Monday, January 16, 2012

Registration Now Open for FGS 2012 Conference

For Immediate Release
January 16, 2012

Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the "Old Southwest"
A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists

January 16, 2012 – Austin, TX. Registration for the 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, scheduled for August 29 - September 1, 2012, in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama, is now open. This year’s conference theme is “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the ‘Old Southwest’,” and the local host is the Alabama Genealogical Society (AGS).

This year's FGS conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Over 175 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. Special sessions include a wide variety targeting members and leaders of genealogical and historical societies. In addition, special events, such as the Alabama Genealogical Society Opening Social at the Alabama Theater, the FGS Evening Social at the historic Sloss Furnaces, Spotlight on Societies, and daily sponsored lectures provide an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, findmypast.com, the National Archives and Records Administration, and others.

Conference Highlights
  • Librarian’s Day: On Wednesday, August 29, 2012, ProQuest is sponsoring a full day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.
  • Conference Sessions: A wide variety of genealogy-related lectures and workshops for all experience levels. Topics include Southern research, Settlers and Indians, soldiers, strategies and techniques, technology, and writing.
  • Special Events: Include the AGS Opening Social at the Alabama Theater and the FGS Evening Social at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark—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, Cyber Cafe and lounge area sponsored by RootsMagic, 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 2012 FGS Conference and register for this exciting four-day event at http://www.fgs.org/2012conference. 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 Birmingham in August!

Learn More and Stay Connected
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.
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Monday, January 9, 2012

Federation of Genealogical Societies Board Appointments for 2012

Sue Tolbert and Lisa Alzo Named Directors

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces that Lisa Alzo and Sue Tolbert have recently been appointed to its Board of Directors.

Sue Tolbert – Sue Tolbert served on the FGS board in 2011 and, among other accomplishments, did an outstanding job designing the new FGS booth. Recently, she has been assisting with the Membership Committee including answering emails and doing much of the busy work involved in keeping the FGS membership database up-to-date. From 2001 – July 2007 Tolbert worked as a Genealogy Reference Specialist in the local History and Genealogy Department of the Muskogee Public Library assisting researchers, primarily those interested in Creek and Cherokee lineage, and continues to work there as a volunteer. Currently Tolbert is the Executive Director of the Three Rivers Museum, a local history museum and archives in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Lisa Alzo – Lisa Alzo recently served on the FGS Nominating Committee during 2011. Alzo brings to FGS a strong publications and technology background and has agreed to take on the daunting task of Publications Committee chair at FGS. She is a freelance writer, instructor, and lecturer with over 20 years’ experience in the field of genealogy. Alzo earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and is the author of nine books, including: Finding Your Slovak Ancestors, Writing Your Family History Book, and the award-winning Three Slovak Women. Alzo has written hundreds of articles and her work has appeared in Family Tree Magazine, Family Chronicle, Internet Genealogy, APG Quarterly, among others. An internationally recognized speaker, she writes the The Accidental Genealogist blog (http://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com). For more information visit http://www.lisaalzo.com.

Pat Oxley, President of FGS states, “I am delighted to have Sue Tolbert back on the FGS board for another year. Sue has been a huge asset to the FGS Board and is always willing to help where needed. And a big welcome to our newest board member Lisa Alzo. With her many talents in the area of publishing and technology, I know Lisa will be a great addition to the FGS Board."

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.
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

FGS Radio - FamilySearch Research Wiki and Your Genealogy Society


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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2012/01/14/the-familysearch-research-wiki-and-your-genealogy-society

Saturday, January 14, 2012
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

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 is entitled The FamilySearch Research Wiki and Your Genealogy Society. Our guest will be Lise Embley, of FamilySearch who will help us understand how the FamilySearch Research Wiki works and how it can help your genealogy society. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Fairfax Genealogical Society, Fairfax County, Virginia and speaking with their president, Lee James Irwin, in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Lise Embley

Lise Embley has been a genealogy enthusiast since the day her grandfather presented her with a mimeographed listing of several generations of her ancestors. Since that day, she has been on a quest to fill in all the blanks. Before turning her attentions to raising a family, Lise worked in Silicon Valley designing and supporting technical solutions for an international sales force. She is the Illinois Moderator for the FamilySearch Wiki, Director of the Williamsburg (Virginia) Family History Center, an avid Indexing volunteer, foodie, and soccer mom. She recently accepted a position with FamilySearch in the Patron Services Division where she will be focused on building the FamilySearch wiki Community. She will be presenting the workshop “The FamilySearch Wiki as Social Media” at RootsTech 2012.

Links:

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Fairfax Genealogical Society of Fairfax County, Virginia. The Fairfax Genealogical Society (FxGS) was established in 1974 as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to promote fellowship and cooperation among persons who are conducting genealogical research and aid those doing research in our area. We currently have over 400 members, including not only many who live in or near Fairfax County, but also many who are searching for information in our area. As set forth in the Society's by-laws, its purposes are:
  • To bring together persons who are conducting genealogical research and promote fellowship and cooperation among them.
  • To collect, preserve, and disseminate genealogical knowledge and information.
  • To stimulate and provide instruction in the use of proper genealogical research methodology and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness in genealogical research.
  • To promote scholarly genealogical writing and publication.
  • To promote the preservation of records and resources of the area having genealogical research value.
  • To encourage an interest in genealogy as an aid to discovering a person's origin and role in life, and to encourage interest in preserving the family unit.
  • To encourage and provide support to research into methods of researching, organizing, indexing and retrieving, preserving and disseminating genealogical information and records.
Guest

Lee James Irwin

Lee James Irwin has been an FxGS member since about 2003. He has participated in the SIGs on Germany, Pennsylvania, and Genealogical Writing. He has been the SIG leader for NGS home study courses. He became President in 2009.

He grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, attended Oberlin College and served in Ethiopia as a Peace Corps volunteer before doing graduate work in American History at Syracuse University. He came to the capital area for a career in the Foreign Service from which he has retired.

Lee James is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Association and the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society. He volunteers at the National Archives as a genealogy aide. His research focuses on his Scots-Irish and German Mennonite roots in Pennsylvania.

Links

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.
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Friday, January 6, 2012

FGS Radio - New Year, New Board Members


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

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety/2012/01/07/new-year-new-board-members

Saturday, January 7, 2012
2-3pm Eastern US
1-2pm Central US
12-1pm Mountain US
11am-12pm Pacific US

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 Randy Whited is entitled New Year, New Board Members. Our guests will include Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt, president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC) and editor of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Voice Newsletter. In addition, we’ll be highlighting FGS member society, Clallam County Genealogical Society (Washington) in our weekly Society Spotlight feature.

Guest: Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt

Polly FitzGerald Kimmitt owns Kimmitt Genealogical Research in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She is a Certified Genealogist, and has been an associate of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) since January, 2009. A case worker at the American History Company, working under contract for the US Army, she is responsible for locating families of servicemen lost in previous conflicts. She is president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council (MGC). She is the editor of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Voice Newsletter and currently serves on the FGS Membership, Nominating and Conference Planning Committees. She has served on the Professional Issues Committee of the APG (2010-11), and as president of the New England Chapter of APG (2009). Among other professional associations, she was regent of the Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Worcester (2007-2009).

A native of Scituate, Massachusetts, her genealogical research specialization is Massachusetts, with focus on immigration and migration. She speaks Italian and French, as well as her native English. She is a 1978 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a member of the Mayflower Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

Links:

Society Spotlight

This week's Society Spotlight features the Clallam County Genealogical Society (Washington)

The Clallam County Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of genealogical materials, and to providing supportive and educational opportunities for those who are involved in genealogical research.

From the CCGS Website:
Do you have ancestors from Clallam County? Our research library has extensive information regarding Clallam County families, and our volunteers are here to assist you.
Our volunteers enjoy a good working relationship with the Clallam County Historical Society and have accessibility to their records also. 
Even if you don’t have any Clallam County roots we offer our assistance to anyone beginning a family search, or to those of you who may need some new ideas and support along the way.
Enjoy our new website it will keep you up to date on local events, classes, seminars, trips, a growing library book index, new database subscriptions and more, all which will help you with your research.
Links:

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.
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