Big conference...Little conference...And the love of our youth!

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the Muskingum County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.  What a delight!

It was held in Zanesville, which is approximately 1 1/2 hours from my home.  This time, I drove alone and relished in the beautiful pre-autumn countryside that surrounded me.

The first thing that caught my eye was a very old schoolhouse that I have passed many times before.  Or, it might have even been a church house.  I don't know.  I do know that it was once a beautiful structure.

I wonder about the stories of this old building.  How I would love to hear them now!  And, I don't even know anyone who ever set foot in it.

When I arrived at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Zanesville, I was warmly greeted by those setting up for the banquet.  Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw displays.  I had to get over to see them!

Just look at these displays!  I had to pour over every one of them, thinking how I could incorporate the same type of feeling in my own home.  I can just imagine a grandchild wondering what kind of songs I sang, what type of dolls I played with, what tools did we work with, what did I read...

Soon, it was time for the banquet.  I sat up front at the speaker's table, which always makes me feel awkward.  I love being with all of the regular folks.  I just don't feel that special.  But, they made sure to put me there.

Tonight was a special night for this chapter, for there were many inductees into the First Families of Muskingum County.  Some had come all the way from Indiana!  (Zanesville is east of Columbus, which is in the center of the state.)  After my talk, I listened to the awards.

I nearly had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as two little girls, through the help of their parents and grandparents, were inducted.  They were sisters, ages 11 and 8, and were so excited!  The older one went happily skipping up to receive her certificate!!

Before the awards, I had made a really big deal about those little girls.  Of all of the places they could have been on a Saturday evening, they were at a genealogy banquet listening to me speak about cemetery experiences.  Everyone applauded for them!

But, when it was all over, they both came up to me to talk about genealogy.  I gave them every bit of my attention, even allowing others to wait a little longer before I gave my attention to them.

Now, why do I even bring this up?  Because I am a conference speaker.

Peggy at OGS Conference, 2015

I have spoken at some really big ones.  And, I have spoken to as few as 3-4 people.  And, I love them both.  But, I have a special affection in my heart for the smaller gatherings where hard-working genealogists that may never get any accolades are quietly working their fingers to the bone on cemetery projects, histories, etc.  God bless them in their efforts.

And now, I'm working on next year's schedule for 2016, and even have booked some into 2017!

I love what I do...

A Perfect Combination

Right in the middle of winter, when we all have the dreary doldrums, a dazzling marriage of two conferences is taking place.

We can't help but win!

The Federation of Genealogical Societies and RootsTech have combined forces to hold the largest conference yet.  And, I will be there!

I am already prepared to both attend this conference, and be one of the speakers.  The FGS conferences have always been worthwhile to attend, and this one will be no different.  My attendance at a previous RootsTech conference left me longing to increase my technology skills even more.

I can't wait!  Though there will be thousands of attendees, I expect no problem in finding fellow bloggers, Facebook friends, and genealogy colleagues.  We just always seem to be in the right place at the right time.

Having been to the Salt Palace for a previous RootsTech conference, I know:

•  This is a large venue that will require the most comfortable shoes I own.  We are staying just a stone's throw away at the Marriot, and it doesn't sound far.  BUT, this is Salt Lake City, and the streets are wide and the blocks are long.  Brigham Young said the streets must be designed to be able to turn a wagon pulled by four horses around.  I only have two legs, so I must accomodate.
•  I must bring the right glasses.  All of them.  I will need my trifocals, my readers, and sunglasses. Bright sun on snow reflects into my eyes, rendering me useless.
• I must learn to condense.  A cross-body bag forces me to weed out what I don't need to lug around.  My hands are free to look over products in the Exhibit Hall.  My arms will be free for plenty of hugging.
• I look forward to all of the address labels that will be arriving for the holidays.  They are great for filling in entry slips in the Exhibit Hall.
• Business cards are a must!  It's even better when you remember to bring them.
• I get hot.  I get cold.  Therefore, I love clothing that doesn't wrinkle.  I have a light jacket I just bought that can easily be wadded up and put into that cross-body bag.
• I take pictures.  I use a camera, a real one.  I just don't like to fill up my phone.
• My Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 goes with me, too.  I love being able to take notes on Evernote.  That is just one of the most wonderful techy-things ever!  
• The Family History Library is across the street!!!!!!

I love attending conferences.  And, I love the networking and the camaraderie that happens when meeting friends that I have only known "virtually".  But, even more important to me, I am there to learn.

Yes, I am there to speak.  But, I am also there to learn.  I have been involved in family history all of my life.  I have spoken to thousands of people in hundreds of venues.

But, I need to learn.

Prepare to attend this combined conference, either in person or through live-streaming.  You will learn things that you didn't know that you didn't know.

That, I know.

https://www.fgsconference.org/assets/files/TwoConferencesOneLocation.pdf 

Why I Will Not Seek Certification

I have decided not to become a Certified Genealogist.

Now don't get me wrong.  I AM a professional, having been accredited through ICAPGen for nearly fifteen years.

But, that is where it ends.

For several years prior to taking the test for accreditation, I thoroughly researched the difference between becoming certified through BCG (Board for Certification of Genealogists), and even going on to pursue that of being a CGL (Certified Genealogical Lecturer).

There wasn't a lot out there to help me at the time I was seeking the credentials that would identify me as a professional.  Accredited Genealogists (AG) seemed to be more of a western thing, for the testing was done by the LDS Church at the Family History Library.  Certified Genealogists (CG) seemed to be more well known, but I didn't know if I could pass the testing process.

Actually I didn't know if I could pass either of the testing processes.

I decided to become an AG for the Southern States.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I thought I was fairly good, but this process refined me and polished me.  I submitted my paperwork and received word that it had been accepted.  The next step would be to make an appointment at the Family History Library.  This would not be a problem since we travel to Utah frequently to visit family.

At the time I tested, the Southern States included everything from Virginia to Texas.  That was a bit of a problem for me, for I didn't really know much about Texas, or Louisiana, or the other states associated with the deep south.

But, I had to learn.

On a Wednesday in October, I dropped my oldest son off at the Missionary Training Center to leave for a two-year mission, drove to Salt Lake City with tears in my eyes, and began my testing that evening.

Little did I know how difficult the next three days would be.  At the end of each day, I had to wait to find out if my test results came back at 90% or above.  If they did, I would be invited back for the next day for more testing.

This went on until the final day, which included a minimum of four hours of an oral examination in a room with eight individuals from the Family History Library.  Oh, my!  I was grilled.  I sweated bullets.  I twisted in my seat.

But, I passed.

During the last thirty minutes, I was asked to leave the room while they discussed me.  I gladly left!  Soon, I was invited back in.  A question was asked of me:  If I were to be granted this Accreditation, what would I do with it?

I answered without pausing.  I simply stated that I would take what I learn and teach it to others for the rest of my life.

They concurred that I had indeed passed the necessary requirements, and they felt good about the work I had done.

And, it's enough for me.

I have renewed my credentials every five years, as required.  I have had to show that I am keeping up with current trends, both as a genealogist and as a speaker.  I keep a spreadsheet showing the classes I have taught, as well as the many opportunities I have had for learning.  I have almost as much to submit for renewal as I did at the beginning.  I was the last person to be tested by the Church before the testing facility evolved into what is now known as ICAPGen (The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists).

Now, why do I even bring this up?

This past weekend was the annual OGS Conference (Ohio Genealogical Society), of which I am a frequent presenter.  I love this event, for it's right here in my home state.  People come from all over the country to attend.

A few conversations rolled around to my becoming "double credentialed".  In other words, to add being a CG and CGL to my postnomial AG might be a good idea to consider.  I was encouraged, for having been a professional for most of my life, it would not be hard to complete the process.  However, I left the conference feeling this is not to be.

Though the two credentialing parties have different focuses, they are every bit as stringent.  Methodology is used in both cases, with the exception that AG's must test in a specific area.  (Since my initial testing, the Southern States have been divided.  I am now accredited in the Mid-South.)

www.icapgen.org

One of the last people I talked to before leaving informed me that becoming a CG involved such rigorous testing that I would literally be astounded.  Apparently, becoming an AG was a piece of cake compared to becoming a CG.  I believe I had just been insulted.  And, it takes a lot to insult me.  All of the respect I had for this individual suddenly diminished, for it was obvious they had no respect for the process of becoming an AG.

So, I will maintain my status as an Accredited Genealogist and will not seek for more.  Some people have no postnomials at all, and are every bit the professional that I am - and even more!  I will continue to lift up and build the confidence of my colleagues.

And, I will take what I learn and teach it to others - for the rest of my life.

The Best State Genealogical Society Ever!

Week 14. State and National Societies: Last week we paid tribute to local genealogical and historical societies. This week we’re going to think bigger. For which state, provincial or national society are you most thankful? What makes this society special? How do the publications and events of this group assist in your family history research?

I am one of the luckiest people alive!  I live just about 10 minutes from the headquarters of The Ohio Genealogical Society, one of the largest societies in the United States!!

The Ohio Genealogical Society had its beginnings in 1955, the year I was born.  Several local residents of Mansfield, Richland County (my hometown) met to form its humble beginnings.  Within a short time, even my parents became part of the the group and were among the workhorse group that began gathering cemetery information, personal genealogies, etc.

It has evolved, for sure!  There is even a chapter in Florida. 

Each year, it offers a top-notch state conference, bringing in some of the best of the best as speakers.  I have been a frequent speaker at these conferences, and have learned far more than I've ever taught.  The exhibit hall is worth going to, expecially if one is not able to afford to go to the larger national conferences.

The libary is in its new home.  This lovely building was completed just a couple of years ago in Bellville, Ohio - just a stone's throw from where I live.  It is truly state-of-the-art.  There is ample room to spread out and research, peruse its stacks, take advantage of the many classes and workshops that are held there, and be helped by the wonderful volunteers that man the information desk.

I am indeed fortunate, for I hear of many people from around the United States that would love to come to this library.  At the annual Summer Workshop, we even had an attendee from Switzerland! 

We are now getting ready for the conference, which be held in the Cleveland area this year.  Hundreds will be there.  Many will research at the Western Reserve Historical Society nearby. 

And why is there such an abundance of information and opportunity in our state?  Because Ohio was always on the way to somewhere!

It will be wonderful - again!