Do's and Don'ts for FGS 2014

It's almost time for the 2014 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference! This time it's in my neck of the woods, and I'm excited to have all these genealogy folks come to Texas. If this is your first trip to San Antonio, here are some tips to make your trip memorable:

DO try new things. Attend a class in something about which you know nothing, play with the databases in the vendor hall, make friends in the chairs around you while we're all waiting for sessions to start.

DON'T bring your horse or cowboy hat. Downtown San Antonio is a very busy place. Take all your visions of ranches and prairies out of your head and replace them with buses and tall buildings. Leave your boots at home too, unless they're super comfortable and worthy of long walks through the convention center.

DO take advantage of local food and drink. When it comes to after-hours conference entertainment, San Antonio is one of the better FGS settings in recent memory. There are so many choices! Here is a list of nearby restaurants and bars.

DON'T spend all your time in the convention center. I realize genealogy is the reason we're all coming to San Antonio, but take some time to explore the city surrounding the conference. Check out these downtown San Antonio maps for ideas.

DO realize The Alamo is only a short walk from the convention center.This conference offers you a great chance to see it (and realize how small it is). There's even an early-morning Fun Walk supporting the Preserve the Pensions cause. Why not sign up?

DON'T ask where the basement is at The Alamo:

DO come find me at the conference. I love making new genealogy friends!

2013 Houston FamilySearch Genealogy Conference

Hey Texas genealogy pals, here's an event of interest:

2013 FamilySearch Houston Genealogy Conference, April 26-27, 2013

The event is being held in Friendswood. Here are the directions.

Here is the agenda.

On the evening of April 26, there's music, a couple of keynote addresses and packet distribution. One of those speakers is Don Anderson from FamilySearch. I've seen him speak in person. He knows his stuff.

On April 27, there is another keynote address by Don Anderson, then five sessions of genealogy instruction.

Each session has 9 or 10 class slots, so there's plenty to chose from.

Have I mentioned that registration is free? IT'S FREE!

You do need to register for classes. Plus you can order a Subway lunch (which does cost $5) or bring your own vittles. Once you register for classes, you'll be given the option to pre-order a sandwich or not.

Questions? There's a page for that.

You do not need to be a member of the LDS Church to attend this FamilySearch genealogy event. I've been to many events and they're always wonderful.

FamilySearch did not compensate me for this plug (though sometimes they do give me bacon at conferences). I did it to promote genealogy in the 4th largest city in the country.

So thank you, FamilySearch, for bringing your genealogy event to H-town. Welcome. And try the brisket.

P.S. Here's the Houston FamilySearch Conference Facebook page.

Historic Fulshear (TX) Cemeteries Program, October 18

 FYI: this press release for a local program of interest for the Houston-area genealogy community. The Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library is part of the Fort Bend County Library System.

Cemeteries can be a wonderful source for local history. Stories and clues about a town's early days and the people who settled the area can be gleaned from gravestones and historical markers that provide a glimpse into the past. Hear about the Fulshear-area's history at a special program, "Fulshear's Final Resting Places,"  at the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library on Thursday, October 18, beginning at 6:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8100 FM 359 South in Fulshear.

Ken Stubbe, a member of the Fort Bend Historical Commission, will talk about the historical Fulshear cemeteries, including where they are located, who is buried in them, and the stories behind their origination. Learn about what can be done to help preserve these repositories of local history.

Stubbe has been a member of the historical commission since 2011, and was part of the team that got the Fulshear Black Cemetery designated as a historical site.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-633-4675 or the library's Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Family History Month at George Memorial Library, Richmond, Texas

[Howdy readers! October is Family History Month and several local libraries are celebrating with great genealogy programs. Below is a press release from Fort Bend County Libraries.  --A]

LEARN HOW TO RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

AT GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

            Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from?  Are you curious about their military service or medical history? Begin your family-history research at Fort Bend County Libraries' Local History and Genealogy Department at George Memorial Library,

1001 Golfview in Richmond. Library staff will present two programs in October to help the beginning family-history researcher start their genealogy search.

In "Build Your Family Tree Online," learn how to create a family-tree website using the free resources on TribalPages.com. The class will take place on Tuesday, October 23, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. Those attending the class will need an email address to set up an account on this resource, on which users can add names and upload photographs, create an interactive chart, capture family stories, and invite other family members to contribute information.

Beginning family-history researchers will learn the basics of starting their research at an introductory program, "Genealogy 101," on Tuesday, October 30, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. Library staff will provide a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning genealogical researcher. Items that will be introduced include print resources, materials that are available on microfilm, and online tools such as the Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest USA databases.

            The programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library's website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on "Calendar," select "George Memorial," and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library's Local History and Genealogy Department at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the department at the library.

Family History Month Events in Montgomery County, Texas

Good genealogy things happening at the Montgomery County Memorial Library System for Family History Month. If you're in the north-ish Houston area, check out all the fun:

George Memorial Library (Richmond, TX) Genealogy Workshop

LIBRARY CELEBRATES 

FAMILY-HISTORY MONTH

WITH GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

            In recognition of Family-History Month in October, Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will present the First Annual Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, October 20, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

            Trevia Wooster Beverly will begin the workshop with a presentation on “Researching the Old Homestead.”  Learn how to trace the history of a house by using maps, deeds, land records, and other genealogy resources.

            Beverly is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and has served on the Harris County Historical Commission since 1995. She is past-president of the Texas State Genealogical Society and co-founded the Houston Genealogical Institute.

            At 1:00 pm, Debbie Parker Wayne will present “G-A-T-A G-A-C-C! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today.” Wayne will discuss current practices in using DNA analysis for genealogy research. Learn about different genetic markers, including autosomal, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. Those attending the program will learn how to go about having a DNA test performed, and how to analyze the results.

            A certified genealogist, Wayne is a member of the APG Board of Directors, and was a founding member of the APG Lone Star Chapter. She also serves as the DNA director for several geographic projects. Wayne enjoys complex problem-solving and using social history to add interest to family histories, and has a particular interest in using laws and DNA to advance research.

            The final presentation of the day will be “Breaking Through the Salt-Water Curtain: Tracing Your Ancestors Back to Germany,” presented by Wolfram M. Von-Maszewski. Learn about print and electronic genealogy resources that are available locally, and about others that are located in Europe.

            Von-Maszewski was born and raised in Europe, obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin, and did additional course work in genealogy through Brigham Young University. He managed the Local History and Genealogy Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond until his retirement in 2008.He has produced several publications and has translated written accounts done by early German travelers in Texas. An on-going project is the translation of German-Texan records from the old German script into English, including church minutes, church registers, and private letters.

A box lunch from McAlister’s Deli will be available. Contact Daniel Sample at dsample@fortbend.lib.tx.us to reserve a lunch. A $5 donation for the meal is appreciated.

            The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the department at the library.

Collin County Texas Newspapers Available at Portal to Texas History Web Site

DIGITIZED COLLIN COUNTY TEXAS NEWSPAPERS

The digitized and searchable Collin County newspapers from the 1860s-1930s are available for FREE on the Portal to Texas History Web site.

The Collin County Genealogical Society partnered with The University of North Texas' (UNT) "Texas Digital Newspaper Program” in digitizing the 1880-1930 newspapers from the best available microfilm copies obtainable. This project was primarily funded by a $4,000 grant from the Collin County Historical Commission with the remainder coming from the Collin County Genealogical Society.

UNT used another grant to also digitize the McKinney Messenger newspaper from 1860-1879.

There are thirteen digitized Collin County Texas newspaper titles:

The Democrat, The McKinney Gazette, The McKinney Examiner, The Daily Courier, The Daily Gazette, The Collin County Mercury, The Lion Roar, The Semi Weekly Courier, The McKinney Weekly Democrat-Gazette, The McKinney Advocate, The Southern Jerseyite, The Weekly Democrat-Gazette and the McKinney Messenger.

Start searching or browsing!

http://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/TDNP/browse/?q=mckinney&fq=dc_type%3Atext_newspaper&fq=str_location_county%3ACollin+County%2C+TX&t=fulltext

How can you help us digitize more Collin County Texas newspapers quicker?

Send a check donation to:

   CCGS - Digitization Project

   Attn: Treasurer

   PO Box 865052

   Plano TX 75086-5052

   Please write: “Digitization Project” in the memo field on your check.

   CCGS is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

   Your donations are tax deductible.

More information:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txcolcgs/DigitalProjects.htm

Houston Family History Expo Recap

This weekend was the Houston Family History Expo. I wasn't available for the Friday afternoon/evening portion of it, but I did attend all day Saturday. Here is my recap:

I got to the conference hotel early for registration. I chatted with Sue Kaufman, who heads the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research and is also the president of the Texas State Genealogical Society. I also had nice conversations with dedicated FamilySearch volunteer extraordinaire Fran Ellsworth and Mark Olsen of MyHeritage.

The first session I attended was "Researching North and South Carolina" with Arlene Eakle. My own research is in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Arlene's talk focused on records about 100 years earlier than where I've stopped with my Jones line, so I got an idea of what to expect when I move my line further back.

Session two on my list was "How to Plan and Organize a Family History Book" with Biff and Nancy Barnes of Stories to Tell Books. This presentation was very helpful to me because it provided steps to developing a family history book. The Barnes' provided good examples and had one particular chart that was very valuable to me. I appreciate that this was a *real* genealogy session taught by vendors. At many conferences, genealogy vendors lead sessions that are more like product commercials. The Stories to Tell crew does not do that, for which I am thankful.

There was a break at lunch, so I found Lisa Alzo and we had a nice catch-up chat. Big conference where everyone is rushing around don't afford this opportunity so it was good to have time to visit. I also had a nice chat with Michelle Goodrum and Lisa Louise Cooke.

"Prussia or Germany?" with Barbara Bell was the third session I attended. I have significant German ancestry and I don't know as much about the region's history as I should, so I figured this was a good place to start. The best takeaway from this session was an animated timeline map of the history of Prussia's borders and just how fluid they were as the years passed. No wonder I'm confused about the area!

The last session I attended was "Immigrant Cluster Communities: Past, Present and Future" with Lisa Alzo. I enjoy Lisa's presentations because she always incorporates her own family history into them. She gave some good advice and tips I can use in my own search for my Austrian great-grandmother's immigration to Pennsylvania.

After the Expo was over, I gave Lisa Alzo a ride back to where she was staying with family in Houston. Before we got there, we made a pit stop for dinner at Goode's BBQ. If you ever come to Houston, I'll take you there, too.

Overall, I enjoyed my first Houston Family History Expo experience. Attendance was lower due to the Good Friday and Easter holidays (both widely observed here). Hopefully we get a chance at a next year on a non-holiday weekend and it will be bigger.

Two more Family History Expos are coming up in the near future: Oklahoma Family History Expo on April 11 and Albuquerque Family History Expo on April 13 and 14.


[Disclosure: I was an official blogger at the Houston Family History Expo. I received a complimentary registration. -- A]

Houston Family History Expo, April 6-7, 2012

Houston, we don't have a problem. We have a very good thing. The Houston Family History Expo will roll into town April 6 and 7, 2012.

What is a Family History Expo? It is part exhibit hall, part classroom learning, part meeting other genealogy enthusiasts, part fun.

If you have an interest in family history, if you're just starting out, if you haven't even started but you're curious, then this event is for you.

The Houston Family History Expo is at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport.

Check out the agenda. Lots of great sessions.

Look at the exhibits.

Learn about the bloggers who will be covering the event.

I will be at the Houston Family History Expo as a blogger and enthusiastic attendee. Won't you join me there?


[Disclosure: I am a official blogger for the Houston Family History Expo. I received a complimentary registration. Any mention of the Expo on my blog is in my own words and not influenced by anyone associated with Family History Expos, it's speakers or vendors.]

Old Things in Fort Bend County, Texas

Spring break is coming to an end here. We honored it in style with a major day trip for the railfan in the house. 

Our destination was Rosenberg, Texas, but on the way there we pulled over to catch a train. When it was gone, I saw this cute train depot in Richmond.

I saw this great building as I was turning the car around. I think it is the Richmond Police Department.

We pulled up to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. The railfan found a good spot to view and film trains. I took the museum tour, which included a visit into several old buildings and train cars. I took this photo from the second floor of Tower 17:

For lunch we went across the street to Another Time Soda Fountain. It is exactly as described. We sat at the counter, had a good lunch and sodas from another era. We also went back for dessert a couple hours later.

After lunch, the railfan went back to his perch. There were many trains, including an unusual engine+2 car Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) track inspection train. It was super rare. I didn't get a photo, but the kid got a video. It will be very popular on his YouTube channel.

None of the BNSF engineers rolling by were able to see that my son was wearing a BNSF shirt. He's a company man through and through. Where should I send his résumé?

Although I read some on my iPad, I didn't get any of my planned work done. That's ok. I'll get it done this weekend.

Days like these don't come around too often, just like that FRA train. You have to enjoy the opportunity when it arises and not worry about the rest.

Free Houston FamilySearch Genealogy Conference March 24

Houston FamilySearch is hosting a free genealogy conference on March 24, 2012, 9am-3pm in Kingwood, Texas.

Michael J. Hall, Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch is the keynote speaker. There are many sessions to choose from the rest of the day. Check out the schedule here.

This is a great opportunity to learn about new genealogy resources and techniques.

The Houston FamilySearch genealogy conference will be held at the Kingwood Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4201 Deerbrook Drive, Kingwood, Texas, 77339.

Everyone is welcome.

Register now at houstonfamilysearch.org.

Did I mention that this event is FREE?

Presentation on Genealogy Blogs at Chaparral

Yesterday was the February meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society and I was the speaker.

I was asked to talk about blogs, since I'm the bloggiest member on their membership roll.

My presentation started at the very beginning with "a blog is..." and went from there. I showed some different types of genealogy blogs and gave reasons why the audience should read blogs. At the halfway point in the presentation, I discussed how to write a blog. The process is very much like writing an email, so I stressed that point.

I incorporated photos of my own ancestors into the presentation. Each Power Point slide that was text only (instead of a screen capture of a blog page) had a family photo on it. For each one I briefly explained who the people were in each photo.

The presentation ended with a blogging success story of my own. I shared about a cousin who found me through my blog, the information we shared and the bond we built.

In the final ah-ha moment, I revealed to the audience that all of the ancestor photos in my presentation were given to me by cousins who found me through my blog, and without my blog I wouldn't have these pictures of my ancestors. The group was impressed and I think I really showed them the value of genealogy blogs.

Overall, I think the presentation went well. Nobody fell asleep, people asked questions at the end and the feedback was positive. I've decided to put this presentation in my toolbox and use it again sometime with another group.

The next Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting is March 24. Linda Jameson/Jamison is going to talk about newspaper research. Everyone is welcome to attend.

P.S. Special thanks to my son for being my slide clicker during the presentation. He did great!

Yours Truly Speaking at the Chaparral Genealogical Society

The Chaparral Genealogical Society will have it's next meeting on February 25 in Tomball, Texas. If you're in the area, please join me there.

Aside from the usual business meeting and social time, they will also have me an amazing, incredible speaker who will discuss the value of blogs in genealogy research.

I... I mean the amazing, incredible speaker will begin at the beginning by answering "What is a blog?" then going from there. By the end of the meeting, you will at least be reading genealogy blogs if not thinking about writing your own. The amazing, incredible speaker is very influential that way...or so I've heard.

So please join me the amazing, incredible guest speaker at the Chaparral Genealogical Society's February meeting. You do not have to be a member. You can come as my guest.

They usually have cookies or doughnut holes there. That alone is reason to go.

Genealogy Workshop in Liberty, Texas

Below is an announcement I received via email. I have no affiliation with the Liberty County Genealogical Society, I'm just trying to publicize regional genealogy events. --A

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Presented By

THE LIBERTY COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Saturday, February 18^th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$25.00 Workshop Fee

$10.00 Lunch (optional) Catered by Quiznos

St. Stephens Episcopal Church Meeting Room

2041 Trinity Ave.

Liberty, Texas

Introduction to Genealogy

Finding Civil War Ancestors Online

Thinking Outside the Box

Newspaper Archives: Opening Windows to Your Ancestors

For Additional Information Contact

Stacy Sundgren –  936-336-6048  936-336-6048

Or

stacy.sundgren@yahoo.com

Paid Reservations Including Lunch Must Be Received by February 16, 2012

Make Checks Payable To: LCGS

Mail to: LCGS   P.O. Box 723   Liberty , Texas  77575

Include Name, Address, Phone, & Email Address

$25.00 Workshop Only OR $35.00 Workshop & Lunch

Please Indicate Sandwich Choice – Ham or Turkey if Purchasing Lunch

Chaparral Genealogical Society Christmas Party

Earlier this month, the Chaparral Genealogical Society had its annual Christmas party. Since I am a new member, this was my first time there. My son came with me.

The event was held in the community room of a local park. It was semi-catered. The star of the show was chicken and dumplings. Members also brought side dishes.

The white dish at the bottom of this photo

held blueberry cheesecake. It was SO GOOD!

During the meal, we took turns introducing ourselves, talking about our given names and where we were from. Most everyone was local, but there were a few out-of-staters.  We also played a silly quick game that led to two people winning a little pocket money. The rest of us had a lot of laughs.

Next up was that game where everyone brings a present and you can take presents from others. You know the one...

Gifts for the exchange. Photo credit: my son

Since this was my first society party with this group, I didn't know the drill. Everyone brought Christmas gifts. I brought a genealogy gift. And I forgot to wrap it spectacularly.

My present is the small, flat, green square one. 

Not much to look at among all these big gift bags.

The person that drew my present number didn't look too thrilled when handed the gift. Someone in the crowd correctly identified the shape as a CD, but the recipient wasn't swayed.

Until he opened it, read the front, read the back and realized that good things do come in small packages.

It was a Google for Genealogists webinar led by Thomas MacEntee for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.

Whew! My gift was a hit. Nobody likes to be the one who brought the dud gift.

Speaking of hit gifts, my son got this one and loved it.

A chihuahua that sings ¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?

and dances when you press its paw.

The party wound down after the gift exchange. There were some door prizes. I won one. My son won one. And our tablemate (and sometimes blog reader) Larry won one. I think we were a pretty lucky table!

I had fun at the party and I'm pretty sure my son did, too. 

If you're in the Houston area, consider coming to the next meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society on January 28, 2012. Address and other details are here. 

Montgomery County Library System October Family History Events

October is Family History Month. The Montgomery County (TX) Memorial Library System has a full slate of planned genealogy events throughout the month:

October 1 - Civil War research: 10 a.m. (Central Branch)

October 4 - Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting: 6:30 p.m. (Central Branch)

October 8 - Beginning genealogy: 10 a.m. (Central Branch)

October 15 - Montgomery County Heritage: 1 p.m. (Central Branch)

October 19 - Ancestry Library Edition: 2 p.m. (Tullis Branch)

October 22 - Lineage Day (Central Branch)

October 27 - Ancestry Library Edition: 2 p.m. (West Branch)

For more information, check out the Montgomery County Memorial Library System web page and join in the family history fun.

Baby's First Genealogy Society Meeting

Today I had the pleasure of going to the Chaparral Genealogical Society meeting in Tomball, Texas. As a matter of circumstance, my son came with me and experienced his first society meeting.

Caroline Pointer of the Family Stories blog (and more) was there. She got to see the 1) I really do have a kid and these aren't stock photos on my blog and 2) he does like to talk about trains.

I don't know if my son liked the meeting, but I'm glad he came with me. We stopped in Old Town Tomball on the way home and took a few train crossing photos. It was so hot that we didn't stay long. I promised that we would come back and hunt trains when it is cooler. 

2011 RIGS Alliance Workshop in Fort Worth

FYI. I thought some of my TX/OK/AR readers might be interested in this:  [--Amy]

Jasper, Georgia (3 July 2011)—The Regional In-depth Genealogical Studies Alliance (RIGS Alliance) will present a week-long workshop at the National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas (26-30 September 2011).

RIGS Alliance workshops are designed for genealogists, historians, and librarians with a general genealogical or historical grounding who want to learn skills and techniques for researching original records at national and regional archives. To ensure a quality experience, enrollment is limited to eighteen participants. Although the workshops focus on records within the region, many of the record types are available at other NARA regional facilities.

Activities are based on an integrated curriculum with an emphasis on methodology and problem-solving skills. Attendees work in teams to complete assigned projects and to build confidence in research proficiency. All workshops provide an opportunity for on-site research.

Workshop staff includes J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA; and Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL, co-directors of RIGS Alliance, with assistance of the expert staff members at the National Archives at Fort Worth.

Strike now! Early Registrations (save $100) must be received by August 15th.

For details about the RIGS Alliance workshops, visit the web site at www.rigsalliance.org. Questions may be addressed to info@rigsalliance.org.
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My Ancestral Ties to the Civil War

Battle of Calcasieu Pass Civil War Memorial

Cameron Parish Courthouse, Louisiana

This week marks the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War. Many genealogy bloggers are writing profiles of their ancestors who fought. I've enjoyed reading these.

Though I don't have the time to write profiles of my own, I thought that the 1.5 family members who read my blog might be interested in knowing who in their family tree participated in the Civil War.

Union

Maximillian Baerecke 1827-1904 ( Max > Harry > Gertrude > Buster )
Max Baerecke was a German immigrant living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He served in the 26th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, Company I. A book called The Sigel Regiment by James S. Pula (affiliate link) was written about this group and their experiences including Gettysburg. Max is in there. He also served in the Mexican War. [Note to family: I own this book if you ever want to borrow it. --Amy]

Joseph Smith 1826-1903 ( Joseph > Mary > John A > Buster )
Joseph Smith (also Schmidt) was a German immigrant living in Kilkenny, Minnesota. He served in the 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company I. His pension file doesn't say much about his experiences and I haven't investigated further yet. Joseph also served in the Mexican War.

Confederate

John Laurens Williamson 1811-1862 (John > William > Sam > Doris )
I haven't researched this person's service too much. Confederate records are more challenging to search, plus there are a few John Williamsons out there. I did read in an unsourced book, that John was injured in his leg in the War. He died at home in Pope County, Arkansas, but his injuries may have contributed to his passing.

Richard M. Jones 1828-1864 ( Richard > Frank > Frankie > Doris )
The photo at the top of this post is a memorial that has Richard's name on it as "Sgt. R.M. Jones." This is the only ancestor I know of so far that died in battle. You can read about the Battle of Calcasieu Pass at this website.

All of these men are my great-great-great grandfathers. There may be more ancestors out there who served in the Civil War. I just haven't found them yet.

So, dear family, when you see stories about the Civil War on television, know that you have roots on both sides of the battle. Also, there will be a quiz on this at Christmas.
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Hear ye, hear ye

Houstonians mark your calendars. On June 3 I'll be speaking at the Lone Star APG meeting. The topic is my experience at the 2011 RootsTech conference. I will be talking about the value of the conference from a professional genealogist perspective.

My guess is that there are some people are trying to determine if it's worth it to go to the 2012 RootsTech conference. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you already know what I'm going to say.

This Lone Star APG event is free and open to the public. The exact location in Houston hasn't been confirmed, so check back with me in a few. The event coordinator is working on getting a room reserved now.

If you are interested in attending but don't want walk in alone in a room full of strangers, let me know and I'll say you're part of my entourage.
Ta-da! Instant network.

Hope to see you there.
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