Genealogy Jamboree Blog

REMINDER: Free Webinar February 4 with Michael John Neill

2012-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Join us for

See the Patterns

a FREE Webinar with Michael John Neill

Space is limited, so reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/508985496

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

This presentation will lookat a variety of ways to organize information with the intent on noticing informationand trends that were not obvious, preparing the researcher to present theirinformation to others, and assisting the researching in seeing gaps in theirresearch.

Michael John Neill has amaster’s degree in mathematics and is on the math faculty at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. He has researched his children’s ancestors innumerous states and several European countries. He has written hundreds ofgenealogical how-to articles and writes the weekly newsletterCasefile Clues and the free daily “Genealogy Tip of the Day.”

Michael haslectured to genealogical groups across the United States, lecturing on a widevariety of topics. An engaging and down-to-earth speaker, he concentrates onusing actual real-world research examples to illustrate a variety ofgenealogical methods and historical and legal interpretations of local records.

The Jamboree Extension Series allows genealogists from around the world to take advantage of the types of sessions that are offered at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, CA. The series is offered as a service to the genealogical community. Webinar presentations are scheduled on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month.

The complete list of webinars can be found at on the SCGS website (http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/JamboreeExtensionSeries2012.htm).

Jamboree Extension Sessions will be archived and available to SCGS members following the webinar. Membership information can be found at www.scgsgenealogy.com.

Title: FREE Genealogy Webinar "See the Patterns"
Presenter: Michael John Neill
Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012
Time: 60 minute class, 30 minute Q&A
10:00 AM - Pacific
11:00 AM - Mountain
12:00 PM - Central
1:00 PM - Eastern
Or use our Time zone converter

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Welcome to RootsTech!

2012-02-01T15:21:00.001-08:00

Our booth is all set up and ready to welcome fellow genealogists, family historians, and technical wizards.

There are so many reasons to stop by Booth 627, just across the aisle from the Internet Cafe.

1. Register to win a Free Registration to Jamboree (valued at $135). We will give away one each day.

2. Save $5 when you buy a Jamboree registration. Save even more by joining SCGS. And get a gift when you join or renew your membership.

3. Learn more about our Help Wanted need to create an extensive database for online indices (some linked to graphic images) of Southern California data. Yes it's a paying gig.

4. Say hi to several members of the SCGS Board of Directors and the Jamboree Committee.

6. SCGS members, pick up a badge ribbon.

7. Place an order for an SCGS publication and get FREE shipping after RootsTech so you don't need to drag them home on the plane.

8. Have your photo taken with Elvis.

See you soon!!

Attend (some of) RootsTech from Home

2012-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

The RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City starts on Thursday this week, and a large group of us from SCGS will be attending. We are honored to have been chosen as one of the handful of societies to have a booth on the exhibit floor. Stop by booth 627, across the aisle from the Internet Cafe, and say hi. SCGS members, be sure to pick up your "SCGS Member" badge ribbon.

We will keep you updated through blog posts during the conference, which is expected to draw a crowd of over 3,000. Some will be genealogists and family historians; many will be high-tech wizards who develop the software programs, equipment and technology that we use today and will use years from now.

So you can't travel to Salt Lake City? Never fear. Fourteen of the sessions will be lived-streamed so you can watch from home. Here is the schedule as released by the RootsTech. I have highlighted the sessions that are being given by speakers who will be with us at the 2012 Jamboree:

SALT LAKE CITY—RootsTech, a leading family history and technology conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2-4, 2012, announced today that fourteen of its popular sessions will be broadcasted live and complimentary over the Internet. The live broadcasts will give those unable to attend worldwide a sample of this year’s conference content. Interested viewers can watch the live presentations at RootsTech.org. The second-year conference has attracted over 3,000 registered attendees.

The free online sessions include the keynote speakers and a sampling of technology and family history presentations. Following are the fourteen broadcasted sessions and speakers. All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST):

Thursday, February 2

8:30-10:00 am, Inventing the Future, as a Community (Keynote Address) by Jay L. Verkler

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Do I Trust the Cloud? by D. Joshua Taylor

1:45-2:45 pm, Effective Database Search Tactics by Kory Meyerink

3:00-4:00 pm, Twitter – It’s Not Just “What I Had for Breakfast” Anymore by Thomas MacEntee

4:15-5:15 pm, Eleven Layers of Online Searches by Barbara Renick

Friday, February 3

8:30-9:30 am, Exabyte Social Clouds and Other Monstrosities (Keynote Address) by Josh Coates

9:45-10:45 am, Publish Your Genealogy Online by Laura G. Prescott

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Optimize Your Site for Search Engines by Robert Gardner

1:45-2:45 pm, Genealogists “Go Mobile” by Sandra Crowly

3:00-4:00 pm, Google’s Toolbar and Genealogy by Dave Barney

Saturday, February 4

8:30-9:30 am, Making the Most of Technology to Further the Family History Industry (Keynote Address) by Tim Sullivan and Ancestry.com Panel

9:45-10:45 am Genealogy Podcasts and Blogs 101 by Lisa Louise Cooke

11:00 am-12:00 pm, Future of FamilySearch Family Tree by Ron Tanner

1:45-2:45 pm, Privacy in a Collaborative Environment by Noah Tutak

RootsTech App: A Wonderful Resource for Attendees

2012-01-25T00:26:00.000-08:00

The final details about RootsTech are being released and it looks better and better all the time.

The RootsTech App is now available for iPhone, Android, and other systems, including BlackBerry. The RootsTech app was developed by Core-Apps, the same industry-leading team that developed the Jamboree app. It was great fun and instructive to see how another organization used the features available on the app's software.

Those who remember the Jamboree app will recognize the icons on the dashboard. Because of the app's intuitive design, new users will quickly become familiar with navigating through the many ways to help attendees stay organized and updated at a conference.

You can start with the "Events" section. Review the session schedules (selecting developer or users only, or viewing all sessions in a single list)

Pick the sessions you want to attend.
Click to create schedule, using either the schedule provided in the app, or the smartphone's calendar you use every day.
Just like when you started high school, take a few minutes to review the floor plan to find path around the Salt Palace.

Or you can start looking at the "Speaker" section first. Many RootsTech speakers will also be with us in Burbank.

Navigate easily through the various sections of the app.
Pull up the list of speakers to make sure you don't miss your favorites.
Read the speaker's bio, see all of the sessions they are presenting, and then click to jump directly to the class description.
Rate the session when it's finished.

Learn all about RootsTech and conference producer FamilySearch:

Watch FamilySearch and RootsTech videos
Stay in touch through the Twitter feed (#RootsTech) and feeds from selected blogs and conference announcements
Tweet directly from the app.
Look at photos that have been uploaded

The app offers features that have not yet been activated in the RootsTech version. I hope it will be added in the next week.

The exhibitor section contains valuable details about each of the Expo Hall exhibitors: contact information, links to the exhibitor's external website, description of the exhibitor's business, the organization's logo, and PDFs of product information available for download.
Photos of the speakers
Syllabus articles - the most valuable element of the app last year. The articles were downloaded by hundreds of users.
Jamboree's app included advertising and special offers from onsite exhibitors as well as "virtual exhibitors" from authors, bloggers, nonprofits and commercial organizations. Many of the ads contained special offers and discounts. It's understandable RootsTech would not use that option.

RootsTech's video section is outstanding. It really increases the value of the app. We didn't use that section last year for Jamboree, though we hope that we'll have content in 2012.

I didn't remember having issues with the Friends feature but then I realized we didn't activate that service either. In brief, the friend number can be used with only one friend. To add another friend to your list, you need must get a new number. A new friend, a new number. Repeat. Maybe Core-Apps will redesign Friends between new and June.

Stop by booth 627, the SCGS booth, and say hi. Between now and then, keep your eye on the Jamboree blog. We have a couple of surprises for you, including news on how to win a free registration to Jamboree.

Stay tuned.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Jamboree Registration Now Open

2012-01-19T23:18:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 19 June 2012

We are very pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2012 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 8 to 10, 2012, at the LA Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, California. The theme for the 2012 Jamboree is “Lights, Camera, ANCESTORS – Spotlight on Family History.”

“Our attendees can expect an outstanding experience in 2012, maybe even better than in the past,” promised Jamboree chair Leo Myers. “In addition to our usual sessions on methodology, records and repositories, online databases and software, we have scheduled several sessions that will help you share your family stories. Count on Jamboree to serve up a weekend of classic genealogical methods, search strategies and technology while tossing in the excitement of Hollywood.”

The exhibit hall, home of nearly 70 companies, societies, online data providers, software and technology companies, will be open to the public throughout the weekend.

Jamboree will feature nearly 60 speakers and over 100 courses over the weekend. Only the most skilled and knowledgeable lecturers are invited to share their expertise and knowledge.

As is our tradition, we will offer several free sessions during our JamboFREE on Friday morning. “We are committed to making family history affordable. We don’t want the economy to get in the way of the search for our roots,” Myers explained. “Friday morning, we’ll have something for everyone. Librarians. Genealogical society leaders. Beginners who are testing the family history waters as well as experienced genealogists.”

One of the more popular JamboFREE activities is Kids’ Family History Camp, designed for youth ages 8 to 16. Kids’ Camp will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on June 7. Scout leaders are invited to bring their troop members to earn their Genealogy badge.

This year will feature two special pre-event sessions, the Family History Writers Conference, and Tech-Trax, special sessions focused on technology for genealogists. One session will be beginner level (“What is a folder? What happens when I push *THIS* button?”) and the other will offer sessions for more computer literate users. Details for these two pre-events will be released soon.

Rounding out the weekend are social activities, including tours, breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday evening banquet, and the Hollywood Gala on Friday evening.

Visit the Jamboree website at www.scgsgenealogy.com for full details. Early-bird registration discounts are available through April 22. Members of the Southern California Genealogical Society enjoy additional discounts.

Join the other 1700+ attendees at the 2012 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. Register today!

For more information contact:
Paula Hinkel
Southern California Genealogical Society
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504
phinkel@scgsgenealogy.com
818.574.8393 phone
818.688.3253 fax

FREE Webinar "See the Patterns" with Michael John Neill February 4, 2012

2012-01-18T16:06:00.000-08:00

Join us for

See the Patterns

a FREE Webinar with Michael John Neill

Space is limited, so reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/508985496

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

REMINDER: Free Webinar "The Two Sides of Interviewing" with Jean Wilcox Hibben Phd CG - January 18, 2012

2012-01-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

Join us for

The Two Sides ofInterviewing

a FREE Webinar with Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Space is limited, so reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/491227857

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

While most of us know the basics of interviewing, this presentation looks at it from a couple of different angles: from the fields of speech communication and folklore; more specifically, oral history gathering techniques. Also included is a discussion of the “other side” of interviewing: responding as the interviewee. Some suggestions for before, during, and after the interview, for those on both sides, are covered.

Board Certified genealogistJean Wilcox Hibben has been involved in family research for 30+ years. She is amember of the Genealogical Speakers Guild (where she serves as secretary), theAssoc. of Professional Genealogists (serving as president of the So. CAChapter), and the Corona Genealogical Society (where she serves as president).She maintains a website with information about her presentations, CDs,projects, etc.: www.circlemending.organd a blog on “completing the family circle”: www.circlemending.blogspot.com.Jean is the director of the Corona CA Family History Center, and a volunteer atNARA, Pacific Region, Riverside County. A retired communications professor (sheholds BA and MA degrees in the field), Jean has a doctorate in folklore; as anational speaker, she is known for entertaining, as well as informative,presentations.

The complete list of webinars can be found at on the SCGS website (http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/JamboreeExtensionSeries2012.htm).

Jamboree Extension Sessions will be archived and available to SCGS members following the webinar. Membership information can be found at www.scgsgenealogy.com.

Title: FREE Genealogy Webinar "The Two Sides of Interviewing"

Presenter: Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Time: 60 minute class, 30 minute Q&A

6:00 PM - Pacific

7:00 PM - Mountain

8:00 PM - Central

9:00 PM - Eastern

Or use our Time zone converter

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:

PC-based attendees

Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees

Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

FREE Webinar: "The Two Sides of Interviewing" with Jean Wilcox Hibben - Wednesday 18 Jan 2012

2012-01-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Join us for

The Two Sides ofInterviewing

a FREE Webinar with Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Space is limited, so reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/491227857

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

The complete list of webinars can be found at on the SCGS website (http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/JamboreeExtensionSeries2012.htm).

Jamboree Extension Sessions will be archived and available to SCGS members following the webinar. Membership information can be found at www.scgsgenealogy.com.

Title: FREE Genealogy Webinar "The Two Sides of Interviewing"

Presenter: Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Time: 60 minute class, 30 minute Q&A

6:00 PM - Pacific

7:00 PM - Mountain

8:00 PM - Central

9:00 PM - Eastern

Or use our Time zone converter

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:

PC-based attendees

Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees

Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

REMINDER: FREE Webinar January 7 with Linda Woodward Geiger CG, CGL

2012-01-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Join us for

Me and My Laptop:

Getting the Most out of your Laptop while Researching Onsite

a FREE Webinar with Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL

Space is limited, so reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/168169592

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

The first scheduled webinar for the 2012 Jamboree Extension Series is "Me and My Laptop: Getting the Most out of your Laptop while Researching Onsite." You'll learn tips for making onsite research more efficient and productive using DropBox (or similar cloud) in conjunction with spreadsheets, word processing programs, genealogy software, and more.

Our speaker, Linda Woodward Geiger, is the principal researcher, author, and lecturer of Woodward-Geiger.com (a subdivision of Vitaline, Inc.). Although she specializes in Georgia's state and county records prior to 1900 and a variety of federal records, particularly of the southeast region of the United States, she has extensive experience in many other geographic regions of the United States.

Linda's personal research involves New England records. She also specializes in methods for finding elusive ancestors--those mighty brick walls. She is an associate of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), holding credentials as a Certified Genealogist(sm) and as a Certified Genealogical Lecturer(sm). She is a former trustee and a former editor of the BCG newsletter, OnBoard.

The Jamboree Extension Series allows genealogists from around the world to take advantage of the types of sessions that are offered at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, CA. The series is offered as a service to the genealogical community. Webinar presentations are scheduled on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month.

The complete list of webinars can be found at on the SCGS website (http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/JamboreeExtensionSeries2012.htm).

Jamboree Extension Sessions will be archived and available to SCGS members following the webinar. Membership information can be found at www.scgsgenealogy.com.

Title: FREE "Me and My Laptop" Webinar -
Presenter: Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL
Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012
Time: 90-minute sessions
10:00 AM - Pacific
11:00 AM - Mountain
12:00 PM - Central
1:00 PM - Eastern
Or use our Time zone converter

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

FREE Webinar January 7 with Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL

2012-01-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Join us for

Me and My Laptop:

Getting the Most out of your Laptop while Researching Onsite

a FREE Webinar with Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL

Jamboree 2012: The Big Reveal #3 - Exhibitors

2011-12-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

There are so many facets of Jamboree that combine to make the overall experience so valuable. In addition to the venue and the speakers, the exhibitors serve as a source of consultation, assistance and support.

Tonight's big reveal is the list of exhibitors that have already reserved spots on the Exhibit Hall. We have many long-time exhibitors as well as new faces this year.

You can click on the link at the top of the GenealogyJamboree blog, or you can use this link to go directly to the exhibitor page.

If the links don't work when you click on them, just copy and paste the URL into your browser.

A note to exhibitors: If you are tossing around the idea of joining us in June, please move quickly to reserve your spot. Leo Myers is waiting to hear from you. The exhibit floor always sells out quickly and we want to be able to include you.

Jamboree 2012: The Big Reveal #2 - Speakers

2011-12-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Meet the list of outstanding speakers who will join the Jamboree family in 2012. Many you've met before, and some are new faces to Southern California. After the first of the year, we will have more comprehensive information about the backgrounds of these instructors, as well as information on the presentations they will make.

In the meantime, please review the list and welcome our speakers to Burbank!

Are you thinking, "uh, where's the list?"

Look at the top of the blog, just below the banner. You should see some words (home, hotel, speakers) in gray or red, located just under the "Jamboree." Click on "Speakers." If you can't find it, here is a direct link: http://genealogyjamboree.blogspot.com/p/speakers.html

That reminds me. We are expanding the Jamboree blog to become a one-stop quick reference source while our new Jamboree website is under construction. Over the next few days, we'll add lists of exhibitors, sponsors, and lots of other aspects of Jamboree. Keep coming back!

Jamboree 2012: The Big Reveal #1

2011-12-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Click to download a high-resolution PDF

It's time to begin to tantalize you with details of the 2012 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.

Over the next two weeks, we will release bits and pieces of the plans for the 43rd Annual Jamboree, culminating with the opening of registration and unveiling of the 2012 website.

The theme for this year's Jamboree is "Lights, Camera, ANCESTORS! Spotlight on Family History." The theme reflects, of course, Southern California's long history in the film industry. If a group in Burbank can't pull off a theme like this, then it's time for us to hang it up!

But even more than the film industry, this year's Jamboree will spotlight the many types of artifacts, memories, cold hard facts, and even myths that form a family's history.

We have some most excellent activities and events planned for our Jamboree family. Stay tuned and follow the lead-up to the 2012 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree.

p.s. - Are you stuck for a gift? We have an answer for you. Think about a gift certificate for SCGS. It can be used toward membership, toward research services, or even toward Jamboree registration. Buy it online now on the SCGS website. You choose the value and we'll take care of the rest.

Jamboree: Order Your Conference Recordings Now

2011-07-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

Great news! Conference Resource has begun to ship the audio recordings (thumb drives) and DVD video recordings of sessions at Jamboree. If you ordered any recordings while you were at Jamboree, you should get yours soon if you haven't already received it.

I've watched a few of the DVDs and the quality is outstanding. The crew did a fabulous job of capturing all of the excitement and wisdom contained in the sessions.

Once they have completed their work, Conference Resource will offer the sessions for download from their website. In the meantime, though, if you want to review the list of available recordings and even order by mail, the order form is online here. It's a PDF that is legal-sized (8-1/2" by 14") document. You'll need a copy of Adobe Reader in order to be able to view it.

You'll remember that we lived-streamed several sessions on Saturday. Those sessions will be available for viewing at no cost by SCGS members. Please give us until August to get those online. The SCGS website is due to a big move to a new server in the next couple of weeks, and we really don't want to stress the website now.

As a gentle reminder, we are still accepting donations to help fund the cost of these streamed recordings. Every donation brings us closer to being able to offer similar services in the future. You can pay through PayPal, through the SCGS website, or by sending a check to SCGS, 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, CA 91504.

Thank You for Your Financial Support

2011-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Genealogy Friends,

As you may have heard, SCGS will have streaming video sessions on Saturday from Jamboree. The programs are offered free of charge to the genealogical community, but we have (gently) requested donations to help support SCGS's technological efforts. We didn't know how it would work out, but here's a preliminary report.

PayPal donations are coming in faster than they ever have. For that, we are very grateful and thanks to those of you who have already contributed.

If you are interested in supporting our various webinars, free streaming videos and other initiatives, please consider donating through PayPal or through the SCGS shopping cart. If you use the shopping cart, the minimum donation is $10. If you would like to donate more than $10, just change the quantity. (For example, if you want to donate $50, just change the quantity from "1" to "5").

Jamboree Recordings Available for Pre-Order

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

We are working with a new recording vendor this year, and I have to say I am SO impressed with them.

Conference Resource has produced the CD versions of the syllabus and are going to be providing audio and video recordings of selected sessions at Jamboree. They have prepared a pre-order form so you can participate from a distance.

Here's a link to the order information.

These preorders are for the set of recordings. Recording of single sessions will be available during Jamboree and will be available after the conference for online ordering.

Playing Around with ImageChef and ImageLoop

2010-08-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

I found two fun new website utilities today. One is www.imagechef.com which lets you add your text and pictures to graphics. The other is www.imageloop.com which lets you add slideshows to webpages and blogs. Both sites are free, although you can purchase a pro subscription to www.imagechef.com.

You can see another little slideshow at www.itjustnevercameup.blogspot.com.

Jamboree: Session Recordings Now Available

2010-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

We just heard from JAMB-Inc., our partners who did the audio recording at Jamboree. The audio CDs are now available for purchase from their website, http://jamb-inc.com.

Happy shopping!

Jamboree: Syllabus Copies Available

2010-06-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Print and CD copies of the Jamboree syllabus are available for purchase at the SCGS website.

The printed syllabus is $20; the CD version is $10. The CD version requires Adobe Reader and is fully searchable. Quantities are limited so act quickly.

Jamboree: Factoid - Level of Proficiency

2010-06-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

How would you rate your genealogical experience and researching proficiency? Click on the image below to see a more legible version of the table. Jamboree offers courses at all experience levels.

Jamboree: Factoid - How Many Times at Jamboree

2010-06-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Over one-third of Jamboree registrants are first-timers in 2010. Close to 20% are returning for their second Jamboree. Click on the image to see a larger, more legible table.

Help SCGS by Shopping and Swiping at Ralphs

2010-05-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving Ralphs the other day, I noticed that they were asking customers to upgrade their Ralphs Rewards cards. That reminded me that I had registered my card so that a percentage of my shopping would be donated to SCGS. I looked at the bottom of my receipt and saw the familiar "SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL" (see photo) as confirmation that I had correctly registered.

The amount donated to SCGS is based on the total amount of a customer's quarterly spending as shown below.

1% - Up to $200
2% - Between $200.01 and $350
3% - Between $350.01 and $500
4% - Over $500

Ralphs contributes a maximum of $750,000 quarterly to be distributed among all participating eligible organizations. This is a valuable source of funding to aid SCGS in meeting its financial commitments. Per Ralphs, periodic re-registration is required so make sure to check the bottom of your receipt each time your shop.

Help SCGS earn the maximum donation per quarter by registering your card on-line (detailed instructions).

Go to www.ralphs.com and log into your account
Click "My Account"
Verify the Ralphs Rewards Card Information is correct
Edi your Community Rewards Information by typing "SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GENEALOGICAL" into the search box.

(NOTE: may take 72 hours to reflect registration)

You can also stop by the Tech Zone at Jamboree to register.

Thanks to Heidi Ziegler for this post

Jamboree Genealogy World - Small Group Discussions

2010-05-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about Friday morning's JamboFREE activities this year. The events will remove the barrier of cost for anyone who is interested in learning how to trace their roots.

The free Genealogy World round table discussions make up a mini-conference of their own. With nearly twenty different topics during each of two sessions, all participants are sure to find something that will help advance their own research. The round table discussions are hosted by individuals who have experience in the topic or area, but they are intended as an information exchange. It's a great way to get to know other attendees and make new friends, too.

Round table discussion groups have been set up for geographic emphasis as well as topics.

Geographic / ethnic: African-American, English, German, Jewish, Mexican, New England, Portuguese, Scottish, English-Canadian, French-Canadian, Hungarian, Irish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish

Topics: Adoption Research and Reunion, DNA, Energize your Society Membership and Volunteerism (CSGA), Genealogists in Second Life, Planning Great Programs and Events (CSGA), Show and Tell, Society Newsletters (CSGA), Archiving your Family Movies and Sound Recordings, and publishing your family history.

Bring examples for the sessions that are italicized. Be sure you also have your family group sheets, documents for your reference, and specific questions to raise during the session. If you need something translated, bring that too. No promises, but lots of help will be available to help you pole vault right over that brick wall!

You can download the complete list and descriptions of topics for both sessions here.

Preregistration is requested but is not required. Genealogy World will be held in the Pavilion (the big white tent to the east of the Convention Center. You can't miss it. 9am to 12noon at the Marriott Burbank Airport. Be there!

Jamboree - A Genealogy Destination

2010-05-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

In the pre-Internet years, Jamboree was designed as trade show with some lecture sessions. It drew local family historians and genealogists.

Jamboree has grown over the years to become a destination for genealogists who come from locations all around the country. This year we are welcoming attendees from Arizona, northern and southern California, Canada, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington. All I have to say is WOW!

We look forward to personally welcoming everyone to sunny Southern California.

SCGS Social Media Policy

2010-05-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Jamboree has enjoyed a special relationship with the blogging community since the first Blogger Summit in 2008. Just two years ago, 90% of the active genealogy blogging community could be seated at a dais. Now, we would be hard pressed to find a room that would hold everyone!

To ensure that we have an environment that is mutually supportive for the social medial users, our lecturers, and our lecture audience members, the SCGS Board of Directors adopted the following Social Media Policy:

The Southern California Genealogical Society is an active supporter of the use of social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, and blogging) at its events, including the society’s annual Genealogy Jamboree. Event attendees are allowed and encouraged to promote, critique, and review the conference, its exhibitors, speakers, and activities using these forms of media.

Use of smartphones, netbooks, laptops, etc., shall not disrupt other attendees. Mobile device ringers must be set to silent during lecture sessions.

Attendees are prohibited from recording the proceedings of any lecture or workshop session by any means, including but not limited to photography, audio recording, video recording, or verbatim transcription, without expressed written permission from both SCGS and the lecture speaker. Some sessions will be professionally audio recorded and available after the event.

Social media may be used to summarize or extract lecture content provided:

(1) the author is referenced and cited appropriately; and

(2) material is not shared in full.

We fully respect the intellectual property rights of the authors of syllabus materials and lecture content. Copyright laws apply.

Genealogy Authors: Sell Your Books at Jamboree

2010-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Genealogy Authors: Are you interested in selling your books at Jamboree? We will be glad to handle sales through the SCGS sales table in return for a modest handling fee. We will take care of the taxes and promote your books. If you will be at Jamboree, we will schedule you for book signings at times that are best for you.

If you're selling books from your own booth, let us know and we'll schedule you for book signings as well. We want to help you succeed, and we want to provide as many resources to our exhibit hall shoppers as we can.

Interested? You can get the scoop, give us your desired schedule for book signings, and provide all the financial details about the book sale, please read the information at http://JamboreeBookSales.surveyconsole.com

Call for Jamboree Volunteers

2010-04-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Jamboree is more fun when you set aside a couple of hours to help. You know you want to be there, so why not be a part of the action! Volunteer now! No experience is necessary; we’ll train you for the job. Some jobs take brains, some take brawn, and others just take a willing smile, an interest in people and a volunteer’s heart.

Carma-Lu Thompson will be overseeing the volunteer army and she will be getting in touch with volunteers as Jamboree draws near. Send an email to Carma-Lu at clu5536@yahoo.com to let her know of the times, dates and tasks that interest you.

Volunteers who work at least four (4) hours on site at Jamboree will receive a $5 food coupon as a token of appreciation. Volunteers can earn one coupon per day.

Here's what we need:

Team Leaderships Roles:

1. Transportation Team Leader. Oversee the load-out from SCGS beginning at noon on Thursday, June 10. Arrange for truck (Uhaul or private trucking). On Friday morning, oversee the loading and return of both bus trips (Evergreen Cemetery and SCGS Library). Distribute and collect release forms. Serve as primary contact for Marriott parking staff. Oversee the load-out from the Marriott to SCGS on Sunday after 3:30 p.m.

2. Door Prize / Raffle Manager. Solicit door prizes from sponsoring organizations. Maintain records of door prizes donated. Organize the drawing and disbursement of door prizes at Jamboree. Oversee system of notifying winners. Sell tickets and encourage sales onsite at Jamboree.

3. Audio-Visual Equipment Team Leader: Place the correct equipment in each speaker's room. Assist in connecting the equipment; perform equipment and sound checks. Assure security of equipment.

Other Positions:

Conference Center Door Staff: Direct guests away from the convention center during Friday morning set-up hours. Provide directions to JamboFREE events. Serve as door guard for Convention Center. Open doors for exhibitors.

Pre-Registration Table: Greet attendees. Distribute registration packets, Pink Sheets, and name badges. Distribute printed syllabus to those who have tickets. Break open boxes. Friendly, cheerful, unflappable. Casual business attire.

Hospitality: Greet people and direct them to the appropriate registration line (pre-register or walk-in). Distribute and collect registration forms from walk-in registrants waiting in line. Give directions to lecture rooms, rest rooms, etc. Collect Jamboree evaluation forms.

Room Monitor: badge checks/take tickets, distribute / collect evaluation forms, estimate attendance at each session, photograph speakers and audience shots, and do room maintenance (straighten chairs, etc.). Notify Venue Manager immediately of any audio-visual, speaker, unsafe crowding, any problematic issues. May introduce speaker but this is not required. (Note to volunteers: We need at one monitor for each session and multiple monitors for large sessions. Volunteering as a monitor is a great way to be assured of a seat at even the most popular session. Check the lecture schedule and pick the two or three sessions that are most important for you to attend. Volunteer to be room monitor for those sessions, and Carma-Lu will do her best to assign you to the lecture your choice. It's the best way to be assured of a seat in a very popular class.)

Speaker Introduction: Read prewritten introductions of speakers. Stick to the script, short and sweet. Respectful and professional. Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.

Ancestry.com Scanning: Primary onsite contact for Ancestry.com staff. Organize sign-up at beginning of each day. Ancestry.com has asked for volunteers to help run the digitizing equipment and there are volunteer positions open with Ancestry as well.

Tech Zone: Set up / maintain equipment, assist patrons with use of databases, keep time used by patrons, troubleshoot access. Assure security of equipment.

Data entry: Enter results of evaluation forms. Inform coordinators of serious issues.

We also need volunteers for:

SCGS Sales Table: Handles money. Runs cash register. Assists patrons with purchases. Maintains sales table. Sells speakers' books, SCGS items, raffle tickets, memberships. Volunteers for the SCGS Sales Table should contact Jan Jennings at jantj@sbcglobal.net.

Genealogy World Round-table Discussions Contact Lin LaRochelle at mefinley@earthlink.net.

Registration Bag Stuffers - Show up at the SCGS Library on Saturday, June 5, at 10am for the annual assembly chaos of stuffing the registration bags. It's a great way to get to meet other volunteers and to get a sneak peek at Jamboree. It kicks off Jamboree Week in a rousing, fun, free-pizza-for-all, kind of way.

We Need You!

"Getting The Most out of a Genealogy Conference" Webinar Available Online

2010-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

SCGS hosted a very successful webinar, "Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference," conducted by George G. Morgan. The webinar is now posted online and is available for viewing. Click on the image to the left and you'll be taken to the SCGS Videos page. Select the "Getting the Most" video and sit back and enjoy the presentation.

While the session uses Jamboree examples, George's points and suggestions are useful for attending any genealogy conference. The last 30 minutes of the video is a Q and A session that pertains mostly to Jamboree.

While you're on the video page, watch the other great videos that have been filmed at past Jamborees.

Huge thanks to RootsTelevision for hosting the video and to George for doing a fantastic job!

JamboFREE: Volunteer for Genealogy World

2010-03-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

“Genealogy World” is a terrific opportunity to network and have fun doing it. It serves as an ice-breaker for newcomers and old-hand attendees alike.

It gives you a chance to interact with others who are researching the same area or who are interested in a particular research methodology. And best of all, it's JamboFREE.

Groups will meet in round-table discussions to share experiences, suggest search strategies, and answer questions about researching ancestors across the globe.

There will be two sessions on Friday morning, June 11, 2010. The first session runs 9:00 a.m. to 10:15, and the second session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

We are seeking table hosts who will be tasked with keeping the conversation going. Participants can look forward to a spirited, valuable exchange of information. Groups will also discuss genealogy methodologies and topics of special interest to genealogical societies. Table hosts do not need to be experts with all the answers. They just need to be interested in the topic and good at keeping the conversation rolling.

Some examples of the topics are:

adoption search and reunion
a "show and tell" session to demonstrate how to display your family history. It could be a quilt, an illustrated chart, or even a quilt or other handicraft.

Ethnic, international, and state/regional US:

German
Irish
French-Canadian
Jewish
Canadian
Scottish
Etc., etc., etc.
Southern US states
Civil War records

Society topics, hosted by members of the California State Genealogical Alliance and others, including:

Energize Your Society...Increase Membership and Volunteerism
Society Newsletters: Who, What, When, Where, Why
Planning Great Society Program and Events

Lin LaRochelle, who has done such a great job of organizing the "Small Small World" event the past two years, will be overseeing this year's event. If you would be willing to host a discussion group, please let her know the topic/geography/ethnicity you feel most comfortable with, and which session (earlier, later session, or both sessions) you would like to host.

Lin LaRochelle, mefinley@earthlink.net, or drop a note to jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com and we'll get it to Lin.

Thank you!

SCGS "Genealogy Conference" Webinar a big Success!

2010-03-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 27, SCGS hosted its first webinar, with George G. Morgan speaking on "How to get the Most out of a Genealogy Conference."

Over 120 people from 20 states, plus Alberta, Canada, attended the webinar. That is so COOL! We certainly reached a wide area with this presentation! We learned that it's a great way to communicate with our audience, especially during the Q and A session. There were some great questions tossed at us!

68% gave it an "A" rating, 26% a "B" and the rest gave it a "C". George did a fabulous job.

The PowerPoint slides from the presentation are available for download here, and the video will be posted online within the next couple of days.

Thanks everyone for attending!

Advertise in the Jamboree Syllabus

2010-03-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Professional genealogists, societies, and businesses serving the genealogical community:

What would it be worth to you to get your name in front of 1600 attendees at one of the largest genealogy conferences in the US? Plus, have an internet ad placed on the conference website at no additional charge? Why not place an ad in the Jamboree syllabus and find out?

With our highly-targeted audience and an online ad linking from the Jamboree website to yours, you'll be sure to get the publicity that will help to grow your society, professional genealogy consulting service, or business.

Syllabus ads rates are very reasonable:
$ 40 ... 2" high x 3" wide business card size
$ 60 ... 4" wide x 5" high (Quarter Page Vertical)
$ 60 ... 5" wide x 4" high (Quarter Page Horizontal)
$ 80 ... 8" high x 5" wide (Half Page Vertical)
$ 80 ... 5" high x 8" wide (Half Page Horizontal)
$150 ... 8 ½" wide x 11" high (Full Page B/W)

Provide copy in PDF, Word, JPG, PNG, or Publisher format. No bleeds. Email camera-ready content to jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com. If you need assistance in designing your ad, we can help with that too. Please submit camera-ready copy by April 30, 2010. Payment for the ad can be made by check payable to Southern California Genealogical Society, 417 Irving Drive, Burbank, CA 91504, or through our secure shopping cart.

The Genealogy Craze

2010-03-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

What fun I had listening to "The Genealogy Craze," a radio interview on Minnesota Public Radio.

Megan Smolenyak2 and Bennett Greenspan, both of whom will be speaking at Jamboree this year, did a great job during the one-hour interview. You can listen to it here:

Free Webinar: How to Get the Most out of a Genealogy Conference

2010-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Join us on Saturday, March 27, 2010, for a free webinar conducted by one of genealogy’s favorite speakers and a featured Jamboree presenter, George G. Morgan of The Genealogy Guys Podcast.

"How to Get the Most out of a Genealogy Conference" is perfect for those who are planning to attend their first genealogical conference, whether it’s the Genealogy Jamboree, NGS, FGS, or any other large event. Even those who have attended several conferences will pick up some new ideas.

George will walk you through all the steps for maximizing your conference experience. These include:

• registering for the conference;
• planning your conference schedule;
• planning your attack on the exhibit hall (including doing some preliminary research on exhibitor company websites and putting together a shopping list);
• encouraging your cousins to attend, too;
• making travel arrangements;
• using the syllabus;
• and more!

He'll have lots of suggestions for onsite at the conference, including meeting other attendees, how to get one-on-one time with your favorite speakers, and how to work the vendors in the exhibit hall to gather new information. George will cover all this and more.

George has more than 25 years of training experience, has attended and spoken at hundreds of events, and has planned the programs for two of the Federation of Genealogical Societies national conferences. No one knows genealogy conferences like George!

The original broadcast of the webinar on March 27 is limited to 100 attendees. But don’t fret if you aren’t one of the lucky 100. The program will be available for viewing anytime after April 1, 2010, at www.scgsgenealogy.com.

Don’t miss this great webinar!

The session is open to the public, and space is limited.
Reserve your place now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/999938817

Publicize Jamboree in Your Family Newsletter

2010-03-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about inviting your cousins to Jamboree? Just think about the benefits:

You could trade information face to face.
You could divide and conquer when you want to see two or three different sessions at the same time
You could see the family without having them under your roof. Everyone stays at the Marriott and there's no kicking the kids out of their bedrooms, and no one will plunder your refrigerator in the middle of the night.

Here is an example of a notice that went out to the Armfield family genealogists:

Hello Armfields!

Have you ever thought of a real-time get-together with the Armfield genealogists? There’s a great opportunity coming up: The Southern California Genealogy Jamboree will be held June 11-13 in Burbank, California. It’s a three-day conference packed with over 120 class sessions, banquets, breakfasts, networking and fun. We have internationally renowned speakers and an exhibit floor with about 70 commercial organizations and societies.

I am extending a special invitation to all of my cousins to join us. The hotel has discounted room rates, and Southern California offers a long list of tourist activities. If you’re interested, contact me at phinkel@pacbell.net. You can read all about the Jamboree at www.scgsgenealogy.com – click on the Jamboree link.

Hope to see you there!!

Paula

Feel free to borrow these words and invite your cousins. If you pull together a family reunion or you meet cousins that you've never met or haven't seen since you both were in knickers, we'd love to feature you on the Jamboree blog.

Wanted: Jamboree Freebie Table Items

2010-02-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Attention genealogical societies, heritage societies, genealogy vendors and suppliers of all types. We Want You!

Everybody loves the Jamboree freebie table. We provide copies of brochures, membership applications and fliers to our attendees. Organizations can put their materials on the freebie table at no charge.

Jamboree's geographic focus this year is Canada, Mexico, and the many regions of the United States. We know that our attendees are researching in these areas, which makes them potential members of YOUR society.

What a great opportunity for you to make it easy to gain new members! With only the cost of postage to ship a batch of brochures, you can increase the size of your membership.

This offer is not limited to North America. We'll be glad to include information from any of our distant homelands as well as specific ethnic or other groups.

To make an extra splash, you can place an ad in the Jamboree Syllabus or provide a door prize for our drawing. We'll promote you in the conference program, the Jamboree blog and on the website.

If you'd like to send material for the Freebie Table, please send it by June 1 to:

Jamboree Freebie Table
Southern California Genealogical Society
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504-2408

Drop a note to jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com if you'd like to discuss a door prize or ad.

FREE Librarians' Genealogy Boot Camp in Burbank

2010-02-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Southern California Genealogical Society is pleased to announce a free three-hour educational opportunity for librarians who assist genealogy and family history patrons.

Offered in conjunction with the Society’s annual Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, California, the Librarians’ Genealogy Boot Camp will be conducted by two of genealogy’s most popular speakers:

George G. Morgan is an internationally recognized genealogist and author of eight books, several online columns, and hundreds of articles for genealogical publications. As president of Aha! Seminars, Inc., George conducts seminars for libraries and genealogists. George is a director of two genealogical societies and co-host of “The Genealogy Guys Podcast.”

Drew Smith, MLS, a University of South Florida librarian, is co-host of the Genealogy Guys Podcast, author of the book Social Networking for Genealogists, and a columnist for Digital Genealogist magazine. Drew is a Director of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and President of the Florida Genealogical Society (Tampa).

Session 1 - Using the HeritageQuest® Databases (Morgan). The HeritageQuest Online databases by ProQuest undoubtedly contain some of the richest American genealogical materials. Many libraries provide remote access to library cardholders to this collection. Learn how to unlock the power and content of this great resource.

Session 2 - How to Help Your Patrons Find the Book with Their Family in It (Smith). Show your patrons how to do an exhaustive search for books and other published materials about their families that will help them begin their research.

Friday, June 11, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Hollywood Room – first floor, main hotel
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel
2500 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91504

The Librarians' Genealogy Boot Camp is free. Attendance is limited to 100 participants and advance registration is required.

Registration details and further information can be found at www.scgsgenealogy.com. Look for the “Librarians’ Boot Camp” listing under the SCGS Events and Programs. While you’re there, check out all of the great sessions to be offered at Jamboree.

Please feel free to share this announcement with your colleagues.

Paula Hinkel
Co-Chair, Genealogy Jamboree
Southern California Genealogical Society
417 Irving Drive
Burbank, CA 91504
818.843.7247
jamboree@scgsgenealogy.com

The LA Fast Food Tour Makes the Big Time

2010-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

One Saturday morning a couple of years ago, I decided to write a few blog posts about some of my favorite LA fast food eateries. The posts spotlighted Pink's, Tommy's, Fatburger, and Philippe's. You can read them by clicking here.

About a year ago, I got a note from someone who was putting together a foodie book and she asked permission to include my silly little posts in the book. Of course I gave permission and then really didn't think anything more about it ...

... until I got a note that the book had been published! By National Geographic, no less!

The LA Fast Food Tour appears on page 135 and if you look *really* hard at the list of authors in the back of the book, you'll find my name there. (It might take a magnifying glass.)

I don't have a vested interest in the sale of this book, so I feel free to recommend it very highly. It's a beautiful book (you know the photography is breathtaking -- it's published by National Geographic). It's entertaining and fun to learn about food in faraway places. You can click on the graphic above to order it from Amazon.

Jamboree 2010 Exhibitors

2010-01-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

Just look at the list of societies, information providers and commercial companies that will stake a claim on the exhibit floor at Jamboree. For more information on each exhibitor, including their web pages and contact information, check out the Jamboree website at the Jamboree website at www.scgsgenealogy.com

Ancestry.com
Antelope Valley Genealogical Society
Arcalife.com
Arphax Publishing Company
Bridge to Yesterday
British Isles Family History Society - USA
Bureau of Land Management
California African American Genealogical Society
California Genealogical Society
California State Genealogical Alliance
Carlberg Press
Colonial Dames of the 17th Century
Creative Continuum
Creative Memories
Criminal Research Press - Ron Arons
DAR, Martin Severance Chapter
Delphic Press
EasyNetSites.com
FamilyBuilder
Family Roots
Family Tree DNA
FamilySearch
Family Tree Magazine
Family Tree Maker
Federation of Genealogical Societies
French-Canadian Heritage Society of California
Footnote.com
Genealogical Institute - Arlene Eakle, Ph.D, FUGA
Genealogical Society of Hispanic America – SoCal Chapter
Genealogy Gems Podcast
Geneartology
Generation Maps
Genlighten.com
Heritage Makers
John T. Humphrey, CG - Pennsylvania Genealogy Books
Immigrant Genealogical Society
ISOGG
JAMB Recordings
Legacy Family Tree
Light Impressions
Los Californianos
MyHeritage.com
Moorshead Magazines Ltd.
National Institute for Genealogical Studies
New England Historic Genealogical Society
Photos Made Perfect
RootsMagic
Salt Lake Plaza Hotel
San Diego Genealogical Society
San Fernando Valley Genealogical Society
Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society
Seaside Highland Games
Southern California Chapter – Association of Professional Genealogists
Southern California Genealogical Society
SCGS Book Nook - Authors and book signings
SCGS Tech Zone
SCGS Research Team
Maureen Taylor
Uncle Ronnie's Pens

Get Your Jamboree Program!

2009-12-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

Be sure to get a 2010 #Genealogy Jamboree brochure mailed to you – give us your name and address at http://tinyurl.com/yfqr22f

Your information will be used only to get in touch with you regarding Jamboree. We will never sell or divulge your contact information.

Your address should be in our database if you attended Jamboree in 2009 or if you are an SCGS member. If you've moved since last June, please provide your updated snail mail address.

#SCGS10

View the New Jamboree Video!

2009-11-28T19:40:00.001-08:00

How many people can you recognize in this video footage that was shot at the 2009 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree? We're getting all ramped up for 2010 and this is a great way to start ... by looking at all the excitement and fun of last year's event. What do you think?

The Genealogy Guys Interviews at Jamboree 2009

2009-11-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

The Genealogy Guys, Drew Smith and George G. Morgan, conducted several video interviews at Jamboree 2009. Today, they posted an interview that shows (a) how tired two meeting planners can be in the middle of a conference and (b) how Leo and Paula really do share a brain. Catch the interview at

GenealogyGuys.blip.tv

You'll find lots of other interviews there. Poke around and enjoy the views!

2009 Jamboree Session CDs Available

2009-07-27T23:50:00.001-07:00

JAMB-Inc. audiorecorded nearly 80 percent of the sessions that were conducted at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in June 2009. The CDs are now available for purchase from the JAMB website.

The cost is $12 per CD, or $11 each with the purchase of 10 or more CDs. You'll need to know the session number to place your order.

CDs are available for the following sessions:

Friday, June 26
FR-C Introduction to Genealogy: Getting Started the Right Way
FR-D Introduction to Genealogy: Advanced Beginners
FR-02 Adams: What’s New on Ancestry.com
FR-04 Broglin: Hot off the Press
FR-05 Nauta: FamilySearch Records Access and Digital Historical Books
FR-06 Dollarhide: Scots-Irish to Backwoods America, 1717-1775
FR-07 DearMYRTLE: Finding Digital Items in the Family History Catalog
FR-08 Eakle: Is your Genealogy Already Compiled?
FR-09 Leclerc: NEHGS Resources for British Research
FR-10 Malesky: Writing Your Research Plan
FR-11 Trindle: Online Resources for California Research
FR-12 Elliott: Buried Treasure: Lost in Print
FR-13 Rencher: FamilySearch Indexing Project Update
FR-14 Burroughs: The Nature of Genealogy
FR-15 Johnson: Constructing the Lives of Our Ancestors in 19th Century England
FR-16 Rencher: Irish Census and Census Substitutes
FR-17 Buzbee: RootsMagic 4: Family History Has Never Been This Easy
FR-19 Elliott: War with Britain: The Second American Independence in 1812
FR-20 Meitzler: Finding Your Family in American Newspapers and Periodicals
FR-21 Fechter: Ancestry.com and You, Saving the Records of the World
FR-22 Ericson: Family History Library Catalog 2.0
FR-24 Greenspan: DNA for Females, Adoptees, and Strong Lineage Connections

Saturday, June 27
SA-01 Wait: The Mission of Genealogy: Connecting Individuals with their Family’s History
SA-02 Alzo: Write your Family History Step by Step
SA-05 Eakle: Finding Lost Records and Sources Outside the Library
SA-07 Buzbee: RootsMagic 4
SA-08 Trindle: Scottish Records
SA-09 Panel Discussion: Summit 2: Son of Blogger
SA-10 Hovorka: Where to Start When You Have Inherited Genealogy
SA-12 Greenspan: Do You Want a DNA Test, or Do You Want a DNA Test for Genealogy?
SA-14 O’Donnell: The Irish Family History Foundation Database
SA-15 Proctor: Archiving Your Family Treasurers with Light Impressions
SA-16 Burroughs: The Six Phases of African American Genealogy
SA-17 Rencher: What’s New at FamilySearch
SA-19 Miller: Alien Registration Records
SA-21 Danko: Genealogy and the Changing Map of Eastern Europe
SA-22 Alzo: Murder, Mayhem and Town Tragedy
SA-23 Hibben: Clue to Clue: Tracking a Family over Time and Miles
SA-24 DearMYRTLE: The Winter of our Discontent: Three Months to Better Organization
SA-25 Meitzler: Electronic Document Preservation
SA-28 Morgan: Before and After 1858: English and Welsh Wills and Death Records
SA-29 Underhill: The iPod and the Genealogist
SA-30 DearMYRTLE: Seven Habits of Highly Effective Genealogists
SA-31 Dollarhide: The Best Digital Documents Sites on the Internet
SA-32 O’Donnell: 1922 Four Courts Fire: Not Everything Blew Up
SA-33 Buzbee: RootsMagic 4: Family History has Never Been this Easy
SA-34 Broglin: The Proof is in the Pudding
SA-35 Mello: DNA Mishmash
SA-36 Morgan: Locating Anglican Parish Records
SA-37 Child: Researching New York
SA-42 Rencher: Humor among those Journal Pages

Sunday, June 28
SU-A The Art of Mourning - A Victorian Obsession
SU-02 Meitzler: The Lay of the Land Using Directories, Maps and Gazetteers
SU-03 Child, Leclerc: Western Massachusetts Families in the 1790 Census
SU-04 Hibben: Deduction vs. Induction in Genealogical Research: Applying Logic Theory to Family History
SU-07 Morgan: Locating and Ordering English BMDs
SU-08 Fechter: Using the Ancestry and RootsWeb Community to Enhance Your Research
SU-09 Rencher: Methodology for Irish Immigration and Emigration
SU-10 Malesky: The Irish and the Scots Irish
SU-12 Burroughs: Adding DNA to Genealogy
SU-13 Eakle: Tracing Ancestors who Lived in Cities
SU-15 Pfister: Getting the Most out of Family Tree Maker
SU-16 Buzbee: RootsMagic 4
SU-17 Mountain: Beyond Y and Mitochondrial DNA: Genealogical Information from the
Rest of Your DNA
SU-18 Ericson: Innovative Tools to Connect Families
SU-19 Cooke: Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems Part I
SU-20 Hovorka: Using Genealogy Charts to Further your Research
SU-21 Underhill: Ten Things to do with your Digital Camera
SU-22 O’Donnell: Irish Surnames – How You Could Miss Your Ancestors Due to Spelling
SU-23 Danko: A New Look at Immigrant Passenger Manifests
SU-24 Wishon: Expecting the Unexpected: Tracing English Ancestors Using Less Used Resources and Methods
SU-26 Cooke: Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems Part II
SU-27 Adams: Searching for Italian Ancestors
SU-28 Fisher: Finding Hidden Treasurers at the USGenWeb Project
SU-29 Alzo: Demystifying Eastern European Research
SU-30 Broglin: Understanding the Probate Process
SU-31 Watson: Internet Research: Joys and Pitfalls
SU-32 Morgan: Genealogical CSI
SU-33 Dollarhide: The Cavaliers of Southwest England to Virginia and Maryland, 1641-1675
SU-34 Miller: Would the Real Molly Brown Please Stand Up?

The Jamboree Committee - Dysfunctional Family Art

2009-07-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Julene Day who drew the Jamboree Committee members in ways that none of us have ever quite experienced before. Be sure to click on the photo so you can see all of the detail.

You can find more of Julene's wonderful artwork on her blog at http://www.dysfunctionalart.blogspot.com/

The Jamboree Committee and key onsite staff consisted of:

Co-Chairs
- Leo Myers
- Paula Hinkel
Program Chair
- Charlotte Bocage
Registration
- Louise Calaway
- Peggy Schulz
Tech Zone
- Jay Holladay
- Dick Emerson
- Linda Mustion
Door Prizes
- Jim and Pat Fryman
Lecture Rooms and Traffic
- Alice Avila
SCGS Volunteers
- Marva Grove
- Linda Golovko
Student Volunteers
- Joyce Roberson
Sales Table
- Vieve Metcalfe
- Jan Jennings
Small World
- Lin LaRochelle
Friday Entertainment
- Terry McVeigh
Promotion
- Vicki Hilb (Arizona)
- Margaret Rutledge (Orange County)
- Donna Lapera
Kids' Family History Camp
- Michael Melendez

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 3

2009-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Read earlier installments of this series here.

A month away from your conference and it's getting time to get serious about your planning. If you haven't plotted out your plan of attack and decided on the sessions you want to attend, do it now. Look on the conference website for announcements of schedule changes, including sessions that may have been added or cancelled.

Check the list of exhibitors for additions or deletions there, too. Update your shopping list, burn several copies of your genealogy database file or GEDCOM. Include photos of your family members so you can show them off to the new friends (and maybe cousins!) that you'll find at the conference. Print out copies of your family group sheets and highlight or put sticky notes on the ones of greatest interest.

Are there any vendors who will provide services on the spot or shortly after the conference? If there is a book binder, for example, you might want to write ahead and see what they recommend about that family Bible. If there is a photo restorer, bring the photos and get a price quote and recommendation during the conference.

Look to see if any of the sessions are going to be audio or video recorded. You actually *can* be in two places at once. Many conference attendees suffer from a wealth of opportunity, and taking a few recordings home with you can help to cover more sessions and keep a particularly good session alive for a long, long time.

Write down questions you want to ask of the speakers, including those whose sessions you will miss.

At the conference:

1. Don't Be Shy!! Introduce yourself to others who are seated nearby. Network, network, network. What surnames are they searching? What areas of the country or world? What is their most interesting family story?

2. Use the break time and meal sessions to gather information. Ask if anyone has ever researched black sheep relatives. Or requested a full Civil War pension file from NARA. Or obtained genealogical information using the Freedom of Information Act provisions. Or used a software program or subscribed to an online service. You'll find a wealth of knowledge -- and maybe avoid the mistakes that others have made -- through informal conversation.

3. Be comfortable. Dress in layers. It's notoriously difficult to manage room temperature to everyone's liking, especially in a hotel conference area with a thousand or more people. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

4. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the conference center. Where is the lecture area? The exhibit hall? Freebie table? Where are the rest rooms? Where do you get your parking validated? Don't be afraid to ask one of the conference volunteers if you need directions.

5. Go through the registration bag. Check to see if you have your tickets for meals or special events you are attending. Exhibitors and vendors often put freebies in the registration packet, so see what goodies are there for you. The conference sponsors may provide information on area restaurants, activities, etc.

6. A conference isn't like church. Go ahead and sit in the front of the lecture room. You'll be able to see better, and hear better, and get more out of the presentation.

7. Eat light meals and be prepared to munch a light snack between sessions. Many conference planners leave 30 minutes or more between sessions. Step outside for a few minutes to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

8. Take a turn around the exhibit hall before you start spending. Consult your shopping list for the books, software, indexes, magazines, research tools, and other products. Some exhibitors will offer special conference price discounts and may offer special last-day mark-downs. Some vendors refresh their products throughout the conference so check back often.

9. Speakers are usually glad to stop and chat informally with conference attendees. Although it's tempting to try to talk to a presenter immediately at the close of a session, you might consider waiting for another time. The speaker and conference staff members are concerned with packing up their equipment, clearing the meeting room, gathering the evaluation forms, and preparing the conference room for the next session. You'll get more attention and better responses if you approach them when they have more time to devote to you.

10. Fill out the evaluation forms honestly and completely. The conference planners really do look at each and every comment and use your suggestions to improve future years' conferences.

11. Be considerate of your fellow attendees. Turn off your cell phones during the sessions. If you use a rolling book carrier for your belongings, or use a walker or other equipment to get around, please put them aside, out of the aisle, so that others can walk safely. Avoid the temptation to save the seat beside you just to give yourself more room.

12. Keep your sense of humor and flexibility. Sometimes the schedule changes at the last minute, or the food concession runs out of your favorite soda, or there's a technical glitch with the audiovisual equipment. Conference organizers do everything possible to prevent such occurrences, but they do happen. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

13. Thank the volunteers for the time and effort they put into producing the conference. Speaking from experience, this is a labor of love. But it always feels great to have someone say that magical "thank you." It works better than Red Bull in lifting flagging energy.

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 2

2009-04-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

Read the first part of this article here.

So, you've made your hotel reservations and sent in your conference registration. What next?

If the conference offers several presentation sessions, how do you choose from among the many options? Study the program and pick the lectures you want to attend.

Devise a plan of attack.
- Study your family group sheets and pedigree charts.
- Identify specific "missing pieces" or unsolved puzzles in your documentation.
- Review the conference schedule to pinpoint sessions that will give you the most useful tips and guidelines.
- Build your plan around the key sessions you want to attend.
- Then fill in the rest of your schedule plan.
- Identify speakers who have experience in the geographic areas of interest.
- Step out of your comfort zone. If you've searched online, then go to a session on a search-and-touch techniques. If you've never touched a keyboard or used an Internet source, then see what is available online.

Put together a shopping list. You'll find lots of new and used genealogy books for sale. Read book reviews or visit a library to get a preview of authors' books. If you're an online researcher, visit the speakers' and exhibitors' websites to find what products and services they offer.

What should you bring with you?
- Family group sheets and pedigree charts, either on paper or on your laptop.
- Notes or questions that you want to pose to speakers.
- Other materials (e.g. photos to be restored or analyzed).
- Book or tote bag (some attendees use rolling bags for convenience).
- Sticky notes to flag pages in the syllabus.
- Pen or pencil for taking notes
- Highlighter
- Camera

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 1

2009-03-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

Getting the Most out of a Genealogy Conference - Part 1
Early Planning = Success

Long before you pack your suitcase to attend a genealogy conference, you can start planning to make the most of your investment in time and money. Planning ahead can save travel expenses, help you organize your pre-conference homework, and result in a better conference experience for you. Start early to make this a successful trip for you!

You've decided to attend a national conference -- sponsored by the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) -- or a large regional conference like New England Regional Genealogical Conference (NERGC) or the Jamboree. What now?

Contact your distant cousins and family research friends and suggest a get-together at the conference. You can divide the schedule to cover as many sessions as possible and then pool your experiences and knowledge after the conference. Carpooling and sharing a hotel room will help defray expenses.

Consider extending your trip by a day or two to give yourself some extra time to explore the area. Check to see what other area repositories are available. Reach out to area courthouses, genealogical societies, libraries, and other repositories for hours of operation and holdings that may be helpful to you. The conference sponsor or website may have a hospitality contact that can be of help. You may be able to take advantage of discounted hotel rates for a day or two before or after the conference.

Register for the conference early to take advantage of any early registration discounts. Even if you live nearby, stay at the conference hotel so you can avoid traffic hassles and be fresh and stress-free. Make your hotel reservations early to make sure rooms aren't sold out. If you're traveling a distance, make plane, train or bus reservations early to get the best fares.

Sign up to receive email list announcements or newsletters, or subscribe to conference or genealogy society blogs to stay updated on the conference.

You'll find more good ideas from these websites:

Attending a Genealogy Event - What Can You Get Out of Going to a Genealogy Conference?

What is a Genealogy Conference Anyway?

Why Attend a Genealogy Conference?

LA Fast Food Tour: Philippe The Original

2008-04-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

Philippe's, Home of the French Dip Sandwich. It's unique in Los Angeles, a place where patrons share tables with strangers and make use of any available seat. In business for over 90 years, it clings to its original ambiance with sawdust on the floor, servers that keep the food line moving, and vintage photos and newspaper clippings that proclaim:

"...one of the best food bargains in town." The New York Times Magazine, MacDonald Harris, March 1990

"...the best french dip we've ever had." The Food Paper, Fall 1991

"Best reason to go downtown" "...a landmark among landmarks." Los Angeles Magazine, The Best of L.A., November 1990

In addition to Philippe's specialty -- beef, ham, pork and lamb french dip sandwiches, -- the menu includes several other sandwiches; soup and stews; salads; and more esoteric items such as pickled beets and pickled pigs feet, and hard boiled eggs. You can buy a jar of their special hot mustard to carry Philippe's home with you. They even have a wine list. [What kind of wine goes with pickled pigs feet?] And there's one other trademark item on Philippe's menu: a 10-cent cup of coffee.

Check out Philippe's website for a look back at Philippe's history through vintage photos, including the train that jumped the track and nearly took a shortcut through the restaurant's front door. Quoting from the website:

Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California. Philippe's was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the "French Dipped Sandwich." One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the "French Dipped Sandwich," so called either because of Mathieu's French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on or because the officer's name was French. The answer is lost to history.

Philippe's is located a block from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and from Olvera Street. Here are Mapquest directions from the Marriott. It will take about 20 minutes to go to Philippe's from the Marriott in non-rush hour traffic.

LA Fast Food Tour: Fatburger

2008-04-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to move on to the next stop on the LA Fast Food Tour. Scattered across several US states you'll find The Last Great Hamburger Stand, Fatburger, which originated in Los Angeles. Fatburger's website gives a glimpse of the company's history:

In 1952, Lovie Yancey created something unique. A culture. A phenomenon, if you will. She created the biggest, juiciest hamburgers anyone had ever seen. So obviously, there was only one name for them – Fatburger.

Half a century later, while other places are just discovering taste, we're still making hamburgers the way she did. Fresh lean beef, not frozen patties. Cooked-to-order, just the way you want it, every time.

The only thing Lovie loved as much as hamburgers was music. So you'll hear some of the best music ever blasting from kickin' new jukeboxes: Rock'n'Roll, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Classic Soul that'll keep you groovin' in your chair long enough to finish that big juicy burger. We'd love to tell you about the late night talk show hosts and rap stars who've made us the happenin' place—but our attorneys won't let us. (And, of course, restaurant critics keep naming us the best burger in town, but you don't care about those guys.)

The menu includes burgers and cheeseburgers in a variety of sizes; chicken sandwiches; chili; fat fries, skinny fries, chili fries, and home-made onion rings. Also available are hot dogs, chili dogs, and veggieburgers.

Locations close to the Marriott include:

Studio City
10600 1/2 Ventura Blvd. (& Lankershim)
Studio City, CA 91604
P: 818-769-8725

Van Nuys
6162 1/8 Sepulveda Blvd. (& Victory)
Van Nuys, CA 91411
P: 818-989-2695

LA Fast Food Tour: The Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers

2008-03-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

The second stop on our Fast Food Tour is the Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers, which originated in a small walk-up stand at the corner of Beverly and Rampart in 1946. As more and more hungry customers found their way to the little shack, Tommy first expanded the Original Stand, and then he opened more locations. There are 29 locations, with the Burbank location just five minutes by car from the Marriott.

Tommy's claim to fame is its chili-slathered hamburger and cheeseburger (single-, double- and triple-burger versions), chili cheese fries, regular fries, tamales, hot dogs and chilidogs. It's a classic fast food menu made with fresh, tasty garnishes--and chili.

What are chili cheese fries? According to Wikipedia, "Simply an order of french fries with two ladles of chili over them. The chili cheese fries will have a slice of cheese placed between the doses of chili, to aid in melting." Yum. Pass the paper towels, please.

The first time I visited the Original Tommy's was about midnight. Even at that late hour, there were several people in line making a "Tommy's Run."

Some reviews of Tommy's Original World Famous Hamburgers are found at yelp.com.

If you want to visit the Original Tommy's original location, here are directions from the Marriott: Mapquest Marriott to Beverly Blvd. and Rampart Blvd.

Directions to the Burbank Tommy's are found here: Mapquest Marriott to Burbank Original Tommy's

Thanks to Wikipedia for photos and content.

LA Fast Food Tour: The Hot Dog Stand with a Parking Attendant

2008-02-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles is known for its trendy restaurants with health-conscious menus. But that doesn't mean that we don't enjoy our junk food too. In the weeks leading up to Jamboree, we'll take a look at some of the Jamboree Committee's favorite eateries and hope that you'll try them for yourself during your trip to Jamboree.

Our first stop on the Los Angeles Junk Food Tour is Pink's. Quoting from their website:

Pink's is probably the most famous hot dog stand in the country... certainly in Los Angeles! Located near the corner of Melrose and La Brea, Pink's can be found by looking for a crowd of people and following the aroma of fresh meaty chili and soft hot dog buns.

Pink's is unlike any other hot dog stand in America. For example, it has its own parking lot attendant (parking is free). It has been in the same location for 65 years. It is not unusual to see a Rolls Royce pull up to Pink's (the chili dog ordered will be for the occupant, not the chauffeur!). Movie stars, well-known dignitaries, struggling musicians, businessmen, housewives, school children... all have savored Pink's Famous Chili Dogs.

The menu is a tribute to creative writing as well as creativity in the kitchen. There's usually line of hungry customers waiting to watch the hot dog being built right before your eyes. Top it off with a bottle of YooHoo or Orange Crush soda.

Pink's is a little bit of a drive from the Burbank Marriott. It will take about a half hour (not during rush hour!) to get to get there. Here are Mapquest directions from the Burbank Marriott to Pink's.