Presenters include noted Wisconsin speakers
Austin, TX – The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), along with local host Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS), announce the FGS 2011 Conference – Pathways to the Heartland – to be held in Springfield, Illinois, September 7-10, 2011.
This year’s conference offers an exciting opportunity for everyone interested in researching their family history. Over 165 educational sessions and 13 luncheons are designed to balance the needs of genealogists at all levels, exploring a variety of records, strategies, and other tools available to those interested in researching their family history.
Special events include a keynote address by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, and the FGS 35th Annual Celebration with “The Lincoln Family Album” presented by special guest, noted Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer.
Several Wisconsin-based genealogical speakers are among the presenters:
* James L. Hansen, of Madison, Wisconsin, has been since 1974 the reference librarian and genealogical specialist at the Library of the Wisconsin Historical Society, where he assists several thousand researchers a year in their genealogical and historical research. He has taught beginning and advanced genealogical research courses over Wisconsin’s Educational Telephone Network. Among his publications are articles on a variety of genealogical topics, a bibliography of territorial Wisconsin newspapers, and a guide to the library in which he works. He is a nationally known speaker, having lectured on genealogical topics around Wisconsin and at numerous conferences (national, state and local) in the U.S. and Canada. He was the 1994-1995 president of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and in 1995 was named a fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. In 2002 he was awarded the Filby Prize for Genealogical Librarianship at the National Genealogical Society conference in Milwaukee.
* Rev. D. David McDonald, of DeForest, Wisconsin, a Certified GenealogistSM, is president of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, a director of the National Genealogical Society and the International Society of British Genealogy and Family History, and a past editor of the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society Newsletter.
Set at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in downtown Springfield, the FGS 2011 Conference will also include a large exhibit hall with exhibitors and vendors. In addition, Springfield offers a wide variety of historic sites, libraries, and more for conference attendees as well as family and friends.
Genealogists and family historians of all experience levels are encouraged to visit Springfield this fall to hear a stellar lineup of genealogy educators at Pathways to the Heartland.
Learn More and Stay Connected
* Visit the Conference News Blog: http://www.fgsconferenceblog.org
* Follow the Conference on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/fgs2011 and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fgs2011
* Discover Springfield: http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com
About Federation of Genealogical Societies
The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference — four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.
