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Zion Genealogical Society Meetings

Date and Time:
Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
           With the exception of Saturday, February 18, 2012

Location:
Beach Park Village Hall
11270 Wadsworth Rd - Lower Level, Beach Park, IL 60099

              or
Zion-Benton Public Library
2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion, IL 60099

Workshops:
Experienced genealogists are available at the Zion Benton Public Library
2400 Gabriel Avenue, Zion on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.


2012 Program Schedule and Activities

Jan 16, 2012 - Monday
Zion-Benton Public Library
MAPPING THE PAST - Navigating Your Family History with Maps.
This program looks at different types of maps and how to use them to understand your ancestors towns and migrations; changing borders and extracting data and even names from maps.
Daniel Hubbard

Feb 21, 2012 - Saturday
Zion-Benton Public Library
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Black Roots - Tracing the Family Tree and Researching Vital Records
The Zion Genealogical Society and the Zion-Benton Public Library are pleased to present the internationally known genealogist, author and leading expert in African American genealogy, Tony Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs says "researching your family tree can lead to amazing finds -- asking many questions is the secret to success." He has consulted and evaluated research for some of the most influential contemporary black families, including the Reverend Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey.
Tony Burroughs

Mar 21, 2012 - Monday
Zion-Benton Public Library
USING THE FAMILYSEARCH WIKI - An Invaluable Resource You Should Be Using
The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a community project, and a great place to find out how to track down those elusive ancestors. It is a free interactive encyclopedia of information contributed by both professional and enthusiastic genealogists. It is the most current way of finding information that is constantly being updated, added to, and expanded.

This program will help you understand various elements of the wiki, including how to navigate and contribute to it. You will come away with the realization that the FamilySearch Research Wiki is a valuable tool, and in many cases the answers to research questions are already there.
Maureen Brady

Apr 16, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
NEWSPAPER RESEARCH IN THE MIDWEST
Learn issues unique to newspaper research and how to find and access digitized, microfilmed and archival copies of Midwestern newspapers. Major repositories will be discussed.
Debbie Mieszala

May 21, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
UFF DA! Researching My Norwegian Roots
Caron Brennan will share what she has learned through researching her own elusive Norwegian Great Grandparents and discovering cousins in Sandinavia. She will discuss things to know, lessons learned, research locations and guides and other helpful things.
Caron Brennan

June 18, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
SEARCHING ELECTRONIC DATABASES
Controlled vocabulary isn't what your mother meant when she told you to watch your language. What does it mean and how does it help you find information online? Did you know you can browse library shelves remotely? Or that you can research for Johnny B. Goode's obituary in the Prouest Historical Tribune database? We will cover using *?/!# effectively and much more in this lecture on using twenty-first century catalogs and databases.
Ginger Frere

July 16, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
"Members Getting Acquainted" (Optional - Donations for A Safe Place)

In July is when we celebrate the spirit of Christmas; a time of good cheer, fellowship, feasting, and giving. There is a potluck dinner, provided by the members, music, and fun. Also in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, our members open their hearts instead of presents by bring donations for A-Safe-Place as our early "Christmas Gift" to that organization.

Aug 20, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP - Are You Stumped?
Problem Solving Workshop
Panel and Members

Sept 17, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
READING BETWEEN THE LINES OF THE CITY DIRECTORY
This lecture encourages one to go beyond the obvious use of a city directory-locating an ancestor. The directory provides an opportunity to understand our ancestor's historical context. Pictures, advertisements, maps of the city and many more items are often included. The audience will be encouraged to understand each directory's unique qualities.
Teresa Steinkamp McMillin

Oct 15, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
TBD

TBD

Nov 19, 2012 - Monday
Beach Park Village Hall
IRISH IMMIGRANTS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE FAMINE
Learn about the routes taken and the reasons for the emigration from Ireland to the U.lS. and Canada before, during and after the famine. Learn how this mass movement of people can affect your research, plus what tools and records are available to trace your Irish ancestor.
Paul Milner

Dec, 2012 NO MEETING - HAPPY HOLIDAYS