30 April 2014

REMINDER: FREE Webinar - Sat. 03 May - Ron Arons - Nifty and Powerful Technologies for Genealogical Analysis and Documentation


 

Please join us for this FREE webinar sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.

Ron Arons
Nifty and Powerful Technologies for
Genealogical Analysis and Documentation
Saturday, 03 May, 2014
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Pacific time
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/247046704

A real-time discussion & demonstration of VERY cool tools for genealogical analysis and documentation: genograms, mindmaps, technologies which can be used together to translate books, and more.

Ron Arons has given fun and informative talks internationally on many genealogical topics. He is currently in his third year of training in 'Family Systems Theory' which, he believes, adds significant perspective to genealogical research. Ron earned degrees from Princeton and the University of Chicago.

The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society. The webinar archive can be found at http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/webinar/archive-index.html. 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, including free from-home access to World Vital Records. Learn about all these benefits at http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/membership/benefit-memb.html.

The list of upcoming webinars can be found at http://scgsgenealogy.com/webinar/jes-index.html

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A.

Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Slovak/Eastern European genealogical research, writing your family history, and using the Internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1987 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997.

Lisa is the author of nine books, including the award-winning Three Slovak Women, and hundreds of magazine articles. She has been published in Ancestry Magazine, Discovering Family History Magazine, Family Chronicle, Family Tree Magazine, Reunions Magazine, NGS News Magazine, Western Pennsylvania History Magazine, and The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly. Lisa is a contributing editor for Family Tree Magazine and teaches online courses for Family Tree University and The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She is a frequently invited speaker for national conferences, genealogical and historical societies, and webinars. An avid genealogist for more than 22 years, Lisa also chronicles her family history adventures on her blog, The Accidental Genealogist. Visit <http://www.lisaalzo.com> for more information.

FR007 Friday June 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Online Genealogy for the Absolute Beginner

When you’re new to family history, the amount of information available can seem overwhelming. Learn about the most popular online databases and tools for beginning your genealogy research.

FR023 Friday June 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
10 Ways to Jump Start Your Eastern European Research

Curious about your Eastern European roots, but don’t know where to begin? Learn the key steps for tracking down records, relatives, and other research resources “over here” and “over there.”

SU030 Sunday June 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
DIY Publishing for the Family Historian: Tips, Tricks and Tools

You’ve done the research, written the content — now what? Learn the tips, tricks, and tools you need to successfully self-publish.

29 April 2014

Jamboree and Family History and DNA - Early Bird Discount Ends Tonight!


http://www.genealogyjamboree.com


Early Bird Discount ends 
11:59 p.m. April 30, 2014.

Register by phone 818.843.7247 (11am - 3pm PDT)

Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2014
June 5, 2014

Southern California Genealogy Jamboree
June 6-8, 2014
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport
2500 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91504


Jamboree - Genealogy World during JamboFREE Friday


Guest Post by Lisa Howison, Genealogy World organizer.

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.

Genealogy World is scheduled for Friday morning, June 6.  Session #1 will run from 9:00AM to 10:15AM, and then Session #2 will run from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. It's just one of a number of JamboFREE activities, which means it is open to the public and available to attend at no cost. (We would appreciate your registering in advance so we know how many people to expect.)

While the topics are still being developed for 2014, table discussions in the past have included a variety of subjects and geographic research assistance. For example:

Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Chinese
African American
English
French-Canadian
Germany
Virginia
Irish
Japanese
Jewish
Lineage Society
Midwest
New England
Portuguese
Scottish
Southern

This year, thanks to our friends at ISOGG, Genealogy World will feature ten tables devoted to a variety of DNA topics. For example:


Family Finder Test help
Beginning Y-DNA
DNA in Ireland
DNA for Adoptees
Intermediate DNA Test help
Y-DNA and Advanced SNPs
Autosomal Spread Sheets
DNA Test Company Comparisons
Autosomal DNA help


We are seeking individuals to volunteer to serve as table host.  You don’t need to be an expert, and you won't be expected to give a presentation. Just have an interest in the topic area and a willingness to keep the conversation moving along. If you are interested in helping, complete the online volunteer sign-up questionnaire.

Thanks to Lisa Howison, Coleen Briggs, and Jean Wilcox Hibben for organizing this year's Genealogy World.


Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Randy Seaver

Randy Seaver is a native San Diegan. His ancestry is mainly colonial New England and Upper Atlantic, with some colonial German, French and Dutch forebears, and several 19th-century English immigrants. He has been pursuing his elusive ancestors since 1988, and has been online since 1992.

Randy is a former President of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society, and is currently the Newsletter Editor and Research Chair. He speaks to Southern California societies, libraries and groups, and teaches “Beginning Computer Genealogy” adult classes at OASIS.  He is a member of NGS, NEHGS, SCGS, SDGS, CGSSD and CVGS. Randy blogs daily about genealogy subjects at Genea-Musings and the Chula Vista Genealogy Cafe.

SA026 Saturday June 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Blogger Summit

Our panel of genealogists who are also bloggers will participate in a discussion of why blogging is important to their research. Participants will be able to ask questions about blogging and get a better understanding of why blogging works to improve genealogical research and to document the stories of our ancestors.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Heather Wilkinson Rojo

Heather Wilkinson Rojo has been researching her family history since the 1970s, when, as a teenager, she took her first community college class in genealogy.  After 35 years of collecting notes and information on her family, she started a blog as a place to write up the stories of her ancestors.  This blog became “Nutfield Genealogy,” which started in 2009 and is still going strong.  

Heather lives in New Hampshire, within a one hour drive of where most of her ancestors lived since the 1620s and 1630s.  She has also done extensive research on extended family in Hawaii, Spain and Nova Scotia.  Traveling for genealogy research is one of her favorite activities, even if it is just a drive to a country burial ground in Maine, or to a historical society in Massachusetts.

Heather is the secretary of the New Hampshire Mayflower Society, the president of the Londonderry Historical Society, and a member of many local genealogy societies including the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists, the New Hampshire Society of Genealogists and the National Genealogical Society.

SA026 Saturday June 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Blogger Summit

Our panel of genealogists who are also bloggers will participate in a discussion of why blogging is important to their research. Participants will be able to ask questions about blogging and get a better understanding of why blogging works to improve genealogical research and to document the stories of our ancestors. Panelists: Heather Wilkinson Rojo, Blaine Bettinger JD, CeCe Moore, Randy Seaver. Moderator: Thomas MacEntee

28 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA

Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA, is the author of The ‘Lost Pensions’: Settled Accounts of the Act of 6 April 1838 and Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury, Inventory 14 (Revised). He has co-authored several books relating to records in Northern Virginia. He has authored articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Family Chronicle and other genealogical publications.

He is the President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc., a genealogical publishing firm with over 4,900 titles in print. A professional genealogical and historical researcher for more than twenty-eight years, he specializes in the records of the National Archives, especially those that relate to the military.
He was the Clan Scott Genealogist (1985-2000). He is a member of the Company of Military Historians, has been a Governor-at-Large of the Virginia Genealogical Society, on the editorial board of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, and is a Director of the Association of Professional Genealogists. A faculty member for several years of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Samford University and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, he was awarded the Grahame T. Smallwood, Jr. Award in 2008 and the UGA Silver Tray Award in 2009.

FR008 Friday June 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Navy and Marine Corps Records

Since the time of the Revolution the federal government has created records on Navy and Marine Corps personnel. This lecture will look at the finding aids and records and provide information on how to effectively and efficiently research in these records.

FR022 Friday June 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Treasury Records: Follow the Money

Many times where federal money is involved and the original records cannot be located they can be found in Treasury records. This lecture will look at the finding aid and some of the records.

SA017 Saturday June 7, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Scottish Military Records

Prior to unification there was a Scottish army, after there were Scottish regiments in the British Army. This lecture will examine the differences and the places for research.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Drew Smith, MLS

Drew Smith, MLS, is a librarian at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Library. Since 2007 he has been President of the Florida Genealogical Society (Tampa), and since July 2013 has been Chair of the Family History Information Standards Organisation.

Drew is co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast (since 2005), co-author of the 2013 McGraw-Hill book Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques, author of the 2009 GPC book Social Networking for Genealogists, and “Rootsmithing with Technology” columnist for the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ FORUM magazine. He has written extensively for such magazines as NGS NewsMagazine (now NGS Magazine), Genealogical Computing, and Digital Genealogist. He has previously served on the boards of the Association of Professional Genealogists (as Secretary), the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and Florida State Genealogical Society (FSGS). He continues to administer the GENEALIB electronic mailing list with over 1200 genealogy librarians as subscribers, a list he founded in 1996.

FR-000H Friday June 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Good Cop, Better Cop: How to Politely Interrogate Your Patron

Learn how to help your patron identify and focus on their genealogical research need while still allowing them to tell their family story.

FR-000H Friday June 6, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Quick and Easy Video Tutorials: How to Educate Your Patrons 24/7

Your newest genealogy patrons may not have set foot in your library, and might never! So how can you create video tutorials for them using free tools and then publish them online? In this session, we’ll demonstrate how easy it to produce and publish simple videos that educate your patrons about your facility, your services, your online resources, and the best genealogical practices.

FR002 Friday June 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Something Wiki This Way Comes

Learn what a wiki is, how to navigate a wiki, and how to contribute your own genealogical content in order to help others.

SU024 Sunday June 8, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
DNA 102: Understanding and Using Test Results

Learn how to interpret what DNA tests are telling you and how to make contact with others to figure out the relationships.

27 April 2014

Jamboree - Research Assistance

Guest blog post by Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG

When I attended Jamboree for the first time, I was overwhelmed with the information that was provided. I had done genealogy in the late 1970s to early 1980s, but had been away from it for over a decade while I got my education and worked as a college professor. When I returned, it was a completely different experience. To begin with, computers had infiltrated the field (I had seen that coming, but didn’t realize the extent to which it would impact my “hobby”). Besides that, “vendors” had entered the field (mostly with products to enhance the computer use, but also providing a plethora of books for people of all experience levels). I remember visiting vendor booths and wondering if it was possible to “catch up,” I had been gone from “the scene” for so long.

Perhaps you are in a similar situation. Genealogy can often be a “seasonal” activity: we get busy raising children, making a living, and just dealing with life. Many people move from one physical location to another, causing some things (such as family photos and documents) to be stored in boxes that are shoved into closets. When the time (or season) is right, those boxes are hauled out and the family historian is faced with making sense of it all. Where to start? Or continue? And if you, as I was, have been away from the research field for even a very few years, the new programs and websites may be intimidating. Some folks even shy away from attending a large event, such as Jamboree, because they feel they are “not ready.” If that sounds like you, let me suggest that you reconsider.

Jamboree is a perfect place to “get back in the saddle.” Besides the exhibit hall and classes, there are individuals who are ready, willing, and able to help YOU feel more at home in the ever-changing genealogy world. The Southern California Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and others working with that group, have a place where you can get one-on-one help in your roots pursuits. Consider signing up for a personal consultation with someone who is familiar with some, if not all, the new products, options, and techniques for locating your elusive ancestors.

In the very near future, RESEARCH ASSISTANCE will be open for sign-ups on the SCGS website. Watch for the announcement and then, as time slots become available with specifically identified genealogy experts, you can reserve a 20-minute period for your own questions and answers.

Jamboree is NOT just for the experienced family researchers; we want all those who have a desire to learn about their family history to have access to help. And SCGS does not limit that help to just once a year: additional programs are available all year long to aid you, the budding or experienced genealogist, in making your search a success! Check the SCGS website for more information on what is available and visit Research Assistance at Jamboree.

Jean Wilcox Hibben; PhD, MA, CGsm

26 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Randy W. Whited

Randy W. Whited has been an avid genealogist for over thirty years and is an active member of several genealogical organizations. A Director with the Federation of Genealogical Societies, Randy is co-chair of the 2014 Program Committee and Chair of its Technology Committee. He is also host of FGS’ web radio program, My Society. He is also Director of Development with the Texas State Genealogical Society and is leading its technology initiatives.

A lifelong Texan, Randy is an alumnus of the University of Texas, having graduated with a BA in Astronomy. He resides in Pflugerville, Texas with his wife and twin daughters.

FR-000E Friday June 6, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Making the Case: Change and Technology in Your Society

This session will confront the "we’ve always done it that way" mentality within a lot of societies, especially when faced with new technology or interacting with our membership or the public. We will tackle how to ‘sell’ the effort to the leadership and the tools needed to be successful.

SA028 Saturday June 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Photo and Document Digitization and Organization

How to get that pile of papers or box of photos scanned, stored and searchable? This session will cover the process of digitizing your documents and old photos, including file formats and organization. We’ll finish off with how to virtually "label the back" of each image to make it easier to find and share.

SA032 Saturday June 7, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Sprinkling Weather into Your Family History

Historical daily weather records from observers stationed across the United States and territories, some from as early as the mid-19th century, exist and are available online. Learn how this data can add unique details to life events.

25 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Janalyn Underhill

Janalyn Underhill is the Publisher and General Manager at Creative Continuum, a family-owned and operated short-run publishing company specializing in family history heirloom books. Janalyn succeeds her father in the day-to-day management of the business and her appointment as the senior book designer leverages seven years experience with the company.

SU033 Sunday June 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
10 Steps to Remember When Publishing Your Family History Book

Publishing your family history book is a project that can bring happiness and fulfillment for generations to come. Knowing the best paper size, the right margins and the proper way to build your book.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Tom Underhill

Tom Underhill published his first book 19 years ago and started publishing books full-time two years later. Since 1999, Creative Continuum has specialized in publishing high-quality, short-run books, including family histories, memoirs, and photo and fine art books. During the last several years, Tom and his company printed more than 11.75 million pages and scanned more than 13,500 photographs.
Creative Continuum has published several award-winning books. Among them, The California Missions as Art won a Davey Award in 2007 for design. A History of African-American Families and Slaveholders in Cass County, East Texas was awarded the Best Genealogy in Texas in 2005.

Tom has been a regular presenter at Genealogy Jamboree for nearly a decade and his speaking experience includes most of Southern California’s family history fairs and other major genealogical conventions. He has also presented at the Utah Genealogical Association’s annual conferences. Tom presented at the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Associations and at the 2005 FGS annual convention in Salt Lake City.

Tom is the author of thirteen books and has published the Jamboree syllabus since 2005. Additionally, he has been the mastermind behind the graphic design for the mobile app and other designs.

SA005 Saturday June 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
10 Techniques to Improve Your Cell Phone Photography

Recent phone cameras take as nice of pictures as many digital point-and-shoot models. Improve composition, lighting and practical research techniques you can use from the genealogical library to the graveyard.

SU008 Sunday June 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Shooting a Quality Family History Video with Your Cell Phone

You’re on vacation and unexpectedly, you connect with that relative you’ve wanted to interview for years. Even though you’re unprepared, what can you do to record a good video interview?

24 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Dawn Parrett Thurston MA

Dawn Parrett Thurston’s personal history writing courses have been called “life changing,” and “the class I’ve long been looking for.” In the last 17 years, she has helped hundreds of students write and publish their family histories at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, where she received the “Faculty Excellence Award” in 2008. Dawn’s students repeatedly win top prizes in family history writing competitions. She has also shared her expertise with students at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, and at national conferences, including Jamboree, FGS, and the Association of Personal Historians.

Dawn began researching her family lines when she was in her early twenties and has written a family history of her Scots coal-mining grandparents, published in 1996, and a multiple-generation family history of her paternal line titled The Parrett Family: Their Story is America’s Story, published in 2014. In 2007 Signature Books published her book, Breathe Life into Your Life Story: How to Write a Story People Will WANT to Read, a compilation of ideas and writing techniques she teaches in her classes.

Raised in Orange County, where she still resides, Dawn earned her bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA and a master’s in communications from Cal State University, Fullerton. Dawn is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the International Society for Family History Writers and Editors, and the Association of Personal Historians.

SU005 Sunday June 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Turn Your Genealogy Data into a Fascinating Family History

This session will teach research, organization, and writing techniques that will help the writer shape genealogy facts into an interesting story people will WANT to read.

SU012 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
How to Write a Personal History that Captures Your Interesting Life

Many of us would like to write about our lives so our descendants will know who we are, what we experienced, and how we felt about the important issues of our time. We want our stories not only to be informative, but also compelling. This class will use proven techniques from the best writers to demonstrate how this can be accomplished.

23 April 2014

Jamboree - Do You Want a Printed Syllabus?

We are offering the printed syllabus for purchase for $25. Orders will be taken through April 30, 2014, and will be placing the order with Tom Underhill, our printer, on May 3. We expect to have only a few extra copies available at Jamboree, so don't take a chance.

If you wish to have a printed syllabus this year, please place your order in the next few days. Order it online or download a copy of the Jamboree registration form to order it by mail.

All registered attendees will receive a CD that contains digital copies of the Jamboree, DNA and JamboFREE syllabi. Extra copies of the CD can also be ordered online. Unless you want an extra copy of the CD, you do not have to order one.

Please note that many syllabus articles are available for download on the Jamboree app.

Those attending the Family History and DNA conference and the JamboFREE sessions will receive a free copy of the syllabus for those classes.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Paula Stuart-Warren CG, FMGS, FUGA

Paula is a board-certified genealogist working full-time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, and writing. Paula has researched at the National Archives (multiple locations), Family History Library, Minnesota Historical Society, Wisconsin Historical Society, DAR Library, and many other repositories across the U.S. Since 1997 she has been a Course Coordinator for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, coordinates a Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh course, lectures at National Genealogical Society and Federation of Genealogical Societies conferences, and in many states and Canada.

A former officer of the Association of Professional Genealogists and former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, she is past President of the Northland Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists, a former officer of APG, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and was co-chair of the August 2013 FGS Conference being held in Fort Wayne. She has written for Ancestry Magazine, FGS FORUM, NGS Magazine, New England Ancestors, Minnesota Genealogist, findmypast.com, and her blog, Paula’s Genealogical Eclectica. Her articles and lectures focus on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, analyzing records, Midwest, and Native Americans. She is descended from eight ancestral countries and has connections to many U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Part of her family settled in the Los Angeles area in the early 1900s.

Paula is an award-winning family historian who loves to interact with her audiences, and is a energetic, yet clear and concise speaker with a bit of added humor. Her syllabus material assists you both during and after the presentations.

FR027 Friday June 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Manuscript Finding Aids: Locating Migrating Family Records

Where are ancestral family Bibles, scrapbooks, business records, photos, and other manuscripts? Learn about specialized finding aids, searchable databases and other resources to locate them.

SA006 Saturday June 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Research Reports for Ourselves: More than a Research Log

Isn’t the research on our own families important? Learn the reasons, mechanics, and methodology of reporting to ourselves on what we checked, where it was, indexed or not, microfilmed or original, and the results. It’s a good habit!

SU013 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
What Next? Hands-On Research Planning

Analysis, recognition of detail gaps, and the creation of research goals form the basis for excellence in our quest. Success improves with careful planning, small group discussion, and proven techniques to develop step-by-step research plans.

22 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Angela Walton-Raji

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 Freedmen Records found within the Dawes Records.

Walton-Raji also works with beginners, via daily and weekly online genealogy chats on AfriGeneas.com, and she hosts a weekly genealogy podcast, The African Roots Podcast. She has produced a number of instructional videos and 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.

She was a 2013 presenter at the SCGS Genealogy Jamboree. Beyond that, she served on the faculty at Samford IGHR in Alabama. She hosts a 12 year ongoing message board, 3 websites, and 3 blogs. Her comfort with language and her skills in writing, make her well known and respected in the genealogy community.

FR024 Friday June 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
The Future of African American Genealogy

Hear from leaders in the African American genealogy community as they address collaboration, DNA connections, slave/slaveholder/ancestor projects, and technology.

Jamboree - Announcing the 2014 Jamboree Mobile App

Click here to download the app
We are so excited to announce that the mobile app for the 2014 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree is now available for download!

The Jamboree mobile app is available for the following operating systems: iOS (iPad, iPad mini, iTouch, iPhone); Android; BlackBerry; Windows; in fact, all web-enabled phones.

Laptop and desktop users can also make use of the app. The app is truly valuable for everyone attending Jamboree.

Many improvements have been made since the first Jamboree app was introduced in 2011. The updated 2014 version, again developed by Core-Apps LLC, offers the following features designed to improve the Jamboree experience for attendees, exhibitors and speakers.

Plan your weekend at Jamboree.
  • Preview all of the classes by reading the descriptions.
  • Browse day by day, or do a search by topic or experience level.
  • Download the dozens of syllabus articles available through the app and print them for use.
  • Look up your favorite speakers and review the sessions they are teaching.
  • Select your sessions and add them to your own personal schedule to keep organized.
  • Explore the exhibit hall from the comfort of your couch long before the doors open.
  • Do you have questions for speakers or exhibitors? Ask them in advance.
Stay in touch before, during and after Jamboree.
  • Create your profile so others know you're attending
  • Connect with your friends and send messages.
  • Share your class schedule if you'd like others to know where to find you.
  • Receive breaking news texts from the Jamboree staff about schedule changes, etc.
  • Sync the app across multiple devices.
  • Twitter users, send and read tweets from within the app.
  • Keep up with the Jamboree blog. 
  • Provide your feedback on speaker sessions directly from the app.
The App is valuable for exhibitors and speakers, too.
  • Exhibitors and speakers receive a free "Green" listing.
  • In addition to contact information, display your logo and add PDFs for download.
  • Add your application forms, flyers, resume or list of services, or other document.
  • For additional exposure, purchase a banner / landing ad. Link directly to a website or special offer.
Members of the genealogical community can take advantage of the app.  We are issuing an invitation for members of our community to be listed as a "virtual exhibitor" in the Jamboree app at a nominal charge. For only $50, you can add a contact listing, logo and downloads for your book, society, professional genealogical service, or other business. For complete information, download the information brochure and contact jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com for further details.

Thank you to Tom Underhill for the beautiful graphics!

If you have any questions or comments, please post them here or send an email to jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com

and get acquainted 
with all of its features. 
Make your Jamboree experience
even better.

21 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Janet Hovorka

Janet Hovorka (www.janethovorka.com) received a B.A. in Ancient Near Eastern History and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from BYU. She and her husband Kim Hovorka own Family ChartMasters, the official printers for most genealogy software companies as well as My Heritage and FamilySearch. Family ChartMasters won Family Tree Magazine’s Editor’s choice and 101 Best Website awards as well as FamilySearch software awards.

One of Janet’s greatest genealogy accomplishments was the completion and publication of her mother-in-law’s oral history just one year prior to her untimely death. Most recently she has found great satisfaction in encouraging her teenage children’s genealogical interests. Janet is the author of the Zap the Grandma Gap books and workbooks to help family historians engage the youth in their family with their history.

Janet is passionate about the nutrition family history brings to the souls of all family members and how it creates stronger relationships in the family today. Janet writes the Chart Chick blog and the Zap The Grandma Gap blog, has written for numerous genealogy publications and enjoys speaking about genealogy nationally and internationally. She is past President of the Utah Genealogical Association, teaches library science and genealogy at Salt Lake Community College.

SA046 Saturday June 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Back To Basic Research Practices in the Age of Internet Genealogy

The foundations of good research will make you more effective. We’ll discuss primary and secondary info, original and derivative records and how to track research. Keep your own copy or go with mega databases or how do you sync them?

SU016 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Panel: Rebranding Genealogy and Engaging the Next Generation

Everyone is interested in their great-grandfather’s report card, and anyone wants to hear about the trouble their mother got into as a child. Get beyond the “we should” to “specifically how” to make family history more engaging to everyone.

SU032 Sunday June 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Abracadabra Interactive Family History Charts With Prezi

Learn how to make a digital interactive family history chart with the free online Prezi website. Harvest the power of flexible visualization to show off artifacts, documents and images to engage your family members near and far.

20 April 2014

FREE Webinar - Sat. 03 May - Ron Arons - Nifty and Powerful Technologies for Genealogical Analysis and Documentation


 

Please join us for this FREE webinar sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society.

Ron Arons
Nifty and Powerful Technologies for
Genealogical Analysis and Documentation
Saturday, 03 May, 2014
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Pacific time
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/247046704

A real-time discussion & demonstration of VERY cool tools for genealogical analysis and documentation: genograms, mindmaps, technologies which can be used together to translate books, and more.

Ron Arons has given fun and informative talks internationally on many genealogical topics. He is currently in his third year of training in 'Family Systems Theory' which, he believes, adds significant perspective to genealogical research. Ron earned degrees from Princeton and the University of Chicago.

The initial webcast of each session is offered to the public free of charge. Webinars are archived and available only to SCGS members as a benefit of membership in the society. The webinar archive can be found at http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/webinar/archive-index.html. 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, including free from-home access to World Vital Records. Learn about all these benefits at http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/membership/benefit-memb.html.

The list of upcoming webinars can be found at http://scgsgenealogy.com/webinar/jes-index.html

19 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Diahan Southard

Diahan Southard graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in microbiology. As an undergraduate she worked in the archeogenetics laboratory of Dr. Scott Woodward. In 2000 that lab became the basis for the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF). In those early years of the foundation Diahan traveled extensively in the United States lecturing and collecting samples to help build the database.

Upon graduation she worked for Sorenson Genomics, a sister company to SMGF, as a genetic analyst. She then worked for SMGF up until July of 2012, spending much time lecturing in the field of genetic genealogy, developing products and services, as well as consulting with individuals and families regarding how their genetic results relate to their genealogical endeavors.

She has now transferred that knowledge to her partnership at the Genetic Genealogy Consultant where she is engaged in creating personalized reports for individuals who have had DNA testing completed, but aren’t sure about the Next Steps.

Diahan has three darling children, a supportive husband, and one old, if somewhat neurotic, miniature schnauzer.

TH007 Thursday June 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30
Lab Tour: How Your Data is Generated and Analyzed

Wondering how mtDNA, YDNA, and autosomal DNA testing is conducted and analyzed? In this virtual lab tour we will evaluate real data, understand the hardware and the software used to generate that data, and how it effects the reports you receive.



TH009 Thursday June 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m. - Luncheon
Panel Discussion:  Peering into the Future of Genetic Genealogy 
Panelists: AncestryDNA, Joanna Mountain PhD, Bennett Greenspan, and Diahan Southard. Moderator: Blaine Bettinger, JD

TH018 Thursday June 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
YDNA, mtDNA, and Autosomal Case Studies

Do you feel like DNA testing for genealogy is long on explanation and short on results? Come explore case studies for mtDNA, YDNA, and autosomal DNA and learn how this powerful tool has assisted others in their genealogical journeys.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: John Schmal

John Schmal is an historian, genealogist, and lecturer. He has published several books on Mexican history and culture, including Mexican-American Genealogical Research: Following the Paper Trail to Mexico. Schmal specializes in researching families in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Zacatecas, Jalisco, Aguascalientes and Guanajuato.

In addition, he has studied and written numerous short stories on the indigenous peoples of several Mexican states.

John has B.A. degrees in History (Loyola-Marymount University) and Geography (St. Cloud State University) and is a board member of the Society of Hispanic Historical Ancestral Research (SHHAR). He also conducts research on German-American families and gives lectures on German history and its influence on emigration to America.

SU014 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Finding Your Roots in Mexico

The presentation will consist of how to begin your research, what resources to get in touch with and use, and how to continue your research once a place of origin has been located. An online presentation will be utilized, which people can also access later at will.

Jamboree - On the Road Again in Orange, California

SCGS often exhibits at area genealogical events and national conferences. Here is our team Margaret Rutledge (far right), working the table, and Leo Myers (behind the camera) at the Orange County Family History Fair in Orange, California. Margaret is a member of the Jamboree Committee and for the past several years had helped to deliver our brochures and flyers to all of the Family History Centers and libraries in Orange County. She's a great asset to our Committee. Thanks Margaret!



We love these opportunities to get out and meet our members, tell everyone about SCGS and Jamboree, and bring home some conference registrations and membership forms. Visitors to our table benefit, too, because we usually offer discounts on Jamboree registrations.


The next big conference is NGS which will be in Richmond Virginia in early May. We won't be there this year; but if you're going, check your registration bag for information on our Jamboree Extension Series of webinars and our Virtual Surname Wall. 


Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2014

June 5, 2014

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel

Burbank, California


Southern California Genealogy Jamboree

June 6-8, 2014

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel

Burbank, California


18 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: A.C. Ivory

A.C. Ivory is a 26 year old professional genealogist, specializing in United States research. He works for ProGenealogists, Ancestry.com’s official research firm. While at ProGenealogists, A.C. has had the opportunity to work on several episodes of the hit TV show, Who Do You Think You Are, including those featuring Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Paula Deen, Christopher O’Donnell and more. A.C. is proud to refer to himself as a “genealogy geek” because he seeks for and utilizes new technology to accomplish his genealogy research. He is always on the lookout for the newest genealogy app, website or database.

A.C. is currently working on his Accreditation with ICAPGEN, an internationally recognized organization for professional genealogists. A.C. also anticipates to one day to also become a Certified Genealogist. In the end, A.C. loves working with clients to solve their genealogy mysteries and to help people learn how to do their own genealogy research.


A.C. was a recipient of the Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Student Genealogy Grant in 2012.

SU016 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Panel: Rebranding Genealogy and Engaging the Next Generation

Everyone is interested in their great-grandfather’s report card, and anyone wants to hear about the trouble their mother got into as a child. Get beyond the we should to specifically how to make family history more engaging to everyone.

Jamboree: Deadline Alert - Early Bird Discount Ends on April 30

When the deadline alerts start, it must mean that we are getting close to showtime!

The deadline for early-bird discount for both the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree and the Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2014 is drawing close. When the calendar page turns from April 30 to May 1, the discount will disappear.

The early-bird discount can be combined with SCGS Member discounts and reduced registration fee for attending both the Family History and DNA and Jamboree conferences.

You don't want to miss this year's Jamboree. It's going to be one for the record books. You have been reading all about the wonderful presenters who will be leading the class sessions.

Sessions,
+ exhibitors,
+ social events,
+ networking
= a fabulous time.

Thursday, June 5, 2014
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank
Friday - Sunday, June 6-8, 2014
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Michael Melendez

Michael Melendez has been conducting genealogy research since he was 15 years old. He volunteered as a staff member of the Orange Regional Family History Center in California for several years, along with completing an internship as the Center’s Assistant Librarian.

Michael has been involved in putting on several youth genealogy programs, most importantly at the 2008 and 2009 Southern California Genealogy Society Jamborees. For his efforts, Michael received the FGS Youth Award and the APG Young Professional’s Scholarship. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Family History from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT

SU016 Sunday June 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Panel: Rebranding Genealogy and Engaging the Next Generation

Everyone is interested in their great-grandfather’s report card, and anyone wants to hear about the trouble their mother got into as a child. Get beyond the we should to specifically how to make family history more engaging to everyone.

17 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Joanna L. Mountain, PhD.

Joanna Mountain PhD, is a geneticist with a passion for ancestry genetics and genetic genealogy. She was born in England and traces her ancestry back to England, Ireland, and Scotland. She received her PhD in Genetics from Stanford University and subsequently served on the faculty of the Anthropological Sciences department. Joanna has used genetics to study human prehistory in Africa, southern and eastern Asia, and Europe.

She currently represents 23andMe, a personal genomics company that provides genetic data and tools for exploring ancestry, genealogy, and health. She is interested in finding ways to extract as much genealogical information as possible from a person’s, or family’s, genetic data. She is particularly excited about the future of genetic databases that allow distant relatives to find one another and to extend each others' family trees.

TH009 Thursday June 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m. - Luncheon
Panel Discussion:  Peering into the Future of Genetic Genealogy 
Panelists: AncestryDNA, Joanna Mountain PhD, Bennett Greenspan, and Diahan Southard PhD. Moderator: Blaine Bettinger, JD

TH020 Thursday June 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Putting All the Genetic Pieces Together to Solve Family Mysteries

DNA provides multiple pieces of our ancestral story, and putting together those pieces can be a challenge.  THis presentation will cover the different types of evidence from DNA, as well as some examples of how people have put together the pieces to successfully solve family mysteries or make family discoveries. The focus will be on the interpretive features provided by 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service.

Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Cheri Mello

Professionally, Cheri Mello is a math teacher with degrees in psychology, sociology, human and child development, and master’s in education. She became a National Board Certified Teacher, the most prestigious and highest teaching credential in the educational world.

The genealogy bug was planted in Cheri with the 5th grade history project. Her maternal grandmother gave her some material which she used. She used it later for a Girl Scout badge and pulled out the information many times and wondered about her family and how she could learn more. Some of this material is still incorporated into her current presentations.

Cheri began her active adult research 22 years ago, after the death of her remaining grandparents. She has done research in many states, even taking a trip overseas in search of her Portuguese ancestry. Ten years ago, she became involved in DNA, and was recruited as the Project Co-administrator for the Azores DNA project. She runs five DNA projects and manages mailing lists involving Portuguese-Azorean genealogy.

Cheri lectures now not only on Portuguese and DNA topics, but a host of other topics including software programs and Find-A-Grave.

TH003 Thursday June 5, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Making the Connection between Your Family Tree and DNA

A brief overview of DNA and its applications will segue into learning how to maximize the results by generating a GEDCOM to pinpoint the common ancestor.

16 April 2014

Jamboree - Meet the Speaker: Blaine Bettinger, PhD., JD

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D. (Biochemistry), J.D., is an intellectual property attorney, popular speaker on DNA topics, and the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist. He has been interviewed on genealogical and personal genomics topics and quoted in Newsweek, New Scientist, Wired magazine, and others.

Dr. Bettinger is the administrator of the Bettinger Surname Project and co-administrator for the R1b-L1/S26 Y-DNA Haplogroup Project. He frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA to explore their ancestry, and recently had his genome sequenced through the Personal Genome Project.

TH009 Thursday June 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion:
Peering into the Future of Genetic Genealogy
Blaine Bettinger, JD - moderator. Panelists: Bennett Greenspan of Family Tree DNA; Johanna Mountain of 23andMe; AncestryDNA; and Diahan Southard
 
TH010 Thursday June 5, 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Using Autosomal DNA to Explore Your Ancestry

For years, genealogists have focused on Y-DNA and mtDNA, unable to access the wealth of information in the remainder of their DNA. At long last, new autosomal DNA tests reveal this hidden information. Genealogists can use autosomal DNA for ethnicity estimates, finding long-lost cousins, and examining specific genealogical problems.

FR018 Friday June 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
DNA and the Genealogical Proof Standard

How does DNA fit into the Genealogical Proof Standard? Since DNA testing is now so affordable, should it be part of every reasonably exhaustive search? DNA is great for refuting a hypothesis, but is it any good at supporting one? We will examine when DNA testing might form part of a reasonable search, as well as the many ways that DNA testing can be used to test an existing conclusion or hypothesis.

SA049 Saturday June 7, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
ISOGG Ask The Experts about DNA and Genealogy


SU029 Sunday June 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Begging for Spit

One of the biggest challenges facing genealogists is asking family members and non-genealogists to undergo DNA testing. Together we’ll examine novel and interactive ways to encourage participation by making these individuals stakeholders in DNA testing.

SA026 Saturday June 7, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Blogger Summit

Our panel of genealogists who are also bloggers will participate in a discussion of why blogging is important to their research. Participants will be able to ask questions about blogging and get a better understanding of why blogging works to improve genealogical research and to document the stories of our ancestors.

15 April 2014

Jamboree - Ancestry Scanning to Return in 2014


We have received confirmation that Ancestry will again be on site during Jamboree to provide free scanning services. In past years, scanning has been one of the most popular activities at Jamboree. We know you'll be happy to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.


Southern California Genealogy Jamboree attendees can sign up for 15-minute scanning sessions on Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 8, to be held during the exhibit hall hours. Scanning session signs-ups will open each morning—sign up Friday for a Friday time slot, Saturday morning for a Saturday time slot, Sunday for a Sunday time slot. The Scanning room will again be located in Producer A&B rooms, in the "High Tech Hallway." The hallway is directly opposite the elevators in the East tower of the Marriott, close to the fitness room. Signs will point the way.

As in the past, Ancestry will use a two-step process for registration. The pre-registration phase is going on now and will continue for the next few weeks. Click on this link to go to the sign-up area. You'll be asked choose your preferred time slot.

You will still need to register at Jamboree.
This pre-registration is to help Ancestry
estimate the number of staff members and equipment
they should bring.

Will you be bringing items to scan? Please help us plan accordingly by registering here and letting us know how much and what you’ll be bringing.

Scanning Details You’ll Want to Know

Document types accepted
  • We can scan any document type, but the maximum size supported is 22" by 15". Any type of photograph, including tintypes, is accepted. Unfortunately we can not scan slides.
  • More recent photographs or stable documents can be scanned at a much quicker rate on our high-speed scanner – meaning that you can have more documents scanned during your scanning session. Fragile or historical documents, photographs, bound books or albums and similar will be photographed.
  • Copyright and re-publishing rights for the material are strictly the responsibility of patrons, but we reserve the right to reject any document for any reason.
  • There is always a possibility that damage to older, more fragile documents may occur during the scanning process. Ancestry.com urges patrons to use their best judgment when choosing documents to be scanned.
Document preparation
  • Before your scanning session, please remove all staples, pins, and fasteners as well as any tape or sticky material from your photos and documents. These items can harm the scanning equipment.
  • Please sort all of your documents and pictures by size, largest to smallest, before entering your session. This will enable our scanners to more effectively finish your documents in the time allotted.
  • Photos mounted in an album will be digitized as a single image. Bound books do not need to be disassembled, but can be quite slow to digitize. Material stored in sleeves should be removed prior to the scanning session; materials remaining in sleeves will be digitized with the sleeves in place.
Scheduling
  • Sign up for a specific 15-minute time slot. This time slot will include any document preparation not completed prior to the scanning session, so proper document preparation is crucial (see above).
  • Generally we can scan about 50 documents per person in a 15-minute slot, more if documents and photos are newer and/or not fragile.
  • Due to demand, we can accommodate only one scanning session per person during the conference.
  • The scanned files will be saved to a thumb drive (provided by Ancestry.com) and given to attendees for their own use.

Jamboree - Update on Flashback to the 1960s

As you may remember, one of our advance Jamboree activities is to gather personal recollections of the 1960s. We have already received a number of entries -- poignant, funny, sweet and in some ways very familiar. They are all online on the Jamboree website. Take a few moments now to read them, and then write your own reminiscences. One entry will be selected at random at noon on Friday, June 6, and the winner will be announced at the banquet. The winner will receive a free registration to the 2015 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.

I want to feature one of the most creative submissions we've received, sent in by Barb Schwerman Groth of Pinedale, Wyoming. Click on the image below to see a larger version.