SLIG & Halloween mean 10% savings. Plus the Family History Library!

It might be Halloween, but more importantly for genealogists, it's the last day to save at least 10% on registration for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Mark 13-17 January 2014 on your calendar and then visit www.slig.ugagenealogy.org. to register. Several courses still have open spots.

Still thinking about registering? Do it today and save money. Join the sponsor society, the Utah Genealogical Association, and save even more. Don't forget that the Family History Library is there, too! I hope to see you in Course 1, American Research and Records. I coordinate this course. The consultations and private computer lab will all take place at the Family History Library. All regular classes take place at the Radisson Hotel.

Instructors:
Debra Mieszala CG
Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS,

This intermediate level course provides in-depth learning on 19th-21st century U.S. resources and the methodology for using them. The 2014 course focuses on topics more related to researching families and individuals. Informative and interactive classroom hours delve into significant records and strategies that take you beyond basic research tools both online and off. On-site FHL library support and a computer lab from course instructors provide one-on-one assistance and guidance with your own research. This course alternates years with a course focused on localities. Prerequisites: experience researching in a variety of repositories, familiarity with FamilySearch.org and other websites, and previous class room learning related to family history. 

The full lineup appears on the SLIG website. www.slig.ugagenealogy.org

The Minnesota Genealogical Society Co-Sponsors Hennepin County Library Family History Fair

Join us Saturday, October 26 at Minneapolis Central Library from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the 4th annual Hennepin County Library Family History Fair.

Nationally known Minnesota genealogist, Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA, starts off the day with a keynote address, Check it Out! Public Library "Musts" for Genealogists.

Paula's talk is followed by three rounds of short breakout sessions presented by local genealogists.  Breakout round 1 features Finding Family in the Federal Census from Lois Abromitis Mackin and Faith

Minnesota Historical Society website and preservation

The Minnesota Historical Society's website has many great features. I have blogged about some of these. Scroll down the right side of this blog to see the index to past posts.

One of the important sections is "Preserve Your Family Treasures" which I have found to be quite helpful. The topics discussed are oral histories, letters and papers, organizing family papers, photographs, metals, and textiles.


Click here to learn more about taking care of your family artifacts and history.

Your story could be on Genealogy Roadshow!

I hope you have watched the first three episodes of Genealogy Roadshow that have been on PBS. The fourth show is this Monday evening, October 14. It's been an interesting series. Of course, it's not directed at any of us who are truly experienced researchers but it does feature interesting stories and people. Hundreds of research hours happened behind the scenes to prove or disprove the stories handed down in families. I hope that viewers not previously bitten by the genealogy bug are thinking about their own family details and about possible research. It's like Antiques Roadshow in that it has short sequences that give an overview of the story and research result. Our family stories may not end up being worth thousands of dollars like some of the antiques, but are probably more valuable in our hearts.

Maybe your own family story would be of interest to the producers as they work on a second season? Now's the time to submit it. 

Click here to access the submission form. The website states "the Expert genealogists will uncover rich and surprising history about the people and places that make up our incredibly diverse and fascinating country."

I have to admit I have enjoyed seeing my friends Josh and Kenyatta as the hosts and have recognized several colleagues in the audiences.

FGS Announces 3 free webinars for organizations

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) has announced three upcoming free webinars for those involved in genealogical and historical societies.

George G. Morgan, President of Aha! Seminars, Inc. and VP of Membership for FGS, will present 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

Genealogy writing awards announcement from ISFHWE

Do you write articles for your genealogical society publication? Maybe you are a blogger or write a genealogy column for the local historical society or newspaper. The International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE) reminds writers IN ALL MEDIA including magazines, newspapers, journals, websites, and blogs that the 2014 Excellence-in-Writing Competition is now open for entries through 15 June 2014.

The competition is open to both MEMBERS and NON-MEMBERS of ISFHWE; both published and non-published authors may enter (see category list on the website). A new category of poetry has been added. Members of ISFHWE receive a discount on the entry fee.

The awards presentations for the various categories will take place during the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in San Antonio, 27-30 August 2014. Some of the awards include a cash prize.

Click here for full details.