RootsTech Goals: A Post Mortem

A little while back I wrote a post that listed what I wanted to accomplish at RootsTech. Let's see how I did:


1. Try not to get food poisoning this time. I was 100% successful in putting food in my mouth and not having it come back out again. It was grand.

2. Get an education on British genealogy resources. On Wednesday, I attended a class at the Family History Library on lesser known British records. It was taught by industry rock star and friend Audrey Collins. I also talked to Audrey on the exhibit floor. She gave me some advice on my Cornwall interests.

3. Get my book editing questions answered. This went really well. I took my long list of editing questions to Biff and Nancy Barnes at Stories to Tell Books. They patiently answered all my questions and talked me off the ledge. I left with a plan. This interaction alone made the trip worthwhile.

4. Work through my FHL list. I didn't get through as much of this list as I would have liked. I probably needed a week to do so. However, I did make a dent, get one real answer and several clues and hunches.

5. Learn something new in some sessions. I did something I didn't think I would do: I went to three developer sessions. This is generally out of my league, but I was able to follow along just fine. I also spent some time at the demo theater in the exhibit hall learning about new (to me) products.

6. Be a good Official Blogger. Well, I hope I was. You'll have to ask FamilySearch. I did take photos, utilize Twitter, blog, socialize and reach out to random strangers at lunch. I also me fellow bloggers Sistas in Zion. They're delightful and their positivity needs to be bottled.

7. Find out the latest on FamilySearch Family Tree. Done. I learned about it at the Official Bloggers dinner and a session led by Ron Tanner. My questions were answered.

8. Network like a crazy person. I had a list of all the vendors/friends I wanted to see. I did. I met several bloggers I *know* online from Australia and New Zealand. I took most of my meals in a social setting. I feel safe checking this one as "accomplished."

9. Do 5 new things. I attended a new event: the Mormon Tabernacle Choir mini concert. I learned about a new product: Treelines.com. I vowed to meet a new person: I met many but I'm picking Mary from lunch. I tried a new restaurant: Lion House Pantry. I attended session in a subject about which I know nothing: all the developer sessions and a demo of The Next Generation software.

10. I will have fun. Done!

Well, after tallying the score card, I judge this mission a success.

RootsTech Mormon Tabernacle Choir Tour

RootsTech 2013 is over but doesn't mean I'm finished writing about the conference.

One of the most memorable moments happened on Thursday evening.

RootsTech attendees were treated to a mini concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The event featured songs of Irving Berlin and had a family history/immigration theme.

I took a couple of photos. The camera settings were off and there was a person's head in my view, so these were the best I could get:

Before the concert, FamilySearch provided the official RootsTech bloggers with a behind the scenes tour of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (MTC) offices. Though I took photos, I'm not allow to publish them. I will try my best to describe what I saw. 

Much of the office and practice space is under the Tabernacle, so it's windowless. From a side door (#2 if you know where that is) we were led down a hallway. We saw the (locked) official MTC office. Off to the side, you could see a cabinet that held some of the awards they've won. 

Further down the hall maze, we went to the "horseshoe." This was the practice room. It had a piano and stacked chairs among other things you'd see in a music company. Our wonderful tour guide--whose name escapes me--told us about the audition process. Basically you send in a tape. You're either told yes, no or maybe so with a tactful letter. Turnover is not uncommon as people get busy with life or age out at 60.

On the way to the horseshoe we saw the lockers. Each member of the choir has one. They look like p.e. lockers, but they're more like mailboxes for music. I saw a post-it note on one mailbox reminding the person to turn in some music, similar to having an overdue library book.

What's on the other side of the lockers? The music room. I'm not sure that's what they call it, but it is the room where all the sheet music is stored. They use hand crank shelving to store 1 million pieces of music. At one end of the room, there is a work table for sorting things. On the other side of the table are the open sides of the lockers. It look like a big mail sorting operation, which it must be to manage all the sheet music. The music librarian was very helpful. She has an awesome job, in my opinion.

We also got to see the men's and women's changing rooms. They had open clothing racks and individual mini-closet enclosures for each individual member. It was similar to a sports locker room without all the space and luxuries. These personal closets included about 6-7 different uniforms (slacks and jackets for men, dresses for women). Because the men have so many combinations, a mannequin is dressed with the correct pants, jacket and tie for each event. You're supposed to look at it  to confirm what you're supposed to wear that day. Our tour guide said that even with the model, someone always manages to wear the wrong tie or something.

All of the women's clothing is handmade. Big bolts of fabric are purchased. We saw the ladies that do the sewing and their room of machines, racks, ironing boards and notions. Many of the dresses are simple and bright. The simple is for the many shapes of women. The bright is for television.

While leaving the dressing area, we could hear singing. It was choir class for incoming MTC members. New members have about 3 months of training to learn music theory and the ways of the MTC. All choir members are volunteers and have practice or shows 150 days a year.

When the backstage tour was over, we were led to reserved seats. That was pretty cool. When the show started, they did VIP introductions. The host called the RootsTech bloggers and asked us to stand. That was surreal. I only mention it because my dad will be amused to read it.

The highlight of the evening was hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Irving Berlin's God Bless America. It was definitely a bucket-list moment. I am so thankful I got to experience it.

I am grateful to FamilySearch for the tour and to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for putting on a concert on a Thursday, when they usually just practice that day. It was one of the highlights of this RootsTech week that I won't soon forget.

RootsTech Day 1, Part 1

The first morning of RootsTech came early. 5:45 in my case. Did you know it's still completely dark at 7am in Salt Lake City? Messes with my head. Anyway, I ran into Jill Ball in the elevator and we ended up having breakfast together.

After that we went to the Convention Center for our blogger tour of the exhibit hall before it opened to the public. I noticed right way that the RootsTech vendor area was bigger than last year.

Here are some photos. Just remember it was still closed to the public, which is why you don't see anyone.

A view down one aisle.

Bring your books for scanning and receive a digital file of them from FamilySearch.

The Demo Theater. Check out the furniture.

Story @ Home booth with conversation area.

There were many vendors I've never heard of in the hall. This could be because of the merge with the Story @ Home conference, or maybe there are just that many new products in the genealogy world. Either way, cool for family historians.

After the tour, we got reserved seats for the opening keynote. (I told you this Official Blogger thing was a sweet ride.) You can watch a recording of the keynote at the RootsTech website.

I won't go over the entire keynote, but I did notice some common themes. Collaboration was mentioned often. So was the concept storytelling in family history. 

The "new" genealogist is nothing like the rabid genealogist many of us resemble. They have different purposes, intentions, perspectives and attention spans. The keynotes reflected that. Do watch them if you can. Especially Syd Lieberman's talk. It was fabulous.

I did a lot of talking and networking on day 1. I sought out Stories to Tell Books as I planned. I spent way too much time at the Demo Theater, but it was interesting to see all these genealogy products and the chairs were comfortable. In an hour at the Demo Theater, I learned as much as I would in a cramped session. I take learning opportunities where I can, especially when leather furniture and free popcorn are involved.

In the afternoon, I went to a developer session....and I followed along just fine. It was "Genealogy Industry Web 2.0 Report Card" by Tammy A. Hepps, overall winner of the RootsTech developer's challenge and creator of Treelines.com. 

I did more networking and schmoozing after that, then called it a day in the convention center. I had a fun evening, but that's a story for another time.

FamilySearch Initiatives at the RootsTech Bloggers Dinner

The night before RootsTech began, I was invited by FamilySearch to the Official Bloggers Dinner at Lion House Pantry.

I sat with Nancy Shively, Jill Ball, Rosemary Morgan, DearMYRTLE and her husband. This is where I got my blogger beads:

After a very good dinner, the FamilySearch crew got down to business. They told us about what to expect at RootsTech 2013 and what they've been up to. Here are the main points:

6700 vs. 4090
The attendance for RootsTech 2013 was expected to be 6700, as opposed to 4090 last year. This number could grow even further with walk up registrations. This does not count almost 2,000 youth (12-19) expected for special Saturday programs.

FamilyTree update
FamilyTree is up for some big changes. We got to see the new home page and new features, including fan charts and photos. The "new" FamilyTree puts stories and photos front and center. This is an attempt to reach out to a larger audience and get more people to do genealogy.

A promise
FamilySearch must have done some soul searching because they said that they will be rolling out new products and features...not just talking about rolling out new products and features. This is true. I've sat in several FamilySearch events and learned what was coming 10 months down the road. The neat things we saw with FamilyTree this night are apparently coming soon.

Brimhall found his groove.
Last year, FamilySearch CEO Dennis Brimhall was new to the job. So new that departed CEO Jay Verkler did some of the heavy lifting in the speaking department at RootsTech 2012. What a different a year makes, and Mr. Brimhall is the first to share about his genealogy learning curve. He encouraged us to "fall in love with our ancestors."  He has found his groove.

Brimhall also discussed the 1.1 million records that are being digitized daily around the world. Just let that settle in for a moment.

S.T.A.R.T.
Ben Bennett talked about the initiative to get more people discovering their family history. He referred to it as helping patrons "S.T.A.R.T."
S = stories and photos (including tagging of photos)
T = together. Discovering together as a family
A = assistance and help. Many options available at FamilySearch
R = Really obvious ways to start (new FamilySearch home page)
T = Time. It only takes a few minutes.

FamilySearch also debuted a new logo, but I was sitting in a poor place to get a good photo of it. Sorry. Look for it at other blogs.

Hopefully I gave you an idea of what FamilySearch is planning in the coming weeks and months. They confidently said these changes are coming soon.

Thank you again to FamilySearch for the invitation and hospitality. As always, it was a memorable and informative evening.

Welcome RootsMagic Treasure Hunters!

Welcome RootsMagic treasure hunters!

You can see I made it nice and easy to collect your treasure from my blog. The magic word is in the right sidebar. I even put it above the fold!

I know you're busy trying to win an iPad, but I hope you return and check out my blog. It's a little bit of everything having to do with genealogy. Sometimes I'm funny, sometimes I'm useful, but I'm always about family history. Join me.

So good luck with your treasure hunting, and thanks to RootsMagic for allowing me to be a part of it.

Pre-RootsTech Update

My Salt Lake City hotel room view.

Hello from Salt Lake City! I'm here for the pre-RootsTech festivities, research and events. Not only is there a genealogy conference in town. The NCAA basketball tournament is here as well. The Harvard basketball team, cheerleaders and others is staying at my hotel. It is not hard to figure out who the genealogists are and who the Harvard students and faculty are.

I got in to the city yesterday afternoon. I did a brief stint at the Family History Library where I found a cemetery record for a client.

In the evening, I had dinner with Kathryn Doyle and Kim Cotton, two friends and fellow California Genealogical Society members. After dinner, I ran into several other friends at the bar including Jill Ball, Lisa Alzo, Thomas MacEntee, Sheri Fenley and Randy Seaver.

This morning I had my annual hotel waffle and headed back to the Family History Library. I found more interesting things for my client. 

After several hours reading 1800's tax records page by page, I took a lunch break. I had expected to eat alone, but I ran into a fellow ProGen 3 alum on the corner and she joined me. That's just how things happen here.

In the afternoon, I attended a class taught by Audrey Collins. She taught a full house about lesser known British Isles records.

When the class ended, I went to look up some British records for another client. I read pages and pages of cemetery records, but was not successful. 

As the afternoon progressed, I developed a case of "fried brain," which is common when one spends a day at the Family History Library.

Tonight I'm going to a dinner for the RootsTech Official Bloggers. FamilySearch puts out a nice spread and gives us their latest family history updates in indexing, wikis, digitization and all other aspects of the organization. Should be fun. I'll keep you posted.

RootsMagic Treasure Hunt Starts March 21

Hey gang, RootsMagic is having a treasure hunt and the prize is an iPad. Actually, there giving away two of them. You can play along at RootsTech or at home. If you look to the right sidebar, you'll see that this blog is taking part in the treasure hunt. You have nothing to lose, and an iPad to win, so get out there and seek your treasure! Instructions from RootsMagic are below:

It's been a tremendous last few months here at RootsMagic. We've been busy with the new releases of RootsMagic 6 and RootsMagic for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. We're also excited to participate in one of the largest genealogy events in North America- RootsTech!
We want to celebrate these momentous events with you, our loyal users! And what better way to celebrate than with a treasure hunt where you could win one of many prizes including an iPad (4th generation)!

Online Treasure Hunt

Once again, we've partnered with 15 of the best and brightest genealogy bloggers who will be reporting at the RootsTech conference. Each blogger will place one of 15 clue words on their website
From Thursday, March 21 through Wednesday, March 27, 2013, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure for a complete list of the blogs where the 15 clue words can be found. Visit each blog, collect all 15 clue words, and you could win software, prizes, or an iPad!

Enter at RootsTech or at Home

Once you've collected the clues there are two ways to enter. The first is at the RootsTech conference itself. Pick up an entry card at the RootsMagic booth (#401) in the Exhibit Hall. Write the clue words on the back of the card and return it to the RootsMagic booth in the Exhibit Hall by Saturday, March 23 at 1:20 pm. At that time, we will hold the prize drawings. You must be present to win.
We didn't want those who aren't able to attend RootsTech in person to feel left out so we're holding a second drawing and giving away more prizes including a second iPad. To enter this drawing, visithttp://www.rootsmagic.com/treasure anytime between Thursday, March 21 and midnight MST on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. Fill out the online form to be entered into the second drawing. You may enter both drawings but one entry per person, per drawing. Winners will be picked at random and notified via e-mail by Friday, March 29, 2013.
Remember, the treasure hunt doesn't begin until this Thursday. Good luck!

My Hopes, Dreams, Rainbows and Unicorns for RootsTech 2013

I'm just one more sleep--as Jill Ball would say--from heading out to Salt Lake City for RootsTech. Normally I don't plan too much for a conference, but the location, content and proximity to the Family History Library have compelled me to budget my time in an attempt to do everything I want to do. Here is a list of what I hope to accomplish.

1. Try not to get food poisoning this time. Yeah, it was bad last year. I missed a part of the APG Professional Management Conference. I bought out all the ginger ale in the hotel store and generally tried not to hurl in front of my friends all week. Good times.

2. Get an education on British genealogy resources. I'm a whole lotta French and German, so that's what I tend to research. However, I have a project that requires me to research an English line and I need to get my bearings as soon as possible. If I think you have knowledge of Cornwall (especially Tintagel) I will pester you for assistance.

3. Get my book editing questions answered. I have another project in the pipeline and I think I need an editor for this one. I'm going to seek out Biff and Nancy Barnes at the Stories to Tell booth and get their advice.

4. Work through my FHL list. In the days leading up to RootsTech, I've made a list of all the books and films  I want to view at the Family History Library. The list is pages long and includes two projects for others. I want to do at least a couple hours of research for my own family tree, too. I have half of Tuesday and all of Wednesday to make it happen.

5. Learn something new in some sessions. This could take some effort. There are a lot more beginner classes this year. While that is great to get more genealogists tech savvy, it points out that the intermediate offerings are fewer in number and the advanced options are even smaller. I'll probably stalk Curt Witcher and Josh Taylor from the audience, as they preach the same things I believe.

6. Be a good Official Blogger. The kind folks at FamilySearch were generous enough to make me a special snowflake. In return, I will try to cover the conference as best I can for those at home.

7. Find out the latest on FamilySearch Family Tree. One of my projects is heavily dependent on this new-ish and slowly developing tool. I need a timeline for adding photos and documents. I need to fill in the gap between what LDS members see and what I see. I need to be assured that this is the best choice for my project.

8. Network like a crazy person. Someone at FGS 2012 said to me, "Every time I see you, you're in the hotel bar." The backhanded inference was not lost on me, but what that person didn't realize is that the hotel bar is the best place to get genealogy industry news, gossip, and more. It's also a great place to meet other professionals, set up a potential subcontracting network, and generally have fun after a long conference day. I will be at the conference hotel bar this time, and I don't care what you infer from that.

9. Do 5 new things. I will attend a new event (the Mormon Tabernacle Choir mini concert). I will learn about a new product. I will meet a new person. I will try a new restaurant. I will attend a session in a subject about which I know nothing.

10. I will have fun.

If you're at RootsTech, come find me and say hi. With the exception of Wednesday night, I'm free for all meals. Message me on Twitter at @acoffin, or just yell my name around the Salt Palace if you want to meet up.

Zap the Grandma Gap Workbook Available Now

Most parents and grandparents would do anything and everything to raise the youth in their family to be successful adults.  There are play groups and preschool lessons, music and dance, sports, tutoring and youth groups, the right schools, the right nutrition, etc.etc.  However, many people miss one of the most basic and foundational things that can set a child up for success in life—teaching their child about their family’s history. 

To help, Family ChartMasters has published another unique resource that looks at family history in an engaging and youthful way so that anyone can easily engage the youth in their family with their history.  In conjunction with her corresponding lectures at the RootsTech conference this week, Janet Hovorka has written the new  Zap the Grandma Gap Power Up Workbook: The Particulars About How To Connect With Your Family by Connecting Them To Their Family History, a hands-on book with step by step instructions, procedures, templates and resources that will help teach the next generation to love their heritage.  In the fill-in-the-blank book you will find:

• ·         Brainstorming activities to spark ideas
• ·         Suggestions for travel
• ·         Checklists and invitations for parties
• ·         Outlines for children’s books and activity books
• ·         Templates for games
• ·         Designs for recipe cards and ornaments
• ·         Surveys of the best websites
• ·         Ideas for incentives
• ·         Lists of interview questions
• ·         And instructions and templates for many other activities

This book discusses many ways to combine a family’s specific heritage with the specific interests of their particular youth.

The workbook is a companion to the book Zap the Grandma Gap: Connect With Your Family by Connecting Them To Their Family History. This new book has already inspired families throughout the world about the importance of family history in connecting today’s families.  In it parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can learn:

• ·         How to prepare for further curiosity by infusing their surroundings with their history.
• ·         Why plugging into the net is the easiest way to plug their family into their past
• ·         How to utilize your talents to teach their family about their history
• ·         Why discovering the surrounding history together makes their progenitors come alive.
• ·         How to pull their posterity close by carefully creating and recording today’s history.
• ·         Why it is important to simplify their family’s story their family can appreciate the past.

Author Janet Hovorka comes from a family that practices the principles found in this book.  As a librarian, she helped people at the BYU library with their family history research but was completely uninterested in her own. Janet inherited a large amount of genealogy from her mother and grandmother, both wonderful genealogists who lived family history in a way that was attractive and inviting.  Eventually Janet woke up to the soul satisfaction of learning about her past.  Most recently she has found great joy in encouraging her teenage children's genealogical interests. Janet has returned this last month from speaking at the Who Do You Think You Are Conference in London, and the North Florida Genealogy Conference where she gave several lectures about engaging the next generation with their family history.  Among other topics, she will be speaking this weekend at the RootsTech conference on “The Cool Parts of Genealogy: Engaging My Teenagers Case Study.”  Understanding the good and the bad in their own family history can help anyone deal with their family members and their lives in a more healthy way. 

Zap the Grandma Gap Power Up Workbook: The Particulars About How To Connect With Your Family by Connecting Them To Their Family History by Janet Hovorka is available now at www.zapthegrandmagap.com, at bookstores and by calling 801-872-4278.  A 24 page excerpt of the workbook and a 28 page excerpt of the book are available for free on the website along with downloads of other supporting materials.  Sign up on the homepage for a free 52 week e-newsletter with even more ideas on how to engage the next generation with their family history.

About the Author:  Janet Hovorka received a B.A. in Ancient Near Eastern History and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from BYU.  She and her husband Kim Hovorka own Family ChartMasters (www.familychartmasters.com) —official, award winning printers for most of the genealogy software and database companies.  She is currently serving as President of the Utah Genealogical Association and teaches courses in library skills and genealogy at Salt Lake Community College.  Janet writes the The Chart Chick blog (www.thechartchick.com), has written for numerous genealogy publications, and has presented 100s of lectures all over the world to help people learn more about their past. 

Media kit available upon request. 

 Zap the Grandma Gap : Connect With Your Family by Connecting Them To Their Family History by Janet Hovorka.  Published by Family ChartMasters: Cedar Hills, Utah, 2013. Paperback, $23.95 194pp.  ISBN 978-0-9888548-0-2.

Zap the Grandma Gap Power Up Workbook: The Particulars About How To Connect With Your Family by Connecting Them To Their Family History by Janet Hovorka.  Published by Family ChartMasters: Cedar Hills, Utah, 2013. Paperback, $23.95 103pp.  ISBN 978-0-9888548-1-9.

Live Streaming Sessions at RootsTech 2013

RootsTech confirmed the sessions that will be streamed live during the conference March 21-23. Instructions on how to do so will be available on the website next week so check back then.

This is a great deal from the RootsTech crew and kudos to all who make it happen. There is a live stream of a class for each time slot. It's like having an entire conference streamed into your house for free. Keep that in mind and be thankful.

Here's a list. If you can't make these times, sessions are usually recorded and available at the RootsTech website at a later date (based on the last two conferences.) 

Mountain Standard Time	"Best of RootsTech" Live Stream on RootsTech.org
Thursday, March 21
8:30 a.m.	Keynote speakers: Dennis Brimhall, President and CEO, FamilySearch International, Syd Lieberman, Nationally Acclaimed Storyteller, Author, and Teacher, and Josh Taylor, Lead Genealogist atfindmypast.com and President, Federation of Genealogical Societies
11:00 a.m.	The Future of Genealogy-Thomas MacEntee and panel
1:45 p.m.	Tell It Again (Story@Home)-Kim Weitkamp
3:00 p.m.	The Genealogists Gadget Bag-Jill Ball and panel
4:15 p.m.	Finding the Obscure and Elusive: Geographic Information on the Web-James Tanner
Friday, March 22
8:30 a.m.	Keynote speakers: Jyl Pattee, Founder, Mom It Forward Media, and Tim Sullivan, President and CEO, Ancestry.com
9:45 a.m.	Researching Ancestors Online-Laura Prescott
11:00 a.m.	FamilySearch Family Tree-Ron Tanner
1:45 p.m.	Google Search... and Beyond-Dave Barney
3:00 p.m.	From Paper Piles to Digital Files-Valerie Elkins
Saturday, March 23
8:30 a.m.	Keynote speakers: David Pogue, Personal Technology Columnist, The New York Times, and Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO, MyHeritage
9:45 a.m.	Using Technology to Solve Research Problems-Karen Clifford
11:00 a.m.	Digital Storytelling: More Than Bullet Points-Denise Olson

2013 FGS Conference Registration Is Open

“Journey through Generations” – A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists

March 8, 2013 – Austin, TX. Online registration is now open for the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, scheduled for 21-24 August 2013 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Register at http://www.fgsconference.org by 1 July 2013 for an early-bird discount. This year’s conference theme is “Journey through Generations,” and the local hosts are the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) and the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI).

This year’s FGS conference offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. This conference will offer over 160 educational sessions on records, strategies, and tools for genealogists of all levels. Ten different sponsored luncheons will provide opportunities for networking.

Session sponsors include FamilySearch, findmypast.com, Ancestry.com, Archives.com, Fold3, Association of Professional Genealogists, Genealogical Speakers Guild, National Archives and Records Administration, and the Indiana Historical Society.

Conference Highlights

• Conference Sessions: A wide variety of genealogy-related lectures and workshops for all experience levels. Attendees will be able to learn about Midwest research, African American research, European research, military research, genetics, technology, migration, methodology and more.
• Focus on Societies: On Wednesday, August 21, 2013, sessions are jam-packed with ideas and tools to help societies promote themselves, increase membership, and develop sources of revenue.
• Librarians’ Day: On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, ProQuest will sponsor a full pre-conference day of sessions designed for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals serving family history researchers.
• Special Events: Include FGS Opening Social at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and “Journey Through the Genearations with Our Veterans” at the Allen County Public Library.
• Exhibit Hall: The large exhibit hall will feature the latest software, books, maps, databases and gadgets on the market for genealogists and family historians, as well as information about genealogical organizations. Representatives of FGS member societies will staff their booths in the special Society Showcase area.
• Extended Hours at ACPL: The Genealogy Center at ACPL will open early and stay open late during the FGS 2013 conference week to help genealogist maximize their research time.

There are more activities and research opportunities too numerous to list. However, you can learn all about the 2013 FGS Conference and register for this exciting four-day event at http://www.fgsconference.org. Be sure to also visit or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org for more information.

We look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne in August!

Learn More and Stay Connected

• Like the conference on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FGSconference.
• Follow the conference on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FGSconference and hashtag #FGS2013.
• Visit Fort Wayne at http://www.visitfortwayne.com/FGS.

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.

The Research Train is Chugging Along

I'm busy.

Thus, my own personal genealogy research often gets pushed aside for other things. That's just the way it is.

This afternoon I stole a couple hours for myself. For my sanity.

I spent the little time I had in the Milwaukee City Directories at Ancestry.com. My "research process" went like this:

Open city directory for 1871. Look for Max Baerecke. If I couldn't find him, look under common misspellings Barecke and Barrecke, too. If he was located, enter residence fact, occupation fact and citations into the database. Repeat these steps with each city directory year until I ran out of time.

I was able to find my third-great grandfather, Max Baerecke in the 1871, 1872, 1873, 1875 and 1876 directories so far.

In 1870, the Max Baerecke family lived in Granville, Wisconsin. In 1871, he shows up in the Milwaukee city directory. Now I have narrowed the time frame for when the family moved to Milwaukee.

Max was listed as a saloonkeeper in all of these directories. Given Milwaukee's history, I'm not surprised. However, his residence and saloon addresses were the same. Was that common? Was the saloon the bottom floor and the family lived on top? 

The directories also showed the Baerecke family living at three different addresses between 1871-1876. They must have started saloons each time, too.

I know how this story ends, I just haven't put it in the database yet. In my search of Milwaukee newspapers, there are several public collection notices for Max and Amelia Baerecke. They eventually went broke in the saloon business.

Next up, I will continue to look up Max and the other Baereckes in the Milwaukee city directories. This helps me track them and narrow down date ranges for deaths. 

Sometimes I feel like the only person in the world researching Baerecke genealogy, and it's lonely out there. But that's a post for another day. Onward.

"Genealogy Online" Class at George Memorial Library (Richmond, TX) March 19

Thought some of my local Houston-area readers might be interested in this event:

LEARN ABOUT ONLINE SOURCES FOR

TRACING FAMILY HISTORIES  

AT LIBRARY PROGRAM

            Learn about some of the online resources that are available for family-history research at a special program, “Genealogy Online,” on Tuesday, March 19, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

            Library staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department at Fort Bend County Libraries will provide an introduction to many of the free online resources that are available to the genealogical researcher. Tips and strategies for a more efficient Internet search will also be demonstrated.

            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 at 281-341-2608, or by visiting the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.

Houston Area Genealogy Events for March 2013

March is here and Spring is just around the corner! Here are some of the activities and events going on in the Houston region this month:

Mondays in March (4, 11, 25 the 18th is a special program. See below.)

Katy Branch Library
Genealogy Lunchbox
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work

March 2

Houston Genealogical Forum
General Meeting featuring Craig Scott
10:00am-1:00pm
Bayland Park Community Center
6400 Bissonnet
Houston, TX

Kingwood Library
FamilySearch Workshop
10:30am
Registration is not required. Event is in the meeting room.
(281)360-6804
4400 Bens View Lane
Kingwood, 77339

March 7

Galveston County Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00PM-9:00PM
Moody Mansion Museum
2618 Broadway
Galveston, TX

March 9

Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Quick Start Your Genealogy!
Overview of Genealogical Research Tools
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Learn about the HPL catalog, Ancestry.com Library Edition and FamilySearch.  
1:30pm-2:00pm - HPL Catalog
2:10pm-2:50pm - Ancestry.com Library Edition and FamilySearch
3:00pm-3:30 - Ordering microfilm from Salt Lake City
Please call 832-393-2600.  Adults/Teens. 

Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter
Chapter Meeting
10:30 am at Clayton Library
5300 Caroline, Houston
More details at the chapter website.

March 10

Atascocita-Kingwood Genealogical Society
"History of the Funeral Industry"
Christine Price
2:45 PM
Rosemont Assisted Living
6450 Kings Park Way
Second floor community room
Kingwood, TX

March 11

Volunteers Needed!
Clayton Library Friends
Book Count at Clayton Library
9:00 a.m. - afternoon
Volunteers will be needed to help count ALL the books in Clayton Library. It will start at 9 and finish during the afternoon, determined by the number of people helping. Lunch will be provided. Call the library at 832-393-2600 to volunteer. 

Baytown Genealogy Society
General Meeting
10:00am
Baytown Library
5203 Decker Drive, Baytown


Humble Area Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00 PM
Humble Senior Activity Center
1401 South Houston Ave, Humble

March 12

George Memorial Library (Richmond)
Researching U.S. Civil War Records
10:00 am in the computer lab
Program is presented by Daniel Sample, manager of the Genealogy and Local History department at the library.Learn how and where to obtain copies of compiled military service records and pension-application files for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Databases such as Ancestry.com, Family Search and Fold3 will be discussed, as well as websites such as the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System website and the American Civil War Homepage.

Those attending the program are invited to tour the exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” which is on display in the Bohachevsky Gallery in the lower level of George Memorial Library through April 4. Drawing on recent scholarship, this exhibition encourages a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s life, policies, and accomplishments. Free and open to the public. Reservations required. Go to the library's web site, click "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 visiting the library.


Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
A Nation of Immigrants:
U.S. Naturalization and Genealogy
2:00pm - 3:30 pm
This talk will reveal the history of naturalization laws and requirements in the United States and how this affected your ancestors and their naturalizations. We will also discuss using naturalization records for genealogical research, what you may find and how to find it. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. (This program will also be held on March 30th. See below.)

March 14


Stewart Branch Library (Montgomery)
Ancestry.com Library Edition
2:00pm-4:00pm
Heather Kramer from the genealogy room at Conroe Central Library returns for another informative family history program. Whether you are just starting your search or are a seasoned searcher, Heather always has tips to take your research further. More details here.

March 16


Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Library Orientation
10:30 am - 11:45 am
Learn about the vast family history research resources at this wonderful library. Registration is free and open to the public. Call (832)393-2600.

March 18


Katy Branch Library
Genealogy Workshop: FamilySearch
Sue Kaufman of the Clayton Library
Learn how FamilySearch can empower your genealogy quest. More info here.
12:00PM-3:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493


March 19


George Memorial Library (Richmond)
Genealogy Online
10:00 am in the computer lab
Learn about the many online resources that are available for free to the genealogical researcher. The class is free and open to the public. Reservations required. Go to the library's web site, click "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 visiting the library.

March 22

Bay Area Genealogical Society
Researching and Proving Your Ancestors
for Lineage Societies
7:00PM (6:30 socializing)
University Baptist Church
16106 Middlebrook Drive
Houston, TX (Clear Lake City)

March 23

Chaparral Genealogical Society
General Meeting
10:00 am
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!

March 30

Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
A Nation of Immigrants:
U.S. Naturalization and Genealogy
10:30am - 12:00 pm
This talk will reveal the history of naturalization laws and requirements in the United States and how this affected your ancestors and their naturalizations. We will also discuss using naturalization records for genealogical research, what you may find and how to find it. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600.

Down the Road...

April 26-27, 2013 Houston FamilySearch Genealogy Conference

July 18-20, 2013 Angelina Genealogy Conference (Lufkin)


*** Please confirm all information, dates and times with the libraries or groups hosting the events. If you have a genealogy event of interest to Houstonians that you'd like mentioned here, email me with the details