since 2003 providing family tree chart printing services to genealogy customers nationwide. In addition to family tree printing and their newly released U.S. History Timeline, their site also includes many free downloads of genealogy forms, family tree clip art, and information about headstone rubbing.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Larry Spiegel
Ancestry Graphics & Printing
630-653-8400

Frugal Christmas Shoppers Turn to Gifts from the Heart for Family Members

Ancestry Graphics & Printing provides specialized solutions for frugal Christmas shoppers who are favoring gifts from the heart for family members this holiday season. More genealogy buffs than ever are capitalizing on their years of research to provide family members with the most precious gifts of all. Genealogy is this country’s second most popular and fastest growing hobby.

Winfield, IL (Originally published on November 10, 2008) – Christmas shoppers who have been feeling the pinch of higher energy costs this past year and the fear of continued economic uncertainty are not only scaling back on holiday expenditures this season, but are also turning towards gifts from the heart that are more meaningful and personal in nature. An increasing number of the tens of millions of home-grown genealogists who count themselves among the ranks of this country’s second most popular hobby will be printing family tree charts as gifts for family members again this holiday season. According to Ancestry Graphics & Printing, what makes this Christmas season different is the extreme popularity of genealogy charts as holiday gifts. This is due in part to the rapid growth of genealogy as a hobby and also as a result of the current economic climate.

Past economic cycles reveal that during strained economic times there has always been a trend towards family values, homemade Christmas gifts, and gifts from the heart. For many genealogy buffs, this holiday season presents itself as the perfect opportunity to break from the never-ending cycle of genealogy research and turn the value of their years of research into meaningful gifts for family members. In many families, a printed genealogy chart that shows their family heritage will be a popular gift to parents, grandparents, grown children, brothers & sisters, and aunts & uncles.

The problem many genealogists will face again this year will be getting their family tree data out of their software and onto a large family tree chart in an attractive manner. Ancestry Graphics & Printing says their service will bring cheer to genealogy buffs in search of a solution to this growing problem. “Genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker and online ancestry databases have empowered genealogy buffs to build larger family trees than ever before” said Larry Spiegel, the company’s founder. In most instances, these large family trees are well past the point of printing on standard letter-size paper and taping together. To solve this problem, many people will try and enlist the help of a commercial printer who is capable of doing large format printing without a large price tag.

Generally speaking, Spiegel said that if your family tree chart measures over about 8 feet wide, you probably won’t be able to get it printed at your local printer or self-serve print shop. And, with some applications, the limit may be as small as 4 feet. Printing a wide genealogy chart correctly requires that the genealogy software program be installed on the printer’s PC. Because of growing concerns over third-party software and viruses, it is extremely rare that a commercial printer will even run the risk of installing someone else’s software on their system.

Ancestry Graphics & Printing specializes in printing virtually any size family tree directly from all of the most popular genealogy software programs. Using their printing service, Spiegel said “individuals are assured that their genealogy chart will be printed exactly as they were designed.” By printing directly from the genealogy data within the software program, individuals eliminate the technical problems and limitations associated with outputting their family tree data to a postscript or PDF file prior to printing.


About Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing serves genealogy customers nationwide and can be found at www.ancestryprinting.com. Their web site also features many free downloads of genealogy forms, family tree clip art, gorgeous screensaver images, and a full screen video which summarizes the ease of their ordering process. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Larry Spiegel
Ancestry Graphics & Printing
630-653-8400
sales@ancestryprinting.com

Summertime Family Reunions Discover An Easier Way To Share Family History

Ancestry Graphics & Printing provides specialized printing solutions to families who will need to solve the problem of getting their family tree data onto a large printed family tree chart for family reunions this summer.

Winfield, IL (Originally published on May 11, 2005) – Tens of thousands of households will hit the road this summer to attend a family reunion.  It is estimated that over 200,000 families hold a reunion each year with an average of 50 persons attending.  Although the themes and activities at family reunions are as varied as visiting an old family homestead to the time-honored tradition of a weekend barbecue and outdoor games, a printed family tree chart will be the focal point at many of these gatherings.

At many family reunions, these printed genealogy charts provide everyone with easy-to-follow information about recent births, marriages and deaths in the family.  Fancier charts will also include photos of most family members, with some dating back to the mid 1800’s. A printed family tree chart is also a very visually appealing way for everyone to learn more about their family history and common ancestors.  But, in order for any of this to become a reality, the problem many families face will be getting their family tree data out of their software and onto a large family tree chart.  It is especially difficult if this is their first time printing a chart for their family reunion.  Ancestry Graphics & Printing says their service will greatly simplify the process for family reunion goers in search of a solution to this specialized printing problem.

“Genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker, and online ancestry databases have empowered genealogy buffs to build larger family trees than ever before” said Larry Spiegel, the company’s founder.  In most instances, these large family trees are well past the point of printing on standard letter-size paper and taping together.  Most families with large family tree charts spend days trying to correctly line up all of the pages in their chart and tape them together only to end up with disappointing results.  To solve this problem, many people will try and enlist the help of a commercial printer who is capable of doing large format printing.

If you’re wondering just how big some of these printed charts can be, Spiegel said that their largest print job to date was for a family tree that measured 3 & ½ feet tall by 66 feet wide.  Generally speaking, Spiegel said that if your family tree chart measures over about 8 feet wide, you probably won’t be able to get it printed at your local printer or self-serve print shop.  And, with some applications, the limit may be as small as 4 feet.  Printing a wide chart correctly requires that the genealogy software program be installed on the printer’s PC.  Because of growing concerns over third-party software and viruses, it is extremely rare that a commercial printer will run the risk of installing someone else’s software on their system.

Ancestry Graphics & Printing specializes in printing virtually any size family tree directly from all of the most popular genealogy software programs.  Using their printing service, Spiegel said, “individuals are assured that their family tree chart will be printed exactly as they were designed.”  By printing directly from the genealogy data within the software program, individuals eliminate the technical problems and limitations associated with outputting their family tree data to a postscript or PDF file prior to printing.

 

About Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing serves genealogy customers nationwide and can be found at www.ancestryprinting.com.  In addition to a special page with several practical tips for compiling and displaying your chart at a family reunion, their web site also features many free downloads of genealogy forms, family tree clip art, and gorgeous screensaver images.

   

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Larry Spiegel

Ancestry Graphics & Printing

630-653-8400

Printing Company Delivers Holiday Cheer To Genealogy Buffs With Large Family Trees

Ancestry Graphics & Printing provides specialized solutions to genealogy buffs who will need to solve the problem of getting their family tree data onto a large printed family tree chart this holiday season.

Winfield, IL -- (Originally published on October 13, 2004) -- Many genealogy buffs will once again be sharing new finds in their family trees with family and relatives this holiday season.  Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas are the traditional times of family get-togethers when many people will be showing off their family trees in printed form.  In many families, a printed genealogy chart will also be a popular gift to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  The problem many genealogists will face again this year will be getting their family tree data out of their software and onto a large family tree chart.  Ancestry Graphics & Printing says their service will bring cheer to genealogy buffs in search of a solution to this growing problem.

 

“Genealogy software such as Family Tree Maker, and online ancestry databases have empowered genealogy buffs to build larger family trees than ever before” said Larry Spiegel, the company’s founder.  In most instances, these large family trees are well past the point of printing on standard letter-size paper and taping together.  To solve this problem, many people will try and enlist the help of a commercial printer who is capable of doing large format printing.

If you’re wondering just how big some of these printed charts can be, Spiegel said that their largest print job to date was for a family tree that measured 3 & ½ feet tall by 66 feet wide.  Generally speaking, Spiegel said that if your family tree chart measures over about 8 feet wide, you probably won’t be able to get it printed at your local printer or self-serve print shop.  And, with some applications, the limit may be as small as 4 feet.  Printing a wide chart correctly requires that the genealogy software program be installed on the printer’s PC.  Because of growing concerns over third-party software and viruses, it is extremely rare that a commercial printer will run the risk of installing someone else’s software on their system.

Ancestry Graphics & Printing specializes in printing virtually any size family tree directly from all of the most popular genealogy software programs.  Using their printing service, Spiegel said, “individuals are assured that their family tree chart will be printed exactly as they were designed.”  By printing directly from the genealogy data within the software program, individuals eliminate the technical problems and limitations associated with outputting their family tree data to a postscript or PDF file prior to printing.

Because genealogy is the second most popular hobby in this country today, many people are expected to be printing their family tree charts again this year.  To alleviate the rush that will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Ancestry Graphics & Printing will be extending a 20% discount for all family tree chart printing orders placed during their pre-holiday sale period which will run from October 20, 2004 to November 20, 2004. In lieu of trying to find one of their company’s 20% off coupons in your local newspaper or genealogy society newsletter, the company will also honor copies of any news article about their company.

 

About Ancestry Graphics & Printing

Ancestry Graphics & Printing serves genealogy customers nationwide and can be found at www.ancestryprinting.com.  Their web site also features many free downloads of genealogy forms, family tree clip art, and gorgeous screensaver images.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Larry Spiegel

Ancestry Graphics & Printing

630-653-8400