First Report from NGS 2013

Every genealogy conference is jam-packed with learning opportunities and this year's National Genealogical Society Family History Conference is no exception. I've been using the handy Conference App to organize my schedule and exchange information with old friends and new acquaintances.

Marian L. Smith, chief of the historical research branch of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

The conference started Wednesday morning with a lively Opening Session. Marian L. Smith, chief of the historical research branch of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), delivered the keynote address, "People, Policy, and Records: The Importance of Historical Background. Smith told the fascinating story of her quest to solve the mystery of the origins of the Morton Allen Directory of European Passenger Ship Arrivals. She summed up her tale of dogged perseverance with this advice: "Some questions take years to answer. Be prepared to be surprised. Question your sources."

Mariachi Los Bravos

After welcoming speeches, awards, memorials, the talented Mariachi Los Bravos, from the J. D. Smith Middle School of Las Vegas, serenaded attendees from the auditorium to the exhibit hall.

Mariachi Los Bravos

On Day one I took the opportunity to hear lectures by two giants of genealogy research methodology. 

Dr. Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS    

Dr. Thomas Jones presented "Debunking Misleading Records."
 

Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS, FUGA

Elizabeth Shown Mills' first lecture was "The Genealogical Proof Standard in Action! Case Building When No Record States an Answer!"

For members who aren't able to attend the conference, NGS contracts with JAMB-Inc to record sessions and provide CDs (price: $12) which can be ordered online. It will take about a week for the 2013 recordings to be uploaded to the website. Also available are recordings from the previous annual conferences back to 2007.



Photographs (C) 2013 by the National Genealogical Society, Inc. Used by permission of the National Genealogical Society and the photographer, Scott Stewart. [Thanks you, NGS and Scott Stewart!]

Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Wordless Wednesday

Members at the National Genealogical Society

2013 Family History Conference

Las Vegas, Nevada

Photograph courtesy of Caroline Pointer.


Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Off to the NGS 2013 Family History Conference

Are you attending this year's NGS Family History Conference? It's relatively rare for the national societies to host their annual meetings in the western states so this is a great opportunity for genealogists on the left coast.

In fact, before the Salt Lake City meeting in 2010, the annual conference was last in the West in 2004 (Sacramento) and in 2001 (Portland). The Federation of Genealogical Society (FGS) was in Salt Lake City in 2005 and in Ontario, California in 2002.

I've been designated one of the conference "official bloggers" so I'll be posting reports and Tweeting (#NGS2013) from the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Among the other bloggers are fellow California Genealogical Society members Sandra Benward and Denise Levenick. Our board member Kim Cotton will also be attending.

It's become a tradition for CGS members to meet at conferences for a group photo, so if you are going and you haven't let me know yet, email me or send a message via Twitter. I've got our blue ribbons (thanks, Tim Cox!) so be sure to find me.


Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

Demystifying Lineage Society Applications - June 22, 2013

Saturday, June 22, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

California Genealogical Society Library
2201 Broadway, Suite LL2
Oakland, California 94612

Are you eligible to join a lineage society? Does the process overwhelm you? Come to this informative workshop to learn:

• how to start the process
• how to organize your papers for submission 
• how much help to expect during the process

Linda Longley, Co-Historian of the California Mayflower Society, will give an overview of the resources the Mayflower offers to new applicants and what is expected from you in order to complete a Mayflower Society application. The procedures can be used for most lineage societies.

Bring your questions and you will be on your way!

SCHEDULE
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  How do I start the process?

• How much does it cost?
• What proof is needed for each generation?
• What to submit and what not to submit?
• If all else fails – how do I hire a researcher?

A case study will be presented and we will review the "help sheet" given to each applicant when they begin the process.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Questions and Answers

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a workshop to complete your papers. It is a day to clarify what is needed and how to organize your application and proof. When joining the Mayflower Society, you are responsible for researching and supplying the proof needed to complete your application.

Register online.

The class is limited to thirty participants and is a free benefit of membership. Non-member fee is $20.00 (non-refundable) and can be applied towards membership on the day of the class.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins will not be admitted. Registration confirmations will be sent to the first thirty registrants. Additional names will be collected and placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.

Linda Longley retired from a marketing career in Silicon Valley twelve years ago. She is a member of three lineage groups: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, The Colonial Dames of America and Daughters of the American Revolution, and of many genealogical and historical societies. In 1984 Linda discovered her link back to Colonial America. Since that time she has worked steadily on her family genealogy. She is the author of three articles published by The Maine Genealogist, a publication of the Maine Genealogical Society and she authored the chapter on her ancestor, Jonathan Langley, in Portraits of our Patriots: Stories of Revolutionary War Ancestors.

For the last six years, Linda has been working as one of three California Mayflower Society Co-Historians. Her latest project is researching and writing a book written as a biographical directory focused on 4-6 plus generations of the descendants of James Langley, b. ca. 1680 of Oyster River Plantation Durham, New Hampshire. Linda is a native of Maine and a resident of Burlingame, California. She was most recently the Governor of the San Francisco/Peninsula Colony of the California Mayflower Society.


Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.

eNews May 2013, volume 7, number 5

The May 2013 eNews, volume 7, number 5, has been published and emailed to members and friends. As always, the eNews features timely information about the California Genealogical Society and our upcoming events. Each edition also includes Suggested Links From the Blogosphere and a photo feature: California Ancestors.

In May, as we celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the paternal Chinese-American family of member Pamela Coville.

The LEE Sack Sam Family [standing] Oscar, age 16, Henry, 14, and May, 12; [seated] George, 22, LEE Sack Sam, 54, with Edward, 6, on his lap and CHAN Shee, 39, holding Paul, 2.

Past issues of the eNews are available at the eNews archive.

The June 2013 issue will be emailed on May 31, 2013. To receive a copy, please join our mailing list.

Photograph courtesy of Pam Coville.



Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.