Ancestry's Sessions at FGS 2018

FGS is pleased to have Ancestry as a Platinum Sponsor for FGS 2018 in Fort Wayne, August 22-25.

In addition to their booth in the exhibit hall where they will be doing demos and answering questions, Ancestry is sponsoring several sessions during the conference:

Thursday, August 23

"Advancing Your Genealogy Research with DNA" by Crista Cowan (5:00pm)
You’ve scoured the census, dug through probates, and even visited the county courthouse. What’s left? DNA. It’s the oldest record of your family, and technology and science are coming up with more ways for you to use it. Come and learn what new tools AncestryDNA has to advance your research and get more out of your DNA results.

"Midwestern Treasures on Ancestry" by Juliana Szucs (2:00pm)
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.

Saturday, August 25

"Mining Probates on Ancestry for Family History Gold" by Juliana Szucs (3:30pm)
There are 18 million+ probate records on Ancestry. Are you mining them effectively or just scratching the surface? Learn how to effectively dig deep in this rich collection.

"Using Genetic Communities™ to Tell Your Story" by Crista Cowan (11:00am)
Genetic Communities™ is an exciting innovation in DNA testing that can take you on a journey through specific stories about our past. In this class, you will learn about how Genetic Communities™ are formed, why you get assigned to a particular Genetic Community™, and how to use them in your research.

Register now for FGS 2018, one of the premier genealogy events in the US! Register before July 18 and save. Click here to register.

Summer Sale on FGS 2018 Through July 18

There's a Summer Sale on the FGS conference! Register for the full conference (4-days) before July 18 at 5:00pm Central and save. 

With more than 100 sessions and workshops, expert presenters, a lively exhibit hall, and access to one of the best genealogy libraries in the country, FGS 2018 is the place to be!

Register now and save on a full-conference registration. 

The FGS conference + summer + savings = the perfect combination!

We'll see you in Fort Wayne, August 22-25!

(Discount applies only to the Full Conference registration and you must register before July 18, 2018 at 5:00pm Central. There are 1-day and 2-day registration options; however, the Full Conference registration is the best value.)

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!

Debunking Myths About the FGS Conference

There are a few myths swirling around about the Federation of Genealogical Societies' annual conference being held this year in Fort Wayne, Indiana from August 22-25 — myths that might make you think that you can't come. Don't miss out on one of the premier genealogy events because of some bad information! Here's what you need to know.

Truth: There Is More Than Society Management Sessions

The FGS conference has topics ranging from records and methodology to technology and DNA. The sessions on Wednesday are aimed at topics that will help genealogy societies be better and stronger, but Thursday through Saturday is all about genealogy and family history research. Check out the full program!

Truth: You Don't Have to Be a Society Member to Attend

Anyone with an interest in genealogy and family history can attend. We think that genealogy societies are great (after all, that's what we are!), but the conference is open to all genealogists. No membership required.

Truth: There Are Topics for All Levels of Genealogists

There are sessions for every experience level. Just beginning to work with genetic genealogy? The Thursday DNA sessions are for you! (Then work your way through intermediate and advanced DNA topics on Friday and Saturday.) Want an in-depth case study showing how a brick wall was knocked down? We have several to choose from.

Truth: There Are a Variety of Speakers

You'll see favorite presenters like Judy Russell, Blaine Bettinger, Tony Burroughs, and Maureen Taylor, along with new presenters like Charlotte Noelle Champenois and Sydney Bjork. (It isn't the same ol' same ol'!) Check out this speaker list!

Truth: There Are Topics Outside the US

Tracks this year include researching in Eastern Europe, German, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom.

Join Us in Fort Wayne

The FGS conference features more than 100 sessions to help you be a better genealogist. The conference is conveniently located across the street from the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, allowing you to put into practice what you learn. It's 4 days of learning, inspiration, and camaraderie. Click here to register now!

German Research Track at FGS 2018

German ancestry is claimed by millions of Americans. Because it is such a common research need for genealogists, there is an entire track devoted to it at FGS 2018, in Fort Wayne, Indiana 22-25 August 2018.

Chuck Knuthson Memorial Lecture: Methods for Identifying the German Origins of American Immigrants by Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
Sponsored by Midwestern Roots
If all you know from conventional records is “Germany” as a place of origin, then this lecture will help you mine other resources to locate WHERE in Germany your ancestor came from.

Newcomers Documented: Finding Your Ancestors in German Residential Registration Lists by Charlotte Noelle Champenois
Sponsored by BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy
If you move to Germany, you have to register your place of residence with the city. Every time you move within the country, even within a single city, you have to abmeld (de-register) from the old place and anmeld (register) at the new place. This system is a way of life in Germany and is nothing new—in fact, your ancestors may have had to register in much the same way. Learn how to use residential registration lists to find German ancestors and to trace them back to their hometowns.

German Historical Geography by Daniel R. Jones, MA, AG
Sponsored by FamilySearch
Want to figure out where the records of your German ancestors are? Come and learn what historical geography is and how it effects where to look for records. We'll be talking about what exactly "Germany" is and tools on how to identify where to go next for records.

German Census Records 1816–1916: Where Are They Hidden? by Charlotte Noelle Champenois
Sponsored by BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy
In U.S. family history research, the first record to turn to is the census. The same does not hold true in German research, but censuses were taken in Germany as well—and about half of these records still exist. Of the thirty-eight states of the German Empire, every single one has conducted censuses. Dr. Roger P. Minert’s book German Census Records 1816-1916: The When, Where, and How of a Valuable Genealogical Resource, published in 2016, helps identify which German states have censuses from which years. Learn how to locate existing German census records, including what German words and phrases to look up when in search of German census records (the variety will surprise you!).

Register now for FGS 2018 in Fort Wayne, Indiana August 22-25! (Early bird discount until July 1. Register now and save!)

Extended Hours at the Genealogy Center for #FGS2018 Attendees

What's better than learning about genealogy? Being able to put what you've learned into practice right away at one of the nation's premier genealogy libraries! Attendees of the FGS 2018 conference will be able to do that with extended hours at the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library.

Extended hours for conference attendees will be:

• Wednesday, August 22: 9am-11pm
• Thursday, August 23: 7am-11pm
• Friday, August 24: 7am-11pm
• Saturday, August 25: 7am-6pm
• Sunday, August 26: 9am-5pm

There will be "in and out" privileges; you'll be able to come and go during these hours. (Just be sure to have your conference badge!)

The Genealogy Center features one of the best genealogy collections anywhere. It has more than 800,000 books, microfilm, and microfiche titles from around the world. You'll definitely want to spend some time there!

Register now for FGS 2018, August 22-25. 

We'll see you at the library!

Learn About DNA at FGS 2018!

Whether you've just taken your first DNA test or a seasoned genetic genealogy researcher, learn from some of the best in the field at FGS 2018!

The DNA track this year is designed to be progressive. DNA beginners can start with the sessions on Thursday, while intermediate and more advanced researchers might want to start with the sessions on Friday or Saturday. There are also 3 special DNA workshops, allowing you to go even deeper into the subject.

Thursday, August 23

Creating a Research Plan for DNA Testing by Shannon Combs-Bennett
You have tested your DNA, or are you thinking about it? Still not sure how it will help you with your genealogy research? Learn how to integrate those results into a genealogy research plan to unlock more clues to your family’s past.

MyHeritage DNA 101: From Taking the Test to Understanding the Results by Daniel Horowitz (Sponsored by MyHeritage)
MyHeritage's affordable, easy-to-use DNA home testing kit can reveal valuable family history information and tell you more about your origins. MyHeritage’s DNA Matching service enables you to enjoy exceptional matching capabilities for family history research. Review your Matches, contact and exchange information with others, and learn how you’re related.

DNA Baby Steps by Blaine Bettinger
Although DNA testing has been available for 18 years, there are millions of new test-takers every year. Let’s look at some of the first steps that new test-takers should follow when they open their results for the first time. What do you need to know to understand your test results?

Advancing Your Genealogy Research with DNA by Crista Cowan (Sponsored by Ancestry)
You’ve scoured the census, dug through probates, and even visited the county courthouse. What’s left? DNA. It’s the oldest record of your family, and technology and science are coming up with more ways for you to use it. Come and learn what new tools AncestryDNA has to advance your research and get more out of your DNA results.

Friday, August 24

Doing DNA Right: The Ethical Side of Testing by Judy G. Russell
Genealogy has always involved airing family secrets, but DNA testing poses more immediate risks of disclosing the secrets of living people. How do we use this 21st century tool in the most ethical way possible for all those impacted?

No Chromosome Browser? No Problem by Angie Bush
Chromosome browsers are a tool that can be used by genetic genealogists to better understand their matches, but not all testing services provide them. Learn how to make the most of your matches no matter where you tested.

When You’re Not Who You Thought You Were by Pamela Boyer Sayre
If Y-DNA testing identifies a totally different surname or ancestor than the expected one, what path leads to finding your own true biological identity?

Charts and Diagrams: The Genetic Genealogist’s Bread and Butter by Angie Bush
Understand how to read and interpret all of the various charts in diagrams that are so prevalent in genetic genealogy and learn about tools that can be used to create your own charts to share with family members or in client reports.

Saturday, August 25

Using Genetic Communities™ to Tell Your Story by Crista Cowan (Sponsored by Ancestry)
Genetic Communities™ is an exciting innovation in DNA testing that can take you on a journey through specific stories about our past. In this class, you will learn about how Genetic Communities™ are formed, why you get assigned to a particular Genetic Community™, and how to use them in your research.

Genetic Genealogy: Advanced by Diahan Southard
Have you mastered the basics of autosomal DNA testing? There are several advanced tools that can help you glean more information from your DNA test.

DNA Doesn’t Prove Anything by Angie Bush
A common misconception is that DNA testing “proves” things that were not “provable” before. Attendees should come away from this lecture with a better understanding of the concept of proof and how to avoid common mistakes in interpreting their DNA results.

Advanced Third-Party Tools by Blaine Bettinger
We will examine tools like Phasing, Matching Segment Search, Lazarus, and Triangulation tools offered by GEDmatch, DNAGedcom, and others. These tools are almost always excluded from typical third-party tool lectures.

There are also 3 special DNA workshops and a fun Friday evening event!

Try Your Hand at Genetic Genealogy with Diahan Southard (Thursday)
Working in pairs or small groups you will get a chance to take a DNA case step-by-step to learn exactly how to explore your autosomal DNA match list and make family connections. No computer required. Tickets $50 (advance purchase required)

Visual Phasing Workshop with Blaine Bettinger (Friday)
Visual Phasing is the process of breaking down your chromosomes into grandparent contributions using the DNA test results of 3 siblings (and sometimes even fewer than 3 siblings). Although Visual Phasing is challenging, many genealogists find the puzzle-like nature of the method to be extremely rewarding! After studying the basics of the methodology, we’ll launch into some hands-on examples and exercises! Tickets $50 (advance purchase required)

GEDmatch Workshop with Blaine Bettinger (Saturday)
A hands‐on workshop that guides attendees step‐by‐step through many of the third‐party tools available at GEDmatch. Tickets $50 (advance purchase required)

Evening Event on Friday: Speed DNAting: A Hip Haplogroup Happening
Come learn something about your haplogroup through networking, DNA themed cocktails or mocktails, trivia, and other contests. There will be food and lots of fun and information during this hip happening. Tickets $30 (advance purchase required)

Register now for FGS 2018 in Fort Wayne, Indiana August 22-25! 

African American Research Track at FGS 2018

African American genealogy has its challenges and the speakers in the African American research track at FGS 2018 are there to help!

Sessions in the African American Track on Saturday, August 25 include:

Oral History: It Ain't on the Web by Tony Burroughs
James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture, sponsored by the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Oral history is the first block to build a family history. It is vital because many family details will not be found on the internet or library and has a limited shelf-life. Interviewing techniques, equipment, questions to ask, maximizing a person’s memory and processing information after the interview are covered.

Looking for My Babies: Freedmen Searching for Family by Ari Wilkins
Countless African American families experienced the traumatic displacement and loss of family members during slavery. In the wake of Emancipation, African Americans from all of over the country desperately searched for their missing family members – using such resources as the Freedmen’s Bureau and newspapers.

Seven Strategies to Identifying Slave Ownership & Reconstruct Slave Era Families by Janis Minor Forte, MS
Using a set of specific strategies, this lecture provides an array of proven techniques and record group to aid in the identification and documentation of slaves, their families and their owners. The strategies also present methods to finding missing kin of slave era families.

Manuscript Collections in Libraries & Archives of Historical Black College and Universities by Deborah Abbott, PhD
HBCUs are often overlooked resources for African American research. Most were established after the Civil War and are located in former slave states and territories, but there were a few established in the north. These repositories hold a gold mine of records that may not be found anywhere else.

About the FGS Conference:

Dates: 22-25 August 2018
Place: Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana (across the street from the Allen County Public Library)
Featuring: More than 100 sessions, workshops, and special events.
There is something for every family historian at FGS 2018!  Go to FGS.org to see the full program and register! (Register before July 1 and save!)

Librarians' Day at FGS 2018

Librarians, archivists, and others who work with genealogists: Join us on Tuesday, August 21 at the Allen County Public Library for Librarians' Day!

This year's theme is "How to Stay Relevant in a Technology World." 

Program:

8:00-8:30: Meet and Greet with light refreshments

8:30: Welcome

8:45-9:45: "When Books and Bytes Aren't Enough," by Amy Johnson Crow, MLIS, CG, Genealogy Educator

10:00-11:00: "Where Library and Archive Meet: Digital Collections in Omeka," by Matthew LaFlash, Technologist, Information Manager, and Genealogist

11:15-12:15: "Not Much We Won't Do: Outreach, Processing, and Added Content in the FCPL Maryland Room," by Mary K.Mannix, Maryland Room Manager, C. Burr Artz Public Library, Frederick County (MD) Public Libraries

12:30-2:00: Lunch, compliments of ProQuest & Luncheon presentation by William Forsyth

2:15-3:30: "Hit Me With Your Best Shot!" A panel discussion of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the genealogy space. 

3:45-5:30: Tour opportunities:

- The Genealogy Center Operations

- The Lincoln Collection of the Allen County Public Library
- The FamilySearch Book Scanning Center

This is event is sponsored by ProQuest. 

Registration is just $10 for the full day. Click here to register.

The event will be held at the Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FGS 2018 Registration Is Open

Registration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2018 Conference is open!

Join us 22-25 August in Fort Wayne, Indiana and learn about DNA; technology; records; methodology; the Midwest; African American, German, Eastern European, Scandinavian, and UK research; and society management. It is a full four days of genealogy! Click here to see the program. 

The conference is directly across the street from the incredible Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, which offers you a unique opportunity to put what you've learned into action right away.

There are also additional hands-on workshops for DNA, maps, and using Google. Workshops fill up quickly, so register now!

Early bird pricing is in effect. Register now and save! 

We look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne!

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.

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!