I am a Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Ambassador. My role as an ambassador is to help promote the FGS 2013 conference through blogging and other social media platforms. The publicity committee provided a few writing prompt questions to answer which you will find below. This time the topic is on Conferences and Research.
How will you use your time at FGS 2013 to help your genealogical research?
Attending a national genealogy conference is a wonderful thing and I plan to take full advantage of my time in Fort Wayne. My time at the conference can be divided into four categories:
- Education-the educational opportunities offered at FGS 2013 are top notched. I have been perusing the conference program and taking note of what sessions I would like to attend. I try to attend a variety of sessions from the various tracts that are available. I look for sessions that will help me further my research. In addition, I look for topics that will help me understand the life and times that my ancestors lived in. For example, I have several ancestors who worked in the railroad industry and I plan to take the Railroad Trilogy session.
- Research-the Allen County Public Library is within walking distance of the convention center and I would like to try and fit in a visit to do a little research there. Currently, I am prioritizing my research needs and will develop research plans before I go. I used PERSI to create a periodical list to look for.
- Exhibit Hall-I enjoy spending time in the Exhibit Hall. Talking to the vendors, seeing what is new in the genealogy world, and looking at books are my favorite activities in the hall. I have already started setting aside money for this part of the conference. I look for books on subjects that will help me in the areas that my ancestors lived.
- Meeting Others-I enjoy meeting and talking with others who share the same passion for genealogy as I do. I try to attend some of the social events. I introduce myself to those who are sitting next to me in sessions. I have found genealogists to be very warm and friendly and you never know who might have that one piece of information that will help you.
Do you have a brick wall that you are hoping to break through at FGS 2013?
I don't plan on breaking through any brick walls at the conference, but I hope to learn a few new strategies and techniques that will help me when I get home and research. When I was at FGS 2011, I attended a Mennonite Research session (which is being offered again; it is S-433) and the information I learned from that session enabled me to further my research immensely.
Do you have a research plan for The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library?
I haven't finalized my research plan for the library yet, but I will have one by the time I go. It will be hard to find a lot of time to research as I don't want to miss any of the conference. I would suggest planning a day before or after the conference for research if you haven't been to the Genealogy Center before. You will be amazed at all that they have to offer. I have used PERSI and created a list of periodicals that I plan to look up. I have a list of resources that I didn't get to the last time I was at the Genealogy Center, so I will look that over before I go to see if I want to add those to my plan. I plan to keep my list light and easy. I do not plan any in depth research this time. I am one of the lucky ones that can go to the library a couple of times a year and if I don't get everything done I won't worry about it too much.
How will the lectures and exhibitors help your research?
The lectures will help me in my research by providing me with tips, techniques and strategies needed to further my research. The tracts offered this year are those of interest to me and I imagine I will have a tough time narrowing down my choices. I have many Midwestern ancestors so I plan to take advantage of the Midwest Tracts. I am always interested in Methodologies that will help in my research. Plus, any ethnic tracts, especially European ones, are ones I am interested in.
The exhibitors are fun and educational. I look for ideas that will help me organize my research, whether it be the latest software or tech gadget. I enjoy looking at the books and seeing what is available in my area of research. Plus, talking to the vendors and picking their brains helps.
Will you be making a stop on your way to or from the conference to research your ancestors?
You have probably read about how I am only 90 miles from Fort Wayne. Even though I have Indiana ancestors I don't plan on stopping to or from the conference. I would have to go south to do that and I live North of Fort Wayne. If I was stopping anywhere it would be at the Genealogy Center to do more research.
I hope you will join me in Fort Wayne as we journey though generations. Don't forget the early bird registration price will be ending soon on July 1st. If you haven't registered, do so today. See you in Fort Wayne.