FGS2011: My Genspiration Session

I hosted a Genspiration session at the 2011 FGS conference and lived to tell about it.

It's not scary when you sign up to talk about something you love. I decided on blogs. Best practices, content, affiliates, layout, etc. Basically anything anyone wanted to talk about in regard to established blogs. There are several sessions and webinars out there dedicated to helping people start blogs, but not much help for succeeding at the next step. Why not start a dialogue?

I reserved a slot on the big poster board placed prominently at the entrance of the exhibit hall. Then I waited to see who would show up. Caroline Pointer promised to be there, so at the very least we could sit there and talk about blogs to each other.

About 15 people made the trek down to room B-9 (dubbed the "meat locker" due to its overactive A/C unit), which is pretty good given that this session started at 5pm on a Friday.

Before the session, I wrote down several discussion topics. That way, if the conversation lulled I could introduce a new subject. Luckily this was a great crowd and everything just flowed.

We talked about affiliate programs (no one in the crowd really makes any *big* money, but some are able to make decent change), dedicated blog pages (for surnames, disclosures, etc.), publicity (using other social media tools to market blogs) and content.

Fifty minutes went by very fast. I thought the session was successful. People showed up and I learned something from them. That's all I was hoping to get out of it. Hopefully the others in attendance benefited as well.

Special thanks to FGS for including these Genspiration session slots in the line-up. I hope they do it again next year.

FGS2011 - Engaging a New Generation of Genealogists with D. Joshua Taylor

I attended "Engaging a New Generation of Genealogists" with D. Joshua Taylor as part of the society-day track at the FGS conference.

Genealogists often think that "new generation" automatically means younger members, but Taylor described the next generation as being those who will eventually replace current genealogy officers and board members. He referred to this group as the "21sters" (twenty-firsters).

Who are the 21sters? They are tech-oriented. They know about genealogy through an online presence. They're attracted to the stories we uncover in genealogy. They are looking for a fun organization to join--and their idea of fun isn't filling out a 5-generation pedigree chart at a society meeting.

Taylor also talked about the need for societies to think outside the box in terms of all society aspects. No one thinks they are beginners (even if they are) so don't title your events as such. Rename them. Seek different meeting locations and explore new methods of learning. Taylor also emphasized the need for societies to partner with other businesses in the community.

Assess your society. What is your social media presence? Your social media policy? What are your current projects? Publications? Other activities? How do 21sters fit into this combination? Or do they at all?

Taylor's session was spot on, in my opinion. Like it or not, the next generation of genealogy society members approaches family history from a different angle. Forward-thinking groups will capitalize on that fact and use these fresh faces to their advantage.

FGS2011 - Affordable Member Benefits with George Morgan

On Society Day at the 2011 FGS conference, George Morgan led a session on affordable member benefits for genealogy societies. He reiterated the fact that people want to be involved in active genealogical societies. What better way to meet that need than with member benefits.

Morgan offered many suggestions of benefits in several major categories including education, communication, genealogy help and special projects. Active society participation was the common thread in all of these ideas. "Members are your key strength," said Morgan.

All of the Society Day sessions perceive societies as businesses and they should be operated as such. Morgan advised the audience to re-evaluate their societies and examine costs. Perhaps a blog can replace your newsletter. Morgan also shared ideas for publicity and new member recruitment. My favorite idea was a membership drive where current members are rewarded (with prizes, discounts, etc.) for bringing in new members.

FGS2011 - Introducing HistoryGeo.com

In the FGS2011 exhibit hall, I had a chat with Greg Boyd of Arphax Publishers, the makers of the Family Maps wit which genealogists are so familiar. On September 8, Arphax unveiled a new online genealogy tool: HistoryGeo.com.

Boyd was kind enough to give me a demonstration. In short, HistoryGeo.com combines the detailed maps genealogists appreciate in the Family Map books with social networking components.

HistoryGeo.com includes a viewer that allows you to examine land maps by location or surname (of the original owner of the land). From the view perspective, subscribers can “tag” the land with custom markers that include photos, links, and pertinent details of your ancestors. You can make this information private or public. Sharing it with others increases the chances of connecting with potential cousins and others who descend from the families near your ancestors.

Right now, Boyd is looking for charter members to subscribe to their service. Though the site is new, it continues to grow. It has the potential to be a very cool genealogy tool.

I’ll play around with HistoryGeo.com some more and let you know how it goes. I just wanted to share about it with you because it’s a new toy and I know how much genealogists love new toys.


[I wasn't compensated for this blog post. I just like maps.  --Amy]

FGS2011 - The Dollars and Cents of Fundraising with Curt Witcher

“The Dollars and Cents of Fundraising” was the title of Curt Witcher’s session.  The takeaways from his talk were simple yet powerful:

1.       Do good things. As a society, do good deeds and provide good service. Then be ready to share about your group’s accomplishments. Examples include assisting 20 scouts in getting their merit badges or documenting the headstones in a local cemetery. Donors gravitate toward positivity, so alwas do good things.

2.       Ask. Many societies who need funding do not take the basic step of asking for assistance. Witcher was clear to point out that donors do not like to pay for a society’s basic operating costs, but like to support projects that support their own preferences and missions. Two issues that arise from this circumstance are that a.) you need to know your society’s mission and b.) you need to be aware of when the donor’s intent overshadows the funded project’s purpose.

3.       Fundraising is friendraising. Witcher states that fundraising is a continuous process, and the responsibility of more than one person in the society. We all know people through local business relationships, college alumni groups, sports teams, etc. Donors do not give to strangers, so we as societies must continually build and foster relationships.

Witcher’s very informative session used these three main themes and they all built on each other. You must know your society’s financial situation, do good things, and be prepared to share about those good things when you seek donations.

RootsTech 2012 Registration Discount at FGS2011

Did you hear the news? RootsTech 2012 registration is open!

But wait...there's more!

FamilySearch and the RootsTech crew are offering a special $99 rate if FGS conference attendees register at the RootsTech booth. So if you're at FGS in Springfield, mosey on over there and save $30 on the regular early-bird rate.

But wait...there's more!

RootsTech has generously extended this offer to everyone else at home, too. Use the registration code FGS99 when you sign up. This offer is only good through the end of the conference (Saturday, Sept. 10), so register now!

Just released: Insider's Guide to Illinois Genealogy

[FYI: this announcement was released this morning by the Illinois State Genealogical Society at the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference. See below and direct all questions to ISGS. --Amy]


Illinois State Genealogical Society Debuts New Guide for Family Historians with Prairie State Ancestors


September 8, 2011 – Springfield, IL. The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) proudly announces the debut of the Insider’s Guide To Illinois Genealogy – a handy reference guide for family historians and genealogists. With the Insider’s Guide researchers will find everything they need to get started to find Prairie State ancestors.
The Insider’s Guide To Illinois Genealogy laminated “quick card” contains:

·         An overview of Illinois history in a timeline format

·         A section on migration patterns related to how Illinois was settled

·         Helpful research strategy tips for the beginning genealogist

·         Over 130 different links to websites covering different aspects of Illinois genealogy over 26 subject sections including Census Records, Vital Records, Obituaries, Military Records, and more.

The Insider’s Guide will be available in limited quantities during the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ 2011 Conference in Springfield, Illinois. Visit the Illinois State Genealogical Society at Booths 205/207 in the Exhibit Hall at the Prairie Capital Convention Center to purchase your copy or to join ISGS. The guide will be given away FREE to the first 100 members who join ISGS.


With a conference special price of $5 each, the guide is expected to sell quickly. The guidecan also be purchased online at http://bit.ly/ISGSguide for $7 which includes shipping and handling.
ISGS Publicity Chair and Webmaster Thomas MacEntee notes: “ISGS is one of the first large genealogy societies to publish a research guide in this popular format. The ‘quick card’ is laminated, light-weight and can be slipped into a backpack or laptop bag for genealogy research trips.”


The Insider’s Guide To Illinois Genealogy was produced with the help of several ISGS board members who collected links to many online resources. In addition, attention has also been given to archives, libraries and repositories for “in person” research.


Janice Fritsch, ISGS President, states: “One of the purposes of ISGS is to disseminate information about Illinois.  The Insider's Guide to Illinois Genealogy not only helps ISGS in accomplishing its purpose, but also provides genealogists with an easy-to-use, ‘hands-on’ tool for finding Illinois ancestors. It is a must-have and will make a great gift for relatives, friends, your society or your library.”


About Illinois State Genealogical Society:
The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) was formed in 1968 through the cooperative effort and forward thinking of Illinois genealogical society representatives, who envisioned a statewide genealogical organization. ISGS is a not-for-profit, nonsectarian, educational organization. ISGS was established for the following purposes:

·         To stimulate an interest in the people who contributed to the establishment and development of the State of Illinois.

·         To seek, preserve, and make available data pertaining to individuals, families, and groups who lived in Illinois and to events which took place therein.

·         To inform people of the value of, and need for, preserving family and local history for posterity.

·         To encourage the formation of local genealogical societies and to coordinate and disseminate information.

Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ILgensoc), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ILgensoc) and on our blog at http://ilgensoc.blogspot.com.




[Disclosure: I am an official blogger for the FGS conference, co-hosted by ISGS. I was given a complimentary copy of this reference guide.]

FGS2011: Plenary Session with David Rencher

Hello again from the FGS conference in Springfield. Wednesday was society day, where the events covered topics pertinent to society management and growth.

David Rencher of FamilySearch kicked off the day in the Plenary Session. He shared the statistic that 1/3 of the 35 charter FGS societies are no longer in existence. He then posed questions for our own genealogy societies. Do you know why your society exists? Would anyone notice if your society ceased operations? The common theme in Rencher's discussion was the necessity that genealogy societies be run as businesses, which is hard for some to do. However, it needs to be done. We need to know our costs per member and cut costs in all areas. This may mean moving to electronic publications or something else. All facets of a society need to be examined for ways to cut costs. There was also talk on staying relevant and providing value to the public. This theme was carried out through the day.

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]

Get the Latest News About FGS2011

The FGS conference is approaching fast, and news about the event is continuously being generated. 

Here are some blog posts that will keep you up to date, whether you're coming to Springfield or playing along from home:

What if you can't go to FGS 2011? Gena of Gena's Genealogy shows us how gain the most from the conference from the comfort of our homes.

Linda of Documenting the Details shows us how to keep up with the bloggers who are attending the conference. She generously shares her links that will give you a front-row seat to the action.

FGS VIP and awesome lady Paula Stuart Warren issued a set of conference challenges to attendees. Are you up to it? 

1000memories has extended an invite to conference attendees to attend their breakfast panel "Engaging Your Family in Genealogy." You must RSVP. See link for details.

And of course, follow the FGS conference blog for the latest updates and announcements.

[Disclosure: I am an Official Blogger.  -A]

An Offer You Can Refuse (But I Hope You Don't)

Are you going to the 2011 FGS conference? I'm going to make you an offer you can refuse, but I hope you don't.

I was going to make this offer earlier, but instead I went out to lunch with my husband. When I came back, I saw that Sheri Fenley, The Educated Genealogist, had written a great post about being a conference first-timer. It fits well with my offer so go read it first, then come back here. But promise to come back because Blogger doesn't have a feature where I can make a link open in another window.
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Ok, are you done reading Sheri's post? Wasn't that great?

Here's my offer. It's the same offer I've made for several conferences, yet no one ever takes me up on it.

If you're going to the FGS conference and don't know a soul, email me and we'll meet up. We can share a meal or hang out at a special event. Either way, you will know somebody at the conference.

I know it seems weird to contact a stranger, but trust me on this. Genealogists go from small talk to friendly conversation in 3 seconds. We'll have a great time.

Take down the email address at the top right of this page and contact me. It's connected to my phone, so I'll get your message even in Springfield. If you're at the Prairie Social all by your lonesome, just holler and I'll round up some friendly genealogist buddies right then and there.

It's not as socially awkward as it seems. I promise. You just have to reach out.

FGS2011 GenSpiration Sessions: A Meeting of the Minds

The FGS conference in Springfield is almost here! Have you looked at the schedule? What sessions look good to you?

Several of the other FGS 2011 Official Bloggers have published their planned session schedules on their own blogs. I can't do that for you because I never plan until I get to the conference. Sometimes I don't plan until breakfast of the conference day.

Some of the events that intrigued me about this FGS conference are the GenSpiration Sessions. Traditional genealogy classes are great, but there's something special about the spontaneous meeting of the minds when people come together.

I hope attendees join in the spirit and offer up for discussion some of the subjects about which they are passionate. I'm considering proposal of a couple discussion topics of my own. I'd like to pick people's brains about genealogy business marketing. I also like talking about blogging issues such as affiliates, copyright, templates, problems, solutions, ideas, etc. There are a lot of "how to" blog sessions out there, but little discussion on the "what next" when your blog is going strong.

Should I jump in to the GenSpriation pool? I'll let you know once I get there and look at the schedule. I might be the only person at my potential GenSpiration sessions but that's ok. I'm just happy the dedicated people at FGS are offering this type of learning opportunity.

[Update: Official FGS Blogger Caroline Pointer told me that she's in for these GenSpiration sessions, so come hang out with us and talk shop! Look for details about GenSpiration sessions at the conference.]

Federation of Genealogical Societies Debuts New Mobile App

Offers Easy Access to FGS Services Including Radio, Blog and Webinars


August 15, 2011 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the debut of its free mobile application for the iPhone®, iPod Touch® and iPad®. With the new FGS App, FGS resources and services such as FGS Radio, Voice – the FGS blog and webinars are now available to a wider audience.

The FGS App is the perfect place to stay current with all the events and offerings at FGS. Whether you want to read news at the Voice, listen to the FGS Radio show or learn new tips and tricks from the FGS Webinars, the FGS App allows you to do all of that in one program. You can also get the latest news on the FGS 2011 conference coming up September 7-10, 2011 in Springfield, Illinois as well as the Preserve the Pensions project to digitize millions of War of 1812 pension files.

In terms of social media, the FGS App enables users to interact with each other through comments, posts and sharing content via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. The new app also includes Society Hall, a directory of all the FGS Members and their locations.

According to D. Joshua Taylor, FGS Vice-President for Administration and nationally-known genealogy expert, “In an age where technology plays such an important role in family history, the FGS App serves as a tool for genealogists and FGS member societies, leading the way for genealogical organizations to harness mobile technologies to promote themselves within this digital climate. This is an exciting beginning of many innovations yet to come."

To access the new FGS App, visit the Apple Store at http://store.apple.com/us or use http://itunes.apple.com/app/federation-genealogical-societies/id455585034?mt=8# to download the FGS App.

Technical and Developer Information

·       The FGS App has been developed by A.C. Ivory of Find My Ancestor specifically to meet the needs of FGS members and the genealogy community.

·       The FGS App is compatible with the iPhone® (3GS and later models), iPod Touch®, and iPad® and requires iOS 4.0 or later.

·       The FGS App may not work with older 3G iPhone® models – this is a decision on the part of Apple as they get ready to roll out the new iPhone® 5 later this year.

·       FGS plans to make the FGS App available to Android and Windows Mobile users in the near future.

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.

2011 FGS Conference Luncheons

Let's talk meal tickets.

If you're going to the 2011 FGS conference coming up in Springfield, you may want to consider one or more luncheons. Several groups host or sponsor lunches at the conference, and for many of them you don't have to be a member of the group to attend.

Here are some of the details for luncheons:

Wednesday Luncheon with speaker Ransom Love

Thursday Luncheons and Speakers (there are 4!)

Friday Luncheons and Speakers (there are 4!)

Saturday Luncheons and Speakers (there are 4!)

Don't be afraid to attend a luncheon alone. I have never had a bad experience and often meet wonderful people. Once I sat next to the president of a state genealogical society. We talked throughout the luncheon and she gave me wonderful research and archives advice for her state.

You can purchase tickets for these luncheons through the FGS conference registration site.


[Disclosure: Speaking of meal tickets, this is mine as an Official Blogger for FGS2011. They paid for my conference registration, but I have to buy my own lunches.]

FGS 2011 Conference Social Media Policies

The Federation of Genealogical Societies has published their social media policy and photography policy for their September 7-10, 2011 conference in Springfield, Illinois.

FGS 2011 Conference Social Media Policy

FGS 2011 Conference Photography Policy

From an Official Blogger standpoint, I appreciate the existence of these policies and the fact that they are published well before the conference. These statements give me wide parameters to share information from the conference with those at home. At the same time, these policies respect the copyright of speakers and those providing content in sessions.

From a conference attendee standpoint, I appreciate that FGS is forward thinking enough to prepare these policies and make them available now. I know not everyone uses social media for learning / communicating / networking, but I do and I gravitate toward genealogy events that do as well.

The photography policy doesn't fall on me...at least I don't think it does. I intend to take photos as I always do, seeking permission when I feel it is necessary and utilizing larger anonymous crowd photos when possible. I don't plan on taking photos in sessions, so FGS and I are square there.

FGS publishes these policies and other news on their FGS Conference Blog. Read it for the latest updates. The social media and photography policies will be available in the conference handouts as well.


[Disclosure: I am an Official Blogger for the 2011 FGS Conference. They paid my registration, but didn't tell me what to write. I share conference information for the benefit of those who might have an interest in it.]
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RootsMagic to Sponsor FGS 2011 Cyber Café

Are you reading the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference blog? If not, you're missing lots of helpful information and exciting plans for the upcoming FGS conference in Springfield, Ill.

This past weekend, big news was announced that there will be a Cyber Café on the exhibit floor. No, it's not a place to eat. Rather, it's a handy spot to check email, recharge electronics, use printers, rest your tired feet and more.


All this is available through FGS and the sponsorship of RootsMagic.

I am always amazed and grateful for the support RootsMagic gives to genealogy events, attendees and bloggers. 

If you are joining me at the FGS conference this summer, be sure to check out the Cyber Café. And on your way there, stop by the RootsMagic booth and say thank you to the staff for their generous sponsorship of this event.

[Disclosure: I am an Official Blogger for the 2011 FGS Conference. More details on my Disclosures page.]

Register Now for the 2011 FGS Conference

Just a few days left to take advantage of early-bird registrations rates and save $50 when you sign up for the Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference. If you're on the fence, now is the time to hop off and join me at this great event. The rate changes July 1.

You don't have to be a member of a genealogy society to attend this conference. Everyone is welcome.

Sometimes beginning genealogists think that national conferences will have sessions that are too hard or out of their league. This isn't the case. There are so many sessions to choose from. You just have to have an interest in the topics presented.

If you want to sign up, but don't want to go it alone, let me know and I'll be your buddy. See? Then you'll know someone at the conference. 

Registration information

Conference program

Conference activities

FGS Conference news blog

See you in Springfield!

[Disclosure: I am an official conference blogger.]

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FGS Names Official Bloggers for FGS2011

Did you hear the news? The Federation of Genealogical Societies named their official bloggers for the 2011 conference.

I am thrilled to have been chosen as part of such a fantastic group.

Regular readers know the drill, but if you've recently stumbled upon this blog, here's what you can expect from me as an "Official Blogger."

There will be play-by-play action.
I cover conferences chronologically, describing what I did or saw each day. Sometimes if a lot happens in a day, I will break the time into smaller posts.

There will be pictures.
I am a visual learner and an armchair traveler. I love it when people use photos in their blogs, so I do the same.

There will be take-aways for the readers at home.
If I learn about a new tool, big news or powerful speakers who make impressions, I'll be sure to tell you about it.

There will be commentary.
I have opinions about the conference experience. Sometimes I share them.

There might be bacon.
If a certain vendor hosts a breakfast and happens to invite me again there *will* be bacon, but I don't want to jinx it.

In the interest of full disclosure, FGS did provide a complimentary registration to the conference, plus an $8 ticket to a social event. All other costs incurred are mine. Learn more about this event at the FGS conference blog.

Special thanks to the Federation of Genealogical Societies for this opportunity. I will do my best to cover the conference from my perspective and share it with the genealogy community.

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Springfield, Here I Come

I am officially registered for the 2011 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference. I've had the hotel and flight reserved for a few weeks, but this conference registration makes it *official.* 

I'm looking forward to seeing my genealogy friends and meeting some new ones. Will I see you there? If not, no worries. You know I'll post a ton of pictures and make sure you don't miss a minute of the fun.

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Genealogy 411 for February 4, 2011

Our family truckster in my grandparents' driveway 

in Wrightwood, California, circa 1980

The picture above has nothing to do with this post, but it seems to fit the overall theme of the past few days.

I took a week off from blogging, and boy did it feel good. I needed a break, plus I had a lot of inquiries coming at me from all sides. I was so busy responding to others, that I couldn't focus enough to write here. Now I've had my break and I'm gearing up for RootsTech. Here are some of the news stories I collected in the past week and put in one place:

Archives.com published a chart of Online Family History Trends.

Registration is open for the 2011 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in Springfield, Illinois.

There is an event called "Super Indexing Sunday,"where folks do volunteer indexing at FamilySearch on February 6. There's something else going on that day, but it shouldn't interfere, right?

Getting Started on Ancestry.com webinar, Monday, February 7, 2011 at 8:00PM EST. In fact, there are several Ancestry.com webinars in the near future. See them here and watch videos of past webinars.

There's a Family Tree Maker webinar on February 16. Click the link for information on how to sign up.

RootsMagic has several webinars in their future as well. Click here to sign up or watch past presentations.

Finally, Who Do You Think You Are season 2 starts tonight. Glad I looked because it's on at 7 here.

Guess that's it for now. Go forth and find your family's history! Or take a nap. Up to you.