by | Apr 28, 2014 | 01 What's New, Volunteer
Each year the Federation of Genealogical Societies or FGS awards individuals and organizations who make significant contributions to family history. Between now and Jun 15, 2014, they are accepting nominations. Award categories and a link to the submission form can be found at www.fgs.org/awards/awards.
FGS awards are given to societies and members of societies for outstanding and notable service to the genealogical community. Winners’ activities, products and efforts are highlighted. FGS also buy medicine online kuwait provides examples and ideas on how others can accomplish similar goals.
“The awards program helps gain public recognition of the valuable work of dedicated volunteers,” says Paula Stuart-Warren, FGS Director and Awards Committee Chair. “We each know of individuals and groups that deserve to be honored by their peers. Let FGS know about them and we will share the knowledge of their efforts with genealogists across the globe.”
by Lisa Cooke | Aug 26, 2013 | 01 What's New, Conferences, FamilySearch, RootsTech, Technology
Ever had to choose between attending two fantastic genealogy conferences? In 2015, your choice will be easier: RootsTech and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) will host events in the same time and place: the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mark your calendars and make your hotel reservations early for February 12-14, 2015!
Never been to either of these events?
- RootsTech is a mammoth event hosted by the folks at FamilySearch. There’s lots of genealogy education but the primary focus is one I love: harnessing advances in technology to better help us discover and share family history.
- FGS helps genealogical societies strengthen and grow by providing events and online resources. Their annual conference is a 4-day event with tons of excellent lectures, including a full day on society management topics.
According to a press release from FGS, “With the Salt Palace Convention Center as the common venue, both FamilySearch and FGS are committed to producing a one-of-a-kind genealogy event addressing the educational needs of the family history, technology and genealogical society communities. As the logistics of this sizeable event are still being worked out, both FGS and FamilySearch will work together to share resources and provide cost benefits for all parties, including attendees and exhibitors. Attendees can expect to see familiar elements of previous FGS and RootsTech events including keynote presentations, a Society Showcase and Expo Hall.”
More details will be announced later: watch for them here e at the RootsTech and FGS websites.
by Lisa Cooke | Feb 7, 2013 | 01 What's New, NARA, Records & databases
According to the National Archives, pension files for the War of 1812 rate among their most-requested materials. But the files haven’t been easy to use
General Andrew Jackson commands his troops during the Battle of New Orleans. (Credit: Library of Congress)
because they’re only at the National Archives–they haven’t been available in published, microfilmed or digitized form. You’ve either had to research the pension files onsite in Washington, D.C. or order copies from the Archives. Not exactly easy access.
This is about to change. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), The National Archives, Ancestry.com and Fold3.com are partners in a huge effort: to preserve and digitize 7.2 million pages of War of 1812 Pension Records and make them available for free online.
This mammoth undertaking commemorates the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, which has been called “America’s Second Revolution.” Many U.S. citizens joined the fight against the British Empire to permanently resolve issues the Revolutionary War was fought over. It’s a near-legendary era in U.S. history when “The Star Spangled Banner” was penned (during the defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry) and the White House was burned (during the only foreign occupation of Washington, D.C.).
The pension files are already being digitized, and completed images and their associated indexes are being posted incrementally. You can view them for free at Fold3.com. Follow the progress of this enormous undertaking at FGS’ Preserve the Pensions blog, where you’ll see updates and get inspired by research success stories. Commemorate the War of 1812’s anniversary yourself by looking here for any ancestors who may have served!
