Although today was the last day of the 2009 conference, it still contained a full slate of events.
I skipped the first session so I could catch up on sleep. I did get an extra hour, but a small hotel kitchen fire about 8:30am did make things interesting. I got a free ride down 10 flights of stairs (which is really 20 if you've ever had to do that) and a small stint out in the Raleigh drizzle. Everything ended fine.
The first session I attended was on court records. The presentation really was a basic explanation of the legal system as it relates to proceedings.
Session 2 covered certain military records in the National Archives. I didn't take many notes. Basically, you can find these items if you make friends with the finding aids.
After lunch, I went to a session that talked about records in the Library of Congress. I haven't used this resource as much as I should. My favorite part of the presentation was the part that showcased some old panoramic city maps and building plans. I can't wait to play with these collections at the LoC web site. I'm not sure I would purchase this session CD from NGS, though, because the presentation was very visual. It might not translate well in only audio.
The final session I attended was called "What is a Reasonably Exhaustive Search?" based on the phrase in the Genealogical Proof Standard. This is one of those terms you have to know when pursuing certification, so I'm glad I went to the presentation.
So now I am done with my first NGS conference. If I had to do it again, I would probably get the 600-page print syllabus and not the CD version. I don't need to kill a tree, but it would have been good to have that honkin' book during sessions. However, I do have everything I need on the CD so I will deal.
Tonight is just dinner at the bar and not much else. I hope you enjoyed my conference re-caps. Hopefully others will do the same on their blogs when they attend regional genealogy events. That's how information gets shared and everyone wins.
Showing posts with label NGS2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NGS2009. Show all posts
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
NGS 2009 Conference Recap for May 15
It feels like I've been here a month! I don't mean that in a bad way. I've just done so much.
I got up early again, so I'd be bright and chipper for the 8 a.m. session. It was called "Of City Slickers and Straphangers: Researching Urban Ancestors," by Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG. Harry Baerecke made me take this class so I could learn what the heck happened to him in 1890's Chicago. Most of the examples came from NYC, but the presentation was very thorough. I learned some new sources to check and new ways to approach research in urban areas. Degrazia was a good instructor. The biggest point she made was that you must study the area in which your ancestor lived, including culture, ethnicity, geography, etc. That will help you locate appropriate records for your ancestors.
The second session of the day dealt with research plans and was taught by Connie Lenzen, CG. The instructor provided a sample research plan of her own. She also referred to Professional Genealogy's chapter on research plans and the information found at the BCG web site. (By the way, Professional Genealogy is coming back in print very soon. There's an article coming out about the Pro Gen group--I think it will be in APG Quarterly--so they rushed the print order because of that article. The edition will be the same but the price will be higher.)
Session three was on tax records and it was taught by Barbara Vines Little, CG. She's another must-see instructor. Her knowledge of Virginia is vast, so most of her examples came from there. However, the tax information was general so it was very beneficial.
I then attended ther APG luncheon. I met some new people. This event was very well attended, probably because Dick Eastman was the speaker. His presentation was titled, "The Organized Genealogist." The talk was really more about efficiency than organization. He went over some Google tips, RSS, back-up suggestions and digitization. I also chatted with Carolyn Earle Billingsley, PhD and she autographed my copy of her book. Yay! She's a riot.
After lunch I was ready for a nap, but they don't provide hammocks in the convention center, so I went to a presentation about vital records taught by Patricia O'Brien Shawker, CG.
One thing I noticed today was that all of the sessions I chose fell into the BCG skillbuilding track. Interesting. If I had a clone, I would have gone to more map sessions. Choices are tough.
Tomorrow is another full day. Whew! No banquet for me tonight. I'll be having dinner at the bar if anyone's interested.
I got up early again, so I'd be bright and chipper for the 8 a.m. session. It was called "Of City Slickers and Straphangers: Researching Urban Ancestors," by Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG. Harry Baerecke made me take this class so I could learn what the heck happened to him in 1890's Chicago. Most of the examples came from NYC, but the presentation was very thorough. I learned some new sources to check and new ways to approach research in urban areas. Degrazia was a good instructor. The biggest point she made was that you must study the area in which your ancestor lived, including culture, ethnicity, geography, etc. That will help you locate appropriate records for your ancestors.
The second session of the day dealt with research plans and was taught by Connie Lenzen, CG. The instructor provided a sample research plan of her own. She also referred to Professional Genealogy's chapter on research plans and the information found at the BCG web site. (By the way, Professional Genealogy is coming back in print very soon. There's an article coming out about the Pro Gen group--I think it will be in APG Quarterly--so they rushed the print order because of that article. The edition will be the same but the price will be higher.)
Session three was on tax records and it was taught by Barbara Vines Little, CG. She's another must-see instructor. Her knowledge of Virginia is vast, so most of her examples came from there. However, the tax information was general so it was very beneficial.
I then attended ther APG luncheon. I met some new people. This event was very well attended, probably because Dick Eastman was the speaker. His presentation was titled, "The Organized Genealogist." The talk was really more about efficiency than organization. He went over some Google tips, RSS, back-up suggestions and digitization. I also chatted with Carolyn Earle Billingsley, PhD and she autographed my copy of her book. Yay! She's a riot.
After lunch I was ready for a nap, but they don't provide hammocks in the convention center, so I went to a presentation about vital records taught by Patricia O'Brien Shawker, CG.
One thing I noticed today was that all of the sessions I chose fell into the BCG skillbuilding track. Interesting. If I had a clone, I would have gone to more map sessions. Choices are tough.
Tomorrow is another full day. Whew! No banquet for me tonight. I'll be having dinner at the bar if anyone's interested.
When Randy Talks, People Listen
I couldn't figure out why I had such a spike in blog visitor traffic today until I saw where everyone was coming from: Mr. Genea-Musings mentioned my daily reports from the NGS conference on his blog.
Thanks, Randy, and everyone else who has left comments. I'm glad someone is reading my reports because it is SO hard to get up early, spend all day at the convention center, go to dinner, then roll back to the hotel only to do the same thing the next day. The last thing I want to do late at night is draft a blog post, but I want to get the info out there for others.
I'm also surprised more conference attendees haven't written posts. I do know some of the bigger names are very busy. It seems there's a board meeting, a booth to staff or something else going on all the time.
I chose to blog daily and tweet often because I hope to see the same information from other genea-bloggers when they go to an event I can't attend. Mahatma Ghandi said to be the change you want to see, so I am. I want to see more updates from genealogy conferences and meetings.
(I almost wrote #genealogy. It's time to rest now.)
Thanks, Randy, and everyone else who has left comments. I'm glad someone is reading my reports because it is SO hard to get up early, spend all day at the convention center, go to dinner, then roll back to the hotel only to do the same thing the next day. The last thing I want to do late at night is draft a blog post, but I want to get the info out there for others.
I'm also surprised more conference attendees haven't written posts. I do know some of the bigger names are very busy. It seems there's a board meeting, a booth to staff or something else going on all the time.
I chose to blog daily and tweet often because I hope to see the same information from other genea-bloggers when they go to an event I can't attend. Mahatma Ghandi said to be the change you want to see, so I am. I want to see more updates from genealogy conferences and meetings.
(I almost wrote #genealogy. It's time to rest now.)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
NGS 2009 Conference Recap for May 14
Holy heck, I'm tired. I honestly didn't know what day it was. I had to look it up in order to title the blog post.
Today at the NGS conference was great! My morning session was a double: the BCG certification Q & A. It was the same format as you see in the video on the BCG web site, but the audience asked some different questions. I'm glad I saw the video. I'm glad I went to this session. Each added to my knowledge. I am not at all ready for CG, but I know what to expect now and it isn't as scary as I once made it out to be.
Next I went to a newspaper-searching session with Paula Stuart-Warren. That was a great class. The discussion sparked a new research approach for me. I feel like my direction was rotated just 10 degrees and it made all the difference.
After lunch I went to Carolyn Earle Billingsley's "The Reality of Researching our Indian Ancestry." While I was waiting for the session to start, I thought of some new approaches I needed to try with my Chickasaws. Those ideas are pretty much what Dr. Billingsley talked about, so now I feel all special for thinking like an expert. She's a great, entertaining speaker. See her if you can.
The last session I went to was "Getting the Most from Family Tree Maker." I have FTM 2009, but haven't had much time to play with it. I didn't learn anything new from the session, but it had some great reminders. It was interesting and fast-paced.
For dinner, I went out with members of all 3 Pro Gen groups. It was great to put faces with names. I had so much fun. It was nice to meet everyone!
After dinner, I crashed the APG meeting of the chapter reps. They discussed the upcoming board meeting. It's probably safe to say the big issues that bug you and me are the same ones they'll be talking about tomorrow. It was interesting to see how things work behind the scenes. Everyone is so dang nice!
Then after that, I hung out with someone after 7pm! My wish from last night came true. Her name tag said my town, but it was wrong. She recently moved. Oh well. Ranee, it was great talking with you.
That's it for today. I'm so tired, I don't even have the strength to put links in everywhere. You're genealogists, you figure it out. ;)
Today at the NGS conference was great! My morning session was a double: the BCG certification Q & A. It was the same format as you see in the video on the BCG web site, but the audience asked some different questions. I'm glad I saw the video. I'm glad I went to this session. Each added to my knowledge. I am not at all ready for CG, but I know what to expect now and it isn't as scary as I once made it out to be.
Next I went to a newspaper-searching session with Paula Stuart-Warren. That was a great class. The discussion sparked a new research approach for me. I feel like my direction was rotated just 10 degrees and it made all the difference.
After lunch I went to Carolyn Earle Billingsley's "The Reality of Researching our Indian Ancestry." While I was waiting for the session to start, I thought of some new approaches I needed to try with my Chickasaws. Those ideas are pretty much what Dr. Billingsley talked about, so now I feel all special for thinking like an expert. She's a great, entertaining speaker. See her if you can.
The last session I went to was "Getting the Most from Family Tree Maker." I have FTM 2009, but haven't had much time to play with it. I didn't learn anything new from the session, but it had some great reminders. It was interesting and fast-paced.
For dinner, I went out with members of all 3 Pro Gen groups. It was great to put faces with names. I had so much fun. It was nice to meet everyone!
After dinner, I crashed the APG meeting of the chapter reps. They discussed the upcoming board meeting. It's probably safe to say the big issues that bug you and me are the same ones they'll be talking about tomorrow. It was interesting to see how things work behind the scenes. Everyone is so dang nice!
Then after that, I hung out with someone after 7pm! My wish from last night came true. Her name tag said my town, but it was wrong. She recently moved. Oh well. Ranee, it was great talking with you.
That's it for today. I'm so tired, I don't even have the strength to put links in everywhere. You're genealogists, you figure it out. ;)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NGS 2009 Conference Recap for May 13
I don't quite know how it happened, but I was signed up for another volunteer stint at the registration desk at 7:15 this a.m. It was really fun, though, so I'm not complaining. Conference volunteering is very rewarding.
At 8-ish I went to the opening meeting for the NGS conference. It's pretty much like the opening meeting at every conference, regardless of subject: thankyouforcoming, speech, awards, standing ovation, keynote speaker, thankyouforcoming.
Next I went to a session by Dr. Thomas Jones who talked about solutions for missing records. He provided four case studies, which was stellar because I love case studies. I learned that I have great instincts and I'm doing all the right things in my approach to research. I don't always know what it's called, but I'm doing it right. Yay.
I escaped the convention center for lunch. Sam & Wallys has sandwiches just like Sub Station, so that was good. I haven't had Sub Station in at least a decade.
After that, I went very early to find a seat for Elizabeth Shown Mills session. That was the right move. If you said Brad Pitt was in room A and ESM was in room B, it would be a no-brainer which session I would attend. Brad is a tool and ESM is awesomeness. I was hoping by sitting close to her, I'd breathe in some citation smarts, but it wasn't to be. I did get a pep talk on brick walls and ways to move around them. I'm ready to take on New Mexico again. Bring it.
In the afternoon, I went to the Heritage Books booth. I bought Communities of Kinship by Carolyn Earle Billingsley. I want to get it autographed at some point. I also talked briefly with Craig Scott. He's the Pro Gen 3 advisor. I highly recommend you chat with him sometimes. He knows so much and is happy to shoot the breeze.
I opted out of the late afternoon session for sanity's sake. I came back to the room to decompress and recharge. I had dinner at the hotel. I seriously need some genealogy friends that stay out past 7 p.m. The bar was empty at dinner.
It's all good, though. I'm ready for tomorrow.
At 8-ish I went to the opening meeting for the NGS conference. It's pretty much like the opening meeting at every conference, regardless of subject: thankyouforcoming, speech, awards, standing ovation, keynote speaker, thankyouforcoming.
Next I went to a session by Dr. Thomas Jones who talked about solutions for missing records. He provided four case studies, which was stellar because I love case studies. I learned that I have great instincts and I'm doing all the right things in my approach to research. I don't always know what it's called, but I'm doing it right. Yay.
I escaped the convention center for lunch. Sam & Wallys has sandwiches just like Sub Station, so that was good. I haven't had Sub Station in at least a decade.
After that, I went very early to find a seat for Elizabeth Shown Mills session. That was the right move. If you said Brad Pitt was in room A and ESM was in room B, it would be a no-brainer which session I would attend. Brad is a tool and ESM is awesomeness. I was hoping by sitting close to her, I'd breathe in some citation smarts, but it wasn't to be. I did get a pep talk on brick walls and ways to move around them. I'm ready to take on New Mexico again. Bring it.
In the afternoon, I went to the Heritage Books booth. I bought Communities of Kinship by Carolyn Earle Billingsley. I want to get it autographed at some point. I also talked briefly with Craig Scott. He's the Pro Gen 3 advisor. I highly recommend you chat with him sometimes. He knows so much and is happy to shoot the breeze.
I opted out of the late afternoon session for sanity's sake. I came back to the room to decompress and recharge. I had dinner at the hotel. I seriously need some genealogy friends that stay out past 7 p.m. The bar was empty at dinner.
It's all good, though. I'm ready for tomorrow.
NGS 2009 Conference Recap for May 12
The conference didn't start until May 13, but I had a full day yesterday. I made my own walking tour of Raleigh in the morning. Then I volunteered from 12-5 behind the registration desk. My job was to move the conference swag bags and 600+-page printed syllabi to various places for the people processing registrations for guests. Not rocket science, but it was fun. I met a Facebook friend in person and made some new acquaintances as well. The North Carolina host committee is so dang nice!
In the evening was the Association of Professional Genealogists Round Table. We met the board members present. Then we had brief introductions. The Lone Star Chapter was well represented. Woot! After intros, we broke into groups and discussed hypothetical issues/challenges genealogists face in their jobs. We then came together as a whole class again and compared answers.
Post Round Table, those present from the three Pro-Gen groups met to say hi. There were about 10-12 people there. Pro Gen 1 had the biggest contingent. I would love to provide a URL for those who don't know what Pro Gen is, but there isn't one. I did mention last night that a lot of people land on my blog when searching for information about Pro Gen. My suggestion for a basic web page that explains Pro Gen and tells you how to sign up was well-received, so hopefully that will come about soon.
In this casual Pro Gen discussion, we also talked about what to do after Pro Gen. Class #1 is in the final phase. There were suggestions on what to study next. Greenwood's book was thrown out there by Craig Scott as an idea. Hopefully, some Pro Gen-ers read this and continue the discussion online regarding what to do next.
Yesterday was an 18-hour day. I went to bed knowing I had to volunteer the next morning at 7:15am, but it was ok. This is fun.
[Edit: Mark Tucker was kind enough to provide a link that explains Pro Gen. Thanks, Mark!]
In the evening was the Association of Professional Genealogists Round Table. We met the board members present. Then we had brief introductions. The Lone Star Chapter was well represented. Woot! After intros, we broke into groups and discussed hypothetical issues/challenges genealogists face in their jobs. We then came together as a whole class again and compared answers.
Post Round Table, those present from the three Pro-Gen groups met to say hi. There were about 10-12 people there. Pro Gen 1 had the biggest contingent. I would love to provide a URL for those who don't know what Pro Gen is, but there isn't one. I did mention last night that a lot of people land on my blog when searching for information about Pro Gen. My suggestion for a basic web page that explains Pro Gen and tells you how to sign up was well-received, so hopefully that will come about soon.
In this casual Pro Gen discussion, we also talked about what to do after Pro Gen. Class #1 is in the final phase. There were suggestions on what to study next. Greenwood's book was thrown out there by Craig Scott as an idea. Hopefully, some Pro Gen-ers read this and continue the discussion online regarding what to do next.
Yesterday was an 18-hour day. I went to bed knowing I had to volunteer the next morning at 7:15am, but it was ok. This is fun.
[Edit: Mark Tucker was kind enough to provide a link that explains Pro Gen. Thanks, Mark!]
Monday, May 11, 2009
NGS 2009 - It's ON!
I'm in Raleigh for the 2009 conference of the National Genealogical Society. I think they call it the 31st Annual Family History Conference, but whatever.
Today was devoted to just getting here, which I did. I got up way too early for my flight, which required a nap when I got to my hotel room. Chalk up 30 minutes to figure out how to connect to the hotel Internet, since the published instructions were totally wrong. All of a sudden, it was time for food.
I spent the first part of dinner immersed in an issue of Everton's Genealogical Helper. The second portion, I became friends with the person in the next seat over. We spent the next hour or so talking NC archives, genealogical pains in the butt and life in general. She took my business card which has this blog address so Barbara if you're reading this, thanks for the great conversation! Genealogists are awesome.
Tomorrow involves a walk around Raleigh, a half-assed attempt to find the Buncombe County Jones' in the state archives, a sampling of North Carolina BBQ and conference volunteering if asked. Tomorrow evening is APG round table. I am very excited!
Today was devoted to just getting here, which I did. I got up way too early for my flight, which required a nap when I got to my hotel room. Chalk up 30 minutes to figure out how to connect to the hotel Internet, since the published instructions were totally wrong. All of a sudden, it was time for food.
I spent the first part of dinner immersed in an issue of Everton's Genealogical Helper. The second portion, I became friends with the person in the next seat over. We spent the next hour or so talking NC archives, genealogical pains in the butt and life in general. She took my business card which has this blog address so Barbara if you're reading this, thanks for the great conversation! Genealogists are awesome.
Tomorrow involves a walk around Raleigh, a half-assed attempt to find the Buncombe County Jones' in the state archives, a sampling of North Carolina BBQ and conference volunteering if asked. Tomorrow evening is APG round table. I am very excited!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Always Moving Forward
I have certain professional goals and my approach is to do something--anything--each day to move toward those goals. Always moving forward.
Sounds ambitious and driven, but it doesn't make for good blog fodder. Unfortunately, it's what I've been doing, so that's what you get.
Today was my second ProGen3 chat. 16 more to go, I guess? It went well. I love the topics and the group. Before the chat, we are given questions based on the readings in the Professional Genealogy book. During the chat, we compare answers, backgrounds, opinions, etc. My mind is always churning when chat is over.
After lunch, I finished the lecture part of my NGS course, assignment 8. Then I worked on one of the two tasks of the lesson. I transcribed a will. It was kind of a softball challenge. I easily interpreted the handwriting. I did pretty well on the abstracting, too. We'll see how well it serves me when I go for certification.
In less than a week, I will be at the National Genealogy Conference in Raleigh. I am very excited.
Sounds ambitious and driven, but it doesn't make for good blog fodder. Unfortunately, it's what I've been doing, so that's what you get.
Today was my second ProGen3 chat. 16 more to go, I guess? It went well. I love the topics and the group. Before the chat, we are given questions based on the readings in the Professional Genealogy book. During the chat, we compare answers, backgrounds, opinions, etc. My mind is always churning when chat is over.
After lunch, I finished the lecture part of my NGS course, assignment 8. Then I worked on one of the two tasks of the lesson. I transcribed a will. It was kind of a softball challenge. I easily interpreted the handwriting. I did pretty well on the abstracting, too. We'll see how well it serves me when I go for certification.
In less than a week, I will be at the National Genealogy Conference in Raleigh. I am very excited.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
NGS2009: I'm in
I decided to go to the 2009 National Genealogical Society Annual Conference. It ain't cheap and I've cashed in all my child care credits for the year, but oh well. I know where I want to be and this will help me get there.
I'm curious to see how this event compares to a professional library/research conference, where I am an old salt. During those, about 50% of the value comes from the socializing and networking outside the programs.
My arrival date is a day early so I can go to the North Carolina State Archives. I want to check out the records on my Jones family and hopefully grow that line back a couple generations.
Anyway, if you're going, let me know.
Also, I'm using the blog tag NGS2009 for anything related to the conference. Hopefully others do the same so it will come up on my news alerts. This won't be a big deal this far out, but it will be beneficial as the day approaches and during the event.
I'm curious to see how this event compares to a professional library/research conference, where I am an old salt. During those, about 50% of the value comes from the socializing and networking outside the programs.
My arrival date is a day early so I can go to the North Carolina State Archives. I want to check out the records on my Jones family and hopefully grow that line back a couple generations.
Anyway, if you're going, let me know.
Also, I'm using the blog tag NGS2009 for anything related to the conference. Hopefully others do the same so it will come up on my news alerts. This won't be a big deal this far out, but it will be beneficial as the day approaches and during the event.
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