Day 3-My Longest Day-FGS 2011

Remember how I said I was connected?  Well, apparently the Hilton wasn't.  It seemed when I had the time to blog, I couldn't connect.  I figured conference attendees had the same time to use the internet as I did and we overwhelmed the system.  But, I plan to continue with my FGS updates now.  (I wrote them in word and saved.)

My time at the FGS 2011 'Pathways to the Heartland' conference is flying by.  I have learned so much and I can't wait to get home and apply it.  Session highlights are:

• Records and Repositories at the Crossroad of America-Indiana Research-Curt Witcher.  Curt Witcher was a wonderful way to start at 8:00 a.m.  His enthusiasm for genealogy spills over to the audience.  He talked about the history of Indiana, vital records availability, and organizations and repositories. 
• Demystifying Eastern European Research-Lisa Alzo.  Lisa, a fellow geneablogger, talked about keys to success, complications, myths, and sources to help with your eastern european research.  The importance of networking through social media, genealogical queries in publications and online was discussed.
• Effective Search Techniques and Sound Research Practices on Family Search by David Ouimette.  Even though I have used family search many times, this was a helpful class.  He talked about the tools Family Search has developed to help us in our research.  Additionally, he discussed browsing digital images, using sound research principles and practices and exploring the Family Search research wiki's. 
• German Research by Tamra L. Stansfield.  I was so glad I signed up and paid for this four hour workshop.  Ms. Stansfield presented a wealth of information that I am hoping will further my German research.  She divided the class into four sessions, with breaks in between.  First, she talked about resources, language, and handwriting, giving helpful tips for each.  Next, she discussed finding place of origin, stressing to scout ALL U. S. sources before looking for German ones.  A great lesson on understanding Meyers Gazetteers was welcomed.  Third, an understanding of the historical events that impacted our ancestors was given.   Lastly, Ms. Stansfield presented resources for German research.  Unfortunately, the workbook that Ms. Stansfield created and sent to Springfield never arrived.  Luckily, Family Search has agreed to mail them to us once they are located.
• FGS 35th Anniversary Gala-This was the only extra event I attended and it was a good one to attend.  An entertaining skit on the history of FGS started the evening.  Harold Holzer presented "The Lincoln Family Album" which showed many family photo's and a few surprises.  Who would have thought that John Wilkes Booth's picture would be included? 

Tomorrow, Day 4, is the end of the conference and will be the day I take the most sessions, six!  Check back for those updates.

Day 2 and We Are Half Way Through-FGS 2011

Yesterday, was day two of my four day conference at Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 'Pathway to the Heartland" conference in Springfield, Illinois.  I continue to be amazed at how smoothly this conference is run.  Again, I cannot say thank you enough to all the wonderful people at FGS and the Illinois State Genealogical Society, the local host for the conference.

The highlights of my day included:

• The opening of the conference with a posting of the colors, complete with drum and trumpets.
• Learning that 2000 attendees are here.  Wow!
• Taking to heart the Mayor of Springfield's welcome and invitation to "spend lots of money!"
• Listening to the keynote speaker, David S. Ferriero, the archivist of the United States.
• Attending four sessions that furthered my genealogical education.
• Visiting the exhibit hall, three times.  I controlled my purchases to a flip pal scanner cover, a map of 1820 Prussia, and a Diet soda.  I could spend a small fortune on books, but I am trying to control myself.
• Getting my beads on!  I received beads identifying me as a geneablogger from the geneablogger guru, Thomas MacEntee.  I feel so loved!
• Meeting lots of fellow geneabloggers at a meet up at Bennigans.  It was so nice to put faces to the bloggers I have read and been inspired by.

Now, for the main reason I am here-education.  I attended the following four sessions:

1. Overlooked War of 1812 Records in the National Archives by Marie Varrelman Melchiori.  I left this session realizing I need to spend more time learning about the national archives.  Thankfully, Ms. Melchiori gave us a wonderful bibliography and tips on how to get more information.
2. The Illinois State Archives by Gregg Cox.  Mr. Cox is the archivist of the archives and provided lots of information on what is available there in an entertaining way.  Illinois residents receive help and searches for free.  (I may have to enlist my favorite Chicago resident, my daughter, for help.)  Out of state residents pay a nominal fee.
3.  Discovering Old World Origins with U. S. Records by David Ouimette.  This session provided lots of places to look in the United States for the country of origin of your ancestor.  Mr. Ouimette stressed the importance of looking in the United States before you make the jump to another country.  I can't wait to get home and use his ideas and tips for immigrant research.
4. Going Beyond the Bare Bones:  Reconstructing Your Ancestor's Lives by Thomas W. Jones.  In this sold out session, Mr. Jones used four case studies to demonstrate how to take information gleaned from records to create biographical type narratives.  He included genealogical sources which are helpful in creating these biographies.

All in all, I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn as a genealogist.  My goal for today is to take some pictures!  Check back tomorrow for a Day 3 update, including my four hour German workshop.  I just may get enough information to break through my German brick wall!  (Fingers crossed).

I'm Connected-FGS 2011

I'm here and connected!.  Here, is the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2011 Conference "Pathways to the Heartland", in Springfield, Illinois.

First, I would like to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this available to the many genealogists who are attending.  The organization is superb.  From the moment I stepped in the door of the Prairie Capital Convention Center, I have felt welcomed. 

I left home early yesterday morning and arrived in Springfield in time to attend the afternoon sessions.  I attended three very informative sessions:

1. Effective Editing and Writing by Pamela Boyer Sayre.  Practice, Practice, Practice was the take home lesson I got from this session.  I was pleasantly surprised that I had a couple of the resources she mentioned on my shelf at home:  Chicago Manual of Style and Evidence Explained.
2. Finding and Keeping Volunteers by Amy Johnson Crow.  Amy says "we get so wrapped up in the genealogy we forget the society".  She also provided lots of information on fitting the volunteer to the position and finding the right people for the job.
3. Building a Society Education Program for Genealogists and Family Historians by J. H. Fronkert.  This session went through all the things one should think of when putting on a society program.  Identifying the purpose, audience subject matter, etc. was presented.  A few minutes at the end was given for audience suggestions, lots of good ideas were shared.

Today starts with the keynote speaker, David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States.  After that the exhibit hall opens and more sessions are held.  I plan to attend four sessions today.  The Society Showcase is tonight as well as the much anticipated Geneabloggers meetup.  It will be a full day, one that I am looking forward to.  After all, I'm Connected!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Kate

Kathryn Fredrick Tritten and me, December 1957

My mother's sister (and my godmother) is celebrating her 93rd birthday today.  Kathryn Louise Fredrick was born 6 September 1918, in Manistee County, Michigan, to Otto August Fredrick and Daisy Ellen Graf.  She was the oldest of eleven children born to them.



L-R:  Sisters, Marie Fredrick and Kathryn Fredrick, picture taken on the family farm, date unknown.



Aunt Kate has always been very special to me.  I have wonderful memories of visiting her in Brethren, Michigan.  I have visited many times throughout my life, as a baby, child, teenager, college student, and even after I was married and had children.

My most recent visit to Aunt Kate was in a nursing home.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about ten years ago.  She didn't recognize me or my mother, who I took to see Aunt Kate.  Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease.  My thought and prayers are with Aunt Kate and her family as they live with a life changing diagnosis.

I hope in some small way that Aunt Kate knows it is her birthday and is celebrating in a way she deserves.  Happy Birthday, Aunt Kate.

Honoring Teachers on Labor Day

My dad, Bruce Glover, teaching physical education at

Harbor Beach High School, Harbor Beach, Michigan around 1974.

The United States is celebrating Labor Day today.  Labor Day is a day to recognize the contributions that workers have made.  I have chosen to celebrate teachers.  Teachers have been under fire in our state of Michigan, lately.  I won't get into the specifics, but needless to say I am on the side of teachers.  Teachers make a difference every day of their lives.  They work tirelessly for the benefit of their students.  They spend their summers improving themselves and preparing for the next year. 

I have been blessed with very good teachers in my life.  From my favorite first grade teacher, Mrs. Merriman, to a favorite sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Davidson, I have fond memories of caring, dedicated teachers.  Junior High was no different, a math teacher, Mrs. Weikert, took the time to help me learn to relax during tests.  Mr. Bishop, a science teacher, inspired me to go to college.  He brought an enthusiasm to his teaching I would have loved to replicate.  High school teachers that I found especially helpful include Mr. Clark, Biology; Mr. Tippett, Government; Miss Witkovski, English; Mr. Miljour, Biology and Mrs. Brobst, Home Economics.  Again, teachers make a difference!

There are a few teachers in my family.  My dad, taught for 41 years before retiring.  After retirement, he decided to be a golf coach and did that for another 5 years or so.  I never had my dad as a teacher as he taught physical education and it wasn't co-ed in those days.

My husband, Kirk, teaching first grade at

Deckerville Elementary School, Deckerville, Michigan in 1981.

I married a teacher.  My husband, Kirk, has been in education for 36 years.  He was an elementary teacher for many years.  Currently, he is a middle school counselor.  He loves his job.  It is getting to the time where he should be thinking about retirement, but he loves working with the students.  After an unusually challenging child abuse case I asked him how he does it.  His reply was he wants to be the one to make a difference in a child's life.  He wants to be there for them.  An attitude I have heard time and again from many, many teachers.

So, in honor of Labor Day, I say thank you to the many teachers who devote their lives to their students.   

A First-timer Preps for FGS 2011

Print by Jim Borgman at allposter.com

How are you feeling today?  My husband has this poster in his school counseling office and I think I am running the gamut of feelings today:  nervous, happy, overwhelmed, hopeful, but most of all ecstatic!  Nervous that I won't be ready in time, which leads to feelings of being overwhelmed.  Happy that I am going!  Hopeful that I will learn a ton, meet lots of great people and have a great time.  And of course, ecstatic that I will be in Springfield in 3 days!  YE HA!

One of the ways I cope with the negative feelings is to get myself organized.  The more organized I am the better I will feel.  How organized am I?

Pretty organized, I think.  I have a file folder for each day, Wednesday through Saturday.  In each folder is the days schedule and syllabi for classes I plan on taking.  Another folder is full of syllabi of classes that interest me (second choices) in case I need a back up plan.  One folder has my master schedule for the week in it.  Plus, a copy of all sessions, hotel info, a downtown Springfield map, and address labels.  This is my low tech prep!  I do have my calendar, notes, maps, syllabi and other information accessible on my lap top and/or smart phone. 

I have charged the various electronics that I think I will need:  phone, camera, computer and ishuffle.  The chargers are all in one place.  I have my ishuffle loaded and ready to go.  My play list has everything from genealogy related podcasts to Coldplay to Bruno Mars to Broadway tunes.  I figure this will be a good way to unwind after a long day of what I am imagining is going to be information overload.

One thing I am not concerned about is the drive to Springfield.  I have been to Springfield before and am very comfortable with the drive.  If you haven't been to Springfield before, you are in for a treat.  It is rich in history and culture, a great place for a genealogy conference.

Oh, and I can't forget I have my i-pass ready so I can zoom through those pesky toll booths south of Chicago.  I will be keeping within the speed limit, of course.  I would hate to have to use my exhibit shopping money for a speeding ticket!

Now, the only thing I have to do is pack.  I am feeling confident about that.  How are you feeling today?

Road Trip Road Games: 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History

Week 36:  Road Trips.  Describe a family road trip from your childhood.  Where did you go and why?  Who was in the car?  How did you pass the time?

Dad, Mom, Brenda and Linda in Ferndale, Michigan outside of Uncle Hank's and Aunt Mabel's home.

Do you remember the license plate game?  My sister and I would try to find the most out-of-state license plates we could when we would go on road trips.  Another road trip activity was to be the first one to spot an object, it could be on the road, on a billboard, or anywhere.  For example, be the first one to spot a ball.  I remember another game where we tried to find letters that spelled words.  We would be looking at license plates, billboards and anything with writing on it.

We didn't travel a whole lot when we were children, but I do remember going to Detroit a number of times.  It seems like we would combine a school shopping trip with going to the Detroit Zoo almost every year for many years.  I loved the Detroit Zoo.  I liked the train ride, the large animals, eating lunch there, and the balloons.  One time just as we got to the car, I lost my balloon. Needless to say, I wasn't very happy.  Thankfully, my wonderful dad went back and got me another one, which I am sure made the trip home a lot quieter for my parents.

Most road trips included my dad, my mom, my sister, Linda, and myself.  Later, two more siblings joined us.  I don't remember very many road trips when there were six of us, probably didn't have a big enough car.  My dad always drove and my mom would sit in the front seat.  My sister and I were in the back playing games, reading, or sleeping. 

Road trips to Detroit were usually fun because we usually would stop at my Aunt Mabel's and Uncle Hank's home in Ferndale.  I can't think of a better trip than the Detroit Zoo, shopping and visiting one of my favorite aunts.



Countdown to FGS 2011

I am so excited and looking forward to next week.  I am going to FGS's "Pathways to the Heartland" Conference in Springfield, Illinois in five days.  Yikes! Only 5 days to get ready.

Luckily, I am within driving distance so I don't have to worry about limiting what I take.  I am comfortable about the drive as I have been to Springfield before.  My daughter, Kirsten, attended college about 40 miles east of Springfield in Decatur, Illinois and I made the trip numerous times, sometimes going down and back in one day.  I am glad I don't have to do that this time.

I plan to arrive on Wednesday in time to attend one or two afternoon sessions.  I have been pouring over the wonderful syllabus and have about 75% of my sessions selected.  I thought I would be flexible, or in other words, I had trouble with a couple of time slots-too many good choices.  One thing I am looking forward to is the German Workshop.  Four hours of learning should get me on the right path with my mother's side of the family.

Other activities I plan to take advantage of include the Geneabloggers Meet Up and FGS 35th Anniversary Celebration.  I didn't think I was going to be able to get to Springfield on Wednesday so I missed out on tickets for the Prairie Social, but know there will be lots of other opportunities for fun.

So, look for me at FGS 2011, I will be the one with white hair!