Jamboree 2011 - Friday Sessions

Friday was a full day of sessions and learning! Very fun! Not too crowded, but I know that there will be more people here tomorrow, so I am enjoying the elbow room today. I believe I heard someone say that there were 1700 pre-registered for the conference.

Genealogy Society Development Workshop (Made up of three sessions and speakers)

• The Shape of the 21st Century Genealogical Society by George Morgan: I have been absorbing anything having to do with Society growth recently and this was a continuation of that. Much of what was discussed I had come across in my research, however, it was good to hear it again, with comments and examples. Of course, much of it was focused on technology and how to use it to the benefit of the Society. This was a great way to start the conference!






• But...It's My Family!by Cath Madden Trindle: Lots of wonderful information on copyright laws as it pertains to genealogists and societies. Not really what I am looking for right now, but very important to re-visit, but for myself and for the GSOR.






• Program! Program! Git yer Program! by Jana Sloan Broglin: The focus here was on providing a good programs for the Society. The ins and outs of meetings, speakers, seminars, etc. The presenter gave a good list of resources for finding speakers as well as important information about contracts. I am also impressed by the focus on the need for advertising the Society! I know that this is an area we really need to work on!

Prostitution in the Wild West by Jana Sloan Broglin, CG: Okay, this one was just because it sounded fun and interesting! No, I have no reason to believe it applies to us, but...

Using Veterans' Censuses and Lists by Leland K. Meitzler: As usual, Mr. Meitzler's enthusiasm for his topic was infectious! He provided lots of resources for finding veterans, from the Revolutionary War through the present. He showed examples of each record type, what information is included, and where to find the records. The comment was made that we are seeing a huge increase of digitized records recently and, therefore, the list of resources is only a start. Continuing to check to see what is available is crucial.

U.S. Agricultural Census Schedules by George G. Morgan: Genealogists use census records all the time. But many of us don't use them to their full benefit. And we sure don't us the Agricultural Schedules as often as we should! This session was focused on where to find them, what is on them, and why we should pursue them.

We finished the day at the banquet. The food was good, the company was good, and we enjoyed the speaker, Tony Burroughs.