1st Western Maryland Genealogical Conference by Maryland Genealogical Society, Saturday October 6, 2001 at Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Hagerstown, registration 7:30 AM, lectures start 8 am, cost $50.00, including continental breakfast, lunch, all conference fees, and special reception at the Washington Co. MD Historical Society Friday evening Oct 5 for attendees only. ** Conference Theme: "Westward Ho" and will cover topics as migration and genealogical resources for Western Maryland. List of local research facilities and special opening hours to attendees will be given when registration received. Vendors, including Willowbend Books will be on site Saturday. Lecturers will include: 1) "Westward Migration Patterns and Resources at the Library of Congress" presented by Albert Smith, U.S. Library of Congress 2) "Genealogical Finds at the B&O Railroad Museum" presented by Matthew Anderson, B&O Museum 3) "Researching Your Carroll County Ancestors, The Tracy Collection" presented by Jay Graybill, Carroll County Historical Society 4) "African-American Resources in Western Maryland Research" presented by Agnes Kane Cullum 5) "Researching Civil War Soldiers" presented by Eric Sheetz, National Park Service 6) "Western Maryland Resources at the Maryland State Archives" presented by Chris Haley from MD State Archives,. Attractions: Additional events are designed to help both the beginner and more advanced researchers including a Surname Exchange, Beginner's Table, Research opportunities at the Washington County Historical Society as well as the Washington County Free Library's Western Maryland Room, Frederick County Public Library Maryland Room, and Historical Society of Frederick County Reference Library. Of course, we are planning on Exhibitor's Booths and tables for a variety of Historical and Genealogical Organizations. Willowbend Books from Westminster, MD will be on site with full line of products all day Saturday. Meals include the Opening Night Reception, Saturday Morning Breakfast of coffee, juice and pastries and a Buffet Lunch on Saturday afternoon. Accommodations: We have reserved a block of rooms at the Sheraton Four Points at a group rate of $69 per night. If we utilize a minimum of 25 rooms, the rate will be reduced to $49. You need to make your own reservation with the hotel before September 1st by calling 1-301-790-3010. Identify yourself as a participant in the Maryland Genealogical Society Conference. The quoted rate of $69 will apply until a minimum of 25 rooms is reserved. The rate will automatically be adjusted at the time of check-out if the minimum is met. Participating organizations include: B&O Railroad Museum, Frederick County Genealogical Society, Frederick County Historical Society, Washington County Free Library, Washington County Historical Society, U. S. Library of Congress and the Maryland Genealogical Society. Registration form available online at: http://www.mdgensoc.org/westward01.html Registration received before September 20 will have attendee names, addresses, and surnames of interest printed in program book. Registration is available at the door, but name will be not included in the program and possible limitation on program materials. For more information: Mr. Jerry M Hyson, Pres. MGS [email protected] 410-795-2096 Isabelle Board Obert, VP MGS [email protected] 410-685-2986