Education opportunities at the NEHGS

There are a variety of free education opportunities out there for all level of genealogists.  I mean, a lot, if you look in the right places.  For instances, did you know about the online learning center on the New England Historic and Genealogical Society (NEHGS)?  If this is news to you run, don’t walk, to your computer and check this out.

Yesterday I attended a free online webinar from NEHGS on TenSteps for Writing and Publishing Your Family History presented by Penny Stratton.  I found it when I was cleaning out my mailbox a few days before (yes, I on occasion let things pile up) and thought it might be a great lecture since I keep toying with publishing my family stories.  At the end she mentioned the link to the other resources on the website. 

Yes, I am guilty of not checking out the new NEHGS website recently.  However, if you have read this blog before, you know that I was very busy over the last few months.  Boy I have missed a great resource.  Something that I will need to correct in the near future. 

You have the choice of watching recorded webinars, download templates, or read a variety of articles.  There is a newsletter you can subscribe to so you know what is coming up.  In fact, there are a series of online classes that are starting up for a relatively low fee. 

Needless to say I now have a new to-do list on my education checklist.  I will be watching, and attending, more of these in the future.  Hope to see you there!

Week 39 of Abundant Genealogy

Week 39: Society Journal or Quarterly. Share with us your favorite genealogy society journal or quarterly publication. How long have you been reading it? Which group publishes it? Why is this publication one of your favorites? How has is helped you research your family history?

I have really enjoyed receiving my issues of American Ancestors from NEHGS.  They are interesting, insightful, and an all-around good read.  When I get it in the mail I just can’t stop reading it until I am through from the beginning to the end.  I became a member last year, and since they are quarterly I have only received 5 issues. 

In that amount of time it has helped me in several ways, and I am sure that I will discover that it is a publication I won’t want to do without.  I have discovered new ways to research, places to look, and most importantly I can study the ways that others write and research.

Week 13 of Abundant Genealogy

Local genealogical and historical societies are the lifeblood of genealogy. Members and volunteers give their time and money to preserve local history and promote family history. Tell us about a local society for which you are thankful.

This is where I hang my head in shame and admit that I do not participate on the local level in any genealogy community.  Unless you count the local chapter of the DAR that I will become a full member of when my paperwork is completed.  I have attended two meetings, and have already become a nuisance.  You know, raising my hand and asking a lot of questions!

I wrote to the Fredericksburg Virgina Regional Genealogy Society (FRGS) about a year ago looking to interact and get more insights into this new hobby I was picking up.  Unfortunately, their meeting night is the same night as another group I belong to, and as an officer person I need to be at the other meetings.  Luckily my term is up this June, so perhaps I can look into it more then.

Beyond that, I am a member of the New England Historic Genealogy Society (NEHGS). I have thought about becoming a member of the Virginia Genealogical Society and the Indiana Genealogical Society.  Chase those roots to the source!

*Image from wikimedia commons:  Silas M. Clark House, 621 Wayne Ave at South Sixth Street, (Borough of) Indiana, Pennsylvania. Built 1869-1870. Home of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County. Had been known as "History House" and "Memorial Hall".

Family History Day in New York

I was reading my weekly email from the NEHGS and saw an announcement for their New York Family History Day 2012.  The announcement reads:

"Ancestry.com and the New England Historic Genealogical Society are pleased to bring you New York Family History Day 2012, a day to discover and celebrate your family history. This exciting event can help you start or hone your genealogical skills with informative classes, expert consultations and more. Our venue, the Westchester Marriott, is located in the heart of New York’s historic Hudson Valley."

For $44 there is a lot in a small amount of time, and it looks like the classes are well rounded and worth the trip.  If anyone gets to go I would love to hear all about it! 

*Image from the Library of Congress:  New York city views, Chrysler Building, Lexington Ave. and 42nd St., New York City. Exterior, from Daily News Building