There is to be a virtual, online genealogy conference called eGenConference. For $69.95 you logon to the internet and have lectures and an exhibit hall - just as if you attended a genealogy conference but this can be done from your own computer at home. The conference begins June 10 and will be archived (available) until July 10, 2003. A month to listen and look and learn! To sign up for the conference go to www.familyhistoryradio.com <http://www.familyhistoryradio.com>. Jo Ann Rowley-Minhoto The following is the conference outline for the first day. There is more information online. ---------------------------------------------------- DAY ONE JUNE 10 EUROPEAN British Research Methodologies Using the Internet (see Genealogy Technology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php? ) Using British Census Records Online (see Genealogy Technology; http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Using Animated Maps to Support Your Research (see Supportive Technology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) The Starting Point for English Research: Church of England Parish Registers by Dean Hunter, AG After finding your ancestor on a Internet British census record, the starting point for English research is the Church of England parish registers. What they are, where they are, and how to use them is the focus of this presentation by Dean Hunter, President of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, a co-sponsor of the eGenConference. Basic Irish Research Methods and Sources by Judith Wight, AG It doesn't take a long journey down your Irish pedigree to become discouraged if you are using United States methodologies. Learn the proper way to approach Irish research and come away feeling better for it. Understanding and Using German Records and Resources by Larry O. Jensen, AG Using basic reference tools and effectively using records and sources through an understanding of nobility, government, and record jurisdictions as well as different cultural areas. The material and information will benefit those who are basic, intermediate, or advanced in their research. Did Your Eastern European Ancestor Speak German? by Anne Leptich, AG, CG Finding your Eastern European ancestor can seem totally impossible, but Anne shows you how doable, interesting, and thrilling it is to accomplish with or without the gift of many languages, especially when you start properly in the United States. An Introduction to Research in Eastern Europe by Svetlana Permiakova Interesting, practical, and informative genealogy research techniques on approaching research in Eastern Europe from a native Russian graduate of the Ural State University and Brigham Young University with the insight of one having library cataloging and archival experience. UNITED STATES Dinner in the Cemetery: Preserving the Story Stone-by-Stone by J. Mark Lowe, CG A humorous and informative presentation on the preservation of family history through tombstone and associated research. This innovative dinner theater presentation conducted in Tennessee spurred the community into action and supported local society actions. U. S. Online Census Records - What's Available Out There (see Genealogy Technology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Finding Ancestors Prior to 1850 in U.S. Federal Census Records: Interpreting What You See (see Research Methodology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Using Animated Maps to Support Your Research (see Supportive Technology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Step 2 Sources: Hidden Treasures for Genealogists (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) GENEALOGY TECHNOLOGY U. S. Online Census Records - What's Available Out There All United States Federal Census records are now indexed and linked to images somewhere on the Internet. Attend this class to find out where they are, how they work, and how you can gain access to them in your own home. Step 6 Computer Programs, Which Should You Use: Or Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Terrain (see How to Begin) Setting Up Your Legacy Filing System by Geoff Rasmussen Tired of shuffling through your papers time after time without making any progress? Want to find anything in your files in a matter of seconds? This presentation focuses on organizing your paper piles in conjunction with using your genealogy computer program. British Research Methodologies Using the Internet by Alan Mann, AG Overflowing in informative, down-to-earth sensible explanations of original and secondary sources for British research on the Internet explained by one of the most well-known U.S. British techno-genealogists. Using British Census Records Online by Alan Mann, AG How do you unravel your Thomas Cross from the 1,000s available? It's all in the techniques shown to you in this informative presentation on how to use the British Census Records Online. Using Animated Maps to Support Your Research (see Supportive Technology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGY Dynamic Acquisition of Genealogy Skills (opening presentation) Message Boards, Queries, and Mailing Lists How to tell the world what you are looking for, where to find out what others have to share, and how to succinctly inform others of what you already know is the focus of this presentation. What the Pros Know About Scanning Before They Start This presentation by a graphic designer explains what the beginner needs to know about file sizes, color, file types, and purpose before they ever place that first document or image onto the scanner plate. This could save you many hours of frustration and untold anxiety. Using Animated Maps to Support Your Research As you go back in time in the United States and Europe, it is extremely helpful to have the added value of a mapping program that goes back in time as you do to provide you with the support you need. Learn about mapping programs to add in your research. Effective Searching on the Net - Rhonda McClure (see Research Methodology: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) REPOSITORIES Experiences of Those Assigned the Task of Preserving the Records of the United States by L. Reynolds (Ren) Cahoon, Assn't Archivist of the United States. (Keynote address) Step 3 Repositories: Where Treasures are Stored (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php? ) What to Expect as a Beginner to a Family History Center (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Finding Ancestors Prior to 1850 in U.S. Federal Census Records: Interpreting What You See Looking online at those pre-1850 census records makes you wonder why you should pay for those online subscription images. This presentations covers ten reasons for using these valuable sources to extend your family back in time. Effective Searching on the Net - Rhonda McClure Step 1 The Cycle of Success (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Step 3 Repositories: Where Treasures are Stored (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Step 4 Methodology: How to Find the Treasures (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) Step 5 Organizational Skills: Reading Treasure Maps Correctly (see How to Begin: http://www.familyhistoryradio.com/fhr_sp/school.php?) What It Takes to Become an Accredited Genealogist by Carolyn Nell, AG Has your love of family history caused you to consider a career as a genealogist? Carolyn Nell, Chair of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogist and former President of NGS offers a succinct overview of what is required to pass the examinations for accreditation. HOW TO BEGIN (A TRACK FOR BEGINNERS) Step 1 The Cycle of Success The genealogy research process is a cycle that is repeated over and over again with each goal set. How it evolves and what is discovered determines the road the genealogist should take to solve the next problem or to determine the next goal. A suggest course for those who are launching their genealogy pastime. Step 2 Sources: Hidden Treasures for Genealogists How can you find the answers to the questions you are seeking as a genealogist? One answer is to use the proper sources. But what sources are available and how can you determine what they are? Step 3 Repositories: Where Treasures are Stored Knowing where to find the sources that you need to answer the questions you are seeking is the next step in the research process. Repositories are all around us in the form of public and private libraries, archives, historical societies, genealogy research centers, court houses, vital record offices, and more. Learn when to use these basic repositories. Step 4 Methodology: How to Find the Treasures Okay! You know the basic research processes, the sources to be looking for, where the sources might be found, but how to approach each one is quite a challenge and an on-going pursuit. Learn what you need to begin the analysis phase and where to go to get more help. Step 5 Organizational Skills: Reading Treasure Maps Correctly It's pretty difficult to know what you already know, when the pieces of information needed are scattered in different places. In order to read the clues properly, move consistently forward in your objectives, and solve your research problems, good organizational skills are a must. This is the focus of Step 5 for beginners. Step 6 Computer Programs, Which Should You Use: Or Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Terrain My best friend drives a tiny sports car and I drive a sedan, but we are still friends, we go places together, and we even use each other's car now and then. It's alright to use multiple genealogy computer programs, to start with one and move up to another, to stay with one the whole time, as long as the options mentioned in this presentation are available to you. Best known as "What I've learned in the past 15 years using computers," this presentation could save you many hours of time and point you in the right direction. What to Expect as a Beginner to a Family History Center by Starr Campbell It's about having a good time, some success, and some support while you are searching for your family. That's the image of a good Family History Center according to Starr who shines a light on these over 3,000 open-to-the-public, volunteer centers world-wide. -------------------------------