Sunday, May 13, 2012

Farewell to the NGS 2012 Family History Conference

Another successful conference is over, and we hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to complete the conference survey, and start making plans for the 2013 Conference in Las Vegas!
Julie Miller, 2012 Conference Chair

Ann Hilke, NGS President, and Kay Freilich, 2012 NGS Fellow


Photos by Scott Stewart


Photos by Jennifer Hershberger


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Friday, May 11, 2012

2012 Conference Facts and Moments

During the NGS Luncheon on Friday, NGS President Ann Hilke announced the total attendance of the 2012 Conference: 2,156 people!

The reception on Friday night celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NGS Quarterly marked a significant milestone in the history of the National Genealogical Society. Pick up a copy of the commemorative booklet in the NGS booth in the Exhibit Hall.

Representatives of the conference committee and local host societies working on the NGS 2013 Family History Conference in Las Vegas are here this week to observe details as they make plans for another fabulous conference next year. Information about the 2013 conference is available at the Las Vegas Local Host Societies booth, also in the Exhibit Hall.

Indiana Historical Society exhibit in Conference Exhibit Hall

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center exhibit

Josh Taylor and Graeter's Ice Cream

Tyler-Davidson Fountain in Cincinnati's Fountain Square
Photos contributed by Jennifer Hershberger
Barbara Renick and Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens
Photo by Scott Stewart

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A Night at the Public Library

Over 400 conference attendees took advantage of the extended hours at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County on Thursday night. The first 200 people received 1848 Cincinnati Panorama posters donated by the Friends of the Public Library Shop, and everyone had a chance to see the original Panorama and experiment with the touchscreen display.
Although tables and aisles were crowded, the energy of 400 genealogists researching at once was almost tangible! Many people stayed until 11:30 p.m. and then showed up early for the first session at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Many thanks to the Library for providing refreshments, tours, and bringing in additional staff to assist researchers. Another large group of attendees visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center during extended hours sponsored by FamilySearch.




Photos by Phyllis Hegner, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County


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Thursday, May 10, 2012

NGSQ Reception and Scanning by Ancestry

The time for the NGS Quarterly 100th Anniversary Reception is 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening.

If you have items you'd like to have scanned, stop by Room 238 to take part in Ancestry's scanning.
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Day One in Photos

Gathering for the Opening Session
Ann Hilke, NGS President, and Sunda Peters, Ohio Genealogical Society President
Kenny Burck, Local Host Co-Chair, and German musicians leading attendees to Exhibit Hall
Opening of the Exhibit Hall
FamilySearch demo
Photos by Scott Stewart

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Day One of the Conference!

The Opening Session this morning featured Patricia van Skaik's fascinating presentation about the 1848 Cincinnati Panorama, award winners (to be announced on the NGS blog), door-prize drawings, and announcements of future NGS conference locations:

7-10 May 2014, Richmond, Virginia
13-16 May 2015, St. Charles, Missouri

At the end of the session the Germania Jagdhorn Blaesergruppe, five horn musicians of the Germania Society clad in traditional outfits, played German marches while leading the audience down to the opening of the Exhibit Hall.

There was plenty of time to browse and shop in the Exhibit Hall - loaded with everything a genealogist could want - before the first session started at 11:00 a.m.

The three session time-slots offered thirty opportunities to learn from experts about BCG skillbuilding, methodology and research, working with records, military records, photos, ethnic research, migration, writing, and GenTech.

At the end of the day, over 200 attendees visited the Cincinnati History Museum, had dinner, and heard a presentation about the history of the beautiful Art Deco Union Terminal Railroad Station building that is now home to three museums.

On Thursday, don't forget the free extended hours at both the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For information and directions, check the information desk in front of Registration, or ask anyone wearing an "Ask Me" button.

1848 photo courtesy of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County; other photos contributed by Jennifer Hershberger.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Pre-Conference Day

Welcome to the NGS 2012 Family History Conference! Hundreds of people checked in today and many participated in the pre-conference events:

Librarian’s Day workshop for librarians who work with family history patrons

Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky bus tour

BCG Education Fund “Editor’s Ink, Writer’s Lead” workshop featuring Thomas W. Jones and Melinde Lutz Byrne (shown in photo, holding a very unusual artifact for a genealogy class: a generalized trilobite fossil). These two experts presented insights about everything from the broad view of genealogical writing as an art to the power of individual words – an inspiring combination for genealogists who want to polish their writing.

Tomorrow registration starts at 7 a.m. and the Opening Session is at 8 a.m. in the Junior Ballroom on the third floor. You’ll experience a new approach to ancestors’ lives through digital images from the world-renowned daguerreotype, the Cincinnati Panorama of 1848, integrated with original documents from the past. Two lucky winners attending the Opening Session will receive a free conference registration for the NGS 2013 Conference in Las Vegas, courtesy of NGS, and a seven-night stay at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square, courtesy of the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel. You must be present to win!

After the Opening Session surprise guests will lead everyone down to the Exhibit Hall for its opening at 9:30 a.m. See pages 34-62 in the conference program for descriptions of the exhibitors.

To keep track of program and event changes, check the bulletin board in the NGS registration area. Some lunch tickets are already posted for sale, so check the board if you missed the deadline and would like to attend one of the conference luncheons.

Photo contributed by Phyllis Garratt.

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National Underground Railroad Museum – Dining Options in ‘The Banks’

If you are taking advantage of complimentary admission to the National Underground Railroad Museum on Thursday evening (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.), then you will be next door to The Banks. The Banks is a new mixed-use development on the Ohio River between the Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium. Phase One of The Banks is open for business with a number of new restaurants that you may wish to visit before or after touring the Museum:

Holy Grail at the Banks
161 Joe Nuxhall Way
513-621-2222
Mon-Sun 11 am – 2:30 pm
Appetizers, Burgers, Pizza, Sandwiches and a kids menu

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill
145 Second Street E
513-721-8629
Appetizers, Burgers, Sandwiches and Full Entrees

Johnny Rockets
191 Freedom Way
513-834-6110

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
513-421-2337
Mon-Thurs 11 am – 12 midnight
Fri-Sat 11 am – 1 am
Full restaurant menu

(Take Fifth Street to Walnut Street and turn right. Follow Walnut for 3 blocks to Second Street. Turn left on Second Street and then right on Joe Nuxhall Way. This will get you in the general vicinity of these restaurants.)

Thanks to FamilySearch and the National Underground Museum for providing complimentary admission to the
National Underground Railroad Museum. After your tour, take advantage of extended hours at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (6:30 – 11:30 p.m., Thursday). A Google map showing the locations of the Duke Energy Convention Center, the National Underground Railroad Museum and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County can be found at http://g.co/maps/ssnnb.

There are many other dining locations near or en route to the events. For more dining recommendations, visit the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau located in the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Contributed by Liz Stratton




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Free WiFi in Conference Hotels

Everyone who made a reservation through the NGS room block in one of the three conference hotels should have free internet in their room. If you're told otherwise, explain that free WiFi is included in the NGS contract, and if you're still told you have to pay, talk to the NGS staff at Registration. The three hotels are the Hilton, Hyatt, and Millennium. You will most likely have to check the box on the hotel's home page indicating that the cost should be charged to your room, but the cost will not appear on your bill.
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Sunday, May 6, 2012

Tell Us What You Think of the 2012 Conference

The National Genealogical Society Board of Directors and staff are interested in receiving your feedback on the 2012 Family History Conference.

Your satisfaction is essential to us and feedback is an important aspect in maintaining the highest level of excellence. We invite you to tell us about your experiences at the conference by taking a brief survey. It should take no longer than two to five minutes of your time and your responses will help us prepare for the NGS 2013 Family History Conference.

There are two surveys: one for individual lectures, and one for the overall conference.

Lecture Surveys are at
http://ngs2012sessions.questionpro.com. You can also take the survey under the News Flash section in the conference app.

Conference Survey is at
http://ngs2012.questionpro.com. You can also take the survey under the News Flash section in the conference app.

We thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to give us your feedback. The surveys will be open during the conference and will stay open through Sunday, 20 May 2012.

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Cincinnati’s Culinary Classics

Wave after wave of immigrants has passed through the Queen City on paths to a better life in the New World. Each new immigrant group left its culinary mark on Cincinnati. Some foods became so beloved that they are shipped to Cincinnati emigrants throughout the country. Many of these delights are available near the Duke Energy Convention Center. Below is a sampling of a few favorites.

Cincinnati Chili
For a quick lunch, give Cincinnati chili a try. The chili was originally created by immigrants from Macedonia. People ordering Cincinnati chili are in for a big surprise if they are expecting a bowl of Texas-style beef and beans! Cincinnati chili is a thin meat sauce infused with cinnamon, cloves and allspice served over either spaghetti or a hot dog. There is a long-running debate about which local chili parlor serves the best Cincinnati chili –
Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili always vie for the top spot. Both have locations in the downtown area. Go native and order your spaghetti by describing the toppings. A “Two-way” is chili and spaghetti, a “Three-way” adds cheese, a “Four-way” adds onions and a “Five-way” adds beans. A chili-topped hot dog is a “Cheese Coney.”

Experience Arnold’s in Person!
Arnold’s Bar and Grill, a long-time Cincinnati favorite, has been made famous by the NBC show, Harry’s Law. The set on “Harry’s Law” closely mirrors the decor of Arnold’s in Cincinnati. Established in 1861, Arnold’s was forced to expand its pub service to include food to survive Prohibition. Arnold’s is about a half mile from the Convention Center. Local musicians provide entertainment most evenings. As an added bonus for daytime visitors, Arnold’s is near the Ohio Book Store, which has five floors of new and used books nestled in an historic building. Bibliophiles will want to take the time to peruse their shelves for rare finds. The Ohio Book Store has a large collection of local histories, prints and more.

Graeter’s Ice Cream
No meal is complete without ice cream! Since 1870,
five generations of Graeters have been scooping out Graeter’s Ice Cream. On National Ice Cream Day in 2002, Ben Cohen listed Graeter’s first in “10 Great Places to Scream for Ice Cream.” Ben, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, was a fan of Graeter’s Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. My favorite has always been Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Strawberry Chocolate Chip, this month’s seasonal flavor, is a close second. Graeter’s downtown location is on Fountain Square, 3/10 miles from the Convention Center. Which flavor is your favorite? Even if you don’t have time to try them all, Graeter’s ships ice cream throughout the United States.

There are so many great historic and ethnic restaurants that it is impossible to include them all. To find exactly what you are looking for, ask your hotel concierge or stop by the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitor Bureau booth in the Duke Energy Center from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday for additional dining recommendations.

Contributed by Liz Stratton

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Kentucky Historical Society, Booth 624

The Kentucky Historical Society’s Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, which includes the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, will operate under extended hours 8-12 May: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. Tuesday’s hours will include free admission to the Center’s museum and special exhibit. These hours do not include the Old State Capitol or the Military History Museum.

The Kentucky Historical Society’s library has been collecting materials that document families and local history since 1838. Today, the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library boasts the largest collection of print, manuscript and graphic materials documenting Kentucky families in the country. The library provides access to over 90,000 published works, 12,000 rolls of microfilm, 1,900 cubic feet of manuscript materials, over 200,000 photographic images, 2,000 maps and 9,000 oral history interviews. Researchers also have access to over 30,000 vertical files of contributed research.

KHS is also meeting the ever-growing technological needs of its researchers through three online catalogs, freely accessible through its
website. Each catalog will guide you through the Library/Archival collections, Digital Archives material, or Museum Objects collection. These catalogs serve as access portals to over 140,000 images, with new images added each day.

Be sure to follow our
blog, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@KyHistSoc). Don’t forget to stop by our booth 624 and enter for your chance to win one of four prize packages including a year-long membership! We’ll be giving away one membership package each day!

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Accessible Archives, Booth 436

Accessible Archives continues to expand its American County Histories database with the addition of the eleven Southeast states. They join the previously-available county collections of the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Accessible Archives will add coverage of additional areas of the country – Southwest, Central and West – throughout the course of the year. The initial addition, The Southeast, will complement the New England and The Mid-Atlantic regional collections. Included states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Future plans call for additional coverage of states within the Southwest, Central and West regions. For further information, visit our website and our blog.

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Saturday, May 5, 2012

More Conference Events

While planning what to do during the Conference, don’t forget these events included with your registration:

Wednesday, 9 May, 5:15 p.m.
NGS American Genealogy: Home Study Course Roundtable

Join NGS Education Manager, Patricia Walls Stamm, CG, CGL, in a roundtable discussion about the NGS American Genealogy: Home Study Course. Current students taking the in-depth, self-paced course as well as others who are considering enrolling are invited to the program.

Thursday, 10 May, 3:00 p.m.
Strategy for Records Preservation and Access

Are the states where you live and do family history research changing your access to vital records? The Records Preservation and Access Committee for the genealogical community will be having a strategy session open to all interested conference attendees. Learn how to follow the legislative process and send an effective response to the appropriate policy makers.

Thursday, 10 May, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Evening at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

FamilySearch and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center invite all conference attendees to enjoy free admission on Thursday evening at the Museum, located at 50 East Freedom Way on the banks of the Ohio River. The Museum houses many unique and inspiring exhibits including The Slave Pen, From Slavery to Freedom, and the film Brothers of the Borderland. Come for an hour or stay for the entire three hours.

The event does not include transportation. Walking from the Duke Energy Convention Center or the conference hotels takes less than 15 minutes. Attendees may also share a taxi or use their own transportation. Parking is available in the Central Riverfront Parking Garage at $1 every half hour or $8 daily maximum.

Thursday, 10 May, 6:30–11:30 p.m.
A Night at the Public Library

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society welcome conference attendees to extended hours in one of the nation’s leading genealogy libraries. The Library features holdings from all fifty states and more than twenty foreign countries as well as unique resources from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Additional library staff will be available to guide researchers to their areas of interest. There is no limit on the number of participants and no need to register, but you must show your conference badge for entry after 6:30 p.m. when the Library reopens for the NGS event.

The Library is located two short blocks east and two blocks north of the Duke Energy Convention Center, even closer from some of the downtown conference hotels. Researchers may walk, call a taxi, or provide their own transportation for this event. Maps will be available at the conference information booth near registration. Parking is available at metered on-street spaces, at several pay garages, and surface lots within a short walking distance of the Library.

Saturday, 12 May, 8:30 am – 12 noon
Youth Kamp

This is a great opportunity to involve your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews in family history. The Kamp will feature a variety of age-appropriate activities for kids age 8 to 16 and includes a session that focuses on scouting’s genealogical badges. The event is free, but registration is required by 11 May. Visit the
Youth Kamp page to find out more.

Saturday, 12 May, 5:15 p.m.
NGS Annual Meeting

Meet the NGS officers and board members and hear an update on NGS programs, courses, and publications from NGS President Ann Hilke, CG.

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Speaker Highlight: Elissa Scalise Powell, Sessions F-312 and S-445

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, is a Trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists, a co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIPitt.org), the Professional course coordinator at Samford University’s IGHR, and an instructor in Boston University’s Genealogical Research Certificate program and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Elissa’s two lectures are:

F-312: They Went West on the O-Hi-O: Using the GPS to Follow a Family’s Trail

This lecture is not about the GPS that replaces your car’s maps but the GPS that maps out whether we have enough proof to come to a conclusion. Following the Colglazier family of Indiana back up the Ohio River to their origins in Clermont County, Ohio, and probably Pennsylvania, we look at evidence in land, probate, census, and tax lists. Using the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) and sifting through “red herrings,” the audience is led on a records trail and asked if each of four research questions was “proven.” This fun frolic demonstrates standard analytical techniques and invites audience participation.

S-445: The Mighty Ohio: Migration West from Pennsylvania

No doubt about it, many Pennsylvanians helped to settle Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and other communities along the Ohio River and National Road. In order to understand this migration, we should consider the five W’s and H:
• WHO and WHAT: How can you find your ancestors’ migration path?
• WHEN and WHERE: migration routes leading out of Pennsylvania
• WHY: Push and pull reasons for migrating
• HOW: trails, roads, railroads, rivers and canals

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Friday, May 4, 2012

11-13 May Events to Enjoy after the Conference

If you’ll have some time to spend in Cincinnati after the Conference ends, check out these events going on next weekend:

Four tenths of a mile: Aronoff Center for the Arts, three performances on May 11, 12, 13: “The Capitol Steps;” Broadway in Cincinnati: “Les Miserables;” Cincinnati Music Theatre: “Titanic,” http://cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff

Six tenths of a mile: Cincinnati May Festival, America’s premier choral festival since 1873, with performances on May 11 and 12 in beautiful Music Hall and on May 13 in the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, http://mayfestival.com

One mile: Cincinnati Reds home games in the Great American Ball Park against the Washington Nationals on May 11, 12, 13, http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

Three miles: Cincinnati Zoo, second oldest zoo in the U.S. and a National Historic Landmark, with one of the largest zoo collections in the country, featuring a baby camel among many Zoo Babies in May, with free admission for mothers on May 13, http://cincinnatizoo.org

Nine miles: Appalachian Festival on May 11, 12, 13 at Coney Island on the Ohio River, a cultural heritage event with bluegrass music, dance, storytelling, living history and arts and crafts, http://www.appalachianfestival.org
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Speaker Highlight: Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, Sessions W-128 and F-303

Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG, is a country gal who ended up settling in the big city of Chicago. As suggested by the title of her lecture, “You’re Not in Kansas Any More: Essential Resources and Strategies for Urban-Area Research,” Jeanne is a fifth-generation Kansan.

Although her ancestors were country folk and avoided big cities, Jeanne’s research specialties are Chicago and Cook County. She is passionate about big-city research. Jeanne’s philosophy is that urban-area research can be intimidating and challenging but it is not impossible.

Jeanne conducts projects for government agencies, attorneys, authors, newspapers, heir-search firms, professional genealogists, and family researchers in and outside of the United States. Her international clients are from Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Ireland, Israel, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

On behalf of the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force, Jeanne searches and identifies family members of unaccounted-for servicemen from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Jeanne often encounters problems with challenging cases. For instance, there can be conflicting information about identity, dates, and places. Or there is no direct proof of a parent-child relationship.

“The Family Tapestry: Integrating Proof Arguments Into the Genealogical Narrative” is based on the techniques—a reasonably exhaustive search for information and thoughtful, rigorous analysis—Jeanne uses to address brick-wall problems.

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Stories To Tell, Booth 303

As a family historian, have you dreamed of publishing your family story in a book? There is no better way to pass down the stories that make family history relevant and exciting. If you haven’t published before, an experienced editor can answer your questions, provide valuable guidance, and speed your book to completion and successful publication.

Stories To Tell is a team of editors and book designers who help authors to create memoirs and family history books. Stories To Tell editors help at every step: to improve the book's contents, to edit both the text and images, and to design a professional, unique book. They assist with the publishing process, for private printing and commercial publishing.

Nancy and Biff Barnes, the partners of Stories To Tell, specialize in family histories and memoirs. They are experts on self publishing, which is often the best course for family histories. They have worked with hundreds of authors to develop non-fiction, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Stories To Tell serves authors nationwide.

Jump start your family history book project at this year’s NGS Conference. Visit booth #303 in the exhibit hall to meet with a Stories To Tell editor. If you have a book draft in progress, bring it along and receive a free consultation.

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Two Local Host Co-Chairs Go on the Air for the Conference

Kenny Burck's "Cincinnati Edition" interview will be broadcast at some time between 7 and 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, on WVXU, Cincinnati's public radio station.

Patricia Van Skaik will appear on WXIX-TV, Channel 19 in Cincinnati, at 8:25 on Monday, May 7, to talk about the Conference and her keynote address on the 1848 Cincinnati Panorama.
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Places to Eat during the Conference

Didn't buy a ticket to the Conference luncheon? Don't worry, there will be plenty of food options at the Convention Center and the three conference hotels next week. All are either in or within one block of the Convention Center.

Duke Energy Convention Center
Espresso Caf̩ РFifth and Elm Street entrance to the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, featuring breakfast sandwiches, muffins, bagels, yogurt, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and juices.

Exhibit Hall A Concessions
Open from 9:00 a.m. Р5:30 p.m. daily, featuring breakfast items, choice of two hot lunch entr̩es each day, sandwiches, wraps, snacks, and drinks. For a treat, Divine Chocolate will have a stand in the hall.

All three hotel restaurants will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hyatt Regency Hotel
Breakfast buffet features made-to-order omelettes and waffles, Monday–Saturday, starts at 6:30 a.m.
Open daily for lunch.

Hilton Hotel
Conference attendees will receive a discount when they show their convention badge. Limit one discount per badge. The prices below are the standard menu pricing. Discounts will be from these amounts.

Full breakfast buffet, $15.50 per person, available 6:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. daily, 20% discount. Served with choice of juice and coffee or tea. Includes made-to-order omelettes and eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, smoked salmon, french toast, pancakes, waffles, goetta, potatoes, croissants, muffins, danish, breads, bagels, cream cheese, seasonal fruit and berries, yogurt, and cereal.

Luncheon buffets, available Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 15% discount off the Pasta Bar/ Hot Luncheon Buffet if sold together. Separately, each is priced at $9.50.

Pasta Bar Buffet, $9.50 per person
Create your own epicurean pasta delight with the pasta chef. Choose from three sauces, three pastas, chicken, baby shrimp, chorizo sausage, meatballs, and 15 different vegetables to be added to your creation.

The Palm Court Hot Buffet, $12.50 per person
Create your own pasta creation at the pasta bar PLUS enjoy hot entrees, vegetables and starches, salad bar and dessert bar.

Millennium
Full breakfast buffet, 6:00 am - 10:30 a.m. for $14.95.
Deli buffet with soup, salad and sandwich, 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. for $10.95.

Bon appetit!

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Expert of the day at findmypast.com’s booth

Ask questions and receive expert advice from some of the nation’s leading genealogists. No appointment necessary! Visit one on one with the Expert of the Day for free at the findmypast.com booth.

Wednesday: Debra Mieszala, CG
Thursday: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FUGA
Friday: D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
Saturday: Debra Mieszala, CG

About the Experts:

Debra Mieszala specializes in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest. She does genealogical research for the military to help locate family members of missing service members. A national lecturer and author, she has taught at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research.

Paula Stuart-Warren has been conducting research since the early 1980s and works full time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. A board-certified genealogist since 1988, Paula is a firm believer in continuing education in genealogy and frequently participates in national and local conferences. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

D. Joshua Taylor is the Business Development Manager – North America for brightsolid online publishing, the creators of findmypast.com, and a nationally recognized genealogical author, lecturer, and researcher. Joshua is the current Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and has been a featured genealogist on NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”

About findmypast.com:
Findmypast is a leader in online family history with more than 18 million registered members worldwide and records dating back as far as 1200.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Exhibitor Spotlight: Mocavo, Booth 700

The Mocavo team is very excited about our first trip to the NGS Family History Conference this year. We will be giving away a gift basket at booth 700, full of some of our favorite genealogy inspired gifts including a Flip-Pal. Be sure to come by to register and meet our team!

As the world’s first and largest genealogy search engine, Mocavo indexes over six billion names and is considered the fastest search in the industry. You may be thinking, “Why don’t genealogists just use Google?” While Google is the go-to search engine for most of us on a daily basis, searching Google for an ancestor is likely to bring back millions of results for living people that have no relevance to your research. There are also millions of genealogy pages not indexed by Google.

Registering for a basic Mocavo account is free for anyone, and includes full access to the index and document uploading capability. Our subscription service, Mocavo Plus, provides a more efficient and automated experience for the user by offering advanced search fields, automated connections to your family tree, and new content alerts. Since the new year, we have released a few revolutionary features to Mocavo.com, including the Smartphone App, Free Advanced Social Security Death Index, and the Document & OCR Publishing Platform.

Questions about Mocavo? Email
community@mocavo.com or visit our FAQ page. Stay up to date with Mocavo through our Genealogy Blog, Facebook and Twitter pages. See you in Cincinnati!

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Board for Certification of Genealogists, Booth 431

The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) exhibit booth provides materials that are helpful for success in the certification process. You can discuss the seven requirements for certification with knowledgeable BCG volunteers and peruse actual successful portfolios. During the conference you may also ask questions in Session T-201, “BCG Certification Seminar,” on Thursday at 8 am and 9:30 am. Note: You don’t have to attend one to attend the other.

BCG is sponsoring a Skillbuilding Track throughout the conference. Presented by board-certified genealogists, each lecture discusses how to enhance your research and analysis skills whether in a specialty collection, or online. Other topics include new and standard techniques for recording and sharing our research, German language skills, Early American handwriting, lineage society papers. There is something for everyone!

Can’t attend? The website
www.BCGcertification.org contains skill-building articles, exercises, and a free download of The BCG Application Guide which describes the requirements that are to be placed in your portfolio notebook application. Anyone may subscribe to the BCG newsletter Onboard, which contains Skillbuilding articles. You don’t have be an associate of BCG.

The BCG is an independent organization not affiliated with, or part of, any group. It is a certifying body, not a membership society, and a nationally and internationally recognized organization. The Board's mission is to foster public confidence in genealogy as a respected branch of history by promoting an attainable, uniform standard of competence and ethics among genealogical practitioners, and by publicly recognizing persons who meet that standard.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Exhibitor Spotlight: E-Imagedata Corporation, Booth 708

E-Imagedata Corporation’s Scan Pro microfilm scanner is considered the leader in microfilm reader scanner technology. Our products provide digitalization of every type of microform to assist genealogists in completing research from microfilm. We offer word-searching, Info-linking, and searchable PDF output from microfilm records. Our product produces high quality images that you can store on a thumb drive or some other electronic storage media which in turn minimizes or eliminates a paper copy of the information you store, thus providing researchers the tools to work with microfilm information electronically.

For a demonstration of the Scan Pro 2000 or Scan Pro 800 Microfilm Scanners, please stop by booth 708.

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NGS Conference is Going Green

NGS will be doing its part in saving the environment during the 2012 Family History Conference.

No paper receipts at the booth
Receipts will be e-mailed for items purchased at the NGS booth. When a purchase is made, you may choose to have the receipt sent to your e-mail address or sent via text message. There will also be the option of declining a receipt.

Syllabus printing stations
There will be double-sided printers for the syllabus printing stations therefore using half the amount of paper. We ask that each attendee limit printing to two sessions.

All attendees will receive the syllabus on flash drive at check-in and have had access to the online syllabus since 25 April.

Water
There will be five-gallon water containers with recyclable cups. Recycling bins will be located next to the water. Feel free to bring your own water bottle and fill it up at the water stations.

Conference bags
NGS will again be using recycled bags as our conference bags in 2012. These bags are sturdy and are great for grocery shopping after the conference.

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Speaker Spotlight: Don W. Rightmyer, Session T-207, “Researching Kentucky Records”

Nothing could be more exciting than talking about doing Kentucky genealogy research at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday morning at this year’s NGS conference in Cincinnati. Don W. Rightmyer, editor of the Kentucky Historical Society’s genealogy quarterly, Kentucky Ancestors, will be fired up and ready to discuss “Researching Kentucky Records” -- what and where to find the family history materials you’re seeking for your ancestors who may have passed through Kentucky.

Don’s presentation will cover the material in the NGS conference syllabus and a whole lot more. Kentucky has one of the highest numbers of counties of any state in the nation and Don will provide not only his presentation to help attendees understand Kentucky and where the genealogical materials can be found, but also information on how to understand the history and heritage of Kentucky and how it impacts the genealogical researcher. Additional handout materials will be available for session participants and Don will be available throughout the entire conference for anyone who has further questions.

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Sunday, April 29, 2012

Exhibitor Spotlight: Genlighten, Booth 613

Sometimes we describe Genlighten.com as “a marketplace for genealogical research” but it’s more than that. It’s a growing community built on a foundation of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable researchers who earn extra income sharing their expertise.

I’ve see the site from three sides—founder, client, and provider. Two experiences capture the Genlighten spirit for me.

In 2009, I stumbled on The Young Violinist's Favorite No. 1 by A. S. Bowman published in 1891. The fiddle tunes intrigued me. I wanted to know who Bowman was. Luck and perseverance uncovered a lot about this Pennsylvania composer but his death record eluded me.

Then serendipity prompted a New York City death index search. A convincing match caught my eye and I REALLY wanted to see that record. I contacted a Genlighten provider and two days later I was poring over an image of Mr. Bowman’s death certificate. I was a very happy client.

I’ve also experienced Genlighten as a provider. Recently someone asked for help deciphering a critical address hiding under a tape shadow on a digital image. I couldn’t access the original record but experience suggested an alternate resource for finding the information. I was able to help solve a puzzle my client had been working on for two years. Her thanks meant a lot.

Those are two of my Genlighten stories. Stop by our booth and share yours! Then enjoy a piece of chocolate and let us introduce you to the new features of Genlighten 2.0.

Cynthia Richardson
Genlighten Co-founder
cynthia@genlighten.com

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Geni.com, Booths 422, 424

We can’t wait to attend the NGS 2012 Conference and we look forward to meeting genealogists from around the country as we all gather in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Geni is solving the puzzle of genealogy by inviting the world to build the definitive online family tree. Starting your tree is fast, free and easy. You can add and invite your family to join to grow your family tree together and share photos, videos and documents with the ones you love. As matching trees are merged into Geni’s World Family Tree, you will connect to over 60 million living users and their ancestors. Collaborate with other genealogists to discover your shared family history together!

Come visit us at booths 422, 424 to learn more about collaborative genealogy and take advantage of our exclusive conference specials:

• Sign up for a free Geni account at the booth and receive a free Geni flash drive
• Get 50% OFF a Geni Pro premium subscription!
• Ask us how your genealogical society or local library can get access to Geni Pro for free with Geni Public Access
• Get free Geni pens and Geni’s famous “Who’s Your Daddy?” T-shirts

See you there!

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Social Networking at the Conference

Final preparations are underway for the NGS 2012 Family History Conference, 9-12 May in Cincinnati. Now is a great time to prepare for social networking during the conference.

To get started, "like" NGS and post your conference experiences on Facebook,
http://www.facebook.com/ngsgenealogy. Subscribe or check the NGS Conference Blog at http://www.facebook.com/ngsgenealogyfor daily updates.

Free WiFi sponsored by FamilySearch and NGS will be available for conference attendees in the Duke Energy Convention Center. Access instructions for the network will be in the conference program distributed at check-in. In addition, all conference hotels provide free Internet in the hotel rooms as part of your stay.

A free conference mobile app is available for the conference. The app contains the complete Conference Program; maps of the Duke Energy Convention Center; presenter and exhibitor information; and a Twitter feed. Information on the app is instantly updated throughout the conference.

Before the conference, explore the app–be sure to create a personalized agenda with reminders, make a "to do" list, and check the Duke Energy Convention Center maps. During the conference you can provide feedback and post conference pics.

Twitter provides a great forum to ask questions of other attendees before and during the conference. Send NGS a tweet (
@ngsgenealogy) and use the official hashtag #ngs2012 for NGS 2012 Family History Conference tweets. Everyone can follow the chatter on Twitter through the conference app.

Eventbrite is a free tool allowing you to organize a pop up event during the conference and invite anyone. Desire to organize a genealogy breakfast? Want to assemble a surname group? Would you like to suggest an evening get together? Eventbrite will help personalize and organize your conference experience.

Using Foursquare at conferences can be fun. Want to know who’s in the room with you during any given NGS session? Check-in using Foursquare and you’ll be able to see who you might want to meet!

Phones are smart. Before the conference, why not download your family tree and your research files for Cincinnati (“Research in the Cincinnati Area” in the
conference flyer).

Feel free to take photographs in the Exhibit Hall, but please refrain from taking photographs during the sessions or capturing, transmitting or redistributing the syllabus or presentation materials. Click on
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/social_media_policy to review the NGS Social Media Policy.

See you in Cincinnati!

Margie Aker

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Exhibitor Profile: WikiTree, Booth 537

WikiTree.com is a 100% free family tree collaborative website with the mission of creating one worldwide family tree. This is the place to connect and collaborate with both your distant family historian cousins and your modern family members that may not be genealogists.

To enable collaboration and sharing among both distant and modern family members, WikiTree has an extensive privacy system. Each profile has its own privacy setting. There are six different privacy settings to choose from: everything from completely open, which is appropriate for very distant ancestors, to totally private. Living people can even be “unlisted” so they don’t appear in indexes and search results.

The WikiTree community thrives on our shared mission to create one worldwide tree that connects us all. To make the project work, it is vital that users understand and abide by our 9-point Honor Code that promotes collaboration, respecting privacy, and doing our best to make sure our information is accurate. Read the full Honor Code at
http://www.WikiTree.com/Wiki/WikiTree_Honor_Code.

Although WikiTree is free, new members must be invited by a family member or fellow genealogist. If you embrace our mission and agree with the Honor Code please request an invitation in our forum (
http://www.wikitree.com/g2g/) or at the WikiTree booth in the exhibit hall at booth 537.

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Exhibitor Spotlight: Life Echoes, Booth 524

Life Echoes is a Family Legacy Book Publishing Service that helps clients create a book of stories from their lives merely by speaking into a digital voice recorder and recording personal family stories and memories. The edited stories, along with the client’s own photos, become a beautiful, heirloom-quality book that will last for generations. We also incorporate genealogical data as desired. We are, so far as we can tell, unique in presenting this service.

“If only I had asked my mother about her life when she was a little girl. I didn’t realize how important those stories would become to me and my family.”

Only YOU can answer these questions:
Where does our family come from?
How did they get here?
Where did they live when they arrived?
What did they do during their lives?
Who are the people in this old photograph?

Life Echoes can help you create a family history—and it should be done while all these memories can still be told and recorded.

President: Louis P. Solomon
Vice President: Leslie Marks
7401 Westlake Terrace, Suite 504
Bethesda, MD 20817
Phone: 240-403-7603
Email:
louis@lifeechoes.net
Website: www.lifeechoes.net

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Exhibitor Spotlight: The Virginia Genealogical Society, Booth 635

The Virginia Genealogical Society (http://www.vgs.org) was organized in 1960. Its mission is to promote and foster family history education and research, publish genealogical information, and share accumulated knowledge.

Members of the Virginia Genealogical Society enjoy:
• The Magazine of Virginia Genealogy. Published quarterly; covers primarily Virginia records. Copies of back issues are available.
• The Virginia Genealogical Society Newsletter. Published bi-monthly; winner of the 1996 and 1997 National Genealogical Society Newsletter Competition. Contains feature articles, queries, book reviews, the column "Glad You Asked That…" and announcements. Copies of back issues are available.
• Access to the Members-Only section of the VGS website, with premium articles and information of interest to the Virginia researcher.
• The names of Friends, Patrons, Benefactors, and Life Members published in the Newsletter.
• Discounted conference registration fees.
• 20% discount on Society publications.

The Virginia Genealogical Society has an active publication program and makes awards and grants to deserving individuals and organizations. It also sponsors two conferences annually in the spring and fall that cover Virginia research topics.

Come see VGS at booth 635. Vice President Donald W. Moore, CG, will be there to answer questions.

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Speaker Profile: Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG, “So, You’ve Found Your German Town of Origin, Now What?” and “A Case Study Using Collaterals"

Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CGsm is a professional genealogist who specializes in German, Midwest and Chicago ancestry. She recently became certified and is looking forward to lecturing in Cincinnati. All of her ancestors were German and she grew up in Quincy, Illinois, a town that has a strong German influence. Currently, Teresa lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She is married to a Southside Chicago Irishman, whose ancestry she has also traced.

In Cincinnati, she will be presenting two lectures: “So, You’ve Found Your German Town of Origin, Now What?” (T-216) and “Hunting Henry: A Case Study Using Collaterals” (F-342). The first lecture was created because she felt like a lot of focus is typically given to finding that elusive overseas town where our ancestors were born. But often people come to her for help once they’ve found the town. They’re stumped and need help researching in a different country. Many of the tips in this talk can be applied to research in any country.

“Hunting Henry” is a culmination of several years of research related to the family of her second great grandfather. No oral traditions remained in her family about this branch. Come hear how this “brick wall” was disassembled. While this talk will showcase a German immigrant with links to Quincy, Illinois and Cincinnati, her research strategies can be used for ancestors of any ethnicity or locale. Teresa is looking forward to meeting you at the conference.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Will You Have Some Time to Volunteer?

Once you get a chance to look at the syllabus and pick your sessions, you might see that you'll have some spare time during the conference. Please consider volunteering! It takes many, many people to keep everything running smoothly during such a large conference, and it's a fun way to get to know other genealogists. Shifts are available at various times from Tuesday to Saturday.

Registration workers, Ask Me hosts, Exhibit door monitors, Syllabus Station attendants and a few Session monitors are still needed. If you would like to volunteer but you're not sure what is involved, email Jean Nathan and she will send you a copy of the Volunteer Manual which explains everything. If you have questions or wish to volunteer, contact Jean at
ngsvolunteers@gmail.com.
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Conference Syllabus is Online

The conference syllabus is now available online for registered attendees to download. The syllabus is an outline of each lecture submitted by the speaker and is often referenced during each session.

You will receive a flash drive at the conference which has the syllabus pre-loaded, but it is often useful to view the syllabus prior to the conference to help you in choosing the sessions you would like to attend. Printed versions of the syllabus will be distributed to those who purchased a copy.

The syllabus can be found at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/2012syllabus. Please log in to the NGS website to access the syllabus and allow up to 10 minutes for the download to complete, as the file is very large.
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Discover Your German-Speaking Ancestors at the NGS 2012 Conference

The NGS 2012 Family History Conference will offer many opportunities for those researching German-speaking ancestors to advance their knowledge. Cincinnati was home to a large German immigrant population in the 1800s, clustered in an area called “Over-the-Rhine.” Accordingly, the conference will offer a full track on German research, a luncheon sponsored by Palatines to America, a workshop on reading German typefaces, and other sessions of interest to participants exploring their German-speaking ancestry.

Two of these opportunities require pre-registration, which closes Tuesday, 24 April. They are:

The Palatines to America luncheon on Thursday, 10 May, featuring Marianne S. Wokeck, Ph.D., speaking on “Framing Genealogy: How Family Research Enriches the Ways in Which We See the World.” Wokeck, a noted historian and author, is an engaging speaker who brings a modern perspective to historical topics. The luncheon’s sponsor,
Palatines to America, fosters genealogical research of German-speaking ancestors. Wokek’s talk will explore how combining research on kinship networks can illuminate views of the past and lead to a better understanding of the present.

A special four-hour workshop on Saturday, 12 May, “The Fraktur Typeface: An Obstacle to German Research That Can be Overcome,” presented by John Humphrey, CG. Humphrey, one of the nation’s leading German research specialists, has written numerous books and is a popular presenter at genealogical institutes and seminars. His workshop will focus on how people with little or no knowledge of the language can learn to read and interpret what they find in German-American newspapers, German language publications, and forms and registers written in the Fraktur typeface.

If you have already registered for the conference, but would like to add the luncheon and/or workshop to your registration, follow these steps:
• Login to the
NGS website with your email and password
• Click “My Account”
• Click “My Events”
• Select “Add Sessions”

The German Research track on Thursday, 10 May, will offer five sessions open to all conference attendees:
• “What’s a Palatine Anyway?” by James Beidler at 8:00 am
• “So You’ve Found Your German Town of Origin: Now What?” by Teresa Steinkamp McMillin, CG, at 9:30 am
• “The ‘www’ of German Genealogy” by John Humphrey, CG, at 11:00 am
• “German Marriage Laws and Customs” by Warren Bittner, CG, at 2:30 pm
• “Contrasting German Migrations: 18th vs. 19th Century” by James Beidler at 4:00 pm

In addition, the following sessions promise to be of particular interest for those exploring their German-speaking ancestry:
• “German Language Skills for the Genealogist” by John Humphrey, CG, on Friday at 2:30 pm
• “Success Story: Finding a European Village of Origin” by James Beidler, on Saturday at 4:00 pm

Whatever your level of experience, the NGS 2012 Family History Conference has sessions designed to help you with your German family history research. You won’t want to miss these opportunities!

Submitted by Shelley Bishop
A Sense of Family
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Exhibitor Spotlight: FamilySearch

Want a chance to win a free Apple iPad? Come see us at the FamilySearch booth at NGS 2012!

FamilySearch is a non-profit genealogy and family history organization dedicated to connecting families across generations. Our free website, FamilySearch.org, contains billions of searchable records from over 100 countries. Stop by the FamilySearch booth to:

• Learn the basics of finding your own ancestors
• Get free access to billions of historical and genealogical records
• Get free personalized research help from onsite genealogy experts
• Share your feedback and questions with the creators of the FamilySearch.org website

We will also be holding free demonstration and mini-classes on the following topics:

• Doing Ohio research
• Use and availability of digital books
• Tips for using FamilySearch for maximum results
• Using the FamilySearch Wiki
• And other classes that will pique your interests

A daily schedule of free classes will be posted at the FamilySearch booth.

FamilySearch believes that learning about our ancestors will help us better understand who we are and how we are connected to our past. Connecting to our ancestors helps create a bond that links the past to the present, creating a legacy for each of us to pass to our posterity. Come visit our booth to learn about our free public resources for discovering your family roots. And while you are there, get your Fun Pass stamped for a chance to win an Apple iPad. The drawing will be held on Saturday, 12 May, at 1 pm.

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Luncheons during the NGS 2012 Conference

Participating organizations will sponsor several luncheons during the Conference. Make your reservation by the deadline, 24 April, at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/attendee_registration. Tickets for the social events will not be sold onsite since the caterer must have a final count three weeks in advance. The fee for all luncheons is $29. Menus are included in the conference brochure. Requests for vegetarian meals (the only alternative) must also be made by 24 April.

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Association of Professional Genealogists, featuring Curt B. Witcher, “The Expectations of 21st Century Genealogists”

Federation of Genealogical Societies, featuring David Rencher, “Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers in the Old Southwest”

National Institute on Genealogical Research Alumni Association, featuring Rev. David McDonald, “Oh, the Places You'll Go and the People You'll Meet”

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Board for Certification of Genealogists, featuring Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, “Lunch with Mrs. Davis”

International Society for British Genealogy and Family History, featuring J.H. Fonkert, “The Bubble and Squeak Genealogy: Making the Most of Your Leftovers”

Palatines to America, featuring Marianne S. Wokeck, “Framing Genealogy: How Family Research Enriches the Ways in Which We See the World”

Friday, 11 May 2012

National Genealogical Society, featuring Dan Hurley, “From Goetta to Guacamole: The Immigrant Impact on Cincinnati”

Saturday, 12 May 2012

Boston University Center for Professional Education, featuring Melinde Lutz Byrne, “Unsolved Forensic Genealogy”

FamilySearch, featuring Kip Sperry, “Discover Your Ohio Ancestors Online”

New England Historic Genealogical Society, featuring Christopher C. Child, “Western Massachusetts Families in 1790”

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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Pre-registration Closing Soon – Tuesday, 24 April 2012, is the Deadline

Pre-registration for the NGS 2012 Family History Conference ends Tuesday, 24 April 2012. Registration numbers are great but there is still plenty of room for you.

The cost is just $210 (member) or $245 (non-member) for full registration, or $100 for a single day registration. The conference includes four exciting days of over 170 lecture sessions, luncheons, workshops, and more than 100 different exhibitors. You don't want to miss this conference, so register today at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/attendee_registration.

Tuesday, 24 April, will also be the last day to buy tickets for luncheons. Tickets will not be sold onsite at the conference.

Registration will be available onsite at the Duke Energy Convention Center, Fifth and Elm Streets entrance, beginning Tuesday, 8 May 2012. Hours are listed below.

To learn more, visit the NGS website at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/conference_info.

Onsite Registration Hours

Tuesday, 8 May 2012
12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 9 May 2012
7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Thursday, 10 May 2012
7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Friday, 11 May 2012
7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Saturday, 12 May 2012
7:00 a.m.–12 p.m.

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Ask an Expert Deadline is 24 April

Don't forget to request an Ask an Expert appointment before the 24 April deadline! The Great Lakes Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists is sponsoring this event. Conference attendees can sign up for a FREE 20 minute consultation with a professional genealogist. Our volunteers have experience in a wide variety of locations and record types.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get help from experts! Appointments are still available. You must be registered for the conference to obtain an appointment. For a schedule and to request an appointment, please visit http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/ask_an_expert.
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Friday, April 20, 2012

NGS 2012 Family History Conference Has Gone Mobile!

The NGS 2012 Family History Conference now has an app and it's completely free! Improve your conference experience by taking the schedule, maps, Twitter, and more with you on your phone or other mobile device.

The app is available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, and web-enabled devices.

The NGS Conference App is easy-to-use with these convenient features:

Schedule

• Stay updated on the latest conference news with News Flash
• Browse schedule by day, level, and tracks
• Search by keywords, topics, and name
• View session details
• Create a personalized schedule
• Search the speaker list

Exhibitors

• Get exhibitor details and location
• Make a to-do list for the Exhibit Hall

Maps

• Locate an exhibitor
• Locate meeting rooms
• Locate hotels and parking

Connect

• Follow the chatter and tweet your thoughts
• Follow the NGS conference blog through News Flash
• Download your photos during the conference to Photos from NGS2012
• Fill out surveys for the conference and individual sessions through News Flash

To download the app, go to the NGS website at
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/maximize_your_experience.
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