April 9, 2011: One Incredible Genealogy Seminar

One Incredible Seminar was planned and co-chaired by Diane and Cari. They along with many volunteer helpers are to be commended for a successful event attended by over 210 genealogists eagerly looking to further their research options and education. They were not disappointed. Two highly acclaimed speakers, Lloyd deWitt Bockstruck and Dr. Roger P. Minert presented a full day of lectures on Saturday.  

 

On the evening before, Lloyd Bockstruck answered many questions about U.S. and German research.  Dr. Minert's flight was delayed in San Francisco, so he was not able to participate in the Q & A. Forum.

Pizza  and salad were served to registered attendees and volunteers Friday night

On Friday night Cari spoke about Saturday's seminar with three Utah travelers, Terry, Susan and Marilyn. They drove over 11 hours, four of that though snow in Utah, in order to arrive Friday night.

Dr. Minert's four lectures were given in the sanctuary of the Goleta Presbyterian Church. Topics were German church records in the U.S., marriage and courtship in Germany 1500 to 1800, church records in Germany and conducting family research in Europe.





German church records are very difficult to read if you are not familiar with German script.  Fortunately, most church records have the surname underlined.  Cari Thomas teaches a lesson on writing and reading German script in her Adult Ed Germanic Genealogy class, which begins at the Wake Center on on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lloyd Bockstruck gave his lectures in the conference room of the church. They included the Revolutionary War--Patriots and Tories, early U.S. migrations from Trans-Appalachia to the west bank of the Mississippi - 1763 to 1850, probate records and deeds, and Huguenots and Quakers in America.

It was a long day but well worth the time spent.

 Dr. Minert gave the keynote address on the Top 12 Self-Defeating Behaviors in Germanic Family History Research (from the perspective of a professional researcher). These behaviors can be applied to most any other research areas besides Germanic.  Here are a couple:  Relying principally on the work of other researchers, clinging tenaciously to family legends,  and disregarding possible changes in religious affiliation.

March 19, 2011 General Meeting

 In spite of impending rain, the March general meeting is well attended as the program by military researcher William Beigel is of great interest to members.

Mr. Beigel conducts professional and personalized WWII historical research.  See his website at: ww2usakilledmissingpow.com.
He can be contacted at BeigelWD@aol.combeigelwd@aol.com

 Before the program begins, members attend the single interest groups.  Above is the Computer SIG led by Merna.


On the right, Arlene leads the Beginning Genealogy Help SIG, while members behind are stocking up on treats and beverages. Every month refreshments are furnished by different members. A $1 donation is appreciated by the society on behalf of their efforts.

 Mr. Beigel is listening to Gwen's research problem while others are awaiting their turn to ask him their military research questions.










Bill Beigel describes the various record groups that can be searched such as the '201' files, the '293' file, Veteran Administration Claim files, Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR), Aircraft Accident Reports, and records held by the 36 state archives where the state made bonus payments to its servicemen and women.

 Kristin manages the sales table. She also serves on the board as Secretary of the Society.

 Rosa helps Kristin at the sales table at monthly meetings.

 Kathy has set up the pre-seminar (on April 9) raffle display.  She sold a lot of tickets at the meeting today. Prizes include a 12-marker DNA test kit from Family Tree DNA, a $20 gift certificate from a local deli, several new genealogy computer programs, and  one hour of genealogy research consultation from several of our members.

 President Mary makes an announcement about the April 9  ONE INCREDIBLE GENEALOGY SEMINAR, featuring Lloyd D. Bockstruck and Roger P. Minert.  See the program and schedule here. You can register by mail at that site, or you can register and pay online here.

Bockstruck will be lecturing on U.S. records and topics, while Minert will lecture on German sources and records.

New and used book sales, raffle prizes, and pre-reserved lunch at the Ratskeller am Shirrell will be available at the ONE INCREDIBLE GENEALOGY SEMINAR.

President Mary and Vice President Marie Sue are conferring before the meeting begins.

A lot of time goes into the preparation of every meeting. A PowerPoint program is used by each portion of the business meeting, whether it is for new books at the Sales Table by Kristin in the  "Book Nook"; the Half-and-Half book buy announcement by Louise, and the building construction updates by Jim.  

 Merna is trying to choose a prize bag to put her tickets in.

 Members are putting their names on their tickets before putting them in the various prize bags.

We are all getting settled down for a great program.