The Louisville Genealogical Society will hold its Annual Book Fair and Seminar next month. Two new features of this year’s Seminar: New Fall date: 11 October 2008 New, larger venue: Beargrass Christian Church, 4100 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville KY We are very excited about our roomier location and (we hope) pleasant Louisville autumn weather. For more Seminar information, including a map and printable registration form, refer to our Web site at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kylgs/index.htm. Send other questions to lougensoc@yahoo.com or Louisville Genealogical Society, PO Box 24566, Louisville KY 40224-0566. We hope to see you in Louisville on October 11th! OUR GUEST GENEALOGIST THIS YEAR IS MICHAEL JOHN NEILL. He is known nationally as an interesting, informative speaker. He has been actively involved in genealogy research for over 20 years. He has a master's degree in mathematics from Western Illinois University and is on the faculty of Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he also coordinates a week-long series of genealogy computer workshops every spring. He has written for a variety of genealogical periodicals and currently writes a regular column for Ancestry.com's blog. Go to http://www.rootdig.com/ to read some of his articles. Mr. Neill will present four talks at our seminar (cost: $10 per talk). 9:00 a.m. - Researching the Entire Family Focusing only on the direct line can cause significant information to be overlooked and larger patterns to go unnoticed. This lecture discusses, via examples, the importance of researching the siblings and at least first cousins of a direct ancestor. 10:30 a.m. - Using Records from the Family History Library When You Don't Know the Language Reading records in Swedish, German, Latin, or any other European language is not quite as difficult as it may appear on the surface. We’ll discuss a general approach to reading non-English records. Learning the script and 50 basic words will accomplish wonders. 1:30 p.m. - Determining Your Own Migration Trails and Migration Chains Your ancestor most likely did not migrate in complete isolation from Point A to Point B. This is probably the case whether he was moving across the country or across the ocean. This lecture will provide some concrete suggestions for determining the migration path unique to your ancestor and his friends and relatives. 3:00 p.m. - Effective Internet Search Techniques Online searching is more than typing a name in a search box. This lecture offers suggestions for getting the most from your online time. SEVEN CLASSES ARE INCLUDED IN $5 GENERAL ADMISSION FEE 9:00 a.m. - Adoption Search -- by Susan C. Brown Susan Myers Brown has worked for the Kentucky state Adoptions Branch since July 1998 and has been the Adult Adoptee Program Manager for about 4 years now. She will discuss the processes required for an adult adoptee to obtain identifying and non-identifying information from a confidential adoption file in Kentucky. She will have several handouts for the class. 9:00 a.m. - Genealogy 101: The Basics, Part 1 -- by Deborah Lord Campisano Deborah Campisano has over 25 years of research experience. She teaches classes on genealogy methods and sources for local and regional societies and for the University of Louisville's adult education program. She will present a two-part introduction to genealogical techniques; you may register for either one or both. This class will introduce the research process – working from known to unknown. Basic skills taught include gathering home sources, interviewing relatives, avoiding pitfalls, using general reference works in print and online, and organizing findings using forms and charts. 10:30 a.m. - Genealogy 101: The Basics, Part 2 -- by Deborah Lord Campisano This class will focus on how to analyze information; form a research strategy; use a source checklist; access online and library resources (emphasis on vital records and census); and cite basic sources. 10:30 a.m. - Ancestors Dealing with Illness -- by Mel Arnold Mel Arnold has lived and worked in several Midwest states; he was Director of Training and Education for LGE Energy when he retired in Louisville. He has been a member of LGS since 2002. He will define various strange medical terms and even stranger remedies used by our forefathers. Occasionally an ancestor’s mysterious disappearance can be explained by an epidemic or other widespread disease. We will review some of these tragic events and the resulting difficulties for family research. 1:30 p.m. - It’s Not Always About Land: Researching Deeds & Tax Lists -- by Betty Darnell Betty Rolwing Darnell is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and of state and local societies. She teaches, lectures, and writes about research methods, and has compiled and published abstracts of Kentucky and Missouri county records. Land is, of course, the primary subject of deed records, but not the only subject. Deed books also include wills, powers of attorney, bonds, bills of sale, indentures, mortgages, and sheriffs’ deeds. There may even be a hint of scandal! Tax lists are a valuable and often-overlooked adjunct to deed records. Learn how to access these records and make the most of what you find. 1:30 p.m. - Am I Irish? -- by Connie Fry Connie Fry has been involved with genealogy for about 12 years, developing her knowledge with time and documenting her Irish, Scottish, and Native American heritage. She is active in the Irish Society of Kentuckiana and the Scottish Society. She will help you pinpoint the country origin of your surname or a basic area to begin research. An Irish surname map and surname research books will be available for personal review. In addition, there will be a short review of the Irish in the Revolutionary War and the Kentucky Irish frontier men. A handout will include Irish research Web sites. 3:00 p.m. - Evaluating Three Computerized Genealogical Record Systems -- by three LGS members – Phil Hysell, Greg Claypool and Mel Arnold There are several dozen computer-based record systems for storing genealogical research results. Family historians are often perplexed about the methods used by the various systems and which would best fit their needs. Three LGS members will briefly discuss the record system they use for maintaining their genealogical data. Topic areas will include the various elements of the system, cost, shortcomings, sources, and available help. The systems to be discussed are Brother’s Keeper, Family Tree Maker, and Personal Ancestry File. After a brief overview of each there will be a 15-minute Q and A session. Part 1: Phil Hysell will discuss Brother's Keeper Genealogy Software, a shareware genealogy database software program that allows one to store family information, including photos and audio, and generate many different types of charts and reports. It provides for the transfer of database information to other genealogy programs through the use of gedcom files. Part 2: Gregory Stanton Claypool uses Family Tree Maker, Version 16. FTM is one of the most popular systems being used to record information about family heritage. He will discuss the record-keeping structure of FTM, how and what kind of data can be stored, and how it can be retrieved in reports, etc. He’ll use examples from his own family records to get a clear understanding of how this powerful database works. Part 3: Mel Arnold will discuss Personal Ancestry File (PAF). Developed by the Mormon Church, it can be downloaded free from church web site or can be ordered on CD for a small price. The church provides telephone assistance, if needed and requested, but never inquires into personal information or intrudes on the recording process in any way. It comes with a standard set of data factors (dob, dod, spouse, burial site, etc.), but these can be changed to match one’s preferred data set. The user is able to merge family records from most of the other systems. Other activities included in the $5 general admission fee include a silent auction, booths for vendors and organizations, and a consultation with a local professional genealogist. Those who register in advance can order a box lunch, or bring your own, and discuss family history with others at your table. You can register at the door; however, you cannot buy a box lunch unless you order in advance. Some classes could fill, so registration in advance is recommended. For more Seminar information, including a map and printable registration form, refer to our Web site at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kylgs/index.htm . For other questions, e-mail the society at lougensoc@yahoo.com.