RootsTech Streaming Schedules

If you cannot make it to RootsTech's 10th Anniversary COnference make sure to check out the two different streaming options available from home. While one is free and the other is paid, they both have excellent content.

Free Streaming:
The schedule for the free presentations are now online. They run from Wednesday to Saturday with the first session at 8 am and the last session at 3 pm Mountain Time.

Virtual Pass:
This option is also available to RootsTech attendees as an add-on. It gives subscribers access to 30 presentations recorded at the conference and placed online 15-20 days after it ends. I am excited to say that I will be one of those recordings.

Curious about RootsTech London: View the live stream

Like other RootsTech events, there will be a live stream of select lectures this week in London. For those who are unable to travel to the site, this is a great way to get a taste of what is occurring there. 

You can view the whole schedule online here. There are three presentations scheduled each day of the conference at 9 am, 11 am, and 1pm. The 11 am time is the keynote presentation for the day.

Thursday:
9:00 A.M. BST
Comparing the Genealogy Giants: Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast, and MyHeritage – Sunny Morton
This session prepares genealogists for one of the important questions they must routinely ask about their research: “Which genealogy websites should be I be using right now?” This comparative introduction showcases four global powerhouse websites: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Findmypast.com, and MyHeritage.com. Attendees will meet each site and learn about its priorities and target audiences. They will see how their statistics stack up for historical record content and family trees and see an introductory comparison to their DNA tools. They can compare subscription costs and learn about free access options, including Family History Center access. Perhaps most valuably, they’ll hear an industry insider’s tips on each site’s best features—and cautions or challenges for working with each one.

11:00 A.M. BST
Thursday General Session Featuring Dan Snow
Dan Snow is a popular historian, broadcaster, and television presenter. Snow was born and raised in London. Having graduated from Oxford University, he went on to present military history programs with his father, Peter Snow. Their series Battlefield Britain won a BAFTA award. He has appeared regularly on the ONE show on BBC1 and has contributed to several books, including Death or Victory, The World’s Greatest Twentieth Century Battlefields, and The Battle of Waterloo Experience. Snow will speak to the audience, sharing stories and his own experience with family, history, and everything in between.

1:00 P.M. BST
Discover Your Family at FamilySearch: Photos, Stories, and Memories – Gregg Richardson
Discover. This is a word that is relatively new to the genealogy world. Genealogy is not only about researching records for the dead, there is also relevant discovery to be had for yourself … for the living. We will demonstrate simple activities that you can do with other family members. We’ll also walk through how to add photos of living family and write and record memories for anyone in your tree. 

Friday:

9:00 A.M. BST
A Strategic Approach to Irish Genealogy – Maurice Gleeson
Researching Irish ancestral lines used to be extremely difficult, but the last 10 years has seen a huge increase in the digitization and indexing of Irish records, many of which are now available online. The trouble is that many people are not aware of how much easier Irish research now is. They don't know where to find the records, and they are not comprehensive in their approach to Irish research. This presentation pulls together the various sources for Irish records, many of which are freely available online, and provides a strategic approach to accessing the relevant records for your own Irish genealogical research, maximizing the chances of successfully breaking through brick walls in your Irish research. Technical aspects discussed during this presentation include checklists, blog posts, specific websites, search techniques, and organizing your research.

11:00 A.M. BST
Friday General Session Featuring Kadeena Cox, Nick Barratt, and Steve Rockwood
Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, will explore the connections and belonging that come through family history. Kadeena Cox has lived an incredible story, and she is going to share it with the RootsTech community. Cox is a Paralympian with multiple gold medals to her name. She won two gold medals and a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Summer Paralympics. These medals made Cox the first Briton in 32 years to take gold in two sports at the same Paralympics games. Cox has broken records, won medals on the world stage, and made her country proud. She will take to the stage to share her story, her family, and her inspiring spirit of determination and courage. Nick Barratt will act as the RootsTech London emcee. Barratt is known for his work on Who Do You Think You Are?, House Detectives, Hidden House Histories, Secrets from the Attic, and Missing Millions. Barratt is a committee member for the Community Archive and Heritage Group and president of the Federation of Family History Societies.

1:00 P.M. BST
Tracing 20th Century English Ancestors: The Joys and Challenges — Else Churchill
Many researchers beginning their English family history discover that researching in the early 20th century can be quite challenging. Death certificates don't give the place of burial. There will be missing census information. Rising levels of cohabitation and divorce make finding marriage information difficult. The devastating effect of two world wars, increased migration, and other developments can make finding an ancestor challenging. This talk will look at the sources and techniques that might help overcome those challenges.


Saturday:
9:00 A.M. BST
DNA is Dynamite: How to Ignite Your Ancestral Research — Michelle Leonard
This session will provide an overview of the basic information required to understand the three main types of DNA tests available for ancestral research. Michelle will explain how each test works and cover the inheritance patterns of the different types of DNA that can be tested, including the importance of the X-chromosome. She will talk attendees through the first steps they should take once their results arrive and provide easy-to-follow hints and tips on how to get the most out of test results. Practical real-life examples will illustrate how DNA testing can be used to connect with previously unknown cousins, break down brick walls, and confirm the accuracy of family trees.

11:00 A.M. BST
Saturday General Session Featuring Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond is known internationally for his talent as a singer, songwriter, actor, television series host, and best-selling author. After years of entertaining crowds, inspiring more than a few dance parties, and making memories around the world, Donny Osmond is coming to the RootsTech stage in London to share his story, his talents, and his passion for family history. Osmond will be sharing stories about connection, finding family, and his deep connection to the UK.

1:00 P.M. BST
Getting Started with DNA – Debbie Kennett
DNA testing is an essential tool for the family historian and has the potential to provide answers that can’t be found from the paper trail alone. The large genetic genealogy databases are helping to reunite long-lost cousins and break down long-standing brick walls. But if you’ve not yet been tested, it can be very confusing trying to decide how a DNA test can help with your research and working out which test you should be taking. In this session you will learn about the three different tests—Y-chromosome DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA—and how you can apply them to your research. The talk will be illustrated with case studies and some inspiring real-life stories.

Press Release For NGS 2016

National Genealogical Society to Live Stream Ten Lectures during its 2016 Family History Conference

ARLINGTON, VA, 9 MARCH 2016 —The National Genealogical Society (NGS) will live stream ten lectures from its 2016 Family History Conference, which will be held 4-7 May 2016, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Details of the live streaming program can be found on the NGS Conference website. NGS members and others across the United States and overseas, who are unable to attend the conference in person, are invited to sign up for these live streaming broadcasts.

NGS has selected some of the most popular topics and nationally known speakers for the two featured tracks. Registrants for live streaming can sign up for either track or the bundled package that includes both tracks.

• Track One: Viewers will be able to screen five lectures on “Land Records and Maps” from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 5 May 2016. The lectures will cover deed books and private land claims, how to utilize mapping apps, Google Earth, and GPS to enrich your research, and maps and gazetteers for English and Welsh research.
• Track Two: Five “Methods for Success” lectures will be live streaming from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 6 May 2016. They will address methodology techniques for use with historical context and DNA, as well as problem solving using a combination of resources.

Registration for live streaming will close at midnight 22 April 2016 and is discounted for NGS members. All registrants will receive an electronic version of the NGS 2016 Family History Conference Syllabus.   

Track Selection	Included Formats	Member Price	Non-Member Price	Track Descriptions
Track One or Track Two	Live Streaming with three months access to  Track One or Two	$65.00	$80.00	Land Records and Maps. Five lectures on Thursday, 5 May 2016, or Methods for Success. Five lectures on Friday, 6 May 2016.
Bundled Package Track One and Track Two	Live Streaming with three months access to both tracks	$115.00	$145.00	Land Records and Maps. Five lectures on Thursday, 5 May 2016, and Methods for Success. Five lectures on Friday, 6 May 2016.

NGS has selected PlayBackNow to broadcast the live sessions and to provide the recorded sessions for later viewing. Instructions for viewing the live streaming will be sent to registrants before 30 April 2016.

Tracks One and Two are among the 25 tracks and 180 lectures that will be open to those who attend the four-day conference in person. Conference attendees may also benefit from purchasing the NGS live streaming package by registering for either track or the bundled package, which they will be able to view after they return home. By selecting different presentations while attending the conference, they can expand their overall conference experience. They will have ninety days following the conference to view and repeat the live streaming sessions (through 7 August 2016).

Reminder: The conference discounted Early Bird registration will close on 31 March 2016.

Founded in 1903, the National Genealogical Society is dedicated to genealogical education, exemplary standards of research, and the preservation of genealogical records.  The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian, seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, and guidance in research. It also offers many opportunities to interact with other genealogists.

No RootsTech for you? Never fear! You can watch from home...

The live stream schedule for videos from RootsTech was published and I thought many of you would like to see it.  I know the first time I attend RootsTech was from the comfort of my own home.  I learned a lot, participated in live tweeting during the keynotes, and chatted with friends online.  Besides the fact I was 2 time zones away and in my PJs it was just like being there!

Check out the video schedule here for more information.  However, here is a broken down list for you as well:

Day	Time	Class Title	Speaker
Thursday	8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.	Thursday General Session	Steve Rockwood Paula Madison Bruce Feiler
	11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.	7 Unique Technologies for Genealogy Discoveries	Mike Mansfield
	1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Best Websites and Apps for Local History	Amy Crow
	3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	What’s New in Family Tree in 2016	Ron Tanner
	4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.	Virtual Family Reunions	Joseph Richardson
Friday	8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	Friday General Session	Josh and Naomi Davis (Love Taza) David Isay
	10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.	RootsTech Innovator Showdown Finals
	1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Proven Methodology for Using Google for Genealogy	Lisa Louise Cooke
	3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org	Robert Kehrer
	4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.	My Ancestors Are from Britain—What Do I Do Next?	Myko Clelland
Saturday	8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	Saturday General Session	Michael Leavitt
	11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.	Photos—Emerging Technologies in Photography	Jens Nielsen
	1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Become a Master Searcher on Ancestry	Anne Mitchell
	3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Homespun and Calico: Researching our Foremothers	Peggy Lauritzen
	4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.	Using the Genealogical Proof Standard for Success	James Ison

2 Live streaming opportunities from SCGS Jamboree 15

As much as I would love to be on a plane to Southern California this week for Jamboree it is just not in the cards for me.  However I, and you at home, can participate from afar in this great conference.  With the sponsorship of Ancestry.com the Southern California Genealogical Society is presenting 3 days of live streaming videos.  The best part, it’s free.

Yeah, I said free!  Just go out and register to use the site.  After that check out the live streaming page for the listing of presentation from Friday – Sunday you can watch from your couch.  I know we all have busy lives and schedules, but you might be able to squeeze in an hour or two to learn something new.

However, if you are interested in genetic genealogy don’t forget that Thursday June 4^th is the all-day DNA Day.  You can register for the 6 sessions for $99 or individual sessions at $20 each.  If you are interested in learning more about genetic genealogy this is something you should check out.

Below is the live streaming schedule for the free sessions.  Bet you can find something you like!

Friday June 5 Broadcast Schedule
(all times are Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7:00)

Denise May Levenick
FR007
Be Prepared with a Genealogy Disaster Plan
1:00 PM - 2:00PM PDT

Is your genealogy safe? Fire, flood, or power loss can destroy a lifetime of research and heirlooms. Practical ideas to protect your work and salvage items damaged by water or smoke. Denise Levenick, aka The Family Curator, is an author and genealogist with a special interest in organizing and preserving family collections. She is the creator of the award-winning website www.TheFamilyCurator.com, author of two books, How to Archive Family Keepsakes and How to Archive Family Photos,lecturer, and frequent magazine contributor. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate

Ancestry.com
* Finding Your Ancestor’s Story in the Records
* Five Things You Should Do With Every Record
* Down on the Farm
* Your Civil War Ancestors in Historical Perspective
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

J. H."Jay" Fonkert, CG
FR018
Five Tips for Successful Research in a New Location
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT

When tackling a new locale, get to know the geography, the local history, the record-keeping jurisdictions, the range of available records, and the researchers who know their way around town. Gen1, Gen2. J. H. (“Jay”) Fonkert, CG(sm) is a director of APG, a trustee of the BCG Education Fund, and a past president of the Minnesota Genealogical Society. He has published more than 30 research and teaching articles in Minnesota Genealogist, The Septs, Family Chronicle, NGS Magazine and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, and has spoken at society meetings and major conferences in eight states and provinces. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner

Ancestry.com
Questions to Ask Living Relatives
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM PDT

This pre-recorded video brought to you by Ancestry.com

Blaine T. Bettinger, PhD, JD and Paul Woodbury
FR019
Genetic Genealogy and the Next Generation
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PDT

This session provides and introduction to genetic genealogy for youth and the role that DNA will play in the future of family history. Blaine T. Bettinger, PhD, JD, is an intellectual property attorney at Bond, Schoeneck and King in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Bettinger is the author of The Genetic Genealogist, a blog that examines the intersections of traditional genealogical techniques and modern genetic research since 2007. Paul Woodbury is a recent graduate of Brigham Young University where he studied Genetics and Family History. He has been involved in family history research for 15 years. Currently he works as a client researcher and private contractor in conjunction with The DNA Detectives. He specializes in French, Spanish, Scandinavian and genetic genealogy. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner

Ancestry.com
* Should I Take That Hint?
* Finding Irish Origins
* Find the Parents
* Five Things You Should Do With Every Record
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Dr. Michael D. Lacopo
FR032
Finding and Utilizing German Church Records
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PDT

Many of us have German-speaking European ancestors but are afraid to tackle the next steps across the Atlantic. Your lecturer will show examples of German church records, how to decipher them and how to overcome the fear of German script. Dr. Michael D. Lacopo is a retired small-animal veterinarian born and raised in Northern Indiana. He takes a scientific approach to his research as he does to his profession. Researching since 1980, he has lectured internationally and written for numerous periodicals and journals. A self-described "all-American mutt," his research skills cover a broad range. Michael is author of the popular HoosierDaddy Blog at http://roots4u.blogspot.com. Genealogy experience level: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Saturday June 6 Broadcast Schedule
(all times are Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7:00)

Lisa Louise Cooke
SA007
Google Tools and Procedures for Solving Family History Mysteries
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PDT

In this session we will put Google to the test. Discover Google tools and the process for using them to solve the genealogical challenges you face. You'll walk away with exciting new techniques you can use right away. Louise Cooke is the founder of Genealogy Gems, a genealogy and family history multi-media company. She is the producer of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, the popular online genealogy audio show, downloaded over 1.5 million times, available at GenealogyGems.com & iTunes. She produces The Family Tree Magazine Podcast, writes for the magazine and is the author of four popular books. Genealogy experience level: Intermediate

Ancestry.com
* Finding the Stories of Moms in Your Family Tree
* Start Small, Go Big – How Sliders Can Help Your Searching
* Clues from the Graveyard
* Finding Your Ancestor’s Story in the Records
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
SA014
Tho' They Were Poor, They May Have Been Rich in Records
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT

No land, no probate, or no money? No problem. Rich records exist of poor ancestors or those with temporary problems. Details include place of origin, date of birth, religion, residence, infirmity, death date, burial, family, and adoption details. Paula Stuart Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS, works full-time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, & writing. She is a Course Coordinator for SLIG & GRIP, is on the board of FGS, former officer of APG & former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society. Her articles & lectures focus on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, analysis, repositories, & Native Americans. Genealogy experience level: Advanced Beginner, Intermediate

Ancestry.com
Smarter Searching: Look for Records Not People
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM PDT

This pre-recorded video brought to you by Ancestry.com

Lisa A. Alzo, MFA
SA021
No Easy Button: Using Immersion Genealogy to Understand Your Ancestors
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PDT

Learn how to take your research a step further to understand your ancestors' lives through "immersion genealogy"--the process of discovering where they lived, worked, and worshipped, and much more. Lisa A. Alzo, M.F.A., is a freelance writer, instructor, and internationally recognized lecturer, specializing in Slovak/Eastern European genealogical research, writing your family history, and using the internet to trace female and immigrant ancestors. She is the author of nine books and hundreds of magazine articles. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional, Communicator

Ancestry.com
* AncestryDNA: New Ancestors Discoveries Reviewed
* Using Ancestry.com Like A Pro
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Cyndi Ingle
SA033
Plotting, Scheming and Mapping Online
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT

The Internet is a source for a variety of maps and geographical tools that will help you in your research. From new maps and atlases with online driving directions to old gazetteers with county lines and ancient place names, the Internet has them all. We'll explore those resources, ideas for using them and integrating them into your research routine. Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 34 years, is the creator of Cyndi's List; author of three books for genealogical research on the Internet; a past-member of the board of directors for the National Genealogical Society and active member in several other Genealogical groups. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate 

Ancestry.com
Your Migration Story
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM PDT

This pre-recorded video brought to you by Ancestry.com

Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
SA035
Midwestern and Plains States Level Census Records
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM PDT

Learn about the indexes, varied extensive personal details included, locating the censuses and alternate sources. Provides an overview for IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, and WI. Some are drool-worthy! Paula Stuart Warren, CG, FUGA, FMGS works full-time in genealogical and historical research, lecturing, consulting, & writing. She is a Course Coordinator for SLIG & GRIP, is on the board of FGS, former officer of APG & former board member of the Minnesota Genealogical Society. Her articles & lectures focus on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, analysis, repositories, & Native Americans. Genealogy experience level: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Advanced

Ancestry.com
* Finding Your Ancestor’s Story in the Records
* Five Things You Should Do With Every Record
* Down on the Farm
* Your Civil War Ancestors in Historical Perspective
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Lisa Louise Cooke
SA047
Update: Google! Everything New that You Need to Know for Genealogy
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

One thing guaranteed about working online is that everything is subject to change! Get the scoop on all the latest changes you need to know about for effective genealogy searching. Lisa Louise Cooke is the founder of Genealogy Gems, a genealogy and family history multi-media company. She is the producer of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, the popular online genealogy audio show, downloaded over 1.5 million times, available at GenealogyGems.com & iTunes. She produces The Family Tree Magazine Podcast, writes for the magazine and is the author of four popular books. Genealogy experience level: Intermediate

Sunday June 7 Broadcast Schedule
(all times are Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -7:00)

Janet Hovorka, MLIS
SU005
Family History Adhesive: Science and Simple Tech 4 Binding Families
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PDT

Studies show that family history strengthens your relationships and empowers your current family. Use the technology your family already accesses every day to create a strong narrative together. Janet Hovorka owns Family ChartMasters, an award-winning genealogy chart printing service and is the author of theZap the Grandma Gap book and workbooks about engaging youth with family history. Janet writes The Chart Chick and theZap The Grandma Gap blogs and has widely written and lectured about family history. She is a past president of UGA and teaches genealogy and library science at SLCC. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Ancestry.com
* Should I Take That Hint?
* Finding Irish Origins
* Find the Parents
* Five Things You Should Do With Every Record
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Cyndi Ingle
SU015
The Hidden Web: Digging Deeper
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT

When Google and traditional search engines don't return useful information, don't stop there. We will explore resources that are invisible to Google and hidden deep within web sites and proprietary databases. The "hidden web" lies buried within the collections for commercial web sites, libraries, archives, and museums. We will also talk about the importance of indexes that deep-link into web sites online, thus uncovering hidden gems of information that may not be found easily through a search engine query. Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 34 years, is the creator of Cyndi's List; author of three books for genealogical research on the Internet; a past member of the board of directors for the National Genealogical Society and active member in several other genealogical groups. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate

Ancestry.com
* Introduction to Fold3
* Find A Grave: Linking Families
* Life Events: Telling the Stories of Their Lives
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM PDT

These pre-recorded videos brought to you by Ancestry.com

Anita Paul
SU022
Who, What, When, Where? Using Journalism Techniques to Write Your Story
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT

Journalists get to the point with their writing. Learn proven techniques to do the same when writing your family's genealogy story. Anita R. Paul, the Author's Midwife, helps researchers, professionals, and entrepreneurs enhance their expertise, position their platform and build their brand by becoming a published author. Through her Write Your Life program, authors overcome the struggles of writing, publishing, and marketing a book, so they can leverage the book for success. Genealogy experience level: Intermediate, Advanced, Professional, Communicator

Ancestry.com
* Finding the Stories of Moms in Your Family Tree
* Start Small, Go Big – How Sliders Can Help Your Searching
* Clues from the Graveyard
* Finding Your Ancestor’s Story in the Records
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM PDT

This pre-recorded video brought to you by Ancestry.com

Matthew Hovorka
SU030
Get to Know Your Geezers
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Start visiting the top sites used by professionals. Collect your family history using Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and MyHeritage.com and learn the differences between sources and conclusion trees. Gen1, Youth, Technology. Matthew Hovorka was only 4 years old when his parents started Family ChartMasters thus enveloping his life in family history. He's currently 16 years old and has been working on correctly sourcing his ancestor's research. When he isn't doing genealogy he can be found doing something else on the computer. Genealogy experience level: Newbie, Beginner