An 1890 Census Replacement Project could be your societies' next big thing!

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce the April 2018 webinar, “1890 Census Replacement Project: Creating a Genealogically Relevant Project for Your Society,” presented by Dina Carson.

Our 1890 census project yielded: a searchable list of 1890 residents, a county-wide research guide, every-name indices of original sources, and a book. Yours could too.

This webinar will be held on April 19, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

About the Speaker

Dina Carson has been involved in genealogy for more than two decades and is currently the coordinator of the Boulder Pioneers Project, a comprehensive look at the original source documents for Boulder County during the Territorial period (1859-1876). She is the author of more than thirty annotated indexes of Boulder County source materials. She lectures frequently to genealogical societies throughout the state and is working with the Colorado State Archives on state-wide indexing projects. Although her formal education is in International Law and Economics, she owns Iron Gate Publishing, a publishing company, and is a partner in Imagination Technology, a graphic design and marketing firm working with small business clients.

Dina is the author of 10 books about publishing and genealogy including, Set Yourself Up to Self-Publish: A Genealogist's Guide and Publish Your Family History: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Stories of Your Ancestors. In early 2018, Dina was the coordinator and primary instructor for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy's course, “Writing and Publishing Family Histories in the Digital Age.” Dina brings her experience with all phases of book publishing to help first-time self-publishers create quality family or local histories that are both believable and achievable. When she's not at a computer working on a publishing project, you can find her photographing the pioneer cemeteries of Colorado.

Coming Up Next Time

In May, Jill Morelli will present “10 Hot Tips to Create Publications every Member Wants to Read.” Register early! 

About the Webinar Series

Each month, the FGS Webinar Series features a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.

Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. The webinars are free to watch live, but advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise! Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org

Preservation techniques featured in the March FGS webinar

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) is pleased to announce the March 2018 webinar, “Preserving Your Societies Historical and Genealogical Records,” presented by Melissa Barker.

Many genealogical societies are fortunate enough to be in a position to collect and house genealogical records. Most of the time, these records are donated to the society with the hopes they will be preserved for generations to come. It is important for genealogical societies to have the knowledge and techniques needed to archive and preserve the records in their care. This presentation will give your society the tools you need to preserve your records.

Melissa Barker is a Certified Archives Manager for the Houston County, Tennessee, Archives. She also lectures, teaches, and writes about researching in archives and records preservation. She writes her own blog and has written articles for several publications. She is affectionately known as The Archive Lady. She is also a Professional Genealogist that works with clients who are researching their Tennessee ancestors.

This webinar will be held on March 15, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

NEXT TIME: In April, Dina Carson will present “1890 Census Replacement Project: Creating a Genealogically Relevant Project for Your Society.” Registration is already available; get this session on your calendar today. 

About the Webinar Series

Each month, the FGS Webinar Series features a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.

Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. The webinars are free to watch live, but advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise! Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org.

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"An Unlikely Society Ally" - the first of the 2018 FGS Webinar Series

The Federation of Genealogical Societies is ringing in the 2018 Webinar Series with, “An Unlikely Society Ally - the Board of Tourism,” presented by David E. Rencher:

Nearly every community has a Board of Tourism whose purpose is to attract visitors to come to their locality and spend money! Genealogists have an incredible key to generating revenue and thus tax dollars for their community. If you want to get community support and visibility for your society – dangle the money in front of the city council. This is also a perfect way to grow your society and get you noticed locally and nationally. Spend an hour learning about an aspect of marketing your society that you may not have considered!

David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS, is the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. He has been a professional genealogist since 1977 and is a past president of FGS.

This webinar will be held on January 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

NEXT TIME: Amy Johnson Crow will present “Breaking Out of the Box: Creative Thinking for Your Society,” on February 15, 2018 - register today!

About the Webinar Series

Each month, the FGS Webinar Series will feature a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.

Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise. Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org

Does your society need a Social Media Manager?

The October 2017 FGS webinar will feature FGS Education Chair Jen Baldwin, who will present "The Social Media Manager Role in Today’s Society."

What - exactly - is a social media manager and does your society need one? Learn some tricks of this growing professional area and how to convert that to assist your non-profit genealogy society.

Jen writes, lectures, and consults on a variety of genealogy topics. She is the Data Acquisition Manager, North America for Findmypast; and serves as a volunteer for the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) as a Board Member and the Education Committee Chair. She served for several years as the Social Media Chair for the War of 1812 Preserve the Pensions fundraising campaign, led by FGS. Jen is also an active volunteer for the Larimer County Genealogical Society (CO), and has been the host of #genchat, a popular genealogy crowd-sourcing community chat on Twitter, for nearly four years. 

The webinar will be held on October 19, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, and will be recorded for viewing on the FGS website shortly after its conclusion. Please register in advance.

NEXT TIME: The topic for the November 16, 2017 webinar is “Building Bridges Between Societies” presented by Kim Ashford.

About the Webinar Series

Each month, the FGS Webinar Series will feature a new and interesting topic, ranging from recruitment and volunteer management to technology, publications, and working with your local tourism board.

Webinars are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Advance registration is required. Regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media.

Speakers interested in presenting topics should contact Jen Baldwin, Education Chair, at education@fgs.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding and beneficial way to volunteer? The Education Committee at FGS could use your expertise. Please contact Jen Baldwin at education@fgs.org

Second Chance to View War of 1812 Webinar Series

If you missed the War of 1812 Webinar Series that FGS offered in Summer 2013, then mark your calendar to visit the FGS website beginning Friday, February 28, 2014 through Sunday, April, 27, 2014. These informative and entertaining webinars can be viewed for a limited time so don't delay.

"Discovering Local & State Militia Record” presented by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA

Take a closer look at the wide variety of records documenting our local militia companies. From annual muster to supplies and appointment of Officers, learn how these records may be used in your family research. Learn more about the military organization of citizens called for the purpose of local defense, who served this country from the Revolution through 1812 and on to the development of the National Guard.

"Researching in the Post War Records of 1812" presented by Craig Scott, MA, CG

This lecture will focus on the records created by the War Department after the War. It will include compiled military service records, pensions and pension payments.

FGS Announces Three-part Webinar Series on Genealogy Society Membership and Communication

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) welcomes George G. Morgan, President of Aha! Seminars, Inc. and VP of Membership for FGS, as he presents a three-part webinar series on genealogy society membership and communication.

• Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 8:00-9:00 pm EDT
  The Shape of the 21st Century Genealogical Society
  We've come a long way as genealogical and historical societies. New technologies such as blogs, print-on-demand publishing, Facebook, Twitter, mobile phone apps, podcasts, webinars, and others have drastically changed what we can do for our societies. This session discusses how the modern society can provide a rich experience for its members and get its message out to the world.
  Click on the link to register for the webinar:
  https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/409683718

• Monday, November 4, 2013, 8:00-9:00 pm EST
  Harness the Power of Email in Your Society
  Email is a powerful tool that, within your society, can build excitement and encourage member participation. Learn the types of email communications that capture attention. Create a professional presence for your organization. Discover strategies for effectively using and managing email. Uncover ways to publicize who you are and what you offer. Attract and keep members!
  Click on the link to register for the webinar:
  https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/421955302

• Monday, November 18, 2013, 8:00-9:00 pm EST
  How to Develop and Implement Affordable Membership Benefits
  Genealogical and historical societies are struggling to attract and retain members while striving to stay solvent. It is essential to offer tangible benefits year-round. This session discusses best practices that can be put in place to provide affordable benefits to members.
  Click on the link to register for the webinar:
  https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/111785582

George G. Morgan is president of Aha! Seminars, Inc., and an internationally recognized genealogy expert who presents at conferences and on genealogical cruises around the world.

George is the prolific author of hundreds of articles for magazines, journals, newsletters, in genealogical publications, and at online sites internationally. The third edition of his bestselling tenth book, How to Do Everything: Genealogy, was published in 2012. He and Drew Smith have co-authored a new book, Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques, that was published by McGraw-Hill in August 2013 and leads the genealogy sales charts at Amazon.com.

He has been the Vice President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies for the past four years, and has been an officer for many other genealogical and professional organizations. He is a member of the APG, ISBGFH, and other societies in the U.S. and the U.K.

He is co-host with Drew Smith of The Genealogy Guys^SM  Podcast, the longest running genealogical podcast, with thousands of listeners around the globe.

FGS Webinar Recording Now Available - Researching in the Post War Records of 1812

The recording of this past Tuesday's webinar Researching in the Post War Records of 1812 presented by Craig Scott, MA, CG is now available to the public. Click here to view the recording or use the embedded version below.

Researching in the Post War Records of 1812



Description: This lecture will focus on the records created by the War Department after the War. It will include compiled military service records, pensions and pension payments.

Presenter: Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 4,900 titles in print. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-eight years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. He is the Coordinator of the Advanced Military Track at IGHR and SLIG.

FGS Webinar Recording Now Available - Discovering Local & State Militia Records

The recording of this past Tuesday's webinar Discovering Local & State Militia Records
presented by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA is now available to the public. Click here to view the recording or use the embedded version below.

Upcoming Webinar - Researching in the Post War Records of 1812

Don't forget to sign up for our next webinar, Researching in the Post War Records of 1812, presented by Craig Scott, MA, CG, on Wednesday, 7 August 2013, 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central. Click here to register. This lecture will focus on the records created by the War Department after the War. It will include compiled military service records, pensions and pension payments.


Discovering Local & State Militia Records

Description: Take a closer look at the wide variety of records documenting our local militia companies. From annual muster to supplies and appointment of Officers, learn how these records may be used in your family research. Learn more about the military organization of citizens called for the purpose of local defense, who served this country from the Revolution through 1812 and on to the development of the National Guard.

Presenter: J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA a full-time professional researcher & educator, formerly APG President and FGS officer. You will find him researching for clients including Who Do You Think You Are?, African American Lives or Biography’s uneXplained. With his love for teaching, you will see him at SLIG, IGHR, numerous webinars or at your local society.

FGS Announces Two Free Genealogy Webinars

The Federation of Genealogical Societies announces two new webinars focusing on the use of military records in genealogical research.  These webinars are FREE and open to the public!

• Discovering Local & State Militia Records
  Presenter: J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA
  Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2013, 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central
  Register: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/934226718
  
  Take a closer look at the wide variety of records documenting our local militia companies. From annual muster to supplies and appointment of Officers, learn how these records may be used in your family research. Learn more about the military organization of citizens called for the purpose of local defense, who served this country from the Revolution through 1812 and on to the development of the National Guard.
  
  J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA a full-time professional researcher & educator, formerly APG President and FGS officer. You will find him researching for clients including Who Do You Think You Are?, African American Lives or Biography’s uneXplained. With his love for teaching, you will see him at SLIG, IGHR, numerous webinars or at your local society.
  
  

• Researching in the Post War Records of 1812
  Presenter: Craig Scott, MA, CG
  Date: Wednesday, 7 August 2013, 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central
  Register: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/663333166
  
  This lecture will focus on the records created by the War Department after the War. It will include compiled military service records, pensions and pension payments.
  
  Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 4,900 titles in print. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-eight years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military. He is the Coordinator of the Advanced Military Track at IGHR and SLIG.
  

Image: Survivors of The War of 1812, 23 October 1861 via MediaWiki Commons.

FGS Webinar on Reaching New Communities Now Available Online

The popular FGS Webinar "Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities" presented by Josh Taylor is now available at the FGS website at: http://fgs.org/webinars/. On the FGS Webinars page you'll also find a link to the handouts which can be downloaded in PDF.

If you missed the original broadcast last Saturday, June 18, 2011 or if you just want to review some of the great education content on how your society can tap into new communities, turn up your sound and click the play button below. The webinar description can be found by clicking here.



Don't forget that FGS has more great webinars planned - our next one will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2011 with D. Joshua Taylor presenting Joining a Genealogy Society. Details on how to register will be posted soon!

FGS Webinar - Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities

Join us for a FREE FGS Webinar on June 18, 2011


Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/202421622

In today’s world, a vast community of supporters for your genealogical society might fall outside the standard definition of “genealogists.” Learn how to work with historians, archivists, government officials, librarians, youth, and others to enhance your society’s meetings, publications, and overall success.

Focusing on the resources of the FGS Outreach Committee, this lecture is specifically geared towards Society officers seeking to expand their membership and their societies’ activities. The lecture will begin with an introduction of the various communities (including historians, archivists, librarians, government, and youth) that a genealogical society can perform outreach activities towards, focusing on specific success stories from FGS member societies. The lecture will then focus on methods for developing outreach plans, and implementing them within a genealogical society. Attention will be spent towards developing lectures, newsletter items, and other functions to bring in members “outside’ the genealogical community.

This webinar will be presented by FGS board member 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.

Title: Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities
Date: Saturday, June 18, 2011
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM CDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

FGS Webinar on Social Networking Now Available Online

The popular FGS Webinar "Social Networking for Genealogy Societies" presented by Thomas MacEntee is now available at the FGS website at: http://fgs.org/webinars/. On the FGS Webinars page you'll also find a link to the five page handout which can be downloaded in PDF.

If you missed the original broadcast back on April 30, 2011 or if you just want to review some of the great education content on how your society can use social networking, turn up your sound and click the play button below. The webinar description can be found by clicking here.



Don't forget that FGS has more great webinars planned - our next one will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2011 with D. Joshua Taylor presenting Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities. Details on how to register will be posted soon!

Webinar: Social Networking for Genealogy Societies

Join us this Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 3:00 pm Central for a FREE webinar sponsored by FGS! Click here to register - space is filling up fast!

While thousands of genealogists and family historians have discovered new ways to expand and improve their genealogy endeavors using social networking, there is a dire need for genealogy societies to understand and begin using these same communication tools. This webinar will give genealogy society leaders and members an overview with real examples of how genealogy societies are successfully leveraging social media websites and applications to attract new members and expand their member services.

If you think Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites are “just for kids” then think again. Most businesses and non-profits are learning how to attract new customers and members merely by having a “presence” on many of these sites. In this webinar you’ll learn about the latest websites and tools available for free and how some genealogy societies are already using them.

These same societies are not only attracting new members but they are also effectively marketing their events and services to the genealogy community and beyond.

This webinar will be presented by FGS board member and nationally-recognized genealogy educator Thomas MacEntee. MacEntee is a professional genealogist specializing in the use of technology and social media to improve genealogical research and as a means of interacting with others in the family history community.

FGS Announces Webinar Series

FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES WEBINAR SERIES

Society Management Education Delivered Online

April 16, 2011 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces its new series of genealogy society management education delivered online in webinar format. As part of its new online education initiative, FGS will offer webinars both free to the public and to its member societies via the popular GoToWebinar® platform which can accommodate up to 1,000 participants. FGS members will have access to recorded webinars and syllabus materials at the members-only section of the FGS website at http://www.fgs.org.

Social Networking for Genealogy Societies

The first webinar, Social Networking for Genealogy Societies, will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 and is free to the public. FGS Board member Thomas MacEntee will demonstrate how genealogy societies are currently leveraging the power of Facebook, Twitter and blogs to expand their online presence and recruit new members. Register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/401693254.

Future Webinar Topics

FGS plans to offer a wide variety of webinars focusing on society management topics over the next few months. Some of the most recognized names in genealogy education including D. Joshua Taylor, George Morgan and Drew Smith will develop and deliver these presentations in a convenient online setting. Topics will include:

• Administration and Member Services: Joining a Genealogical Society; How to Promote Volunteerism in Your Society; How to Create a Member Handbook; Developing an Excellent and Cost-Effective Educational Programs for Your Society; and Using Bylaws to Focus and Motivate Your Society.

• Marketing: Developing a Publicity and Marketing Plan; Methods for Promoting Your Society’s Meetings; Developing a Social Media Plan; Creating a Facebook Page; Creating and Using a Twitter Account; Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities; and Creating an Effective Press Release.

• Technology: How to Attend a Webinar; How to Host a Webinar; Google Docs for Societies; Google Forms for Societies; Backing Up Your Society Data; Creating a Free Website for Your Society; and Creating a Blog for Your Society.

• Finances and Fundraising: Complying with IRS Filing and Reporting Requirements for Your Non-Profit Society; Society Fundraising Through Affiliate Marketing; and How to Set Up and Use a PayPal Account.