Welcome to the AniMap Blog.
When we were creating AniMap 4.0 we always kept our eyes on a much broader picture than great map details and information to document and research your genealogy. We know AniMap is no longer quite as simple as version 3.0.2. Knowing this meant we had to have plans for a blog and to create a means to build a community unlike others currently available.
All genealogists, no matter what level of experience can find Ancestry, FamilySearch, RootsWeb and countless other genealogy society websites all giving access to information aiding researchers by becoming members.
We envision something more. What I see is sharing history of areas and people. The stories and details in areas we research through creating a blog with the help of contributors like you.
We officially launched AniMap 4.0 on 1 March 2023, one day before we participated in RootsTech 2023 as a virtual exhibitor, marking the official start of reviving AniMap while improving what AniMap offers to aid researchers of genealogy and history.
The journey was 1 1/2 years in the making, although we couldn’t have reached our goal without feedback from our volunteer testers. Whether their contribution was through a large number of hours testing functionality and data entry as we saw with Jan DeLucien or volunteers such as Michele Lewis and her feedback regarding the use of AniMap as a source when certified genealogists need to document their research. Michele pointed out to stress AniMap now includes state and territorial law references for the changes made to county boundaries. Geoff Rasmussen, who volunteered to “kick the tires” of AniMap 4.0 being a certified genealogist. Mention of these volunteers isn’t to slight three other volunteers as with their contribution what you see before you was made easier on the part of my wife and myself.
Mark and Barry Lassagne sons of Art Lassange were crucial to AniMap 4.0 development. It was during a single video meeting with Mark I volunteered to re-write AniMap to a version 4.0. It was their continuing Art’s and Adrian Ettlinger legacy for many years that kept AniMap alive. It was my desire to carry the torch on AniMap legacy and my passion for genealogy that became an inferno after learning when my Dad passed in 1997; he had just started a family genealogy. A story in and of itself to be shared at a later time.
All products start from a simple concept, a passion of one of the creators. The most valuable software comes from a passion to carry on legacies and driven by others sharing a common passion and goal. There is truth you will always be best at what you’re most passionate about.
I was given the opportunity of a lifetime by Mark allowing me to create AniMap 4.0. A journey that ended with my creating AniMap LLC as Mark decided in December 2022 to close Gold Bug after having lost their Mom. There is no way to ever thank Mark and Barry for the opportunity to deliver AniMap 4.0 as my product.
The chance of a lifetime for me was the opportunity to carry on Art and Adrian’s legacy, to use my passion that was a small spark until I lost my Dad and life long passions for history and programming. All finally climaxed in having this opportunity. Passion of a passion drove development and now with each decision stay focused on exceeding my own expectations with AniMap and keeping Mark and Barry proud and finding comfort their Dad’s legacy is in good hands with strong plans to carry this into the future.
As for the blog itself, keep watching as I’m writing articles both on genealogy research, history about places I’ve researched and many articles on what AniMap does for targeting your search.