ISGS is happy to announce the 2012 ISGS Ancestor PhotoContest and asks this question: wouldn't it be great to see your own ancestors' photos up on the ISGS website?
Between now and May 31, 2012, ISGS is asking members to submit photos of their own ancestors for use on the ISGS website. If your photo is selected, it will be displayed on a rotating-basis in the top banner of the ISGS website along with other member-submitted photos. You can view all the 2011 winners at http://ilgensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=156.
Not only will you be credited with the photo submission, but you'll also be able to provide a brief biography of the person or persons in the photo.
The Polish Genealogy Society of America has scheduled a program on the 1940 census for their May 20th Meeting. The meeting starts at 2 PM and will be held at the Polish American Museum at 984 N Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The Museum has an ample parking lot for your convenience. There is easy access to the museum from I-90/94 from the south at exit 498 and from the north 49A (Division Street).
Description: The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States, yet records abound for our ancestors who were willing to fight the British once again.
Description: Using various clues, this presentation shows how to move from one piece of information to the next to piece together the life of an ancestral family. The steps used are illustrated so that they can be followed by the beginner as well as the seasoned genealogist. Use of census, probate, property, and personal records, among others, are explained.
Description: Dates, names, ages, relationships, lawsuits, prison records, church records, bibles, probates, and more await us in archives. This presentation highlights some major Midwestern archives and their holdings, finding aids, websites, and special indexes. An overview ill be presented for each state’s archive and some will be covered in greater detail. Archives are not created equally! For the states we are covering this is very evident. Some have a combination state historical society and/or library and the state archives. The websites, research services, online databases, range of holdings, and even the mission statements show big differences. We will also look at other unique archives in the Midwest. The main aim is to show the wealth of material available, how to access it, and why the on-site experience can be so rewarding.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 8:00 pm Central
Description: In order to research infamous ancestors, genealogists have to be knowledgeable about the diverse historical resources available. In this presentation, using various case studies, we will look at manuscript collections, ephemera, newspapers and repositories available to research your famous or infamous ancestor.
Description: Has your German research run into a hurdle? Find out how to jump over some of the most common hurdles such as immigration, access to records, language, and handwriting.
Two days filled with genealogy education, nationally-known speakers, the opportunity to network with other genealogists and family historians, meals and even a youth workshop!
Saturday, October 20
2012 Youth Workshops (ISGS Events)
9:30 am to 4:00 pm - Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, Rockford, Illinois
Have you been researching your family history for years and wonder how to engage your children or grandchildren in your hobby? Has your child been asked to create a family tree for a school project? Are you the parent of a boy scout or girl scout who is trying to earn a genealogy badge? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the 2nd Annual ISGS Youth Workshop is what you need.
The ISGS Youth Workshop will teach children from grades one through twelve the basics of genealogical research. What else will the youth learn?
Youth in 1st – 4th grade will:
Learn how to complete a family tree and make connections
Enjoy a family tree craft
Learn how to complete a family group sheet
Learn about some basic records
Learn why photographs and stories are important
Enjoy a story craft
Youth in 5th – 12th grade will:
Learn how to complete a family tree
Learn how to complete a family group sheet
View examples of various record types available for research
Learn how to interview relatives, and more!
Please join us in Rockford on Saturday, October 20th for our 2nd Annual Youth Workshop. Simply download the registration form to start preparing for this exciting event. Click here to download the registration form.
Description: Brick wall research blocks are inevitable. We strive to start with ourselves and work backwards, but sometimes there are impediments that stop us in our tracks. It is then that we must use our most creative research skills, and it is essential that we move to other family members. That means researching our ancestors' siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the collateral lines with which they are connected. Sidestep genealogy means researching these alternative individuals, their records, the places that they lived, and other resources. This lecture will make you stop and think about what alternative research paths you might use, and point you to new resources you may never have considered.
Ready-Set-Plan! Developing a One-Step Research Plan (ISGS Webinars)
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm - ISGS Webinar
Presented by J. Mark Lowe, CG
Presenter:J. Mark Lowe, CG
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 8:00 pm Central
Description: Learn a simple technique for breaking down difficult research problems into manageable segments. Learn to get more research done while remaining focused.
Commemorate your Illinois ancestor's military service with our World War I Certificates.
Help ISGS index the 1940 Census images including images for Illinois! With over 3.8 million images and 132 million names, your help is needed!