Renee's Genealogy Blog: SCGS Genealogy Jamboree

Sunday, January 22, 2012

SCGS Genealogy Jamboree - Registration is Open!

The following is from Southern California Genealogical Society.

We are very pleased to announce that registration is open for the 43rd Annual Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 8 to 10, 2011, at the LA Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, California.

The theme for the 2012 Jamboree is "Lights, Camera, ANCESTORS - Spotlight on Family History."

"Our attendees can expect an outstanding experience in 2012, maybe even better than in the past," promised Jamboree chair Leo Myers. "In addition to our usual sessions on methodology, records and repositories, online databases and software, we have scheduled several sessions that will help you share your family stories. Count on Jamboree to serve up a weekend of classic genealogical methods, search strategies and technology while tossing in the excitement of Hollywood."

Jamboree will feature nearly 60 speakers and over 100 courses over the weekend. Only the most skilled and knowledgeable lecturers are invited to share their expertise and knowledge.

The exhibit hall, home of nearly 70 companies, societies, online data providers, software and technology companies, will be open to the public throughout the weekend.

As is our tradition, we will offer several free sessions during our JamboFREE on Friday morning. "We are committed to making family history affordable. We don't want the economy to to be a roadblock in the search for our roots," Myers explained.

Co-chair Paula Hinkel added, "Interest in family history is growing with every episode of "Who do You Think You Are? on NBC." Jamboree wants to make genealogy accessible to everyone. We help newcomers avoid the mistakes that novice genealogists always make: (1) not keeping track of sources--where the information is found; and (2) waiting too long to talk to elderly family members. We want to help as many people along their journey as we can."

Friday morning JamboFREE offers something for everyone: librarians, genealogical society leaders, beginners who are testing the family history waters, and experienced genealogists.

One of the more popular JamboFREE activities is Kids' Family History Camp, designed for youth ages 8 to 16. Kids' Camp will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on June 8. Scout leaders are invited to bring their troop members to earn their Genealogy badge.

This year will feature two special pre-event sessions, the Family History Writers Conference, and Tech-Trax, special sessions focused on technology for genealogists. One session will be beginner level ("What is a folder? What happens when I push *THIS* button?") and the other will offer sessions for more computer literate users. Details for these two pre-events will be released soon.

Rounding out the weekend are social activities, including tours, breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday evening banquet, and the Hollywood Gala on Friday evening.

Visit the Jamboree website at www.scgsgenealogy.com for full details. Early-bird registration discounts are available through April 22. Members of the Southern California Genealogical Society enjoy additional discounts.

Join the other 1700+ attendees at the 2012 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. Register today!