Brief genealogy news from the past week

I am in the midst of packing to move in a few weeks and am doing three seminars in other states in the next month so my blogging may be limited. I still have some neat things to share and decided to blog about them in brief. 

1. From time to time I see newspaper articles about generous individuals that are preserving the memory of downtrodden people whose death and burial may have gone largely unnoticed or marked. The Chicago Tribune carried such an article last week about Barry A. Fleig and the Cook County Cemetery at Dunning in the Chicago area. You might need a subscription to view the story. The Newberry Library's genealogy blog posted about the results of his work on the Dunning Cemetery. Learn more about this project and do a search of the database at http://www.cookcountycemetery.com/. According to that website "With over 38,000 burials spanning some seventy years, it served as an institutional cemetery for the Cook County institutions. These consisted of the County Poor house and farm opened 1854, the Insane Asylum opened 1869, the infirmary opened 1882, and the Consumptive hospital (TB), opened 1899 and was the official Cook County potters field serving the poor and indigent of the county."
    
2. The Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC no longer charges non-members to use its library. It's a beautiful place full of books, periodicals, films, databases, traditional library tables, and great staff. Most of the books are on open shelves and the browsing is fun. www.dar.org 
    
3. This Friday, October 31 (also known as Halloween!) is the last day for the $50 registration discount for the January 2015 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Three courses still have a few seats. www.infouga.org

Salt Lake Genealogy Institute savings deadline October 31

How can it be past the middle of October already? I do see the leaves changing and the weather is definitely cooler. The 2015 edition of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is rapidly approaching. It takes place January 12-16.

The early bird deadline for the 2015 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy ends on Friday, October 31. Register now to take advantage of the discount. Most of the tracks have sold out; only a few spaces remain! Find more information about available classes and register on the UGA website.

There is still availability in the following courses:

• Beyond the Library: Researching in Original Resource Repositories (John Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA)
• Finding Immigrant Origins (David Ouimette, CG)
• Resources & Strategies for United States Research, Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS) Part 1 and Part 2 may be taken in any order. This course is directed at intermediate level researchers and features lectures, problem solving, individual consultations, and four great instructors for the week. The syllabus is lengthy and includes hints, books, websites, and more. You will also have some free time that week to research in the Family History Library.

Just might be 300+ reasons to attend SLIG 2015

The annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is getting closer. January 12-16, 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of SLIG. Those 300+ reasons in the title of this blog post? It's networking with more than 300 fellow genealogists all gathered in the same place and willing to talk about family history research. Time before and after each class, during meals, and at the Family History Library is perfect for the usual networking. The Hilton Hotel has many great spaces for just sitting and talking about families and research. I wonder which students will make the most family or research locality connections this year?

SLIG Early-bird deadline October 31st

Don't let the savings deadline pass you by. Easy registration at http://infouga.org/ There is still some availability in the following courses:

• Beyond the Library: Researching in Original Resource Repositories (John Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA)
• Finding Immigrant Origins (David Ouimette, CG)
• Resources & Strategies for United States Research, Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS)

SLIG Early-bird savings registration ends October 31

Early-bird savings registration ends on October 31, 2014!

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) will be held January 12-16, 2015. All courses and events will be held at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center Hotel. Labs, if applicable, and research facilities will be available at the Family History Library. Registration: http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=r&eid=12
Early-bird registration ends on October 31, 2014.

Hotel: http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?eid=12
Stay at the Institute hotel, the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, in order to obtain the full institute experience and have access to special events and networking with the instructors and other attendees. SLIG’s reduced rate is $129/night (reduced from $269/night). This rate is set for up to four people in a room. The rooms are spacious and a two-queen room can comfortably accommodate four people.

2015 Tracks with some open seats

Resources and Strategies for US Research, Part I (Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS and three other instructors)
This course provides in-depth study of 19th-21st century U.S. resources and methodologies for utilizing them. Analyze content, origin, location, and develop tools and strategies to interpret records. Plus a FHL computer lab and one-on-once consultations at the FHL for this course only.

Beyond the Library: Research in Original Source Repositories (John Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA)
This course explores repositories of original historical sources: archives, courthouses and manuscript collections. The purpose of this course is to take the mystery and trepidation out of using original source repositories.

Finding Immigrant Origins (David Ouimette, CG)
This course covers the key historical sources and research methodologies for family historians tracing immigrant origins. We explore chain migration, ethnic migration paths, surname localization, DNA evidence, cluster genealogy, and other tools to help find your immigrant’s ancestral village.

Advanced Research Tools: Post-War Military Records (Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA)
Wars by their nature create records; however records are created in the aftermath of war also. There is the pension application file(s) or a bounty land application file(s). But there is so much more in addition to these records. There is pension law, payment ledgers, payment vouchers, public and private claims, correspondence, state claims, soldiers homes, and burial records.

I look forward to seeing you at SLIG in January 2015!

Genealogy Immersion January 2015 in SLC

Check your calendar. I bet it's pretty empty for next January. Why not sign up for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy that takes place 12-16 January 2015. SLIG is moving to a different hotel with more classrooms and more space in each room. It has on-site restaurants, a Starbucks takeout area, and places to sit and talk with fellow students.


If you register today (and before 31 October 2014) you save $50 off registration. Join the parent of SLIG, the Utah Genealogical Association, and you save even more if you register now rather than after Halloween.

I am once again coordinating the United States Records and Research course. 2015 is Part I and Part 2 is offered in even numbered years. These do not need to be taken in any specific order and some genealogists return for a refresher when a number of years has passed! Plus the session content and the syllabus are always being updated by the instructors.

This course offers greater understanding of records, learning more unusual resources, one-on-one consultations at the Family History Library, a computer lab session, and some surprises. 

 Click here for the full intermediate course lineup. 

To learn more about SLIG: http://www.saltlakeinstituteofgenealogy.com/

And here: http://www.infouga.org/cpage.php?pt=42

July 1st deadline: Jimmy B. Parker Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2015 Scholarship

Hopefully you have seen the news about this scholarship on the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy’s website or read the press releases in social media outlets. The deadline for submitting essays for this award is just days away, July 1st.

Full tuition to SLIG 2015 will be awarded to the student whose essay and application exemplify the culture of giving back to community, lived by Jimmy B. Parker. The scholarship will be awarded by a committee comprised of SLIG committee members and the family of the late Jimmy B. Parker. I know from personal experience, the Jimmy was a great guy and he loved genealogy.

Applicants are asked to submit the following via email to luanadarby @ gmail.com:
1.      A one-page essay detailing how attending SLIG will help you prepare to give back to the genealogical community.
2.      A short biography, including previous volunteer and research experience.
3.      The name of the course you would like to attend.
4.      A letter of recommendation from someone who has benefited from your volunteer service.

The Salt Lake Institute runs from January 12-16, 2015 and the winning student will have their choice of the following tracks:
1.      The Family History Law Library (with Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL and Rick Sayre, CG, CGL)
2.      Beyond the Library: Researching in Original Resource Repositories (John Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA)
3.      Finding Immigrant Origins (David Ouimette, CG)
4.      Advanced Research Tools: Post-War Military Records (Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA)
5.      Advanced German Research (F. Warren Bittner, CG)
6.      Resources & Strategies for United States Research, Part 1 (Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS) (Intermediate level)
7.      From Confusion to Conclusion: Writing Proof Arguments (Kimberly Powell and Harold Henderson, CG)
8.     Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum (with Angela McGhie and Kimberly Powell)
9.      Advanced Genealogical Methods (with Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS)
10.  Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy (Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL)
11.   Diving Deeper into New England – Advanced (D. Joshua Taylor, MA)
12.  Advanced DNA Analysis (CeCe Moore and Angie Bush)

Applications and essays are due by July 1st and the winner will be announced July 15th. Please note that this scholarship extends to those that have already registered for a SLIG course as well.

Deatils on 2 days till registration for 2015 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy

Yes, it's just two days until registration opens for the 2015 edition of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy aka SLIG. In 2015 SLIG is moving to the Hilton Hotel, just down West Temple 2.5 blocks from the Family History Library. Education first and then research at the FHL. How perfect!

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. MDT. That's 8 for the Pacific coasters, 10 for the Midwest, and 11 for the Easterners.

I coordinate and teach the United States Records and Research, Part I. If you attended in 2014 you took Part II. Thus 2015 should be of interest to you if you didn't take the other part of the course in 2013.

Other instructors in this course are John Philip Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA, Debbie S. Mieszala, CG, and D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS. We are working on some great learning and class involvement. We update the lectures and syllabus each year. If you took this course many years ago, you might be interested in attending again as much has changed over the years.

This beyond- the-basics course provides in-depth learning on 19th-21st century U.S. resources and the methodology for using them. We probe deeper into the content, origin, location, and interpretation of records. Informative and interactive classroom hours delve into significant records and strategies that take you beyond basic research tools both online and off. On-site Family History Library support and a computer lab from course instructors provide one-on-one assistance and guidance with your own research. Hands-on work is a big part of this course.

I suggest taking this two part course (the order doesn't matter) before taking more advanced courses. In this course you will interact with the instructors and other students, learn a lot, advance your own research, and we will also have some laughs and overall just enjoy the week.You will leave the course more confident in your own knowledge, understand where more records are located, and being able to interact with others to advance your own research.

Some suggested prerequisites: Experience researching in a variety of repositories, familiarity with FamilySearch.org and other family history websites, reviewing at least two basic genealogy guidebooks, and previous class room learning related to family history. You don't need to fill all these prerequisites, but whatever you bring to the week will help with your own education.

For the full lineup of individual sessions in this and other SLIG courses, visit www.infouga.org and be ready to hit those computer keys to sign up online this Saturday morning.

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2013 goes out with a bang

A week ago I was finished with the first day of teaching at the 2013 edition of SLIG. The week flew by and it now seems like a distant memory. That is sad because it was a fantastic week. I had a classroom full of wonderful adult students who participate in discussions, questions and the small group project. The Room Monitor, Phyllis Codling McLaughlin, was always attentive.

Christy Fillerup and her fellow Utah Genealogical Association SLIG staff greeted us warmly, answered any questions, and as always were cool, calm, and collected. Thank you all!

New Location
The 2015 SLIG will be the 20th Anniversary! I have taught and/or coordinated classes since the second year of SLIG. SLIG is so successful it has outgrown two hotels. In 2015 it will move to the Salt Lake Hilton for the week of January 11-16. Instructors and coordinators had a great tour of the Hilton meeting space last Friday afternoon. Impressive! It will give students more space in the classroom and provide room for consultations, small group discussions, and will be such an improvement.SLIG will run a shuttle to and from the Family History Library in the afternoons.

New title for Course I

At the request of SLIG Director, Christy Fillerup, I have changed the title of my course to United States Records and Research, Part I and Part II. The 2015 Part I will not be the same lineup as what students had in 2014. What was offered in 2014 will be offered again in 2016.

The new description: This beyond- the-basics course provides in-depth learning on 19th-21st century U.S. resources and the methodology for using them. Probe deeper into the content, origin, location, and interpretation of records. Informative and interactive classroom hours delve into significant records and strategies that take you beyond basic research tools both online and off. On-site Family History Library support and a computer lab from course instructors provide one-on-one assistance and guidance with your own research. Suggested prerequisites: experience researching in a variety of repositories, familiarity with FamilySearch.org and other family history websites, and previous class room learning related to family history.

See you next January!

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

SLIG intermediate genealogy course desctipion

I spent some time today working on syllabus material for the 2014 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Lots of new information to add. The very last thing for this course syllabus will be verifying all the URLs just before I send it to the syllabus coordinator at the end of November. The 2014 SLIG runs from January 13-17, 2014. Plan to be there a bit early to meet me and the other instructors for this course, Josh Taylor, and Debbie Mieszala, at the welcoming reception on Sunday evening, January 12. The syllabus will be distributed that evening and you also get the opportunity to meet others in this and other courses.

2014 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Course I, Intermediate Level, 
American Research and Records: Focus on Families

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.

To learn more and to register http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=51

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2014 Intermediate Course

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. It's not just lectures, we have fun sharing research and stories, too. Prerequisites: experience researching in a variety of repositories, familiarity with FamilySearch.org and other websites, and previous class room learning related to family history. Schedule is subject to change.

Monday

9:00-10:15       General Class Information

                        From Clues to Records: Step-by-Step Planning:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

10:30-11:45     Vital Records – Strategies and Substitutes: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

1:00-2:15         US Census Records – Beyond the Basics: Non-Population and Special Schedules:  D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

2:30-3:45         U.S. Passport Applications:  Debra Mieszela, CG         

Tuesday         

9:00-10:15       Church Records: Locating and Excavating:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

10:30-11:45     Institutional Records: Extensive Family Details:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

1:15-2:45         Computer Lab at FHL (Paula Stuart-Warren)

2:45-6:00         One-on-one consultations at FHL (Mieszala, Stuart-Warren, Taylor)

   

Wednesday

9:00-10:15       Clustering and More: Maximizing Your Online Searches:  D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

10:30-11:45     More than Just People: Lessons and Hints from Public Directories: D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

1:00-2:15         Twentieth and Twenty-First Century Research: Resources, Methods, and Skills: Debra Mieszala, CG

2:30-3:45         The Grey and the Blue: Beyond Pensions: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

3:45-4:30         Optional time in classroom for groups to discuss their project

Thursday

9:00-10:15       The Write Stuff: Family Histories with Substance and Appeal: Debra Mieszala, CG

10:30-11:45     Researching the Occupations of Our Ancestors:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

1:00-2:15         The Three Rs: Reading, 'Riting, and Research In School Records:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

3:00-5:30         One-on-one consultations at FHL (Mieszala, Stuart-Warren)

Friday

9:00-10:15       Finding Family Gems in Manuscript Repositories and Special Collections:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

10:30-11:45     Discussion and Review of Group Research Projects:  Paula Stuart-Warren, CG

11:45-12:15     Wrap-up; Completion Certificates; Q&A  (Paula Stuart-Warren)

Evening             SLIG Banquet

Register now for 2014 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy

Are you thinking about attending the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy next January? Don't forget to save your spot! There are courses for all levels of experience.

I am coordinating and teaching in the Intermediate Course, "American Research and Records." This course offers classes, interaction, time in the Family History Library, one-on-one consultations, and I also promise some fun! I am joined by two other great instructors, Debbie Mieszala, CG and D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS. Please see my next blog post for more details.

SLIG’s Early-Bird Registration is only weeks away, ending on October 31, 2013! The following courses still have some seats left:

• American Research and Records: Focus on Families
• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records
• Credentialing: Accreditation, Certification, or Both?
• Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum
• Problem Solving
• Utilizing Social History
• Researching in Eastern Europe

Immerse yourself in a specific genealogical topic for a week-long educational opportunity that is unparalleled.
The library is a short walk from the Institute’s location and, if available, the Radisson often provides shuttle service to the library.

Sign-up before October 31st and you will save over 10% off your registration. Become a member of UGA and increase your savings even more. The registration page can be accessed at http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=51

June 1: Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy registration opens.

SLIG Registration Opens June 1
The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is opening registration June 1, 2013 at 9:00 AM Mountain Time. So many great tracks for January 13-17, 2014!

Course 1
American Research and Records: Focus on Families
Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA

Course 2
New York Research
Karen Mauer Green, CG

Course 3
Research in the South
J. Mark Lowe, CG

Course 4
Scottish Research

Course 5
Advanced Research Tools: Land Records
Richard G. Sayre, CG and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL

Course 6
Credentialing: Accreditation, Certification, or Both?
Apryl Cox, AG and Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL

Course 7
Producing a Quality Family Narrative
John Philip Colletta Ph.D., FUGA

Course 8
Researching in Eastern Europe
Kory Meyerink, AG

Course 9
Advanced Genealogical Methods
Thomas Jones Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS

Course 10
Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum
Angela McGhie and Kimberly Powell

Course 11
Problem Solving
Judith Hansen, AG, MLS

Please visit the website for more information: www.slig.ugagenealogy.org
Email sligdirector@ugagenealogy.org with questions.

Jimmy B. Parker SLIG Scholarship

The Utah Genealogical Association has announced a new scholarship program. for its annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. It is named in honor of the late Jimmy B. Parker who was an avid genealogist, former Director of the Family History Library, and a great friend to all who knew him.

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce we are now accepting essays for the Jimmy B. Parker Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy scholarship. Full tuition to SLIG 2013 will be awarded to the student whose essay and application exemplify the culture of giving back lived by Jimmy B. Parker. The scholarship will be awarded by a committee comprised of SLIG committee members and the family of the late Jimmy B. Parker.

Applicants are asked to submit the following via email to sligdirector@ugagenealogy.org:

1. A one-page essay detailing how attending SLIG will help you prepare to give back to the genealogical community, following Jimmy B. Parker’s example.
2. A short biography including previous volunteer and research experience.
3. The name of the course you would like to attend.
4. A letter of recommendation from a someone who has benefited from your volunteer service.

The winning essay will be posted on the UGA blog at http://ugagenealogy.blogspot.com/.

The Salt Lake Institute runs from January 14-18, 2013 and the winning student will have their choice of the following tracks:

1. American Research and Records: Focus on Localities (with Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS)
2. Bridging the 1780-1830 Gap: From New England to the Midwest (and Points in Between) (with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS)
3. Researching Your English Ancestors: Beyond the Parish Register (with Apryl Cox, AG)
4. Advanced German Research (with F. Warren Bittner, CG)
5. Researching in Washington D.C. without Leaving Home (with Richard G. Sayre, CG, and Pamela, Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL)
6. A Genealogist’s Guide to the Internet Galaxy (with Thomas MacEntee)
7. Principles of Forensic Genealogy (with Melinde Lutz Byrne, CG, FASG and in partnership with Boston University)
8. Producing a Quality Family Narrative (with John Philip Colletta, Ph.D..
9. Advanced Genealogical Methods (with Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS)
10. Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum (with Angela McGhie and Kimberly Powell)
11. Problem Solving (with Judith Hansen, MLS, AG)

Applications and essays are due by May 15^th and the winner will be announced May 31^st. SLIG registration opens soon -- June 2, 2012 at 9:00 AM Mountain Time.

Back to blogging about family history research

Yes, I have been missing in action. The past month has been dictated by client, writing, and lecture deadlines plus some family time. Some of my upcoming seminar presentations are listed in the right hand column complete with live links for more information. I would love to meet readers at these places.

I just completed a week of intense teaching at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. I coordinate and teach the two part Intermediate American Records Course. In January 2013, the second half of the course will be offered. Registration will open this coming June and between now and then the full lineup of courses, classes and other details will appear on the Utah Genealogical Association website. www.infouga.org

Weller's opens in time for SLIG, RootsTech, and the PMC

You may already know this if you live in the Salt Lake City area. The throngs of people with an interest in genealogy, history, libraries, technology and other things who will visit there in the next 3 weeks might not know it yet.

The Sam Weller bookstore formerly on Main Street has now reopened in Trolley Square as Weller Book Works. Check out the full news article in today's Salt Lake Tribune. Be sure to look at the picture that heads the article and be prepared to drool.

SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy):  www.infouga.org
RootsTech:  www.rootstech.org
PMC (Association of Professional Genealogists):  www.apgen.org

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy still has some open spots!

Yes, you read that correctly! A few of the courses have a waiting list and it never hurts to get on those. Some courses, like the one I coordinate, have agreed to add a few more students so that we don't turn you away. Not all course set-ups allow for that, but I was happy to be able to do this. I hope you are able to join us in January 2012.


I coordinate and teach in Course 1: American Research and Records: Focus on Families which is an intermediate level course that provides in-depth learning on 19th-21st century U.S. sources and the methodology for using them. The 2012 course focuses on topics related to researching families and individuals. Informative and interactive classroom hours on five mornings and one afternoon delve into significant records and strategies that take you beyond basic research tools both online and off. On-site scheduled consultations at the FHL from course instructors on three afternoons provide one-on-one

Genealogy Bloggers: A chance to win a free SLIG registration

Are you a genealogy community blogger? That's step one. Would you like a chance to win free tuition for a course at the 2012 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy that is held each January in Salt Lake City? It's easy -- you just need to write a blog post and place the link in a specific place to be eligible. Sound too simple? That's the thing, it is simple. You just have to write about why you want to attend and which of the open courses you would choose. SLIG is a fun and educational week. I have been a part of SLIG for many years. Don't forget the Family History Library with all those microfilms, fiche, books, computers, databases and more is there, too. The 2012 SLIG dates are January 23-27. Onsite registration, syllabus pick-up, and a reception are held the evening of Sunday, January 22nd.

The Utah Genealogical Association's blog carries the contest details. Click here to read them all. Here are  a few points from their post.

"The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is excited to announce our first ever blogging contest. We believe that SLIG is one of the best educational opportunities available for genealogists—and we want to hear why you think so to. For the next week we would like to encourage all the fantastic bloggers in the genealogy community to let us know why you would like to attend SLIG. The contest will run through Saturday, October 15, 2011 at midnight (Mountain Time). The prize will be a tuition waver to SLIG 2012 (note that only those classes which haven’t filled are eligible).

How do I enter?

Step 1: Write 500 words or more on the topic of why you want to attend SLIG. Include which course you would like to take, and whether you have attended before. Please include the link www.slig.ugagenealogy.org when referring to SLIG’s website."

Register for SLIG 2012 soon and save $50.00

Five days of in-depth genealogical education. Five days of networking in small groups. Five days of learning from faculty representing a wealth of knowledge. That's SLIG 2012. Plus, of you register for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) by October 30th you save $50.00. SLIG offers multiple courses taught by some of the top U.S. genealogists. There is still room in some of the courses. Another neat aspect of the SLIG courses is the proximity to the Family History Library so that you can put your new or enhanced knowledge to work immediately.

I am the coordinator for Course I, an intermediate level offering: American Records and Research: Focusing on Families. In addition to some hands-on work, interaction with the instructors, and one-on-one consultations at the FHL, the course line up is helpful. Check out the details here.


No matter which course you choose, your week will be amazing. Save January 23-27, 2012 on your calendar and participate in a great week.

SLIG and FGS Radio, Saturday,. 4 June 2011

Let's talk about these in three parts!

1. At 9:00 a.m. MDT (10:00 CDT, 11:00 EDT, etc) the registration opens for the 2012 edition of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. It will be the 17th SLIG! Click here to get to the SLIG page at the Utah Genealogical Association's new website. A hint to smart readers -- go in and register for the course you wish and then check out. That will allow you to register more quickly since many of the courses fill up! You can go back later and register for evening and lunchtime presentations.

2. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) radio show "My Society" is on ever Saturday at 1:00 p.m. CDT (2:00 EDT, Noon MDT, and 11:00 a.m. PDT). Where is it found? Right on your own computer! Click here to go to the FGS website page with more info and a link to get you started. The 4 June 2011 show will have Thomas MacEntee, a member of the FGS Board of Directors, as host.

3. The "My Society" show on 4 June will have two guests. They are UGA President Janet Havorka and SLIG Director Christy Fillerup. UGA is one of FGS' member societies. You will learn some special things about SLIG, UGA's virtual chapter and video training library.