As promised, this is a sharing of my experience at the ISGS conference, Piecing Together the Puzzle of Our Past, held today, October 24, 2009 at the Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL. Full day conferences are great and what I’m about to say is not a complaint but I’m wound up and exhausted all at the same time.
My day began early, about 6:30 a.m., partially because I know that construction in our area makes it nearly impossible to get anywhere in a timely manner even early on a Saturday and partially because I wanted time to meet up with friends and peruse the vendors before any sessions got started. My strategy worked on both counts so I was seated in the auditorium among EGS friends with my new denim shirt in the bag at my feet well before the meeting was called to order.
The business meeting was short and well executed. Among the business at hand was the presenting of awards. Among the award winners were two well-deserving members of the Kane County Genealogical Society – Linda Eder and “Sandy” Chalupa. (Congratulations to them!!)
The sessions I attended were interesting and informative and I heard good things about the sessions I wasn’t able to attend. I know I picked up several tips I’m anxious to try but am too tired to start tonight.
As for me, I’m happy I made the effort to go today. I appreciate all the work that went into putting on the conference and all the hours expended by the speakers to prepare the talks for us. Now my plan is to put my feet up and relax for the rest of the evening.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Preparing for ISGS Conference
It’s a dreary afternoon after a dreary morning. Since napping isn’t really an option, I’ll spend some time preparing to attend tomorrow’s Illinois State Genealogical Society’s annual conference. There’s paper and pencils/pens to pack and, of course, I don’t want to forget to bring my program or my registration receipt confirmation.
The day promises some excellent topics and speakers. Michael John Neill, Craig Pfannkuche, Ann Wells to name a few; and, of course, our own Larry Pepper will be presenting on digital restoration of photographs. In addition, who doesn’t love perusing the vendors’ tables? (Oh, that reminds me, I must remember my check book and credit card.)
I’m sure many of our members will be attending and I’m looking forward to spending lunch and breaks with them. Hopefully, we’ll spread out to various presentations so we can share new-found knowledge with each other.
That’s it for now. I’ll post a follow-up after the conference and let you know how it went.
The day promises some excellent topics and speakers. Michael John Neill, Craig Pfannkuche, Ann Wells to name a few; and, of course, our own Larry Pepper will be presenting on digital restoration of photographs. In addition, who doesn’t love perusing the vendors’ tables? (Oh, that reminds me, I must remember my check book and credit card.)
I’m sure many of our members will be attending and I’m looking forward to spending lunch and breaks with them. Hopefully, we’ll spread out to various presentations so we can share new-found knowledge with each other.
That’s it for now. I’ll post a follow-up after the conference and let you know how it went.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Playing the Game
My dad would be 99 this year so divided by 4 and rounded up gives me #25 which translates to my great great grandmother, Elizabeth Simpson. At least I have information on her which is more than I can say if I had hit #26 or #27 or #28.
Elizabeth Simpson was born 8 Dec 1815 in Scotland, the daughter of John and Jane (Wilson) Simpson
She (and her husband Adam Russell) came to NY aboard the American Congress (1855) and then moved to Chicago sometime before the 1860 census as they both appear on that census (Chicago, Cook Co., IL)
Elizabeth died in the home of her son John in South Bend, Pacific Co., WA. She is suppose to be buried in Lake Forest Cemetery in Lot 78 but I haven't found her yet.
Sara
Elizabeth Simpson was born 8 Dec 1815 in Scotland, the daughter of John and Jane (Wilson) Simpson
She (and her husband Adam Russell) came to NY aboard the American Congress (1855) and then moved to Chicago sometime before the 1860 census as they both appear on that census (Chicago, Cook Co., IL)
Elizabeth died in the home of her son John in South Bend, Pacific Co., WA. She is suppose to be buried in Lake Forest Cemetery in Lot 78 but I haven't found her yet.
Sara
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Genealogy Game
Hi all,
I’m a little bit late but, I guess, better late than never. It is Sunday afternoon and I came across the “Saturday Night Genealogy Fun” from Randy Seaver's blog found at http://www.geneamusings.com. Last nights game is called “Genealogy Roulette and as it turns out was quite fun.
“Here are the instructions, look below for my answer.
1) How old is your father now, or how old would he be if he had lived? Divide this number by 4 and round the number off to a whole number. This is your “roulette number.”
2) Use your pedigree charts or your family tree genealogy software program to find the person with that number in your ahnentafel. Who is that person?
3) Tell us three facts about that person with the “roulette number.”
4) Write about it in a blog post on your own blog, in a Facebook note or comment, or as a comment on this blog post.
5) If you do not have a person’s name for your “roulette number” then spin the wheel again – pick your mother, or yourself, a favorite aunt or cousin, or even your children!”
Here's my answer:
I’m a little bit late but, I guess, better late than never. It is Sunday afternoon and I came across the “Saturday Night Genealogy Fun” from Randy Seaver's blog found at http://www.geneamusings.com. Last nights game is called “Genealogy Roulette and as it turns out was quite fun.
“Here are the instructions, look below for my answer.
1) How old is your father now, or how old would he be if he had lived? Divide this number by 4 and round the number off to a whole number. This is your “roulette number.”
2) Use your pedigree charts or your family tree genealogy software program to find the person with that number in your ahnentafel. Who is that person?
3) Tell us three facts about that person with the “roulette number.”
4) Write about it in a blog post on your own blog, in a Facebook note or comment, or as a comment on this blog post.
5) If you do not have a person’s name for your “roulette number” then spin the wheel again – pick your mother, or yourself, a favorite aunt or cousin, or even your children!”
Here's my answer:
My father would be 94 is he had lived. 94 divided by 4 is 27. That number relates to my 2nd great-grandmother Malvina Laura (Revelee) Blue.
1. Malvina was born in 18 Feb 1833 probably in Butler County, Ohio.
2. She married Burwell Spurlock Blue in Butler County, Ohio on 15 Jan 1849. Because his father disapproved of Burwell (of Dutch descent) marrying an Irish girl, the couple was disowned by the Blue family.
3. Malvina bore 12 children. Due to terrible financial problems after the death of Burwell in 1877 she had to place at least 3 of her children in the Indiana Soldier’s and Seamen’s Orphans Home.
I have much more research to do on this family but have certainly found them very interesting.
Give this game a try. I’m sure you’ll find it educational and fun!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Good Bye Summer
I think I have received my last sunburn for 2009. Now I am on an academic calendar with an elementary school schedule. I have reached a brick wall with my North Carolina research and when cold weather sets in I will change surnames and geographic locations. Seems like a good plan anyway. Dont forget to wish the Tuttles a happy anniversary. Jewel Shop and Share dates in November are 16, 17, & 18. Print out the coupon and make copies for friends and neighbors ( it all helps). Membership renewal forms for 2010 are available and we encourage new members. Do you know anyone who might like to visit or join EGS? We always welcome visitors and new members. Do you have any ideas for programs? Is there anything you need help with? We have a very knowledgeable group, an excellent library, and a computer interest group ready to help you out with suggestions for your research. You dont have to be a genealogist to have fun at EGS. Even if you are a casual researcher or just want to know who are your ancestors someone at EGS can help you. The change in seasons or schedule can be a good time to renew or revise your goals. Perhaps you can help with newspaper indexing, ( we need a chairperson ). Perhaps you can help with Hospitality. Maybe you have a story to write for the newsletter. Try it. You might like it. And others will learn and enjoy also. from Ann Braasch
Saturday, August 15, 2009
August Computer Interest Group
It was practically standing room only at the Computer Interest Group last Thursday morning. How nice it is to see that enthusiasm and support remains high for this endeavor.
Our topic for the day was the use of US Genweb and, I think, we all learned something along the way. Of course, US Genweb is a volunteer site which means that some locations are better represented than others; however, it is free and is extremely helpful to many genealogists. Even if a viewer doesn’t find information about the specific person or family being researched, the general information provided, such as the history of the location, look-up volunteers and other resource locations, may send him/her in the right direction.
Please remember there will be no CIG meeting is September. We will resume our meetings on October 8 with discussion of Facebook and its possible application to genealogists. I hope to see you there.
Becky
Our topic for the day was the use of US Genweb and, I think, we all learned something along the way. Of course, US Genweb is a volunteer site which means that some locations are better represented than others; however, it is free and is extremely helpful to many genealogists. Even if a viewer doesn’t find information about the specific person or family being researched, the general information provided, such as the history of the location, look-up volunteers and other resource locations, may send him/her in the right direction.
Please remember there will be no CIG meeting is September. We will resume our meetings on October 8 with discussion of Facebook and its possible application to genealogists. I hope to see you there.
Becky
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Update
Hello Everyone,
Here is a belated update from me. We had our August morning meeting today but this meeting was a bit different than most of our meetings.
The difference was that our speaker failed to attend.
As our starting time drew near I became more concerned and quickly called 411 info for the speaker's telephone number, after several attempts I finally got the number and contacted the speaker's spouse, only to be told he was at an appointment at least 30 minutes away.
So we had to "wing it" for a presentation.
We had our usual business meeting with an extra item of my apology for my assumption that the speaker would remember out date and show up.
What we did for our presentation was have a group share of some success's and experiences we have been having with our genealogical researches.
We had a good meeting with many people sharing, the strong possibility of a volunteer for the position of Program Chair (Which is Fantastic!!), updates on some member medical situations and a 60th Wedding anniversary announcement.
After our meeting a couple of people told me they thought we had a great meeting.
I want to say thanks; but it is the members that make this group and our meetings great.
Here is a belated update from me. We had our August morning meeting today but this meeting was a bit different than most of our meetings.
The difference was that our speaker failed to attend.
As our starting time drew near I became more concerned and quickly called 411 info for the speaker's telephone number, after several attempts I finally got the number and contacted the speaker's spouse, only to be told he was at an appointment at least 30 minutes away.
So we had to "wing it" for a presentation.
We had our usual business meeting with an extra item of my apology for my assumption that the speaker would remember out date and show up.
What we did for our presentation was have a group share of some success's and experiences we have been having with our genealogical researches.
We had a good meeting with many people sharing, the strong possibility of a volunteer for the position of Program Chair (Which is Fantastic!!), updates on some member medical situations and a 60th Wedding anniversary announcement.
After our meeting a couple of people told me they thought we had a great meeting.
I want to say thanks; but it is the members that make this group and our meetings great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)