Tag Archives: Genealogy Conferences

genealogy education

Scholarships Announced for Foresic Genealogy Institute

Here is a press release from the Council for Advancement of Forensic Genealogy. Anyone interested in this branch of genealogical research should probably consider applying.

Dallas, Texas – November 6, 2014 – The Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) is now accepting applications for a $225 scholarship to the 4th Annual Forensic Genealogy Institute (FGI), to be held March 26-28, 2015, at the Wyndham Love Field Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Registration is now open at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com. Tuition for each course is $445, and the scholarship covers more than 50% of that fee.

“The scholarship to CAFG’s Forensic Genealogy Institute is intended to ease the financial burden of advanced, professional education,” says Leslie Lawson, CAFG President. “The scholarship gives up-and-coming forensic/genetic genealogists the opportunity to advance their career and increase their skills.”

FGI 2015 will be the largest-ever offering of forensic genealogy for intermediate and advanced genealogists. Each FGI course offers 20 hours of instruction by expert forensic and genetic genealogists in just three days, minimizing travel costs and time away from family and work. Seats are limited at FGI, and registration is already more than 65% full, so early registration is encouraged.

Scholarship Application Process
The FGI scholarship is open to all FGI 2015 registrants. Individuals interested in financial assistance to attend the institute should send a request of not more than 400 words to institute@forensicgenealogists.org explaining how they feel receiving the FGI Scholarship might best help them and the field of forensic genealogy. Applications are due Friday, December 5, 2014. The scholarship recipient will receive a partial tuition refund of $225.

Those wanting to apply for the scholarship but who have not yet registered for FGI can do so online at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com before submitting their application.

Brand-New, Advanced Training
FGI 2015 features two brand-new, concurrent courses designed for intermediate and advanced forensic genealogists:

  • Advanced Genetic Genealogy and Unknown-Parentage Cases
  • Forensic Genealogy Master Practicum

Taught by renowned genetic genealogists CeCe Moore and Angie Bush, the “Advanced Genetic Genealogy and Unknown-Parentage Cases” course applies DNA and traditional genealogical research to uncovering the genetic heritage of individuals with unknown parentage. This area of forensic research is expanding rapidly, and genealogists who can use DNA to successfully address unknown-parentage cases are in great demand. Full course details are available at www.forensicgenealogists.org/institute/courses.
The “Forensic Genealogy Master Practicum” offers practical, real-life experience. Students will leave the course having written 3 forensic reports and participated in a mock trial. In the most recent CAFG newsletter, Master Practicum coordinator Wanda Smith offers an in-depth explanation of this hands-on, interactive course: http://www.forensicgenealogists.org/wp-content/uploads/CAFG_Vol-4_Issue-6_September-October.pdf.

Courses are expected to fill, so early registration is encouraged at https://fgi2015.eventbrite.com.

About CAFG
Established in 2011, the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) is a business league with a professional membership dedicated to the advancement of forensic genealogy, which is research, analysis, and reporting in cases with legal implications. CAFG promotes high standards of professional and ethical conduct, provides education and training opportunities, and assists in professional development though mentorship, full membership, credentialing, and awarding of fellowships. Learn more at www.forensicgenealogists.org.

genealogy education

Exploring Genealogy at a National Conference

Genealogists – whether we’re beginners, intermediates or advanced – are never done learning, and we’re fortunate these days to have a number of ways to improve our knowledge and skills. There are classes, webinars, books, society presentations, podcasts, wikis, and so many more. But attending a national genealogy conference is an experience like no other.

Earlier this year, I attended RootsTech 2014 in Salt Lake City. What an incredible experience. People from all over the world attended, including the whole galaxy of genealogy “rock stars” from whom we learn so very much. Over three days, the educational sessions covered every technology-related genealogy topic I could imagine (and some I hadn’t imagined). Just walking through the vendors hall and chatting with the folks at the exhibits was an education in itself. And I met so many great people. I came home with renewed excitement and energy and a million new ideas.

In 2015, RootsTech and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) are having their national conferences jointly in Salt Lake City February 11th through the 14th. Here’s the description of the joint conference:

“The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and RootsTech are teaming up for a one-time special genealogy event at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, February 11–14, 2015. FGS and RootsTech will share the expo hall, general sessions, activities, and more while each conference offers their own program of sessions. FGS sessions will focus on methodology, records, ethnic research, and migration for honing your research skills and society issues to motivate and inspire society volunteers. RootsTech will offer a program of technology-based solutions for the genealogy needs of both individuals and societies.”

Click here for more information about the conferences and registration.

FGS’s 2015 conference theme is Connect.Explore.Refresh. I think it captures well the benefits of attending a national conference. Connecting with other genealogists and family historians, while exploring new information and adding to our skills, results in our being refreshed and energized as genealogists.