FGS2011: FamilySearch Bloggers Reception

Greetings from Springfield! Tonight was the bloggers' reception graciously hosted by FamilySearch. It was the first chance for most of the bloggers to see each other and catch up as we all arrived for the FGS conference.

Many of the familiar names behind FamilySearch were present at this event to mingle and share news about their respective departments within the organization.

There was extensive mention of RootsTech, which is coming February 2-4, 2012. FGS attendees can get big savings if they register for RootsTech at this conference. Stop by the FamilySearch booth for details.

Jim Ericson talked about the 1940 census, and the FamilySearch intent to get it indexed. Ancestry.com is also making the 1940 census available, doing so for free for a set amount of time. It is FamilySearch's intent to make it free forever. Jake Gehring also discussed the 1940 census during his presentation. FamilySearch is looking to partner with genealogy societies, friends of libraries, and other types of groups who may be interested in assisting in the indexing of this census.

David Rencher talked about some of the exciting developments with Civil War records in the FamilySearch collection. New collections pertinent to Illinois include the 1865 census, Illinois naturalizations and many more.

FamilySearch continues to increase the drive and speed with which they make records available for free to the public. They are dependent on volunteer support from the community and truly grateful to have it. There are volunteer opportunities available for individuals or groups. Consider partnering with them if you don't do so already.


[Disclosure: FamilySearch extended an invitation to their blogger reception and I accepted. I was not compensated. I am attending the FGS conference as an Official Blogger and will report on events throughout the week. --A]