Fall 2017 Issue of FORUM is Out

In "Blueprint for Success: Building a Genealogy Education Plan" Julie Cahill Tarr outlines steps for expanding your knowledge to further your genealogy research.

Does your society have editable digital copies of your journals, quarterlies, newsletters, and other publications? Denise Barrett Olson explains how to create those files in "Future-Proof Your Society Publications."

Don't miss "Fort Wayne, Indiana: Your Destination for FGS 2018" by Allison DePrey Singleton & Visit Fort Wayne Staff. 

What do archivists and librarians do with items that don't belong to any particular record collection? Melissa Barker tells us how to "Discover Genealogical Treasures Among Scrap Paper & Orphan Documents." 

And that's not all. 

Table of Contents

3 ...... Editor's Message

6 ...... President's Message: A Moment of Reflection by Rorey Cathcart

8 ...... Blueprint for Success: Building a Genealogy Education Plan by Julie Cahill Tarr

13 ...... FGS 2017 In Pictures 

17 ...... Discover Genealogical Treasures Among Scrap Paper & Orphan Documents by Melissa Barker

22 ...... Fort Wayne, Indiana: Your Destination for FGS 2018 by Allison DePrey Singleton & Visit Fort Wayne Staff

28 ...... Future-Proof Your Society Publications by Denise Barrett Olson

30 ...... FGS 2017 Awards

32 ...... Ethics & Standards: For Every Soul a Story, a Family, a Name by Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

35 ...... Next Generation: Millennials—Ready & Willing by Shannon Combs-Bennett

37 ...... Beyond Boxes & Binders: Interviewing Grandma: Collecting the Stories – Part 1 by Linda Coffin

40 ...... Records Preservation & Access: US Budget Concerns, Fire Insurance Maps & More by Linda McCleary, MLS

43 ...... Reviews

50 ...... Before You Go . . .

How to access FORUM:

Current FGS Member Society Leadership: Sign-in now to start reading immediately or download it to read on your desktop or mobile device. (After signing in, click on FGS FORUM – Latest Issue in the sidebar.) Don't forget to renew your membership in order for your society's leadership to continue to access FORUM and its archives.

Current FGS FORUM subscribers (individuals): sign-in now to start reading immediately or download it to read on your desktop or mobile device. (After signing in, click on Volume 29 No. 3 to read.)

Who can subscribe to FORUM? Anyone. You don't have to be a member of a genealogical society in order to subscribe.

Not already a subscriber? You can subscribe today to FGS FORUM.

Genealogical Society Leaders: If your society is not a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, become one today and let your society's leadership begin accessing FORUM and its 25+ year archives which is just one of the many benefits of FGS membership. 

What can your society learn from the corporate world?

The September 2017 FGS webinar will feature Laurie Hermance-Moore, who will present "Borrowing Corporate Strategy Techniques for Your Society."

The webinar will address a variety of paths for a society to utilize the techniques of the corporate world. 

Many societies are at a crossroads: new competition from online genealogy sites and webinars, dwindling membership, and challenges in figuring out how to evolve activities. It’s time to stop and make a plan!

So why not borrow from the business world?

Marketing strategist and genealogist Laurie Hermance-Moore will show you techniques that are used by large companies to refine how they “go to market.” Learn how to align your society leadership to your vision for the future, your current mission, how you are positioning yourself against the competition, and identifying and prioritizing your target audiences.

Laurie has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, marketing research, strategic planning, and brand development. She provides coaching to professional genealogists and genealogy societies in marketing strategy, so they can craft their unique story, target their offerings to the right clients, and build their confidence in marketing.

The webinar will be held on September 21, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

NEXT TIME: The topic for the October webinar will be “The Social Media Manager Role in Today's Society” presented by FGS Education Chair Jen Baldwin.

About the Webinar Series

Each month, the FGS Webinar Series will feature a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.

Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise. Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org.