FGS Conference News Blog

Saturday Workshops at FGS 2013

2013-05-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

By Linda Swisher

Saturday’s workshops target specific ethnic research. From 10 a.m. to noon, Paula Stuart-Warren, CG℠, FMGS, FUGA, presents “Researching Midwestern American Indians” (Session S-416). Since the mid-1800s, Midwestern Native Americans are a mostly well-documented ethnic group. Learn about resources and repositories, and how to determine tribes and locate voluminous records. Stuart-Warren is a professional researcher, writer, consultant and lecturer; a course coordinator and faculty member for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Utah Genealogical Association and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pennsylvania; an FGS board member; and National Conference Co-Chair for FGS 2013 Fort Wayne.

From 2 to 4 p.m., Timothy Pinnick presents “Conducting African American Research in University Libraries.” A diversity of resources is found at a university library. At Session S-436, participants will learn the ins and outs of a resource that every genealogist should regularly access. Pinnick is an author, speaker, scholar and family historian who is a recognized specialist in coal miner and black newspaper research.

Each workshop requires pre-registration and a $15 fee.

Driving to the FGS Conference? Fort Wayne is closer than you think!

2013-05-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's been interesting to hear from many fellow family historians that are planning to drive to Fort Wayne for the August conference. Some of them have driven to Fort Wayne on research trips and know that driving around Fort Wayne is easy and parking is plentiful. Before the conference we will remind you about all the places to park.

A great website to help you figure out the mileage from your home to Fort Wayne is Rand McNally's Mileage Calculator. Some mileages to Fort Wayne:

Midwest Religious Communities Track at FGS 2013

2013-05-22T14:22:00.000-05:00

Whether your ancestors were Catholic, Baptist, Quaker, Mormon, Mennonite or Separatists of Zoar in the Midwest or elsewhere, there is something for your to learn in the Midwest Religious Communities track at FGS 2013.

S-423
Finding the Inner Light: Researching our Quaker Ancestors
by Diane VanSkiver Gagel MA
Sat. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

S-451
Researching Mormon Ancestors in the 19th Century Midwest
by Jill N. Crandell MA, AG®
Sat. 5:00-6:00 PM

S-414
Finding Catholic Church, Cemetery, School and Religious Order Records
by Loretto (Lou) Dennis Szucs
Sat. 9:30-10:30 AM

S-434
Finding Baptist Ancestors in Midwestern Manuscripts
by J. Mark Lowe CG℠, FUGA
Sat. 2:00-3:00 PM

S-443
Mennonite Research: The Forgotten Swiss Germans
by Michael D. Lacopo
Sat. 3:30-4:30 PM

S-406
Society of Separatists of Zoar
by Elizabeth L. Plummer and Lisa Wood
Sponsored by Ohio Historical Society
Sat. 8:00-9:00 AM

Ambassador Blogging Prompt: Conferences and Research

2013-05-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

The FGS 2013 Ambassadors had some great responses to the question: Why Genealogy Conference? Here's a roundup of their posts:

Brenda Leyndyke - Why FGS 2013 You Ask? Let Me Tell You.
Selma Blackmon - Why Genealogy Conferences?
Deborah A Carder Mayes - Why Genealogy Conferences? and Society Saturday-Why Genealogy Conferences?
Connie Yen - Why Genealogy Conferences?
Lisa Ellam - Why Attend a Genealogy Conference?
Joyce Bates - Discovering the living and the dead
Linda McCauley - Why Genealogy Conferences?
Judy Linnebach - Why Genealogy Conferences?
Karen Miller Bennett - The Top Ten Reasons for a Genealogical Conference
Julie Cahill Tarr - Learning & Networking: Why Genealogy Conferences Are Important to Me
Shelley Bishop - Why Attend a Genealogy Conference?
Sandy McPherson - The Sounds of Genealogy: Everyone Has a Theme Song

Congrats to Ron Darrah of Indy Genealogy who is our first FGS 2013 Ambassador giveaway winner. Ron won an FGS 2013 conference registration.

Today we also announce the second blogging prompt for FGS 2013 Ambassadors. This prompt will run May 20 to June 15.

The May/June prompt is: Conferences and Research
How will you use your time at FGS 2013 to help your genealogical research? Do you have a brick wall that you are hoping to break through at FGS 2013? Do you have a research plan for The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library? How will the lectures and exhibitors help your research? Will you be making a stop on your way to or from the conference to research your ancestors?

Want to become an FGS 2013 Ambassador?
All genealogy and history bloggers, societies, editors and writers are welcome to join. In order to qualify for giveaways, you must sign up as an Ambassador and be actively promoting FGS 2013.

Ambassadors:
Please post a link to your blog post in the comments section of this post. We will be selecting one or two Ambassador posts to use as guest posts on the FGS Conference Blog. Ambassadors selected as guest bloggers will be contacted by June 20. More giveaways will be happening in the next few weeks and months.

6 weeks left for the 2013 FGS Conference discount price!

2013-05-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

Only six weeks left to register at the discount price for the 2013 FGS Conference!

Just six weeks till the savings ends.Wait till after July 1st and you won't be saving $50! Those who can attend just one day of the conference can save $20. To register, visit www.fgsconference.org. Think what you can buy in the Exhibit Hall or maybe another luncheon or special event ticket with your savings.

If you have already registered, please let your genealogy cohorts and fellow society members know about the savings deadline. Consider registering soon for workshops, luncheons and special events. These events are filling fast!

Adding items to your existing registration
If you have already registered for the conference online, it's easy to go back to the registration page of the conference website and add tickets for luncheons and special events to your order. Just follow these instructions:

1) Go to: http://www.fgs.org/

2) Click on: 2013 Conference “Learn More”

3) Click on the light blue box that says “Registration” or the red rectangle that says "registration."

4) Login. If you have forgotten your username, send an email requesting that information to info@fgs.org. If you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot your Password” and follow those instructions.

5) Once you have successfully logged in you will see your account information. You will then have the option to: “Add More Items,” “Edit Profile,” “Change Password” or “Add Another Person.”

Exhibitor Profile: Polish Genealogical Society of America

2013-05-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

This year the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA) celebrates its 35th Anniversary. With 2000 members from all states, Canada and other countries with Polish populations, the Society is the oldest and largest of the PGS groups in the U.S. PGSA publishes an award-wining journal, Rodziny (Family), books, including the newly released 3rd edition of the (now) two volume Polish Surnames, CDs and topical information packets. The PGSA website, www.PGSA.org is an important resource for Polish researchers and contains data bases, search aids, a Member’s Only section and much more. You can also find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PolishGenealogicalSocietyofAmerica

The Society also offers a monthly electronic Notebook filled with new ideas, announcements, search suggestions and hints. Four quarterly meetinsl are held at the headquarters location in Chicago. This year’s Conference, Growing Your Research Resources will be at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, Illinois on September 13 and 14.

PGSA is excited to be exhibiting at the FGS conference to support the relationship between the two organizations which goes back many years. Among items available in the booth (#324) will be the Surname and First Names books, Polish Parishes in 1772 and 1984 (with maps) and a number of other publications, including CDs and packets, which can be very beneficial to the researcher. During the FGS conference, there will be special pricing on certain items. Exhibit personnel are knowledgeable about the Polish research process and they are ready to answer questions and suggest research scenarios.

Polish research can be a challenge but based on the large numbers who have been engaged in it in all parts of the world it is definitely doable. . . .and PGSA is here to help!

Ambassador Guest Post: Why Attend a Genealogy Conference?

2013-05-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

FGS 2013 Ambassadors were asked, "Why Genealogy Conferences?" Shelley Bishop of A Sense of Family wrote the following post on her blog:

What is it about a genealogy conference that generates such excitement? Why do people invest the time and money to attend one? What benefits might a genealogy conference hold for you? These are all great questions. If you haven’t been to a large national conference before, you naturally might wonder what the experience is like.

There are many reasons why I like genealogy conferences, and why I’m particularly excited about the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 2013 Conference, which is coming up August 21-24 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I truly expect it to be one of the highlights of the year. Here are some of the reasons people go to family history conferences, and how you might benefit from attending FGS 2013:

The chance to learn more about records, resources, and skills that can help with your family history research: Many of the presentations at a conference show where and how to find the information you seek on your family. Others focus on developing the skills needed to interpret, analyze, and use information successfully. This can help you make new breakthroughs, reach conclusions, and become a better researcher. You can also learn how to share and publish your family history.

The chance to hear some of the biggest and brightest genealogical speakers: Conferences like FGS 2013 feature nationally-recognized authors and speakers, which means you’ll hear dynamic lectures that will educate and entertain you at the same time—often with a good dose of humor.

The chance to see the latest products, books, and technological innovations: The Exhibit Hall at FGS will be packed with exhibitors showcasing their items, including software, maps, reference guides, books on localities and ethnic research, publishing companies, and online database leaders like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and FindMyPast.com. You can see demonstrations, talk to representatives, and ask all the questions you like.

The chance to meet and socialize with others who share your interest in family history: A conference is the perfect place to make new friends. It’s as easy as talking to the person sitting next to you, sharing a table at lunch, or striking up a conversation in the hallway. Luncheons and casual evening social events make it even easier to get to know people who share your passion.

The chance to gather ideas to strengthen your local society: A unique feature of FGS is that it offers a full day of programming (on Wednesday, August 21) geared toward genealogical and historical societies. You can get ideas on websites, projects, social media, publishing, funding, and more to take home to your society. Even if you don't belong to a society (and you certainly don't have to to attend FGS), you can pick up tips for some of your own projects.

The chance to research in a world-class library: Ft. Wayne, Indiana is the home of the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, one of the nation’s top genealogical libraries. Extended hours (until midnight on three nights!) and close proximity to the conference hall means you can hop over and research to your heart’s content. It’s sure to be a happening place.

The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library is a magnet for researchers

The bottom line is that a genealogy conference is fun. Yes, you learn a lot from the presentations, and that’s good. But it’s just the beginning of what you get out of the conference experience. My first FGS Conference was the 2011 event in Springfield, Illinois. I was hesitant to sign up, because I didn't really know anyone. Yet I came home energized and ready to dive into my research, armed with new tools and techniques. And I had made a bunch of new friends, just from saying hi and introducing myself—because it turns out that people who like genealogy, by and large, are really friendly! Even though we live in different states, we’ve kept in touch, and several of us are looking forward to meeting again at the 2013 FGS Conference. All that came from taking a little leap of faith and registering for that first conference.

So will I see you in Ft. Wayne in August?
--Shelley

This post was originally posted at http://www.asenseoffamily.com/2013/05/why-attend-genealogy-conference.html.

Focus on Societies Luncheon with J Mark Lowe

2013-05-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

By Linda Swisher

There’s no place like an FGS conference to get you pumped up. With each day chock-full of activities, it’s important for participants to stay fueled. An easy way to do that is to attend one of the luncheons offered each day.

At a luncheon, you’ll hear from, and learn from, top-notch speakers. It’s an opportunity to meet with friends, or make new friends since your table is sure to include people from different parts of the country. There’s something satisfying about breaking bread and sharing insights with fellow genealogists.

On Wednesday, August 21, the Focus on Societies Luncheon (Session W-113) features J. Mark Lowe, CG℠, FUGA. Lowe is a professional researcher and frequent lecturer, and has researched for celebrities on Who Do You Think You Are, African American Lives, and other television shows. Named the FGS Delegate of the Year in 2000, Lowe formerly served as President of APG, and as an officer for FGS.

His talk is titled, “Delegate Pit Stop: Tune Up Your Society.” An FGS delegate is the liaison between his or her local society and FGS. Learn how FGS delegates can sharpen the output of their society and prepare their group for the great race.

FGS will take this luncheon opportunity to make special announcements and FGS Member Society Shout-Outs.

While you take in all this information, you’ll dine on a fresh garden salad. A charbroiled Angus steak burger with aged cheddar cheese is served on an onion roll, accompanied by steak fries. Finally, ice cream with chocolate sauce satisfies a sweet tooth. Thirsty? Choose from ice water, iced tea, lemonade or coffee.

Each FGS luncheon also offers a vegetarian option. Wednesday’s option is penne primavera, fresh vegetables in a light, creamy Alfredo sauce.

Be sure to select your luncheons when you register or add them to your registration later. Luncheons fill quickly, so make sure to get your tickets early to guarantee your seat. Luncheon tickets are $25; select W-113. The luncheon runs from 12:15 to 2 p.m.

Ambassador Guest Post - Why FGS 2013 You Ask? Let Me Tell You

2013-05-15T13:37:00.000-05:00

FGS 2013 Ambassadors were asked, "Why Genealogy Conferences?" Brenda Leyndyke of Journey to the Past wrote the following post on her blog:

Why are you coming to FGS 2013?

My first FGS conference attendance was in 2011 in Springfield, Illinois. It was at that conference that I learned that the 2013 conference would be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, about 100 miles from my home in Battle Creek, Michigan. It is just a quick jaunt down Interstate 69. A national genealogy conference within a hour and a half from me, why wouldn't I go? The opportunity to become totally immersed in all things genealogy is the number one reason for going. The informative sessions provide me with enough information to further my current research. Plus, spending days with other people who share my passion for genealogy is so much fun.

What are your favorite parts about genealogy conferences?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens-oh, wait those are favorite things, not favorite parts. You may see raindrops on roses if you attend the opening social at the botanical conservatory. The social events are a great part of the time spent at a conference. It is a time to meet new people who share your love of genealogy.

Another favorite part of conference going is the exhibit hall. It is the place to learn about the latest and greatest products in genealogy. Have a question about your genealogy software or curious about a new product? The exhibit hall is the place to get answers. All things genealogy can be found here. I even scheduled a visit to the exhibit hall in place of a session it was so wonderful. What better way to spend an hour or two than by combining shopping AND genealogy!

The variety of genealogical education opportunities is my favorite part. Believe me, you will have trouble narrowing your selection down as the choices are all great. Don't worry though, you will be given the syllabus for all sessions and you can order copies of the sessions to watch when you get home. Truly, there is something for everyone. You will find research topics on African American, British Isles, European, Genetics, German, How To and Methodologies, Midwest Research and Repositories, Migration and Immigration, Military, Online Resources, Technology, Transportation, Writing and more. In depth education is offered through workshops on topics like German Gothic Handwriting, BCG Certification, Images, Griffiths Valuation, Midwestern American Indians, and African American Research in University Libraries.

What are you most looking forward to at FGS 2013?

There are so many things to look forward to when going to a national genealogy conference it is hard to pick just one. I could pick the opportunity to research, in addition, to going to the conference, but I go to Allen County Public Library about three times a year. I could pick the learning opportunities presented by great speakers. I could pick the genealogy shopping experience at the exhibit hall or the swag. The freebies are always fun. But, for me, the people are what makes going to the conference something to look forward to. The thing I am most looking forward to is meeting and learning from other genealogists. I was sitting in a session on Mennonite research in Springfield and a woman behind me was from the area in Pennsylvania that my ancestors lived. She gave me research ideas that enabled me to find more records.

Why should genealogists attend conferences?

Whether you are a recreational or hobby-type genealogist, like me, or a professional genealogist with years of experience, there is something for everyone at a conference. Attending a conference is the best way to educate yourself about genealogy trends and topics. You will see the latest gadgets, books, software, and more at the conference. You will be in genealogy information overload by the time the conference is over. You will go home and be excited to pick up where you left off in your research. If you are lucky, you will break through that brickwall by learning that one piece of information you needed to do so. Plus, you might meet the author of your favorite blog or book, that friend on Facebook or Twitter, or someone who's work you have admired. You will make new friends and have the time of your genealogical life.

Now that I have shown you how great it is to attend a FGS Conference, go here to register and learn more.

This post was originally posted at http://journeytothepastblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-fgs-2013-you-ask-let-me-tell-you.html.

Transportation Track at FGS 2013

2013-05-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Were the rivers, canals or railroads a part of your ancestors' migration stories, their occupations or just a part of their lives? Learn more about it during the Transportation track at FGS 2013.

T-216
Low Bridge, Ev'rybody Down: Navigating the Erie Canal Records
by Karen Mauer Green CG℠, FGBS
Thu. 2:00-3:00 PM

T-225
Railroad Trilogy: The Tracks, the Train, the People
by Pamela J. Cooper
Thu. 3:30-4:30 PM

T-233
Focusing on Pathways 'cross the Ohio River
by J. Mark Lowe CG℠, FUGA
Thu. 5:00-6:00 PM

T-205
Did Your Ancestor Follow the River? The Inland Rivers Library
by Patricia Moseley Van Skaik MA, MLS
Thu. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Librarians' Day Is Not Just for Librarians

2013-05-13T04:00:00.000-05:00

by Delia Cothrun Bourne, Librarians’ Day Co-Chair

It's Tuesday, August 20, 2013. The FGS Conference will begin the next day. You can register for the conference between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., pick up your materials if pre-registered, attend a genealogy Q&A panel, get a free consultation, if you are the Delegate from your FGS member society, attend the Welcome to the Delegates reception at 7 PM, or spend time researching at The Genealogy Center. But there's something else important going on that day. It's a special day for those who work or volunteer in libraries and archives. It's Librarians' Day, sponsored by ProQuest.

We have a great program planned this year highlighting how libraries, volunteers, and local societies collaborate to build collections and make more information available. Kris Rzepczynski, Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, is providing the keynote, "Collaboration is Not Just a Buzz Word: Building and Preserving Your Collections," followed by Elaine Kuhn, Kentucky History Services Coordinator at the Kenton County (Kentucky) Public Library with "Working with Local Organizations and Their Records." Lunch will be provided by ProQuest, and William Forsyth, Director of Product Management at ProQuest, will give the luncheon talk.

After lunch, Kris and Elaine will be joined by Curt B. Witcher, Senior Manager of Special Collections and Manager of The Genealogy Center, for a panel discussion on "Highlights and Lowlights of Collaboration," on their successes and challenges in collaboration with societies and other libraries. Then Librarians' Day registrants can take tours of Allen County Public Library Special Collections including the Lincoln Library, The Genealogy Center and its Genealogy Materials Handling Unit, and the Internet Archives scanning unit.

Although many attendees will be librarians from large and small genealogy collections, or those who wish to serve their customers as they begin research, archivists from state and local archives will attend, as well as volunteers and members of local societies who wish a closer, more productive, relationship with their libraries. Registration is only $10, and if you fill any of these descriptions, or wish to in the future, please join us for Librarians' Day.

Register for Librarians’ Day and the conference here. https://www.fgsconference.org/

Exhibitor Profile: Book Partners

2013-05-11T15:20:00.003-05:00

You’ve been researching your family’s history for years. You’ve spent countless hours and traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles tracing the roots, people and places that are your family. You have documented everything….people, dates, places, public records, pictures, conversations and so much more. You have spent countless hours organizing all this information into an organized genealogy history of you and your family and you want to create a lasting legacy of your family history, in print, that you, your family and your family’s families can treasure, enjoy and be proud of for years to come. You have decided “I want to print my genealogy.”

Book Partners/Acme-HF Group has been in business for over 80 years and has the reputation of being a quality book manufacturer and binder across the nation. We currently work with ¾ of the major universities, the Allen County Public Library, as well as The Library of Congress. We can help create a beautifully crafted manuscript that one would be proud to share and pass along from generation to generation. We can print 1 or 1000 on our high end digital printers – either bound as a soft cover or hard cover.

This is our company’s first year with the FGS conference. We will be displaying finished genealogy books. We help share family histories and show descendants that their ancestor’s footprints have been preserved in time.

Our company will have a 20% Show discount that will be good for the rest of the year. We will also be giving away a $250.00 gift certificate that is good toward book manufacturing.

Our main website is thehfgroup.com and printmygenealogy.com It gives information on all of our services, including book printing and manufacturing.

https://www.facebook.com/bookpartners
http://www.linkedin.com/company/book-partners

Make sure to visit Book Partners at Booth 627 at FGS 2013!

2013 FGS Exhibit Hall almost full

2013-05-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

The Exhibit Hall for the 2013 FGS conference in Fort Wayne is already nearing FULL status. Only four (4!) booths remain. View the map here. Conference activities will draw attendees throughout the Exhibit Hall so they will see your booth no matter where it is located. Don't forget that the public is invited to the Exhibit Hall, too!

The Exhibit Hall is open on Thursday through Saturday, August 22-24. On Thursday evening after the sessions end, some special door prizes will be awarded in the Exhibit Hall at intervals between then and 7:30. To be eligible for these, you must be a conference registrant and also present that evening to get the prize. If your business or organization wishes to be part of these door prizes and receive some extra publicity, please email exhibits2013@fgs.org

The rental cost of a 10x10 booth for all three Exhibit Hall days is $219 and for non-profit groups and societies, it is $199.Learn more details here.

If your genealogical or related society is a member of FGS, you might consider a table in the FGS Society Showcase. Those tables rent for only $25.00 and are great places to display society materials, encourage membership, entice people to your society events, and answer questions about research in your society's area. Learn more here.

Every business and organization renting space in the Exhibit Hall is also given the opportunity for some extra publicity right on this blog along with a link to your website! The registrations for this conference are literally pouring in.
Don't miss this opportunity to greet them in person.

Methodologies Track at FGS 2013

2013-05-08T06:33:00.001-05:00

Thursday, Friday and Saturday each feature a Methodologies track at FGS 2013. If you are looking for some suggestions on how to organize your research, break down a brick wall or untangle people with the same name, be sure to add some or all of the 16 sessions offered in this track.

T-202
Planning and Executing Efficient and Effective Research: A Case Study
by Thomas W. Jones PhD, CG℠, CGL℠, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
Thu. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

T-222
Pulled from the Shadows: The Life of Free Black Delphi Benson
by Patricia Moseley Van Skaik MA, MLS
Thu. 3:30-4:30 PM

T-230
Research Reports for Ourselves: More Than a Research Log
by Paula Stuart-Warren CG℠, FMGS, FUGA
Thu. 5:00-6:00 PM

T-213
Smiths and Joneses: Success with Families of Common Name
by Elizabeth Shown Mills CG℠, CGL℠, FASG
Thu. 2:00-3:00 PM

F-301
Trousers, Beds, Tacks & Housekeeping Bills: Problem-solving with 'Trivial Details'!
by Elizabeth Shown Mills CG℠, CGL℠, FASG
Sponsored by The BCG Education Fund
Fri. 8:00-9:00 AM

F-318
Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Research, Methods and Skills
by Debbie Mieszala CG℠
Fri. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

F-337
Identity Crisis: Right Name, Wrong Man? Wrong Name, Right Man?
by Elizabeth Shown Mills CG℠, CGL℠, FASG
Fri. 3:30-4:30 PM

F-346
Tips and Tools for Planning and Tracking Research
by Debbie Parker Wayne CG℠
Fri. 5:00-6:00 PM

F-310
Genealogical Documentation: The What, Why, Where and How
by Thomas W. Jones PhD, CG℠, CGL℠, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
Fri. 9:30-10:30 AM

F-329
Getting the Most from the Records: Wring Them Dry
by Linda Woodward Geiger CG℠, CGL℠
Fri. 2:00-3:00 PM

S-418
Truth or Fiction? Unraveling a Family Yarn
by Teresa Steinkamp McMillin CG℠
Sat. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

S-401
Finding Fathers: Bridging the Generation Gap
by Elizabeth Shown Mills CG℠, CGL℠, FASG
Sat. 8:00-9:00 AM

S-438
Lessons From a Snoop: Collaterals and Associates
by Debbie Mieszala CG℠
Sat. 3:30-4:30 PM

S-409
“A Wife, Or Rather a Woman”: Identifying the Wife of Edward Worthington, Kentucky Pioneer
by Karen Mauer Green CG℠, FGBS
Sat. 9:30-10:30 AM

S-429
Organizing Evidence to Overcome Record Shortages
by Thomas W. Jones PhD, CG℠, CGL℠, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
Sat. 2:00-3:00 PM

S-446
Finding the Only Child's Niece
by Debra Braverman
Sat. 5:00-6:00 PM

Speaker Spotlight - Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL

2013-05-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

Like many others, I haven’t been able to attend every FGS conference. This will be my fourth time since 2004. I am excited to attend again in Fort Wayne and am making my research plan so I can accomplish as much as possible while at the fabulous Allen County Public Library. I’m also planning to attend next year in San Antonio in my native state of Texas.

I’ve been fascinated by DNA ever since tenth grade biology class. Since DNA testing for genealogy started in about 2000, test prices have been coming down. Now we can all afford to do it—we really can’t afford not to because we learn things from DNA we cannot learn any other way. The DNA test results are an important part of a reasonably exhaustive search. But the tests don’t contribute evidence unless you understand the results. You have to correlate the DNA and paper trail evidence.

Some of the best researchers have trouble getting their heads around DNA inheritance. My DNA presentations clearly explain how DNA is inherited including only as much biology as is necessary to understand the basics.

“Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent” includes an easy-to-understand explanation of this complex topic. DNA inheritance patterns are illustrated along with examples of how to correlate your genetic and paper trail evidence. This session focuses on the autosomal DNA that we inherit from all of our ancestors, not just the direct paternal and maternal lines.

I take the same approach to explaining how to use laws when analyzing genealogical evidence and how to plan and track research. I try to simplify these topics and demonstrate use to help all genealogists do more effective research and use legal and genetic information for genealogical purposes. I hope to see you all in Fort Wayne at one of these sessions:

Thursday, 2:00 p.m., T-217, “Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent”
Friday, 5:00 p.m., F-346, “Tips and Tools for Planning and Tracking Research”
Saturday, 9:30 a.m., S-408, “Ours and Theirs: Tax and Land Laws”

My website has information on using DNA and other topics at http://debbiewayne.com/.

My blog, Deb’s Delvings, covers genetic genealogy, laws affecting family history, Texas history and
records, and technological topics with a slant toward the professional and advanced researcher at
http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/.

CG, Certified Genealogist, CGL, and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks conferred by the Board for Certification of Genealogists® to associates who meet rigorous ethical and competency standards in accord with peer-reviewed evaluations every five years. http://www.bcgcertification.org/

Print Resources in Genealogy Center Collection Vary from One Locality to Another

2013-05-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

By Dawne Slater-Putt

When you arrive in The Genealogy Center this summer during the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, one resource you will want to be sure to explore is the book collection for localities, especially the United States and Canada. What The Center has for each geographic area will vary greatly, but some of the things you might find are county histories, cemetery transcription volumes, indexes to vital and other courthouse records, school and college yearbooks, obituary abstracts, church records, and other histories of smaller towns as well as organizations and businesses.

John Beatty, reference librarian and bibliographer, is the person largely responsible for making sure that The Genealogy Center’s book budget is well and fully spent each year, with the approval of GC Manager Curt Witcher. John combs through the thousands of periodicals that The Center receives, copying the lists of publications that the various societies have available for sale, and creates a master database of print resources to buy. As long as budget money is available, The Genealogy Center tries to acquire everything that is for sale in the realm of genealogy and local history. When possible, John also looks for sources of older books that The Center does not already have, so that those items may be added to the collection.

An earlier FGS Conference Blog entry referred to The Genealogy Center’s Photocopy Exchange Program, through which individuals can get a hard-bound copy of a family history book they have compiled if they allow The Center to add a copy of it to the collection. The same is true for societies that compile manuscripts of material of genealogical or local history interest. For example, if a genealogical society compiles a book of cemetery transcriptions, will abstracts or a marriage index and will allow The Genealogy Center to keep a copy for the collection, the society can get a free hard-bound copy in return.

Because some geographic areas have very active societies that publish regularly while other areas have no society at all, The Genealogy Center will have many books for some areas and few for others. For localities for which not much has been published, researchers might turn to statewide sources, periodical literature searches in the PERiodical Source Index (PERSI), city directories and online resources.

The Genealogy Center has a collection of guides to some of the significant print resources for each state in a revolving rack near the entrance to the department. These also are available online at www.GenealogyCenter.org under “Pathfinders” – “State and Subject Snapshots,” and are updated frequently. These guides do not begin to list everything that is available for a given state, but do include some of the most important, or statewide, resources.

To determine what books The Genealogy Center has for your counties and towns of interest, search The Genealogy Center Catalog at www.GenealogyCenter.org in advance of your visit this summer.

FGS 2013 May Conference Checklist

2013-05-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

The FGS 2013 Conference is less than 4 months away. Are you getting excited? Here's a few things you can do in May to make sure you are ready for August:

Add a workshop to your conference registration. The scanning workshop is already sold out. So if you want to guarantee your spot in any of the great workshops at FGS 2013, you'll want to act quickly.
Let your society know about the FGS 2013 Exhibit Hall and Society Showcase. The exhibit hall is over 75% filled. FGS Member Societies can get a great price on a Society Showcase table. Being a part of the exhibit hall or society showcase is a fantastic way to highlight your society.
Learn more about the Society Publicity Contest and how your society can enter to win one free FGS 2014 registration by spreading the word about FGS 2013 to their members.
Keep working on your research plan. Make sure to add family histories and periodicals to your plan at The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library. And if you are looking for another excuse to come to Fort Wayne, check out the roundup of repositories within easy driving distance of FGS 2013.
Become an FGS 2013 Ambassador. Genealogy and history bloggers, writers, editors and societies are encouraged to become FGS 2013 Ambassadors. Ambassadors help to promote the conference through social media and are eligible for giveaways.

Don't forget to check out the FGS Conference website to learn more about the conference and keep checking the FGS Conference Blog for updates.

How To and Lesson Learned Track at FGS 2013

2013-04-30T06:49:00.000-05:00

Is your society organizing a seminar or research trip? Is your society thinking about taking the leap into electronic publishing? Does your society want to find partners for projects? Do you want to learn more about the records access issues facing state vital records? Check out the How To and Lessons Learned Track at FGS 2013 on Wednesday's Focus on Societies Day.

W-112
Organizing a Society Seminar or Conference
by C. Ann Staley CG℠, CGL℠
Wed. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

W-130
Society Partnership Opportunities
by David E. Rencher AG®, CG℠, FUGA, FIGRS, Ed Donakey
Wed. 5:00-6:00 PM

W-106
Records Access and Preservation Committee: Strategies for Protecting Access to State Vital Records
By Jan Alpert, Jan Meisells Allen, Frederick E. Moss
Wed. 9:30-10:30 AM

W-119
Electronic Publishing for Societies
by Rachel M. Popma MA
Wed. 2:00-3:00 PM

W-125
Avoiding the Pitfalls of a Society Sponsored Research Trip
by Billie Stone Fogarty M.Ed
Wed. 3:30-4:30 PM

Calling all FGS Delegates

2013-04-29T19:00:00.000-05:00

Calling all FGS Delegates
By Paula Stuart-Warren

Are you a Delegate to FGS from a FGS member society? Is the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Conference already on your calendar? The dates are August 21-24, 2013 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fort Wayne’s Allen County Public Library is home to The Genealogy Center which is a renowned place for family history research.

This year’s conference theme is “Journey through Generations,” and the local hosts are the Allen County Public Library and the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana.

Each of the FGS member societies appoints a Delegate to FGS. The first day of the conference is designed for Delegates and society officers, board, members, and other volunteers. Don’t forget that many of the presentations on that Wednesday will also be helpful with your personal and family websites and blogs and many aspects of cultural and historical organizations. View the full Wednesday line up at https://www.fgsconference.org/program/schedule/.

One thing that delegates do is pass the FGS Voice conference news and other postings on to your society’s board members, editors, and webmaster to let your members know about the conference. You may use any of the conference announcements from the Voice or this FGS Conference News Blog for your own website or publications, both off - and online. Just add a line that tells where the information is from and add the FGS website URL. Check the conference website under Media (https://www.fgsconference.org/media/) for details about a contest for member societies that might result in your society winning a free conference registration for the 2014 FGS conference in San Antonio.

Have you scheduled a presentation to your society’s board to explain why you – as the society’s Delegate – should attend this conference? Just the networking with delegates, society board members and other dedicated volunteers is enough to make it worthwhile. Discussions of successes, problems, budget, volunteers and other topics apply to most societies. It’s a day to participate, ask questions, and discuss such things. The variety of lectures that “Focus on Societies” delivers will be valuable to the workings of your society now and in the future. FGS conferences welcome everyone with an interest in family history. You do not need to belong to any specific organization nor does your favorite genealogical society have to be a member of FGS in order for you to attend.

Ask your board to join you in Fort Wayne to attend the conference sessions dedicated to the workings of genealogical societies. Tell them about the extensive sessions that will help their own genealogical research. Make sure your board and society members know that just because a conference takes place in a given state, doesn’t mean that the sessions only relate to research in that state. This is a national conference. Topics include a myriad of states, research repositories, methodologies, and more.

If you register for the conference between now and 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2013 you will be registering at the discount price. At midnight the cost goes up by $50.

FGS Conference Website: https://www.fgsconference.org
FGS Voice: http://voice.fgs.org/
FGS Conference News Blog: http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org/

Speaker Spotlight - Michael D. Lacopo

2013-04-27T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hello fellow genealogists! This is Dr. Michael D. Lacopo, one of the many talented and experienced lecturers eager to meet and teach you at the 2013 FGS Conference. I am thrilled to be speaking in Fort Wayne, as I am a born-and-raised Hoosier. I am a retired veterinarian from the South Bend, Indiana, area, and I have been chasing ancestors since 1980. I have lectured at a local, state, regional, national and international level and have been associated with several past annual FGS conferences since 2005. I am a true American mutt with an Italian last name, but a varied ancestry. I do love my German-speaking ancestors!

Come to Fort Wayne to here me discuss “Mennonite Research: The Forgotten German-Speaking Swiss.” Indiana boasts the third-largest Anabaptist population by state, and this population of German-speakers gets left out of most discussion regarding Germanic immigrants to the United States. With large Mennonite populations in the Fort Wayne-Berne, Indiana, area, several of you may have Swiss backgrounds!

Once you find your connection in Switzerland – Mennonite or not – learn more with “Beginning Swiss Research.” If your German-speaking ancestor came from what is now present-day Germany, let me help you track them down with “Methods for Identifying the German Origins of American Immigrants.” Let me help you cross the Atlantic – it’s not as scary as when your ancestors did so!

Find out more about me and contact me via www.Roots4U.com or find me on Facebook at Roots4U. I look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne!

Michael D. Lacopo's sessions at FGS 2013:

T-214 - Beginning Swiss Research
Thursday 2:00-3:00 pm

F-348 - Methods for Identifying the German Origins of American Immigrants
Friday 5:00-6:00 pm

S-443 - Mennonite Research: The Forgotten Swiss Germans

Saturday 3:30-4:30 pm

Repositories for FGS Travelers

2013-04-26T12:32:00.000-05:00

Harold Henderson has spent the last few months writing blog posts about the wonderful repositories that are within easy travel distance from or to the FGS 2013 Conference. A stop at these locations before or after the conference may help you break down a brick wall (and give you another excuse to head to Fort Wayne this August.) In case you missed the series, here are all the links:

Will you be making an extra stop this August?

Learn about Abraham Lincoln at the ACPL

2013-04-25T11:54:00.000-05:00

The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection
By Jane E. Gastineau, Lincoln Librarian

Located in the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection (LFFC), an incomparable resource for information about the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. The historic collection is used by scholars, educators, students, Lincoln enthusiasts, and the general public. The collection has been widely cited in books and other media as a source of information and images. Most recently it was credited in Steven Spielberg’s movie Lincoln.

The LFFC at Allen County Public Library includes:

More than 18,000 books and pamphlets, including books owned by Lincoln and his family
Many thousands of 19th-century photographs, including the Lincoln Family Album Collection of photographs owned by the Lincolns and their descendants
Manuscript collections, including the Insanity File related to Mary Lincoln’s commitment to
Bellevue Place sanitarium
Documents related to Lincoln’s youth in Kentucky and Indiana
Extensive genealogical collections on the Hanks and Lincoln families
Election tickets, poll books, campaign literature, broadsides, and other political material
19th-century maps
Civil War diaries and letters
Mid-19th-century newspapers chronicling the Lincoln Administration, the Civil War, and
Lincoln’s assassination and funeral
Lincoln-related documents, including many signed by Lincoln.

In addition, the extensive subject files of newspaper clippings, correspondence, and other materials comprise a trove of information available nowhere else in the world.

Increasing numbers of LFFC materials are now accessible online as well for interested individuals to use and enjoy. These materials, located at www.LincolnCollection.org, provide researchers with access to more than 10,000 full-text books, pamphlets, newspapers, subject files, and more than 1,800 photographs - as well as - the collection’s art and artifacts housed at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. To learn about programming and events and to discover selected items from the collection, “friend” the Facebook page— search Lincoln Collection.

The LFFC at ACPL is open for research by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exceptions are routinely made for evening and weekend tours, and access to the collection, by forwarding a request to the staff. You can also ask questions by email or telephone, in addition to requesting tours of the collection.

For more information about the LFFC, please contact JGastineau@ACPL.Info or AMaynard@ACPL.Info.

Your Society at FGS 2013

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Your Society at FGS 2013
By FGS President, D. Joshua Taylor

Federation conferences offer a variety of activities for your society to grow and learn, and the 2013 conference in Fort Wayne is no exception.

Send your delegate. Tuesday evening will feature a free welcome reception for FGS delegates, featuring light food, and a chance to socialize with members of the FGS Board of Directors and delegates from other societies.
Form a group. Several societies have let FGS know that they plan on organizing a group of their society's members to attend the conference. This can be a great membership benefit, and can help encourage those who might not want to attend a conference by themselves. Organizing group breakfasts and social gatherings during the week is a great way to encourage interaction between your society's members.
Learn. Wednesday’s Focus on Societies day is full of topics that can offer terrific guidance on maintaining and growing your society. Don't miss out on workshops and the opportunity to learn from other society leaders.
Showcase your society. The FGS exhibit hall features the FGS Society Showcase, which offers low-cost tables for your organization to display membership materials, publications, and share information about your organization with conference attendees.

There are so many other opportunities for your society during the conference. What other ideas do you have?

German Track at FGS 2013

2013-04-23T12:27:00.000-05:00

Are you trying to find the origins of your German ancestors? Are you trying to understand the background on your German ancestors' marriages, names or military service? Consider attending some or all of the lectures in the German track at FGS 2013.

F-303
Finding Your German Ancestors Using U.S. Resources
by G. David Dilts AG®
Sponsored by FamilySearch
Fri. 8:00-9:00 AM

F-320
Hansel and Gretel: Finding Our German Ancestors' Trail Home
by Tamra Stansfield AG®
Sponsored by FamilySearch
Fri. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

F-348
Methods For Identifying the German Origins of American Immigrants
by Michael D. Lacopo
Fri. 5:00-6:00 PM

F-312
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hanover Military Records
by Teresa Steinkamp McMillin CG℠
Fri. 9:30-10:30 AM

F-331
German Marriage Laws and Customs
by F. Warren Bittner CG℠
Fri. 2:00-3:00 PM

F-339
He Took Her Name: Understanding German Farm Names
by Teresa Steinkamp McMillin CG℠
Fri. 3:30-4:30 PM

Ambassador Blogging Prompt: Why Genealogy Conferences?

2013-04-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Today we introduce the first blogging prompt for FGS 2013 Ambassadors. This prompt will run April 22 to May 15.

The April/May prompt is: Why Genealogy Conferences?
Why are you coming to FGS 2013? What are your favorite parts about genealogy conferences? What are you most looking forward to at FGS 2013? Why should genealogists attend conferences?

Want to become an FGS 2013 Ambassador?
All genealogy and history bloggers, societies, editors and writers are welcome to join. In order to qualify for giveaways, you must sign up as an Ambassador and be active promoting FGS 2013.

Ambassadors:
Please post a link to your blog post in the comments section of this post. We will be selecting one or two Ambassador posts to use as guest posts on the FGS Conference Blog. Ambassadors selected as guest bloggers will be contacted by May 20. We will also have our first giveaway on May 20.