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

FGS Announces Webinar Series on Society Management

Monthly webinars will be free to the general public.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the launch of our Society Management webinar series, scheduled to begin July 20, 2017. This series of free events will bring a much-needed aspect to the array of learning opportunities currently provided in the genealogical community; focusing solely on the leadership and management of non-profit societies.

The series will begin July 20, 2017 at 7:00pm central with a presentation by Fred Moss discussing The Open Death Records Initiative. The August session will feature David Rencher, CG, presenting on the best practices – and challenges – surrounding The Nominating Committee.

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

Registration will be necessary, and regular updates will be shared via the FGS Voice blog, FGS Voice Newsletter, and social media. Webinars will occur every 3^rd Thursday of the month.

Registration for the July program can be found here.

Update: Did you miss the live webinar?  You can watch the recording here.

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

2015 Webinar Series: Lisa Louise Cooke and the Power of Video

As part of our new partnership with Genealogy Gems, September's webinar will presented by Lisa Louise Cooke. Video is an incredibly powerful marketing tool societies can incorporate into their website, social channels and even as a presentation tool. Join Lisa for this one time only public event. After September 22nd, the webinar will be available in the Members Only section of the website. Not yet an FGS member? Why not join now!

Please register for the Utilize the Power of Video for Your Society's Programming and Marketing Efforts on September 22, 2015 at 8:00 PM EDT at

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7962007169056417026

Lisa Louise Cooke, producer of Genealogy Gems, shares her tips and tricks on using video to enhance your society marketing strategy.

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

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FGS and Genealogy Gems Team Up to Bring New FGS Membership Benefit

FGS Members Will Gain Access to an Affordable Solution for Programming Directors: Genealogy Gems for Societies

NEW Member Benefit!

Today we are proud to announce our partnership with Genealogy Gems which will bring a convenient solution to society programming directors — Genealogy Gems for Societies — a national-level programming package that provides an even more affordable benefit to FGS Members.

Watch an example of just one of the types of videos available with the Genealogy Gems for Societies subscription:

This exciting new benefit provides a 25% discount on a complete 1-year package of Genealogy Gems for Societies subscription as well as a 10% discount for each FGS Member Society's member on Lisa’s best-selling book, The Genealogist’s Google Toolbox, Second Edition. FGS Members can access this exciting new benefit by logging in to the Members-only Area on FGS.org for their exclusive 25% off discount code.

"FGS is excited to be partnering with Genealogy Gems,” says D. Joshua Taylor, FGS President. “The opportunity to provide educational benefits for our member societies enriches the entire genealogical community as societies adapt and grow to meet the needs of today's members. This partnership offers FGS members access to a wide range of resources for their members and we look forward to working with Lisa Louise Cooke."

Providing societies a cost-effective way to deliver quality family history video presentations at regular meetings by internationally renowned speaker Lisa Louise Cooke takes the headache out of programming.

Lisa Louise Cooke

"Having served on the program committee of my local genealogy society in the past, I completely understand the challenges they face,” says Lisa Louise Cooke, founder and owner of Genealogy Gems. “There are a limited number of quality speakers in any given geographical area, and it can be expensive to bring in speakers from out of town. We created Genealogy Gems for Societies to help solve that challenge. We're excited to partner with FGS because they see the value in this service and we share the same commitment to supporting local societies. This is a new concept in genealogy programming, and we are here to help you every step of the way."

Additionally, Lisa will be presenting a live webinar as part of the 2015 FGS Webinar Series for societies later this month. The webinar — Utilize the Power of Video for Your Society’s Programming and Marketing Efforts — will be recorded and available afterwards to FGS Members only. Stay tuned right here to The Voice blog for further details on how to register for it. 

If your society is not a member, join FGS today to start accessing the suite of benefits an FGS Membership offers today’s society.

Exciting Week for Society Management

Today we are engaging in a little housekeeping to keep you abreast of this week’s happenings in our Society Management offerings. You’ll see a few changes at FGS.org as our older webinars move behind the member wall.  This week sees two events for your pleasure: a new webinar and a #genchat. We hope you’ll make time in your busy schedules to join us as much as you can.

July Webinar

Our moderator for the July Webinar, “Wordpress for Societies: No Blogging Required,” suffered technical difficulties during the original airing that left most attendees disappointed. This webinar has been re-recorded and is now available at http://www.fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=30. It will be available until September 10^th after which it will be accessible in the Member’s Only section. All previously archived webinar content has been moved to Member's Only at this time.

August Webinar

The 2015 Webinar Series continues with Paula Stuart-Warren presenting “Your Society Can’t Afford to Do A Seminar? Here’s How!” Wednesday August 22^nd at 8pm EDT. Paula is a staple on the lecture circuit presenting at conferences and institutes alike. She’ll bring her years of experience in society management positions and conference chairing to bear on a question important to societies of all sizes.  I hope you’ll join us.

Please register for Your Society Can’t Afford to Do A Seminar? Here’s How! on Aug 12, 2015 8:00 PM EDT at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1496354329360558594

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

#genchat Friday

Did you miss July’s Society Focus #genchat on Creative Programming? Head over to twitter and search the hashtag. The community was quite vocal in what they’d like to see out of their societies in terms of programming options. 

This Friday, August 14, Jen Baldwin will be encouraging genealogists to “Get Local” to advance their research. FGS will be there too sharing how local societies are essential to a genealogist’s success. No matter how far technology takes us, it will never fully take the place of societies. Join us to share with the community how your societies contributes to genealogical research through preservation, education and camaraderie.

Learn more about how to join us for #genchat events http://www.genealogygenchat.com/how-it-works.html

We'll be back to blogging educational content for those who can't join our virtual events this month with posts on "Micro-volunteering" and "How to Market Your Society."

2015 Webinar Series: Your Society Can’t Afford to Do A Seminar? Here’s How!

Join us Aug. 12th for this free webinar!

FGS is pleased to announce the August edition of its 2015 Webinar Series scheduled for August 12th at 8pm EDT. Local and regional seminars help bridge the educational gulf between the monthly society meeting and national conferences. Join Paula Stuart-Warren to be inspired and learn how to execute a successful seminar for your community.

Your Society Can’t Afford to Do A Seminar? Here’s How! 

Education is the core of our societies. A seminar could bring new members, volunteers, and funding for projects. Paula Stuart-Warren, CG℠, FMGS, FUGA, addresses ways to be successful financially without much effort, once guidelines are established and followed. It could bring recognition from the community if done correctly. Most groups can truly afford to bring in a well-known and knowledgeable speaker and plan a great seminar. We’ll cover these and other angles in this presentation. Do the job carefully, make notes, learn from issues, and be ready for a profitable sell-out event. It's ok to make a profit to support the society's education efforts and to pay your speakers.

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG℠, FMGS, FUGA

Paula is a professional genealogist specializing in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. Her lectures, research, and consultations for individuals, societies, law firms, and Indian tribes seeking records and advice has taken her to many states, courthouses, archives, historical societies, and libraries. Her Illinois research covers many counties.

She is the intermediate Course Coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and teaches in other courses at both institutes. She has lectured at National Genealogical Society and Federation of Genealogical Societies conferences since 1993, and in many states and Canada on a variety of topics.

A former officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Past President of the Northland Chapter of APG, and former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of FGS. She co-chaired the FGS 2001, 2011, and 2013 conferences. Among the publications she has written for are the former Ancestry Magazine, FGS FORUM, NGS Magazine, NGSQ, FamilyTree Magazine, and was co-author of Your Guide to the Family History Library. She currently has her own blog at GenealogybyPaula.com


Please register for Your Society Can’t Afford to Do A Seminar? Here’s How! on Aug 12, 2015 8:00 PM EDT at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1496354329360558594

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

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Genealogy Webinars - Virtual Education for Your Society

Genealogy Webinars - Virtual Education for Your Society

Guests Joyce Homan and Shamele Jordon of Member Society The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania join host Thomas MacEntee and discuss how their society is using webinars as an educational tool for their members.

Webinars are a great way for a society to reach the remote members or the greater genealogy community for little to no cost.  Just think of the cost-savings on travel expenses alone!

Joyce and Shamele provide some great hints and tips on how to host a successful webinar, as well as hints to make it easy for attendees.

Listen to the archived broadcast of "Genealogy Webinars - Virtual Education for Your Society" on the blogtalkradio My Society channel by FGS, or you can listen below:

New History Podcasts with mysociety on BlogTalkRadio

Successful 2014 Webinar Series Launch

We successfully launched our 2014 Webinar Series with Jen Baldwin's presentation, 

FGS Successful 2014 Webinar Series Launch

"Capturing the Community: Using Twitter to Connect, Engage and Educate in Genealogy," on Monday, March 31, 2014.

Jen did an outstanding job of explaining how both individual researchers and genealogical societies can leverage the power of this popular social media platform for their genealogical pursuits. 

Jen also demonstrated how easy it is to use Twitter; showed additional add-on tools for Twitter; and gave examples of both individuals and societies successfully using Twitter for genealogy.

Did you miss the launch? Watch the recording of her presentation and the following Q&A on our website now. 

Along with this webinar, don't miss our informative War of 1812 Webinar Series with J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, and Craig Scott, MA, CG. It is only available for viewing until April 27, 2014.

FGS 2014 Webinar Series Launches with Presentation on Twitter

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) will launch its 2014 Webinar Series with Jen Baldwin, host of #genchat on Twitter, presenting on the use of Twitter.

Date/Time: Monday, March 31, 2014, 8:00-9:00 pm EDT
Title: Capturing the Community: Using Twitter to Connect, Engage and Educate in Genealogy
Presenter: Jen Baldwin

Twitter can be an incredible networking and educational tool for genealogists and societies. How do we make the best of it? Learn the why and how to start using Twitter to its fullest potential.

Click on this link to register for the webinar: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/122340134
 
Genealogist, Jen Baldwin, is the owner of Ancestral Journeys, specializing in the Rocky Mountain Corridor. She writes for a variety of publications and blogs, speaks regionally on genealogy related topics, and is the co-creator (along with Terri O'Connell and Stephanie Pitcher Fishman) and co-host of #genchat on Twitter. She also is co-creator and Co-Chair of the NextGen Genealogy Network, a unique virtual society designed to engage the next generation of genealogists. You can connect with Jen via her website.