To contact us Click HERE
September is here. It's time to get back to school and back into genealogy. Several societies are resuming monthly meetings after taking the summer off. Here are some of the activities and events going on in the Houston region this month:
Mondays in September - 10, 17, 24 (not Labor Day)
Genealogy Lunchbox
Katy Branch Library
12:00PM-2:00PM
5414 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Join in for an informal genealogy get-together. There are computers, Ancestry.com and others to help each other with our genealogy work.
September 6
Galveston County Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00PM-9:00PM
Moody Mansion Museum
2618 Broadway
Galveston, TX
September 8
Houston Genealogical Forum
General Meeting
10:00AM-1:00PM
Bayland Park Community Center
6400 Bissonnet
Houston, TX
The meeting is a little longer than usual because the speaker will be Barbara Vines Little, CG.
September 9
Atascocita Kingwood Genealogical Society
General Meeting
3:00 PM
Rosemont Assisted Living
6450 Kings Park Way
Second floor community room
Kingwood, TX
September 10
Humble Area Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00 PM
Humble Senior Activity Center
1401 South Houston Ave, Humble
September 11
George Memorial Library
Genealogy on Facebook
10:00 AM
1001 Golfview, Richmond
Computer lab
Program is free and open to the public.
Call 281-341-2608 or visit the Genealogy Dept.
September 13
Cinco Ranch Library
Genealogy 101
10:00 AM
2620 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy
Computer Lab
Register at the website or by calling 281-395-1311
September 15
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Library Orientation
10:30AM-11:45AM
5300 Caroline, Houston
Learn about the vast family history research resources at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. Program is intended for adults. Meet at the first floor reference desk at the building entrance.
September 18
George Memorial Library
U.S. Census Records for Research
10:00 AM
1001 Golfview, Richmond
Computer lab
Program is free and open to the public.
Call 281-341-2608 or visit the Genealogy Dept.
September 21
Clear Lake City-Freeman Branch Library
50+ Genealogy and the 1940 Census
10:30AM-12:30PM
16616 Diana Lane
Houston, TX 77062
Program presented by Laura Smith, reference librarian at the Clear Lake City - Freeman Branch Library. More information here.
September 22
Chaparral Genealogical Society
General Meeting
10:00AM-12:00PM
Amegy Bank (2nd floor meeting room)
28201 Business 249
Tomball, TX
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
September 25
Maud Marks Branch Library
Genealogy Online
2:00PM
1815 Westgreen Blvd.
Katy, TX
Are you interested in learning more about your family's past? Learn how to get started in genealogy and finding where your family came from. Registration required.
September 26
R.B. Tullis Library
Using County Records - Genealogy Program
2:00PM-3:30PM
21569 US Highway 59
New Caney, TX
Heather Kramer from the Genealogy Room at the Conroe Central Library will show you how to use country records to document and further your ancestry research. Register online at the website or call 936-442-7705.
September 28
Bay Area Genealogical Society
General Meeting
7:00PM (6:30 socializing)
University Baptist Church
16106 Middlebrook Drive
Houston, TX (Clear Lake City)
Speaker: Charles Gardes
September 29
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Writing Your Family History: An Interactive Day
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
5300 Caroline, Houston
Join Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, for a very exciting day consisting of a morning lecture with an active afternoon of writing exercises.
A Baker’s Dozen
10:30AM-12:30PM
Anyone can write! Learn ways to get your family history in print without a lot of strain! A “Baker’s Dozen” of ways to get started and ideas to get your greater family involved will be shared. You may find that you are already doing some of these but hadn’t realized you were actually getting family history into print! We’ll cover focus points, themes, photos, incorporating general history, and editing. Come prepared to write and take home a new outlook on getting YOUR family history written.
Writing Exercises
2:00PM-4:00PM
The afternoon will consist of writing exercises, individually and in small groups. Attendees are requested to bring a personal laptop if available. There will also be some actual writing, so please bring lined paper and pens and pencils of different colors.
This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited to 45. You MUST call Clayton Library at 832-393-2600 to sign up. You will register for the whole day. Adult/Teens.
*** Please confirm all information, dates and times with the libraries or groups hosting the events. If you have a genealogy event of interest to Houstonians that you'd like mentioned here, email me with the details.
14 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Notes from the FGS2012 Plenary Session
To contact us Click HERE
On Wednesday, August 29, 2012, I attended the Plenary Session of the Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama. The event was sponsored by findmypast.com.
FGS president Pat Oxley shared that FGS has a new website. Also, there is a new Bylaws Workbook for genealogical and historical societies. The price is right at $4.99. (affiliate link)
Curt Witcher shared about the Preserve the Pensions project and encouraged donations to the effort.
D. Joshua Taylor of findmypast.com was the Plenary Session keynote. The topic was "Transforming Your Society into a Dynamic 21st Century Destination."
Taylor challenged each audience member to envision his/her society as a destination. He used hotels, inns and lodges as examples. How is your society perceived from the outside? Is it a fancy high-end hotel? A comfy small inn? A dump? Or a mishmash building that's not well defined?
How is your society perceived within the community? Do they even know you exist? Taylor stated that societies must be present in their communities. They can do this through participation in local events. This includes volunteer service and charity. It doesn't always have to be about advertising and marketing your society. Add value to the community and give back. It will raise local awareness of your organization.
Taylor also stressed how important it is to associate with hotels, restaurants, libraries, etc. Your society should be a front-line resource for genealogy tourism. You should be the foremost source for local historical information. Reporters and local media should know who you are and come to you first when they need the facts.
Is your mayor aware of your society? Are your government representatives? Share their family history with them so they can experience the joy of knowing one's roots and appreciate the need for records access.
Support your local libraries. Hold combined research and genealogy events open to the community. Have a variety of programs and activities for new and experienced members, as well as those just curious about genealogy.
If your society is declining in membership, don't ignore the numbers. Those people didn't quit genealogy, they just quit your society. Reach out to them and ask why they left. Accept their feedback in a positive and constructive manner and use it to make improvements.
The takeaways from this session:
1. Get out in the community.
2. Anticipate future developments. Your society should be in a position to ACT, not just react.
FGS president Pat Oxley shared that FGS has a new website. Also, there is a new Bylaws Workbook for genealogical and historical societies. The price is right at $4.99. (affiliate link)
Curt Witcher shared about the Preserve the Pensions project and encouraged donations to the effort.
D. Joshua Taylor of findmypast.com was the Plenary Session keynote. The topic was "Transforming Your Society into a Dynamic 21st Century Destination."
Taylor challenged each audience member to envision his/her society as a destination. He used hotels, inns and lodges as examples. How is your society perceived from the outside? Is it a fancy high-end hotel? A comfy small inn? A dump? Or a mishmash building that's not well defined?
How is your society perceived within the community? Do they even know you exist? Taylor stated that societies must be present in their communities. They can do this through participation in local events. This includes volunteer service and charity. It doesn't always have to be about advertising and marketing your society. Add value to the community and give back. It will raise local awareness of your organization.
Taylor also stressed how important it is to associate with hotels, restaurants, libraries, etc. Your society should be a front-line resource for genealogy tourism. You should be the foremost source for local historical information. Reporters and local media should know who you are and come to you first when they need the facts.
Is your mayor aware of your society? Are your government representatives? Share their family history with them so they can experience the joy of knowing one's roots and appreciate the need for records access.
Support your local libraries. Hold combined research and genealogy events open to the community. Have a variety of programs and activities for new and experienced members, as well as those just curious about genealogy.
If your society is declining in membership, don't ignore the numbers. Those people didn't quit genealogy, they just quit your society. Reach out to them and ask why they left. Accept their feedback in a positive and constructive manner and use it to make improvements.
The takeaways from this session:
1. Get out in the community.
2. Anticipate future developments. Your society should be in a position to ACT, not just react.
Notes from FGS2012 Society Day, part 1
To contact us Click HERE
During Society Day at the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2012 conference, I attended "Getting the Speaker Your Society Needs," led by Billie Stone Fogarty. Here are some of the main points I gleaned from the session:
In order to get the speakers your society wants, you have to ask the members what they want. Fogarty suggests that we gather this information several different ways such as surveys, meeting interviews or email.
Society programs should reflect members' different research needs, levels of experience, locations of interest and time frames. Do not rely on one speaker for multiple sessions throughout the year or your audience will become complacent.
Fogarty also addressed the speakers' needs from societies. She says that speakers depend on societies to promote events (though I know speakers that prefer to promote themselves. I prefer both.).
Societies must have a good venue and good equipment. Speakers do talk among each other about good and bad speaking experiences. You don't want your society to get a negative reputation.
Fogarty stresses that societies must understand all the time, money, travel and effort that goes into a genealogy presentation even before it is shared with the audience. Compensation should reflect that.
Do you want to book a nationally-known speaker for your event? Plan ahead. Way ahead. National speakers book at last a year in advance and often more.
If you're stuck for new speakers, check colleges, webinars, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. Also consider the online lectures available at FamilySearch.
In order to get the speakers your society wants, you have to ask the members what they want. Fogarty suggests that we gather this information several different ways such as surveys, meeting interviews or email.
Society programs should reflect members' different research needs, levels of experience, locations of interest and time frames. Do not rely on one speaker for multiple sessions throughout the year or your audience will become complacent.
Fogarty also addressed the speakers' needs from societies. She says that speakers depend on societies to promote events (though I know speakers that prefer to promote themselves. I prefer both.).
Societies must have a good venue and good equipment. Speakers do talk among each other about good and bad speaking experiences. You don't want your society to get a negative reputation.
Fogarty stresses that societies must understand all the time, money, travel and effort that goes into a genealogy presentation even before it is shared with the audience. Compensation should reflect that.
Do you want to book a nationally-known speaker for your event? Plan ahead. Way ahead. National speakers book at last a year in advance and often more.
If you're stuck for new speakers, check colleges, webinars, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. Also consider the online lectures available at FamilySearch.
Notes from FGS2012 Society Day, part 2
To contact us Click HERE
During Society Day at the Federation of Genealogical Societies 2012 conference, I attended "The Shape of the 21st Century Genealogical Society" led by George Morgan. Here are some of the main points I gleaned from the session:
Societies struggle because they need to move forward. Morgan noted that about 2% of the genealogical and historical societies out there do not have websites. The necessary tools for the 21st century are dynamic websites (no stale pages, lots of updates), blogs, green publications (e-newsletters, etc.) and technology and innovations along these lines.
To attract new genealogy society members, offer a combination of traditional and technology programs. Supplement in-person speakers with webinars. Also form special interest groups (SIGs). These could be based on research interests like world locations, ethnic groups, software or technology.
Morgan also urged societies to reach out to and work with other community organizations. He suggested a "Research-a-Rama" as a way to partner with local libraries. Members and community guests can learn about the society, the library's materials and some new skills all in one event.
Other ways for societies to connect with the community include getting involved with schools, scouts, community groups (Rotary, Elks, etc.), ethnic groups and more. Also, partner with other societies for larger events and programs, bigger profile speakers and to reach a larger audience.
Be sure to advertise each and every genealogy society event though a variety of channels. There are lots of free community papers out there, events boards at community centers and libraries, and even television and radio.
Takeaways from this session all pointed to increased community involvement for a society's success and growth in the 21st century.
Societies struggle because they need to move forward. Morgan noted that about 2% of the genealogical and historical societies out there do not have websites. The necessary tools for the 21st century are dynamic websites (no stale pages, lots of updates), blogs, green publications (e-newsletters, etc.) and technology and innovations along these lines.
To attract new genealogy society members, offer a combination of traditional and technology programs. Supplement in-person speakers with webinars. Also form special interest groups (SIGs). These could be based on research interests like world locations, ethnic groups, software or technology.
Morgan also urged societies to reach out to and work with other community organizations. He suggested a "Research-a-Rama" as a way to partner with local libraries. Members and community guests can learn about the society, the library's materials and some new skills all in one event.
Other ways for societies to connect with the community include getting involved with schools, scouts, community groups (Rotary, Elks, etc.), ethnic groups and more. Also, partner with other societies for larger events and programs, bigger profile speakers and to reach a larger audience.
Be sure to advertise each and every genealogy society event though a variety of channels. There are lots of free community papers out there, events boards at community centers and libraries, and even television and radio.
Takeaways from this session all pointed to increased community involvement for a society's success and growth in the 21st century.
Texas State Genealogical Society 2012 Annual Conference Registration Open Now
To contact us Click HERE
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the Texas State Genealogical Society’s 2012 Annual Conference, “Saddlebags to Social Networking: Following Ancestors Through History,” November 1- 3 at the Riley Conference Center in Fort Worth!
This year’s featured speaker is Curt Witcher, who heads one of the top genealogical research libraries in the nation, the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
**Thursday** is Free Learning Day. Develop genealogical society leadership skills or learn how librarians can better serve genealogists. Also free on Thursday are two identical half day sessions on using FamilySearch.org.
**Thursday Night** is our completely free “Best of the Southwest” Genealogy Expo where sellers of genealogical books, services and supplies will be open for business. You’ll also visit with representatives of many genealogical, lineage and historical associations.
**Friday** is the first of two days of concentrated education where many of Texas’s best genealogical speakers will present topics as varied as scanning and sharing family photos, Native American research, DNA, immigration and courthouse records. Friday continues the free half-day session on FamilySearch.org, plus something not seen before—a free "Getting Started" track that will help novices begin their research. Friday night is the highly anticipated Banquet with nearly $3000 in Awards granted after Lloyd Bockstruck, this area’s iconic source of genealogical wit and wisdom, entertains us with “A Black Chicken Lays White Eggs”.
**Saturday** tops the Conference with Curt Witcher sharing his years of knowledge and national leadership in four lectures. We offer again the same free "Getting Started" all-day track for novices. ALL classes—even the free ones—require registration. Register online at https://txsgs.wufoo.com/forms/
**Cost** We’ve reduced registration fees substantially from past years. Full conference registration, which includes lunch Friday and Saturday, is $60 with a $10 discount to current TSGS individual or family members (TSGS membership is available on the registration forms. Benefits of membership can be found at www.TxSGS.org). You’ll want to sign up for the Banquet and purchase a hard copy of the Syllabus (free in digital form to all registrants.) If you’re attending a free session, you may order lunch. You must register to be entered in the daily door prizes drawings.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the Texas State Genealogical Society’s 2012 Annual Conference, “Saddlebags to Social Networking: Following Ancestors Through History,” November 1- 3 at the Riley Conference Center in Fort Worth!
This year’s featured speaker is Curt Witcher, who heads one of the top genealogical research libraries in the nation, the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
**Thursday** is Free Learning Day. Develop genealogical society leadership skills or learn how librarians can better serve genealogists. Also free on Thursday are two identical half day sessions on using FamilySearch.org.
**Thursday Night** is our completely free “Best of the Southwest” Genealogy Expo where sellers of genealogical books, services and supplies will be open for business. You’ll also visit with representatives of many genealogical, lineage and historical associations.
**Friday** is the first of two days of concentrated education where many of Texas’s best genealogical speakers will present topics as varied as scanning and sharing family photos, Native American research, DNA, immigration and courthouse records. Friday continues the free half-day session on FamilySearch.org, plus something not seen before—a free "Getting Started" track that will help novices begin their research. Friday night is the highly anticipated Banquet with nearly $3000 in Awards granted after Lloyd Bockstruck, this area’s iconic source of genealogical wit and wisdom, entertains us with “A Black Chicken Lays White Eggs”.
**Saturday** tops the Conference with Curt Witcher sharing his years of knowledge and national leadership in four lectures. We offer again the same free "Getting Started" all-day track for novices. ALL classes—even the free ones—require registration. Register online at https://txsgs.wufoo.com/forms/
**Cost** We’ve reduced registration fees substantially from past years. Full conference registration, which includes lunch Friday and Saturday, is $60 with a $10 discount to current TSGS individual or family members (TSGS membership is available on the registration forms. Benefits of membership can be found at www.TxSGS.org). You’ll want to sign up for the Banquet and purchase a hard copy of the Syllabus (free in digital form to all registrants.) If you’re attending a free session, you may order lunch. You must register to be entered in the daily door prizes drawings.
14 Ağustos 2012 Salı
Chaparral Genealogical Society July 2012 Meeting Recap
To contact us Click HERE
On Saturday, I went to the July meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society. My pal Caroline Pointer was there, too. We were well behaved. I promise.
The business part of the meeting was pretty short. It was announced that the group has 97 members. There was some good news concerning the relocation of the society library and possibly the meetings, too. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to share, since it's not technically public, but the news was very encouraging. Stay tuned for more details.
Celeste Graves was our speaker. Her talk was called "Magnolia Memories" in reference to Magnolia, Texas. I don't think Ms. Celeste would mind me telling you that she's 93 years old, though she looks much younger than that. She brought along a presentation full of photos and she added information from her own memory for each one.
This was one of the better talks of the year. It was so nice to hear about the local history from someone who has lived in the area for over 90 years. She named all the buildings in the photos and told stories of some of the people, too. Good stuff.
After the meeting was over, a party of 16 headed over to a local Mexican restaurant for a meal and conversation. We talked about genealogy and the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.
The next meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society is Saturday, August 25 at 10am, on the 2nd floor of Amegy Bank (use the elevator), 28201 Business 249 in Tomball, Texas. I don't remember the name of the speaker but he will be talking about the history of the Texas flag. Let me know if you're going and I'll save you a seat.
The business part of the meeting was pretty short. It was announced that the group has 97 members. There was some good news concerning the relocation of the society library and possibly the meetings, too. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to share, since it's not technically public, but the news was very encouraging. Stay tuned for more details.
Celeste Graves was our speaker. Her talk was called "Magnolia Memories" in reference to Magnolia, Texas. I don't think Ms. Celeste would mind me telling you that she's 93 years old, though she looks much younger than that. She brought along a presentation full of photos and she added information from her own memory for each one.
This was one of the better talks of the year. It was so nice to hear about the local history from someone who has lived in the area for over 90 years. She named all the buildings in the photos and told stories of some of the people, too. Good stuff.
After the meeting was over, a party of 16 headed over to a local Mexican restaurant for a meal and conversation. We talked about genealogy and the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.
The next meeting of the Chaparral Genealogical Society is Saturday, August 25 at 10am, on the 2nd floor of Amegy Bank (use the elevator), 28201 Business 249 in Tomball, Texas. I don't remember the name of the speaker but he will be talking about the history of the Texas flag. Let me know if you're going and I'll save you a seat.
FGS2012 Brainstorming Sessions
To contact us Click HERE
This is the first in what might be several posts I write about the upcoming 2012 Federation of Genealogical Societies annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama, August 29-September 1, 2012.
FGS just announced the upcoming brainstorming sessions on their blog. These classes all happen on Society Day, which is Wednesday, August 29. All the sessions on that day focus on society issues such as membership, publicity, fundraising, etc.
Last year's brainstorming sessions were such a hit that they're back for another round. I love this style of session because the audience is the teacher. We all come together as a group and pool our collective wisdom. What works for your society? How can I fix this in my society? It's like having many experts for any given question.
Here's the lineup for the August 29 brainstorming sessions:
11:00AM
Programs and Education
Facilitators: Sue Tolbert and Cindy Foreman
Websites and Social Media
Facilitators: Linda Woodward Geiger and Bruce Buzbee
2:00PM
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Facilitators: Paula Stuart-Warren and Pat Oxley
3:30PM
21st Century Marketing
Facilitators: Thomas MacEntee and Amy Coffin (no, really)
Modern Publication Options
Facilitators: Lisa Alzo and Polly Kimmitt
5:00PM
State and Umbrella Society Issues
Facilitators: Billie Stone Fogarty and Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Doesn't that sound great? I'm a little bummed that I'll miss Modern Publication Options, but that's ok. I can't wait to help facilitate a discussion on 21st century marketing for genealogy societies. Bring your questions and ideas and we'll have a good (and productive) time.
FGS just announced the upcoming brainstorming sessions on their blog. These classes all happen on Society Day, which is Wednesday, August 29. All the sessions on that day focus on society issues such as membership, publicity, fundraising, etc.
Last year's brainstorming sessions were such a hit that they're back for another round. I love this style of session because the audience is the teacher. We all come together as a group and pool our collective wisdom. What works for your society? How can I fix this in my society? It's like having many experts for any given question.
Here's the lineup for the August 29 brainstorming sessions:
11:00AM
Programs and Education
Facilitators: Sue Tolbert and Cindy Foreman
Websites and Social Media
Facilitators: Linda Woodward Geiger and Bruce Buzbee
2:00PM
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Facilitators: Paula Stuart-Warren and Pat Oxley
3:30PM
21st Century Marketing
Facilitators: Thomas MacEntee and Amy Coffin (no, really)
Modern Publication Options
Facilitators: Lisa Alzo and Polly Kimmitt
5:00PM
State and Umbrella Society Issues
Facilitators: Billie Stone Fogarty and Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Doesn't that sound great? I'm a little bummed that I'll miss Modern Publication Options, but that's ok. I can't wait to help facilitate a discussion on 21st century marketing for genealogy societies. Bring your questions and ideas and we'll have a good (and productive) time.
Kaydol:
Yorumlar (Atom)