Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board keeps APG members informed about current affairs, between issues of the APG Quarterly. Public service announcements by non-profit societies will be considered for posting. Suggestions.

National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces Retirement of Dr. Penelope Christensen
National Genealogical Society Family History Conference, 11-14 May 2011
Federation of Genealogical Societies Call for Papers, 1 June 2011 Deadline
Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, 12-17 June 2011
National Institute on Genealogical Research, 10-15 July 2011
FGS Pathways to the Heartland, 7-10 September 2011
APG Professional Management Conference, 9-10 September 2011
RIGS Alliance Workshop, 3-7 October 2011

National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces Retirement of Dr. Penelope Christensen

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GENEALOGICAL STUDIES ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMENT OF DR. PENELOPE CHRISTENSEN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF KIRSTY GRAY TO THE ENGLISH RECORDS PROGRAMME
*** The following refers to our English Studies Programme; because of this, we have chosen to retain the British spelling.

English Studies Director, Dr. Penelope Christensen, has announced her retirement from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Dr. Christensen has been the Director of the English Certificate Programme ever since she founded it in 2000. She is the author of 25 courses, including several Methodology courses, as well as all English Record courses and beginner level courses for three other countries. For nearly two decades, Dr. Penelope Christensen has been writing genealogy instructional materials, including how-to books published by Heritage Productions. She is starting her well-deserved retirement to concentrate on completing her family genealogy books, doing some traveling, and tending to her beautiful garden.

"We will always be extremely thankful to Dr. Penelope Christensen for her dedication in educating our students in genealogical research. The materials she has developed over the last twenty years have been expertly written to share her acquired knowledge in an easy-to-learn manner," says Louise St. Denis, Managing Director of the National Institute. Louise adds, "Dr. Penny, as she is affectionately known to her students, is leaving big shoes to fill. She is our most popular instructor!"

English Records Programme
The National Institute for Genealogical Studies offers nine Certificate Programmes, including the English Studies Programme. This one, covering research in England, offers 13 core courses on English research and record types. Courses include Census Records, Civil Registration, Probate, Parish Registers, Poor Law and Parish Chest Records, Occupations, and more. Certificates can be earned by students who, in addition to the 13 record courses, also complete 14 methodology-type courses and an additional 13 elective courses. To learn more about the National Institute's Certificate Programmes, visit their website at www.genealogicalstudies.com.

Kirsty Gray Appointed Director of English Studies
Kirsty Gray, residing about 40 miles (64 km) outside London, England, has been appointed the new Director of English Studies at the National Institute. In her new position, Kirsty will be reviewing and updating the record courses from Census and Civil Registration to the much more advanced records such as Land, Property, Education, and Court Records.

St. Denis commented, "We are looking forward to Ms. Gray's involvement in our English Programme. In the past, researching from abroad versus researching locally within England meant research methods were different. With their steadfast uploading of such a wide variety of databases and original documents, Internet content providers are changing where researchers access the required documents. Abroad or within England, research methods are merging. We look forward to Kirsty bringing her experience in researching English records from the Internet and in local repositories to our students. Her excellent reputation in genealogical circles and her youthful energy will make Kirsty an excellent addition to the team at the National Institute."

Kirsty grew up in Dorset and studied at the University of Reading (England) and Ottawa University (Canada), and was awarded a Master's degree in Chemistry in June 2000. Kirsty has taught Science and Mathematics at the secondary school level, and has also held management responsibilities such as Head of Sixth Form Studies and Head of Learning though she now 'just teaches' in an independent school in Oxfordshire so that she can focus more on genealogy.

Kirsty became interested in family history at the tender age of seven years with her maternal grandfather's tree in hand. She became obsessed with her great-grandmother's maiden name of SILLIFANT and began a one-name study on the name in 1999, publishing tri-annual journals on the surname for the last six years. Kirsty took up genealogy professionally while training to be a teacher in 2002. She now runs Family Business, conducting research for private individuals, academics, and companies worldwide.

Kirsty is an author, having written for the magazine Practical Family History and currently writing for Family Tree Magazine and Your Family Tree on various topics for beginners to more advanced levels. A sought-after lecturer, her knowledge, and her energetic and infectious personality wows audiences across the UK.

After serving as Secretary of the Guild of One-Name Studies (GOONS), she took on the role of Chairman in April 2010, and is credited with "turning the Guild around and bringing it back to life."

About joining the faculty at the National Institute, Kirsty remarked, "I am delighted to be joining the team at the National Institute as Director for English Studies. Their unique approach to distance learning in the field of genealogy has inspired many students since they began in 1999. I look forward to building on the excellent work of Dr. Penny Christensen, updating and developing new courses, providing advice to enthuse, excite and challenge individuals to delve deeper into the lives of their ancestors."

Everyone at the National Institute welcomes Kirsty to her new position, and looks forward to the growth of the English Studies Programme.

About The National Institute for Genealogical Studies
The National Institute, leaders in online genealogy education, have been offering genealogy and history courses for over 11 years. They now offer over 200 courses in genealogical studies to help enhance the researcher's skills.

For those looking to acquire more formal educational training, The National Institute offers in affiliation with the Continuing Education Unit of the University of St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto Certificate Programmes in the records of Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland and the United States, as well as a General Methodology and Librarianship Certificate.

For more information, please visit our site at www.genealogicalstudies.com or call us toll-free in North America at 1-800-580-0165 or email us at admin@genealogicalstudies.com.

Contact:
Louise St Denis
1-800-580-0165
admin@genealogicalstudies.com
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National Genealogical Society Family History Conference, 11-14 May 2011

The 2011 NGS Family History Conference will be held at the North Charleston Convention Center in Charleston, South Carolina on 11-14 May 2011.

Are you interested in genealogy, yet have never attended a national conference? View a short video from the 2009 National Genealogical Society Family History Conference at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org under the Video and Publications tab. Hear from enthusiastic conference participants who explain why they attend: more than one hundred fifty lectures on a wide variety of topics, an exciting exhibit area, and sharing research challenges and success stories with new friends. Press releases about the upcoming conference, including GENTECH are available at the NGS website http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/pressroom/press_releases
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Federation of Genealogical Societies Call for Papers, 1 June 2011 Deadline

Request for Lecture Proposals - Proposal Deadline is 1 June 2011

Indians, Squatters, Settlers and Soldiers of the Old Southwest

The annual conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies is to be held Wednesday, 29 August to Saturday, 1 September 2012 at the Birmingham Convention Center, Birmingham, Alabama. The Sheraton Hotel, conveniently located adjacent to the convention center will be the host hotel. We are pleased to announce that the conference will be held in conjunction with the Alabama Genealogical Society as the local host society. Outstanding nearby research facilities and attractions will enhance the conference experience.

The program committee is accepting a wide range of lecture proposals from interested scholars and researchers for potential presentations at the conference. The format of this conference begins with an all-day Focus on Societies program for genealogical society officers, board members, volunteers and other interested parties. This is followed by a three-day genealogical conference in which a variety of topics will be considered, but priority will be given to the following:

Fundamental

Basic genealogical instruction
Methodology and problem solving techniques
Burned courthouse research

Domain Expertise

International and Ethnic research, particularly German, English, Welsh, Irish, Scots-Irish, French, Italian, Swiss, Slavic African- American, Native American and Jewish
Military
Immigration
Internet resources
Genetics and family medical history
Focus on Society Management

Regional Interests

Five civilized tribes
Trail of Tears 1832
Southern migration
Early territorial research

Proposals for paid workshops will also be considered. Presentations may be co-presented or as part of a panel discussion if the topic seems appropriate for this method of presentation.

Speakers receive an honorarium, travel compensation, and conference registration as well as per diem and hotel nights based on the number of lectures presented. Each speaker is limited to presenting a maximum of four lectures, but may submit more proposals for consideration. Additional details about the financial package are available from the FGS office or on the Federation's website at www.fgs.org/fgs-speakerpolicy.htm

Presentations will be one-hour long, which includes a ten-minute question/answer period. Interested speakers should submit their proposals by June 1, 2011. The following information should be included:

Speaker's full name (20 characters for name and postnominals, postnominals being optional), mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address
Title of presentation with a detailed but concise, one-page outline
Brochure summary (150 Characters for description)
Audience skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
Audio-Visual requirements (LCD projectors are not provided)
Format of presentation (PowerPoint, overhead projection, other)
Biographical data (174 characters maximum) and resume of past lectures within the last three years. Those that have not presented at a regional or national conference before are encouraged to submit an audiotape or videocassette of a recent presentation.

Proposals should be submitted electronically at 2012proposals@fgs.org or send two copies to:

Federation of Genealogical Societies
FGS/AGS 2012 Program Chair
PO Box 200940
Austin, TX 78720-0940
USA

The invitations to speakers will be mailed no later than 1 September 2011 and the deadline for syllabus materials for presenters is 31 May 2012.

If necessary, questions may be directed to Dean J. Hunter, A.G., 2012 FGS Program Chair at: Home: (801) 250-5546 Cell: (801) 664-7450 or e-mail: hunter.deanj@gmail.com
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The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, 12-17 June 2011

The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) is based at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, was founded in 1964 to provide a structured program of genealogical study at an academic level and is co-sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. June 12-17, 2011 the Institute offers eleven tracks of study, ranging from beginning and intermediate genealogy to advanced research methodology, professional genealogy, and other specialized topics. The faculty is composed of outstanding, nationally known genealogy educators. For additional information see the Institute's web page or contact: Samford University Library, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229, tel 205-726-4447, e-mail ighr@samford.edu.
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National Institute on Genealogical Research, 10-15 July 2011

The National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR) in Washington, D.C. will be held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and in College Park, Maryland. It offers on-site and in-depth examination of the common and less-known federal records there. This intensive week-long study opportunity is for experienced genealogists and also for archivists, historians and librarians interested in using federal records for genealogical research. It is not an introductory course in genealogy.

The National Institute on Genealogical Research (N.I.G.R.) will hold its annual week-long study opportunity for experienced genealogists and archivists, historians and librarians interested in using federal records for genealogical research. Enrollment is limited for this event. For more information, see the Institute's Web site http://www.rootsweb.com/~natgenin/, send an e-mail to NatInsGen@juno.com or write to NIGR, P.O. Box 118, Greenbelt, MD 20768-0118.

NIGR has been a leader in the field of genealogical education for more than fifty years. In 1989 the institute was incorporated as an independent, non-profit corporation. Its board of trustees consists of representatives of the American Society of Genealogists, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Board for Certification of Genealogists, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Genealogical Society, and the institute's alumni association. The National Archives, a non-voting member of the corporation, provides strong support. The institute maintains a non-discriminatory policy toward enrollment. Applicants are accepted without regard to sex, race, creed, color, or national or ethnic origin.
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FGS Pathways to the Heartland, 7-10 September 2011

The Federation of Genealogical Society's 2011 Conference will be held September 7-10, 2011 in Springfield, Illinois, Since its founding in 1976, the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) has been providing educational opportunities for those interested in genealogy and family history in its support of genealogical and historical societies throughout the United States.

This year's conference, "Pathways to the Heartland" offers an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in researching their family history. Individual sessions are designed to balance the needs of genealogist at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to genealogists. Wednesday's Focus on Societies includes sessions dedicated to members and leaders of genealogical and historical societies. In addition, special events, such as the FGS 35th Anniversary Celebration, Spotlight on Societies, and daily sponsored lectures provide an excellent environment to meet and network with others interested in family history and genealogy.
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APG Professional Management Conference, 9-10 September 2011

The APG Professional Management Conference is presented by the Association of Professional Genealogists in conjunction with the annual conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies

Speakers this year include Mary Clement Douglass, "The Small Business Administration and the Transitional Genealogist; " Melinde Lutz Sanborn, FASG, CG , "Developing Genealogical Skills: Mentoring from Novice to Expert;" Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL and Rick Sayre, CG, "Apps Galore for the Professional Genealogist;" and Natasha Crain, MBA, "Think Like A Targeted Marketer: One Marketing Plan Does NOT Fit All"

Online registration is available at:
http://www.fgs.org/2011conference/registration/
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RIGS Alliance Workshop, 3-7 October 2011

The Regional In-depth Genealogical Studies Alliance (RIGS Alliance) will present a one week workshop at the National Archives-Southwest Region in Ft. Worth, Texas (3-7 October 2011).

RIGS Alliance workshops are designed for genealogists, historians, and librarians with a general genealogical or historical grounding who want to learn skills and techniques for researching original records at national and regional archives. To ensure a quality experience, enrollment is limited. Although the workshops focus on records within the region, many of the record types are available at other NARA regional facilities.

Activities are based on an integrated curriculum with an emphasis on methodology and problem-solving skills. Attendees work in teams to complete assigned projects and to build confidence in research proficiency. All workshops provide an opportunity for on-site research.

Workshop staff include J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA, and Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL, co-directors of RIGSA Alliance, with assistance of the expert staff members from NARA’s Regional Archives.
For details about the RIGS Alliance workshops, visit the web site at www.rigsalliance.org; e-mail info@rigsalliance.org; or write to RIGS Alliance Workshop, P.O. Box 1273, Jasper, GA 30143.
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