Keep Up with #FGS2016 from Home!

If you are unable to make it to the FGS 2016 National Conference in Springfield, Illinois, there are still a few ways to keep up with what's happening here.

First, we have a Facebook Event Page where not only we are posting pictures and videos, but our attendees, exhibitors, and speakers are too.

Second, we have a dedicated conference hashtag #FGS2016. This allows you to follow the conference hashtag on hashtag-centric social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. 

Third and speaking of social media platforms, here is a list of our social media platforms. Have you connected with us on them?

Facebook Page

Facebook Event Page

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

Fourth, for Twitter you only need to venture as far as this blog post. We have embedded our Twitter feed of our conference hashtag #FGS2016 below. Or you can follow our #FGS2016 Twub where we've registered our hashtag.

Fifth, make sure you follow our speakers and exhibitors on your social media platform of choice as they will certainly be posting images and videos of their experiences from #FGS2016 here in Springfield.

Sixth, follow our Conference Platinum Sponsors — Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch on the social media platform of your choice.

Can't follow along live? Come back here to the FGS Voice Blog to experience daily recaps from #FGS2016.

Twitter Feed:
#FGS2016 Tweets

Download the FGS 2016 App to Have Conference Information at Your Fingertips!

To have the FGS 2016 Conference schedule, maps, list of
speakers, and up-to-date information plus a way to connect
with fellow attendees at your fingertips, download the
Guidebook App on your iOS or Android mobile device or you can even access it on your desktop or laptop!

Follow these detailed steps to download the app:


1. Download Guidebook.

• Navigate to guidebook.com/getit on your device's web browser.
• Go to the app store that corresponds with your device and search for "Guidebook"
• For desktop users or users with Windows Phones or non-Blackberry 10+ devices, navigate to guidebook.com/browse in your web browser (at this time, we only offer a native Guidebook app for iOS, Android, Blackberry 10+, and Amazon Kindle).

Follow the prompts on your screen, and the app will download.

2. Now that you've got the Guidebook app, it's time to download the guide for FGS 2016! Open up the Guidebook app on your device to get started. Note: Internet access is required for this step.

• Download and open the Guidebook app on your phone via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Use the Search box to type in "FGS 2016" (without the quotes) in the guide bar at the top.
• Tap "Get this Guide" to download the guide.

If you accidentally download the wrong guide, no worries! From the "My Guides" screen, tap the guide you wish to delete until you get a message that says "Unsync [name of guide]?" and press OK.

Note: After you delete the guide, it will appear at the end of the "Guides For You" lineup in case you accidentally deleted it or would like to access it again soon.

Desktop, Windows, non-Blackberry 10 users

On your phone's web browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), type in guidebook.com/browse/

Click on the search bar below "Select a Category". Type in "FGS 2016" (without the quotes), and tap on "Search" or "Return" in the bottom right of your keyboard. View the results, and click on your event to download!

Note: If you are able to download a native app for your phone, a small "Get the Guidebook app" banner will appear at the top of your screen. Click this to download the native app.

3. Explore the FGS 2016 Device Guide!

For more detailed instructions for downloading and navigating the FGS 2016 Guidebook App, visit: https://support.guidebook.com/hc/en-us/articles/202891364-Using-the-Guidebook-App-for-end-users-.

 

NEW! FGS 2016 Exhibit Hall Vendor Bucks

One of the most exciting areas at an FGS conference
is the large Exhibit Hall, featuring the latest software,
books, maps, databases, and gadgets on the market for
genealogists and family historians, as well as information
about genealogical organizations. The Exhibit Hall opens Thursday morning after the keynote session.

New this year are Vendor Bucks! Each attendee will
receive $10 in Vendor Bucks to spend at the vendor
booth of their choice. After a purchase is made, the
vendor will indicate that on the Bucks. For immediate
reimbursement, the attendee will present the Bucks at
the Vendor Bucks Reimbursement booth located at the
rear of the Exhibit Hall.

Exhibit Hall Hours:

Thursday: 9:30am - 5pm

Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 9am - 3pm

Celebrating 40 Years of FGS!

At this year's conference in Springfield, Illinois, FGS will be celebrating 40 years of community and growth!

We have a long history focused on connecting the world of genealogy, learning new techniques and skills together, and providing the tools to succeed. We cannot wait to share this history with you at the 40th Anniversary Gala on Friday evening.

This year's event will play host to the first ever FGS Family History Quest, and we hope you are ready for an evening of fun and long lasting memories. With J. Mark Lowe as our emcee, you can basically guarantee that we are all in for a very exciting evening. Stroll down memory lane with us as we present the opportunity to test your knowledge - and your creativity! We are thrilled to be giving away over $25,000 in prizes to Gala participants.

Gala prizes have been contributed from:

• Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Findmypast.com and MyHeritage.com
• Midwest Genealogy Center
• YourDNAGuide.com
• RootsTech
• Family ChartMasters
• and more! 

The Gala is not your only chance to celebrate with us, however. Each day of the conference, we will offer a question to both on-site attendees and those watching on social media, and we're inviting everyone to share their favorite memory, favorite moment, favorite element of FGS history with us. Watch our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter, and the hashtag #FGS40th, each day of the conference for our prompts. If you will be in Springfield with us, visit the expo hall to add your memories to our story.

We're on a quest to celebrate forty years - we hope you will celebrate with us!

Journey Through the FGS 2016 Exhibit Hall with Your Passport!

FGS 2016 Exhibit Hall Passport

Have each exhibitor “stamp” your passport. Return your stamped passport to the FGS booth by 1:30pm on Saturday, September 3rd to be entered into a drawing. You do not need to be present to win.

Drawings will begin at 1:45pm on Saturday, September 3rd at the FGS booth in the Exhibit Hall.

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE 
(must fully “stamp” both sides of this passport):

• 2017 FGS Conference Package*
• 2018 FGS Conference Registration
• AncestryDNA kit

INDIVIDUAL PRIZES
(return a passport with at least 15 “stamps”):

• FGS 2017 Conference Registration
• FGS 2018 Conference Registration
• Family Tree Maker (for Mac or PC)


*includes registration, syllabus, four hotel nights, daily luncheons, and special events

FGS 2016 Conference Exhibit Hall Demonstrations

Free exhibitor demonstrations will be offered periodically
in the Exhibit Hall during open hours. This is the place
to take a “test drive” of scanning equipment, view the
special features of different genealogy software packages
as they are highlighted by experts, and learn how to
search efficiently in online subscription databases. Below is the Demo Area schedule. The complete schedule will be posted outside the Exhibit Hall and on page 47 of the On-site Guide.

FGS 2016: Information Professionals and Genealogy

Information Professionals — A Day Just for You in the Land of Lincoln

Are you an information professional wanting to explore perspectives on genealogy information, get some behind-the-scenes looks at collections, and also network with other genealogy information professionals?

Librarians' Day at the FGS 2016 National Genealogy Conference is a pre-conference event on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, and is designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers and the genealogy community.

Sponsored by ProQuest, this year's theme is "Sharing Ourselves and Our Collections." Experts will reveal their unique perspectives on offering genealogical collections, oral histories, and experiences, as well as family history’s relationship with local tourism.

Wyndham Springfield City Centre, Abraham Presidential Library & Museum, and Lincoln Library, The Public Library of Springfield, IL

The morning sessions and lunch will be held at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre (700 E. Adams Street, Springfield). Afternoon sessions will be held off site at the Lincoln Library and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Attendees will have an opportunity to attend both afternoon sessions.

Take a look at the lineup:

“Family History Beyond the Family Tree”

Mark DePue, Director of Oral History, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

“FamilySearch Family History Resources for Librarians”
Robert Raymond, Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch

“A Capital Idea: A look at the Sangamon Valley Collection, the regional collection of genealogy and history for Lincoln Library”
Curtis Mann, Historian, City of Springfield, Illinois; Manager of the Sangamon Valley Collection at Lincoln Library, the Public Library of Springfield

“Tour of Sangamon Valley Collection: A first-hand look at this well respected local history collection”
Location: Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh Street, Springfield

Curtis Mann

“Proper Environment, Proper Storage, Proper Handling”
Location: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N. Sixth Street, Springfield

Bonnie Parr, Historical Documents Conservator, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Then the next four days, informational professionals can immerse themselves in genealogy, family history, and even society-related sessions — all in the Land of Lincoln! Plus, take advantage of all the built-in networking opportunities at the conference.

Register for the conference now and add-on Librarians’ Day ($10 and includes lunch)! If you've already registered for the conference, sign-in again and add Librarians' Day. E-mail any questions you have about Librarians' Day at FGS 2016 to librariansday@fgs.org.

FGS 2016: Behind the Scenes Look - 10,000+ Illinois Family Farms

Illinois Family Farms Table Runners (Credit: Laura Kovarik, ISGS)

10,000+ FAMILY FARMS!!

That is how many family farms are enrolled in the Illinois Department of Agriculture Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farm program (according to the website).

When planning the Farms & Families: Across the Decades reception for the FGS 2016 Conference, the original idea was to create displays on a select few participants. But which ones? That became the question. 

After wrestling with how to pick which farms to showcase, the answer arrived like the proverbial bolt from the blue – do them ALL!! 

Again, the wrestling match began on HOW to do them all. So idea of writing every name was born. Where could so many names be displayed? On the tables. The final project took form. 

Part of the table decorations will include runners with every name and the date of original purchase of a Centennial and Sesquicentennial farm in Illinois. EVERY ONE. Any family that has taken the time to fill out the paperwork and seek designation deserves to be honored for their genealogical work.

The names and dates will be handwritten on paper runners. Yes, the goal is to get all 102 counties and all 10,000 plus names on the runners before Wednesday, August 31. Will it get done? Right now, we are have over 3,000 names on runners. 

Check the ISGS Facebook page for updates. And maybe you will just have to come to the special event, "Farms and Families: Across the Decades," 7pm-9pm on Wednesday evening to see if we made our goal!

Not yet registered for the FGS 2016 National Genealogy Conference in Springfield, Illinois, August 31—Sep 3rd, 2016? Register today and add-on the special event, "Farm and Families: Across the Decades" which is sponsored by FamilySearch and co-hosted by the Illinois State Genealogical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society. Already registered? Sign-in again and add this or other events, luncheons, and workshops!

Laura Kovarik

Local Host Chair

Illinois State Genealogical Society

FGS 2016: Trying to Build Your Family Tree with DNA?

Need help learning about DNA for genealogy?

Our 8 DNA Sessions Can Help With That

Using DNA for genealogy can get confusing, but once you get the hang of it, you can begin to use it to break down some long-standing family history research brick walls.

At the FGS National Conference in Springfield, Illinois, our DNA for genealogy experts will help you learn what you need to know — whether you are just a beginner or have already tested! On the Friday of our 4-day conference, we have devoted a full track to DNA for genealogy learning, and on Saturday, we have two more sessions dedicated to learning all about Ancestry DNA.

Friday — DNA Track

DIAHAN SOUTHARD












►F-307 Every Surname in Your Pedigree Can Benefit from YDNA Testing

Learn basic and intermediate principles of using YDNA to verify and extend your pedigree chart, including how to make the most of your family project.

►F-323 What Now? Your Next Steps with Autosomal DNA Testing

Overwhelmed with autosomal DNA? I can teach you in 45 minutes tools you can implement and understand today so you can find your ancestors tomorrow.

RANDY WHITED

►F-344 Genograms: Family Medical History and Cluster Research

Learn about genograms and how to adapt them to your research. By providing a different view of relationships, they can make patterns and gaps more easily recognizable.

BLAINE BETTINGER, PhD, JD

►F-315 Using Free Third-Party Tools to Analyze Your Autsomal DNA

Although DNA testing companies provide their own analysis of test results, there are free third-party tools that can benefit genealogists.

►F-352 DNA and the Genealogical Proof Standard

Learn how DNA test results are increasingly an important component of the genealogical proof standard!

►F-336 Genetic Self-Education: Where to Go for Help

You've received your DNA test results, but you have no idea what they mean. Where do you go for more information? How do you educate yourself about genetic genealogy?

Saturday — DNA Sessions

ANNA SWAYNE

►S-412 Finding Family History Discoveries Using AncestryDNA
Sponsored by Ancestry

Come as a beginner to learn how AncestryDNA works and what it is. Come as an intermediate to learn how DNA matching, DNA Circles, and New Ancestor Discoveries technology help validate your research and find new leads.

►S-433 Cracking the Case with DNA
Sponsored by Ancestry

Want to use your DNA results to break down a brick wall in your family tree? In this class we will show you step-by-step how to use DNA to solve mysteries in your family tree and answer your own genealogical questions.

Register Now!

Join us for the FGS 2016 National Conference, "Time Travel: Centuries of Memories," in Springfield, IL, August 31 — September 3, 2016. Learn how to discover your family history with 72 speakers from across the world in over 160 sessions, luncheons, & workshops! Don't delay and register today at the early bird price which ends July 1, 2016.

FGS 2016 Repository Spotlight: Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library

Sangamon Valley Collection at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL

The FGS 2016 Conference, "Time Travel: Centuries of Memories," location — Springfield, Illinois — offers an array of local research opportunities for attendees. 

One such opportunity is the Sangamon Valley Collection located at the Lincoln Library and the "bonus" is its proximity to the FGS 2016 Conference facilities.

Established in 1970, the Sangamon Valley Collection is one of Springfield’s valuable genealogical collections and a must-see when visiting the state capitol. The collection is housed on the third floor of the Lincoln Library, located at 326 S. 7th Street, Springfield, Illinois. It contains copious amounts of information for Sangamon County and its surrounding neighbors.

The collection is open during the following hours:  

• Monday - Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Thursday, Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The library is within walking distance of the conference and is located at the corner of Seventh and Capitol Streets, next door to the Springfield Municipal Building in downtown Springfield.

What can you find in the Sangamon Valley Collection? 

• Photographs
• City and county directories
• High school yearbooks
• City and county documents
• Histories
• Maps
• Very extensive obituary index to the State Journal-Register (Illinois’ longest running newspaper).
• Genealogical materials from outside the area including histories from Virginia, German immigrant passenger lists, etc.
• Manuscripts (The index is online here. So, prepare before you go.)
• Microfilm resources (A PDF of their microfilm index is available here. Prepare before you go.) 

For more information on the library and collection visit the Lincoln Library website.

Early-bird registration is currently open for the FGS 2016 National Conference which will be held August 31—September 3, 2016, in Springfield, Illinois. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to research locally, to learn how to solve your research problems with methodologies and the latest technologies, and to meet family historians just like you. The discount for early registration ends July 1st, so don't delay. Register today to save!

Register today to take advantage of the early bird discount!

ISGS Awarded 'Celebrity Citizen' by Springfield IL CVB

Susie Pope accepting the award for ISGS from "Abraham Lincoln."

The Second Annual Legends in Tourism Awards presented by the Springfield IL Convention and Visitors Bureau was held May 5, 2016 at the Lincoln Presidential Museum. The awards, nominated and judged by members of the local hospitality community, recognize achievements in tourism during the past year including in categories such as Legendary Friend of Tourism, Legendary Hospitality Award, Legendary Tourism Development Award, and others.

The Illinois State Genealogical Society received a Celebrity Citizen award for hosting the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2016 Conference.

Accepting the award from "Abraham Lincoln" was Susie Pope, ISGS 2nd Vice President and Co-National Conference Committee Chair for the FGS 2016 Conference.

Join fellow genealogists and family historians in the "Land of Lincoln" August 31—September 3, 2016, at the FGS 2016 National Conference, "Time Travel: Centuries of Memories," designed to inspire you and enrich your family history.

This year's conference brings sessions with a wide array of offerings from many of the nation's leading family history experts along with top international speakers from Scotland and Australia. Each day of the conference is full of sessions aimed at strengthening your research skills no matter what your level or area of expertise might be! With over 160 expert-led sessions, workshops, and luncheons to choose from plus an exhibit hall full of genealogy exhibitors just waiting to help you with your family history, register now to save with the early-bird rate at https://www.fgsconference.org/registration/.

2016 FGS Conference Registration Is Now Open!

Register now for #FGS2016 "Time Travel: Centuries of Memories" in Springfield, IL.

Online registration is now open for the 2016 FGS National Conference, “Time Travel: Centuries of Memories” to be held August 31 — September 3, 2016, in Springfield, IL, and locally hosted by the Illinois State Genealogical Society. Register by July 1, 2016, for the early-bird discount at http://www.FGSConference.org.

Celebrating 40 years since the founding of FGS, each day of the conference is full of sessions aimed at strengthening attendees’ research skills no matter what level or area of interest they may have.

“Returning to our Illinois roots for the FGS 2016 Conference to celebrate our 40^th Anniversary in the state where FGS began is a dream come true,” says D. Joshua Taylor, FGS President. “With a solid educational program and a tremendous line-up of social events, this conference is not to be missed!”

Conference Highlights

• Conference Sessions: With over 160 sessions, 72 expert speakers from around the world, 10 luncheons with speakers, 7 workshops, and 2 interactive seminars, learning opportunities abound in the FGS 2016 Program. With strong daily tracks covering the U.S. Midwest (regional track), the United Kingdom (British Isles and Commonwealth track), and continental European research (ethnic track), attendees of all skill levels will learn a multitude of ways to uncover more about their family history.
• Exhibit Hall: The large exhibit hall will feature the latest software, books, maps, databases and gadgets on the market for genealogists and family historians, as well as information about genealogical organizations. Located in the special Society Showcase area, representatives of FGS Member Societies will be on hand to demonstrate how their society can help attendees with their family history.
• Special Events: With built-in networking opportunities, registrants can meet like-minded genealogists and family historians at FGS special events including “Farms & Families: Across the Decades” on Wednesday evening sponsored by FamilySearch and co-hosted by the Illinois State Genealogical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society; the “Meet & Greet” sponsored by Ancestry.com on Thursday evening; and the FGS 40th Anniversary Gala on Friday evening.
• Focus on Societies: On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, sessions are jam‐packed with ideas and tools to help societies promote themselves, develop projects, increase membership, and leverage technology. The day kicks off with a plenary session that explores the opportunities and challenges facing societies today and showcases ways to facilitate the changes needed for societies to succeed and thrive.
• Librarians’ Day: On Tuesday, August 30, 2016, ProQuest will sponsor a pre‐conference full‐day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.

Platinum sponsors include leading family history companies Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. Other participating and supporting organizations include Findmypast, Internet Genealogy, Your Genealogy, Lexmark, Eneclann, Illinois State Genealogical Society, Illinois State Archives, Illinois State Historical Society, and more. Please visit the conference website for a complete listing of all sponsors and partners.

Also visit the conference website at http://www.FGSConference.org for additional details including links to conference hotels, research opportunities, and more. Keep up with conference news and announcements right here on the FGS Voice blog at http://voice.fgs.org/ and by subscribing to the FGS Voice Newsletter at http://fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=71.

We can't wait to see you in Springfield! Register now.