Give Me---Your Huddled Masses Yearning to Breathe Free: Immigration and Naturalization

Give Me-Your Huddled Masses Yearning to Breathe Free: Immigration and Naturalization

Learn how our ancestors were naturalized; when, where, and what records were created; and the information that might be found in these records.

Jeanne Larzalere Bloom specializes in Illinois problem solving and compilation, particularly Cook County.

Cluster Research or Discovering You’re Related to the Whole Block

Cluster Research or Discovering You’re Related to the Whole Block

As Aristotle noted, “Man is by nature a social animal”—he has family, society, and throughout history he has moved with them. This session includes tips, tricks, and examples of how researching the neighborhood can further your research.

Jessica Trotter holds a Master of Science in Information, Archives and Records Management Specialization from the University of Michigan—but works in public libraries by day. Her genealogy research areas include Midwest, African American, British Isles, Canadian, and Early American research.

A Five Company Comparison of Ethnicity Results

A Five Company Comparison of Ethnicity Results

Have questions about your ethnic origins? Want to know what the maps and percentages mean? We will cover the major testing companies and Ancestry DNA Genetic communities.

Frustrated with your genealogy research? Diahan is the teacher you need. Her 18 years of experience in genetic genealogy shows as after just one class you will find yourself believing that you can understand this science, and likely will even be excited to go home and try it out. Diahan lectures internationally, owns Your DNA Guide, and writes for Family Tree Magazine and Your Genealogy Today. She has a passion for this work, a love for people, and the best husband ever.

Discovering Minister Isaac Steele and His Family Using Land Records and Manuscripts

Discovering Minister Isaac Steele and His Family Using Land Records and Manuscripts

Discover the wonderful letters, diaries, memorials, deeds, and documents that paint the story of families on the frontier. Learn how to broaden your research.

J. Mark Lowe describes himself as a lifelong genealogist. He is a full-time professional genealogist, author, and lecturer who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. Mark lives in Robertson County, Tennessee just north of Nashville near the Kentucky border.

Organizing Your Genealogy Using Microsoft’s OneNote

Organizing Your Genealogy Using Microsoft’s OneNote

Most of us face the continuing challenge of organizing the massive amounts of information we collect in our ongoing genealogical research. Many have found Evernote to be a helpful tool. In this lecture Bob will describe another resource, Microsoft OneNote, and demonstrate how it has been immensely helpful in collecting, analyzing and organizing his research. OneNote is a free digital organizing application from Microsoft. Notes, photos, clippings and more can be organized in digital “3 ring binders” with dividers between topics. OneNote offers powerful search, linking and sharing features which enhance productive research. Notes are available on your desktop (both Windows and Mac), tablet, phone and on-line.

Bob Inhoff is has served as Chair of the Technology Committee for the Indian River Genealogical Society in Vero Beach, Florida where he has lived for more than twelve years. Bob also serves as the Webmaster for the Florida State Genealogical Society and the Goff-Gough Family Association. He is a member of the Florida State Genealogical Society and NGS.

What Did You Do in the War, Granny? Women in the Army in World War II

What Did You Do in the War, Granny? Women in the Army in World War II

Over 150,000 women served in or with the Army in four organizations during World War II: the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the Army Nurse Corps (ANC), and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). They performed critical functions, endured hardship, and many lost their lives in the service of their country. Women’s military service in this time period helped change expectations and perceptions about women’s role outside the home. Learn about the pioneering wartime service of these remarkable women and how to find records for those in your family who served.

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics at the national, state, and local levels and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Genealogical Speakers Guild.

History, Records, and Context: Researching the Locations Your Ancestors Lived

History, Records, and Context: Researching the Locations Your Ancestors Lived

Learning about the places where our ancestors lived helps us put them in social and historical context, as well as locate relevant records. For each location our ancestors lived we need to learn about the history, geography, customs, laws, and records. This session will demonstrate the process and provide resources on where to locate this type of information so that we can better understand our ancestors and interpret the records they left behind.

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, is the Education Director for the National Genealogical Society. She teaches at the four major genealogical institutes, and at national conferences. Angela enjoys serving as a trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists, the BCG Education Fund, and the ProGen Study Program.

Making Those Early Census Records Talk

Making Those Early Census Records Talk

Federal census records are one set of the most widely used genealogical resources. Many researchers do not take full advantage of the information contained within their statistical framework. In fact, census records before 1850 are often ignored. These population schedules are especially helpful to genealogists because of their availability, genealogical value and data consistency. Although they require more analysis on our part, the pre-1850 census records can answer a large number of our genealogical questions and provide additional clues. Perhaps, the key to using these records is the development of an adequate plan of action on our part. The proper use of census records require consistent handling, analysis and documentation. Case studies will show how they may be used effectively.

J. Mark Lowe describes himself as a lifelong genealogist. He is a full-time professional genealogist, author, and lecturer who specializes in original records and manuscripts throughout the South. Mark lives in Robertson County, Tennessee just north of Nashville near the Kentucky border. Mark enjoys opportunities to share what he has learned over the years.

Analyze This! Scrutinizing Evidence for Problem Solving

Analyze This! Scrutinizing Evidence for Problem Solving

Learn the methodology astute genealogist use to break-down brick walls. Focus on the tools that successful researchers use to analyze evidence such as document abstraction, timelines, and spreadsheet filters. Discusses the use of the law, geography and migration patterns as aids in problem solving as well as the importance of reasonable exhaustive research by incorporating collateral relative and associates. Resolution of conflicting data is also discussed.

Victor S. “Vic” Dunn, CG, is a full-time professional researcher. The coordinator for the Virginia track at the IGHR and an instructor for SLIG, he is a frequent contributor to major genealogical publications including feature articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, The Genealogist, NEHG Register, BCG OnBoard, and Magazine of Virginia Genealogy.

Anatomy of a Civil War Pension File

Anatomy of a Civil War Pension File

Civil War Pension Files are filled with genealogical information but are often large and intimidating. This lecture will discuss methods used to organize, extract, and analyze the documents and data in a Civil War Pension File.

Julie Miller, CG®, CGLSM, FNGS is a full-time professional researcher, speaker, and writer who lives in Colorado. She speaks on a wide variety of genealogy subjects both locally and nationally. Her articles have appeared in the NGSQ and NGS Magazine. Julie is a member of the NGS conference committee, served as conference chair of the 2010 and 2012 NGS conferences, and served on the NGS board from 2006-2014. She is a fellow of the National Genealogical Society. Julie has been a volunteer at NARA-Denver for over twenty years.