Midwest Research Track at FGS 2018

If you're one of the millions of people whose ancestors called the Midwest "home," you'll want to check out the Midwest research track at the FGS 2018 conference in Fort Wayne, August 22-25.

Thursday, August 23:

NOTE: Thursday's Midwest track is sponsored by the Indiana Genealogical Society.

"Mitten Roots: Family History Research in Michigan" by Kris Rzepczynski
This state overview session will explore Michigan’s migration patterns and the abundant genealogical resources available in print and online.

"Illinois Digital Resources" by Tina Beaird
There are several Illinois websites for finding your Land of Lincoln ancestors. From CARLI to IDA, Tina will show you how to find maps, newspapers, phonebooks, company magazines, yearbooks and more. Illinois has it all! Learn how to dig into these online resources and get to know your Illinois ancestors.

"Indiana Genealogy: The Crossroads to America" by Melissa Tennant
This presentation is for those seeking Indiana ancestors or family members who may have migrated through the state on their way further west. The methods and sources for discovering your Hoosier roots will by explained along with a demonstration of the resources available for anyone seeking Indiana family history.

"Midwestern Treasures on Ancestry" by Juliana Szucs. Sponsored by Ancestry.
Learn about some of the unique resources that can be found on Ancestry which can tell the story of your ancestors who lived in the heartland of America.

Friday, August 24:

"Finding Treasures in the Hoosier Courthouse" by Michael D. Lacopo
There is far more than meets the eye in the Indiana courthouse! Learn what records each office retains and how to find them. Go beyond the vital records and the deeds and dig deeper to find your ancestor in the "Crossroads of America."

"Buckeye Beginnings: An Introduction to Ohio Research" by Amy Johnson Crow
Many of our ancestors went through Ohio, the original gateway to the west. Discover records, resources, and repositories vital to researching in the Buckeye State.

"Michigan Online: Tools for Genealogists" by Kris Rzepczynski
This session will explore free Michigan online genealogy resources, including both popular and lesser-known sites, as well as effective search strategies for Michigan research.

"Bibles, Beds and Bobbins: Early Indiana Laws" by Judy G. Russell
The laws our ancestors lived by tell a story of life in their times, and Indiana’s early laws tell tales of Bibles, beds and bobbins, of habitual drunkards, and of runaway apprentices.

Saturday, August 25:

"Using Midwest Adjutant General Records in Your Military Research" by Tina Beaird
Adjutant General's records offer compelling stories of military life for American soldiers since the Civil War. These records often include muster rolls, monthly regimental reports, promotions, discharges, reenlistments, casualty reports and more. Tina explains what records are available at several Midwest archives including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

“Hoosier Daddy?”: Tales of a Reluctant Blogger and How Blogs Can Enhance Your Genealogical Research" by Michael D. Lacopo
Your speaker started his blog, “Hoosier Daddy?” in February 2014 with intentions far different from what developed over the course of nearly two years of writing. The digital age has changed the face of genealogy, but there is more power to be unleashed beyond just scanning websites for data. Hone your skills as a writer, tell stories, compile your genealogy, share with others, and allow others researching the same families to find you. Take a journey with your lecturer into the blogosphere and learn how this resource can be means to breaking down your brick walls.

"Using Indirect Evidence to Identify the Father of a Great Great Grandmother" by Jan Alpert. Sponsored by National Genealogical Society.
Research and analysis of records in five mid-western states and the National Archives help reconstruct the family of William Schuler of Owen County, Indiana.

"Clues in Missouri Migration" by Pamela Boyer Sayre
Many westward migrants stopped a short time or stayed for several generations in Missouri. Where did they come from and where did they go?

Click here to register for FGS 2018 in Fort Wayne, Indiana August 22-25!