Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Remember FGS In Your Year-End Giving

Many of us are using the last few days of 2011 to plan out income tax strategies, including donations to various non-profit organizations and charities.  Don't forget that you can donate to the Federation of Genealogical Societies through the following programs:
  • Preserve the Pensions: The Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Archives, and the genealogical community have started a project to digitize the War of 1812 pension files—a fitting beginning to the bicentennial commemoration of this important war. Click here to learn more and to donate today!
  • Friends of the Federation: The Federation of Genealogical Societies is a vital link for the twenty-first century genealogical community. Our hallmark role is linking the genealogical community through service to our member societies. You are invited to become a Friend of the Federation — a critical link in the Federation's capacity to continue serving the genealogical community.  Click here to learn more and to donate today!
  • Fifty for the Future: The Federation of Genealogical Societies is re-doubling its efforts to provide materials, services, and seminar presentations specifically designed to assist genealogical organizations be successful in the 21st century. These efforts require resources. Please consider joining our "Fifty for the Future" campaign by donating $50 today. Become an energized "Fifty for the Future" campaigner by getting five of your genealogical friends to each donate $10 apiece—making another "Fifty for the Future!"   Click here to learn more and to donate today!
  • Stern-NARA Gift Fund: The Stern-NARA Gift Fund is a nationally supported program to finance preservation and imaging of valuable research materials now preserved in the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. These materials consist of microfilm and digitized images of important genealogical records and indexes. These materials are produced without government funding, and are then distributed to the 13 National Archives Regional Archives for use by researchers or placed online for access. FGS administers this fund and conducts fund raising campaigns to support records preservation of and access to these records. Click here to learn more and to make a donation today!
The Federation of Genealogical Societies wishes you a Happy New Year and we thank you for your continued support!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Reminder: Fall 2011 Issue of FORUM Available

As a reminder, the Fall 2011 issue of the FGS FORUM is available in the Members Section of the FGS website.

Our editor, Matt Wright, continues to create an interactive publication geared to helping our member societies grow, while maintaining helpful information to individual genealogists. Here is just a short preview to what awaits you:

In addition, you'll find lots of great content in this issue:
  • Member Society News, by Randy Whited
  • Academic Libraries - Good Reasons to Head Back to Campus, by Mary Penner
  • FGS 2012 Conference, by David E. Rencher
  • FGS Awards 2011
  • Family Associations column, by Christine Rose
  • Genealogy 2.0 column - The Online Genealogy Hit Parade, by Randy Seaver
  • Records Preservation and Access Committee, by Linda McCleary
  • Book Reviews column, by Paul Milner
Subscribers can login to access their copy of the Fall 2011 issue, and two members of each member organization can also use their society's login ID and password to access their copies.

And what if you're not a subscriber yet? FGS is offering a one-year subscription to the FGS FORUM, which is produced in electronic format (PDF), for $15 and a special two-year membership deal for $25. Learn more at http://fgs.org/forum and download a sample issue. You can subscribe online or print and mail your check.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

California State Genealogical Alliance Announces Blogs

FGS-member society, The California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA), announces two new blogs for the genealogical public.

(1) The CSGA Blog (http://www.csga.com/Blog/) is a joint society effort to keep the California Genealogical community informed. Topics include:

  • Legislative issues affecting California genealogists
  • California Projects including our FamilySearch partnership, the California Online Research Aid, the California Wiki on FamilySearch, and the many individual society projects throughout the state.
  • California societies, websites, repositories, online materials and events.
  • Posting to the blog are seasoned bloggers, Sheri Fenley and Gena Philbert-Ortega, and newcomers Junel Davidsen, CGSM and Cath Madden Trindle, CGSM.

(2) Csgacopyright (http://csgacopyright.wordpress.com), the second blog, is a continuation in our effort to help the genealogical community understand copyright issues. The blog discusses copyright law, provides links and feeds to other copyright web sites and will highlight blog postings on other sites.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Give the Gift of FGS

Hi readers. This is Paula Stuart-Warren, a member of the FGS Board of Directors. I really enjoy listening to the FGS My Society Radio Shows. In the live chat room during a recent show, Doug Williams of Illinois made a terrific suggestion. He gave permission for me to share his idea with readers. Doug suggested we give a gift membership in the Federation of Genealogical Societies to our society if they aren't a member. It's not that expensive! It would make a perfect Hanukkah, Christmas, or society anniversary gift. Memberships run on a calender year basis. Click here for details. It's as low as $35.00 for a society of 50 members or less and only $115.00 for a society of 1000+ members. Memberships may be done online or by regular mail. We will let you know if his society joins with his contribution.

Doug wrote:
Listening to the December 10th FGS radio show, and participating in the chat room conversation, I couldn't help but think that FGS provides great resources and services for genealogical societies. I knew that local Illinois societies are active FGS members, but wasn't sure about my hometown society. Not finding them on the FGS membership list I thought that perhaps gifting a membership to FGS might be a way to encourage them to "give it a try" and see what FGS has to offer them. My hope is that the society leadership would become aware of the excellent resources available to the society as a member of FGS, including subscriptions to the FGS FORUM, conference attendance, and the many FGS resources offered to help with society organization and management; for example, access to the Society Strategy Papers and the Bylaws, Newsletter, and Website Review Committees. After seeing all the benefits available, I wonder if there might be other societies who might benefit from a gift membership to FGS. Even those societies that are already FGS members might appreciate the budgetary assistance received from a contribution earmarked for FGS membership renewal. Seems like a great way to promote FGS and help enrich a society at the same time!
My personal history of financial contribution to a genealogical society? Many times during the past 10 or so years, when renewing my membership with [my hometown society], I've added an additional amount as a contribution to the society in excess of the $15 annual dues. Sometimes it's been another $10, sometimes more, depending on the state of my personal finances at year's end. I've never stipulated how they use the contribution but I believe they've used it mostly for the society library's needs. Most years I've received a nice note from the society leadership thanking me for the donation. 
This year my contribution will be a little bit more, probably $100, which should more than cover the FGS membership fee for the [society name]. With my contribution check I will include a note repeating much of the above, along with a copy of the FGS Benefits of Membership information from the FGS website, and a blank copy of the FGS Membership Form. (I'll let you know, Paula, if I receive a response from the society.)"

FGS Radio on Holiday Vacation


FGS Radio - My Society will be taking a break for the holiday season but we'll return next Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1pm Central. Our host will be D. Joshua Taylor, Vice President of Administration for FGS and the topic will be New Year, New Board Members.

In the meantime, don't forget to listen to any or all of our past episodes at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety or visit itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-society-blog-talk-radio/id434090469.

Monday, December 12, 2011

FGS Radio - Dear Santa: What I Want This Year for My Genealogy Society


Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/12/17/dear-santa-what-i-want-this-year-for-my-genealogy-society

Saturday, December 17, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Dear Santa: What I Want This Year for My Genealogy Society. The format of this week’s show will be a call-in show where genealogy society members, leaders and members of the genealogy community voice their wishes and desires for their own genealogy societies. This is a great way to get ideas from other genealogy societies and hopefully put them to work in 2012!

FGS Radio Takes a Holiday!

So that our hosts and listeners can enjoy the holiday season, the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society will be on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Stay tuned here at FGS Voice for details on each new episode in 2012.

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

FGS Radio - SWAT: Analyzing Your Society from the Inside Out


Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/12/10/swat-analyzing-your-society-from-the-inside-out

Saturday, December 10, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Josh Taylor is entitled SWAT: Analyzing Your Society from the Inside Out. Our guest will be Janet Hovorka, President of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA), who will discuss how UGA was able to analyze its strengths and weaknesses as an organization and then create an ambitious plan to expand its member services as well as offerings to the genealogical community. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island (Washington) in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Guest: Janet Hovorka

Janet Hovorka received a B.A. in Ancient Near Eastern History and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from BYU. She accepted teaching and library positions at BYU and Salt Lake Community College before having her three wonderful children. She and her husband Kim Hovorka own Family Chartmasters (http://www.familychartmasters.com), an online genealogy chart printing service. Janet writes The Chart Chick blog (http://www.thechartchick.com), she is currently serving as President of the Utah Genealogical Association and has presented hundreds of lectures all over the country to help people find out more about their family’s history.

Links
Society Spotlight


This week's Society Spotlight features the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island (Washington).

The South Whidbey Island Genealogy Club was formed by Mrs. Bonnie Sears, with the first meeting held May 9, 1994. The membership grew and in June 1999 the club became an incorporated, nonprofit society. The name was then changed to the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island. Our membership now boasts more than 100 members, a statement on the popularity of genealogy here.

In recognition of her contribution in forming The South Whidbey Genealogy Club, the Board voted to award Bonnie Sears Honored Lifetime Membership in the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island.

Our Mission

The society is devoted exclusively to furthering genealogical research, promoting interest in family history and preserving records.

Our Research

We have more than 100 members researching more than 875 unique surnames. Members' research currently involves about 51 states or provinces and 19 countries. See our research for details.

Links



Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

FGS Radio - Insider's Guides to Genealogy


Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/12/03/insiders-guides-to-genealogy

Saturday, December 3, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Insider’s Guides to Genealogy. Our guest will be Kathryn M. Doyle, of the FGS-member society California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California. Kathryn will explain how her society was able to compile and publish their Insider’s Guide to California Genealogy in an amazingly short six-week period! In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Guest: Kathryn Doyle

Communications Director for the California Genealogical Society and Library in Oakland, California, Kathryn edits the society's eNews and writes their award-winning blog. As a member of the Publications/Marketing Committee, she helps promote the society's events and oversees social networking.

Links

Guest: Cafi Cohen

Cafi Cohen earned degrees in chemistry (UCLA) and medical technology (University of North Dakota), and spent many years in a variety of professional pursuits – from laboratory research and piano teaching to promoting home education as an author and nationwide speaker.

In 1995, Cafi began researching her family to learn about her maternal grandmother. Within a year, she was hooked on growing her family tree. She has followed her ancestral lines from California, the Midwest, the old south, and New England to Scotland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. Researching her husband’s Jewish family – immigrants from Poland, Romania, and Russia to New York City and Texas – broadened her experience.

Since 2007, Cafi has completed more than 40 family history books and dozens of research projects for Bridge To Yesterday clients, whose ancestors hailed from diverse locations, including New York City, St. Louis, Houston, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ireland, England, and Germany.

Cafi specializes in post-1800 United States genealogy. Drawing on a trusted network of professional researchers nationwide, she prefers large multi-location genealogical research projects. Her geographic specialties include New York City, California, Texas, and the Midwest.
As Education Chair of the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society for 12 years, Cafi has presented sessions on research techniques, organization, immigration, and genealogy on the Internet. She has volunteered hundreds of hours as a principal organizer of the semi-annual San Luis Obispo County Genealogy Seminar. In 2003, she received the California State Genealogical Alliance Distinguished Service Award.

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society.

The San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society (SLOCGS) was founded in 1967 to EDUCATE members and the public in genealogy research techniques and to COLLECT, PRESERVE, and HOUSE historical and genealogical records, providing record access, facilities and staff assistance for local, national and international genealogical research.

Their upcoming seminar entitled Genealogy NOW! Growing Your Family Tree takes place on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in San Luis Obispo, California and will feature:
  • THOMAS W. JONES, PhD, CG, CGL, Nationally Acclaimed Genealogy Author and Speaker
  • RON ARONS, Author of Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records and The Jews of Sing-Sing
  • APRYL COX, AG®, English Research Expert
Links
  • SLO County Resources
    http://slocgs.org/countyresources.html
    Tens of thousands of local records digitized and indexed by the fabulous Martha Graham, Projects Chair, and her team; she also heads up CaliforniaGenWeb for USGenWeb.
Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Accessible Archives Featured on "Tracing Your Family Roots"


Accessible Archives, which is a FGS Associate Organization member, was represented by Cheryl Crosby for an interview on the television program “Tracing Your Family Roots” with Sidney and Arline Sachs and co-host, Charles “Chuck” Mason, Jr. The program aired on November 9, 2011, on the Fairfax Public Access Station's channel 10. The interview is available online at http://tracingroots.nova.org.

About Accessible Archives, Inc.

Founded in 1990, Accessible Archives utilizes computer technology to provide vast quantities of archived historical information previously available only in microformat. Diverse primary source materials reflecting broad views across American history and culture have been assembled into comprehensive databases. Developed by dedicated instructors and students of Americana, these databases allow access to the rich store of materials from leading newspapers, books and periodicals then current. Accessible Archives will continue to add titles covering important topics and time periods to assist scholars and students at all academic levels. Accessible Archives has retained Unlimited Priorities Corporation as its exclusive sales and marketing agent. To learn more about Accessible Archives click on URL link: http://www.accessible.com.

Friday, November 18, 2011

FGS Radio Returns Saturday, December 3, 2011


FGS Radio - My Society will be taking a break for the Thanksgiving holiday but we'll return on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1pm Central. Our topic is still under wraps as is our special guest, but we're certain that all genealogy society leaders, members and even genealogists will want to tune in!

In the meantime, don't forget to listen to any or all of our past episodes at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety or visit itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-society-blog-talk-radio/id434090469.

Friday, November 11, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Oriene Springstroh

Distinguished Service Award: Oriene Springstroh

As Founder and prime organizer of Fox Valley Genealogical Society (FVGS) in 1981, Oriene describes herself as the FVGS “mother hen,” a kind of cheerleader whose job is to encourage members in their research and to help keep the society active, relevant, and inviting. Oriene served as president in 1981,1999 and 2000, at other times she was 1st vice president, librarian, chaired, co-chaired and served on the conference committee. Oriene has made substantial contributions to fundraising; hosting society garage sales at her home and has creating and donating raffle quilts. With the help of other members, she organized three research trips to Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, IN. During the past thirty years Oriene’s continued dedication to FVGS and genealogy is evident through her hosting of the society’s summer picnic, initiating and implementing the transfer of society’s library collection from a private residence to the Oswego [IL] Public Library District, serving as editor of a short-lived society newsletter, and teaching various genealogy classes throughout the community. She has served as a genealogy research assistance and helped organize the society’s Scholarly Writing Group (SWG) to encourage members to write their research results for publication.

While this list is impressive, her volunteering goes beyond the local society. Oriene has extracted, transcribed or indexed numerous records for various local organizations. Since 2008 she is editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly. On a personal level she published the history of her maternal grandparents, Andrew Porter and Ellen Gollings: Their British Origins and Illinois History.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Diane Smekler

Distinguished Service Award: Diane Smekler

As president of the San Mateo County Genealogical Society (SMCGS), Diane decided that the multiyear effort to find a permanent home for the society library needed to move forward. She followed every possible lead and possibility, spending hundreds of hours in the effort. An impassioned letter finally drew the attention of a local community college librarian and negotiations commenced. Diane led the society through nearly a year as the project unfolded. Her realistic approach to contracts and collection weeding resulted in a wonderful home for the SMCGS library, complete with a computer lab available for occasional classes, free Internet access for patrons, a magnificent view, and even a little room to grow. She has also been instrumental in getting SMCGS volunteers to work with the college students in various projects. Now that the move is complete, Diane is ready to move on from the office of President and tackle the job of Library Manager, working with the Canada College staff to keep the library working for everyone.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Roger S. Laske

Distinguished Service Award: Roger S. Laske

Roger S. Laske, of the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan, (PGSM) is the editor-in-chief of the Polish Eaglet. Prior to taking this position, publication had ceased. Roger worked tirelessly and within six months had completed the missing issues, providing an uninterrupted publication. For twenty-five years, Roger has worked on extracting burial records for the Sacred Heart of Saint Mary Cemetery identifying 15,000 of the approximately 25,000 burials. Roger has also researched and written about many Polish families from Wayne, Macomb and Huron Counties in Michigan. Serving as the society’s webmaster is one of the many additional ways Roger has volunteered his time and talent for the betterment of PGSM.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski

Distinguished Service Award: Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski

In 1994, after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Ernie Jaskolski joined the New Mexico Genealogical Society. Membership involvement was needed so Ernie became actively involved with developing topics for the monthly meetings and setting up an editing- publication-mailing schedule for the society publication New Mexico Genealogist. Ernie initiated the Primeras Familias de Nuevo Mexico Project that honors New Mexico settlers and ancestors. During his seventeen years of membership Ernie has served in every aspect of a genealogical society from the setting up of meetings to being President. His involvement with his Boy Scouts on cemetery projects is an additional reason Ernie is receiving the Distinguished Service Award.

Monday, November 7, 2011

FGS Radio - Genealogy and the Vital Records Access Crisis


Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/11/12/genealogy-and-the-vital-records-access-crisis

Saturday, November 12, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Genealogy and the Vital Records Access Crisis. Our guest will be Frederick E. Moss, FGS legal advisor and member of the Records Access and Preservation Committee, a joint committee of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Genealogical Society, and the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Fred will help us understand how access to vital records is currently being threatened and what you can do to ensure access for all genealogy and family history researchers. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Frederick E. Moss, JD, LL.M

Fred Moss currently serves as advisor to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and was presented with the 2000 George E. Williams Award for significant contributions to FGS. He is a member of the Records Preservation and Access Committee, a joint effort of FGS, The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society. He often lectures on beginning genealogical research and society management issues at national conferences.

From 1990 until the summer of 1998 Mr. Moss served as Associate Dean, Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Law with Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. The Student Bar Association named a student leadership award in his honor. Prior to joining the law school faculty, Mr. Moss served for twenty-six years as a legal officer in the armed forces. His assignments took him to four continents where he served as the senior legal officer of an array of units and installations. He has lectured on a variety of topics at The George Washington University School of Law, the Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, the Southern Methodist University, the Defense Systems Management College, the Industrial College of the National Defense University, and the Army Judge Advocate General’s School. Colonel Moss was awarded the Department of Defense Superior Service and the Legion of Merit medals.

He was the Editor-in-chief of the Mississippi Law Journal. He is the founding editor of the Proceedings of the Council of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar Association, the Section’s first on-line publication.

He also served as the Stake Family History Consultant and as volunteer librarian in the Plano Texas Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the spouse of Lynell B. Moss, the former Director of that facility. He regularly conducts staff training in the use of technology in family history research for several area family history centers and gives presentations for other genealogical groups in North Texas.

Links:

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Root Cellar - Sacramento Genealogical Society.

ROOT CELLAR, Sacramento Genealogical Society, was formed in 1978 when our members found a common interest in the gathering and sharing of genealogical information. Since that time, our goal has been to help our members with genealogical research through education, the publication of information, and the preservation of records. Everyone sharing an interest in genealogy is welcome.

Our meetings also help to meet the needs of those researchers and genealogists who were unable to attend daytime meetings. The first meeting was held in June at the Fair Oaks Library.

Stan Gilliam of "The Sacramento Bee" coined the name ROOT CELLAR in his column, and with his permission, it became the official name of the organization. The name and insignia were registered with the California Office of the Secretary of State on August 6, 1979.

Links

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: Patricia Ibbotson

Distinguished Service Award: Patricia Ibbotson

Patricia Ibbotson has contributed to the preservation and publication of historical and genealogical materials. She transcribed and arranged for the publication of Reports of Physicians, Detroit, Michigan, DSGR 1995; Record of the Juvenile Inmates of the Home for the Friendless, Detroit, Michigan 1996; Elmwood Cemetery Register 1862-1874, Detroit, Michigan 1998; and Westlawn Cemetery, Wayne, Michigan, with Patricia Gee 2008; as well as writing: Eloise: Poorhouse, Farm, Asylum and Hospital 1839-1984, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2002; Some Patients at Eloise Hospital (1933-1945) 2003; Detroit’s Hospitals, Healers, and Helpers, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2002; Bird and Mott Funeral Register 1922-1944, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, Detroit, MI, 2004; and Detroit’s Historic Hotels and Restaurants, Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, SC 2007.

Two articles written by Patricia and published are Seeking the Burial Location of Jane Dixon Ibbotson Stonehouse, Families, Ontario Genealogical Society, February 2008 and Burials in the Eloise Cemetery of Polish Birth or Polish Surnames 1935-1938, Polish Eaglet, Vol. 28, No. 3, Fall 2008.

From 1990-1994 Patricia was the Assistant Editor of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, Detroit Michigan. She then became Editor and from that time to the present, Patricia continues to bring a high standard of excellence, transcribing most of the records herself. Hundreds of genealogists have been able to further their research through the previously unpublished records she has made available through her publications.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Roscoe Hastings

Archives Award: Roscoe Hastings

Roscoe Hasting is a Warren County, New York native. Among his many digitizing and indexing projects for placement on the Warren county website are the New York State Censuses, Warren County Civil War Registrations and the 1827 Surrogate Court Minutes Book and the Surrogate Court Index Book 1813-1940. Held by the Town Clerk of Warrensburg are Roscoe’s digitized and indexed Warrensburg Birth Records 1883-1945, Death Records 1882-1966 and the Marriage Records 1883-1973. Housed at the Warrensburg , New York Historian’s office are the indexed Warrensburg Funeral Home Records 1881-1966 (3,958 images on-line), four indexed Warrensville Cemetery Records and the indexed Warrensburg 1790-1930 census records which was done by Roscoe. For Chestertown, New York Roscoe has indexed the 1790-1905 census records, 1865 deaths and marriages and the Civil War deaths. Roscoe also participates in the Rochester Genealogical Society Church Record Preservation Project. Every county would be fortunate to have such a volunteer.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

2011 FGS Awards - Distinguished Service Award: J. William Gorski

Distinguished Service Award: J. William Gorski

W.J. Gorski of the Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan (PGSM) has given a lifetime of service and dedication in a wide variety of capacities to the genealogical and historical societies in which he has been involved. Among his accomplishments are serving as Editor-in-chief of twenty-seven issues of the Polish Eaglet, the PGSM’s tri-annual publication and the indexing of over 60,000 obituaries in the Hamtramck Citizen (a suburban Michigan newspaper). William has shared his artistic abilities and genealogical knowledge through lecturing with many organizations within Michigan. His entire collection of genealogical and historical memorabilia, containing hundreds of books, historical artifacts and thousands of historic photographs, was donated to the State of Michigan Library in Lansing, Michigan.

Friday, November 4, 2011

FGS Radio Returns Saturday, November 12, 2011


FGS Radio - My Society will be on hiatus this week due to scheduling issues but we'll return next Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 1pm Central. Our topic is still under wraps as is our special guest, but we're certain that all genealogy society leaders, members and even genealogists will want to tune in!

In the meantime, don't forget to listen to any or all of our past episodes at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety or visit itunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-society-blog-talk-radio/id434090469.

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Willie L. Covington

2011 FGS Awards - Archives Award: Willie L. Covington

The Durham County, North Carolina vital records of births, delayed births, marriages and deaths were in a state of rapid deterioration. Many were crumbling, torn and had broken bindings that needed repair. They were transferred to the Registry of Deeds Office within the last five years and a project to ensure their long-term preservation was immediately initiated and has been accomplished through the leadership of the Register of Deeds, Willie L. Covington. The records were encapsulated in acid-free protective sheets, placed on high-density storage shelves and are openly available for examination by family historians and others who desire access. Mr. Covington is to be commended for his vision and immediate action to preserve these vital records for future generations of those with an interest in the history of Durham County.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

2011 FGS Awards

On Thursday, September 8, 2011, the 2011 FGS Awards were presented during the Opening Session of the 2011 FGS Conference. The award recipients included:

Archives Award
  • Willie L. Covington, Register of Deeds, Durham County, North Carolina
  • Roscoe Hastings, Rochester (NY) Genealogical Society
Distinguished Service Award
  • J. William Gorski, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan
  • Patricia Ibbotson, Detroit Society for Genealogical Research
  • Ervin “Ernie” Jaskolski, New Mexico Genealogical Society
  • Roger S. Laske, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan
  • Diane Smekler, San Mateo County Genealogical Society
  • Oriene Springstroh, Fox Valley Genealogical Society
Over the next few posts, the FGS Voice blog will profile each of these award recipients and their contributions to the genealogy community.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Virginia Vital Record Access in Danger - Your Help Needed Now!

Calling all genealogists and family historians - especially if you are concerned about access to any and all vital records. Right now plans are in the work to increase restrictions for Virginia vital records - to 125 years for birth records and 75 years for marriage and death records!

What's Happening with Virginia Vital Records

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) will vote on to extend the current access restrictions by another 25 years. Between now and November 22, 2011 you can send your comments to the committee members and let them know why the restrictions to access should not be extended.

What You Can Do about Virginia Vital Records Access

Here is how you can get involved:
  • Send your letter via email to
Senators, General Area, Email address

Linda T. Puller, Fairfax, Prince William, district36@senate.virginia.gov
George Barker, Fairfax, Prince William, district39@senate.virginia.gov
Harry B. Blevins, Chesapeake/Portsmouth, district14@senate.virginia.gov
Edd Houck, Fredericksburg/Orange, district17@senate.virginia.gov
Louise Lucas, Portsmouth - Brunswick, district18@senate.virginia.gov
Ralph Northam, M.D., Norfolk, Matthews, Eastern Shore,  district06@senate.virginia.gov
William Wampler, Bristol and Southwest, district40@senate.virginia.gov
Patricia S. Ticer, Alexandria/Arlington/Fairfax, district30@senate.virginia.gov

House of Delegates, General Area, Email address

Ben Cline, Amherst – Lexington, delbcline@house.virginia.gov
Bob Brink, Arlington, delrbrink@house.virginia.gov
David Bulova, Fairfax, deldbulova@house.virginia.gov
Rosalyn Dance, Petersburg, delrdance@house.virginia.gov
Scott Garrett, M.D., Lynchburg, delsgarrett@house.virginia.gov
Algie Howell, Norfolk, delahowell@house.virginia.gov
Harvey Morgan, Gloucester, delhmorgan@house.virginia.gov
Dave Nutter, Radford/Roanoke,   deldnutter@house.virginia.gov
John O’Bannon, M.D. Henrico, deljobannon@house.virginia.gov
Chris Peace, Hanover, delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

Copy and paste the entire block of addresses here:
district36@senate.virginia.gov; district39@senate.virginia.gov; district14@senate.virginia.gov; district17@senate.virginia.gov; district18@senate.virginia.gov; district06@senate.virginia.gov; district40@senate.virginia.gov; district30@senate.virginia.gov; delbcline@house.virginia.gov; delrbrink@house.virginia.gov; deldbulova@house.virginia.gov; delrdance@house.virginia.gov; delsgarrett@house.virginia.gov; delahowell@house.virginia.gov; delhmorgan@house.virginia.gov; deldnutter@house.virginia.gov; deljobannon@house.virginia.gov; delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

And don't forget to follow the Records Preservation and Access Committee blog at http://www.fgs.org/rpac/ to follow all the latest news about vital records access and changes to laws and policies affecting genealogists and family historians.

Conclusion

Please take a minute and step away from your own genealogy research and get involved. Even if you don't have Virginia ancestors, realize that other states and entities look at what is being done regarding vital records access - your state or municipality might be next!

Email or write the contacts listed above and let them know as a genealogist and family historian what it means to access such records.  Don't be afraid to get personal - share your success stories or how you've helped a client using vital records.

©2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee

Monday, October 31, 2011

Transcript: If Your Society Folded Today, Would Anyone Care?

[Editor's Note: thanks to the generosity of professional genealogist and FGS supporter Debbe A. Hagner, here is a transcription of the Saturday, October 22, 2011 broadcast of FGS Radio: My Society entitled If Your Society Folded Today, Would Anyone Care?]

Click here to access the transcription (opens in PDF - Adobe Reader required).

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FGS Announces Two New Member Benefits - Website and Newsletter Reviews

Genealogy Society Website and Newsletter Reviews

October 26, 2011 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce two new member benefits for genealogical societies, historical societies, and family associations.

The first new benefit is a free review of an organization’s website. A member society can request a review of one, several, or all areas of its website. The review may include suggestions for design, layout, format, font use and contrast, ease of navigation and use, effective use of graphics, and inclusion of content.

The second new benefit is a free review of an organization’s newsletter, regardless of whether it is printed or electronic. A member society can submit two consecutive newsletters and request a complete review or ask specific questions. The review may include suggestions concerning design elements and format, including use of specific fonts, placement of graphical elements, and use of white space. It also may include suggestions for additional content. An organization working to “go green” and produce an electronic newsletter can receive feedback on how to format and create a quality newsletter using PDF software.

These two new member benefits along with the free review of a society’s bylaws represent some of the many services that FGS provides to its members to help them become more effective and efficient. Information about each of these services and how to submit materials to FGS for review can be found in the Members Only area of the FGS website at http://fgs.org/membersonly/.

Monday, October 24, 2011

FGS Radio - How Special Interest Groups Can Add to Your Society



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Saturday, October 29, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by George G. Morgan is entitled How Special Interest Groups Can Add to Your Society. Our guest will be Carol Rooksby Weidlich, President of the Lee County Genealogical Society (LCGS) in Ft. Myers, Florida. Carol will discuss the importance of having special interest groups in a genealogy society and how LCGS has found success in leverage this concept. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Carol Rooksby Weidlich

Carol Rooksby Weidlich was born and raised in Rochester, NY and relocated to Connecticut for school and lived most of her adult life in the Hartford area. In 2000, she and her husband Jim took early retirement and relocated to North Fort Myers, Florida. Carol began serious family history and genealogy research in 1998.

She is President, Membership Chair and Webmaster of the Lee County Genealogical Society, Inc. in Ft. Meyers, Florida. Carol is also Director, Webmaster and Newsletter Editor of the Friends of the Fort Myers Library, Ft. Myers, Florida; member and webmaster of the Southwest Florida Germanic Genealogy Society, Inc.; a member of the Jefferson County (NY) Genealogy Society; a member of the Estero Island Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Carol is researching family history in New York; Connecticut; Ontario, Canada; England and Germany.

Links:


Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington.

The Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington (JGSGW) was formed in 1980 to:
  • Collect, preserve, and disseminate Jewish genealogical knowledge and information
  • Promote interest in genealogical research
  • Stimulate and provide instruction in the use of research methodology and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness in research
  • Foster careful documentation and to promote scholarly genealogical writing and publication
  • Promote the preservation of Jewish genealogical records and resources
  • Hold meetings for the instruction and education of its members and the general public
  • Conduct such other purposes as the organization shall from time to time elect to pursue.

"JGSGW" is the acronym for the “Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington, Inc.", an independent non-profit organization, focused on promoting genealogy and education.

JGSGW was formed in 1980 by Dr. Sallyann Sack with the encouragement of Rabbi Dr. Malcolm Stern, known as the “father of Jewish Genealogy.” The society provides a common meeting place for those persons interested in tracing their Jewish ancestral roots and promotes genealogical education in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

In 1981, JGSGW was incorporated in Maryland and Dr. Sack became the first president of the organization. Among the first activities was to begin a genealogy library and start a newsletter. The library currently has more than 2,000 items in its catalog, including books, maps and an extensive collection of recordings of lectures on a myriad of subjects related to Jewish genealogy. The name “Mishpacha” was selected for the newsletter and the publication has been continuous for more than 30 years.

The greater Washington, DC area abounds in repositories that are a treasure trove for genealogy researchers. As a result, it is a highly desirable site for genealogical conferences and JGSGW has hosted four international Jewish genealogy conferences. (1982, 1988, 1995, and 2003). A conference planned for August, 2011 will mark the fifth conference. It will feature and highlight the holdings of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Library of Congress (LOC).

Among the outstanding research accomplishments of JGSGW are the indexing of the two oldest Jewish cemeteries in Washington, DC: Macpela (Adas Israel) and Washington Hebrew Congregation.
In 2008, the society undertook the indexing and photographic documentation of the Jewish burials at Arlington National Cemetery. This project was started by the late Kenneth Poch and after his death it was turned over to JGSGW. The project currently has more than 5,000 graves included in the index

JGSGW is a member of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS), the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), and the National Genealogical Society (NGS).
The Society is open to all those interested in Jewish genealogy.

Links



Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Friday, October 21, 2011

FGS Radio - If Your Society Folded Today, Would Anyone Care?



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Saturday, October 22, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled If Your Society Folded Today, Would Anyone Care? Our guest will be FGS Director Randy Whited whose recent blog post at 1000memories.com entitled We’re Doing It Wrong has generated an important discussion on the survival of genealogy societies. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, North Hills Genealogists in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests


Randy Whited

Randy W. Whited, an avid genealogist for over 25 years, is an active member of several Texas genealogical organizations and a Director of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). As a member of the Austin Genealogical Society since 2005, Randy has been involved with the Society by teaching beginner’s classes, leading monthly and special programs and is currently serving a second term on its Board of Directors. Randy is in his fourth year as Editor of the AGS Quarterly, for which he has twice been honored by the Texas State Genealogical Society. Randy is also serving as 2nd Vice President of the Williamson County Genealogical Society and is frequently a speaker there. A lifelong Texan, Randy is an alumnus of the University of Texas, having graduated with a BA in Astronomy. He resides in Pflugerville, Texas with his wife and twin daughters.

Links:



Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the North Hills Genealogists.

North Hills Genealogists was founded in 1990. We coordinate projects, such as reading and publishing cemetery records, and helping Boy Scouts with their Eagle Scout projects. Our first cemetery inscription book was Pioneer Cemeteries of Hampton Township, Allegheny County, Pa. It includes not only complete readings for the Pine Creek, Depreciation Lands, and Hampton Cemeteries, but also the lot owners' book for the latter and a guide to the other cemeteries in Hampton Township. Each stone has been recorded exactly with dates, relationships, epitaphs, stone carvers' names, and other notations. An everyname index includes maiden names when known.

Meetings are on the third Tuesday of every month, except December, starting at 7:00 P.M. Our meetings are held at Northland Library. More details and directions are on the CALENDAR page. All meetings are free and open to the public. For more information email: INFO@NorthHillsGenealogists.org.

The monthly meetings each feature a guest speaker addressing the group on a subject related to genealogy. A “roundtable discussion” is periodically scheduled instead of a lecture, giving each person a chance to ask questions or tell of a great find. We also have a “freebie” table of interesting genealogical pamphlets and booklets and a “for sale” table with genealogical bargains.

We arrange field trips to repositories and locations such as Washington DC, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Western Reserve Library in Cleveland, Ohio, and the West Virginia University Library in Morgantown, WV.

We publish a monthly newsletter (except for December or July), which is indexed in PERSI. It includes articles to help you find resources, tips on how to do better genealogy, announcements of upcoming genealogical events, and both member and non-member queries.

Dues are $15 per year (August through the following July). Back issues of the newsletter will be sent to mid-year newcomers.

Links:



Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

FGS Board Members Featured at 1000memories.com Genealogy Roundtable


1000memories.com is sponsoring an on-line Family History Month Genealogy Roundtable the week of October 17, 2011 featuring two FGS Directors, Thomas MacEntee and Randy Whited and FGS Webmaster Amy Johnson Crow.

The focus of the roundtable, according to 1000memories.com is "while there are so many new tools available and genealogy has 'hit the mainstream' most people are still left wanting." The roundtable panelists, which also include genealogy blogger Caroline Pointer of 4YourFamilyStory, will each give their own perspective as to what new tools, applications, and educational offerings are need in the genealogy industry in order to maintain interest in family history among the general population.

You can follow the discussion all next week at the 1000memories.com blog at http://1000memories.com/blog.

FGS 2011 Election Results

New Board Members and Directors Include Kim Kasprzyk,
Polly Kimmitt and Angela Walton-
Raji

October 12, 2011 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the results of its recent election for FGS board members and directors. The election was conducted online September 1 - 30, 2011 with all FGS delegates eligible to vote. Office terms for those elected will begin on January 1, 2012.
With the recent election results, Pat Oxley, President of FGS states, “I'm thrilled to have this talented group of genealogists bring their experience and skills to the FGS board.”

Re-Elected FGS Board Members

The following board members and directors were re-elected:

  • George G. Morgan (Florida) – Vice-President Membership
  • Curt B. Witcher (Indiana) – Vice-President Development
  • Loretto “Lou” Szucs (Illinois) – Director

New FGS Board Members

The following board members and directors were newly elected:

  • Kim Kasprzyk (Illinois) – Treasurer
  • Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt CG℠ (Massachusetts) – Director
  • Angela Walton-Raji (Maryland) – Director
  • Randy Whited* (Texas) – Director

*Whited was first appointed to the FGS board as a Director in early 2011 and elected outright in this recent election.

Certified Genealogist and CG are proprietary service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® used by the Board to identify its program of genealogical competency evaluation and used under license by the Board’s associates.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

FGS Radio - Flip-Pal™ Mobile Scanner and Your Genealogy Society



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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/10/15/flip-pal-mobile-scanner-and-your-genealogy-society

Saturday, October 15, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Thomas MacEntee is entitled Flip-Pal™ Mobile Scanner and Your Genealogy Society. Our guest will be Walt Grady of Couragent, Inc., the innovative maker of the Flip-Pal™ Mobile Scanner. We’ll discuss how the Flip-Pal scanner can be used to not only help digitize your society’s holding but also to increase your society’s membership or bring in additional income. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, German Genealogy Group in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Walt Grady

Walt has over two decades of experience planning and implementing organizational improvements working with international technology leaders. He has worked extensively with all business functions and has in-depth experience launching new organizations and improving overall customer satisfaction. Walt worked at Hewlett-Packard as an organization effectiveness specialists and a customer support manger. With Agilent Technologies, he was a customer loyalty program manager serving seventeen world-wide locations. Walt also has background in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and emergency response planner. Following 9/11, he served as the planning chief for the first bi-national Canadian-U.S. Civil Assistance Plan. Walt loves living in Colorado and renews with mountaineering. He is also involved with non-profits serving people with disabilities.

Links:

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the German Genealogy Group.

The German Genealogy Group (GGG) is a not for profit organization that was established in early 1996 to provide mutual support among those interested in researching their Germanic ancestors. Members are eligible for the following:

  • Newsletter - All members receive a subscription to our monthly newsletter full of interesting information and helpful hints.
  • Surname Directory File - A submission form is provided to all members to list the surnames they are researching. Copies of the Surname Directory will be available.
  • Mentoring - A mentoring service allows members to ask for help on genealogical problems. Mentoring does not perform genealogical research, but rather matches newer researchers up with experienced ones.
  • Translation & Interpretation - For those members who need help translating documents and letters, assistance will be available from the Translation Committee.
  • Lending library of books, periodicals, CD-ROMS, and maps on Germanic genealogy.

Meetings are held at 7:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month, September through June, at the Hicksville VFW, Post #3211 at 320 South Broadway (Route 107), Hicksville, NY.

A "First Timers" orientation starts at 7 PM. Meetings usually feature an interesting and informative speaker, Q & A periods, workshops and experience sharing. Visitors are always welcomed.

More about the German Genealogy Group

  • We invite any person interested in researching their Germanic heritage to join the German Genealogy Group and share experiences with those who range from beginners to professional genealogists.
  • We are an organization that was established in early 1996 by a group of knowledgeable and dedicated genealogists interested in providing support to all those researching their Germanic ancestors.
  • We have grown to a membership of over 900 which includes members not only from all across the United States, but several foreign countries as well. We have grown not only in our membership, but also in our purpose and goals.
  • We work together in assisting our members find their ‘roots’ by providing help sessions, finding aids, lectures, mentoring, a monthly newsletter, translation services, an extensive CD and book lending library and a forum to meet and discuss research problems and solutions.
  • We look to promote and encourage an interest in genealogy, educate members, and to help preserve, computerize and make available important and endangered records to be shared by all members of the genealogy community.
  • We share a mutual interest in genealogy and make every effort to make the GGG member experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. We participate in Family History Fairs, GGG Spring and Fall dinners, genealogy record preservation projects and group trips to genealogy repositories and places of genealogical interest.
  • Join us and discover that family research is the most interesting and rewarding hobby that will enable you to discover your past and preserve your heritage for future generations. Be a part of the fastest growing hobby today!

Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

FGS Radio - Focus on Genealogy Society Bylaws


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Saturday, October 8, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Drew Smith is entitled Focus on Genealogy Society Bylaws. Special guest Robert “Bobbi” King will join us as we review issues involved with society bylaws and ways to use them to strengthen your organization. In addition, we’ll be highlighting the Anchorage Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Roberta "Bobbi" King is the descendant of three Nebraska homesteaders. Her homestead research, articles, and lectures reflect her avid interest in the settlers who took advantage of the federal government's idea of providing yeoman farmers a permanent home within the great American landscape.

She lectures locally and nationally on federal land records, and is the author of the NGS Nebraska Researching in the States research guide. She is a regular contributor to the quarterly of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Bobbi is a former member of the board of directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies, where she served as FGS parliamentarian and editor of the Society Strategies Series papers. She has served as a volunteer and officer for numerous local Colorado genealogical organizations.

Bobbi is a career medical technologist working for Kaiser Permanente in Denver. She lives in Lakewood where she shares a home with her Better Half, Will. She is a mother and grandmother, dividing her time among grandchildren, genealogy, and career.

Links:



Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features Anchorage Genealogical Society.
  • Mission Statement: The goals of the Anchorage Genealogical Society are to educate and foster interest in genealogy among members and others; to assemble, preserve and make available genealogical records--especially Alaskan records; to provide links to existing sources of genealogical information; and to furnish aid and assistance to those in need of genealogical information or help.
  • Monthly Meetings: We meet on the First Wednesday of the month in the Public Conference Room on the first floor of the Z. J. Loussac Library from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Library is located at the corner of 36th Avenue and Denali Street. Our programs are focused on methods that are general and/or specific to different locations around the world. We also have great refreshments!
Links


Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/10/08/focus-on-genealogy-society-bylaws

Monday, September 26, 2011

FGS Radio - State Society Panel Discussion – Issues and Projects



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Saturday, October 1, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

Join us for the next episode of FGS Radio - My Society, an Internet radio show on Blog talk Radio presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

This week’s episode hosted by Randy Whited is entitled State Society Panel Discussion – Issues and Projects. Our guests will include Harry Ross, President of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies and Joyce Homan, Associate Director of The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. In addition, we’ll be highlighting The Friends of the Bohemian National Cemetery in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guests

Harry Ross

Harry Ross is President of the Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies and is a past President of the Longmont Genealogical Society. He has been researching his family history since 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the Ohio State University and recently retired from Regal Entertainment Group, the largest Motion Picture Theatre company in the United States. He is a member of the National Genealogical Society, Longmont Genealogical Society, W. I. S. E., ISBGFH, Genealogical Speakers Guild and the Association of Professional Genealogists.


Joyce Homan

Joyce Homan is the Associate Director of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Library and Information Science candidate at Drexel University. She is the former president of the student chapter of the Special Libraries Association, and a member of the National Genealogical Society, the American Libraries Association, and the Carpatho-Rusyn Society.

Links

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the The Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

About Bohemian National Cemetery

  • At a mass meeting of the more than 20 Czech benevolent, fraternal, workingman's, gymnastic, and freethinkers societies on January 7th, 1877, Frantisek Zdrubek called on all Chicago societies to come together and create a "free national cemetery, where any Czech could be buried without regard to religion."
  • April 11, 1877 the Illinois Secretary of State issued the charter for the Bohemian National Cemetery Association articles of incorporation. According to this document the purpose of the Association was to provide suitable burial site for persons of Bohemian birth or extraction.
  • The cemetery is now open to people of all ethnicities and religions.
  • Spanning 126 acres, Bohemian National Cemetery has been called a beautiful Garden of the Dead and is a Chicago landmark and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Rich with both aesthetic and genealogical information, the cemetery is the final home for over 116,000 people.

About The Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery

  • Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2004 and is a separate organization from The Bohemian National Cemetery Association which operates the cemetery.
  • Our Mission: To promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty, and preserve the artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery.
  • Our Vision: To create an appreciation of the cemetery in local, national and international audiences.
  • Friends has regular meetings with educational programs, conducts walking tours of the cemetery, and publishes a quarterly newsletter, Heritage Happenings. Friends also raises funds for the restoration and preservation of Bohemian National Cemetery.

Links


Join Us Each Saturday Afternoon at FGS Radio

Tune in to FGS Radio – My Society each week to learn more about genealogy societies and join in a discussion of the issues impacting the genealogical community.
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