More Hotel Options for FGS 2018

If you're looking for a place to stay during the upcoming FGS 2018 conference, new options just opened up!

Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn, located just west of downtown Fort Wayne, has made a room block available for FGS 2018 conference attendees. Details:

Hilton Garden Inn
8615 US 24 West
Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Room rate $129/night good August 21 - 26, 2018. This rate is available until August 1 or until the room block sells out.

Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (260) 435-1777 and mentioning the group code "FGS." You can also make reservations online through this direct booking page.

Ramada Plaza Fort Wayne
The Ramada Plaza Fort Wayne is located just north of downtown Fort Wayne. Details:

Ramada Plaza Fort Wayne
305 E. Washington Center Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Room rate is $115/night good August 21-26, 2018. This rate is good until the room block sells out.

Reservations with this special rate can be made online through this direct booking page.

Currently, there are no rooms available at the main conference hotels (the Courtyard by Marriott and the downtown Hilton). Watch for further announcements of more hotel options.

FGS February webinar to feature Amy Johnson Crow on "Creative Thinking"

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is is pleased to announce the February 2018 webinar, “Breaking Out of the Box: Creative Thinking for Your Society,” presented by Amy Johnson Crow, CG, MLS. Doing the same thing over and over isn’t just boring. It could strangle your society. Look at some ways to get the creative juices flowing and find new solutions. Amy has over twenty years of genealogical experience, and is a nationally recognized speaker on a variety of topics. Amy says, "I help family history enthusiasts with practical advice so they can make more discoveries and have more fun doing it." Amy is well known for her enthusiasm for genealogy societies, and has volunteered for several over the course of her career, including acting as the 2018 FGS Conference Marketing Chair.
This webinar will be held on February 15, 2018 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: Melissa Barker will present “Preserving Your Societies Historical and Genealogical Records,” at the March FGS Webinar. Register now to be sure you don't miss it!
About the Webinar Series Each month, the FGS Webinar Series features 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. The webinars are free to watch live, but 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

Announcing the FGS 2018 Conference Tracks

There is a lot to learn at the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ 2018 Conference. (There are more than 90 sessions and workshops to choose from!) Here’s a sneak peak at the tracks that will be on the program.

Technology

Learn how to use a variety of websites and apps to learn more about your ancestors. No matter your technology expertise, there’s a session to help you.

Records

Explore a vast variety of records for your genealogy research, including military records, church records, and Freemason records. (Yes, Masons!) So many records...

Methodology

Learn how to use the records you’ve found with experts such as Judy Russell, Tom Jones, and Michael Lacopo.

DNA

Whether you’re just considering taking a DNA test or you geek out analyzing the data, you’ll find a DNA session to meet your needs.

Midwest

Learn about resources for finding your Buckeye, Hoosier, Illini, “Show Me,” and Wolverine ancestors.

African American

Experts including Tony Burroughs, Ari Wilkins, and Deborah Abbott will highlight using a variety of records and methods for African American genealogy.

Scandinavian - NEW TRACK

Got Viking ancestors? You’ll want to check out the sessions on Scandinavian resources on both sides of the Atlantic.

German

Millions of Americans have German ancestry. Learn about German records and how to identify your German ancestor’s origins.

United Kingdom

Those with English or Irish ancestors need to look at the sessions from Paul Milner, Jen Baldwin, and Rich Venezia.

Eastern Europe

The Eastern Europe track features sessions on Polish and Czech research, as well as finding records in the former Soviet Union.

Society Management

Not just a track — it’s a whole day! Wednesday, 22 August is devoted to helping your genealogy society improve. Join us for sessions on leadership, management, and social media.

In addition to these tracks, there will also be workshops on genetic genealogy, oral histories, maps, and certification. There will also be a day just for librarians! Look for details on all of these soon.

Registration for FGS 2018 will soon open. The official conference hotels are accepting reservations. We look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne!