Bringing Genealogy Societies into the 21st Century 04/23 by mysociety | Blog Talk Radio

Bringing Genealogy Societies into the 21st Century 04/23 by mysociety | Blog Talk Radio

Turn up your speakers and/or put on your headphones. The link above will take you to a great radio interview (the first of the FGS radio weekly radio spots) with Curt Witcher. The topic addresses important issues for genealogical societies to ponder.

The program is an hour long so be sure you have the time to spare:)

genealogy research in Illinois

I am thinking of a summer research trip probably lasting 3 or 4 days to Henderson and Clay Counties in Illinois. Is there anyone interested in going or with a genealogical task to accomplish. ??? Those counties have limited resoueces. I think I will be walking Iola cemetery and visiting court houses. Clay county has a genealogy assistant available by appointment. Henderson County resouces are more scattered.

FGS Announces New Webinar Series

Press Release - Austin, TX - April 16, 2011

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces its new series of genealogy society management education delivered online in webinar format. As part of its new online education initiative, FGS will offer webinars both free to the public and to its member societies via the popular GoToWebinar® platform which can accommodate up to 1,000 participants. FGS members will also have access to recorded webinars and syllabus materials at the members-only section of the FGS website at http://www.fgs.org.

Social Networking for Genealogy Societies

The first webinar, Social Networking for Genealogy Societies, will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 and is free to the public. FGS Board member Thomas MacEntee will demonstrate how genealogy societies are currently leveraging the power of Facebook, Twitter and blogs to expand their online presence and recruit new members. Register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/401693254.

Future Webinar Topics

FGS plans to offer a wide variety of webinars focusing on society management topics over the next few months. Some of the most recognized names in genealogy education including D. Joshua Taylor, George G. Morgan and Drew Smith will develop and deliver these presentations in a convenient online setting. Topics will include:

• Administration and Member Services: Joining a Genealogical Society; How to Promote Volunteerism in Your Society; How to Create a Member Handbook; Developing an Excellent and Cost-Effective Educational Programs for Your Society; and Using Bylaws to Focus and Motivate Your Society.

• Marketing: Developing a Publicity and Marketing Plan; Methods for Promoting Your Society's Meetings; Developing a Social Media Plan; Creating a Facebook Page; Creating and Using a Twitter Account; Your Society's Next Generation: Reaching Out to New Communities; and Creating an Effective Press Release.

• Technology: How to Attend a Webinar; How to Host a Webinar; Google Docs for Societies; Google Forms for Societies; Backing Up Your Society Data; Creating a Free Website for Your Society; and Creating a Blog for Your Society.

• Finances and Fundraising: Complying with IRS Filing and Reporting Requirements for Your Non-Profit Society; Society Fundraising Through Affiliate Marketing; and How to Set Up and Use a PayPal Account.

We are extremely excited about this series and are committed to helping genealogy and historical societies improve their operations and expand their membership reach.

FGS announces Internet radio show

Press Release - Austin, TX - April 20, 2011

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces the debut of My Society, the first Internet radio show dedicated solely to genealogy societies. Broadcast weekly each Saturday at 1:00 pm Central, My Society will host discussions of genealogy society topics with a variety of guests including well-known genealogists and genealogy community leaders. This unique media outlet can be accessed athttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety.

Debut Episode of My Society with Special Guest Curt Witcher

On Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm Central, Curt Witcher, Senior Manager for Special Collections at the Allen County Public Library, will be the special guest on My Society hosted by FGS board member Thomas MacEntee. Witcher, who is also a former president of both FGS and the National Genealogical Society as well as the founding president of the Indiana Genealogical Society, will discuss moving genealogy societies into the 21^st century.

Internet Radio and FGS

Each week, My Society will focus on a selected topic relevant to genealogy society management and the role societies play within the genealogy community. Future topics will discuss increasing membership, developing a social media and Internet presence, member services, and more. In addition, each episode of My Society will spotlight a member society of FGS and discuss their various programs and offerings. Using the Blog Talk Radio platform, listeners will not only be able to hear a live broadcast, but they will also be able to call in and speak with the show's host and guests to discuss their own genealogy societies.

George G. Morgan, FGS Vice President of Membership and veteran genealogy podcaster notes: "FGS strives to provide information and value to its members and to the entire genealogical community. We recently announced the FGS series of webinars, beginning on April 30th. However, we are also significantly expanding our offerings in 2011 to include the launch of regularly scheduled, live FGS Radio broadcasts over the Internet. These program will feature leaders in the genealogical field, and genealogical and historical societies sharing their success stories and best practices. Listeners can call in with their questions and comments. The programs will be recorded and made available for free download at the FGS website. We are very excited and proud about this new offering and look forward to expanding communication in the genealogy community."

No More Clues From Social Security Numbers

No More Clues From Social Security Numbers

I wasn't aware of the coming change to SSNs. Interesting blog post by Kerry Scott of Clue Wagon.