September 29, 2006
Genealogical problem solving, Pennsylvania land records, family history in Europe, online urban mapping tools...

September 30, 2006

Topographic maps; PA military, church and probate records; German family history research; getting more from the Internet...

Lunches & Cruise
Menus and prices...

...Conference Highlights

The keynote address will be given by nationally recognized Americana documentarist Rick Sebak. Attendees of the conference will undoubtedly recognize his voice and style from his many "scrapbook documentaries" as seen on PBS across the country. Some of these documentaries include The Hot Dog Program, Great Old Amusement Parks, Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff, Pennsylvania Diners & Other Roadside Restaurants, along with an extensive series on Pittsburgh. His most recent production on cemeteries is one that has delighted family historians everywhere. This will be a real treat to have the opportunity to see Pennsylvania through the eyes of this folksy storyteller.

Rick is a native of the Pittsburgh area and has worked for WQED in Pittsburgh, the local PBS station, for the last nineteen years. You are guaranteed to see Pittsburgh in a whole new light.
 

Founded in 1892, the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, based in Pittsburgh, PA, covers the twenty-six counties of western Pennsylvania.
 

8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Session and Keynote Address

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Exhibit hall open

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Avoid the Crooked Path! Genealogical Problem Solving
Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG
F1 - Advanced Genealogy Track
In the course of "climbing the family tree," genealogists encounter a myriad of problems like determining what records to use or resolving conflicts in the evidence. This lecture demonstrates how to identify the problem, focus on the objective, analyze the components of the problem, and remain on the path to achieving a successful resolution of that problem.

Finding Families in Penn's Woods: an Overview of Pennsylvania Research
John T. Humphrey
F2 - Pennsylvania Genealogy Track
Before you can explore the wealth of records located in Pennsylvania's archives, courthouses and libraries, you need to understand factors that influenced those records. Understanding the ethnic origin of families, the migration trail they used, settlement patterns, and the "ever-changing" county boundaries are just some of the keys to successful research in Pennsylvania.

Neighbors in Cyberspace: Use the Internet to Find People Who Will Lead You to Your Ancestors
John W. Konvalinka, CG, CGL
F3 - Internet Technology Track
When you cannot find your ancestors (or other subjects) directly, try finding them through people they may have associated with (using the Internet and other computer sources).

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania Luncheon

Chicken Costa Del Sole - Sauteed Boneless Breast of Chicken with Lemon, Garlic and Oregano Sauce ($24 per person, pre-registration required)

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

They Just Show'd Up! Where to Look When You Don't Know Where to Look
Patricia Law Hatcher, FASG
F4 - Advanced Genealogy Track
This lecture presents a structured method for reviewing existing research and identifying additional resources that can lead to a solution to some seemingly impossible problems.

Understanding the State Land Records of Pennsylvania: Warrants, Surveys & Patents
Jonathan R. Stayer
F5 - Pennsylvania Genealogy Track
A description of the five basic documents that transferred land from the Penns and later the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to private ownership, along with suggestions for accessing and using these records for genealogical research.

Urban Mapping Tools
Richard G. Sayre
F6 - Internet Technology Track
Finding ancestors in an urban environment is frequently a rather difficult task because of population density. This presentation will show how, with the aid of fire insurance maps, plat maps and with city directories, one can create a powerful tool to locate ancestors and discover fascinating aspects of their lives. Online resources and repositories for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will be discussed.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Conducting Family History Research in Europe
Roger P. Minert, PhD, AG
F7 - Advanced Genealogy Track
This presentation deals with the preparation and execution of a genealogical research trip to Europe with emphasis placed on solving problems, avoiding complications and increasing productivity.

Genealogical Resources in Western Pennsylvania
Marilyn Coccahiola Holt, MLS
F8 - Pennsylvania Genealogy Track
An introduction to research and repositories for family history in Western Pennsylvania, including an overview of vital records, church and cemetery records, newspapers and city directories.

The "Other Side" of the Courthouse - Court Records and Online Resources You Might Not Have Used
Sandra M. Hewlett, CG
John W. Konvalinka, CG, CGL

F9 - Internet Technology Track
Genealogists can gain knowledge from records normally overlooked - court records and legislative proceedings. Learn how to access these records at the law library or through a variety of Web sites and other services.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

"Solving" the Problem Onsite in 25 Hours or Less!
Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG
F10 - Advanced Genealogy Track
When genealogists travel to distant locations in order to find records that have information on their ancestors, time is usually quite limited. This lecture will present strategies that offer genealogists the opportunity to maximize their research time "onsite," and include a case study to illustrate how this can be accomplished.

PA's Immigration Records: The Published Passenger Lists and Naturalization Records
Annette K. Burgert, FGSP, FASG
F11 - Pennsylvania Genealogy Track
Pennsylvania was the only colony to maintain lists of names of eighteenth-century immigrants. This lecture demonstrates how to effectively use these published lists. Naturalization records complement the existing records.

Pennsylvania Digital Initiatives
L. Suzanne Kellermen, MLS
F12 - Internet Technology Track
An overview of digitization projects in Pennsylvania with an emphasis on historically and genealogically significant materials, including the Pennsylvania Civil War Newspaper Project.

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Pittsburgh River Dinner Cruise

Buffet - stuffed chicken breast, baked Virginia ham with pineapple glaze, penne regatte pasta, rice pilaf, green beans forestiere, captain's antipasto salad, Italian ziti salad, fresh fruit bowl, and for dessert, an assortment of cakes.

Experience Pittsburgh on one of the nostalgic riverboats of the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Come enjoy a three-hour dinner cruise complete with spectacular views of Pittsburgh We will board the riverboat at 6:30pm near the hotel, and set sail at 7:00pm. A cash bar will be available. The Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society will recognize the newest members of First Families of Western Pennsylvania. Celebrate your Pennsylvania ancestors and enjoy the fellowship of fellow genealogists while cruising around the city. ($42 per person, pre-registration required).

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© 2006 Pennsylvania Genealogy Conference