Each year the Louisville Genealogical Society sponsors a Family History Seminar and Book Fair, featuring a nationally-known speaker. The 2008 Seminar will be held on October 11, 2008, at Beargrass Christian Church, at the corner of Shelbyville Road and Browns Lane. Our speaker will be Michael John Neill.

Michael John Neill has been actively involved in genealogy research for over twenty years. He has a master's degree in mathematics from Western Illinois University and is on the faculty of Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he also coordinates a week-long series of genealogy computer workshops every spring. He has written for a variety of genealogical periodicals and currently writes a regular column for Ancestry.com's blog. Michael was an instructor at the former Genealogical Institute of Mid-America and has lectured nationally on a wide variety of genealogical topics. Mr. Neil's topics will be:

9:00 a.m. - Researching the Entire Family
Focusing only on the direct line can cause significant information to be overlooked and larger patterns to go un-noticed. This lecture discusses via examples, the importance of researching the siblings and at least first cousins of a direct ancestor.

10:30 a.m. - Using Records from the Family History Library When You Don't Know the Language
Reading records in Swedish, German, Latin, or any other European language is not quite as difficult as it may appear on the surface. We’ll discuss a general approach to reading non-English records. Learning the script and 50 basic words will accomplish wonders.

1:30 p.m. - 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 his friends and relatives.

3:00 p.m. - 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.

7 One-Hour Free Classes

9:00 a.m. - Adoption Search -- by Susan C. Brown

Susan Myers Brown was born in Maysville, Kentucky. Her parents left Kentucky when she was 7 and moved the family to Florida. Her father’s job moved the family to several states until finally settling in Dothan, Alabama when she was in the 8th grade. Susan graduated from Troy University in 1998 with a BS in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She moved back to Kentucky in 1998 shortly after graduation to be closer to her parents and grandparents. She started with the Cabinet for Families and Children (now the Cabinet for Health & Family Services) in July of 1998 working in the Central Office Adoptions Branch. She has been the Adult Adoptee Program Manager for almost 4 years now and really enjoys what she does. She is married, has a 16 year old daughter, and raises and trains German shepherd dogs.

Kentucky Adoption File Searches
Susan Brown will discuss the process to get identifying and non-identifying information from an adoption file where the adoption occurred in Kentucky. She will have several handouts for the class. In Accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute 199.570 Adoption records are confidential. In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute 199.572(2), the adult adopted person applies in person or in writing to the Circuit Court for authorization to inspect all papers and records pertaining to the adoption proceedings of that adult adopted person.
To request identifying information from an adoption file:
* The adult adopted person needs to obtain a Court order by filing the AOC 290 (Petition to Inspect Adoption Records) with the Kentucky Circuit or Family Court in the county where the adoption was finalized.
* The Cabinet has six (6) months from the date of the court order to conduct the biological parent search.
*If located, the biological parent(s) has two (2) months to provide the Cabinet with written consent or denial of consent for release of identifying information.
* The search results are submitted to the courts by affidavit. The AOC 290.2 (Order Granting or Denying Request to Inspect Adoption Records) is sent from the Court to the Cabinet and the adult adopted person instructing if records can be released. You may file the AOC 290 the Petition to Inspect Adoption Records with the Circuit Court in Kentucky that finalized your adoption.
To request non-identifying information from an adoption file:
Requests for non-identifying information must be made in writing and signed by you. Be sure to clearly state the information or services requested and include:
• Your full adoptive name and birth date,
• Your adoptive parents’ full names,
• The Kentucky County in which the adoption was finalized,
• Your biological parents’ names, if known,
• Your Social Security Number,
• Your current name, address, and phone number, and
• A photocopy of a valid, government issued photo identification card.

9:00 a.m. - Genealogy 101: The Basics -- by Deborah Lord Campisano

Deborah Campisano has over 25 years of research experience. She teaches classes on genealogy methods and sources for local and regional societies and for the University of Louisville's adult education program.

Genealogy 101: The Basics
This class will introduce the research process – working from known to unknown. Basic skills taught include: gathering home sources, interviewing relatives, avoiding pitfalls, general reference works in print and online, and how to organize findings using forms and charts. (See Part 2 of this class at 10:30 a.m.)

10:30 a.m. - Genealogy 101: The Basics, Part 2 -- by Deborah Lord Campisano

Deborah Campisano has over 25 years of research experience. She teaches classes on genealogy methods and sources for local and regional societies and for the University of Louisville's adult education program.

Genealogy 101: The Basics, Part 2
This class will focus on how to: analyze information; form a research strategy; use a source checklist; access online and library resources [emphasis on vital records and census] and how to cite basic sources.

10:30 a.m. - Ancestors Dealing with Illness -- by Mel Arnold

Mel Arnold is a native of Alabama who has lived and worked in several midwest states. He taught at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota before returning to Louisville to become the Director of Training and Education for Humana. He later retired from LGE-Energy where he served as Director of Training and Education. He has been a member of LGS since 2002 and now serves as vice president of the society.

Ancestors Dealing with Illness
Often we come across unknown names for disease, strange medical terms and even stranger remedies used by our forefathers. Some of these terms represent diseases we know today by a different name. Before effective scientific treatments were developed and communicated, our ancestors often relied on home remedies and so did most of their “doctors.” Occasionally an ancestor’s mysterious disappearance can be explained by an epidemic or other widespread illness. Sometimes these disasters left little time for those caring for the dead and dying to appropriately record their passing or the site of their burial. We will review some of these tragic events and their effects on researching one’s family.

1:30 p.m. - Researching Deeds & Tax Lists -- by Betty Rolwing Darnell

Betty Darnell, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and of state and local societies, is currently editor of the quarterly publication for the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, and president of the Spencer County Historical and Genealogical Society. An active genealogist since her college years, Betty has researched county records in Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and other states, as well as records of Germany. Betty teaches, lectures, and writes about research methods, and has compiled and published abstracts of Kentucky and Missouri county records. She and her husband, Carl, lived in southeast Missouri, 1970 to 1987; in Mt. Washington, Kentucky, 1988-2005; and now have a hillside home overlooking Taylorsville, Kentucky.

It’s Not Always About Land: Researching Deed Records and Tax Lists
Land is, of course, the primary subject of deed records. But land is not the only subject. Deed Books also include wills, powers of attorney, bonds, bills of sale, indentures, mortgages, and sheriffs’ deeds. There may even be a hint of scandal! Tax lists are a valuable adjunct to deed records, pointing the way to further research. Learn how to access these records and make the most of what you find.

1:30 p.m. - Am I Irish? -- by Connie Fry

Connie Fry has been a shop owner for 15 years (with hand made items and floral designs), a decorator and designer, and quilter for about 30 years. She has been involved with genealogy for about 12 years, developing her knowledge with time. She took a couple of genealogy classes at IUS while trying to prove her Indian heritage. She has also been documenting her Irish and Scottish heritage. Connie was vice president of the Irish Society of Kentuckiana for 1 year and president for 3 years, and now the event chairman. She has been the program director of the Scottish Society for eight years and a widow for 15 years.

Am I Irish?
Connie will help you pinpoint the country origin of your surname or a basic area to begin research. She will help you search a surname map of Ireland. Surname research books will be available for personal review. A handout will include Irish Research Websites. Some of the websites detail: court houses, churches, gravesites, etc. In addition, there will be a short review of the Irish in the Revolutionary War and the Kentucky Irish frontier men.

3:00 p.m. - Evaluating Three Computerized Genealogical Record Systems -- by Three LGS members – Phil Hysell, Greg Claypool and Mel Arnold

Three Computer-based Genealogy Record Systems
There are several dozen computer-based record systems for storing genealogical research results. Family historians are often perplexed about the methods used by the various systems and which would best fit their needs. Three LGS members will briefly discuss the record system they use for maintaining their genealogical data. Topic areas will include the various elements of the system, cost, shortcomings, sources, and available help. The systems to be discussed are Brother’s Keeper, Family Tree Maker, and Personal Ancestry File. After a brief overview of each there will be a 15-minute Q and A session.

Part 1: Phil Hysell is a native of Huntington, WV and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington. He did graduate work in chemistry at the University of Louisville and was a laboratory manager for Celanese Corp. and Rhone-Poulenc in Louisville and New Jersey. He is also editor of the Hisle-Hysell Genealogy Newsletter and has published articles and short stories in various journals.

Brother's Keeper Genealogy Software is a shareware genealogy database software program that allows one to store family information, including photos and audio, and generate many different types of charts and reports. It provides for the transfer of database information to other genealogy programs through the use of gedcom files. Phil will discuss these and other features of this versatile software.

Part 2: Gregory Stanton Claypool, born in Portland Oregon, raised in Mexico and Maryland. BS in Economics/Finance from East Tennessee State University (73), Career in commercial banking for 30 years as a Vice President with Liberty National Bank, now part of JP Morgan Chase. Married (Mary) with two great children who have their own residences. Among many other interests, I have been doing family research for 25 years in one fashion or another, compiling data on my surname, as well as, Keyes, Heth, Huntington, Stanton, Sager, Jackson, Meekins, Reynolds, Tatman, Truss, and a whole lot more if you count the maiden names of all the women my ancestors married along the way. For LGS, I compile and edit the monthly newsletter.

Family Tree Maker Version 16 will be the centerpiece of this discussion. FTM is one of the most popular systems being used to record information about family heritage. What I plan to cover with this presentation is the record keeping structure of FTM, how and what kind of data can be stored and how it can be retrieved in reports, etc.. You will get a chance to view some of my family records to get a clear understanding of how this powerful database works.

Part 3: Mel Arnold is a native of Alabama who has lived and worked in several midwest states. He taught at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota before returning to Louisville to become the Director of Training and Education for Humana. He later retired from LGE-Energy where he served as Director of Training and Education. He has been a member of LGS since 2002 and now serves as vice president of the society.

Personal Ancestry File (PAF)
Personal Ancestry File was developed by the Mormon Church. It is provided free as a download from the church web site or can be ordered on CD for a small price. The church provides telephone assistance, if needed and requested, but never inquires into personal information or intrudes on the recording process in any way. It comes with a standard set of data factors (dob, dod, spouse, burial site, etc.) but these can be changed to match one’s preferred data set. The user is able to merge family records from most of the other systems.