19 May 2013

Free Webinar on June 1 - Sneak Peek at Jamboree

Jamboree Special - 
Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Jamboree

Join us for this FREE webinar on June 1 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/166945240

Date:    Saturday, June 1, 2013
Time:    2:00 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.


ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
What better way to prepare for the 44th Annual Southern California Jamboree than to get a preview from the Conference's organizers? Learn about parking, classes, special events, JamboFREE on Friday morning, speakers, exhibitors, the app ... Everything you need for the very best Jamboree experience possible.  Join Chairman Leo Myers, Co-Chair Paula Hinkel, Program Chair Vicki Hilb, and other Jamboree planners who drop by



ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

Jamboree: Class Selection Survey Now Available

Jamboree attendees - the session selection survey is now available for you. You should have received an invitation about midnight Pacific time last night. If you did not receive it, please check your spam folder. The subject of the email is "IMPORTANT - Jamboree Class Selection Survey - Act Today!" If you did not receive your email, please take the survey here: http://2013JamboreeSeating.surveyconsole.com

Your participation in this survey will help us determine the appropriate room sizes for the various classes. It's our way of trying to manage overflow rooms.

Here's what we have done to address the issue:

We have intentionally left a couple of spots open on Sunday, to be used for repeated sessions. If the speaker is available and willing, we will try to reschedule it on Sunday.

Many times, we find that the too-full room is being used for live-stream videos. We have set up a video overflow room (Sunset A/B in the Convention Center) where you can watch.

The SCGS Board of Directors adopted a new seating policy that will be implemented this year.


What you can do to help:

In addition to completing the survey, here are other steps you can take to make sure you can see the classes that are most important to you.

Filling out the Class Selection Survey is the single most important thing you can do to help us

You can volunteer to serve as a room monitor for the session(s) that are on your don't-miss list. You'll be guaranteed the seat of your choice.

You can purchase a recording if you miss a session. In fact, if you are torn between two sessions, you might choose one live performance and one recording.

You can plot a plan of attack if you are attending with friends or family. Divide and conquer and share the details while you sit and chat after the session.

Finally, we suggest that you identify a Plan B session in case your first-choice class is full.

17 May 2013

Free Genealogy Webinar on June 1 with Jane Neff Rollins

Is There a Baby Catcher 
in your Bloodline?

Join us for this FREE webinar on June 1 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/295193985

Date:    Saturday, June 1, 2013
Time:    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
Was one of your ancestors a midwife? Resources to be covered (which vary depending on time and place) include: registries of midwife licenses, court documents, listings of deliveries performed, etc.


Our speaker, Jane Neff Rollins, is a medical writer and professional genealogist who specializes in Jewish genealogy, 19th century Russian documents, and ancestors who worked in health professions.  Jane’s writing has appeared in RootsKey, the JGSLA newsletter. Her other writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the LA Jewish Journal, Reed magazine, and in medical trade magazines.

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

Jamboree Update: Marriott Hotel is Sold Out

We were just notified by the Marriott that our room block is full and no more rooms are available.

Our friends at the Marriott were good enough to extend the reservation deadline by a week; it was originally scheduled to close last Friday, May 10th. However, reservations for Jamboree are now closed.

If you haven't made a reservation and still need a place to stay, you might try

Courtyard by Marriott
2100 W Empire Ave Burbank, CA 91504
(818) 843-5500
Currently showing availability (as of May 17 @ noon)

Hampton Inn and Suites

7501 North Glenoaks Boulevard,
Burbank, California, 91504,
(818) 768-1106
Currently showing availability (as of May 17 @ noon)

There are a few other choices that you can review here.

Here's one more idea: If you are interesting in our Room Mate Connection, email us at jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com and put ROOMMATE CONNECTION in the subject line.

12 May 2013

Reminder: Free Genealogy Webinar on May 15 with Debbie Mieszala, CG


Options in Post-Adoption Research

Join us for this FREE webinar on May 15 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/719911705

Date:    Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Time:    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR 

The laws governing the release of adoption information are unique to each jurisdiction. Learn about the various options and how to begin a search.   

Our speaker, Debbie Mieszala, Certified Genealogist(sm), specializes in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest.


 ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

09 May 2013

SCGS Jamboree: Do You Need Help? Is That a Wall Straight Ahead?

Let’s be honest, even the most experienced genealogists have those pesky brick walls. Sometimes all that is needed is the perspective of someone not-so-connected (personally) to a pedigree to find the loose brick and get the mortar chipped away. If this describes you, JAMBOREE 2013 has the answer you have been seeking: Research Assistance!

Research Assistance is a free service, offered only to those who are registered for the Jamboree, designed to help you break through the wall or clear away some of the trees in your ancestor forest. To access the help of experienced genealogists, all you need to is go to http://sccapg.org/jamboree.php and sign up under “Guest” next to the consultant whose expertise is most likely to help you through the problem.

It is important to remember that this sign-up procedure is designed for the expert researcher/assistants to first reserve their available time slots and then those needing assistance select whom to see. If you do not see anyone whose expertise is likely to help you, return later. Assistants will be signing up as they find their available times so this schedule will be changing frequently.

Please, before signing up for help, read the information at the top of the webpage, above the schedule. In order for the process to be fair to all, guests who sign up for the same researcher in consecutive time slots will find the subsequent reservations cancelled. We have some top-notch researchers coming to assist and it is not fair for these folks who may be able to help for 60 or 90 minutes at a time to be monopolized by one guest. Thank you for honoring this.

This is the third year for Research Assistance at Jamboree (and the second year for its current sponsor, the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists to be running the program). Last year it was highly successful and all time slots were taken by the time the Jamboree started on Friday. For that reason, we have opened a second research assistant slot for each time period.

It is extremely important for people to be on time for their appointments to avoid any back-up. Thank you for your cooperation.

See you at the Jamboree!

Jean Wilcox Hibben; PhD, MA, CG
Past-President, SCCAPG

Thank you Jean Hibben for this guest post for Jamboree. In addition to her speaking presentations, Jean is overseeing the Research Assistance program at Jamboree. The Research Assistance program is designed to provide free personal guidance on nagging research questions for paid attendees of the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.

08 May 2013

#NGS2013 Attendees: Elvis Can be Your Ticket to Jamboree #SCGS2013

Viva Las Vegas!

We all know that Vegas is rife with Elvii. They're everywhere: on the Strip, at the slots, jumping from airplanes, and hitching folks who are happily crying in the chapel.

But we have one very specific Elvis in mind. He's the one you'll find at SCGS Booth 528, and he can be your ticket to the 2013 Jamboree.

Go to Booth 528, take your photo with Elvis and tweet it with hashtag #SCGS2013. Not into Twitter? Upload a photo to the Facebook Southern California Genealogy Jamboree page. Or blog and link it on the Jamboree Facebook.

Enter once a day, that's all right.  But don't do more or you ain't nuthin' but a hound dog (and it won't count). Elvis +1 live person in the photo please. We'd hate to have you arm wrestle your genea-buddies to pick the winner.

We'll enter your name in a random drawing for a free registration to Jamboree (value $155). Winner will be announced on Saturday, May 11th at 2:00 p.m.

Double down! Retweet or share this message and if you win, you'll double down and join us for Friday's banquet "Behind the Scenes at Who Do You Think You Are?"

Can't make it June 7-9th, 2013? We'll make it for #SCGS2014 (June 6-8th, 2014).

Hope he'll be your good luck charm! We guarantee you'll be all shook up.




Genealogy Jamboree Update May 8


Marriott Hotel Update

The deadline for booking a hotel room at the Marriott has been extended to May 17. If you have not yet made your room reservation, we encourage you to do that at your first opportunity. Today's report showed 98% full and we will likely sell out. Don't be left out of the official conference hotel or end up paying standard room rates.

As we learned the hard way last year, if you made your reservation with AAA or AARP senior discounts, you are not part of the official Jamboree block. If you reserve your room and do not use the Jamboree code (JAMJAMA or JAMJAMC), it's possible that you could lose your room and be required to move to another hotel. By the way, we will not be sharing the hotel with American Idol or The Voice this year.

Final Schedule Posted on Jamboree Website

If you haven't reviewed the daily schedules, check them out.
Thursday Family History and DNA
Friday morning JamboFREE
Friday afternoon
Saturday
Sunday


05 May 2013

Genealogy Jamboree Ethnic Classes: African American

Once more before the Early-Bird discount closes on May 7, I want to remind everyone of our class schedule for ethnic researchers. I hope that those of you with an interest in this area will hit that Facebook share button and send this information to your genealogy buddies, cousins, and fellow society members. Heck, send it to all your Facebook friends!

This is the first of two posts. This post pertains to the African American track. Tomorrow's post will focus on sessions for Mexican, Irish, German, Scottish and English researchers. Please remember that you can learn something from every session you attend, even if it doesn't exactly "fit" your research plan. Don't cross it off your list just because you think you don't "fit." Everyone "fits."

The Southern California Genealogy Jamboree will be held June 7-9, 2013, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, Burbank California. Register for Jamboree at www.genealogyjamboree.com.

Timothy N. Pinnick is an accomplished researcher, popular national speaker, and author of the book, Finding and Using African American Newspapers. Pinnick is the author of more than half a dozen articles, including “Using an Extended Research Project to Reconstruct a Community” which appeared in the Association for Professional Genealogists (APG) Quarterly.

In October of 2008, Tim delivered his fifth historical paper at the Western Historical Association conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Past papers were delivered at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Association for African American Historical Research and Preservation, and the Illinois History Conference. For a number of years Pinnick has been part of the prestigious faculty at the summer Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. June of 2012 marked his fourth appearance as part of the teaching cadre in the course “Researching African American Ancestors”.

In November, 2007 Tim was elected to the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists, completing a two year term. Shortly thereafter, he received a two-year appointment to the board of the Federation of Genealogical Societies which ended in December 2011.

FR021 Friday 4:30-6:00pm
Finding and Using African American Newspapers
African American newspapers are an underutilized source, yet they hold the key to solving many research problems, along with providing unprecedented insight into the social activities of black communities, both urban and rural.

SA021 Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm
The WWI Draft Card: Don’t Do Research Without It!
World War I draft registration cards should be analyzed closely as they contain valuable imbedded pieces of information that can become leads in solving genealogical roadblocks.

SU028 Sunday 1:00-2:00pm
And the Church Said Amen! African American Religious Research
Locating information on African American congregations can be frustrating due to the lack of effective record keeping. However there are a variety of records that can help you overcome the lack of record preservation at the local level.


Angela Walton-Raji is known nationally for her online genealogy presence; her research and work on Oklahoma Native American records; and her African American genealogy experience. Her book, Black Indian Genealogy Research is the only book of its kind focusing on the unique record set found within the Dawes Records.

As a founding member of AfriGeneas.com, Ms. Walton-Raji is also a genealogist specializing in information for beginners, via daily and weekly online genealogy chats on AfriGeneas. As host of a weekly genealogy podcast, a number of instructional videos and as an expert consultant on video documentaries, she combines her skills as a genealogist with a warm on-camera personality that brings comfort to her viewers through and her instructional videos on YouTube, while providing them with useful information.

Beyond her public appearances, she hosts three blogs, a 10-year ongoing message board, three websites, and the only weekly podcast devoted to African American genealogy. Her comfort with language and her skills in writing make her well known and respected in the genealogy community.

FR008 Friday 1:30-2:30pm
Documenting American Indian Families in 20th Century Records
This workshop features methods of documenting American Indian and blended families in 20th century records. Focus is on Federal and Indian Records.

SA019 Saturday 10:00-11:00am
Finding and Documenting Community History Through Records of the U.S. Colored Troops
From cemeteries to the National Archives, the development of post Civil War communities are reflected in the histories of black soldiers buried throughout the nation. Local history is revealed through the records that remain.

SA040 Saturday 3:30-4:30pm
Documenting the First Days of Freedom
How did “freedom” come to the family? This story is missing in many black family histories. However, Civil War records often hold the key to unlock the first days and, in many cases, the first moments of freedom.

SA049 Saturday 5:00-6:00pm
From AfriGeneas to Social Media:
An Overview to African American Genealogy Online Resources
This session will explore online sites, databases and communities for novices and professionals who research African American family history.


In 1985, Nicka Smith became intrigued with a family tree that was prepared by her first cousin once removed. In 1999, she discovered that her cousin’s work had not been updated and decided to continue his efforts. The result was AtlasFamily.org, and its affiliate websites, which have served as an outlet for family members to discover their lineage and for the family’s research team to share their findings with the family and the world.

In 14 years, Nicka has lead efforts that have traced the lineage of nine generations and over 2,200 people (living and dead) in more than 20 states and four countries. Nicka’s efforts have also lead the family back to their earliest traceable ancestor’s count of origin where they met two chiefs of the ancestral tribe, the Bamileke, of Cameroon.

Nicka lectures and mentors both young and old on genealogical search techniques and has become an expert resource for genealogical research in the Northeastern Louisiana area and for sharing genealogy with youth. She currently serves as the project manager for the Alameda County Ancestral Project in which she leads efforts to teach more than 300 elementary, high school and at-risk youth the value of researching their family history. She is the chair of the Outreach and Education Committee of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California, a board member of the California Genealogical Society. She is also an accomplished communications professional and photographer.

FR013 Friday 3:00-4:00pm
Using Genealogy and DNA to Connect Back to Africa
Through traditional genealogy and DNA, many African Americans have been able to trace their ancestry back to their African country of origin. Learn the tips and tricks needed do the same and what’s needed to visit your ancestral homeland.

SA036 Saturday 2:00-3:00pm
More than 3/5th’s: Myths and Truths About Slavery in the U.S.
This history of the “peculiar institution” of slavery in the United States is complex. Learn about the myths, truths, and in-betweens that existed during a major part of U.S. history.

Free Genealogy Webinar on May 15 with Debbie Mieszala, CG


Options in Post-Adoption Research

Join us for this FREE webinar on May 15 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/719911705

Date:    Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Time:    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR 

The laws governing the release of adoption information are unique to each jurisdiction. Learn about the various options and how to begin a search.   

Our speaker, Debbie Mieszala, Certified Genealogist(sm), specializes in forensic genealogy, 20th century research, and the Midwest.

 ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

04 May 2013

Family History: The Mother's Day Gift that Will *REALLY* Keep On Giving!

One year for Christmas, I gave Mom lessons to learn cake decorating at the local community college. The adult ed term started in January. I bought her all the Wilton stuff she would need, including those small metal tips, and stuck them in a small package along with the gift certificate to the class.  I loved taunting her by shaking the package so she could hear all those metal tips tinkling inside.

When she opened the package, her face took on this "What the ....??" look that we all have seen from our mothers at one time or another. I don't think she thought it was such a great idea at first. If I remember right, she mumbled a benign curse under her breath. Driving to the community college, across town and up, then down, a big, long hill in January in Iowa? Not her idea of fun. Heck, I probably would have had the same reaction!

But she went to the first one class, and then the second. By the third week, she was into it. In a big way. And we ate cake. Pretty, shiny, decorated cake. And she talked about how much fun she had taking the class, and admitted she probably would never had actually done it if I hadn't paid for the class. And with the knowledge she had, she was able to decorate cakes for years afterward ...

...which brings us to the real purpose of this post.

What are you giving as Mother's Day gifts this year? To your mother? or mother-in-law, or grandmother, if you are fortunate enough to still have them with you.  To your sister, or cousin, or daughter who is the mother of your grandchildren?

Let me suggest that you give them a very special gift... an open door to family history.

Pay for them to come to Jamboree in June. Whether it's for one day, two or all three days, present her with information, coaching, support and friends who will help her get started. If Jamboree is "too much" or daunting, accompany her to the free beginner's class on Friday morning.

Give her the knowledge that will last a lifetime. Many lifetimes.



01 May 2013

Reminder: Free Genealogy Webinar on May 4 with Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG

Homespun and Calico
Researching our Foremothers

Join us for this FREE webinar on May 4 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/819888305

Date:    Saturday, May 4, 2013
Time:    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
This lecture will give the genealogist some frequently overlooked sources concerning the women in our ancestry. Some case studies will be used to illustrate the research process.


Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before she was even born. The daughter of avid genealogists, she was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. The love of her family’s history has never left her. With her experience as a former Family History Director, she is a frequent speaker at genealogy events.

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

27 April 2013

Bargain Alert: DNA Testing. Have You Been Tested?

NOTE: This is not an endorsement of any DNA testing company. We encourage you to do your own research and choose the one(s) that best fit your needs.

All three of the following will be present at the Family History and DNA conference that is being held on June 6, 2013, in Burbank, California, in conjunction with the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree (June 7-9, 2013).

The DNA conference is limited to 350 attendees, and we are approaching 75 percent full. Register today - the Early Bird Registration deadline is April 30! And remember that SCGS members enjoy an even greater discount.

If you are interested in being tested, we wanted to let you know : 

Family Tree DNA has a sale that ends April 30. Sale prices start at:
$119.00    Y-DNA testing (paternal line)
$169.00    Family Finder testing – across all lines, both male and female
$189.00    Full mtDNA testing (maternal line)
For full information, see www.familytreedna.com

23andMe recently announced that their standard price is $99.00. Their information is available at www.23andme.com. Click on the “Ancestry” tab to see the specifics about their genealogy services.

AncestryDNA information can be found at www.dna.ancestry.com. Their standard pricing is also $99.00 for a full test.

26 April 2013

Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant

The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Committee is pleased to announce that Michael Savoca, a college junior from Toms River, New Jersey will receive a $500 grant from the Freeman Memorial Grant program and full registration to the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree in Burbank, California from SCGS.

Michael Savoca will attend the SCGS Jamboree June 7-9, 2013 and use the grant funds toward genealogy research and education. This is the third year that the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program and SCGS have partnered to offer a student genealogy award.

“We are delighted to recognize young genealogists with the grant program and encourage their future in family history,” notes Denise Levenick, Grant Chair. “It is exciting to see that “The Next Generation of Genealogists” is already here!”

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program to support this outstanding future genealogist,” said Paula Hinkel, Jamboree co-chair and SCGS vice president. “Michael will be recognized at the Jamboree Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, June 9.”

Michael has assisted with records for the Gente di Mare Italian website, is an active member of several online genealogy forums, and is a volunteer at the local Family History Center. He has researched his Croatian family history onsite in original records in the village of Zablaće, and assisted others researching Croatian and Italian ancestry. Michael also has roots in Ireland, Germany and Hungary. SCGS Jamboree will be his first national conference.

About the Grant Program: The Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant Program was established in 2011 to help young family historians pursue their genealogy research and educational goals. In recognition of her enthusiasm for the nationally recognized Jamboree, the award is directed toward a student attending the SCGS Jamboree. Suzanne Freeman was the mother of genealogy blogger Denise Levenick, www.theFamilyCurator.com. Funding for the 2013 Memorial Student Grant was provided by proceeds from the sale of Denise Levenick’s new book How to Archive Family Keepsakes during the Blog Book Tour in January 2013. For information about donating to the grant fund, please see SWF Grant.

About SCGS: The Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree has partnered with the grant program each year to offer complimentary conference registration to the award recipient. The annual Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree is a premiere regional genealogy conference offering national speakers, workshops, and demonstrations. Jamboree early-bird registration deadline is April 30.

Genealogy Programs Sprouting on Television

Woohoo! Genealogy is becoming popular in the world of television programming. Here's a rundown:

Who Do You Think You Are?

We know that "Who Do You Think You Are?" is back in production, to resume on cable channel TLC. We will be welcoming Alexandra Orton and other members of the production team to the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, as they join us for the Friday evening banquet.


Family Tree - Premiers on Sunday, May 2

Next, there's Family Tree, a new program with genealogy as the basic plot line. However, it's not your typical study-a-family's-history format. This is a comedy that is described as:

Down on his luck in love and life, having recently lost his job and girlfriend, 30-year-old Tom Chadwick has an unsure sense of his own identity. But when he inherits a mysterious box, Tom starts investigating his lineage and uncovers a world of unusual stories and characters, acquiring a growing sense of who he and his entire family are. [We can certainly relate to unusual stories and characters, right?]

FAMILY TREE kicks off its eight-episode season SUNDAY, MAY 12 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, followed by other episodes subsequent Sundays at the same time. The producer is Christopher Guest, who is responsible for such comedy gems as "Best in Show and "A Mighty Wind."

If you don't mind spoilers, you can read the episode summaries at http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/family-tree-new-hbo-show-28000/


Genealogy Roadshow

A casting call is out for a new PBS program called Genealogy Roadshow. The casting call reads:

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT YOUR FAMILY'S HISTORY?


The groundbreaking Documentary Series “Genealogy Roadshow” will be in AUSTIN, NASHVILLE, SAN FRANCISCO, and DETROIT reuniting families with long lost relatives, and answering questions about their past, their history, and their lineage. Do you have a Family mystery you would like solved? Is there a missing piece or person in your family tree you’ve always wondered about? Do you believe you might be connected in some way to our Nation’s rich history, folk lore, our founding fathers, or a famous person?

If so, we’d love to hear from you! For your chance to be on the show please email us your name, contact info, your story, and someone from the casting department will get back to you!


Please note that the full instructions for registering, including creating an account and signing in, can be found at http://www.realitywanted.com/call/24410-casting-pbss-genealogy-roadshow#.UXrbQMoWdOx



21 April 2013

Early Bird Deadline April 30: Jamboree and Family History and DNA


The deadline for early bird registration discount is April 30, 2013. The last day for advance registration is May 24.

Those planning to attend the Family History and DNA Conference are strongly encouraged to register at the earliest possible opportunity. That event is limited to 350 attendees; and you don't want to miss out on this great event!

Online registration for Family History and DNA - June 6, 2013

Online registration for Jamboree - June 7 through 9, 2013

Los Angeles Burbank Marriott
2500 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505

Visit the Jamboree Website



20 April 2013

Free Genealogy Webinar on May 4 with Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG

Homespun and Calico
Researching our Foremothers

Join us for this FREE webinar on May 4 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/819888305

Date:    Saturday, May 4, 2013
Time:    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
This lecture will give the genealogist some frequently overlooked sources concerning the women in our ancestry. Some case studies will be used to illustrate the research process.


Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before she was even born. The daughter of avid genealogists, she was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. The love of her family’s history has never left her. With her experience as a former Family History Director, she is a frequent speaker at genealogy events.

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

16 April 2013

SCGS Jamboree - Research Assistance Call for Volunteers


Jamboree is just around the corner and the Jambo-elves are working like, well, elves. Badges and signs are being printed, schedules are being set (and re-set), and the volunteers are trying to keep from falling down from exhaustion. Volunteers! Without those elves, where would we be? Well, there would be no Jamboree, that’s for certain. Here is where you can help (don’t stop reading . . . keep going . . .

Last year, the Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists hosted and ran the Research Assistance room. Lots of knowledgeable family historians donated their time to help folks who had genealogical problems. Some problems were minor and needed nothing more than a fresh pair of eyes and a new perspective to solve; others were more involved and needed the assistance of an expert in a particular area. No one knows everything! Even the most experienced genealogists will admit to having a problem in the family tree at some point. And even the intermediate researchers have knowledge that can help someone.

If you have ever assisted someone in finding a long-lost ancestor, clarified a bit of apparently illegible handwriting on a document, or just assisted a new researcher in getting started, your volunteering is of value to the Research Assistance team. To sign up to assist guests during Jamboree (Friday-Sunday), please go to <http://sccapg.org/jamboree.php>  and sign up for one or more time slots. Be sure to indicate your expertise and, if you are not comfortable with doing anything more than being “able to assist people just getting started,” that will be greatly appreciated! Our assistants come from all levels of genealogy, as do our guests needing help. And there are few greater rewards in the research of ancestors than to help someone break through a brick wall. So, come help crumble some walls!!

Thank you and see you at Jamboree 2013!

Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG
Past-President, SCCAPG

Thank you Jean Hibben for this guest post for Jamboree. In addition to her speaking presentations, Jean is overseeing the Research Assistance program at Jamboree. The Research Assistance program is designed to provide free personal guidance on nagging research questions for paid attendees of the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.

This is the first of two posts is a call for assistance from the area's many highly knowledgeable, experienced genealogists. Look for Post #2 in May.

14 April 2013

Reminder: Free Genealogy Webinar on April 17 with Janet Hovorka

Trip the Tree Fantastic: 
Intriguing Family History Trips 
for the Whole Family

Join us for this FREE webinar on April 17 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.  Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/560264696

Date:    Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Time:    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
How do you prepare, organize and execute a family history trip for your family members so that they will enjoy the ride?  These are the people who should care, how do you get them there?

Our speaker, Janet Hovorka, received a B.A. in Ancient History and a MLIS from BYU. She and her husband Kim Hovorka own Family ChartMasters (www.familychartmasters.com), a genealogy chart printing company. Janet writes (www.thechartchick.com) and teaches at SLCC. She is serving as President of UGA. 

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

SCGS Genealogy Jamboree: Genealogy World

Are you looking for ancestors on the Continent or in the Colonies? Trying to find your Jewish or Scandinavian forebears? Need help finding resources to research your ancestors who moved to the Midwest or the Southwest? Discuss your research successes or problem ancestors in an informal roundtable format at Genealogy World.

A JamboFREE activity, Genealogy World is scheduled on Friday morning, June 7, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Table topics featured in the past have included:

Denmark, Norway & Sweden Research
DNA
Chinese Research
English Research
French-Canadian
Genealogists in Second Life
Germanic Research
Virginia Research
Irish Research
Japanese Research
Jewish Research
Lineage Society Research
Midwest Research
New England Research
Portuguese Research
Scottish Research
Southern Research

Sign up NOW to host a table – you don’t need to be an expert – just have an interest in the topic area and a willingness to keep the conversation moving along!

Our thanks to guest blogger Denise Spurlock for this post about one of the JamboFREE activities on Friday, June 7, 2013, that lead up to the formal kick-off of the 2013 Jamboree. Denise, a professional genealogist, is the Jamboree Committee member who is organizing this fun and valuable networking opportunity.

07 April 2013

CORRECTION: Free Genealogy Webinar April 17 with Janet Hovorka

Trip the Tree Fantastic: 
Intriguing Family History Trips 
for the Whole Family

Please note that the earlier post about this webinar indicated that the time ran from 6am to 7:30am PDT. The corrected time is 6:00pm to 7:30pm.  If you have registered for the webinar, your reminder email will reflect the correct time. Apologies for the typo.

Join us for this FREE webinar on April 17 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.  Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/560264696

Date:    Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Time:    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
How do you prepare, organize and execute a family history trip for your family members so that they will enjoy the ride?  These are the people who should care, how do you get them there?

Our speaker, Janet Hovorka, received a B.A. in Ancient History and a MLIS from BYU. She and her husband Kim Hovorka own Family ChartMasters (www.familychartmasters.com), a genealogy chart printing company. Janet writes (www.thechartchick.com) and teaches at SLCC. She is serving as President of UGA. 

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

03 April 2013

Reminder: Free Genealogy Webinar on April 6 with Denise Levenick

Break Down Brick Walls 
with Home Sources

Join us for this FREE webinar on April 6 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/205696577

Date:    Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time:    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
Solve genealogical mysteries with clues in family sources. Photos and examples show where to find hidden details on your ancestors’ lives in the things they left behind, including old mail, insurance policies, check registers, trash.

Our speaker, Denise Levenick, also known as The Family Curator, has written about organizing, preserving, and sharing family treasures since 2007 at www.TheFamilyCurator.com, voted one of the 40 Best Genealogy Blogs in 2010 and in 2011. She is the author of Organize Your Family Archives (F+W Media, Fall 2012).

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

22 March 2013

SCGS and Jamboree at RootsTech


So what do you think of the new look of our booth? We have a lovely new backdrop that is attracting so much attention and comment.

We are having a wonderful time meeting people and giving real hugs to digital friends.

If you are here in Salt Lake, be sure to drop by booth 449, which is situated directly across the aisle from the free soda / pop / water counter at the Cyber Cafe.  Here's a secret:  We are going to be drawing for a FREE registration for Jamboree AND and another for "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013." That's a $175 value for SCGS members and for $195 for those who have not *yet* joined us.

Our drawing will be Saturday at 2pm and you need not be present to win.

Stop by and say hi!!

21 March 2013

Free Genealogy Webinar April 6 with Denise Levenick

Break Down Brick Walls 
with Home Sources

Join us for this FREE webinar on April 6 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/205696577

Date:    Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time:    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
Solve genealogical mysteries with clues in family sources. Photos and examples show where to find hidden details on your ancestors’ lives in the things they left behind, including old mail, insurance policies, check registers, trash.

Our speaker, Denise Levenick, also known as The Family Curator, has written about organizing, preserving, and sharing family treasures since 2007 at www.TheFamilyCurator.com, voted one of the 40 Best Genealogy Blogs in 2010 and in 2011. She is the author of Organize Your Family Archives (F+W Media, Fall 2012).

ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair

17 March 2013

Registration Update: "Family History and DNA" Conference - Burbank June 6, 2013

This is a quick note to let everyone know that interest is very strong for "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013," and we are already 25 percent sold out. This is well ahead of the registration response that we typically see for Jamboree. If you plan to attend, in the words of my Iowa grandmother, "Don't let the grass grow under your feet." We will very likely sell out.

This is truly becoming an international event, with attendees from the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, and points beyond, as well as locations around the US. We are excited to see that family historians everywhere are embracing the concept of an independent day-long conference about genetic genealogy.

As a reminder, the "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013" conference will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel, 2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, California. The event is co-sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).

Featured speakers include Dr. Spencer Wells, Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic, and lunch speaker Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  Please note that lunch requires an additional payment. To clarify, lunch is for registered attendees only. Registrants may invite a guest (e.g. spouse), as long as space is available.  I wish we could accommodate everyone at this fabulous luncheon; however, we haven't yet found a way to stretch the walls of the Convention Center.

Plan to stay for Jamboree, which starts on Friday, June 7. Friday morning's sessions are JamboFREE, and Friday afternoon features a DNA panel as well as an African American DNA session. Of course, we encourage you to stay for the entire weekend.

The Early-bird Conference Registration costs (before 30 April 2013) are listed below. Registration costs increase by $25 between 1 May and 24 May. Walk-in registration, if space is available, is $225 for everyone.
  • SCGS Members - $175 on or before 30 April 2013
  • SCGS Non-Members - $195 on or before 30 April 2013
  • $20 luncheon for registrants
  • $60 luncheon for registrant's +1 (a guest) if space is available 
  • Lunch is not open to the public. Lunch is intended for registered attendees of the "Family History and DNA" conference and a guest. 

Important Links:
(Edited to clarify luncheon guests must be "Family History and DNA" conference registered attendee or their guest)

Reminder: Free Genealogy Webinar March 20 with Michael Brophy

Erin in the USA:
Irish Research on This Side
of the Atlantic

Join us for this FREE webinar on March 20 sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.   Space is limited.


Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/258392145

Date:    Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Time:    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

ABOUT TODAY'S WEBINAR
You have found a place name for your ancestor in the Emerald Isle. Let’s look at Irish records available in the United States to learn more.  

Our speaker, Michael Brophy, is a professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer in the Boston area. He is past Program Director for the Massachusetts Genealogical Council and past Publicity Director.



ABOUT THE JAMBOREE WEBINAR SERIES
A goal of the Southern California Genealogical Society is to provide educational opportunities to genealogists and family history enthusiasts everywhere. The Jamboree Extension Webinar Series helps provide those opportunities.

COST
The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. We are grateful for the genealogical community's support of our program, either by purchasing a membership or by making a donation. Donations can be made online or through PayPal.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
Webinars are held twice a month -- on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month. Review list of upcoming webinars on the SCGS website.

WEBINAR ARCHIVE AND OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS

Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society.  The webinar archive can be found on the SCGS website. Webinars are available about a week after the session closes. In addition to 24/7 access to the webinar archive, SCGS members enjoy a number of other benefits. Learn about all these benefits here.




Thank you for your interest in our webinar series. We hope you'll enjoy the session.

Paula Hinkel
SCGS Director and Jamboree Co-Chair