NGS Announces Program for the 2016 Family History Conference

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

National Genealogical Society Announces Program for the 2016 Family History Conference

ARLINGTON, VA, 20 NOVEMBER 2015—The National Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the release of its 2016 Family History Conference program. The program, which includes more than 170 lectures, is now available online at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/program/ and as a sixteen-page registration brochure, which can be downloaded at http://goo.gl/w40zSO.

Nationally known speakers and subject matter experts will address a broad array of topics, including records for Florida and its neighboring states; migration into and out of the region; military records; state and federal records. Other topics will discuss genealogical research on African Americans and women; methodology; analysis and problem solving; and the use of technology, including genetics, mobile devices, and apps useful in genealogical research.

The conference will take place at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 4–7 May 2016. Registration opens on 1 December 2015 at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/register/. A number of special events have limited seating, so register on 1 December, or as soon as possible thereafter, if you plan to attend these events.

Up-to-date information about the availability, amenities, and rates for conference hotels can be found at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/accommodations/.

Sign up for the NGS Conference Blog at http://conferenceblog.ngsgenealogy.org so you do not miss conference news or announcements.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia- based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

#NGS2015GEN Wrap-Up and Session Video Recording Discount Codes

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

The NGS 2015 Family History Conference in St. Charles, Missouri was a success! The final registration was 2,189 which included conference attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers. In addition, 423 people signed up for live streaming. If you are interested in signing up for on demand viewings or if you have a friend who missed the conference, you still have a chance to view ten of the conference presentations. The on demand recordings will be available for viewing through 10 August 2015 and include a full downloadable version of the syllabus. The details and costs for the recordings, previously offered as ten live-streaming sessions, are available at http://www.playbackngs.com/775.html.

A number of awards were presented at the conference. Details about the 2015 awards and the recipients can be found at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/

cs/pressroom/press_releases. We encourage you or your society to enter the 2016 competitions and awards. Details about the awards and submission deadlines can be found at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/awards_competitions.

We hope to see you next year 4–7 May at the NGS 2016 Family History Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Details will be available on the NGS 2016 Family History Conference website athttp://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/.

-NGS Conference Committee

NGS Introduces Four New Research in the States Books

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

NGS Introduces Four New Research in the States Books:

California, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska

ARLINGTON, VA, 20 MAY 2015—The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is pleased to announce the publication of four, new books as part of its Research in the States series, which now covers research in more than twenty-two states. The newest volumes areResearch in California by Sheila Benedict; Research in Missouri, 3^rd edition, by Ann Carter Fleming, cg^SM, cgl^SM, fngs; Research in Oklahoma by Kathy Huber, MLS; and Research in Nebraska by Roberta “Bobbi” King. The books are now available in the NGS store in both PDF and print versions. The print versions will ship after 31 May.

Research in California

Research in California covers the State’s history, settlement and migrations, State and National archives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, an overview of the county, local and religious records, its ethnic records, its Mission system, the movie industry, each county’s genealogical and historic societies, as well as more esoteric topics such as cattle brands, and much more. Author, Sheila Benedict, is a life member and former board member of NGS, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, member of Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy, a past President of the California Genealogical Alliance, and a life member of the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society. A part-time archivist at Old Mission Santa Inés in Solvang, California, Benedict is a self-employed historical and forensic genealogist.

Research in Missouri, 3^rd edition

Research in Missouri, 3^rd edition, contains references to digitized sources, indexes and images that have been made available online within the past seven years.  The volume also includes records that were created by the Spanish and French governments prior to the Louisiana Purchase. Other valuable information found in this book includes Missouri’s archives, libraries and societies; major resources such as atlases, gazetteers, maps, censuses, city and county directories; court, ethnic, land, military, and naturalization records, as well as newspapers, tax records, etc. Author, Anne Carter Fleming, is the 2015 Family History Conference Chair, a Fellow of NGS, and a former president, vice-president, and secretary of NGS. A writer, teacher, and lecturer, she has served on the board of several state and local organizations, including the St. Louis Genealogical Society, Missouri State Genealogical Association, and the Friends of Missouri State Archives.

Research in Oklahoma

Research in Oklahoma provides genealogical resources in the context of information on the history and settlement of the state, which was the home of Apache and Kiowa tribes. Once claimed by France and later Spain, Oklahoma was divided into two territories by the U.S. government. The Indian Territory was set aside for Indian tribes from the southern states and later the Midwest who were forcibly resettled. The Oklahoma Territory was settled bywhite pioneers, new immigrants, and former African American slaves. The Civil War, land rushes, and the discovery of oil all brought changes to the land and its people. Research in Oklahoma offers a wealth of records for genealogists seeking to learn about their ancestral heritage. Author, Kathy Huber, MLS, is a specialist in early Oklahoma records and the Five Civilized Tribes. She has been the Genealogy Librarian for the Tulsa City-County Library for more than twenty years and manages its Genealogy Center, one of the largest genealogy collections in Oklahoma.

Research in Nebraska

Research in Nebraska contains family history resources and information regarding the history and settlement of the state. Numerous Native American tribes were living in the Nebraska territory when the Homestead Act with its promise of cheap land drew Czechs, Germans, and Irish settlers to its lands. Others arrived to work on the railroads. The Union Pacific terminus at Ogallala brought ranchers with their herds of cattle to be shipped to the East. A guide to records for all of these people—including records for various ethnic groups and religious denominations and standard records used in genealogical research—can all be found in Research in Nebraska.  Author, Roberta “Bobbi” King, is a third generation Nebraskan, the author of numerous articles on homestead research, and the book review columnist for Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter. A member of NGS, she has contributed articles to NGS Quarterly and NGS Magazine.

The Research in the States series editor Barbara Vines Little, cg, fngs, fvgs, is a former NGS president and editor of the Magazine of Virginia Genealogy. Other titles in the series includes Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Additional states guides are planned.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records.  The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

Early Bird Discount for NGS Conference Ends 30 March

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

Arlington, VA, 23 March 2015—If you are planning to register for the NGS Family History Conference in St. Charles, be sure to take advantage of its early bird discount. The discount, as well as the opportunity to order a printed syllabus, ends 30 March 2015. After that date, the NGS member price will increase from $195 to $230 for all four days, the non-NGS member price will increase from $230 to $265, and the syllabus will only be available as a flash drive.

 

This year’s conference features more than 25 tracks and 150 lectures, as well as social events, luncheons, and the NGS banquet. It is a great opportunity to network with other genealogists and enhance your knowledge. The conference will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center and will run from 13-16 May.  For conference information and to register, go to the 2015 NGS Family History Conference.

 

Social Events, Luncheons, and the NGS Banquet

Participating organizations sponsor several luncheons at which guest speakers address many fascinating topics such as

 

·       “Have You Tested Your DNA? Is there a Non-Paternity Event in Your Family?”

·       “Germans in the American Civil War”

·       “Intuition and Genealogy Success: A Sixth Sense, Chance, Coincidence, or Serendipity?”

·       “Then and Now: Changes in Methodologies and Sources”

 

The NGS Banquet is another event not to be missed!  Registration for all meals and social events closes on 29 April 2015. Tickets for social events will not be sold on-site. Be sure to sign up as quickly as possible. The StLGS Host Event BBQ is $39; luncheons are $21; and the banquet is $38. Menus are in the registration brochure.

 

Society Showcase

On Tuesday afternoon 12 May 2015, many Missouri genealogical and historical societies will be available in the St. CharlesConvention Center from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to answer questions about local repositories and resources, discuss their group’s activities, and sell their publications.

 

St. Charles Area Tours

There’s still time to sign up for several exciting tours on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, prior to the NGS Family History Conference. For more information, please see St. Charles Area Tours. Registration for the tours closes on 29 April 2015.

 

Add Items to an Existing Registration

To add meals, tours, and pre-conference events to your current registration, log on to the NGS website, click on My Account, select My Events, and then click to Add Sessions.

 

We hope to see you in St. Charles in May!

 

 

 

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records.  The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

NGS Publication "Genealogy and the Law" Now Available on Kindle

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.


Genealogy and the Law: A Guide to Legal Sources for the Family Historian by Kay Haviland 

Freilich, CG^SM, CGL^SM, FNGS, and William B. Freilich, Esq., is now available as a Kindle eBook. First published by the National Genealogical Society (NGS) as asoftcover book on 1 September 2014, Genealogy and the Law guides readers through the variety of legal sources that genealogists need to explain many of the events that occurred in their ancestors’ lives. Land ownership, estate administration, and taxation are a few of the many aspects of life that cannot be fully understood without knowledge of the law in effect at the time.  

Written by an award-wining genealogist and an attorney, the textbook uniquely combines the perspectives of genealogy and the law. It covers the language of the law, how to find pertinent laws, the kinds of sources available, where they can be found, citation of legal works, and how to apply legal research to genealogical problems.  

The Kindle edition is available on Amazon for $9.95. The print edition is available on the NGS website.  

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.      

Sign Up for Live Streaming Lectures from NGS Conference

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) announces the live streaming of ten lectures from its 2015 Family History Conference, which will be held 13‒16 May 2015, in St. Charles, Missouri. NGS members and others across the United States and overseas, who are unable to attend the conference in person, are invited to sign up for these live streaming lectures. Details of the live streaming program can be found on the NGS Conference website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/live-streaming/.

NGS has selected some of the most popular topics and nationally known speakers for the two featured tracks. Registrants for live streaming can sign up for either track or the bundled package that includes both tracks.

• Track One: Viewers will be able to view five lectures on “The Immigration & Naturalization Process” from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 14 May 2015. The lectures will cover immigration and naturalization records, uncovering the immigrants’ story, and useful hints on how to discover their home town.
• Track Two: Five “Methodology Techniques” lectures will be live streaming from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 15 May 2015. They will address methodology techniques for use with historical context, forensic genealogy, and DNA, as well as problem solving using a combination of resources.

Registration for live streaming will close at midnight 29 April 2015. All registrants will receive an electronic version of the NGS 2015 Family History Conference Syllabus. Registration is discounted for NGS Members.

TrackSelection	IncludedFormats	MemberPrice	Non-Member Price	Track Descriptions
Track One or Track Two	Live Streaming and three months access to Track One or Two	$65.00	$80.00	The Immigration & Naturalization Process. Five lectures on Thursday, 14 May 2015, or Methodology Techniques. Five lectures on Friday, 15 May 2015.
Bundled Package Track One and Track Two	Live Streaming and three months access to both tracks	$115.00	$145.00	The Immigration & Naturalization Process. Five lectures on Thursday, 14 May 2015, and Methodology Techniques. Five lectures on Friday, 15 May 2015.

NGS has selected PlayBackNow to broadcast the live sessions and to provide the recorded sessions for later viewing. Instructions for viewing the live streaming will be sent to registrants before 13 May 2015.
Tracks One and Two are among the more than 25 tracks and 150 lectures that will be open to those who attend the four-day conference in person. Conference attendees may also benefit from purchasing the NGS live streaming package by registering for either track or the bundled package, which they will be able to view after they return home. By selecting different presentations while attending the conference, they can expand their overall conference experience. They will have ninety days following the conference to view and repeat the live streaming sessions (through 16 August 2015).

Reminder: The discounted Early Bird registration will close on 30 March 2015.

Registration Open for the 2015 NGS Family History Conference

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

Registration is now open for the National Genealogical Society’s thirty-seventh annual family history conference, Crossroads of America, which will be held 13–16 May 2015 at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri. Conference highlights include a choice of more than 150 lectures, given by nationally known speakers and subject matter experts on a broad array of topics. The conference will open with The Tales of Pioneer Paths: Rivers, Roads & Rails given by J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, a full-time professional researcher and educator, and former APG president.

Continuing NGS’s goal of providing quality educational opportunities to its participants, the conference will feature a variety of lectures for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.  Lecture topics covered at the conference will include: researching in many Midwestern states; national and regional migration paths; land, military, immigration, and naturalization records; ethnic and religious groups including African American, German, Irish, Jewish, Native American, Polish, and Scots-Irish; methodology, analysis, and problem solving; and the use of technology including genetics, mobile devices, and websites useful in genealogical research. The Board for Certification of Genealogists’ Skillbuilding track will again be an integral part of the conference and presented over the four days of the event.

Registration is currently open.  To register online, visit the NGS website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/event-registration/ and complete the registration form.  

                                                                         

The online searchable program is available at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/agenda/ and the PDF brochure is available at http://goo.gl/x92kAg. The brochure includes an overview of the sessions, tours, pre-conference events, registration times, and rates, as well as general conference and hotel details. Attendees are urged to visit the conference blog, which will feature tips on local and regional research facilities as well as things to do in and around St. Charles and updated information on hotel availability and local restaurants.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

NGS Announces Live Streaming Broadcast for the 2014 Family History Conference

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

NGS announces the live streaming of ten lectures from the NGS 2014 Family History Conference, which will be held 7‒10 May 2014, in Richmond, Virginia.  The upcoming conference will be the first time NGS has provided a portion of the conference to NGS members and others across the United States and overseas who are unable to attend the conference in person.

Details of the live streaming program can be found at on the NGS Conference website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/attend/live-streaming-at-ngs2014gen/.  NGS has selected some of the most popular topics and nationally known speakers for the two featured tracks. Registrants for live streaming can select either track or the bundled package that includes both tracks.

·         Track One: Records and Research Techniques can be viewed on Thursday afternoon, 8 May 2014, and Friday morning, 9 May 2014. Join the conference from home and learn about best practices and research sources.

·         Track Two: Virginia Resources and Migration Patterns can be viewed on Friday afternoon, 9 May 2014, and Saturday morning, 10 May 2014. Learn about Virginia’s records and her people who moved south and west to new lands pushing the frontier ever forward.

Registration for live streaming will close at midnight 30 April 2014. All registrants will receive an electronic version of the NGS 2014 Family History Conference Syllabus. Registration is discounted for NGS Members.  

Track Selection	Included Formats	Member Price	Non-Member Price	Track Descriptions
Track One or Track Two	Live Streaming and three months access to Track One or Two	$65.00	$80.00	Records and Research Techniques. Five lectures on Thursday afternoon, 8 May 2014, and Friday morning, 9 May 2014,or Virginia Resources and Migration Patterns. Five lectures on Friday afternoon, 9 May 2014, and Saturday morning, 10 May 2014.
Bundled Package Track One andTrack Two	Live Streaming and three months access to both Tracks	$115.00	$145.00	Records and Research Techniques. Five lectures on Thursday afternoon, 8 May 2014, and Friday morning, 9 May 2014,and Virginia Resources and Migration Patterns. Five lectures on Friday afternoon, 9 May 2014, and Saturday morning, 10 May 2014.

Once registered, you can watch the event live, or if you have other commitments on those dates, you can view the sessions as many times as you want for ninety days following the conference (through 10 August 2014). NGS has selected PlayBackNow to broadcast the live sessions and to provide the recorded sessions for later viewing. Instructions for viewing the live streaming will be sent to registrants before 6 May 2014.

For those fortunate enough to be able to attend the conference in person and chose from ten tracks and more than 175 lectures over four days, a reminder that the discounted Early Bird registration will close on 24 March 2014. Conference attendees may also benefit from NGS live streaming by registering to the view either track or the bundled package, which they will be able to view after they return home. By selecting different lecture presentations to hear live at the conference, they can expand their overall conference experience.

NGS Announces New Course—American Genealogical Studies: Guide to Documentation and Source

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

NGS proudly announces the release of its newest American Genealogical Studies course, Guide to Documentation and Source Citation. This course joins The Basics in the series of online courses developed by NGS to help those interested infinding their family.

In this three-module self-paced course, Michael Grant Hait Jr., cg^SM, helps genealogists with one of the most confusing areas of genealogy research, “how do I cite my family information?” Knowing where we located our family information and keeping accurate notes, or citations, is the backbone of reliable genealogy. The course modules consist of lessons, examples, citations, and graded quizzes and cover topics on “Introduction to Documentation,” “Basic Citation Principles,” and “Applying Citation Principles.”

This NGS American Genealogical Studies course, Guide to Documentation and Source Citation, is available for $30.00 for members and $45.00 for non-members. For further information, to view the syllabus, or to purchase the course, visit the NGS website at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/guide_documentation_sourcecitation.

Guide to Documentation and Source Citation joins The Basics in the NGS’s online cloud-based learning management system. To take advantage of this system, you will need either a computer or tablet with an Internet connection.

NGS also offers several courses available in downloadable PDF files compatible for a PC or MAC. The courses are designed for both the beginner and the established genealogist to help busy individuals learn about a specific topic and to put the ensuing knowledge to work quickly. These courses include:

·         Using Federal Population Census Schedules in Genealogical Research

·         Introduction to Civil War Research

·         Genetic Genealogy, The Basics

·         Introduction to Religious Records

·         Working with Deeds

NGS Announces Release of Mastering Genealogical Proof on Amazon Kindle

The following is from the National Genealogical Society. I've been waiting for this one!

NGS announces the release of the Kindle version of Mastering Genealogical Proofby Thomas W. Jones, phd, cg, cgl, fasg, fngs. The book was released in print version earlier this year. As a textbook on genealogical methods and reasoning, Mastering Genealogical Proof has proven popular with readers at all levels, from beginners to experts. The book has received a tremendous critical and popular reception and is in its third printing. Many readers have asked for mobile versions. NGS is pleased to be able to make this publication available now in the Kindle format and soon in Apple’s iBooks format.

Dr. Jones is a noted writer, lecturer, and editor in the field of genealogy. He draws on his expertise to make Mastering Genealogical Proof a definitive guide for marshaling evidence to reach sound conclusions regarding the identity and relationships of ancestors. Each chapter of the book contains examples of real issues and asks the reader to apply the book’s concepts to problems presented at the end of each chapter.

The Kindle version of Mastering Genealogical Proof is now available at Amazon.com for $9.99. Print versions of the book can still be ordered at the NGS online store at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

NGS 2014 Family History Conference - Online Registration is Now Open!

The following is from the National Genealogical Society.

Registration Opens for the National Genealogical Society's 2014 Family History Conference
Richmond, Virginia, 7–10 May 2014

Virginia: The First Frontier

ARLINGTON, VA, 2 DECEMBER 2013: Registration is now open for the National Genealogical Society’s thirty-sixth annual family history conference, Virginia: The First Frontier, which will be held 7–10 May 2014 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and the Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia was home to an ever-changing frontier. From Jamestown to Kentucky its people moved ever forward looking for new frontiers and it is this spirit that the conference celebrates as we move to new frontiers in research. The conference will open with Sandra Treadway, Librarian and Archivist of Virginia, who will address the issues that research institutions face as they enter the digital frontier and how they are working to meet the ever-changing needs of their patrons.

Continuing its goal of providing quality educational opportunities to its participants, the conference will again feature the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ Skillbuilding track, which focuses on research techniques useful to both the beginning and the advanced researcher. Among the eighteen lectures in the migration track are David Rencher’s “From Ulster to Virginia and the Carolinas,” Eric Grundset’s “The Chesapeake and New England: Colonial Connections and Migrations,” and J. Mark Lowe’s “The Migration Triangle: Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.” A two-day German track features lectures on German research in both the United States and Europe. Single-day tracks focus on DNA, NARA, military, and African American research and include tracks sponsored by the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society and the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Technology and its increasing role in research is addressed in a variety of presentations including a full-day track on ways to use technology to help you share your family’s story. And, last but not least, for those who have Virginia ancestors, we promise at least one session every hour of every day.

Registration is currently open.  To register online, visit the NGS website at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/event-registration/ and complete the registration form.

                                                                                  

The online searchable program is available at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/agenda/ and the PDF brochure is available at http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/. The brochure includes an overview of the sessions, tours, pre-conference events, registration times, and rates, as well as general conference and hotel details. Attendees are urged to visit the conference blog, which will feature tips on local and regional research facilities as well as things to do in and around Richmond and updated information on hotel availability and local restaurants.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.