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2009 Annual Fall Conference and Book Fair

is proudly co-sponsored by

The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois
and John A. Logan College


28 countiesSaturday, October 17, 2009  John A. Logan
 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Ray Hancock Conference Center
John A. Logan College
Route 13 & Greenbriar Road, Carterville, IL  

New Ways to Solve the Family History Mystery

Featured Speaker

Michael John Neill 

Michael John Neill has actively researched his own genealogy for over twenty-five years. A native of West-Central Illinois, he has a master's degree in mathematics and is on the faculty of Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. Michael writes a weekly genealogy column on genealogy sources and interpretations for Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter, which is read by over 40,000 genealogy enthusiasts worldwide. He gives genealogical lectures and seminars on a variety of topics across the United States and leads an annual research trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

Researching the entire family

Focusing on the direct line can cause significant information to be overlooked and larger patterns to go unnoticed. This lecture discusses via examples, the importance of researching the siblings and at least first cousins of a direct ancestor.

Problem solving applied to genealogy

George Polya designed a 4-step process for solving problems, particularly mathematics "story problems." This approach is applied to genealogy, both theoretically and through several examples.

Effective internet search techniques

Online searching is more than typing a name in a search box. This lecture looks at several suggestions for getting the most from your online time.

Determining your own migration trails and migration chains.

Your ancestor most likely did not migrate in complete isolation from Point A to Point B. This is probably the case whether he was moving across the country or across the "big pond." This lecture will provide some concrete suggestions for determining the migration path unique to your ancestor and friends and relatives.

Registration for the Conference is not necessary to attend the Book Fair, but is required for all other activities.

Fall Conference Registration Form

If received by October 4, 2009 -- $35.              After October 4 and at the Door -- $40.

Lunch -- $8.00 (Optional. By advance purchase only)

BOOK  FAIR

The Book Fair is FREE and open to everyone. There will be vendors with books, forms, maps, and genealogical supplies of all kinds. GSSI and many local genealogical and historical societies will have tables with their books and membership information. Book exhibits and all conference sessions will be held in the Ray Hancock Conference Center at John A. Logan College.

DIRECTIONS

JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE is located on Illinois Route 13 in Carterville, mid-way between Marion and Carbondale. All conference activities will take place in the Ray Hancock Conference Center on the JALC campus. Turn north off Route 13 at the Greenbriar Road traffic signal one mile west of the Carterville crossroads. From the College entrance follow posted signs to the conference or to the Ray Hancock Center. Parking is available in Lot D, directly adjacent to the conference center, with overflow parking in Lot A.

QUESTIONS?

 Will you be staying overnight? Need motel information? If you have these or other questions, please contact one of the following:

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Last update: June 15, 2009

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