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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Printed FGS 2011 Syllabus Now Available

FGS has a couple dozen printed (bound) syllabus left after the 2011 FGS/ISGS Springfield Conference. The syllabus is 552 pages in all. If you would like to order a copy, send a check for $40.00 (includes shipping) to:

Federation of Genealogical Societies
PO Box 200940
Austin, TX 78720-0940
USA

Check back on this blog if you don't send a check immediately to see if all have been sold. They usually go very fast and orders will be filled in the order received.

Federation of Genealogical Societies Announces Tourism Award

First Recipients of FGS Genealogical Tourism Award Announced

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the creation of a new award to recognize and encourage a phenomenon garnering greater public attention: tourism and travel related to family history.

The FGS Genealogical Tourism Award has been established - through the work of the FGS Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC) - to recognize the promotion efforts of libraries, archives and other genealogy research sites as “go to” destinations.

Recently, more travelers are visiting sites relevant to their own family history and heritage as well as sites that can help them research their own roots. The FGS Genealogical Tourism Award seeks to recognize those promoters and organizations who excel at ensuring that such sites remain accessible to the public.

Pat Oxley, President of the Federation of Genealogical Societies states: “The preservation of, and our access to, the records upon which we as family historians depend is a source of constant and significant concern to our community. We have a vision of potential ways in which tourism organizations across the country might promote and encourage the use of genealogical resources within their regions.”
The first winners of the FGS Genealogical Tourism Award are:

• Curt Witcher, Genealogy Center Manager, Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for his efforts in attracting 100,000+ visitors to the Genealogical Center each year, 85% of them from outside of Allen County. The indirect economic impact is estimated to expand the economy of Allen County by almost $7 million each year.

• Deby Snodgrass, Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the success of the http://www.travelOK.com website. The Genealogy section of the site at http://www.travelok.com/Genealogy lists genealogy resources by county as well as maps featuring Oklahoma Land Runs and Civil War Points of Interest.

According to Snodgrass, “Building our site was truly a labor of love on the part of Jennifer Kalkman, our Director of Marketing Operations and her team. Every member of the interactive team played an important role in creating it. We intend to continue to grow the site and look forward to working with the genealogical community.”

The awards presentation was made at the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ 2011 conference in Springfield, Illinois during the Opening Session on September 8, 2011. FGS hopes to provide future Genealogical Tourism Awards each year at its annual conference.

FGS Radio - Live From the FGS 2011 Conference

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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/09/10/live-from-the-fgs-2011-conference

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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/09/10/live-from-the-fgs-2011-conference

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 will be broadcast live from the Exhibit Hall at the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ 2011 Conference in Springfield, Illinois. We’ll be interviewing FGS Board members, Official Bloggers, speakers, vendors and attendees about their FGS 2011 experience. We’ll also be highlighting the California Genealogical Society in our weekly Society Spotlight feature. 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.

Links

• FGS 2011 Conference
  http://www.fgs.org/2011conference/

• FGS 2011 Conference Blog
  http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the California Genealogical Society.

The California Genealogical Society, organized in San Francisco on February 12, 1898, is one of the premier genealogical resources in Northern California. The Library is rich in genealogy reference materials, both standard and unique, covering people and places in California and the rest of the country. The Society offers research services, online one-of-a-kind genealogical indexes and databases, and a research library housing over 38,000 reference materials from California, the United States, and around the world.

The mission of CGS is to help people trace and compile their family histories. To accomplish this, the Society maintains a library, gathers and preserves vital records, disseminates information through its publications and internet access, and teaches genealogical research methods through meetings, seminars and workshops.

Links

• California Genealogical Society
  http://www.californiaancestors.org/

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.

FGS Radio - Selecting and Hiring a Genealogy Speaker

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/09/selecting-and-hiring-a-genealogy-speaker

Saturday, July 16, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/07/09/selecting-and-hiring-a-genealogy-speaker

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 host Thomas MacEntee will interview special guest Jean Hibben of the Genealogical Speakers Guild discussing how to select and hire a genealogy speaker.

Guests

Jean Hibben

A Board Certified genealogist, Jean Wilcox Hibben has been involved in family research for over 30 years. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Genealogical Speakers Guild (where she serves as secretary), various societies in the areas where she does research, the Association of Professional Genealogists (serving as president of the Southern California Chapter), and the Corona Genealogical Society (where she serves as president). She is also the Membership and Meeting Coordinator for the Riverside Folk Song Society.

Jean has been playing guitar for over 40 years, learning a variety of other folk instruments along the way. She sees a connection between family history and music because, in learning about our forebears, we try to piece together the various elements of our ancestors' lives in an effort to create a complete (or as complete as possible) picture of who they were in their homes, families, occupations, religions, and activities. Their musical interests/involvement should be considered part of this whole picture, or circle, of their lives.

Jean is a volunteer at the Corona California Family History Center where she trains Family History consultants. A native of the Chicago suburbs, she moved to Southern California in 1973 and obtained her bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Communication. She worked as a professor in the field for 13 years before leaving academia to pursue her passions, family history and folklore, and holds a doctorate in the latter (her dissertation was on Family Stories gathered from genealogists across America). Jean is a national speaker and is known for her entertaining, as well as informative, presentations. She is a monthly contributor to the on-line magazine, GenWeekly, and a frequent writer for other genealogy publications.

Jean, who lives in western Riverside County, California, maintains that “who we are is a compilation of our experiences and associations as well as our biological connections. When we understand our ancestors we can better understand ourselves. By doing this, we can begin to complete our personal family circles.” This connects to her mission statement: “My goal is to assist others in their efforts to connect generations (past to present), completing the family circle.”

Links

• Genealogical Speakers Guild
  http://www.genealogicalspeakersguild.org

• FGS 2011 Genealogical Speakers Guild Track
  http://fgs.org/2011conference/program/program_by_track.php
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
  Nancy Lee Waters Lauer
  I Tripped on the Way to the Podium
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:30-10:30am
  Carrie Cook
  Making PowerPoint Unique by Not Distracting
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, 11:00am-12:00pm
  Fredrea Gregath Cook
  The Value-Added Professional
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, ,2:00-3:00pm
  Jean Wilcox Hibben
  How do you do that? Practical Suggestions for Prospective Genealogical Lecturers
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, 3:30-4:30pm
  Diana Crisman Smith
  Something For Everyone! Or Not? Establishing the Right Presentation Mix
  
  Friday, September 9, 2011, 5:00-6:00pm
  Gary M. Smith
  Lecturer, Speaker, Teacher: What's The Difference?

• CircleMending
  http://www.circlemending.org

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois.

The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois (GSSI) was organized in Carterville, Illinois in March 1973, for the purpose of encouraging the science of genealogy; helping others gather genealogical information; and preserving, protecting, and publishing information of importance to Southern Illinois genealogy. Our Constitution and a list of current Officers are posted on this website.

GSSI includes in its geographic area the twenty-eight counties of Illinois south of interstate 70: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson.

The GSSI Genealogy Collection at the John A. Logan College Library consists of more than 1000 books and several hundred reels of microfilm. The collection does not circulate, but it is now catalogued and may be searched through the JALC Library Catalog. Before visiting, consult the College Library webpage for opening and closing hours.

The Society issues a monthly Newsletter, and publishes a quarterly journal, The Saga of Southern Illinois, both of which are distributed to all members of the society. Indexes to Saga Articles 1974-2009 and the full text of Obituaries and Death Notices in the Jonesboro Gazette 1858-1939 and of Cairo Newspapers 1848 -1874 are published on line.

Links

• Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois
  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilgssi/index.html

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.

FGS Radio - FGS 2011 Conference Highlights

Click here to create a reminder to listen to FGS Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/06/18/fgs-2011-conference-highlights

Saturday, June 18, 2011
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2011/06/18/fgs-2011-conference-highlights

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 your host Thomas MacEntee will interview special guests D. Joshua Taylor and Paula Stuart-Warren, National Co-Chairs of the FGS 2011 Conference to be held in Springfield, Illinois September 7-10, 2011.

We’ll discuss various highlights of the conference including educational opportunities, information on research repositories, as well as some tips on what to see while in the Springfield area. Plus, stay tuned for a special appearance by one of the speakers at the FGS 2011 Conference – J. Mark Lowe!

Guests

D. Joshua Taylor

D. Joshua Taylor “Josh” is a nationally known and recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Currently, Joshua is the Director of Education and Programs at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a frequent speaker at genealogical societies, libraries, and other organizations across the United States. Active in the genealogical community, Joshua is the current Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), where he also serves as chairman of the Conference Planning Committee and co-chair of the FGS/ISGS 2011 National Conference. He holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College and has been a featured genealogist on NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? with actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashley Judd.

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, is a Certified Genealogist working full-time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. Her expertise is widely known and respected. Her lectures are informative, educational, and lively. Each lecture is accompanied by an extensive handout with both online and offline resources. Paula has researched at the National Archives, Family History Library, Minnesota Historical Society, Wisconsin Historical Society, and many other repositories across the U.S. Since 1997 she has been a Course Coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, lectured at National Genealogical Society and Federation of Genealogical Societies conferences since 1993, and in 29 states and Canada for many types of groups.

A former officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists and former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, she is a member and volunteer in historical and genealogical organizations. Currently she is President of the Northland Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and co-chair of the 2011 FGS Conference being held in Springfield, Illinois.

She has written for Ancestry Magazine, FGS Forum, NGS Magazine, New England Ancestors, Minnesota Genealogist, and is editor of FGS Conference News Blog and Paula’s Genealogical Eclectica. Her articles and lectures focus on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, analyzing records, Midwest, and Native Americans. She is descended from eight ancestral countries and has connections to many U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Links

• FGS 2011 Conference
  http://www.fgs.org/2011conference

• FGS Conference News Blog
  http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org

• FGS 2011 Conference on Facebook
  http://www.facebook.com/fgs2011

• FGS 2011 Conference on Twitter
  http://www.twitter.com/fgs2011

• Discover Springfield
  http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com

FGS 2011 Speaker of the Week

We start a new feature this week highlighting a different speaker from the FGS 2011 Conference.  Between now and the start of the conference, look for a special appearance by a speaker during which time they'll discuss their presentations at the FGS 2011 Conference.

J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA

Mark Lowe is a full-time professional genealogist, author and lecturer. While sharing personal experiences that help beginning and experienced researchers gain new skills and insights for research, he specializes in Kentucky and Tennessee resources and researches primarily in original records and manuscripts throughout the Southeast. As a national and regional speaker, he has brought these areas of expertise along with his unique humor and southern style to many diverse audiences.

Lowe has published articles in the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly (APGQ), the Genealogical Speakers’ Guild SPEAK!, The Longhunter (So. Ky. Genealogical Society), The Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society Quarterly and other local society publications. His own publications include Robertson County Tennessee Marriage Book 2 1859-1873. He formerly was the Vice President of Development for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), Vice President of the Genealogical Speakers Guild (GSG) and Past-President of the Southern Kentucky Genealogical Society.

FGS 2011 Conference Appearances:

• Friday, September 9, 2011, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
  President Lincoln's Answer to the Genealogist
  International Commission for the Accreditation of Genealogists (ICAPGen) Luncheon

• Saturday, September 10, 2011, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
  Developing a Basic Research Plan - Workshop

• Saturday, September 10, 2011, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
  Developing a Basic Research Plan (continued) -Workshop

• Saturday, September 10, 2011, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Circuit Riders and the Early Methodist Church

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight will feature the St. Clair County (IL) Genealogical Society (http://www.stclair-ilgs.org/stchome.htm).  St. Clair was the first county in Illinois and first county created in the Northwest Territory. SCCGS has been pelping genealogists discover their roots since 1977 and was founded in order to:

• Preserve and perpetuate ancestral records for educational and historical purposes;

• Encourage the study of family history and to teach the methods of genealogical research;

• Promote genealogical publications;

• Promote the preservation and safeguarding of genealogical data; and

• Publish and circulate literature relative to the purposes and acquisitions of the Society.

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.

Delegates - Are You Attending the FGS 2011 Conference?

[Note: this post is directed towards FGS Delegates. Each FGS member society elects a delegate to represent the society at the FGS annual conference and other functions. If you would like to be a delegate but your genealogy society is not a member of FGS, see the Membership Information page.] 

Dear Delegates,

By now, I hope you have added the 2011 Federation of Genealogical Societies/Illinois State Genealogical Society Conference to your calendar. The dates are September 7-10, 2011 in historic Springfield, Illinois. 

We hope you are passing the FGS Voice conference news on to your society’s board members, editors, webmaster, and letting your members know about the conference. Please feel free to use any of the conference announcements in the Voice or the FGS Conference News Blog for your own website or publications, both off and online. Just add a line that tells where the information is from and add the FGS website URL. Check the conference website under Media for details on a contest for member societies that might result in your society winning a free conference registration for the 2012 conference.

Have you scheduled a presentation to your society’s board about the importance of delegates attending the conference? Just the networking with other delegates, society board members and other dedicated volunteers is enough to make it worthwhile. Discussions of successes, problems, budget, volunteers and other topics apply to most societies. It’s a day to participate, ask questions, and discuss such things. The variety of lectures that “Focus on Societies” deliver so much that will be valuable to the workings of your society.

Ask your board to join you in Springfield to attend the conference sessions dedicated to the workings of genealogical societies. Tell them about the extensive sessions that will help their own genealogical research. Because the conference takes place in a given state, doesn’t mean that the sessions only relate to research in that state. The topics cover a myriad of states, research repositories, methodologies, and more.

If you register by 11:59 p.m. on July 1, 2011 you will be registering at the discount price. At midnight the cost goes up by $50.00.

FGS Conference:  http://fgs.org/2011conference/

FGS Conference News Blog: http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org/

See you in Springfield!

Nominations for FGS Youth Award – Nominations Due July 15th

The FGS Outreach Committee is accepting nominations for the FGS 2011 Youth Award, which honors volunteers under the age of 18 who have made a significant contribution to an FGS member society.

Nominees must be affiliated with an FGS member society, and be eighteen or younger as of July 15, 2011. Nominations should be submitted via email to fgsoutreach@fgs.org by July 15, 2011 and include the following:

1. The society and contact information (include the name of the society president and/or FGS delegate)
2. The youth’s name and contact information
3. A brief description of the youth’s contribution to your society

The award will be presented on Thursday, September 8th during the opening sessions. The award recipient will receive:

• Complimentary registration to the FGS 2011 Conference
• A write-up in the FGS FORUM
• The award recipient and member society will each receive a copy of the award winning book Family History for Kids by Emma Jolly
• RootsMagic package that includes RootsMagic (program and book), Personal Historian, and Family Atlas
• Many other materials from genealogical vendors

LAST CHANCE FGS Award Nominations - Deadline: June 1

FGS Award Nominations - Deadline: June 1

Each year at the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, awards are given to genealogical societies and members of societies for outstanding or notable service to the genealogical community. This year awards will be presented at the Keynote Session on Thursday morning. These and some other awards are also announced in the FGS FORUM.

You are encouraged to nominate individuals or societies to receive these awards of recognition. You know the societies and the people who make up those organizations. You know the activities/projects that an individual or society has successfully undertaken. These are the people, the societies, and the activities FGS is looking to offer gratitude to with these awards. Note: only FGS-member societies and individual members of FGS-member societies can be nominated for the FGS Awards.

• Certificate of Appreciation: Individual or organization in thanks for duty in exemplary or outstanding manner.

• Award of Merit: Individual or organization for meritorious service or distinguished work in genealogy and family history.

• President's Citation: Individual or organization to whose contributions or service to FGS or the genealogical community are singled out for recognition by the FGS President.

• Delegate Award: Individual Delegate of a member society in recognition of exemplary service to FGS as a member of an FGS standing committee or as an active participant in an FGS project.

• Distinguished Service Award: Individual or organizational recognition of outstanding service to FGS or to a member society. The organization must be a member of FGS, and the individual must be a member of an FGS member society.

• Director's Award: Individual or organizational recognition of both exceptional contributions to the field of genealogy and family history, and extra-mile efforts to promote good will and improve services.

• George E. Williams Award: Individual with outstanding contributions within a single year to FGS, a member organization, or both.

• David S. Vogels Award: Individual for recognition of outstanding career contributions to FGS.

• Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Humanitarian Award: To a rare individual for lifetime contributions and whose positive personal influence and example have fostered unity in the genealogical community, provided leadership to its individual members, and helped make family history a vital force in the community at large.

• Archives Award: Individual or organizational recognition of exceptional contributions in the area of archival access, preservation, or services.

Any member of the public can make a nomination - you do not need to be a member of a FGS-member society in order to make a nomination. More information about the awards and a link to a submission form can be found at the FGS website: http://www.fgs.org/awards/index.php.

The deadline for submission of awards for 2011 is 1 June 2011.

FGS Award Nominations - Deadline: June 1

Each year at the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, awards are given to genealogical societies and members of societies for outstanding or notable service to the genealogical community. This year awards will be presented at the Keynote Session on Thursday morning. These and some other awards are also announced in the FGS FORUM.

You are encouraged to nominate individuals or societies to receive these awards of recognition. You know the societies and the people who make up those organizations. You know the activities/projects that an individual or society has successfully undertaken. These are the people, the societies, and the activities FGS is looking to offer gratitude to with these awards. Note: only FGS-member societies and individual members of FGS-member societies can be nominated for the FGS Awards.

• Certificate of Appreciation: Individual or organization in thanks for duty in exemplary or outstanding manner.

• Award of Merit: Individual or organization for meritorious service or distinguished work in genealogy and family history.

• President's Citation: Individual or organization to whose contributions or service to FGS or the genealogical community are singled out for recognition by the FGS President.

• Delegate Award: Individual Delegate of a member society in recognition of exemplary service to FGS as a member of an FGS standing committee or as an active participant in an FGS project.

• Distinguished Service Award: Individual or organizational recognition of outstanding service to FGS or to a member society. The organization must be a member of FGS, and the individual must be a member of an FGS member society.

• Director's Award: Individual or organizational recognition of both exceptional contributions to the field of genealogy and family history, and extra-mile efforts to promote good will and improve services.

• George E. Williams Award: Individual with outstanding contributions within a single year to FGS, a member organization, or both.

• David S. Vogels Award: Individual for recognition of outstanding career contributions to FGS.

• Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern Humanitarian Award: To a rare individual for lifetime contributions and whose positive personal influence and example have fostered unity in the genealogical community, provided leadership to its individual members, and helped make family history a vital force in the community at large.

• Archives Award: Individual or organizational recognition of exceptional contributions in the area of archival access, preservation, or services.

Any member of the public can make a nomination - you do not need to be a member of a FGS-member society in order to make a nomination. More information about the awards and a link to a submission form can be found at the FGS website: http://www.fgs.org/awards/index.php.

The deadline for submission of awards for 2011 is 1 June 2011.

FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference Publicity Contest

For Immediate Release
February 14, 2011

FGS/ISGS 2011 CONFERENCE PUBLICITY CONTEST

FGS Member Societies Can Enter to Win a Free FGS 2012 Registration

February 14, 2011 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference Publicity Contest for its member societies. The FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference will be held 7-10 September 2011 in beautiful Springfield, Illinois. This year’s conference theme is “Pathways to the Heartland,” and the local host is the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS).

As in past years, FGS member societies can help publicize the FGS/ISGS 2011 conference through their newsletters, websites and other publications and also be eligible to win a registration for the FGS 2012 Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.

At the FGS 2011 Media Center (http://www.fgs.org/2011conference/media) visitors can find resources including graphics, banner ads, articles and more for use in their society newsletters or publications as well as their websites and blogs. These items can also be obtained by sending a request to fgs2011@gmail.com.

Contest Details

To enter, FGS member societies can use the convenient Contest Entry Form (http://fgs2011media.weebly.com/contest-entry-form.html) for each publication appearance for each qualifying article or ad. All Contest entries must be submitted by 12:00 am on 15 August 2011 to be eligible for the drawing. The winner will be announced at the FGS/ISGS Conference in Springfield, IL on Wednesday, 7 September 2011 during the Focus on Societies Luncheon. The Contest winner information will be posted on the FGS website (http://www.fgs.org), FGS Voice blog (http://voice.fgs.org) and newsletter, and in the FGS FORUM along with a link to the member society's website.

FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference

The FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Over 165 educational sessions and 13 luncheons are designed to balance the needs of genealogists at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to those interested in researching their family history.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch (offering extensive Focus on Societies, Migration and Immigration, and Technology tracks), Ancestry.com, the National Archives and Records Administration, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Board for Certification of Genealogists, and others. In addition, the Genealogical Speakers Guild and ICAPGen will present their own tracks of sessions by their members.

Early-bird registration for the FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference is now available through 1 July 2011. (http://www.fgs.org/2011conference/registration/).

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

About the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS)

The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) was organized in October of the Sesquicentennial Year, 1968, and is a non-profit, educational organization. ISGS was established for the following purposes:

• To stimulate an interest in the people who contributed to the establishment and development of the State of Illinois.
• To seek, preserve, and make available data pertaining to individuals, families, and groups who lived in Illinois and to events which took place therein.
• To inform people of the value of, and need for, preserving family and local history for posterity.
• To encourage the formation of local genealogical societies and to coordinate and disseminate information.

The ISGS genealogical collection is located in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield and an administrative office is maintained in the Illinois State Archives. For more information visit http://www.ilgensoc.org.

FGS/ISGS 2011 Conference Registration Now Open

“Pathways to the Heartland” - A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists


February 2, 2011 – Austin, TX. Registration for the 2011 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, scheduled for 7-10 September 2011 in beautiful Springfield, Illinois, is now open. This year’s conference theme is “Pathways to the Heartland,” and the local host is the Illinois State Genealogical Society.

This year's conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Over 165 educational sessions and 13 luncheons are designed to balance the needs of genealogists at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to those interested in researching their family history.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch (offering extensive Focus on Societies, Migration and Immigration, and Technology tracks), Ancestry.com, the National Archives and Records Administration, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists, Board for Certification of Genealogists, and others. In addition, the Genealogical Speakers Guild and ICAPGen will present their own tracks of sessions by their members that you won’t want to miss.

Conference Highlights

• Librarians Day: On Tuesday, September 6, 2011, ProQuest is sponsoring a full day of free sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers. The cost is $10.00 which includes lunch.

• Focus on Societies: On Wednesday, September 7, 2011, all new programs and focus group sessions to help improve the operations and effectiveness for genealogical societies’ officers, as well as their members and volunteers.

• Conference Sessions: A wide variety of genealogy-related lectures and workshops for all experience levels.  Topics include Mid-Western research, migration and immigration, military, strategies and techniques, technology, and writing.

• Special Events: Include An Old Fashioned Prairie Social, the FGS 35th Anniversary Celebration, and Spotlight on Societies—all providing an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy. This exciting week of genealogy closes with a Farewell Brunch on Sunday.

• Exhibit Hall: Filled with a wide array of vendors and organizations, and a special Spotlight on Societies area will showcase local and regional genealogical and historical societies.

There are more activities and research opportunities too numerous to list. However, you can learn all about the 2011 FGS Conference and register for this exciting four-day event at http://www.fgs.org/2011conference. Be sure to also visit or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org for more information and travel advice.  We look forward to seeing you in Springfield in September!

Learn More and Stay Connected

• Subscribe to Conference eUpdates: 2011Conference@fgs.org (place “Subscribe” in Subject line)

• Visit the Conference News Blog: http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org

• Follow the Conference on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/fgs2011 and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fgs2011

• Discover Springfield: http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

© 2011, copyright Illinois State Genealogical Society

Your Society's Chance to Win a Free 2011 Conference Registration

For your convenience we have created a 2010 Knoxville Conference press kit for use in your society's newsletter and/or quarterly publication. Go to fgs.org/2010conference/pressroom/ where you will find downloadable press releases and logos.

If you have questions regarding publicity of the 2010 Knoxville Conference please e-mail Lori Thornton at publicity2010@fgs.org.

Please let us know if you advertise our 2010 Knoxville Conference in your newsletter or quarterly as your society will then be entered into a drawing to win a free conference registration to the 2011 conference in Springfield, Illinois! The drawing will take place at the 2010 Knoxville Conference on Friday evening during our extended Exhibit Hall hours.