South-Central Minnesota Genealogy Expo - 2009 Session Descriptions

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The full Expo program is available online.

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All sessions are listed alphabetically. For a list by time offered, please view the schedule.

Opening Session @ 9:00-10:15/CSU Ballroom

Genealogical Detours: Solving Problems with Indirect Evidence

We often can't find evidence directly stating an answer to our research problems. Three Midwestern case studies will show you how to weave together indirect evidence to draw a convincing conclusion about your ancestors life.

Speaker: J. H. Fonkert

is a Certified Genealogist specializing in Midwest and Dutch genealogy. He has studied advanced genealogy research methods at the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research at Samford University and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and has completed the National Genealogical Society's home study course. He lectures on a variety of genealogical topics. He writes a genealogy education column for The Septs, the journal of the Irish Genealogical Society International, and has published in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and Minnesota Genealogist and Family Chronicle. He is President of the Minnesota Genealogical Society, and is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors, the National Genealogical Society, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. He is senior health workforce analyst at the Minnesota Department of Health.

General Sessions

Basic Family Research for Beginners 10:30-11:30

Learning the "basics" of genealogy research can save many hours in the quest for your ancestors. This session is targeted at the beginning genealogist.
Instructor: Leonnie Osborne, Family History Consultant, LDS Church

Breaking Down Brick Walls Roundtable 1:00-2:00

No family tree is without a few brick walls. This group discussion will give attendees a chance to share "walls" and suggestions on how to overcome them.
Moderator: Beth Mullinax, Irish Genealogical Society

Cemetery Research 1:00-2:00

A beginners guide to cemetery records.
Instructor: Shelley Harrison, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Census Sleuthing: Using the Census to Decode your Family 2:15-3:15

The Census is the genealogist's best friend because it gives a snapshot of your family in time. This lecture shows how to use all the information in the census as a springboard for other sources.
Instructor: J.H. Fonkert, CG, President, Minnesota Genealogical Society

Genealogy on the Internet 2:15-3:15

Discusses free genealogy internet sites that are useful for most researchers. Issues unique to online genealogy research will also be covered.
Instructor: Amy Saulnier

MSU Library Tour 3:30-4:30

Get a tour of the MSU library with a special emphasis on genealogical and Minnesota resources.
Instructor: Minnesota State University, Mankato Library Staff

Online Minnesota Resources 1:00-2:00

Learn about local and state genealogical resources that are available online.
Instructor: Daardi Sizemore, Minnesota State University, Mankato Library

Organizing Family Records Roundtable 10:30-11:30

Group discussion of ideas for organizing paper documents, electronic files, etc. that genealogy researchers accumulate.
Moderator: Amy Saulnier

Preserving Paper and Photographs 2:15:3:15

Learn how to preserve your family documents and photographs.
Instructor: Jessica Potter, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Publishing your Family History Roundtable 2:15-3:15

From blogs to books, a group discussion of ideas for publishing your family history.
Moderator: Jeff Jenson, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives

Recording Family Stories 10:30-11:30

Learn the basics of capturing and presenting family stories with digital audio equipment. Topics discussed will range from interviewing techniques to an introduction to the recording equipment available at the Blue Earth County Historical Society.
Instructor: Dave Engen, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Rural Roots: Researching Family Farmers 10:30-11:30

Going beyond the census to research Farmers, Land tenants, and any others who worked the land.
Instructor: Shelley Harrison, Blue Earth County Historical Society

Special Topics Table Talks Lunch Time/11:30-1:00

This new feature of the Expo will occur during the lunch break. This is your chance to meet with others with similar interests and learn from each other. Tables will have themes and experts to focus your time. Current topics include: Swedish Research, Irish Research, and Dutch/English Research. More topics will be added. If you would like to be an expert please contact us.

United States & Canadian Government Information for Family Research 1:00-2:00

Learn about US and Canadian government information for your family research!
Instructor: Evan Rusch, Minnesota State University, Mankato Library

If you have suggestions for sessions or are interested in being a speaker, please contact us.