Military Track at FGS 2013

Did your ancestor serve in the Revolutionary War, Indian Wars or Civil War? Was your ancestor a Civil War nurse? Learn something new in the Military track at FGS 2013.


S-413
Compiling a Military Service Record
by Craig Roberts Scott MA, CG℠
Sat. 9:30-10:30 AM

S-422
Discovering Civil War Nurses & Matrons – Their Records and Their Stories
by Angela Y. Walton-Raji
Sat. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

S-405
Researching Your Union Ancestor at The Genealogy Center
by Delia Cothrun Bourne
Sponsored by ACPL Genealogy Center
Sat. 8:00-9:00 AM

S-433
Researching Your Confederate Ancestor at The Genealogy Center
by Delia Cothrun Bourne
Sponsored by ACPL Genealogy Center
Sat. 2:00-3:00 PM

S-442
Why Should I Look at Revolutionary War Pension Records?
by Melissa Shimkus MLS
Sponsored by ACPL Genealogy Center
Sat. 3:30-4:30 PM


S-450
The Indian Wars
by Craig Roberts Scott MA, CG℠
Sat. 5:00-6:00 PM

Ambassador Guest Post: Conferences and Research

Guest Post by FGS 2013 Ambassador, Karen Miller Bennett from Karen's Chatt/.

The 2013 FGS Conference is less than three months away now. This is one of two national genealogy conferences that I try to attend if relatively close. This year’s FGS conference is in Fort Wayne, close enough for me to drive every day.

The May/June blog post prompt for conference ambassadors is “How will you use your time at FGS 2013 to help your genealogical research?”

With the early-bird deadline looming a few weeks away, I have been looking at the registration booklet, trying to select sessions of interest to me. What do I plan to focus on at this conference that will help me with my research?

For one, I finally plan to learn about DNA testing and how the results can be used for genealogy. There are several sessions on this topic at the conference. In fact, there is a whole track about genetics on Thursday.

I guess I have avoided learning about the whole DNA/genealogy connection but I think it is time for me to learn what DNA test information might tell me about my ancestral families and how it might help with my research. Plus, now that our DNA test results are pending I am eager to see how the Brewster branch of my family compares to other Brewsters who have submitted DNA samples.

After my intense DNA studies I plan to attend sessions on technology and Internet genealogy research. New records are being added to websites all the time and I hope to learn about new content on familiar websites. I also want to learn about new websites and those that I am not familiar with. I should be able to get some of the latest technical information while going through the exhibit hall and by networking with other attendees.

Although the above two items will be my main focus at the conference I also want to learn some new research techniques and strategies as well as some historical information about the areas in which my ancestors lived.

This year’s FGS conference, “Journey Through Generations,” will be held 21-24 August at the Grand Wayne Center, across the street from the Allen County Public Library, one of the best genealogy libraries in the country. I will do my Allen County Library research another time since I live so close. But it is well worth a research visit for conference attendees from farther away.

The conference is hosted by the Allen County Public Library and the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana. The registration deadline for the early bird discount, a $50 savings, is July 1st. Conference registration is open and I need to register soon…

This post originally appeared at http://www.karenmillerbennett.com/genealogy-conference/conferences-and-research/.

FGS 2013 Student Rate is Now Live

The Student Rate for FGS 2013 is now live for online registrations.

When registering online, students should check "Student" next to their badge name. When this is checked, they have access to student pricing. Then, after registering, email a scan of their student ID to info@fgs.org.

Or, students can mail a completed registration form with a check and a photocopy of their student ID to FGS2013 Conference, P.O. Box 200940, Austin, TX 78720-0940. Bring your student ID with you to pick up your registration materials at the conference. Home-schooled students who wish to take advantage of the rate should email info@fgs.org for details.

More details about the student rate is available in a previous blog post at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org/2013/06/2013-fgs-conference-introduces-student.html. 

Ambassador Blogging Prompt: Conference Schedules

Last month, we asked FGS 2013 Ambassadors to write about how they will further their research at FGS 2013. Here are their responses:

• Julie Cahill Tarr - My Itinerary - FGS 2013 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Cari Taplin - My FGS Conference Plans
• Judy Linnebach - FGS and Allen County Public Library, a Winning Combo!
• Donna Moughty - Conferences and Research - FGS
• Karen Miller Bennett - Conferences and Research
• Brenda Leyndyke - What I Hope to Accomplish at FGS 2013
• Linda McCauley - Conferences and Research
• Selma Blackmon - Preplan for the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference
• Joyce Bates - Planning for flexible fun
• Shelley Bishop - What I hope to learn at the FGS 2013 Conference
• Sandy McPherson - Conference Planning 101!

Congrats to our Ambassador giveaway winners: Linda McCauley and Marian Wood won full conference registrations and Selma Blackmon and Judy Linnebach won a $50 conference discount each.

Today we also announce the second blogging prompt for FGS 2013 Ambassadors. This prompt will run June 18 to July 15.

The June/July prompt is: Conference Schedules

How do you make your conference schedule? How do you select which lectures to attend? When do you make time for the exhibit hall? How do you keep track of when and where you need to be?

Want to become an FGS 2013 Ambassador?
All genealogy and history bloggers, societies, editors and writers are welcome to join. In order to qualify for giveaways, you must sign up as an Ambassador and be actively promoting FGS 2013.

Ambassadors:
Please post a link to your blog post in the comments section of this post. We will be selecting one or two Ambassador posts to use as guest posts on the FGS Conference Blog. Ambassadors selected as guest bloggers will be contacted by July 20. More giveaways will be happening in the next few weeks and months.

Fort Wayne's Historical, Fun and Interesting Attractions

From our friends at Visit Fort Wayne:

Fort Wayne is full of many wonderful, historical, fun and interesting attractions, sure to satisfy anyone’s interests. The best part about some of Fort Wayne’s best places to visit, is that they are within walking distance of the Allen County Public Library and the Grand Wayne Convention Center! From spending some time learning about the history of our great city, to relaxing at one of the nation’s top baseball stadiums, you won’t be disappointed in what Fort Wayne has to offer for your down time.

If you’re in the market for a history lesson, we’ve got just what you’re looking for. Fort Wayne is home to many interesting museums that to speak to the rich history of our city.

• The History Center: This is home to the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, including its museum and collections. There are over 26,000 artifacts, photographs and documents representing the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Even the building the museum is housed in is historic, having served as the City Hall building dating back to 1893 until 1971.
• African/ African-American Historical Museum : If you want to view a one-of-a-kind resource for Northeast Indiana, this is a can’t miss. This museum offers thought-provoking exhibits, docent lead tours and highlights the history and contributions made by African American people. 
• Allen County Courthouse: Does beautiful architecture speak to you? The Allen County Courthouse is a National Historic Landmark known for its intricate design. The courthouse was restored to its original beauty in time for its 100th anniversary in 2002, and continues to this day. The courthouse features magnificent art glass, murals and intricately patterned tile floors not seen in the architecture and design of today.

Does the world of art interest you? Fort Wayne boasts an impressive arts campus that is a collection of buildings devoted arts and culture - with each location in walkable distance within Downtown Fort Wayne.

• Fort Wayne Museum of Art: The FWMA is home to a permanent collection of art that follows the museum’s American Art Initiative, which aims to enhance the understanding of the relevance of America’s historical and contemporary art. The museum also features nationally renowned traveling exhibits that aim to highlight different types of art.
• Auer Center for Arts and Culture: Just across the street from the FWMA is the Auer Center for Arts and Culture. This cultural center houses arts and cultural organizations, galleries and studios. Serving as a cultural core for downtown, the Auer Center for Arts and Culture aims to provide artistic and civic growth throughout the region. 

Beyond museums, Fort Wayne also offers attractions that link back to nature. Whether it be beautiful plant life, or exotic animals, you’ll feel at one with the great outdoors.

• Foellinger-Freiman Botanical Conservatory: This beautiful facility brings nature to you. The conservatory features four outdoor gardens, the Tropical Garden featuring a cascading waterfall and the Sonoran Desert Garden. Each garden offers a unique experience with different plant life right in front of your eyes. You will also be able to experience the Gardens of New Orleans, with the lush gardens and window boxes of the French Quarter and Garden District of New Orleans. (And don't miss the FGS Opening Social at the Conservatory on Wednesday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m.)
• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo offers a great chance to explore some of the world’s most unique species! Even though the title says “children’s”, this zoo offers a great experience for animal lovers of all ages! Take a walk through the African Journey where you can hand-feed a giraffe, or explore the Australian Adventure where you can see the beauty of a corral reef. You won’t be disappointed!

Looking for something to do at night? Relax and enjoy a ballgame at Parkview Field!

• Fort Wayne TinCaps: The Fort Wayne TinCaps are a Class A minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Diego Padres. Their facility, Parkview Field, has been ranked as the top Minor League Baseball experience and the #14 overall experience in ALL sporting venues. It is the perfect place to relax, take in the downtown scenery, and enjoy a great baseball game in a class-act facility.

For more information or to learn about Fort Wayne please visit www.VisitFortWayne.com/fgs.

2013 FGS Conference Introduces Student Rate

By Dawne Slater-Putt

Genealogy has never been “just for the old-timers,” although it still has that reputation among those who aren’t involved. The image of the genealogist, the person who doggedly pursues the hobby, pastime, addiction of tracing one’s ancestors, remains to outsiders the gray-haired Grandma with a fanny pack and T-shirt with a clever genealogy verse. But genealogists come in all ages!

In recognition of this, and to show support for involving youth in genealogy, the Federation of Genealogical Societies is excited to announce that for this year’s FGS Conference in Fort Wayne, it has established a discounted student rate. Students of all ages with a current student ID, from elementary school to graduate school, attending public, private or parochial institutions, can register for the full conference for $40. The single-day student rate is $25.

When registering online, students should check "Student" next to their badge name. When this is checked, they have access to student pricing. Then, after registering, email a scan of their student ID to info@fgs.org. Or, students can mail a completed registration form with a check and a photocopy of their student ID to FGS2013 Conference, P.O. Box 200940, Austin, TX 78720-0940. Bring your student ID with you to pick up your registration materials at the conference. Home-schooled students who wish to take advantage of the rate should email info@fgs.org for details.

Exhibitor Profile - National Genealogical Society

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) will once again be participating in the FGS conference by sponsoring lectures, hosting a luncheon, and having a booth in the exhibit hall. NGS has been part of the FGS conference for well over twenty years!

This year NGS is sponsoring two lectures, which will be presented by Patricia Walls Stamm, CG, CGL: “Using Technology to Increase Your Genealogical Learning” (session F302) and “St. Louis – Then and Now” (session S407). Learn about new education opportunities at session F302 and the NGS Circulating Collection at session S407.

Barbara Vines Little, CG, FVGS, FNGS, will be the speaker at the NGS luncheon on Friday. If you are planning to attend the NGS Family History Conference, 7–10 May 2014, in Richmond, Virginia, you won’t want to miss her talk, “Preparing for a Research Trip to Virginia”. (You might get a sneak peak at lecture topics for 2014.)

The conference won’t be complete without a visit to the NGS booth in the exhibit hall. There will be a daily door prize, including a free course on CD-ROM, an autographed copy of Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones, PHD, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS, and a free conference registration to the 2014 conference in Richmond, Virginia. Items offered for sale will include titles from the popular Research in the States series, Mastering Genealogical Proof, and Paths to Your Past. New courses are being planned and readied for introduction at the FGS conference. Grab a flier about the NGS 2014 Family History Conference in Richmond. Pick up your NGS member ribbon!

Not a member of the National Genealogical Society? The FGS conference is the perfect time to talk to representatives in the booth about benefits of membership and to join NGS. Included with membership are subscriptions to the NGS Quarterly and NGS Magazine, and discounts on all books, courses, and services offered by the society. Individual members have access to the Members Only section of the NGS website. NGS members receive a discount on their NGS Family History Conference registration so why wait to join until registering for the conference? Sign up for membership now and begin enjoying benefits! Is your local library or genealogical society a subscriber to NGS? Stop by the booth to pick up an organization brochure to learn about exclusive benefits for organizations and return it to your local library or society.

See you in Ft. Wayne!

NATIONAL GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22204-4370
Phone 703-525-0050 or 800-473-0060
Fax 703-525-0052

http://www.ngsgenealogy.org,
https://www.facebook.com/ngsgenealogy
https://twitter.com/ngsgenealogy

“People” Resources Set Genealogy Center Apart

By Dawne Slater-Putt

The Genealogy Center is well known as the second-largest genealogical research collection in the United States, and for good reason – we have a lot of “stuff” here at ACPL! But aside from “stuff,” The Center’s helpful, friendly staff is one of its greatest resources. Manager Curt Witcher has been known to tell audiences this when he lectures at genealogical society events across the country.

In some libraries, staff members have been assigned jurisdiction over the local history collection in their building much to their chagrin – in fact, it’s rumored that occasionally, being in charge of the genealogy materials and having to deal with “those people” is deemed a punishment! But in The Genealogy Center, we are all genealogists ourselves. Most of us were gathering family history before we came to librarianship. Becoming a special collections librarian was a way that we could make a living immersing ourselves in our passion – genealogy! The seven librarians who work the Ask desk at The Genealogy Center, including Curt as manager, have a total of more than 200 years of intense genealogical research experience, and that experience encompasses a number of different geographic and subject specialties. Many of our shelvers also work on their own family history.

This background is to tell you – the FGS Conference attendee – that while you are in Fort Wayne doing research at The Genealogy Center, please feel free to ask questions of the staff. We are so glad that you will be coming to our city and our library! We will be happy to help you become familiar with where specific materials are located, use the copy machines and other equipment within the department, and offer suggestions of what you might try next to solve that difficult genealogical problem.

Normally we tell patrons that, yes, we have other duties and we might have our heads bent over paperwork, or be engrossed in preparing a PowerPoint presentation on the computer when they walk up – but to please interrupt us because our primary duty is helping the people who come to the library to research. During the busy conference week, though, all other duties will be set aside completely and our only focus will be you and your research.

The Genealogy Center’s philosophy is that patrons can go anywhere to find “stuff,” but that it is the personal touch of a dedicated, caring staff of professionals that makes researching at the Allen County Public Library something special.

The syllabus is the key to the presentation

Before each FGS conference, speakers compile and submit handout material designed to accompany their lectures. Each set of handouts is a bit different. Some speakers present an outline, others a summary of the topics to be covered, and others a list of salient points. Charts and graphs appear in some and most include a bibliography of helpful resources, such as books, articles and websites. The maximum number of pages allowed each speaker for an hour-long session is four. These handouts are gathered into one publication – your conference syllabus.

This syllabus material is vital to the learning experience. You can follow along as the speaker refers to a specific point, make a note next to the citation for a particular book or website the speaker mentions, and then take it home to review once the conference ends. Wish you could have attended two lectures at the same time? Of course – we all do! But until cloning is perfected, we can’t do that. What we can do is learn from the syllabus material for the sessions that we aren’t able to attend. Many sessions will be recorded. Sometimes the syllabus material will help us make the decision whether to buy the recorded version of a lecture we missed.

The deadline for speakers’ syllabus material this year was May 15. So we currently have that wealth of written knowledge in hand! The conference publications committee is in the process of collating the material even as we speak, adding headers and page numbers, and creating an electronic version for the FGS website, a CD version that conference attendees will receive, and a print edition for those who have requested and paid for a print syllabus. Yes, in this electronic age, FGS and other organizations have “gone green” and now provide their registrants with syllabus material in electronic format as the default.

Online Version

Approximately two weeks before the conference, all registrants will be notified that the syllabus is available on the FGS Conference website, and will be given instructions for logging in to view it. We would encourage you to download the syllabus to your computer or a USB drive and peruse the handout material for the lecture sessions you chose from the program listing on the website or in the conference registration booklet. Comparing the lecture descriptions with the handout material may reinforce your decisions, or prompt you to choose other sessions to fill particular time slots. The syllabus material can serve as background reading material and, in many cases, help you get even more out of each lecture session.

Next, consider printing the sections of the syllabus for the lectures you plan to attend. Bring these to the conference. You can use them to follow along during the sessions, as well as to take notes or highlight passages to jog your memory for when you return home and want to use the material for reference.

Each of the conference hotels has a business center where you may print out any additional parts of the syllabus you need during the conference days. The Cyber Café in the Exhibit Hall also will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for last-minute syllabus-printing needs. The Cyber Café is provided by findmypast.com a Platinum Sponsor of this conference.

CD Version

Each registrant will receive the full syllabus on a compact disk with his or her registration materials at onsite registration. The 2013 CDs are being provided courtesy of the New England Historic GenealogicalSociety, a Bronze Sponsor of the conference.

A limited number of USB drives containing the syllabus also will be for sale at the conference.

Print edition syllabus

If you prefer a soft-bound print edition of the syllabus in addition to the CD and online access versions, you may purchase one when you register. The cost is $30. If you have already registered and would like to add this to your order, just go back to the registration page online, log in with the Username and Password that you used to register, follow through to the actual registration pages and indicate you are purchasing the print edition. It will be ready for you at onsite registration. The purchase deadline for the printed syllabus is August 9, 2013. To order a printed syllabus, you must be a conference registrant. A limited number of the printed syllabus copies will be available at registration if you make a last minute decision to purchase one. These will be available on a first come, first served basis.

 Syllabus exceptions

•   The syllabus material for workshop sessions that require an extra fee will be available at that workshop to those who paid for the workshop.

•   Luncheon, keynote, and other special event speakers generally do not provide syllabus materials.

Friday Luncheons at FGS 2013

On August 23, you’ll say “Thank goodness it’s Friday” because you can choose between three great luncheons:

John Philip Colletta, Ph.D., presents “The Keepers and I: Tales of Accessing Historical Sources” at the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) Luncheon, which is Session F-325. Colletta, the author of They Came in Ships and Only a Few Bones is known for his informative, yet entertaining presentations. Colletta has taught genealogy workshops at the National Archives for 21 years and now lectures for the Smithsonian Institution and nationally. A faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and Boston University’s genealogy program, he has authored articles, manuals and one narrative family history, Only a Few Bones.

Barbara Vines Little, CG℠, FNGS, FVGS, speaks on “Preparing for a Research Trip to Virginia” at the National Genealogical Society (NGS) Luncheon, Session F-326. A professional genealogical researcher since 1982, Little is currently the editor of the Virginia Genealogical Society's quarterly Magazine of Virginia Genealogy. If you’ve ever felt apprehensive about researching on-site in Virginia, her tips will certainly come in handy.

The Indiana Genealogical Society Luncheon (Session F-327) features Curt Witcher, MLS, FUGA, IGSF, on “The Indiana Genealogical Society: A Case Study in Thriving.” Witcher is a former president of both FGS and NGS, and founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society, although he’s best known as Senior Manager of The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library, right across the street from the conference venue.

Whichever luncheon you choose, you’ll partake of a fresh fruit cup; Southwestern chicken salad (featuring seasoned breast of chicken, mixed greens, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese and spicy ranch dressing); dinner rolls, strawberry whip cream cake for dessert, and accompanied by ice water, iced tea, lemonade or coffee. You may also choose the vegetarian option: grilled eggplant with tomato basil sauce, served with vegetable risotto. Luncheon tickets are $25, so just select the luncheon session of interest to you.

Ride the Minnesota Genealogical Society bus to the FGS Conference in Fort Wayne!

Society Bus Trips are a great way to make travel more affordable and give your society members a fun trip to FGS 2013. Lois Mackin from the Minnesota Genealogical Society tells us about their upcoming bus trip to Fort Wayne.

Travel can be expensive, so the Minnesota Genealogical Society has arranged to charter a bus to the conference. The bus leaves the MGS building in South St. Paul, Minnesota at 6:30 or 7 am Tuesday August 20 and returns Sunday August 25. The bus will pick up and drop off Wisconsin riders near Madison. Lunch on board the bus is available on the outbound and return trips. Here’s the best part: bus tickets cost only $175 round trip from South St. Paul ($210 after August 1). All the details are on the Minnesota Genealogical Society's website at http://www.mngs.org.

Why not ride the bus with fellow genealogists? Instead of fighting summer traffic or negotiating airport hassles, kick back, go green, and share the ride to Fort Wayne. Your seatmate might be just the person who can help with your brick wall problems!

To reserve your bus tickets and lunch from Minnesota, click here. [link to http://www.mngs.org/blog/?page_id=97&action=evregister&event_id=36]

If you are in Wisconsin, click here. [link to http://wsgs.org/cpage.php?pt=122]

You are responsible for making your own conference and hotel reservations. To register for the FGS conference, visit https://www.fgsconference.org/registration/.

In the event of insufficient registration, MGS reserves the right to cancel the bus trip. If the trip is cancelled, those who have registered will be notified before August 1 and will receive a full refund.

Exhibit Hall Sold Out

By Paula Stuart-Warren

The regular Exhibit Hall booths for the 2013 conference in Fort Wayne are sold out. The Exhibit Hall team is working with the decorator and the fire marshall to see if a few more booths can be added. If you would like to inquire about these, please contact exhibits2013@fgs.org. Full details on the Exhibit Hall space is at https://www.fgsconference.org/exhibits/.

If your genealogical or historical organization is a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, you are in luck. Some tables in the Society Showcase area are still available. These full-size table only cost $25 and are open the same hours as the Exhibit Hall. Full details on this area are at https://www.fgsconference.org/exhibits/society-showcase/.

The Exhibit Hall is also open to the public and it’s a great way to reach many genealogists.

Migration and Immigration Track at FGS 2013

Whether your ancestors immigrated in colonial times or landed at Ellis Island, you'll find great sessions in the Migration and Immigration Track at FGS 2013. Plus you'll might learn something more about their migration experiences in immigrant communities, traveling across the Midwest or how whiskey might have played a role in your ancestor's migration.

F-304
The 17,000,000 Stories of Ellis Island: What's Fact? What’s Myth?
by John Philip Colletta PhD
Fri. 8:00-9:00 AM

F-321
Immigrant Cluster Communities: Past, Present and Future
by Lisa A. Alzo, MFA
Fri. 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

F-340
Whiskey, Brandy and Family Migration
by J. Mark Lowe CG℠, FUGA
Fri. 3:30-4:30 PM

F-349
Settling the Midwest: Migration to the Great Lakes Region
by Kris W. Rzepczynski MLS, MA
Fri. 5:00-6:00 PM

F-313
Finding Ethnic Origins and Naturalizations in the Midwest
by Loretto (Lou) Dennis Szucs
Fri. 9:30-10:30 AM

F-332
Passenger Arrival Records, Colonial Times to Mid-20th Century
by John Philip Colletta PhD
Sponsored by findmypast.com
Fri. 2:00-3:00 PM

Early-Bird Registration Ends July 1st

2013 FGS CONFERENCE EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JULY 1
“Journey through Generations” – A Conference for the Nation’s Genealogists

June 10, 2013 – Austin, TX. Discounted early-bird registration for the 2013 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference will continue only until July 1. Early registrants receive a $50 discount for the full four days, or a $20 discount for any single day. Details at http://www.fgsconference.org.

The conference will be held 21-24 August 2013 in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. 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). Platinum sponsors are FamilySearch, FindMyPast.com and Ancestry.com.

The conference offers opportunities for all who are interested in researching their family history, with over 160 educational sessions on records, strategies, and tools for genealogists at all levels. The exhibit hall features over 70 vendors offering a wide range of genealogical products and is open and free to the public.

Luncheons, workshops and special events provide additional opportunities for networking and learning. Make sure the get your tickets to these conference “extras” early to guarantee your spot.

See you in Fort Wayne in August!

Learn More and Stay Connected

• Visit or subscribe to the FGS Conference Blog at http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org. 
• 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.

#####

Contact: Federation of Genealogical Societies
PO Box 200940
Austin, TX 78720-0940
phone: +1 (888) 347-1500
fax: +1 (866) 347-1350
conferencepublicity@fgs.org

Society Showcase - Indiana Genealogical Society

The Indiana Genealogical Society will be one of the many FGS member societies with a booth in the Society Showcase in the FGS 2013 Exhibit Hall. Find out more about the Society Showcase at https://www.fgsconference.org/exhibits/society-showcase/.

The Indiana Genealogical Society will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary next year. Formed in 1989 in Fort Wayne, in 2013 we have become an almost virtual society, with electronic delivery of our publications and membership that spans the country. We are involved in a partner project with FamilySearch to create a statewide marriage index that goes up to 1959, and we are also leading an effort to preserve and digitize some of Indiana’s probate records – a record group that is rich with details for genealogists and historians. We also send out an e-mail alert, “Indiana News,” each month that is filled with news items and research tips. You can browse past issues of the e-mail alert going back to 2010.

Benefits to membership in the Indiana Genealogical Society include access to our Members-Only area, which features an ever-growing collection of databases about Indiana. We have over 1,000 databases, including at least 4 databases about each of the 92 counties in Indiana. Members also receive a $10 discount on registration to our annual conference, which will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, headlined by J. Mark Lowe.

At the society showcase booth we will have a special offer – purchase a new membership for $20 (more than 30% off of the regular price), and it will not expire until December 2014. To redeem this offer, pick up our special offer flyer and send payment within 7 days of the conference.

FGS conference attendees can also enjoy a special luncheon on Friday, August 23 with Curt Witcher, where he’ll be talking about the future of the Indiana Genealogical Society.

IGS website: www.indgensoc.org

IGS blog: http://indgensoc.blogspot.com

IGS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianaAncestors

IGS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/IndianaGenSoc